Joseph R. Viens
PUTNAM — Joseph “Bob” R. Viens, 91, died peacefully Sept. 14, 2022, at Day Kimball Hospital. Born in Putnam he was the son of the late Joseph D. and Diana (Martel) Viens. He was the husband of 54 years to the late Marguerite (Guimont) Viens whom he missed every day since her passing. Consolation comes in the fact that they are now reunited.
He graduated from Assumption Preparatory School in Worcester and received his bachelor’s from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1955.
Mr. Viens was the owner and head pharmacist at Viens’ Pharmacy in Putnam for many years. He dedicated most of his life to practicing pharmacy.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Cargill Council #64 in Putnam and the Kappa Psi pharmaceutical fraternity.
Joseph enjoyed woodworking, restoring old homes and cars, and working in his yard.
He leaves his children, Celeste Frappier (Charles) of Thompson, Collette Viens of Tolland, Marieanne Viens and Sean Cristofori of Putnam, Melanie Rovero (Ricardo) of Thompson, Robert Viens (Maria) of Thompson; his grandchildren, Celine Viens, Aaron Dalpe, Dominic Rovero, Mitchell Cristofori, Cristano Rovero, Angelo Rovero, Alexander Viens, and Alexander Cristofori; his great granddaughter, Lilliana Aliceas; brothers, Maurice Viens of Tennessee and Rene Viens of Thompson. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Graveline.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 22 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Burial will be private.
Donations: local animal shelter of your choice. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
.
Wed. Sept. 21
Art Exhibit Program
THOMPSON -- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present another in its Art @ the Library, “The Nature of Things II” through Sept. 29. It includes photography by Janet L. McDonald and poetry by Karen Warinsky. Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15. In the Display Case for September: “Star-Spangled Banner” by Ida Ransom. 860.923.9779
Thur. Sept. 22
Closing Reception
PUTNAM --- A closing art show reception will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for the “Dot Burnworth On The Wall” in the Corridor Gallery at Putnam Municipal Complex. It features the works of Dot Burnworth, owner of Sawmill Pottery in Putnam. This series from Dot’s creative mind and hands consists entirely of ceramic pieces to be hung on walls.
Author Series
WOODSTOCK --- The Bracken Memorial Library Author Series will present Martin Podskoch at 7 p.m. at the Palmer Memorial Hall. It’s free and open to all.
Sat. Sept. 24
Wee Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Leaves and Mushrooms at Rapoport Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sun. Sept. 25
Car Cruise
BROOKLYN --- The Brooklyn Business Association and the Tri-State Cruisers will present the Brooklyn Car Cruise 2022 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Brooklyn Walmart. Benefits the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Street will present a “Bird Banding Demonstration” at 8 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 960-928-4948.
Popcorn Sales
PUTNAM --- Boy Scouts from Troop 25 will be selling popcorn from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 30 at Tractor Supply Co. The Annual Scout Popcorn Sale helps defray the costs of uniforms, handbooks, summer camp and other activities for the Scouts. For info or to request that a Scout salesman comes to your door contact Corina Torrey at 860-880-0185.
Thur. Sept. 29
Roast Pork Dinner
WOODSTOCK --- The Senexet Grange on Rt. 169 will present a Roast Pork Dinner, eat in or take out, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Reservations suggested but not required. 860-974-1053.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Street will present “Gellert Preserve Bird Walk at 8 a.m. on the Wyndham Land Trust preserve. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 960-928-4948.
Fri. Sept. 30
Movie in the Park
PUTNAM --- Halloween Movie in the Park, Rotary Park at 6:30 p.m. (dusk). Rain date Oct. 14. discoverputnam.com
Dinner/History
POMFRET --- First Congregational Church of Pomfret will host a meal and special presentation starting a 6 p.m. at the church. The program is from the Old Sturbridge Village, “A World to Win: Women Missionaries from New England,” a full-costume by Rachel Hollenbeck and Rachel Middaugh. The preceding meal will feature dishes from early 19th century recipes. Free but, to help ensure that the proper amount of food is prepared, sign up by sending an e-mail to
Sat. Oct. 1
Community Day
THOMPSON --- The 18th annual Thompson Community Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park. Rain date Oct. 8. 860-923-9440
Camp Day
WOODSTOCK --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Day will be held from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Buck’s Soft Serve on Kenyonville Road. Bake sale, ice cream eating contests, dunk the director and Buck’s famous soft serve ice cream treats. Portion of sales goes to support the Windham Tolland 4-H Camp Dam Restoration Fund.
