PUTNAM — The Park Tribute Center, the first and only crematorium in Windham County, has completed its first year of operations and announces another Open House.

Bob Fournier, funeral director and owner of the Gilman Funeral Home in Putnam and the Valade Funeral Home in N. Grosvenordale, recently announced a successful first year of operating the crematorium. Park Tribute Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide complete funeral care to families who choose cremation. The facility is at 25 Highland Drive in the Putnam Industrial Park.

Due to a large turnout last year and continued interest from the community, an Open House will be held at the Park Tribute Center from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 9.  All are welcome to tour the facility, and the staff of Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes will be on hand to answer all funeral and cremation-related questions.

Fournier said, “Last year 300 people attended our open house and toured our facility.  Since then many people who were not able to attend the event, have asked that we hold another open house.”  He added “There are so many different ways to memorialize and commemorate someone’s life, this open house gives people a convenient way to explore all the options available to them.  I encourage our guests to ask questions.  ”

Founded in 1919, Gilman Funeral Home has helped guide families in Northeastern Connecticut through a difficult time with gentleness, compassion and respect.  Since 2005, Bob Fournier and his staff have continued this tradition.  Gilman & Valade Funeral Homes now also offers new services and contemporary options responding to the wider preferences and needs of the community while giving survivors the opportunity to mourn their loss amongst family and friends, and to begin the healing process.