Wed. Feb. 12
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Trail Wood Reflections: Writer & Artist In-Residence Exhibition” through Feb. 28 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present “Perspectives” Works on Mylar by Al Mathes” through Feb. 28. The opening reception is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10. 860-923-9779.
Fri. Feb. 14
History Program
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will present its annual Show & Tell program following the 7 p.m. business session at the Community Room at the Town Hall. Free. All welcome. Refreshments.
Sat. Feb. 15
Camper Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp at Taft Pond Road, Pomfret, will host “Camper Game Day” for boys and girls, ages 6-12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch and snack provided with games, crafts and more. Bring outdoor gear and a sled if there is snow on the ground. $25. Register by Feb. 12: 860-974-3379
Dinner/Dance
PUTNAM --- the Veterans of Foreign Wars Albert J. Breault Post 1523 will hold a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance. Doors open at 5. Dinner at 6. Music and dancing from 7 to 10 p.m. $15 per person; $25 per couple. Tickets available at VFW Post.
Wed. Feb. 19
TLGV Program
DANIELSON --- The Last Green Valley will present “Historical Happenings – Telling Your Story, Part I” from 6 to 8 p.m. at the office, 203B Main St. Assistant Director Francesca Kefalas in part one of a two-part series aimed to help historical organizations, and any non-profit looking for some help, spread the work about the wonderful work being done. Registration is required and a light supper will be offered. 860-774-3300 or email
Thur. Feb. 20
‘Oliver’
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present Lionel Barts “Oliver” at 7 p.m. Feb. 20, 21 and 22 in the Hard Auditorium on campus. Free, all welcome. On Feb. 22 --- come for the cause and stay for the free musical: Empty Bowls Supper Fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Main House Dining Hall. $10 entry and $5 to $25 for bowls.
Historical Society
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. in the Old Pomfret Town House. Those interested in becoming a member and others are welcome. 860-460-6689.
Fri. Feb. 21
‘Oliver’
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present Lionel Barts “Oliver” at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22 in the Hard Auditorium on campus. Free, all welcome. On Feb. 22 --- come for the cause and stay for the free musical: Empty Bowls Supper Fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Main House Dining Hall. $10 entry and $5 to $25 for bowls.
‘Agnes of God’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “Agnes of God” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 1. Due to mature subject matter, discretion is advised for those 14 and under. $21 for adults; $17 for seniors and students. . 860-928-7887.
Sat. Feb. 22
Acorn Adventure
STURBRIDGE --- The Last Green Valley’s Acorn Adventure will explore animal tracks at the lead Mine Mountain Trail, Old Sturbridge Village Road. Acorn Adventures are sponsored by Putnam Bank. 860-774-3300 .
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Bring materials. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
‘Agnes of God’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “Agnes of God” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 1. Due to mature subject matter, discretion is advised for those 14 and under. $21 for adults; $17 for seniors and students. 860-928-7887.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Winter Fun Day” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to CAS members and kids under 13; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
‘Oliver’
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present Lionel Barts “Oliver” at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Hard Auditorium on campus. Free, all welcome. Come for the cause and stay for the free musical: Empty Bowls Supper Fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Main House Dining Hall. $10 entry and $5 to $25 for bowls.
Sun. Feb. 23
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Snow Bound Walk” at 2 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to CAS members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
‘Agnes of God’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “Agnes of God” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 1. Due to mature subject matter, discretion is advised for those 14 and under. $21 for adults; $17 for seniors and students. . 860-928-7887.
Fri. Feb. 28
‘Agnes of God’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “Agnes of God” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. March 1. Due to mature subject matter, discretion is advised for those 14 and under. $21 for adults; $17 for seniors and students. . 860-928-7887.
Sat. Feb. 29
‘Agnes of God’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “Agnes of God” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 and at 2 p.m. March 1. Due to mature subject matter, discretion is advised for those 14 and under. $21 for adults; $17 for seniors and students. . 860-928-7887.
Sun. March 1
‘Agnes of God’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “Agnes of God” at 2 p.m. March 1. Due to mature subject matter, discretion is advised for those 14 and under. $21 for adults; $17 for seniors and students. . 860-928-7887.
