Patrick McKenna
Lynch Smith
WOODSTOCK — Patrick M. L. Smith was born in Boston on May 2, 1950, and completed the circle of life there on July 2, 2021. Although surprisingly asymptomatic for most of his life, Patrick was diagnosed with a rare genetic heart condition called end-stage non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. After an epic 26-day struggle in the ICU at Tufts, and despite extraordinary support from the medical team, family, and a battalion of well-wishers, he drew his last breath with his adoring wife Bet by his side. He was a good man who lived a good life without regret.
He was also a complex person: private, creative, articulate, pensive, smart, loyal, insightful, valiant, skeptical, whimsical, self-effacing, introverted, funny, grateful, honest, sensitive, handsome, and generous; a jack of all trades, a master of repartee, and an insatiably inquisitive daydreamer.
Patrick grew up in New Canaan and London, England, and then wandered around before settling down in Danielson and Woodstock. On several occasions, he arrived where he started and knew the place for the first time. After attending the Protracted School (eventually graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in anthropology), Patrick worked at many jobs, and many other jobs, including commercial fishing, construction, and belaboring the point.
Patrick married Claudia Vincenti in 1984, but was widowed in 2008. In 2010, he rescued the widowed Bet Zimmerman of Woodstock. They eloped during the 2013 summer solstice.
Patrick enjoyed the life of the mind, roses, puttering, antiques, photography, good conversation, music, ice skating, grocery shopping, reading the Oxford English Dictionary, dancing in the kitchen, watching sunsets and the stars, and observing wildlife. Patrick and Bet teamed up to conserve 100 acres in Woodstock, working hard to turn 30 of those acres at The Fen into sustainable wildlife habitat. He invented a raccoon and bobcat-resistant nesting box for Wood Ducks. He also ate sour grapes and drank life to the lees.
After shifting commas around for years, the wordSmith published a memoir titled Leaving the Life in 2013, and a thriller Leaving Fire in 2020. He also wrote traditional rhyming poetry which has never been published in The New Yorker.
He leaves his parents Marjorie Lynch and Vincent Robinson Smith Jr. from Greensburg, Penn.; siblings Alexandra Smith Homes and Catharine Turney Stultz of Charlotte, N.C., Marjorie Lowry Maclean (Putnam) of Marshfield, Mass., Richardson Culver Smith of Little Compton, R.I., and Vincent Robinson Smith III (Marty) of Woodruff, S.C.; good friends, 10 nieces and nephews, along with 10 grandnieces and nephews, two of whom came into the world as Patrick fought in the hospital.
Donations: Roseland Park, www.roselandpark.org, 205 Roseland Park Road, Woodstock CT 06281; or to Day Kimball Hospice & Palliative Care @ www.daykimball.org. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
An informal celebration of Patrick’s life will be held in Roseland Park at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, followed by a casual repast. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook, please visit www.GilmanandValade.com.
Dolores Mercik
PUTNAM — Dolores (Marroquin) Mercik, 95, of Grove St., died July 4, 2021, at Matulaitis Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late Joseph Mercik whom she survived by two years.
Born in 1925 in Johnston, R.I., she was the daughter of the late Seraphin and Gertrude (Diggins) Marroquin.
Dolores was a beautiful person inside and out. Growing up in Putnam, she graduated from Putnam High School and Dudley Hall Secretarial School. She worked at Rawley Plumbing until she married Joseph. They were married for 70 years.
Dolores was a volunteer canvasing calls for the Red Cross blood drives. She was also a member of the Day Kimball Hospital Woman’s Board. Her passions were fashion, gourmet cooking, baking, oil and watercolor painting, and antiques. She made laughter the nucleus of her home. Holidays were her happiest.
She leaves her daughter, Deborah Dunn (Kevin Paulhus); grandchildren: Hollis (Kempain) Abram (Adam), and Jordan Kempain (Sarah). She was predeceased by her daughter, Joy Kempain in 1993. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam.
Fisher Service
PUTNAM — Paul A. Fisher, 70, of Sabin Street, died Feb. 10, 2021. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. July 19 in Grove Street Cemetery, Putnam. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
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Ongoing
Vaccine Clinic
BROOKLYN --- The Northeast District Department of Health will offer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the NDDH Office, 69 S. Main St. Pfizer (for ages 12+), two dose series; and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18+) one dose. Walk-ins welcome. Free.
COVID-19 Tests
Generations Family Health Center offers COVID-19 testing at its Willimantic location from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The Danielson site offers testing from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Go to the 2-1-1 website for more info.
Wed. July 14
Quilt Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present a quilt exhibit through the end of July. It includes work by: Dawn Reynolds, Joyce Davis and Katie Woodhouse.
Art Show
DANIELSON --- ARTicles at 38 Westcott Road will be hosting the Art Guild Northeast for the month of July. Free. Meet the artists. All welcome. Contact us at: artguildne.org
Thur. July 15
Vaccine Clinic
MOOSUP --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. at American Legion Post 91. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.
Fri. July 16
Vaccine Clinic
DANIELSON --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. at Spirol. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.
Vaccine Clinic
STERLING --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Sterling Town Hall. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.
Tues. July 20
Vaccine Clinic
PUTNAM --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hale YMCA. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.
Wed. July 21
Vaccine Clinic
PUTNAM --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Adult Softball (concession stand) on Wicker Street. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.
Sat. July 24
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air merchant and artisan series will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in outdoor locations in Rotary Park and along Main Street with additions including entertainment and creative highlights.
Vaccine Clinic
PUTNAM --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pop-Up Putnam in Rotary Park. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam High School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.
Sun. July 25
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. July 25, Aug. 15 and Sept. 26. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served. Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows.
