Five named to PHS Wall of Honor
PUTNAM — The Putnam High School Wall of Honor Committee announced its latest class of honorees, recognizing five extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on the halls of PHS and the world beyond.
“These individuals embody the spirit of Putnam High School,” said J. Scott Pempek, chairman. “From decades of mentorship in our classrooms to philanthropic leadership across the country, their legacies serve as an inspiration to our current students.”
The Honorees:
George St. Marie, Faculty, served the Putnam High School community for more than 40 years as a science teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal. Known as a disciplinarian who never needed to raise his voice, he commanded respect through fairness and quiet authority. Generations of students remember him as a mentor, coach, and father figure who helped shape the culture of the school.
Robert J. Gerardi, Class of 1951, graduated from Holy Cross College in 1955 and served as an officer in the Naval Reserve, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander. After managing the family supermarket business in Danielson, he entered the insurance industry, purchasing several local agencies, creating Gerardi Insurance Services before retiring in 1996. Throughout his career, he was active in charitable and professional organizations, including serving as president of the Connecticut Association of Independent Agents.
Yvonne M. Cote, Class of 1973, owned and operated “The Hair Chair” in Putnam and was known for her quiet generosity and dedication to the community. She raised more than $50,000 for the March of Dimes and received the 2006 George J. Racine Humanitarian Award. During the holidays, she baked more than 3,000 cookies for residents, made rosaries for the military, and created wreaths displayed on Putnam’s bridges. Her life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2021.
John Deary, Class of 1976, served for 31 years as vice president and co-owner of Sunnyside Farms and CEO/owner of Deary’s Gymnastics Supply and DGS Ninja Equipment Manufacturing and Distribution. His businesses employ more than 40 families across northeastern Connecticut and several other states. He has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and has received numerous national service and leadership awards. He also served nine years on the board of United Services Mental Health Organization of Northeastern Connecticut, including three years as chair.
Kevin Downer, Class of 1983, is an experienced pastor, international interim minister, church planter, and consultant. He has led congregations across the U.S. addressing issues such as substance abuse, poverty, civil rights, LGBTQ concerns, and social justice. His leadership helped Greendale People’s Church in Worcester raise nearly $500,000 over the past three years to support community initiatives
The induction will be held Nov. 7 at Putnam High School. For more information, check the PHS School of Honor page.
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Hydrant flushing starts 4-24
PUTNAM — The WPCA will be flushing hydrants starting April 24 and will take about a week.
The schedule:
DAY ONE – Friday April 24, 2026: Arch, Brookside, Canal, Day Kimball Hospital, High, Kennedy (Lower), Park St, Pomfret, Quinebaug, Richmond, Richmond Rd Condos, Sabin, Sabin St Condos, Sunset, Technology Park, Underwood, Underwood Condos, WWTP.
DAY TWO – Monday April 27, 2026: Danco, Highland, Industrial Park, International Paper, Park Rd, Ridge.
DAY THREE – Tuesday April 28, 2026: Bonosconi, Church (Lower), Cottage, Dukeland, Dupre, Fairmount, Fenner, Gilman, Green, Harrisville, Hurlbut, Keech, Labossiere, Lamothe, Lane, Laurel, Maple, Marshall (Lower), Maynard (Lower), Mill, Milton, Morse, Myers, Myrtle, Peake Brook, Poulin, Providence (West of River), Putnam Elementary School, Putnam High School, Ravine, Ray, Roosevelt, Senexet, South Prospect, Sunnyside, Van Den Noort (Lower), Vandale, West Thompson Rd, Whipple, Wicker, Woodstock, Woodstock Ave West.
DAY FOUR – Wednesday April 29, 2026: Addison, Auburn, Ballou, Battey, Bibeault, Breault, Chase, Church (Upper), Cleveland, Cloran, Daniels, David Circle, David St, Dudley, Dufault, Duffy, Emond, Harrison, Lafayette, Latici, Marshall (Upper), Maynard (Upper), North, Oak Hill, Riverside, Smith, St. Peters, Van Den Noort (Upper), Viens, Woodside.
DAY FIVE – Thursday April 30, 2026: Arthur, Bradley, Buck, Bundy, Burnham, Center, Chapman, Eden, Edmond, Fremont, Front, Grove, Harris, James St East, James St West, Kennedy (Upper), King, Lee, Livery, Main, Massicotte, Memorial Terrace, Monohansett, Perry, Perry St Condos, Pleasant, Seward, South Main, Union, Vine.
