Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier

 
 
‘Jim’ Russell Hilton,
Guard vet
DANIELSON — James “Jim” Russell Hilton, 73, of Danielson died Jan. 16, 2015, at  home. He was born July 10, 1941, in Pomfret, to Leonard Russell Hilton and Vera Karlson. 
He leaves his wife, Amy Flagg Hilton. Jim and Amy were married on a snowy evening on Dec.  5, 1981. He also leaves three children: daughter LuAnn Hilton Sajjadi (Shar)  of Florida, Michael James Hilton of E. Hartford, and Wade Russell Hilton of Danielson.
Jim was a guiding force in his children’s lives. He flew to Montana while Wade was active duty with the U.S. Air Force, coached Mike’s baseball team and was proud of Mike as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer, and walked LuAnn down the aisle. Jim also leaves his brother, Lawrence Raymond Hilton and wife Lorraine of New Jersey. Despite distance, Larry kept in constant contact with his brother; checking in and remembering good times young and old. 
Jim was employed with the State of Connecticut for 22 years with the Department of Income Maintenance working in the Purchasing Department; he retired in 1990.
Jim was a long time member of the Eastford Independent Fire Department Company. After moving to Florida in 1990, he volunteered at the Lake Helen Fire Department in Florida. He was enlisted with the Army National Guard from 1962 to 1968, and was a devoted Free-Mason with the Putnam Lodge #46, S. Woodstock for over 40 years. Jim was an avid reader of western novels, and will be remembered as thoughtful and generous; always ready with a witty story and a sharp joke. You could not ever find a more honest or caring man. 
Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 22 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam followed by a Funeral Service at 1 with burial in South Cemetery Pomfret with military honors. Donations: Hospice and Palliative Care of NE CT: PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or Eastford Independent Fire Company, PO Box 333, Eastford, CT 06242. 
 
E. ‘David’ Blake
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Edward “David” Blake, 79, of Davis St. died Jan. 12, 2015, in the Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont.  He was the husband of Kathleen (Barnett) Blake. Born in 1935 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Edward and Dorothy (Jacques) Blake.
Before moving to New Hampshire, where Mr. Blake lived for 30 years, he lived in Pascoag.  He was a supervisor for Hale Manufacturing, Cyril Johnson Manufacturing, and Dartmouth Woolen.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working in his garden.  He loved doing everything outdoors.  
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons, David R. Blake of Thompson, Michael Riley of Maine, Jason Blake of Claremont, and Jeremy Blake of Claremont; his daughter, Diane Stevens of Oxford, Mass.; his brothers, Richard Blake, and Gerald Blake; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  He is predeceased by his son, Daniel Blake and his two brothers, Paul Blake and Philip Wood.
The funeral was Jan. 16 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam, burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery in the spring.  Donations: American Heart Association.  
 
Gertrude M. Menard
QUINEBAUG —  Gertrude M.  Menard, 91, of Green Acres Ln, died Jan. 17, 2015, in Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of the late Alfred Menard. Born in 1923 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Antoinette (Gendreau) Hamel.
Gertrude owned and operated GPG Ceramics for 30 years.  She was a member of the Ladies of St. Ann, VFW Women’s Auxiliary Post 10088, American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post 67 and the Thompson Senior Citizens.  She volunteered at St. Joseph’s Thrift Shop.  She loved her trips to the casino and traveling to Europe, Canada and throughout the U.S.  She was an avid sports fan following the Red Sox and UConn women’s basketball closely.  The highlight of her day was her telephone call with her sister-in-law Kaye Hamel.
She leaves her daughter, Pat (Bruce) Bodreau of Quinebaug; her grandchildren, Justine (William) Gendreau and Steven (Lisa) Bodreau, her great-grandchildren, Michael Bodreau, Ryan Gendreau, Ashley Gendreau, Jillian Bodreau, Madison Bodreau, Spencer Bodreau, and Dalton Bodreau. She was predeceased by her brothers, Lorenzo “Larry” Hamel, Aldelard “Del” Hamel, Leonard Hamel, Girard “Trainer” Hamel, and Richard “Oscar” Hamel; her sisters, Sr. Lucienne Hamel CSC, Claire Rocheleau, and Jeanne Hamel; and her grandson, Scott Bodreau, 
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23 in Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St. N. Grosvenordale.  The funeral will assemble at 10 a.m. Jan. 24 at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11 in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main Street, N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Donations: St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, 18 Main St. N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or to the Quinebaug Fire Department Scholarship Fund, PO Box 144, Quinebaug, CT 06262
 
Beatrice Hamel 
PUTNAM —  Beatrice Bonneau Hamel of Little River Acres, formerly of N. Grosvenordale, went to her eternal rest, Jan. 15, 2015, after a short illness. She had made her home at Davis Place in Danielson. She was the wife of Gerard Hamel, he died in 1995.
She was born May 11, 1920.
Mrs. Hamel worked at American Optical Company in Southbridge, as an executive secretary for more than 30 years. She was a communicant of St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale.
Her only child Cynthia Hamel of Tolland died in 2008, her sister Lauretta Moriarty of Long Island, N.Y., died in 2014.  She leaves her special friend Janet Macari of Dudley, nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service was held in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 
 
