Wed. July 1

Photo Walk

POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a nature photography walk from 4 to 6 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. Free to CAS members; $5 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Pet Loss Support Group

DAYVILLE --- NECCOG Animal Services, 125 Putnam Pike, will present a Pet Loss Support Group at 6 p.m. Free.  No fee/reservations are required, and you are free to attend as often as necessary throughout your grief process.  860-774-1253.

 

Fun Runs

THOMPSON --- The Wednesday Fun runs will be held at the West Thompson Dam through Sept. 16. The runs/walks start at 6:15. All welcome.

 

‘Touring’ Exhibit

WOODSTOCK --- Historic New England’s new exhibit “Touring New England, 1820 – 1970” opens today and runs through Oct. 15 at  Roseland Cottage, in the Carriage Barn. It explores why the region’s natural and built environments have been tourist destinations for centuries. The exhibit touches on the distinct characteristics of each New England state: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  Free.

 

Fri. July 3

Display

PUTNAM --- On First Friday, the Aspinock Historical Society will present a display of WWII memorabilia, plus see “Putnam on the Home Front” pictures and stories at the Congregational Church of Putnam. 

 

First Friday

PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present First Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Putnam. This month the theme is WWII and the 1940s.

 

Whip-poor-will Walk

POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Whip-poor-will Walk at 8:45 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. Bring small flashlight or headlamp. In case of rain, it will be rescheduled. $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers. Preregister: 860-928-4948

 

Sat. July 4

Happy 4th of July!

 

Jamboree

E. WOODSTOCK --- The 59th annual Jamboree will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on East Woodstock Common.  Attic Treasures. Books. & Silent Auction will open at 9.  Register for the Pinewood Derby and Horseshoes at 11.  Chicken barbecue begins at 11:30 and lasts until the last bite is gone. Parade steps off at 1.  Live entertainment and food  www.ewcchurch.org

 

Parade

CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury 4th of July Parade and Family Fun Event starts with participants forming up at the Baldwin School at 9 a.m. Parade steps off at 10 and follows Rt. 14 to the Canterbury Town Hall/Community Center.  After the parade, stay for food, entertainment, and family fun.  Rain or shine.

 

Sun. July 5

Worship

BROOKLYN --- The Old Trinity Episcopal Church will be open to the public at 10 a.m. for worship and celebration of America’s independence. It is the oldest Episcopal Church still in use in the state. It is at the intersection of routes 6 and 169. 

 

Quasset School Open

WOODSTOCK --- Quasset School on Frog Pond Road will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays in July and August.

 

Tues. July 7

Music Series

WOODSTOCK --- The NAHACO Summer Sing Jam Music Series begins today and will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 25 at Eastford/Woodstock Nahaco Park, 305 Crystal Pond Rd. Woodstock  (Weeks Rd in Eastford). Free. All ages. Favorite song sharing; Acoustic instrument jamming; Rustic lakeside listening. Info: ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’ 860-974-0197.

 

Thur. July 9

Bird Walk

POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a bird walk at 6 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. $5 for members; $10 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Fri. July 10

'Pippi Longstockings'

PUTNAM --- The Complex for the Performing Arts will present "Pippi Longstockings" at 7 p.m. July 10 and at 2 p.m. July 11 and 12 at the Bradley Playhouse. 860-963-7170.

 

Concert

THOMPSON --- Thompson Recreation will present a free concert with Ed Foreman Orchestra at 7 p.m. at Riverside Park in N. Grosvenordale. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

 

Sat. July 11

Fireworks

PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam Fireworks Display and Concert will start with a concert at 7:15 p.m. at Rotary Park. The fireworks display will start at 9:15/dusk. Refreshments available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Rain date July 12. 

 

Sun. July 12

Nature Walk

HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Sunday Walk at 2 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to CAS members; $3 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Mon. July 13

Golf Classic

PUTNAM --- The 31st Annual Day Kimball Hospital Golf Classic will be held at Quinnatisset and Connecticut National Country clubs. Benefits the Day Kimball Healthcare annual appeal initiatives. 860-928-7141.

 

Wed. July 15

Summer Supper

DAYVILLE --- Killingly Grange No. 112 on Hartford Pike and Dog Hill Road will hold a Summer Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. $12. 

 

Sat. July 18

‘Britishmania’

PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam will present “Britishmania al Fresco: at 7 p.m. at Rotary Park Bandstand. Rain date is July 19. River Fire is from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Free.

 

River Fire 

PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam will present River Fire from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Rotary Park. Free. 

 

Sun. July 19

Rummage Sale

PUTNAM --- B'nai Shalom on Church Street will hold a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine. No food or drink in the building.

 

Wed. July 22

Artisan Day

PUTNAM --- The Putnam Saturday Farmers’ Market will hold an Artisan Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Riverview Marketplace on Kennedy Drive.

 

Fri. July 24

Movies

PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society will present Movies at the Putnam library with “Sands of Iwo Jima” from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and “Von Ryan’s Express” from 3 to 5 p.m.

 

Concert

THOMPSON --- Thompson Recreation will present a free concert with “Grown Your Own Band” at 7 p.m. at Riverside Park in N. Grosvenordale. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

 

Sun. July 26

Writing Workshop

HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Summer Writing Workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Bring notebook, pen. $10 for members; $20 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Tues. July 28

Bird Walk

HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Bird Walk at 8 a.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $5 for members; $10 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Genealogy Workshop

TOLLAND --- The French Canadian Genealogical Society of Connecticut will offer free genealogy software use workshops from 2 to 4 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 25 and from 7 to 9 p.m. July 30 and Aug. 27 at the FCGSC Library on Tolland Green. Free but call for reservation: 860-872-2597.

