Meetings resume

PUTNAM — The Putnam Senior Citizens meetings are resuming and will be held once a month, the first Thursday of each month.  The time and place will be the same: 2 p.m. at the Putnam VFW.  860- 928-0688.  

 

 

QVCC

Foundation

offers $130,000+

in scholarships

DANIELSON — March 10, is the deadline for students at Quinebaug Valley Community College to apply for more than $135,000 in scholarships offered for the 2017-18 academic year by the QVCC Foundation.

With the rising cost of higher education, scholarships can provide a significant portion of tuition, fees, and books.

While most scholarships are available to new (incoming) students as well as returning students and require a minimum GPA of 3.0., several scholarships are designated for QVCC students graduating in May. The majority of scholarships have specific criteria that can be found in the descriptions on the college’s website.

Some scholarships have been set up by local businesses and families, while others are supported by local organizations including Altrusa International, bankHometown, Day Kimball Healthcare, Jewett City Savings Bank, LiR at QVCC, Northeast Connecticut Arts Council, Northeast Connecticut Human Resources Association, Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Putnam Rotary, Rotaract, Savings Institute Bank and Trust, Spirol International, Thompson Lions Club, and United Natural Foods.

To apply for scholarships, students must submit an application – only available online – as well as a transcript, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. All materials must be submitted together to the Financial Aid Office at QVCC.

Scholarship applications are screened by an impartial committee from the QVCC Foundation based on the criteria of each scholarship. Awards are presented at the Foundation’s Scholarship Night  May 3. Last year 101 students were scholarship recipients. Detailed information about scholarships as well as the application can be found at: www.qvcc.edu/scholarships.

 

 

caption:

 

Celebrating

Feb. 26 the Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, Putnam, celebrated the 35th anniversary of its First Degree Ceremonial Team. The team’s job is to initiate men into the Catholic, fraternal organization. They have held about 200 private ceremonies since the team was founded in February of 1982. Left to right: new Cargill Council Knights Kevin Dupre, Danny Desrosiers, Edward Chrabaszcz, Jr., and Gary Rudman, all of Putnam, surrounded by team members dressed in their ceremonial robes. Photo: John D. Ryan

 

 

 

PUTNAM — The year was 1982. Ronald Reagan was president. Gas was 91 cents a gallon. A new GMC 1500 pickup truck cost $5,400. The first CD was sold. Michael Jackson released his Thriller album, which is still popular today, 35 years later, in 2017.

Also in 2017, Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, headquartered in Putnam, is still making brand new Brother Knights. This month marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of the council’s First Degree Ceremonial Team in February, 1982.

The tradition continued on Sunday morning, February 26, when four men became members of Cargill Council, during a private initiation ceremony held by the team at the Cargill Council 64 Hall on Providence Street.

Robert E. Desrosiers, 59, of Putnam, is the only original team member left.3 He’s been there for all of the approximately 200 private ceremonies held over the last 35 years. Since he was 24 years old he’s helped to create hundreds of new Knights from around northeastern Connecticut and beyond.

“It’s been a real honor for me,” Desrosiers said. “I’ve been part of bringing so many men into the Knights. It’s some of the best work I’ve ever done. It’s something I’m very proud of.”

Desrosiers was particularly proud on Sunday, when he performed his part in the ceremonies for the four candidates. What made it special for him was that one of them was his nephew, 27-year-old Danny Desrosiers, of Putnam.

The other three new Knights are Edward Chrabaszcz, Jr., Kevin Dupre and Gary Rudman, all of Putnam. 

The Knight running the initiation ceremonies these days is a young professional actor, Carlo P. Lombardo, of Putnam, who at 26 has been First Degree Team Captain for five years, since he was 21.

At the moment all six ceremonial team members are from Cargill Council, but down through the years they’ve come from all the councils in the local area. 

 

WOODSTOCK — Local residents have the opportunity to support critical children and family programs at United Services 16th Annual Irish Night, to be held March 17 at The Mansion at Bald Hill in Woodstock.

Irish Night tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased through March 10th by visiting unitedservicesct.org/events/irish-night or by calling 860-774-2020 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Irish Night includes a gourmet corned beef and cabbage dinner, with fish and vegetarian options available, live music with Irish sing-alongs, and a silent auction featuring many exciting items, including sports, music and movie memorabilia – this year featuring signed items from Carrie Fisher and the epic series Star Wars, Robin Williams and Neil Diamond – Walt Disney World Tickets and a 6 day African Safari for two!

All proceeds will benefit United Services Children and Family Programs: These include:

* One of the busiest Child Guidance Clinics in the state, providing trauma-informed and trauma-focused mental health services for children and adolescents.

* Family Programs, including parent education and support groups such as Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

* The region’s only Domestic Violence Program, providing 24/7/365 emergency crisis, shelter and supportive services to women and children.

* Wraparound clinical care and support services for Autism Spectrum Disorders at the Center for Autism.

* Youth Service Bureau and Juvenile Review Board, coordinating youth service programs and juvenile justice intervention.