The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) has awarded more than $22,000 in a new grant program designed to help non-profits build capacity during challenging times. As non-profits strive to advance their mission while not being able to offer their usual programs, events and opportunities, TLGV provided up to $1,500 for equipment, services and training to help organizations improve communication or provide alternative means of engaging the public.
“As we were learning how to adapt to a world where in-person programming was not possible, we realized many of our partners were struggling with the same issues,” said Lois Bruinooge, executive director. “We wanted to be as supportive as possible to help our fellow non-profits navigate these changing times.”
All grants were matched by at least 1:1 cash or in-kind contributions. Applications were accepted on a rolling basis. Non-profit 501(c) organizations with missions aligned with the vision and strategies of the management plan for The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor were eligible.
Grants were awarded to the following organizations:
Pomfret Historical Society in Pomfret: $750 for equipment to digitize images and documents for use on their website.
Windham County 4-H Foundation, Pomfret: $1,500 for the purchase of equipment to offer virtual learning experiences.
Chamberlin Mill in Woodstock: $962 to purchase software and training to produce a digital newsletter for the Chamberlin Mill, Inc.
Plus:
Avalonia Land Conservancy in Mystic: $1,500 to purchase social media software and computer equipment to provide Zoom meetings.
CliCk in Windham: $1,064 for creation of an outdoor “open air” learning space in Willimantic.
Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution in Lebanon: $853 to hire a videographer/marketing company to produce a video to promote the history of the Wadsworth Stable.
Eastern Connecticut Conservation District in Norwich: $1,500 to purchase and train staff on a social media platform to enhance and coordinate their social media capabilities.
Franklin Historical Society/Ashbel Woodward Museum in Franklin: $1,000 to upgrade a computer, purchase domain name for website, purchase archival storage, a photo light box and associated equipment and install countertop area for digitizing photos.
Girl Scouts of Connecticut in Lebanon: $1,500 for equipment to enhance virtual learning at the environmental lab at Camp Laurel.
Hitchcock Free Academy in Brimfield, Mass.: $1,500 to purchase computers and video equipment and to improve internet capabilities to better serve their public by offering online training and computer classes.
Joshua’s Tract Conservation and Historic Trust in Mansfield: $500 for the purchase of equipment and software to increase their ability to film and promote their properties throughout the region.
Lebanon Historical Society in Lebanon: $800 to install interpretive signage at various Lebanon historical buildings.
Mansfield Historical Society in Mansfield: $750 to purchase a digital camera and equipment to expand their website and social media presence.
The Mill Museum in Willimantic: $1,490 to develop and implement online educational programs to promote the region’s history.
Norwich Historical Society in Norwich: $1,500 for the production of three videos to improve public awareness of Norwich history and increase NHS and Leffingwell House Museum’s storytelling capabilities.
* Opacum Land Trust in Sturbridge, MA: $1,500 to improve and expand remote communications through their website and other digital platforms to better promote their properties.
Our Bright Future in Charlton: $1,048 to purchase a printer/scanner and video camera to reduce costs, improve their remote abilities and expand awareness of the organization.  
Windham ARTS in Windham: $1,500 to upgrade their website and purchase video equipment, software and provide training to produce videos to promote local artists.
Windham Regional Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in Windham: $1,500 to upgrade their website and purchase video equipment, software and provide training to produce videos for local businesses.

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Giving
Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus Grand Knight John D. Ryan gave blood during a recent Red Cross blood drive held at St. Mary Church of the Visitation. Photo by David G. Lamontagne Sr.

PUTNAM — Over the last five months, Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, has collected 89 pints of blood for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross.
The Catholic family fraternal group recently sponsored its third and final blood drive of 2020.
The blood drives were the brainchild of Cargill Council 64 Brother Knight David G. Lamontagne Sr. Lamontagne, a Past Grand Knight, serves today as both Cargill Council’s Health Director and its District Deputy.
Now that the Putnam program has proven successful, Cargill Council has committed to hosting at least four blood drives at St. Mary’s in 2021. The next one will be held on Feb. 19. Go to www.redcrossblood.org to sign up today.
By hosting blood drives, Cargill Council is carrying on a tradition started by the worldwide Knights of Columbus organization more than 80 years ago. In 1938, the K of C was the first national organization to sponsor a blood donor program.
The program quickly caught on. By the end of 1939, more than 400 local councils had blood donor groups. During World War II, councils ramped up blood drives, joining the Red Cross campaign for 100,000 blood donations to benefit soldiers and air raid victims. Today, Knights of Columbus blood drives collect an average of more than 400,000 pints of blood annually.
Lamontagne understands that blood donors are critical to saving lives and protecting health.
“If one of these blood donations helps save a life, then we all have done our part. I cannot thank everyone enough, from the donors, to my fellow Brother Knights for their help and the Red Cross for all their hard work,” he said.
Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, is made up of over 200 local Catholic men and their families. The council serves Putnam, Pomfret, Thompson and Woodstock and the immediately surrounding areas served by St. Mary’s, Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret, St. Joseph Church in North Grosvenordale and St. Stephen Church in Quinebaug. It’s one of 178 active local councils in Connecticut.


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Closure extended
PUTNAM --- The reopening of the Town Hall and the library have been extended to Jan. 19, due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in Putnam.

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