The American Legion District #4 re-elected Ronald P. Coderre of the Mayotte-Viens Post #13 of Putnam to another term as District commander to June 30, 2021.
Last year under Coderre’s leadership, District #4 was the only District in Connecticut to achieve 100 percent of its membership goal of 2,005 members, registering 2,015 members. The district also increased its scholarship to a graduating high school senior from $500 to two $1000 scholarships and supported the runner-up in the Department Oratorical Contest. The District also reached out to more than 60 families of deceased or ill veterans through its care for veterans committee and its chaplaincy program.
Coderre said In addition to being a 100 percent membership district again this year, the organization’s goal in 2020-2021 is to reach more actively into the local schools with Americanism and Youth programs, teaching our young people values that will lead toward the development of the leaders of the future. If the state and country can get beyond the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, District #4 members are aiming to increase involvement in Boys State, American Legion Baseball, the local Oratorical contests and its Americanism programs in the schools. The District is also planning to maintain contact with its veterans in need of support and remain alert to national security issues as they affect the state and local areas.
“The District officers and members are looking forward to another active and involved year. We urge veterans to strongly consider joining the American Legion and become part of an exciting and vibrant organization. Contact your local Posts for information or contact me at 860-942-7243. We’re looking forward to making every veteran a member of the American Legion,” said Coderre.
The officers of District #4 working with Commander Coderre are Sr. Vice Commander Antonio Rendon, Post #91 – Moosup; Jr. Vice Commander John Barry, Post #26 - Stafford Springs; Adjutant John C. Lafontaine, Post #67 – North Grosvenordale; Finance Officer Manny Rodrigues, Post #52 – Coventry; Chaplain Perry Caldwell, Post #26 – Stafford Springs; Historian John Hurchala, Post #26 – Stafford Springs; Judge Advocate Everett G. Shepard III, Post #111 – Woodstock; Sergeant-at-Arms Victor Kratz, Post #13 – Putnam; and Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Scott Clifford, Post #91- Moosup. Perry Caldwell will serve as an Executive Committeeman for one year and Archie LaPierre, Post #91 - Moosup will hold the position for two years.
District #4, one of seven districts in the Department of Connecticut, is composed of more than 2,000 veterans, who have served since December 7, 1941 to the present day. The American Legion is the largest veteran’s organization in the world with approximately two million members. The 13 Posts in District #4 are: Post #13 – Putnam; Post #14 – Rockville; Post #19 – Willimantic; Post #21 – Danielson; Post #26 – Stafford Springs; Post #52 – Coventry; Post #62 – Ellington; Post #67 – North Grosvenordale; Post #91 – Moosup; Post #95 – Hebron; Post #101 – Somers; Post #111 – Woodstock; and Post #203 – Eastford.
“The District enjoyed a very active and successful year despite the limitations imposed by the novel COVID-19 coronavirus. Our monthly meetings were well attended and active and the Posts in the District were working cooperatively to bring the message of services of The American Legion to their respective communities and areas,” said Coderre.
The theme of District #4 for the Legion year 2020-2021 is “Be the Example – Be the Leader.” It’s an effort by Legionnaires to demonstrate to veterans and their families as well as to the general community that the American Legion is an active organization that is available and ready to assist those in need. It’s also an organization that is a vital part of the community, not only on veteran and patriotic occasions but as an integral and participative organization in community affairs.
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Sculptures staying till Oct. 1
PUTNAM — Due to the popular response, the Town of Putnam and the Putnam Arts Council announced the Sculpture Affair will remain in Putnam until Oct. 1. The display along the Putnam River Trail and downtown Putnam features 20 creations by artist Dale Rogers. Maps of the “Sculpture Affair can be obtained on the WINY 1350 am – 97.1 fm website, on the Discover Putnam website, or the Town of Putnam website. The Main Street Economic Development office kiosk, in downtown Putnam, has maps. The collection features of woodland animals, abstract pieces and whimsical sculptures.
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Duck 'pluck'
sets a record
PUTNAM — The Putnam Business Association's “Pluck a Duck” fund-raiser Aug. 16 raised more than $14,000 for the PBA.
In addition 16 non-profit organizations raised $5,630 from the event including: The Arc Eastern Connecticut – 150 Tickets — $375; TEEG – 200 Tickets - $500; Northeast CT Women’s & Girls Fund – 50 Tickets — $125; The Last Green Valley – 95 Tickets — $237.50; Killingly Business Association – 53 Tickets — $132.50; Danielson Veterans Coffee House – 100 Tickets — $250; Hale YMCA – 194 Tickets — $485; American Legion Post 13 – 59 Tickets — $147.50; Bags of Hope CT – 200 Tix — $500 (he noted during the broadcast that this will help pay for 20 bags for 20 foster children); NAMI Windham County NWC – 100 Tickets — $250; Northeast Opportunities for Wellness – 156 Tickets — $390; Putnam Rotary Club – 350 Tickets — $875; NEIP – 144 Tickets — $360; Red Cord Ministries – 2 Tickets — $5; Boy Scout Troop 21 – 260 Tickets — $672.50; Paws Cat Shelter – 130 Tickets — $325.
Beth Markowski-Roop, committee chairperson, said: “Many of these organizations noted during yesterday’s broadcast that many of their fund-raisers have had to be cancelled, so the Pluck-A-Duck provided much-needed funds to their organizations.”
She added that a record 3,968 ducks were sold.
Also, 55 prizes plus two lame duck prizes plus two prizes for “guess our location”
The pond, known as “Pete’s Pond,” is part of Rawson Materials property, near Hale YMCA on Technology Park Road. Rawson allowed the PBA to hold the event there and they used their excavator to dump the ducks.
Owner Phil from P.B. Generators was on-hand to announce the grand prize winner of the 6500 Watt Generac Portable Generator with Electric Start ($1100 value). Winner: Laurie Gosselin
Mayor Barney Seney and PBA President Dick Loomis kicked off the event with opening remarks, and it was broadcast live on WINY Radio and on the Putnam Business Association Facebook page. The media sponsor was Jewett City Savings Bank. bankHometown sponsored the “Guess Our Location” contest and announced the 2 winners, that will each receive a $50 gift card to Jessica Tuesday’s Restaurant.
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The Putnam Public School is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch Program for school year 2020 -2021. Lunches and breakfasts will be free to all students at all times at: Putnam Elementary School, Putnam Middle School and Putnam High School. The first day of school is Aug. 27.
This how the Putnam Food Services Meal Plan will work:
Hybrid Blue and White Group Schedule
Students attending school with the Hybrid Blue/White group will be offered breakfast and lunch at school on the days that they attend in person and an option to take home a cold breakfast and lunch for the days they are not in school.
1. The cost of these meals is FREE to ALL students.
2. The take home meals will be offered to students when they leave the school campus.
3. Students on the Blue group schedule can pick up “grab and go” meals on Monday when school is dismissed. Distribution places: outside Gymnasium & Front Lobby Entrance.
4. Students on the White group schedule can pick up “grab and go” meals on Tuesday when school is dismissed. Distribution places: Outside Gymnasium & Front Lobby Entrance.
**** If a holiday falls on Monday or Tuesday, we will distribute weekly meals on the next scheduled group color day.
For more information call: Jeanette LaPlume, Food Service Director, at 860-963 6933, ext. 2025.
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