Edeo Clark Jr., U.S. Army Airborne vet
PUTNAM — Edeo Clark Jr, 86, of Pomfret Street (Route 44) died unexpectedly Nov. 22, 2023, at Hartford Hospital in Hartford.
Born June 13, 1937, in his childhood home in Putnam, he was the son of the late Edeo Clark Sr., and Irene (Emond) Clark, who lived in Putnam. He attended Putnam High School where he played football with excellence.
He joined the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne, in 1957. After his time and service, he worked as an operating engineer until his retirement. He was well-known around Putnam.  He especially enjoyed eating breakfast every morning at many local restaurants. He had a big heart, and personally helped people with no accolades wanted. He was a member and enjoyed attending High Pointe Church.  He enjoyed opening his pool to all church families to stop in for a swim. He loved having visitors each day and talking under the shade trees.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dwayne, Clark Sr., and his sister Carol Regis. He leaves his sons Michael Edeo Clark (Gretchen), Dr. Todd Christopher Clark (Kyong); four grandchildren Ashley Worthington, and Joshua Clark, Allison Taylor, and Phillip LaRochelle; four great-grandchildren Emma and Gracie Worthington, Lucas and Mason LaRochelle, he recently learned of a new baby boy, Beau Clark, expected in February 2024 that will carry on the Clark family name. He also leaves his sister, Naomi Regis, and two brothers Gerald and James Clark; nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be at 6 p.m. Dec.15 at High Pointe Church, 1208 Thompson Rd., Thompson. Donations: High Pointe Church. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Steven F. Baranski
POMFRET CENTER — Steven F. Baranski, 58, of Hampton Rd., died Nov. 30, 2023, at William W. Backus Hospital.  Born in 1965 in Putnam, he was the son of Francis H. Baranski of Pomfret Center and the late Betty (Holgerson) Baranski.
Mr. Baranski worked as a truck driver for United Parcel Services.
He enjoyed golfing and fishing but, above all he treasured the quality time that he spent with his grandson, Bohdi Naylor.
He leaves his father, Francis H. Baranski of Pomfret Center; his daughter, Stacy M. Naylor (Joe) of Jamestown, RI; his sister, Joelle Guillot of Pomfret Center; grandson, Bohdi Naylor of Jamestown. He was predeceased by his mother, Betty (Holgerson) Baranski.
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. A  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 7 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. (Please meet directly at church). Donations: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 280285, E. Hartford, CT 06128.

Mark H. Miner
WILLIMANTIC — Mark H. Miner, 64, of Willimantic died Nov. 28, 2023. He was born in Willimantic, the son of the late Roger and Dorothe (Tuthill) Miner.
Mark loved playing with his nieces and nephews. He loved car racing and worked at the Lime Rock Raceway. Mark was devoted to his family and friends; helping wherever he was needed. He was a great traveler, making friends wherever he went. He worked for the telephone company for many years.
He leaves his siblings Pamela Berrea (Donald), John Collins (Diana), and Jacquelyn Collins; nieces and nephews. Mark was predeceased by his brother Eric Miner and sister Patrice Miner.
The Funeral was Dec. 5 at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, with burial following at Mansfield Center Cemetery. Donations: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

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Wed.  Dec. 6
Toy Drive
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Police Department will hold its Stuff-a-Cruiser toy drive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at WINY Radio. All new unwrapped toys will benefit the Putnam Family Resource Center Holiday Toy Drive.

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library Friends of the Library will present, through their Art @ the Library series, the fourth annual Textile Artists Community Show through Dec. 26. 860-923-9779.

Nature Store
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold its annual Holiday nature Store Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 22. Gifts for all ages. Items include birdfeeders, bluebird and wood duck nest boxes, gardening gifts, games, jigsaw puzzles, field guides, freshly cut Christmas trees, winter decorations, evergreen sprays, beautiful jewelry, David Stumpo's watercolor art, David Bird's "Becorn" prints, and more.

Fri.  Dec. 8
‘A Christmas Story’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “A Christmas Story” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17. $23 for adults; $20 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or 860-928-7887.

Sun.  Dec. 10
Candlelight
POMFRET --- Pomfret School will present “Candlelight,” an evening of music and candle lighting, starting at 7 p.m. in the Clark Memorial Chapel. Doors open at 6:30. Refreshments follow in Hard Auditorium.

Mon.  Dec. 11
Clothing Distribution
THOMPSON --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will distribute clothing from 3 to 5 p.m. at TEEG on Thatcher Road.

Sat.  Dec. 16
Cookie Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 will hold its annual Holiday Cookies Sold by the Pound and basket drawing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church basement.

Sun.  Dec. 17
Christmas Pageant
POMFRET --- The Christ Church’s annual Christmas Pageant will be at 10 a.m. at the Rectory School’s Tang Center.

Tues.  Dec. 19
Book Launch
WOODSTOCK --- 58 Publishing House will launch “Because I Had to … A Collection of Columns” --- the book --- from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Inn at Woodstock Hill. Refreshments served. A selection of columns you read first in the Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger, written by local author Kathy Naumann, are now compiled in book form. Books will be signed by the author and sold at the event.

Mon.  Dec. 25
Merry Christmas

Thur.  Dec. 28
Camp Game Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp is offering a Camper Game Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kids ages 6-12.  Games, food and fun during the holiday vacation week. $20 includes lunch and snacks. Outdoor gear required. Preregister by 12-22. 860-974-1122.

Sat.  Feb. 10
Fire and Ice
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam will present Fire and Ice around downtown.

Sat.  April 20
International Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present International Day.

Sat.  May 18
Fairy Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present a Fairy and Magic Fest.

Sun.  Aug. 11
Pluck a Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present Pluck a Duck Aug. 11 and 12.

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PUTNAM — This fall, Woodstock Building Associates, LLC, finished a restoration project in Putnam, turning a historic building into a large, airy carpentry workshop for the benefit of their clients, their tradespeople and the neighborhood. Woodstock Building Associates completely renovated the property for its needs while maintaining original structural features and some architectural details.
Originally built in 1938, the building has had several uses over its 85-year existence. In the 1940s, it was home to Kelly Tire before they moved to their current School Street location. Union Textile and Engraving used the space for manufacturing in the 1950s. After the Flood of 1955, the lower level was used by a local car dealer for storage until their new building was completed on Pomfret Street.
Most locals will remember the building as the Putnam Candy Company.  
The renovated space at 60 Woodstock Avenue features 2,600sf on the main floor plus a full lower level for storage. The wide open floor plan has work benches along either side and wooden racks at the back for trim storage. WBA Managing Partner Doug Porter said that while they completely renovated the building—fully abating asbestos and updating all mechanicals including electric, heat and plumbing—they also retained some original features, including beautiful wood flooring, doors and hardware. They even saved metal racks once used for candy to be used for lumber storage in the basement. “We tried to maintain the character of the building, but it should be good for the next 30 years,” he said.
The large, open space is ideal for making and finishing trim work and cabinetry. “We wanted a place to work so we don’t interfere with clients in their houses,” said Porter. “We can fabricate everything here and bring to clients’ homes so we don’t interrupt their day-to-day lives.” The building’s original 5 x 8 foot front door is wide enough for deliveries and will be ideal for WBA to move cabinetry in and out. The lower level is perfect for storing cabinetry, plumbing supplies or other large items if a building site is not ready for installation.

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