Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier

 
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Donation
The construction of the Regional Community YMCA looms in the background as Putnam Lions Club President Lea Therrien presents a check for $5,000 to Betty Hale, trustee of the Ymca and Newell D. Hale Foundation. Left to right: Putnam Lions Club members Melody Cassio, Romeo Blackmar, Therrien, Hale, Ann Russo, Barbara Chubbuck and Ronald P. Coderre.
 
Special to the Putnam Town Crier
PUTNAM — Members of the Putnam Lions Club led by President Lea Therrien and Incoming President Romeo Blackmar gathered at the site of the Regional Community YMCA off Kennedy Drive n support of the project.  The Y, which is currently under construction, is scheduled to open in 2016.
On hand for the presentation representing the local Y was Regional Community YMCA trustee Betty Hale and local fund-raising counsel Ronald P. Coderre of RPC Associates, LLC of Putnam.  During a brief ceremony President Therrien presented Hale with a check in the amount of $5,000 in support of the project.
“The Putnam Lions are proud to step forward as a community organization in support of this project.  Through the effort of our club membership we raise funds annually in support of worthwhile community organizations.  In part we’re supporting the types of programs that are encouraged by Lions International,” said Therrien in making the gift. 
The Putnam Lions Club, which boasts a membership of more than 60 members, supports numerous non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to local students.  The Club is known throughout the area for its Night of Giving, an annual event where their charitable distributions are presented.
“I’m pleased to accept this generous gift from the Putnam Lions Club.  This donation is a sign of the spirit of giving that these members symbolize.  This gift moves our fund-raising efforts closer to our goal.  I look forward to celebrating the grand opening surrounded by the Putnam Lions and the numerous other organizations, businesses and individuals who have made this effort a success,” said Hale.
The Regional Community YMCA is a 46,000-square foot facility located on land in Putnam donated by Wheelabrator- Putnam.  When complete it will feature an eight-lane competitive lap pool, a warm water pool, gymnasium, fitness and aerobic area, teen center, child watch area and community rooms.
The cost of the project is $14.6 million.  The initial $3 million was donated by the Newell D. Hale Foundation.  The State of Connecticut provided a $3.745 million grant and the YMCA of Greater Hartford Board of Trustees had committed $4 million.
A community campaign to raise $2.85 million is quickly moving toward its conclusion.  According to Coderre, more than $2.75 million has been raised with less than $100,000 needed to complete the fund-raising effort.
“We’re very pleased with the response from the community in response to our fund-raising efforts.  The people of northeastern Connecticut have been very generous.  This gift from the Putnam Lions Club brings us one step closer to achieving our goal.  We’re most appreciative of their support,” said Coderre.
One of the slogans of Lions International, which has 1.4 million members in 210 countries, is -  “Lions help where needed.”  Recognizing the need of the Regional Community YMCA the members of the Putnam Lions Club have responded in a big way.
“We appreciate the support we receive from the community when we put on special events or when our food trailer is at public events, so this is a way of thanking those who support us also.  We are putting the trust they’ve placed in us behind a great community project,” said Incoming President Blackmar.
 
 
PUTNAM — The Center for Bone and Joint Care on Kennedy Drive recently announced the addition of Dr. Daniel George to their team.
Dr. George is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in spinal medicine and surgery.
He received his bachelor’s from the College of Engineering at Cornell University where he graduated “With Distinction,” the highest academic honor bestowed.  
He then received his M.D. from Weill Cornell Medical College.  His post graduate studies included a General Surgery Internship at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital and his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at The University of Vermont.  He completed his training with a Spine Surgery Fellowship at Penn State University and Hershey Medical Center.
In his spare time Dr. George enjoys outdoor activities including downhill skiing, snorkeling, and hiking.  He enjoys reading history books and visiting museums.  He is an avid fan of Coast Guard Football, where his brother is the head coach.  His greatest joy, however, is spending time with his four children.
 
 
Then
This is W.T. Grants in downtown Putnam years ago. Photo courtesy of Ameriprise Financial downtown.
 
& Now
This is the same corner today.
 
 
Awards made
NORWICH — CorePlus Federal Credit Union held their 78th annual meeting. More than 100 of the credit union’s Members, volunteer Directors, and staff attended. 
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of employee service awards.  Anniversary pins recognizing 3 years of service were handed out by Board Chairman Robert Trinque to Magen Dickey, Susan Dombrowski, Meg Martellotta, Elizabeth Zachow, Andrea Dubose, Catherine Christadore, Danielle Tinker, Lisa Kolasa, Christine Pacheco, and Tori Taskoski.  
Nicole Cruz was recognized for 5 years of service, and David Chapman and Raymond Currier each received 10 year pins.  Nancy Foss, a 20 year employee was recognized for her length of service.  
The business portion of the meeting saw the re-election of Madelyn Lyman, Bill Poirier and Robert Trinque to three-year terms, and Louis Fusaro was elected to fill the term of former director Bill Jorsz on the Board of Directors.  Jorsz was recognized with a commemorative plaque thanking him for his service. 
Nicholas Fortson, president and CEO, presented a recap of CorePlus’ 2014 activities.   He reported that the Credit Union continued to maintain its well capitalized position.  A central theme of his discussion was the value of a membership in the Credit Union.    Favorable loan and deposit pricing, convenience, and products and services geared toward the individual consumer are drivers for Member satisfaction and growth.  Plans for the future were well received by the audience.  
 
 
On dean’s list
NEWTON, Mass. — Several local residents have achieved Dean’s List for the Spring 2015 semester at Lasell College: 
Danielle Fortin of Pomfret Center, a member of the class of 2015, majoring in communication; Briana Wrubleski of Quinnebaug, a member of the class of 2016, majoring in exercise science; Amanda Bennett of N. Grosvenordale, a member of the class of 2017, majoring in communication.
 
Honored
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The following student at High Point University made the Dean’s List for the spring  semester; Megan Robinson of Rogers.
 
Inducted
WILLIMANTIC — A local student was inducted into Eastern’s chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the national honor society for mathematics: Andrew St. Jean ’15 of Woodstock Valley. His major is mathematics.
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