Kelley Lynn Bates
DETROIT — Kelley Lynn Bates, 39, died Sept. 20, 2018, at Henry Ford Hospital- Detroit.
Kelley was born in 1979 in Putnam, daughter of Timothy Edward Bates Sr. and Linda Sue (Cartier) Bates.
Kelley enjoyed being with her family and her dog, Jack.
She leaves her father: Timothy Edward Bates Sr. (Dayla); three brothers: Timothy Bates Jr. (Jen), Michael Bates (Julie), and David Birch (Shye); one sister: Tammy Peterlin (Lonnie); four nieces: Hannah McCarthy, Brooklyn Peterlin, Brittney Peterlin, and Madison Bates; three nephews: Jacob McCarthy, Cayden Bates, and Brayden Birch. Kelley was predeceased by her mother, Linda Sue Bates; and her grammy, Laura Cartier.
Ralph J. Gammardella
PUTNAM — Ralph J. Gammardella, 89, of Putnam, died Sept. 16, 2018, at UMass in Worcester. He was the husband of Georgiana (Proulx) Gammardella for 66 years. Born June 28, 1929, in Providence, he was the son of Frank and Evelyn (Greco) Gammardella.
Ralph was a truck driver and worked for the State of CT DOT, Kenyon Oil, Lehigh Bottled Gas, R.B. Green and he was also a stone mason. He enjoyed going to the beach and spending his winters in Florida. Ralph liked to golf and work in his garden.
He leaves his children Ralph Gammardella, Susan Lucey (Rick), Sandra Huth (Mike) Sally Donovan; 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
The Funeral Service was Sept. 22 in the Putnam Baptist Church, with burial at Grove Street Cemetery in Putnam. Donations: Putnam Baptist Church, P.O. Box 85, Putnam. Smith and Walker funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Robert J. O’Brien
PUTNAM — Robert J. “Bubba” O’Brien, 66, of Farrows St., died Sept. 24, 2018, at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London.
He was the husband of the late Diane (Gerardi) O’Brien. Born in 1952 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Thomas and Anita (Bourdia) O’Brien Sr.
Mr. O’Brien worked in construction, including paving. He enjoyed going to Dunkin’ Donuts, listening to the band “The Cars,” and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.
He leaves his son, Patrick O’Brien of Taftville; his daughter, Jennie O’Brien of N. Grosvenordale; his brothers, Thomas O’Brien of Canterbury and Michael O’Brien of Hamden; his grandchildren, Griffin O’Brien, and Tatina and Nathen Alicea; his stepchildren, Vicky and Christopher Blanchard; and his former wife, Cindy (Bessette) O’Brien.
The Funeral was private. Gilman and Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam.
Alice M. Biesiadecki
THOMPSON — Alice M. (Breault) Biesiadecki, 88, of West Thompson Rd, died Sept. 29, 2018, at home. She was the wife of the late Walter Biesiadecki. Born in 1929 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Felix and Rose Alma (Madaga) Breault. Alice was a graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Class of 1947.
On May 12, 1956, at Sacred Heart Church in Thompson Alice was united in marriage to Walter Biesiadecki. He died May 29, 2004. Mrs. Biesiadecki worked as a secretary at various local mills.
She was a member of the Thompson Historical Society where she was on the membership committee and photo preservation committee. She was also a member of the St. Joseph Bible study group. Alice enjoyed gardening, sewing, doing family genealogy, and spending time at Quaddick Lake.
She leaves a son, Thomas Biesiadecki (Junita) of Plainfield; two daughters, Jean Hershberger and her companion Scott Croft of Thompson and Karen Lamarre (James) of Dudley; eight grandchildren, Thomas, Lynn, Timothy, Jason, Barry, Steven, Xavier, and Christopher and five great-grandchildren, Justyn, Joshua, Travis, Emilie, and Collin. She was predeceased by an infant sister Lucille Breault.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Oct. 6 at St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Linda P. Litchfield
MOOSUP — Linda P. (Brissette) Litchfield, 72, of Sara Ln., died Sept. 24, 2018, at UMass Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of the late Peter L. Litchfield Sr. Born in 1946 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Theresa (Perreault) Brissette.
Mrs. Litchfield retired as a picker for Staples, Inc.
