Lichen & Latches
This is an old gate in Pomfret. Linda Lemmon photo.
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Sandra Edith
(George) Twerdy
Sandra Edith (George) Twerdy died July 5, 2023.
Sandi was a loving mother and wife, our family anchor, a favored neighborhood Mom. She had a sharp wit with an edgy sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. She would often be found singing like a bird and dancing like a butterfly. She enjoyed drawing, painting, arts & crafts, horseback riding, trail rides, traveling and collecting antiques.
Sandi was active in and contributed to the community, as den mother for our neighborhood Cub Scout den, former member Coventry Woman’s Club and co-founder of the Woodstock Winter Festival. She owned, operated and gave lessons at Westwood Ceramics. Sandi co-owned and operated Hazard Antiques in Enfield with her husband and later operated Westwood Antiques from their home in Woodstock.
Sandi had a long career at Rogers Corporation starting out working the switchboard, then working in R&D and eventually held the manager’s position for Rogers Employees Federal Credit Union.
Sandi was born Oct. 25, 1939, in Hartford to Edith O. George and Raymond George.
She leaves her husband of 65 years, Nicholas Twerdy Jr.; son Douglas William Twerdy and son Blake Twerdy and his partner Maddalena Scrivano; brother Douglas George (Esther); cousin Sybil Bartone; grandchildren Nadia (Twerdy) Dumeer (Dustin), Jaime Thorsen, Mariel (Twerdy) Booth and Madeleine Twerdy, step -grandchildren Brad Herlihy and Bryan Herlihy, great-grandchildren Gavin L’Heureux, Hailey L’Heureux, Mason Booth, Brody Dumeer and Liam Dumeer; nieces Darlene George Romano, Diane Dow and Pamela (Dow) Cameron, nephews Douglas George, David George, John Rankin Dow, Eric Dow and David Dow and her very dear friend Elaine Turner. She was predeceased by son Nicholas Raymond Twerdy, sister Orma Dow, brother-in-law Randy Dow, brother John Carmichael, sisters Willette Carmichael and Carol George and nephew Daniel George.
An open house celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 27 at Nick and Sandi’s condo, 9 Mountain View Landing, Danielson.
Sandralee Joan
Boucher
POMFRET — Sandralee Joan (Lewis) Boucher, 64, of Pomfret, peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven Aug. 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Sandy was born in Springfield, Mass., on Jan. 28, 1959, the eldest daughter of the late William and Frances (Scarbo) Lewis.
She leaves her devoted husband of 43 years, Dr. Kevin Boucher of Pomfret and her beloved children Major Kathryn Boucher and partner Russell Greene of Hanscom AFB, Mass., Sarah Grubb (Andrew) of Shelbyville, Ky., Adam Boucher (Callie) of Newtown, and Laura Sabourin (Timothy) of Killingly; six grandchildren, William, Lyla, Logan, George, Caden, and Reed; her sister, Jane Perras of North Adams, Mass.; friends and family, and her treasured Golden Retrievers, Lacey, Anya, and Elsa.
As a child, Sandy lived in Oxford, N.Y., where her father owned a Benjamin Franklin store. She often spoke fondly of helping around the store, painting the box turtles, and selling penny candy. She also adored time growing up alongside foster siblings. Her family later moved to Williamstown, Mass., where she graduated from Mount Greylock High School in 1977. In high school Sandy was an avid cheerleader; her gregarious personality and infectious optimism remained on display throughout her whole life. Shortly after graduation, Sandy met her future husband, Kevin, at a square-dancing picnic attended with their families. Married in June 1980, the young couple moved to start a life together in Maine.
Sandy and Kevin lived at the Oceanwood Camp at Old Orchard Beach, Maine working as camp staff and fostering a lifelong faith in God and love for the ocean. While Kevin attended medical school, Sandy worked supporting them as a dental assistant, a career which brought her immense pride. After Kevin’s graduation, they moved to Georgia where Kevin completed his residency, and they welcomed their first child. The little family moved to Connecticut in 1987, where they welcomed three more children while living in Killingly. The entire family later moved to Pomfret which became home for the past 30 years.
Sandy’s nickname was “mom of all trades,” and she truly embodied this spirit. She was dual-hatted managing both her husband’s medical practice and the family’s home affectionately dubbed “Country Acres.” She poured her heart and soul into raising her four children, with days spent filled with love, laughter, and happiness. She made every occasion special and was a party planner extraordinaire. Ever selfless, Sandy also worked to enrich the lives of those in her community. She served as Girl Scout leader and the Social Chair of the PTO organizing memorable Bingo Nights and 1950s Sock Hops for the schoolchildren. She was a faithful member of the church community and Bible study groups and was a champion for heart health as a proud “Follow the Fifty” sister. She loved cooking, gardening, days passed at the beach, and her dogs. A breeder of Golden Retrievers, she raised over 100 puppies, lovingly finding homes for each and enriching the lives of many families.
A true social butterfly, she had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel as if they were her favorite person. Sandy was always there to offer a kind word or lend a helping hand. She was sought out as a sounding board and advice giver by many and was a devoted friend. Despite her cancer diagnosis, Sandy’s effervescent spirit never dimmed, and she always maintained a positive outlook. She was the fiercest warrior, determined to absorb as many memories as she could, particularly with her grandchildren. Becoming a Nana was a highlight of her life and a role for which she was perfectly suited.
A Memorial Service will be at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Woodstock Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Road. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 in Abington Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam, CT or send donations to support research in the fight against Pancreatic Cancer via Pancreatic Cancer Action Network https://pancan.org.
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Little Tiny Sprinkle: Nothing we couldn't handle and then ... the show went on!
