H. Ray Paine
POMFRET CENTER —H. Ray Paine, 79, of Cheney Road, died unexpectedly on July 1, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Chris (Christensen) Paine, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. Born in September 1945, in Putnam, he was the son of the late Howard and Laura (Lungren) Paine.
A lifelong resident of Pomfret, Ray was a highly respected restoration mason known for his expertise in 17th- and 18th-century construction. He began his career working alongside his father, eventually taking over the business, which he led with skill and dedication until his retirement in 2012.
Ray and Chris were passionate campers, beginning their adventures when their youngest daughter was just six weeks old. Over the years, they created countless memories with their family through vacations and extended RV trips across the country.
Together, Ray and Chris founded R & C Acres Sugarhouse in 1982 which operated successfully for more than a decade. Whether he was working in the sugar bush or teaching a group of schoolchildren, Ray came alive when sharing his deep knowledge of and love for nature and all it provides. Ray and Chris also served at 4-H Swine Leaders with the Pomfret Livestocker’s.
He was a proud member of Putnam Lodge #46 AF&AM and a longtime camper at Travelers Woods of New England Campground, where he formed many lasting friendships.
Including his wife, Chris, he leaves two daughters: Lena Travinski (Christopher) of Woodstock, and Heather Logsdon (Jimmy) of Thompson; his surrogate son, Stephen Breen (Mia) of Brooklyn; three grandsons, Lucas, Tyler, and Aaron; and two granddaughters, Laura and Shannon.
A Memorial Service was July 8 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Burial will be private. Donations: Springfield Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
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Wed. July 9
Photo Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit of photographs by Carmine Angeloni is now on view until September in the Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. July 24 at the Municipal Complex. Refreshments, meet the artist. Reception is free and open to the public. For more info: putnamCtArtsCouncil.com.
Thur. July 10
Mural Unveiling
PUTNAM --- A Bob Miller mural will be unveiled at 2:30 p.m. at the Robert Miller Park at the corner of Providence Street and Kennedy Drive. Artist Elaine Turner created two murals that will attach to the white spaces on the kiosk. It will depict various roles that Miller filled during his life
Meet K9 Quin
PUTNAM --- Meet Putnam Police Officer Boulanger and therapy dog, K9 Quin from 10:30 to 11:30 under the tent near the Putnam Public Library. Bring blanket or chairs. Free lunch at 11:30. No registration required.
Sun. July 13
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
Day of Prayer
PUTNAM --- The 2nd Annual Day of Prayer will be held at Immaculate Conception Center with The Marian Fathers. 9 a.m. Prayer & Worship, Chaplet, Confessions; 10 a.m. – Mass; 11:15 a.m. - Rosary Procession to Fatima Shrine and noon -Guest speaker Rev. Anthony Gramlich, MIC. Optional afternoon activities: BYO picnic; tour grounds - Chapel, Castle, Museum, Bookstore, more. Rain or shine. Bring lawn chair (and umbrella). Immaculateconceptioncenter.org.
Tues. July 15
Al-Anon Meeting
POMFRET --- Al-Anon will meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St. All welcome.
Sat. July 12
Elks Anniversary
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Elks Lodge 574 will be celebrating its 125 Anniversary from noon to 3 p.m. with a Community Day at the Lodge on Edmond Street. All welcome.
Can, Bottle Drive
PUTNAM --- Paws Cat Shelter is holding a Can and Bottle Drive from noon to 3 p.m. at the shelter, 74 School St. Please separate 2-liter bottles. Pet food and donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated. For more info or to make a monetary donation: 860-315-1228.
Sat. July 19
Al Fresco – River Fire
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present “Al Fresco Chicago Total Access (a Chicago tribute band) at 7 p.m. at the bandstand at Rotary Park. River Fire follows at 8:30 p.m. Free.
Mon. July 21
Meditation
THOMPSON --- The Quiet Corner Mindful Meditation group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thompson Public Library. Free. Beginners are welcome; no meditation experience necessary.
Wed. Aug. 6
Author Visits
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library and the Aspinock Historical Society will present Patricia Suprenant from 6 to 7 p.m. The author of “Behind the Scarlett Letter," she will speak and sign books.
Sat. Aug. 9
Concert-River Fire
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present Ed Peabody & the Big Blue Thang from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the bandstand at Rotary Park. River Fire follows at 8. FREE.
Sun. Aug. 10
Main Street Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present the annual Main Street Car Cruise around downtown and Rotary Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free registration starts at 8 a.m.
Sat. Sept. 13
Fall Festival
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will host a Fall Festival at the Recreation Park. This is an old fashioned family fun day with a band, old-fashioned games, pie-eating contest, apple pie contest, food and more! This year the department is partnering with PCS PTO for a Harvest Hustle 5K & Kids Fun run. www.pomfretct.gov/recreation.
Sat. Sept. 27
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier” performed by Kevin Johnson of the CT State Library at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
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The 'magic' of
fireworks prep
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Fireworks might seem like magic, but they’re not. In fact, it’s tedious careful work by trained professionals.
Professionals from Pyrotecnico are back again this year to create a fireworks extravaganza for the 20,000 folks predicted to attend this evening.
Chase Hughes, facility manager for Pyrotecnico, said there will be a total of 920 shells and the finale involves 420 of that total.
There will be 17 “cakes.” Those are shells that give a “bigger bang for the buck,” he said. They are small, yet can contain between 25 to 320 explosives each.
He is the “shooter” for tonight’s display. Asked about his strategy, Hughes said he likes “to build up as we go along.”
He promised the audience won’t be disappointed.
And for one of the employees Putnam’s fireworks are special. He remembers his father taking him to the Quinebaug River when he was 5 to watch the fireworks. It’s a sentimental thing for him now. “I will always, always work on the Putnam show,” he said.
Absolutely.
captions:
Chase Hughes, the "shooter"
Linda Lemmon photos.
Concert
Clockwise from top left:
Roc-In' On played for 2 hours straight.
From left: Mabel Perreault, Samantha Podgorni and Leah Belair. More photos Wed. night on our FB page.
Tyler and Charlotte with their parents Josh and Laura Minor from Dudley.
Josie Gineo
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Jamboree:
Clockwise from top left:
The firefighters' annual water polo competition. Out of bounds meant those sitting on the hillside got "cooled off" with water. Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association won the contest. More photos on our FB page Wed. night.
A cake walk winner. There were 42 cakes.
Elegant style.
Crowd favorite: The 1925 Stutz. Yes it was in Hallmark's "One Royal Christmas."
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Freedom Fest:
Clockwise from top left:
VFW's Robert Challinor Jr., left, and Commander Hans Lowell. Lowell said the event is in its 4th year and he hopes it will help recreate another "Circle of Fun" tyle family event and help reconnect St. Mary's Church and the post.
The dunk tank was popular. More photos on our FB page Wed. night.