Jeanne M. Blair
We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Jeanne Blair, 86.
She died Sept. 21, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on June 11, 1936, in Putnam to Norman and Catherine Messier. She was married to Donald Blair who preceded her in death in 2001.
Jeanne was a dedicated worker at Digital in Westfield, MA for many years. She retired to FL with husband Donald in 2000. She was a mall walker in her retired years, and had many friends though the Senior Center of Ocoee, FL.
She leaves her sister Norma Enright (John) of St. Petersburg, Fla., and her sister-in-law Judy Messier of Eustis, Fla.; children David Hicks and partner Lynne Killam of Westfield, Mass., Lori Pulley (Darryl) of Winter Garden, Fla., Kenneth Hicks (Jane) of Woodstock; caretaker and daughter Lynn Malone of Winter Garden. Her husband Robert Malone died in 2012.
She was known as Grammie to her 10 grandchildren, Christina Pulley, Darryl Pulley and fiancé Amber, Kenneth “Gabe” Hicks (Stacey), Matthew Malone, Barbara Hicks, Kelly Malone, Katelynn Pulley, Jake Hicks and partner Haley, Jessica Hicks and partner Ryan, Travis Hicks and partner Marin; four great-grandchildren, Taylor, Wyatt, Colton, and Charlotte; her Yorkie Gracie (Gracie loved Grammie, protected her, and never left her side.) She will always be remembered for her kind, and gentle ways.
A private service will be held for the immediate family. Donations: Matthew’s Hope Ministries, 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787.
Christian ‘Chris’ Drouin
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Christian “Chris” Drouin, 73, died Oct. 11, 2022 in Ormond Beach. Chris was born July 17, 1949, in the town of St. Zacharie, Quebec, Canada, to Arius and Jeanne D’Arc Drouin (Roy).
The Drouin family moved to Putnam in 1963 which is where Chris spent most of his life until retiring to the Daytona Beach area. The ever-present sunshine agreed with him. Chris made friends and touched hearts everywhere he went.
He enjoyed riding his bright red Can-Am, fishing, bowling, and walks on the beach and in parks. He took great pride in making repairs indoors and out for himself and his neighbors.
He would want us to mention that “Maman” did not hesitate to let all his siblings know that he was her most beautiful baby. His family wishes to thank Buddy (dog) and Trouble (cat) for keeping him entertained and comforted during these difficult months. Our sincerest gratitude to the devoted friends in Florida who were there to assist him especially Candace Acker who advocated for Chris and was present in his time of need.
He leaves three children Michael (Sarah), David and Nicole; six grandchildren, Craig, Brady and Shelby, Adam and Nathan, and Natasha; five siblings: Jean-Paul (Denise), Denis (Pat), Gaetan, France and Manon (Brian); nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; friend Candace Acker; his dog Buddy and his cat Trouble who kept him entertained and comforted during these difficult months. . He is predeceased by his parents, brother Jean Yves, and grandson Tristan. He is predeceased by his parents, brother Jean Yves, and grandson Tristan.
A private memorial will be held in the future. Donations: Animal Rescue of New England located in Rhode Island.
Marion C. Leins
Marion C Leins, 70, died Oct. 5, 2022, peacefully at home. Born Jan. 22, 1952, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Frank Sr. and Mary (Botham) Currier. She is predeceased by her husband John H Leins Jr.
Marion had been a resident of Pomfret for most of her life before moving to Brooklyn 10 years ago. She worked in purchasing for Lambot Lumber in Pomfret and Chace Building Supply in Woodstock. Marion was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Pomfret where she had once served as a deacon and later as a treasurer. She was an avid reader and liked to garden.
Marion was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who leaves behind her children: Cherish Greene of Erwin, N.C., Xander Leins of Brooklyn; grandchildren Tabitha Ayers of Bluefield, W.Va., Jesse J Greene of Danielson and Amara Birch of Fayetteville, N.C.; great-grandchildren Alexander and Axtin Birch; siblings, Frank R Currier Jr., Mary E Martin, Carmel B Currier, Arthur B. Currier and Dale C Currier and cousin James Lyon Jr.
Marion was laid to rest beside her husband in the Abington Cemetery and a Celebration of Life was held at the First Congregational Church of Pomfret Oct. 15.
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Wed. Oct. 19
Art Exhibit
DANIELSON --- “Trajectory Intersection”, an exhibit featuring the photography of Wilson Hurst and Hunter Neal at QVCC’s Spirol Gallery, will run for all of October. Gallery open M-F 9am-9pm except holidays.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library, as part of their Art @ the Library, will present artwork by David Thomas through Oct. 29 and in the display case for October, Knitted & Crocheted Toys by Jeanne Carita. 860-923-9779.
