Veterans
coffeehouse
to open
DANIELSON — Military veterans of all ages are invited to the new Veterans Coffeehouse scheduled to open April 14 at the Killingly Community Center. The coffeehouse is sponsored by the RSVP program of Thames Valley Council for Community Action.
Initially, the coffeehouse will be open twice monthly, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon. The coffeehouse will use the cafeteria and kitchen at KCC, 185 Broad St.
“The Veterans Coffeehouse will be a place where vets can enjoy a ‘cup of joe,’ connect with one another and build camaraderie, while discussing common issues and needs,” said Greg Kline, RSVP coordinator. “Developing a project that serves the needs of military veterans is a priority of our (RSVP’s)
Work Plan,” he said.
The coffeehouse project will be run by a small cadre of RSVP volunteers. Another goal of the project is to serve as a clearinghouse for information on resources available to veterans, their families and their caregivers. By providing this service, RSVP hopes to help meet TVCCA’s objective of facilitating measures that help seniors age in place.
RSVP is enlisting the support of veterans representatives (AmVets; American Legion; VFW; and Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund), municipal leaders, state and federal officials, and others to spread the word among local veterans. News of the coffeehouse concept has been warmly welcomed throughout northeast Connecticut, Kline said.
To help promote the coffeehouse, RSVP is hosting a special presentation on the Flying Tigers— the pilots and crews of the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force during 1941-1942, before the U.S. entered WWII. The program, prepared and delivered by RSVP volunteer and former Army Green Beret Tom Pandolfi of Woodstock, is expected to draw a large audience to the KCC theatre at 10 a.m. March 24. It is free and open to the public.
Please contact Kline at 860-774-9286 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions or suggestions regarding the RSVP Veterans Coffeehouse or to join the RSVP volunteers.
By Ron P. Coderre
In June a change in the leadership of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit took place that was so seamless that life in U.S. province moved on without skipping a beat.
Following a six-year stint, Sr. Norma Bourdon was replaced by Sr. Gertrude Lanouette as the Provincial Leader of the United States. In assuming the leadership role, Sr. Gertrude, is responsible for the overall welfare of the sisters in the province. This includes assuring the general operation of the needs of the congregation.
In her own words Sr. Gertrude explained, “In my role as Provincial Leader I strive to animate the province, while fostering the mission of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit of living the gospel mission.”
She was called to the leadership position through a process known as discernment, which is a gathering of the sisters, where they pray for guidance in leading them to the selection of the Provincial Leader. During this process the group in a contemplative process of sharing, listening and understanding selects it new leader.
Sr. Gertrude, who possesses a calm but self-assured presence, comes to the position with experience and qualifications that’s she’s gained since the time when she took her vows in 1965. The native of Fitchburg, Mass., relates that she had the calling from a very young age. As an only child she received her religious foundation from her parents and the nuns who taught her in parochial school as a youngster.
“Religious life is a calling from God. The presence of the sisters in my life served as a model that led me to my decision to enter religious life,” said Sr. Gertrude.
Since becoming a sister she’s spent a great deal of time in education, initially serving as a teacher, and working in admissions at the former Annhurst College. She’s also had stints as a guidance counselor, school principal and director of religious education. Prior to assuming her current role she served as the executive director of Tabor House, a facility for individuals with HIV in Hartford.
Although many changes in religious life have occurred since Sr. Gertrude professed her vows in 1965, devotion to God through prayer and service to others remain the same. Her inclusive leadership style provides a confidence to the province that with the guidance of God the Daughters of the Holy Spirit are in good hands with Sr. Gertrude Lanouette as the Provincial Leader.
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Woodstock schools
Monday: Cheeseburgers, baked beans, fruit. Tuesday: Meatball grinders, carrots, fruit. Wednesday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce, fruit. Thursday: Hot turkey sandwiches, green beans, fruit. Friday: Pizza, corn, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: - No school - Professional Development. Tuesday: Chicken nuggets, carrots, grapes, strawberries. Wednesday: French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bananas. Thursday. Mr. Fox's pizza, broccoli, apples. Friday: Hamburgers, baked beans, Kids' Snack Mix, pineapple cups or applesauce.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Popcorn chicken, orange sauce, veggie rice, broccoli. Tuesday: Cheeseburger Bowls, cucumber and tomato salad. Wednesday: Hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw. Thursday: Spaghetti, meatballs, salad. Friday - Wolf Meal: Beef burgers, sherbet.
Putnam High
Monday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans. Tuesday: Pasta Primavera, Penne with Italian sausage, zucchini, carrots and cheese. Wednesday: Crispy chicken sandwiches. Thursday: Clipper Burger, sweet potato fries, cole slaw, sherbet. Friday: Pizza, mixed greens salad.