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As a journalist, I would be remiss if I missed an opportunity to comment on the unexpected exit (insert all “Brexit” puns here) from their royal duties of Harry and Meghan. Personally, I find this news story fascinating, not just for all of the complexities, financially, surrounding the young couples’ decision to move, but rather for all of the complexities, emotionally.
Whenever people get married they usually have an understanding of WHO the other person is fundamentally. Although I do not know the couple personally, I cannot imagine that Meghan married Harry without knowing that he was — a prince raised in England by a privileged family of rulers. So why then, after less than two years of marriage, does Harry want to change, fundamentally, who he is?
I am aware that there will be many who may challenge my conclusion with justification that Harry is way more than just a man with a title and privilege. He may have deeper personality traits and a litany of other attributes, there is 100 percent truth to the fact that the essence of what has made Harry the man Meghan wanted to marry in the first place comes from the three plus decades of his foundational upbringing.
This leads me to ask another question: Why does Meghan want to change the essence of who her husband is? As complex as these issues are, I can think of no simpler answer to both questions other than, LOVE.
When we love someone, we can do things which may seem to some, out of our normal character like running off to Paris for the weekend or tattooing their name on our body. However, neither of these things changes the essence of who we are. If you see a friend becoming engaged in harmful behavior, simply in the name of love, you would certainly try to caution them that the person they love may not be a good choice. But what do you do when your friend, or beloved family member, does exactly what Harry just did — not just move to a different country, but, essentially ask to be released from the family business, which embodies centuries’ old traditions, values and duties that are inherent in his very being? If it were my sister, I would certainly counsel her in hesitation and caution.
The complexities of love are vast, but the actions are often simple in their nature and, in this particular case, compelling. No one knows the future but major decisions made in haste, without guidance and for immediate gratification, are often decisions wrought with regret: Whether they stem from love only complicates things more.
Ironically, I have been analyzing and offering my opinion (to anyone who would listen…) on this matter for weeks and it occurred to me, as I wrote my first sentence of this column, that I don’t even know Harry and Meghan’s last name. I suppose I could look it up, but, honestly, I am not that interested. In the end, does it really matter?
Regret!! Regret!!
Kathy Naumann, possessor of NATURALLY curly hair and the understanding that you can’t control everything!
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Receives donations
The Arc Eastern Connecticut recently received three donations.
The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s Northeast and Southeast Women and Girls Funds awarded The Arc Eastern Connecticut $2,500 and $3,500, respectively, to augment and expand its successful “Voices” program for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in both New London and Windham counties. The Arc ECT will offer the Voices program to women at its Danielson offices as well as at its main offices in Norwich.
The Jewett City Bank Foundation has awarded The Arc Eastern Connecticut $500 to its Day and In-Home Supports (IHS) programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. This grant will allow the programs to purchase weighted blankets and a swing chair. These sensory items will give participants, especially those with ASD, a sense of security as well as aid in relaxation and calming. Weighted blankets also help people recover and sleep after a seizure, a common issue for many of The Arc’s participants.
Dime Bank Foundation gave Arc Eastern Connecticut a $1,003 grant to buy CPR and first aid training materials for staff members working directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the July 2019 merger of The Arc New London County and The Arc Quinebaug Valley, the agency now employs more than 450 full and part-time staff, all of whom are trained in CPR and emergency first aid. The grant will allow The Arc Eastern Connecticut’s northeast offices to replace its outdated equipment, allowing staff to receive the most up-to-date and comprehensive emergency training, keeping participants as safe as possible.
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Honored
Putnam Bank President and CEO Thomas Borner, along with SVP and Branch Administrator Lynn Bourque, and AVP and Assistant Branch Administrator, Joyce McOsker, recognized employees at the semiannual Presidential Luncheon for providing exceptional customer service, serving our community, or going above and beyond for their coworkers. Award Recipients: Pauline Audette, Joyce Borey, Tonya Brock, Tammy Chabot, Bekah Golob, Delaney Guimont, Kimberli Long, Cheryl Mailhot, Barbara Rasmussen, Jessica Reed, Amanda Tarryk, and Allyson Vieira. Courtesy photo.
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