 

 

 

caption :

Association

Chief

Putnam Police Chief Rick Hayes, center, was named president of the CT police association. Left: Putnam Mayor Anthony Falzarano. Right: State Rep. Daniel Rovero. Courtesy photo.

 

 

Special to the Putnam Town Crier

Putnam Police Chief Rick L. Hayes was inducted as the president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association at the organization’s recent annual meeting.  Hayes, whose police career spans 28 years, was sworn in by 51st Assembly District State Representative and former Putnam Mayor Daniel S. Rovero.

On hand for the ceremony in addition to Rovero was Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano, Putnam Deputy Chief Lee Konicki and Police Department administrative staff Lisa Torgan and Carol Pacheco.  Hayes’ wife Kathy and his brothers Donald and Peter were also on hand to witness the swearing-in.

The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association includes 106 chiefs of police representing 92 Connecticut municipalities, eight universities and special chiefs.  The organization represents more than 6,700 police officers throughout the State.

In accepting the position Hayes noted that his goal is to continue advancing the goals of the organization, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the residents of Connecticut and aiding other government bodies within and external to Connecticut in the administration of justice, ensuring that all are treated equally before the law.  It also strives to provide service to the public of the highest attainable quality by constantly searching for those methods that will keep Connecticut law enforcement in the forefront of public safety issues.

“I’ve served as chairman of the organization’s training committee, which has helped me to bond with many of the chiefs from around the State.  I want to continue to enhance the support we provide to each other in times of need,” said Hayes.

Hayes, who’s served as Putnam Chief of Police since 2006, is a nine-year member of the Connecticut organization, serving on the Board of Directors for the past six years.    In 2014-2015 he served as the association’s 1st vice president.

As president he will preside over the four general meetings of the association as well as meeting with the Board of Directors and executive committee every other month.  He will also work closely with the governmental office legislative committee on policy affecting law enforcement throughout Connecticut.  An additional duty is the swearing in of all new recruits graduating from the Police Academy.

Since becoming Putnam Chief of Police, Hayes has been progressive in implementing a number of new programs and improving on others that were previously in existence.  He’s enhanced the bicycle patrol, formed the department’s auxiliary force, expanded the canine force and most recently has accepted surplus equipment from the Federal government.  In 2013 he was recognized by the Exchange Club of Northeastern Connecticut and the Connecticut District Exchange as a “Connecticut’s Finest” honoree. 

 

First Fridays 

celebrates WWII

PUTNAM — July 3 Main Street will be transformed to a bygone era as First Fridays celebrates WWII & the Arts. From 6 to 9 p.m., the public is invited to join in the festivities with dozens of vendors, live performances, and community art projects. This third month of the season continues the exploration of the 2015 theme A Century of Art, with a focus on the 1940s. Throughout the evening, patrons will catch a glimpse of the art, music, and pop culture that defined the decade. 

The United States was forever changed during WWII, with thousands of service men and women giving a new definition to the term “hero.” During the 1940s, art – music, film, and entertainment – worked to boost morale and encouraged support for the war effort. With the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, this month’s event will feature several performances that celebrate the heroes of the era. The event will begin with a live performance of the National Anthem at 5:45 pm. The evening will also feature a military Color Guard as well as pop up performances of patriotic songs. Visitors will also have a chance to view items from WWII on display courtesy of the Aspinock Historical Society. In honor of the 70th anniversary of the conclusion of the war, there will be a reenactment of a famous photo, sure to add a “kiss” of excitement to the evening.

Entertainment and art were an important part of WWII, with film and print media each playing a role in the war effort. Actresses of silver screen fame like Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth became “pinups” with photos and posters lining the walls of military ships and tanks, boosting morale. In contrast to the darkness of war, pinup art, including the famous “nose art” of WWII planes and jets, helped to add bright and hopeful imagery to keep airmen company during their time in the sky. 

Likewise, this decade was the golden era of comic books, with sales of these inexpensive magazines increasing dramatically during the war. With stories depicting heroes triumphing over evil, and often including patriotic themes, comic books were the perfect way to engage and encourage young readers in this time of conflict. Embodying the connection between comic books and WWII is Captain America, a popular comic book superhero of the time. 

For the July 3 event, visitors are encouraged to dress up as their favorite comic book hero or 1940s era pinup. For those who dress up, there will be official First Fridays Pinup Girls handing out prizes disguised as “War Bonds” to those with the most impressive costumes. The Community Arts table will also feature comic book strips for children to decorate and color. Younger attendees are also encouraged to be on the lookout for comic book themed villains in the crowd during the event. And in keeping with the popularity of radio entertainment of the 1940s, The Amazing Taylors will feature a live radio “broadcast” complete with sound effects.

Combined with the above WWII themed events and features, there will also be over two dozen art vendors, live music by the KC Moaners as well as the Cove Street Band, gallery openings, Art Attacks, and more. All are welcome to this free, award-winning outdoor art festival. For more information, visit: www.discoverputnam.com. 

 

 

Then

This is the Rt. 44 bridge just after the Flood of 1955. Putnam Town Crier file photos.

 

& Now

This is the same bridge today. Repairs are slated to be finished by November.