Hometown Heroes of WWII
Pvt. 1st Class Armand LaFleur, U.S. Army
By Michael Rocchetti
In early December 1944, the 106th Infantry Division sailed from Southampton England to Le Harve France where they were then taken by road through France and Belgium to the Schnee Eifel region in the Ardennes. The area was deep in snow with sub-zero temperatures and thick fog. These inexperienced troops relieved the battle-hardened 2nd Infantry Division and took up positions along a front line that stretched 21 miles in a region of extensive forests, rough terrain, rolling hills and ridges.
Little did they know that they occupied the sector that was directly in the path of the main German thrust during the Battle of the Bulge, which kicked off on Dec. 16, 1944. The 106th division’s 422nd and 423rd Infantry Regiments were encircled and cut off by a junction of enemy forces in the vicinity of Schönberg. The two regiments of the 106th regrouped for a counterattack, but were blocked by the enemy. The two regiments surrendered on Dec. 19. The Germans gained 6,000 prisoners in one of the largest mass surrenders in American military history. Some of the soldiers of the 106th evaded captivity and withdrew over the Our River and joined other stragglers in St Vith. From there they mounted a five-day holding action from the 17th to Dec. 21.
It was somewhere in this vicinity on Dec. 21, 1944, where Armand Lafleur was wounded and captured. Seven days later, on Dec. 28, 1944, he died of his wounds at a German prison camp. However, official military records note that he was either executed, or shot while attempting to escape.
Private 1st Class Armand Lafleur was assigned to the 423rd Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division. He was born on Jan. 31, 1917, in N. Grosvenordale, the son of French Canadian immigrants Felix-Philip Lafleur, and Marie-Louise Martel. Armand Lafleur enlisted in the Army on June 2,1941. He is buried at Plot H, Row 12, Grave: 24 at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, Netherlands. He was survived by his father, his wife Yvonne Bourque Lafleur, his five brothers, and two sisters.

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1st bulky disposal in Pomfret a success; now on to ‘contract’
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM/POMFRET — Putnam’s first foray into out-of-town bulky waste disposal went off beautifully March 1.
Putnam is collaborating with Pomfret in its transfer station. It made sense, according to Putnam Highway Superintendent Travis Sirrine because Putnam did not have a suitable spot and Pomfret did. March 1 was Putnam’s first bulky waste disposal at Pomfret’s transfer station and, according to Sirrine and Pomfret First Selectman Maureen Nichols, it went very smoothly.
It was Putnam-only March 1. Following the disposal day, Casella weighed the dumpsters and Putnam will pay based on tonnage.
With that smooth start, the two towns are continuing their discussion on their memorandum of understanding for the transfer station. Also to be worked out is a schedule, Nichols said.
Neither town anticipates any problems with the memorandum — it’s just a matter of getting it done.
In the meantime, Nichols said the station is awaiting the delivery of an attendant’s shed (which will be inside the gate), electricity and a compactor for cardboard. She said all of that is on order.
In addition she said a “swap spot” is also a goal, as Pomfret and its Green Team are very serious about recycling. The transfer station is paid for by two Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants and two timber harvests, she said.
Putnam’s Sirrine said there weren’t quite as many Putnam residents taking part as took part during Putnam’s last bulky waste collection. The system worked smoothly and the line moved quickly, he said. Some Putnam residents did say that the transfer station didn’t show up on their GPS. “We’ll work on getting a pin on the map” or something, Sirrine said. 
Most residents were very positive about the new setup.
It went much quicker, he said, “there was a steady stream.” 
“The self-unloading may have put some people off,” he said —but bringing your own labor will be the new normal. 
In terms of the number of vehicles, Sirrine said he saw 60, maybe 70 percent of the number of vehicles at Putnam’s last bulky waste collection. But those folks brought a lot of bulky waste. Sirrine said that the bulky, the metal and the mattress dumpsters were filled and exchanged for empty ones.
“A lot of people said they were looking forward to the next one,” Sirrine said. 

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Woodstock Academy names new leader
WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees announced the unanimous appointment of Dr. Lawrence Filippelli as the next Head of School beginning July 1.
He brings more than 22 years of educational leadership experience, having served in various teaching and administrative roles, most recently as the Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools in Rhode Island since 2018. He also serves as adjunct faculty at Providence College in the Graduate Program in Educational Administration and in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Johnson & Wales University, and is a member of the Board of Trustees at LaSalle Academy.
Filippelli was named the 2023 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year and is recognized for his commitment to academic excellence, student success, and school safety. His tenure in Lincoln saw a complete curriculum overhaul, increased enrollment, and significant infrastructure advancements, including the supervision of $107 million in school construction projects. His work supporting multi-language learners and fostering diversity through programs such as the Minority Business Enterprise initiative highlights his dedication to inclusive education.
“I am incredibly excited to join The Woodstock Academy and make an impact on a strong and distinguished educational institution,” he said. “The Academy’s unique independent school model, its passionate faculty and staff, and vibrant student body make this an extraordinary opportunity that aligns with my skill set. My goal is to build on The Academy’s foundation by increasing enrollment, expanding and enhancing student programs, and promoting excellence in all facets of The Academy.”
“Selecting a Head of School is the most significant responsibility of the Board of Trustees, and we are thrilled to welcome Larry to WA,” said Christine Swenson, president of the Board. She added he’s chosen from a highly qualified pool of candidates from a national search, Larry brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, strategic insights, and a strong commitment to shaping the future of education. His leadership philosophy—rooted in collaboration, integrity, and accountability—aligns with
The Woodstock Academy’s mission to provide an exceptional, well-rounded, and inclusive learning experience for all students to prepare them for the future.
“This leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for our school. We are deeply grateful for Christopher Sandford’s exceptional leadership over the past 11 years that have guided tremendous growth and look forward to a bright future with Larry as the Head of School,” said Swenson.

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