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Nora Miller of Eastford. More photos on page 6 and an expanded photo array on Wed. night on our FB page: Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger. Linda Lemmon photo.

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Working on the mural

The Catfish Junk-ies


‘Be proud' echoed throughout the day
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — “It’s all about joy and justice,” said Rev. Ross Johnson, pastor of the Living Faith United Methodist Church.
The Quiet Corner Pride event May 4 was a runaway success celebrating the queer (academic term) community. It was full of music, vendors, awareness groups and more in Rotary Park.
More than 2,000 people celebrated the queer community. ”In those hours in that park they could be themselves for a time,” Johnson said.
Johnson, who moved here almost two years ago, had seen pride events in Massachusetts and Virginia and he asked, about a year ago, if it had been done here. The answer was no, it had not. Former Economic Development Director Carly DeLuca helped, then the Putnam Arts Council and then the Parks and Recreation Department. Johnson said planning started in earnest last fall and the help from Parks and Recreation Director Willie Bousquet was immeasurable. He also tipped his hat to WINY Radio’s Gary Osbrey. Johnson and Bousquet were co-chairs and the committee included Putnam High School students, TEEG, some business owners and a few local churches.
Bousquet said there were five art “districts,” 26 awareness groups and 14 vendors.
It was put together with hard work and love. Johnson said he found out that Putnam is the first town in the state to celebrate PRIDE. “What makes it beautiful is that it was accomplished without sponsors; just the town.” He called it a celebration of all things love.
Speaker Rev. Kevin Downer, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, said he grew up in Putnam. Johnson recounted that Downer said when he was a kid “I never thought this day would come.” Johnson said Downer’s words, “be proud” and embracing and celebrating queer echoed throughout the day.
The day started with a brunch at The Stomping Ground and ended with an after-hours celebration at Bear Hands Brewing Company.
Johnson said Mayor Barney Seney walked up to him and said “We’re doing this next year.” Johnson said he’d love to see it happen next year. “This exceeded my expectations by far.”

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