Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
caption: The Wilburs
WOODSTOCK — Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) announced the protection of Wilbur Farm in Woodstock, where a conservation-minded couple saw the importance of protecting their land against encroaching development from regional urban areas.
Paul Wilbur has worked to improve the 47.5-acre farm that has been in his wife Florence’s family for generations.
“We busted our humps to put this place back together, build a barn, clear pastures and get things cleaned up,” said Paul Wilbur. “I don’t want to see it go to house lots after all that effort.”
Wilbur grew up cutting hay in Smithfield, R.I., and later saw the fields disappear into commercial and residential developments. “It was a very rural town and I saw what happened. All the old apple orchards are now housing developments and traffic is a nightmare,” he said. “I could see Woodstock going in the same direction because it’s an ideal location for development between Hartford, Boston, Worcester and Providence.”
CFT worked with the Wilbur family to preserve their land, which boasts farm fields that are 100 percent prime and statewide important farmland soils. The farm was once a small-scale chicken and dairy farm and later became a beef and hay farm. It has been a haying operation for the last eight years.
When the Wilburs donated their conservation easement, they specifically chose CFT because it supports smaller farms. “Other groups are looking for 200- to 400-acre parcels and smaller farms sort of fall in the hole where there isn’t much support for
preservation,” Wilbur said. “CFT fits that niche and is willing to work with smaller farms.”
“We’re a group that understands the needs of farmers, that’s the reason a lot of people come to us,” said Kathy Doherty, Conservation coordinator for CFT. “We’re able to tailor the conservation restriction to allow farmers to continue farming and keep their livelihood.”
“Saving smaller farms is part of our mission in conserving Connecticut’s agricultural character and history. Not only do we preserve farms, we protect a way of life,” said Elisabeth Moore, Executive Director of CFT.
Agricultural conservation easements prohibit residential and industrial development, but allows for construction of agricultural structures on designated areas of the land. Since its founding in 2002, CFT has protected 49 family farms, covering 3,625 acres. CFT is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on ordinary Connecticut residents to support its operations. CFT is Connecticut’s only statewide farm land trust, and the only land trust in the state dedicated solely to the protection of agricultural land.
..
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Wed. Nov. 28
Art Exhibit
POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret Center will present House & Garden; Field & Farm – art by Roxanne Steed through December at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948.
Nature Store
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will hold its annual Holiday Nature Store through Dec. 21 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library series will present “Reap & Sew, Collections & Reflections” small works by Rena Masson, through Nov. 29. Program supported by the Friends of the Library. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org.
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present its winter art show and sale through Jan. 13 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Thur. Nov. 29
Trivia Night
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will hold a TRIVIA Challenge at 7 p.m. at Crossings Restaurant. Benefits the American Legion.
Fri. Nov. 30
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at Matulaitis Rehab & Skilled Care on Thurber Road. 1-800-RED CROSS.
‘Christmas Story’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “A Christmas Story” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 and 16. $20 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. 860-928-7887. Theater goers are urged to bring hats/gloves/mittens to put into the box under the tree.
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at Matulaitis Rehab & Skilled Care on Thurber Road. 1-800 RED CROSS.
Sat. Dec. 1
Christmas Fair
ASHFORD --- St. Philip Church on Pompey Hollow Road will hold its 34th annual Christmas Craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Food also available from the kitchen.
Sugar Plum Fair
BROOKLYN --- The Federated Church of Christ on Rt. 6 will hold its Sugar Plum Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot donuts available. Hot Donuts.
Art/Craft Show
E. WOODSTOCK --- East Woodstock Congregational Church will hold its 6th Annual Art and Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Penny social. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sun. Dec. 2
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the camp on Taft Pond Road. Free. Crafts, cookies, s’mores and tour the facilities. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. there’s Lunch with Santa Prices vary. 974-3379. Photo with Santa $8.
Christmas Concert
CHEPACHET --- Music at the Meeting House's annual Christmas concert, “A Latin Christmas,” will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Chepachet Meeting House, home to the Chepachet Baptist Church, on Rt. 44. Free, but free will offering will be taken. Refreshments. chepachetbaptist.org.
Breakfast
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a made-to-order breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. $8 per person. 860-923-2967.
Open House
CANTERBURY --- The Prudence Crandall Museum will host a Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum at S. Canterbury Road. Admission is free with a nonperishable food item or new pair of mittens. 860-546-7800.