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Whiskey Boulevard
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Wed. Aug. 16
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- “A Cacophony of Greys” Exhibit and Reception by Steve Veilleux will be on display in The Corridor Gallery at the Putnam Municipal Complex through Sept. 30. Features a series of black and white and monotone photographs. All welcome. Free. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com for gallery hours and info.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library “Memory and Imagination: Explorations in Color” by Lisa Davidson, Susan Graseck and Sally Rogers until the end of August. In the Display Case: The Quiet Corner Garden Club - Celebrating Native Plants and Pollinators. 860-923-9779.
Fri. Aug. 18
Movie Night
HAMPTON --- The James L. Goodwin Conservation Center will be showing a thriller/drama based on a true story, Dark Waters, from 7 to 8:30. It’s about forever chemicals, how they came to be and the consequences they have had. Showing free and inside.
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage and the Woodstock Recreation Department will present Patty Tuite & Bank in a free Twilight Lawn Concert at 7 p.m. at Roseland Cottage.
Sat. Aug. 19
Murder Mystery Dinner
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Commission will present A Murder Mystery Show & Dinner starting with cocktail hour at 6 at Grill 37. Following dinner the murder mystery show is, “The Best Laid Plans”, an old Hollywood whodunnit. Dress in your best evening wear and suits-this is a refined party after all! $69.
Relay Field Day
PUTNAM --- The Relay For Life Field Day will be held from noon to 8 p.m. in Putnam's Murphy Park. This family-friendly event will include a corn hole tournament, bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, flush station, food trucks, local crafters and artisans, and much more. The event will be concluded by honoring lives touched by cancer with a luminaria ceremony.
Sun. Aug. 20
Main Street Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present Putnam’s Main Street Car Cruise from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. around downtown and in Rotary Park. There will be more than 1,000 classic cars, live music and more, including the Kids Zone in Rotary Park with Bounce Houses, Photo Booth, Bella The Clown, Arts & Crafts Tent, and Face Painting. New this year is the Celebrity Dunk Tank --- donate $5 to take a shot at dunking local celebs (benefits the Putnam Business Association).
Tues. Aug. 22
All About Owls
HAMPTON --- Join Naturalist Adam Drouin for an educational owl pellet dissection at the James L. Goodwin Conservation Center from 3 to 4 p.m. The pellets are guaranteed to have bones, and we will attempt to assemble a skeleton. Registration Required.
Fri. Aug. 25
Hike
HAMPTON --- James Goodwin Conservation Center will present a 4-mile hike around Pine Acres Pond from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a little elevation change, roots and rocks, so be sure to bring water and hiking footwear.
Sat. Aug. 26
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 10 a.m. to noon at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Suggested supplies: watercolor sketchbook, permanent marker, portable watercolor kit, small cup to hold water, and paper towels. $15 CAS members; $25 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sun. Aug. 27
Cruise Fund-raiser
THOMPSON --- DKH will hold its Cruise, BBQ & Brew - Motorcycle & Car Cruise at 10 a.m. at the Thompson Speedway and The Black Dog Bar & Grille in Putnam. Benefits the NECT Cancer Fund of Day Kimball Healthcare. $35 registration. daykimball.org/cruising.
Tues. Aug. 29
Fish Hatchery
PLAINFIELD --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Plainfield Fish Hatchery Walk” at 8 a.m. at the hatchery. One of the top birding spots in Windham County. $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Wed. Aug. 30
Nighthawk Watch
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Road will present “Nighthawk Watch” at 6 p.m. $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Thur. Aug. 31
Blue Moon Hike
HAMPTON --- The James L. Goodwin State Forest for a guided night hike during the blue moon from 9:30 to 11 p.m. Meet at the Goodwin Conservation Center before heading in our cars to the trailhead by Black Spruce Pond. Bring at least a flashlight; a headlamp may be better for the roots, rocks and keeping your hands free. There is some incline.
Sun. Sept. 3
Sunflowers Fund-raiser
POMFRET --- United Services of Connecticut will have its annual Sunflower for Kids starting at 10 a.m. at Lapsley Orchards. The end-of-summer bounty of sunflowers and wildflowers, which are harvested and sold in bunches, or available to pick your own. 100 percent of proceeds are donated to United Services Children and Family Programs.
Fri. Sept. 8
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- The Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic will set off at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Country Club. For info: daykimball.org/golfclassic.
Sun. Sept. 10
Jazz Fund-raiser
WINDHAM --- The Windham Free Library will hold a fund-raiser, the 21st Annual Jazz in the Garden, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 80 Windham Center Road. $60 Pre-sale/$65 at event. Benefits The Windham Free Library. For more info; visit: https://thewindhamfreelibrary.org/jazz/
Sat. Sept. 23
Celebrating Agriculture
BROOKLYN --- 2023 Celebrating Agriculture will begin at 9 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds.
Sat. Sept. 30
BBQ
WOODSTOCK --- The Bungay Fire Brigade will host its fall 2023 Chicken BBQ from 4 to 6 p.m. www.bungay.com.
Community Day
THOMPSON --- The Town of Thompson’s 19th Annual Thompson Community Day will be held from 11 a.m. .to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park. Oct. 1 is the rain date.
Sat. Nov. 11
Dueling Pianos
THOMPSON --- The DKH Dueling Pianos fund-raiser will be held at 6 p.m. at the Raceway Restaurant and Banquet Hall. Benefits Day Kimball Healthcare At Home services of HomeCare, HomeMakers, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. Food, drawings and more. Tickets $45, must be purchased in advance. daykimball.org/pianos.
Sun. Dec. 3
Tree of Life
The DKH 34th Annual Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies will be held at 5 p.m. in 11 towns throughout northeastern Connecticut. The purchase of memorial lights on each community's Tree of Life benefits Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. For info: daykimball.org/treeoflife.
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