THOMPSON — Aug. 1 about 65 Thompson residents and neighbors took part in “Standing Against Racism.” The rally featured speakers, readings, poetry and local musicians.  Officers of the local Windham-Willimantic NAACP branch described incidents of violence and mistreatment that are still happening across the country— and here in NE CT.  Local musicians Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen, Donna Dufresne, and Maria Sangiolo, Leslie Sweetnam and Jim Stahl engaged the audience. Larry Groh Jr. spoke of his 20 years as a state correctional officer that has left him a strong advocate for education funding.  He said education makes a key difference in whether noe becomes an inmate.  Former Putnam police chief and CT State Representative Rick Hayes said related his experience with a family member who is black and how differently that young man was treated by police when he was victimized and reported a crime to police.  After 33 years as a police professional, Hayes  was present  and had never before seen a crime victim questioned with such skepticism and asked if it was a case of him dealing drugs.

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The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs.  The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 860-963-0000.
Aug. 14
Charles Meseck, 30, no certain address; two counts of violation of probation.
Aug. 18
Tysone Hill, 21, no certain address; assault on public safety personnel (warrant, 2 counts).
Aug. 19
Geovonni Hernandez, 22, no certain address; conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, third-degree burglary.
Aug. 20
Tammy Billings, 40, Fabyan Road, Thompson; evading, operating under suspension, turn violation.
Aug. 21
Roland Bourey Jr., 40, Flagg Street, Putnam; third-degree assault, disorderly conduct.
Aug. 22
Jonathan Austin, 26, Dufault Street, Putnam; disorderly conduct.

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Blanche (Duprey) Blanchard
N. GROSVENORDALE — Blanche Y. Blanchard, 76, of Quinebaug Rd., died Aug. 21, 2020, at home after a fight with brain cancer. 
Born in 1943 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Ermie “Sue” Duprey.
Blanche was a graduate of the Killingly High School Class of 1963.
Mrs. Blanchard worked as a production worker for the American White Cross and Staples. After retirement she spent her time devoted to her cats, Precious, Reckless, and Tumbles. 
She enjoyed reading, scratch tickets and playing the Bejeweled video game. 
She leaves her children, Margaret Challinor, Joseph and Lynn Bernier, Yvonne Coons, Jodi and Mark Borders, Ernest Blanchard, Toni and Thomas Murdock; grandchildren, Robert Challinor, Jason Challinor, David Challinor, Joseph Bernier Jr., Theresa Hopkins, Kristopher Hopkins, James Bernier, Joshua Bernier, Frank Houle Jr., Alexzandra Tondreau, and Taylor Blanchard-Saucier; great-great-grandchildren, and nieces. 
She was predeceased by her brother Thomas J. Duprey; granddaughter Chira; son-in-law Fred Coons; and her cat Dexter.
Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

Barry John Barrows
SAINT CLOUD, Fla. — Barry John Barrows died July 29, 2020. He was born Oct. 4, 1963, in Putnam, the son of Frank Barrows of Melbourne, Fla., and Jacqueline Barrows who died in 2001. He was 1 of 5 children. Barry lived in Saint Cloud for the past 19 years. He worked for Total Environment in Orlando, Fla., as a general manager. Barry’s motto was to work hard and play harder. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Maryann (Wojcik) Barrows; three children Justin Barrows (Elaine) of Saint Cloud, Matthew Barrows (Gabrielle) of Saint Cloud, and Stephanie Robinson (Dwight) of Jupiter, Fla.; six grandkids who called him Papa: Kaylee, Grant, Cheyann, Lillian, John John, Everleigh; siblings: Paulette Sheldon of Putnam, Keith Barrows (Sandra) of Putnam, Pamela Plaza (Jim) of Putnam, and Constance Bellanceau of N. Grosvenordale; extended family granddaughter, Savannah. The Memorial Service will be July 29, 2021, in Saint Cloud.

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