Edward F. Loiselle,
WWII vet
DANIELSON — Edward F. Loiselle, 87, of Danielson, died unexpectedly Jan. 11, 2015, at the Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Lauriante (Lefrancois) Loiselle. 
He was born April 9, 1927, in Plainfield, son of John and Exilda (Frenette) Loiselle. Edward was a supervisor at Helikon Mfg. Co. in Taftville. He retired in 1988. He was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Navy. 
He leaves, in addition to his wife Lauriante, his son David Loiselle (Francine) of Pomfret; his daughter Linda Daigle of South Carolina; his sisters Florence Tyndall of Central Village; Edna Zercie of South Carolina; Theresa Richmond of Central Village; Doris Lavallee of Central Village; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by four brothers. 
A Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 19 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery with military honors. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
 
Lucille Lalumiere
PUTNAM — Lucille J. Lalumiere, 85, of Putnam, formerly of Danielson, died Jan. 18, 2015, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. Lucille was the wife of Gerard R. Lalumiere. He died Oct. 8, 1994.
She was born July 3, 1929, in Putnam, daughter of Alfred J. and Eva (Laflamme) Beaupre. A devoted Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, and St. James Church in Danielson, and attended the Putnam Catholic Academy. Lucille had made her home in Danielson most of her life. She was a perfectionist at knitting and crocheting. She was known to many as Nana Lu. 
She leaves her daughters Linda Hall of Putnam, Diane Oppert of Thompson; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Irene LaBelle.
Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260.
 
Inger Christensen
Inger M (Traulsen) Christensen, 78, died Jan. 13, 2015, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester after a battle with bone cancer.  Born Nov. 5, 1936, in Esbjerg, Denmark, she immigrated with her husband and son to the U.S. in 1957.  She was the wife of Pouel B Christensen, and in June they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
She was the daughter of the late Orla and Magny (Christensen) Traulsen.  
In the 1960s Inger worked at the Keys Department Stores in Webster and Milford as a buyer/supervisor. Inger has been a Real Estate broker in Massachusetts and Connecticut for the past 40+ years, working at Coldwell Banker since the early 1980s.  She achieved many of the highest awards possible.
Inger has been very active her entire life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and she always loved to help people both in a spiritual and material way
Besides her husband Pouel, she leaves her son Preben B Christensen (Mary) of Westborough, Mass.; one granddaughter Erica Marie Christensen of Westborough; by two brothers, Erik Traulsen (Ingrid) of Palm Coast, Fla., Henning Traulsen (Karlene) of Southington, and two sisters Beatta Kinz (Robert) of Framingham, Mass.,, and Doris Lisbet Giroux (Mark)  of Oxford, Mass.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 24 at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester. No flowers. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
 
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Honors
SMITHFIELD, R.I. — The fall semester Dean’s List at Bryant University includes the following local residents:
Brittany Bertorelli a Junior in Marketing of Dayville; Melissa Brazee a Freshman in Accounting of Danielson; Antonio Carabina a Senior in Spanish of Woodstock; Alec Fontaine a Sophomore in Finance of Putnam; Salena Lewis a Sophomore in Finance of Eastford; Matthew Marcotte a Senior in Accounting of Dayville; Madilyn Royer a Senior in Finance of Pascoag.
 
 
 
Woodstock public schools
Monday: Corn dogs, fruit. Tuesday: Hot chicken sandwiches, butternut squash, fruit. Wednesday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce, fruit. Thursday: Beef and bean burritos, fruit. Friday: Pizza, zucchini, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Pork ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce and raisins. Tuesday: Hamburgers or cheeseburgers, baked beans, baked chips, apple slices. Wednesday: Chicken strips, baked potatoes, peas, pineapple cups or fresh fruit. Thursday: Stromboli, broccoli, orange slices, grapes. Friday: Beef and bean tacos, red pepper cups, fruit trays.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Wolf Meal - beef burgers, sherbet. Tuesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, beets. Wednesday: Soft-shell tacos, Spanish rice, refried beans. Thursday: Putnam Special Pizza, tomato and cucumber salad. Friday: Brunch at lunch: Scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, chocolate chip muffin.
Putnam High
Monday: Clipper Burgers, cole slaw, sherbet. Tuesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, beets, gravy. Wednesday: Roasted turkey panini. Thursday: Crispy chicken salad. Friday: Pizza.
 
 
'Tackle Hunger'
PUTNAM — Help Us TACKLE HUNGER Super Bowl Weekend, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Kathi Peterson, secretary of the Interfaith Human Services of Putnam, said, “We are asking that your faith community consider participating in the S-O-U-P-E-R Bowl of Caring this year.  Ask your youth to hold soup pots at your church doors to collect dollars for food.  And ask your worshippers to donate canned goods and/or their loose change.  It will make a huge difference in our ability to replenish much needed supplies and provide food for families in need. We sincerely hope that you will help us TACKLE HUNGER by participating in this event and provide support to the IHSP-Daily Bread Food Pantry which is working to eliminate hunger."
 