Tues. July 27
Senior Luncheon
BROOKLYN --- The Eastford Senior Citizens will hold its first 2021 meeting at 11 a.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Regional Senior Citizen Center. Election of 2021-2022 officers, and the collection of membership dues. Reserve seat and meal by July 20. 860-538-8868.
Wed. July 28
Vaccine Clinic
PLAINFIELD --- The Northeast District Department of Health will offer COVID-19 Vaccines from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Plainfield VFW. Free. Pfizer (ages 12 and up) and Johnson & Johnson single dose. Walk-ins welcome. No appointment, no insurance needed.
Thur. July 29
Vaccine Clinic
PUTNAM --- The Northeast District Department of Health will offer COVID-19 Vaccines from 3 to 5 p.m. at Interfaith Human Services at WINY Radio. Free. Pfizer (ages 12 and up) and Johnson & Johnson single dose. Walk-ins welcome. No appointment, no insurance needed.
Fri. July 30
Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam will present a Car Cruise Invitational.
Sat. July 31
Triathlon
PLAINFIELD --- The DKH “Give it a Tri” Triathlon fund-raiser will start at 8 p.m. at Moosup Pond on Moosup Pond Road. Benefits Day Kimball Hospital. More Info: daykimball.org/triathlon.
Fri. Aug. 6
Rotary Golf Tourney
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club will host the Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament fund-raiser at the Connecticut National Golf Club.
Food Fair
E. WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will hold a First Friday Food Fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the church.
Sat. Aug. 7
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.
Food Drive
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors will be hosting a monthly collection of non-perishables, the first Saturday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Senior Center. Looking for items such as: Granola bars, breakfast bars, cereal, pasta, soup, crackers, chips, tuna fish, juice, canned vegetables, (shampoo, soap, razors, wipes, diapers for all ages, Kleenex, toilet paper and laundry supplies. Also looking for volunteers and organizations to help. VisitPomfret.com
Particle Accelerator
PUTNAM --- The Particle Accelerator fund-raiser will take place today.
Sat. Aug. 14
Golf Tournament
THOMPSON --- The second annual Mustang Classic Golf Tournament will feature a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start at the Raceway Golf Club. The fund-raiser supports the Putnam Science Academy's Mustang Club. To register, sponsor or for more information: putnamscienceacademy.org or by emailing
Sun. Aug. 15
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 and Sept. 26. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served. Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows.
Thur. Aug. 19
Bike Night
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Parks and Recreation Department will present Killingly Bike Night downtown. Rain date Aug. 25. Benefits the Killingly-Brooklyn Rotary Club, TEEG and the Killingly Parks and Recreation Department.
Sat. Aug. 21
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air merchant and artisan series will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in outdoor locations in Rotary Park and along Main Street with additions including entertainment and creative highlights.
Fireworks (updated)
PUTNAM --- At Rotary Park the town of Putnam fireworks display will begin with a concert from 4:30 to 6 p.m. by the Little Big Band Concert (in honor of Al Smat) and a concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. by a Buddy Holly tribute band in Rotary Park. The fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.
Charity Ride
WILLIMANTIC --- The 30th annual Steeple Chase Bike Tour Fund-raiser will start and finish at St. Mary-St. Joseph School. Benefits eastern Connecticut human service non-profits. It will be both in person and virtually. Registration: https://steeplechasebiketour.org/register/ and www.bikereg.com/steeple-chase-bike-tour.
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.
Sun. Aug. 22
Pluck-a-Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association’s fund-raiser, Pluck-a-Duck will be held today at a secret location. For info, contact the Putnam Business Association.
Fri. Sept. 3
Golf Tournament
PUTNAM --- The Fifth Annual Henry Breault Medal of Honor Recipient Golf Tournament will be held at 1 p.m. at the Connecticut National Golf Club. The tournament is a fund-raiser for the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post 13.
Fri. Sept. 10
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold its Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic starting at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Hospital. More Info:daykimball.org/golfclassic
Sun. Sept. 26
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served. Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows.
Sat. Oct. 2
Community Day
THOMPSON --- The Town of Thompson will present its 17th annual Community Day. Vendors sought: 860-923-9440.
Sun. Oct. 3
Canines for Cancer Care
BROOKLYN --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold Canines for Cancer Care at 11 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds. Benefit: Northeast CT Cancer Fund of DKH. More Info:daykimball.org/canines
Sat. Nov. 6
Dueling Pianos
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will present Dueling Pianos Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino at 7 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. More Info:daykimball.org/pianos
Sun. Dec. 5
Hospice Tree
Day Kimball Healthcare will present Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies at 5 p.m. at locations around northeastern Connecticut. Benefit: Hospice & Palliative Care of NE CT. More Info:daykimball.org/treeoflife
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Scholarship
winners
WATERFORD — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union awarded $94,000 in scholarships this spring to 47 high school and college students in New London and Windham counties.
Charter Oak pledged to award one $2,000 college scholarship to a college-bound senior at each high school within New London and Windham counties with an attendance of at least 100 students. Additional scholarships, when available, are also given to students already enrolled in college.
This year’s local high school student scholarship winners:
Madison Spinelli, Griswold High School; Sophie Griffin, Killingly High School; Meghan Wrobel, Killingly High School; Plainfield High School; Abby St. Martin, Putnam High School; Eli Werstler, The Woodstock Academy; Caroline Wilcox, The Woodstock Academy; John Steglitz, Tourtellotte Memorial High School. In addition Charter Oak employees awarded two separate scholarships through their employee-funded Community Outreach Program including local student Carly Millette, The Woodstock Academy. She was awarded the $2,000 Community Outreach Memorial Scholarship.
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On list
ALBANY, N.Y. — Heather Mowry of Woodstock was named to the spring 2020 Dean’s List at The College of Saint Rose.
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