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. Opening reception is from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 8. Free.
Sun. Oct. 2
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Street will present a “Bird Banding Demonstration” at 8 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 960-928-4948.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Street will present “All About Opossums: Backyard Wildlife Winter Survival from 2 to 3 p.m. Meet Ferncroft’s educational ambassadors (non-releasable opossums) and take a photo with them. Registration recommended. 860-928-4948. $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Wed. Oct. 5
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present ”Bull Hill Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. $10 CAS members; $20 nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. Oct. 8
Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present Connecticut State Historian Walter Woodward at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Screech Owl Night Hike” at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. $10 CAS members; $20 nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. Oct. 15
Craft Fair
WOODSTOCK --- The First Congregational Church of Woodstock on Rt. 169 will hold a craft fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16. 40+ vendors. Luncheon available Oct. 15.
Arts and Crafts
WOODSTOCK --- The 40th annual Roseland Cottage Fine Arts & Crafts Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 and Oct. 16.
Fri. Oct. 21
Teen Weekend
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will hold Teen Weekend from 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 until 9 a.m. Oct. 23. For teens 13 – 17. Bring your own pumpkin to carve. $50. Pre-registration by Oct. 17. 860-974-1122.
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. Oct. 22 in the Tyrone Farm Barn. Seating is limited. Tickets and complimentary youth passes are available on the Pomfret Historical Society website, pomfret-historical-society.org, and at the Vanilla Bean, Grill 37, Pomfret Wine and Spirits, and Watercure Distillery. Benefits historic buildings and archives preservation and programs of the Pomfret Historical Society.
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. 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.
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.
.
Yikes! Yikes!
Zombies are
returning Oct. 7
PUTNAM — The Zombie Fashion Show comes alive at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Rotary Park.
The spectacle begins shortly after 7 at the bandstand stage in Rotary Park, with a special introductory performance by The Complex Performing and Creative Arts Centre.
Following the performance, zombies of all ages, stroll their decaying corpses across the runway for prizes to a killer soundtrack provided by none-other than DJ “Scary” (Gary) O of WINY Radio.
Be a part of the event, or just come to watch – if you dare!!
The event will feature three categories: Youth (ages 2 – 12, 2 entrants or less), Adult (ages 13+, 2 entrants or less), and Group (3 entrants or more), with prizes awarded to the top two in each category.
Preregistration required: https://www.discoverputnam.com/zombiefashionshow
.
Peter G. Trama recently received the Merchant Mariners of WWII Congressional Gold Medal. Courtesy photo.
World War II and Korean War veteran Peter G. Trama of Thompson, formerly of Putnam, recently received the Merchant Mariners of WWII Congressional Gold Medal. The award was presented by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration in Washington, DC.
According to the Maritime Administration, “The Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress, honors those whose dedication, heroism, and public service have created a lasting impact on American history. On March 14, 2020, legislation was signed into law authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for American Merchant Mariners whose honorable deeds played a critical role in WWII.”
Trama served as a Seaman in the Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1950. He made seven trips across the Pacific Ocean to Australia, New Guinea, Marshall Islands and Hawaii, providing fuel oil, airplanes and PT boats for U.S. Navy ships.
In 1950, after leaving the Merchant Marines, Trama was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in Germany, during the Korean war. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1951.
“I was very surprised but very honored to receive this Gold Medal,” said Trama, who celebrated his 97th birthday on Sept. 6. “This was a nice birthday present.”
According to the Maritime Administration, “The Merchant Mariners of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020 authorizes MARAD to award duplicates of the medal to individuals who between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, were members of the U.S. Merchant Marine, or other related services.”
During World War II, Standard Oil of New Jersey had more than 125 oil tankers scattered around the globe with Merchant Marines supplying the war effort.
Trama is a longtime member of the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam and the Albert J. Breault VFW Post #1523.
..