Mon. Dec. 3
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Woodstock Town Hall large meeting room on the lower. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. Please check the town website www.woodstockCT.gov for current schedule or call 860-928-6595.
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three C’s will present Theatreworks USA’s production of Peter the Cat at noon at the Center for the Arts at Woodstock Academy. $4 per person for groups of 10 or more. www.theThreeCs.org.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library series “Beauty in Bloom” by Jonathan Fritz through Dec. 28. Reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6.
Thur. Dec. 6
History Program
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam will present “The Putnam High School Wall of Honor 2017” from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Joseph Pempek Conference Room in the Superintendent’s wing of Putnam High.
Sat. Dec. 8
Victorian Christmas
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage will present “A Victorian Christmas” from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 and Dec. 9. Free. Costumed interpreters will lead visitors through the first floor of the museum, which is decorated according to the Bowens’ written account of the family’s Christmas celebration of 1887. Visitors are also invited to make a Victorian tree ornament to take home. The Roseland Cottage gift shop will be open. Cosponsored by Archambault Insurance.
Christmas Bazaar
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Baptist Church on Church Street will present its Christmas Bazaar. Crafts Fair and Bake Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drawings. Light fare available for purchase. Mrs. Claus will be visiting.
Pet Food Drive
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, will be collecting cat and dog food, dry or canned, for homeless and needy animals on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Killingly Library. Purina brands preferred. Cash donations always welcome. Pet Pals is not accepting redeemable cans or bottles today. 860-317-1720.
Sun. Dec. 9
Fair, Open House
WOODSTOCK --- PAWS Cat Shelter on Rt. 171 will hold its Holiday Fair and Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. New and gently used jewelry/purses, handmade gifts and baked goods, and a Gift Wrapping Station. Tours. Adoptions. 860-315-1CAT.
Celebration
PASCOAG --- Music at the Farm at the Grace Note Farm on Jackson Schoolhouse Road, along with the Burrillville Land Trust, will present a holiday season celebration with music and desserts at 2 p.m. $20 for adults; $10 for students. 401-567-0354. Inclement weather date Dec. 16.
Fri. Dec. 14
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present Meteor Shower Watch and Hike at 7 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Dec. 15
Cookie Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 will hold its annual holiday cookies “sold by the pound” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the basement.
Sun. Dec. 16
Free Concert
PUTNAM --- The Daughters of the Holy Spirit will sponsor a Tim Janis concert at 2 p.m. at the gymnatorium at 72 Church St. Free. All welcome. 860-928-0891, ext 148.
Fri. Dec. 21
Solstice Celebration
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust will present a solstice event from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Lyon Preserve (Wright’s Crossing Road north of intersection with Rt. 101. Light refreshments. All welcome.
Tues. Dec. 25
Merry Christmas!
Thurs. Dec. 27
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a Bird Walk at 1 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
..
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Donation
Tim Kettle, director of Project Pin Food Pantry, accepts a check from members of the Putnam Bank Employee Giving Program: Jessica Reed, Lynn Bourque, Sandra Lisee, Kim Long, and Barbara Elliott. The program is funded from the pockets of the bank’s generous employees. Courtesy photo.
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
In the fall of 1918 with of WWI winding down in Europe, events were occurring in Lithuania that would benefit the people of northeastern Connecticut for years to come.
George Matulaitis, a 47 year old priest who is credited with the revival of the Marian Congregation that had been closed down by the Russian government, embarked on a mission to resurrect this dying community and infuse it with new life. Matulaitis revived the congregation, which was down to one surviving member and singlehandedly brought it back to life.
As part of the revival, Blessed George Matulaitis, who was posthumously beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 28, 1987, also founded a Lithuanian religious community for women, the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as the Sisters of the Poor.
Following the founding of the Congregation, the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception made their way to the U.S. in 1936. They ventured to America because Matulaitis felt strongly that the mission of the Congregation had to direct its attention to other parts of the world.
“Our concern is with all humanity and with the needs of the universal Church. In a special way we must direct our attention toward the vast territories of Russia and Siberia, where so many souls have strayed from the fold because there is no one to guide them; toward America with its noisy life-style where it is easy for people to forget their spiritual needs,” Matulaitis penned in his journal on Jan. 25, 1911.
His foresight led to the eventual purchase of property and the establishment of buildings by the Congregation on Liberty Highway (Rt. 21) in Putnam. There the good Sisters of the Immaculate Conception tended to the needs of others, especially Lithuanian refugees.