DAY SIX – Friday May 1, 2026: Ash, Barber, Bellevue, Bolles, Brown, Centennial, Charles, Chassey, Corbin, Davis, Farrows, Flagg, Florence, Frank, Franklin, Genevieve, George, Hammond, Laconia Ave, Laconia Court, Letters, Leyden, Lyon, Market, May, Newport, Oak, Phillips, Prospect, Railroad, Ring, Rowe, School (Lower), South Prospect, Tatem, Thayer, Walnut, Wilkinson.
DAY SEVEN – Monday May 4, 2026: Alpha, Bates, Brookside, CVS Pharmacy, Dewey, Furnace, Groveland, Intervale, Knoll Woods, Mechanics, Mohegan, Nichols, Olney, Overlook, Powhattan, Providence (East of Kennedy), Providence Pike, School (Upper), Smithfield, Stop & Shop Parkade, Thompson Ave, Tractor Supply, Walmart, Waltham, Whittemore.
Hydrant flushing is critical to the maintenance of water quality within the water distribution system’s water mains. During flushing events you will most likely experience periods of discolored water coming out of your taps. It is best that you try to limit water use while flushing is taking place in your area and flush your water line afterwards by running a cold-water faucet in your residence until the water clears. Your water is safe to drink; the discoloration is caused by iron build up in the water lines being flushed out. Flushing your water system is essential in maintaining water quality and preventing iron and manganese build up in the system.
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Castleberry honored at Westview
DAYVILLE — Hayleah Castleberry merited recognition as Westview’s Employee of the Month for February 2026. As a Certified Nursing Assistant at Westview Health Care Center, Hayleah forms essential connections with patients and residents across their continuum of care. While the responsibilities are considerable—requiring both physical effort and emotional awareness—she approaches each day with a steady commitment to her patients and her team.
Teamwork is central to her approach. She values the cohesion of her nursing unit; noting that communication is the foundation of their success.
She grew up in Moosup and attended Norwich Technical High School. She earned her CNA certification directly through an accelerated program at Norwich Tech. She entered the healthcare workforce upon graduation; building a strong foundation of experience over her five years at Westview thus far.
Meaningful moments of care are often on display at Westview, and one such interaction recently reflected Hayleah’s humility and unassuming dedication. At the end of a full day’s activities in assisting a resident, she was met with a simple but heartfelt expression of gratitude as the resident expressed her appreciation for Hayleah and the nursing team, telling her “Thank you for today—you did great!”
Outside of work, sheh enjoys spending time with family and embracing the natural beauty of New England. She lives in Putnam with her boyfriend, William, and remains closely connected to her family across the Windham County region. Whether visiting New England beaches (Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic is a favorite), exploring regional hiking trails, or competing in spirited family game nights, Hayleah values quality time spent with those closest to her. Monopoly competitions, in particular, are known to frequently spark lively rivalries whenever the board is set.
Westview Administrator David T. Panteleakos said: “Hayleah’s commitment to her patients’ care, her reliability as a teammate, and her ability to foster meaningful connections make her an invaluable member of our nursing team.”
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Putnam Elementary/Middle
Every day: Fruit. Monday: Texas toasted cheese sandwich, tomato soup, cheddar Goldfish crackers. Tuesday - elementary: Chicken bacon ranch flatbread. Tuesday - Middle: Chicken Alfredo bake, broccoli. Wednesday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce, noodles, peas. Thursday: Beef soft taco beef on tortilla, corn. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza, Caesar salad.
Putnam High
Monday: Chili cheese hot dogs or spicy chicken sandwich. Tuesday: Breaded chicken filet sandwich or bacon cheeseburgers. Wednesday: Beef taco pasta or buffalo chicken wraps. Thursday: Boneless wing bar or "Wild Mike's" cheese bites. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza or chicken tender fry basket.
Woodstock Public Schools
Every day: Fruit. Monday: Chicken patties on buns. Tuesday: Waffles, sausage, hash browns. Wednesday: Baked chicken brown rice, black beans. Thursday: Meatballs, sauce, penne pasta, green beans. Friday: Pizza, corn.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Mac and cheese, corn bread, green beans. Tuesday: Cheesy meaty walking taco, black beans. Wednesday: Chicken tenders, waffles with cinnamon sweet potato fries. Thursday: Bahn Mi chicken sandwich, romaine salad. Friday - School Lunch Hero Day: Pizza with potato wedges.
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