 
Wed. Jan. 21
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present an exhibit and sale, "Playful Celebration of a Bountiful Terrain," photography by Virge Lorents through Jan. 30 at the center on Day Road. A portion of all sales benefits the center. Free. 928-4948.
 
Thur. Jan. 22
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a bird walk at 1 p.m. starting from the center on Day Road. $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. 928-4948.
 
Online Course
The American Job Center in Danielson will present free two-hour online courses to learn new skills or upgrade existing skills, “Wired for Work” Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon on through the Metrix Learning System. E-Training licenses allow 90 days of unlimited free access to over 5,000 career-focused courses.    For info and to register, call 860-412-7000.
 
Fri. Jan. 23
Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Artique, at 75 Main St., will teach painting step-by-step (music and bring your own wine) from 7 to 9 p.m. as a fund-raiser for NOW. $35.  Reserve your spot now for only $35. www.artiqueputnam.com/event/fundraiser-northeast-opportunities-for-wellness.
 
Sat. Jan. 24
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a winter owl walk at 7 p.m. starting from the center on Day Road. $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. 928-4948. Program will cancel in event of bad weather.
 
Flea Market
OXFORD, Mass. ---  The First Congregational Church on Main Street will hold an indoor community flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. Coffee and lunch available. Vendors needed. 508-987-2211.
 
Ham Bean Supper
E. WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will host a Ham & Bean Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  $10/adult; children under 10 eat free.
 
 Bluegrass Show
KILLINGLY --- A Bluegrass Show featuring the Charter Oak Bluegrass Band along with Nick Anderson and Shady Creek will be presented at 7 p.m. at the Killingly Grange Hall on Rt. 101. Doors open at 6. $12 donation. Pasta supper at 6 p.m. for $8. 860-564-1018.
 
Sun. Jan. 25
Visiting Fellow
POMFRET --- Pomfret School will present award-winning playwright Cheryl L. West, the 2015 Schwartz Visiting Fellow, at 4 p.m. in the Hard Auditorium. Free. All welcome.
 
Fri. Jan. 30
'Caught in the Net'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present "Caught in the Net" at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 6, 7, 13 and 14 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 1, 8 and 15.  $19 and $15. 860-928-7887.
 
Sat. Jan. 31
'Caught in the Net'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present "Caught in the Net" at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 6, 7, 13 and 14 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 1, 8 and 15.  $19 and $15. 860-928-7887.
 
Sun. Feb. 1
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present the Edwin Way Teale & the Literary Character of Trail Wood writer's workshop series starting at 4 p.m.  Feb. 1 and running through Feb. 2 at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Registration required. $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers. 928-4948.
 
'Caught in the Net'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present "Caught in the Net" at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 7, 13 and 14 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 1, 8 and 15.  $19 and $15. 860-928-7887.
 
Mon. Feb. 2
Senior Meeting
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Senior Association will be holding its monthly meeting after a brown bag lunch at noon at the Pomfret Senior and Community Center on Mashamoquet Road.
 
Sat. Feb. 14
'Fire and Ice'
PUTNAM --- The annual Fire and Ice event will take place in downtown Putnam.
 
Church Event
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present "Fire and Ice" events from noon to 8 p.m. at the church, downtown. There will be activities on the lawn including torches, free hot chocolate and a warming by the fire pits.
 
Gardening Workshop
VERNON --- The UConn Home and Garden Education Center will hold a “Vegetable Pest and Disease Workshop II: Solanaceae and Legumes” from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tolland County Agricultural Center.   860-486-6740.
 
Sun. Feb. 15
Fund-raiser Fishing Derby
THOMPSON --- The annual Steve Bousquet fund-raiser fishing derby will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Valley Springs Sportsman’s Club. Funds go to the Westfield Congregational Church of Danielson’s Aspire campaign. For more info, call 860-774-5821.
 
Thur. Feb. 19
Flower Show
HARTFORD --- The Connecticut Flower and Garden Show will be held Feb. 19 through 22 at the Connecticut Convention Center. The UConn Soil Testing Lab will offer free soil pH testing. Bring in a half cup of soil for testing. 860-486-6740.
 
Fri. Feb. 20
'Alice in Wonderland'
PUTNAM --- The Complex for the Performing Arts will present "Alice in  Wonderland" at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22 at the Bradley Playhouse. 860-963-7170.
 
Sat. Feb. 21
Camper Game Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp is offering a Camper Game Day  from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children ages 6-12 at the Brooklyn Extension Service facility on Wolf Den rod in Brooklyn. $15/child, everyone welcome. Pre-registration requested: 860-974-1122.
 
Thur. March 19
Basketball Shootout
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Ray Brousseau Senior Game will be held at the Putnam High School gym. Girls’ game starts at 5:30; boys at 7. Admission $1 students/senior citizens  $3 adult.
 
Garden Conference
STORRS --- The UConn 2015 Garden Conference will be held at the UConn campus. Fee. Registration required. 860-486-6740.
 
 
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