In 1943 the Congregation purchased the former Windham County Home for Children and immediately welcomed Lithuanian refugee children who had fled to the U.S. They also opened a boarding home and a summer camp for girls. The sisters also operated a printing operation for Lithuanian language material.
Today, the Liberty Highway property serves as a Spiritual Renewal Center for retreats and groups requiring space for meetings. A nearby building houses the Lithuanian-American Cultural Archives.
“What can explain the phenomenon: a religious community that emerged in Lithuania having survived the oppressive regime of the Czar at the close of WWI, a community that sent missionaries to a strange new land, i.e. the United States and soon after endured fifty years of Soviet communistic atheism until it reclaimed its independence, and that this community still exists today both in Lithuania and in the United States after 100 years?” penned Sr. Igne Marijosius, head of the Congregation.
The centerpiece of the Congregation’s work in northeastern Connecticut is Matulaitis Nursing Home. Founded 50 years ago in 1968, the skilled care facility has regularly received top national rankings. Matulaitis, a 119-bed facility that employs 150 people, provides long-term skilled care, rehabilitation and post-acute care, palliative, end of life and hospice care and respite care pending availability.
Matulaitis, located at 10 Thurber Road in Putnam, is a non-profit corporation that participates in Medicare and Medicaid.
“I believe the foundation on which it (Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception) overrides political, ideological, societal changes. The communal witness of the members’ Christian faith, a commitment to Christ and the Church and fidelity to core Christian principles and following the motto of its founder, Archbishop George Matulaitis, ‘Overcome evil with good,’ speaks for itself. And Matulaitis Nursing Home is a witness to this for the past fifty years,” said Sr. Igne.
A century after its founding by Blessed George Matulaitis, a person of compassion for the sick and whose heart went out to children and orphans, the work of this man of peace continues.
..
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Over the coming weekends, Downtown Putnam will see the return of Holiday Strolls, bringing fun and festivity to the holiday shopping season. Each weekend will feature themed weekend activities in the various shops and boutiques of Putnam. Events are family-friendly and interactive, giving shoppers options for their seasonal shopping.
Starting the weekend of Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, the holiday strolls will kick off with “Gingerbread Weekend.” Downtown Putnam is once again decorating Main Street with Art Installations. Follow the trail to see more than 40 Gingerbread House creations. Gingerbread Trail Maps will be available at The Flying Carpet Studio, Victoria Station Cafe, Putnam Visitors Center, and other Main Street shops and restaurants by Dec. 1.
From Dec. 7 to 9, the public is encouraged to head to Downtown Putnam decked out in your ugliest Holiday attire. “Ugly Holiday Sweater Weekend” is back, with all ages invited to wear your ugliest Holiday Sweater for a great time. Have your picture taken in our “Ugly Sweater” Photo Booth, win special prizes in the shops and restaurants. Enjoy “Ugly Sweater” Sales, Drink and Dining Specials, and so much more.
Next up from Dec. 14 to 16 is “Stocking Stuffer Weekend.” Once again, Putnam is having a “Stocking Stuffer” Party downtown. Get all your Christmas Stocking Stuffer shopping done while having a great time. Special stocking stuffers available at the downtown shops and restaurants. Plus you could win a “Giant Stocking” worth over $200 in downtown Putnam Gift Certificates. Individual shops and restaurant stockings will be raffled off as well.
Finally, for those last-minute shoppers, Dec. 21 to 23 will be “Procrastination Weekend” in Downtown Putnam. Gift wrapping available in various shops and in the Atrium of the Montgomery Ward Building to benefit Red Cord Ministries. Gift cards, gift baskets and last-minute gift ideas abound! Enjoy Light Up Putnam holiday lights and relax with delicious food and beverage in one of our many award-winning eateries.
Joining the festivities from the beginning is a brigade of handmade Nutcrackers. Each 7-foot tall, hand-crafted Nutcracker will grace the streets and businesses and offer holiday excitement to customers enjoying Putnam as their shopping and dining destination.
Two Nutcrackers appeared last year at Victoria Station Café and were a delightful hit with folks of all ages; creating focal points and a photo opportunity. These two originals, featuring red and blue uniforms respectively, are currently at Bradley Playhouse and Skeeter’s Toybox and are awaiting their new counterparts’ arrivals.
The Nutcracker Brigade is creating a Trail to encourage people to view them, along with Gingerbread Houses, in Downtown Putnam as the fairies rest for the winter.
.