Art Exhibit/Sale
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center, Day Road, will present “Nature’s Colors – Art by Judy Doyle” exhibition and sale through Nov. 10.
Fri. Oct. 21
‘Clue: On Stage’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Clue: On Stage” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 and 22 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 23. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. Reservations: www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or 860-928-7887.
Sat. Oct. 22
Troubadours Concert
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society and Tyrone Farm are presenting a unique performance of Five Connecticut State Troubadours at 4 p.m. in the Tyrone Farm Barn. pomfret-historical-society.org. Benefits historic buildings and archives preservation and programs of the Pomfret Historical Society.
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast will hold low-cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. $15 cash. Pre-registration and appointment is required. No walkins. 860-317-1720. This is the last clinic until spring.
Trick/Treat Trail
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp will hold Trick or Treat Trail from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dress up in costumes. $5 per trick-or-treater ages 2 and up. Benefits the dam repair project. 860-974-1122.
Comedy Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Elks will hold a Comedy Fund-raiser at the lodge. Doors open at 6; show at 7. Bring your own snacks, cash bar. 18 yo+. $20. www.funny4funds.com/events.
Sun. Oct. 23
Remembrance
PUTNAM --- In remembrance of the Beirut Barracks bombing, American Legion Post #13 of Putnam, with help from the town’s Recreation Department, will conduct a remembrance ceremony at noon at the Veterans Memorial Park. Free. All welcome to come and to share.
Tues. Oct. 25
Boo Bash
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will hold a Halloween Boo Bash at 4:30 at the library. Treats, drinks, games. Costume wearing encouraged!
Wed. Oct. 26
Author’s Night
PUTNAM --- The Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital will present Author’s Night at 6 p.m. at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret. $35. Reservations required:
Thur. Oct. 27
Pumpkin Decorating
WOODSTOCK --- The Senexet Grange will host a Community Pumpkin Decorating contest from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the grange on Rt. 169. $1 entry fee and first place wins cash prize. Go to Senexet Grange’s FB page for more info. There are three categories: Up to grade 4, Grades 5-8 and high school and adult.
Sat. Oct. 29
Trick or Treat
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam Recreation Department will hold its annual downtown Trick or Treat event from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Drug Take Back Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Police Department, Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center and the Drug Enforcement Administration will be holding a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmer Marketplace Pavilion on Kennedy Drive. Drive-thru.
Sat. Nov. 5
Fall Fling
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Education Foundation will hold its Fall Fling fund-raiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Mansion at Bald Hill. Tickets: woodstockeducationfoundation.org.
Bobcat Program
POMFRET --- Paul Colburn, a master wildlife conservationist, will speak about bobcats at 2 p.m. at The Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS) Center at Pomfret on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers and no charge for children 12 and younger. 860-928-4948.
Writers Series
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Library Author Series continues this fall at the Putnam Public Library. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. debut novelist Susanne Davis, from northeast Connecticut, will be the Author Series’ featured reader. The Putnam Library Author Series will continue in April and May, 2023. Open to all.
Holly Fair
E. WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will hold its annual Holly Fair starting at 10 a.m.
Thur. Nov. 10
Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The American Legion Post 13 will hold its Veterans Tribute & Guest Bartending Night from 5 to 9 p.m. at Marley’s Pub at the Black Dog Bar & Grille. Benefits the legion’s youth programs and veterans.
Sat. Nov. 12
Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Last Green Valley Notables & Notorious” by Bill Reid, TLGV chief ranger, at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Yuletide Festival
PUTNAM --- The Daughters of Isabella Yuletide Festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Mary Church Hall. 860-928-5014.
Toy Collection
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association will hold its 17th annual Toy collection from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehouse on Rt. 169 and at the Community Fire company on Riverside Drive in Thompson.
Dueling Pianos
THOMPSON --- Foxwoods Resort Casino will present Dueling Pianos at 7 p.m. at the Raceway Restaurant & Banquet Hall. Benefits Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. daykimball.org/pianos.
Sun. Nov. 13
Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Music at the Meeting House concert series at Chepachet Baptist Church on Rt. 44 will present “75th anniversary of the end of WWII Commemoration” at 2:30 p.m. No charge but a freewill donation would be appreciated. Refreshments. www.chepachetbaptist.org.
Thur. Nov. 24
Thanksgiving Dinner
PUTNAM --- The 9th annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner will be offered for those less fortunate from noon to 2 p.m. at the Putnam Elks Club on Emond Street. Donations welcome. RSVP by Nov. 17:860-928-3901 between 3 and 8 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 25
Santa’s Coming
PUTNAM --- Santa will light up Putnam at 4 p.m. at the Big Ornament at Rotary Park. WINY Radio will have a live broadcast and will supply the hot chocolate.
Sun. Dec. 4
Dazzle Light Parade
PUTNAM --- The Dazzle Light Parade will kick off at 5 p.m. from Grove Street and wind its way through downtown.
Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Music at the Meeting House concert series at Chepachet Baptist Church on Rt. 44 will present “An American Christmas” at 2:30 p.m. No charge but a freewill donation would be appreciated. Refreshments. www.chepachetbaptist.org.
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caption:
Success
The Putnam Police Department's Make Mayor Seney Pink in a Day fund-raiser for the NECT Cancer Fund blasted the $10,000 goal out of the water --- $15,015. Seney had his hair and eyebrows dyed pink and had his nails painted pink. From left: Police Chief Chris Ferace, Mayor Seney, Police Captain Justin Lussier and DKH CEO Kyle Kramer. Linda Lemmon photo.
Police's cancer
fund-raiser
smashes goal
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The unofficial “best good sport” town leader in the state, Mayor Barney Seney, hopefully didn’t get any pink dye on his phone Oct. 14.
The Putnam Police Department’s annual Pink Patch Program kept adding “pink” to Mayor Seney’s morning. The department held a fund-raiser, Make Mayor Seney Pink in a Day,” at WINY Radio. The goal was $10,000.
When they hit the $10,000 mark, Seney left for his hairdresser to get his hair dyed pink. When the fund-raiser hit the $12,000 mark, Seney got the call — he had agreed to get his eyebrows dyed pink if they hit $12,000. And when the effort went over $15,000 the mayor got another call as he agreed that if they hit $15,000 he’d get his nails painted pink.
The total collected by noon was $15,015.25, according to Putnam Police Chief Christopher D. Ferace. The top fund-raiser was Phil Parizeau of Northeast Flooring and Kitchens, $2,000.
Ferace said October is Breast Cancer Month and the department’s goal is to generate awareness and more importantly raise money for the fight cancer cause.
Ferace pitched the $10,000/pink hair idea to Mayor Seney. “Without batting an eye the mayor said ‘yes’,” Ferace said.
Day Kimball Director of Development, Kristin Willis said the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund at Day Kimball is the beneficiary of all the money raised, adding the impact of the $15,000 gift is unimaginable.” Those who are uninsured or under insured will benefit.
The Putnam Police Department is continuing to fund-raise for the rest of the month. They are selling pink items and taking donations via check and a Go Fund Me. Go to the department’s FB page: Putnam Police Department for more info.
PSA basketball player commits
Yes, Sophia, it is real. Sophia Fontaine, a versatile 6-foot, 2-inch power forward on the Putnam Science Academy girls’ basketball team, committed last week to Stetson University, and the feeling was a little … unreal.
“I didn’t really know how to feel,” she said. “I’ve been wanting to commit for a while. That’s always the end goal. I was shocked actually. When I said it, I was like, ‘Wow. I’m really committed, I’m really going here.’ The recruiting process is really hard sometimes, so it was just a great feeling.”
Stetson, located in central Florida about 40 miles north of Orlando, checked off a lot of boxes for the 18-year-old postgrad student. Head coach Lynn Brian showed a high level of commitment to her from the start. The Hatters, who play in the Atlantic Sun Conference, have an all-women coaching staff. The school is not too big, but not too small. It’s an excellent academic school with plenty of academic support. It was just the right place for her, Fontaine said.
The Boston native has dealt with a lot to get to this point, both physical and mental. Knee issues, a broken finger, a foot injury, all of which caused her to miss time on the court. She is also dealing with anxiety that she believes stemmed from the recruitment process.
“It was probably because I felt a lot of pressure,” she said. “I’ve bottled up my emotions and feelings before and I’ve realized that digs a deeper hole for myself. I’m not afraid to share what’s going on. Maybe not all the details all the time but I’m OK to talk about stuff. I’m not putting up a wall.”
Playing basketball helps. It’s a chance to just go play and learn.
“I love basketball,” Fontaine said. “It’s fun. Winning is fun. Yeah, you take your losses but you learn from them and then you just get better. It can be hard, you’re going to be tired and sore. You have to go to school and be on top of that and go to practice and meetings and lift weights and 6 a.m. workouts.
“I’ve been doing this since I was in the third grade. And now, at the end of the day, I’m going to go to a school where I’m a priority. Stetson stayed with me through all of this. I’m so happy and excited to get started.”
Fontaine and the Mustangs opened their season last week at a showcase event in Ontario, Canada, going 2-1.
Fontaine had six points, five rebounds, four steals and three blocks in the first game, a 93-54 win. KC Cedano added 23 points and eight rebounds while Ines Goryanova had 20 points and seven assists. PSA lost its second game, 93-82, despite 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals from Cedano and 15 from Janeya Grant. The Mustangs bounced back well in game three, getting 26 points and six boards from Grant and 17 points from Jada Mills in a 103-62 win.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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