She leaves her sons, Peter L. Litchfield Jr. (Mary) of Salem, Scott S. Litchfield (Patricia) of Griswold, and Trevor E. Litchfield (Theresa) of Moosup; her brothers, Ronald Brissette of N. Grosvenordale, and Roger Brissette of Clearwater, Fla.; her sisters, Carol Briere of Putnam, Theresa Pelletier of Thompson, Cynthia Boucher of Thompson, Ann Pion of Webster, and Donna Hendrickson of Thompson; and her grandchildren, Colby, Clayton, Abby, Collin, Elizabeth and Katalina.
A Graveside Service was Oct. 2 in High Street Cemetery, Dayville. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Loretta S. Lucier
PUTNAM — Loretta (St. Rock) Lucier, 90, formerly of Alpha St., died Oct. 1, 2018, in Westview Healthcare Center from Alzheimer’s Disease. She was the wife of the late Alfred J. Lucier Jr. Born in 1927 in Wauregan, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Armeline (Duval) St. Rock Sr.
Mrs. Lucier was a graduate of Quinebaug Valley Community College where she earned her associate’s degree. She worked as an executive secretary for St. Mary Church, retiring in 1999 after 30 years. She was a member of the Aspinock Historical Society and Interfaith Stitchers. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting.
She leaves her son, Gary Lucier (Deborah) of Putnam; her daughter Bonnie Lucier of California; her grandchildren, Kyle Lucier (Sarah), and Ryan Lucier and his partner Meghan; and great-grandchildren, Adison Lucier, Quinn Lucier and Autumn Lucier. She was predeceased by her brother, Walter St. Rock Jr.; and her sister, Juliette Mandeville.
Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 5 at Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation. Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association.
Eileen Thyarion
PUTNAM – Eileen Marie Myra Thyarion, 60, of Five Mile River Rd., died Sept. 9, 2018, at Vibra Hospital in Leicester, Mass., after a long battle with cancer.
She was born Dec. 18, 1957, in Stoneham, Mass., daughter of the late Isabelle and James Myra. Growing up in Arlington, Mass., Eileen graduated from Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, with an associate’s degree. She worked in the mental health field for more than 20 years as a residential counselor. At various times she worked for the U. S. Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs, nursing homes, residential group homes and independent-living facilities, assisting people with mental health issues, particularly veterans and the elderly.
Eileen was a practicing Catholic and a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. She had a big heart and loved animals, especially her dog, Peace. She was also an enthusiastic amateur painter. Moving to northeastern Connecticut in 2007, Eileen lived in Putnam with her sister and best friend Patricia Gaffney. Together they were raising their nephew Cody Keene and niece Cora Rose Desrosiers. They called her “Auntie Buffy” and were her best buddies.
She also leaves her brother Stephen and his wife Ann, of Belton, Texas, her brother Thomas Myra (Cheri) of Burlington, Mass.; nephew Craig Myra (Corey) of Virginia; cousins; a dear friend, Carol Ann Sullivan of Scituate, Mass.
Following cremation, a graveside service and burial was Sept. 15 in the family plot in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, Mass. A Memorial Mass was Sept. 26 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Gaffey Funeral Home of Medford, Mass.
Grace Walp
DAYVILLE — Grace Walp, 76, of Ballouville Rd., died Sept. 18, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital. Born in 1942 in Sharon, Penn., she was the daughter of the late William and Grace (Gardner) Walp.
Mrs. Walp was a self-employed baker and a foster parent.
She leaves her grandsons, David “Josh” Kidd, Matthew Kidd, and Roger Maxwell Jr. She was predeceased by her daughter, Geraldine Morar.
Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam.
Hillary C. Young Jr.
PUTNAM — Hillary Charles Young Jr., 62, of Putnam died Sept. 27, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital.
He was the husband of Janet (Dragon) Young for 35 years.
He was born Nov. 2, 1955, in Augusta, Maine, son of Hillary C. and Barbara E. (O’Laughlin) Young Sr., of Bozrah.
He was a Communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam.
Hillary worked for Electric Boat for many years as operations supervisor and left a legacy at the shipyard.
He loved music, playing guitar and bowling.
He was an avid outdoorsman enjoyed fishing and camping.
He leaves his sons Hillary C. Young III, William J. Young, Robert J. Contois and Christopher J. Contois, all of Putnam, brother James P. Young (Rene) of Bozrah; grandchildren. He was predeceased by sister Barbara T. Young, grandparents William and Ethel O’Laughlin and Hillary J. and Elizabeth F. Young and uncle George E. Young.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 2 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery.
Donations: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.
Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
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caption:
‘Unexpected Guest’
Vincent Chaisson (Michael Starkwedder), Lucas Pereira (Sergeant Cadwallader), Sean Gardell (Inspector Thomas) star in the Bradley Playhouse’s “The Unexpected Guest.” Chris Atwood photo.
Knock, knock,
'unexpected guest'
PUTNAM — Summer is gone and the longer nights appear more mysterious. It’s time for the Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse to present its traditional autumn thriller. This year’s treat is Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest”, which opens Oct. 5 and runs for three weekends.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 21.Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for seniors and students.
Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887. Tickets may be purchased at the theater box office, either before the performance or at the door if available. Purchasing your tickets ahead of time is recommended.
The TNECT performance of “The Unexpected Guest” is co-directed by Kathleen Atwood and Scott Guerin. Vincent Chaisson appears as Michael Starkwedder and Alison Wiza is Laura Warwick. Other family members include Jo-Ann Gallo as Mrs. Warwick, Michael Pray as Jan Warwick and Mike Gallo as the deceased Richard Warwick. Valerie Coleman portrays Miss Bennett who runs the household and Nicholas Magrey returns to the Bradley as nurse/valet Henry Angell. Investigating the untimely death are Sean Gardell as Inspector Thomas and Lucas Pereira as Sergeant Cadwallader. Neighbor Julian Farrar is played by Jonathan Demers.
Agatha Christie fans know The Unexpected Guest will present a cast of very interesting characters who all appear to have a motive for the crime. Just who did it? She will keep you guessing until the very end and odds are you will guess wrong. You are sure to have a very interesting evening that will challenge your powers of deduction.
The Unexpected Guest opens as a stranger arrives at an isolated house in a dense fog after running his car into a ditch. He discovers a woman standing over the body of her wheelchair-bound husband. She admits to the murder and the guest helps her plan a cover story. Is it possible she didn’t do it after all, and if so, who is she shielding? The house seems full of possible suspects.
Wed. Oct. 3
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Library will present Art @ the Library, “Things, Stuff and The What Not” photography by Virginia Chase through Oct. 29. Reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 4.
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Nature’s Inspiration,” a photography exhibit by Aaron Bourque and Deborah Eccleston, through the end of October at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Thur. Oct. 4
History Program
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam will present “Tracing the Black Experience in Putnam” at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theater at Putnam High School.
Fri. Oct. 5
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present First Fridays --- Scandinavian-American Heritage from 6 to 9 p.m. around downtown Putnam.
'Unexpected Guest'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present a drama, "The Unexpected Guest" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 21 at the playhouse on Front Street. 860-928-7887.
Donations Sought
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will be collecting for the homeless and less fortunate from 6 to 10 a.m. at WINY radio station. The donations will go to Daily Bread and TEEG. Donations needed: Tarps, sleeping bags, tents, socks, hats, gloves and blankets and money. You can also mail a check made out to the Putnam Lions Club to: Putnam Lions, PO Box 535, Putnam, CT 06260.
Meatball Supper
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present a Swedish Meatball Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. eat in/takeout as part of Putnam’s 1st Fridays Scandinavian Celebration. Adults, $12; children 12 and younger, $5.
Sat. Oct. 6
Community Day
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The 15th Annual Thompson Community Day will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park on Rt. 12. 860-923-9440.
Book, Bake Sale
CANTERBURY --- The Friends of the Canterbury Public Library will hold a book sale and a bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Room. Sale opens at 8:30 a.m. for members. Memberships available at the door, at the Canterbury Library, or at: http://canterburylibrary.org/
Art Show
POMFRET --- The Walktober Weekend Art Show, Exhibit, Demonstrations and Fine Crafts and Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at the Historical Society in Pomfret on Townhouse Drive. 860-377-3718. Sponsored by NECTAG.
Arts and Crafts
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury will present the 8th annual FACES at FAHS Fine Art & Craft Exhibit and Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the society on N. Canterbury Road. The Finnish Hall archives, museum and library will also be available for touring and the kitchen will provide luncheon items for purchase. Free admission, handicapped accessible.
Fund-raiser Comedy
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Lions Club will present Spinnato’s Hypnotic Hysteria at 7 p.m. at the Thompson Raceway Restaurant. Doors open at 6 p.m. $25 at the door or in advance. Light refreshments, drawings.
Art Fest
SCITUATE --- The 52nd annual Columbus Day Weekend Scituate Art Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 .
Book Sale
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Public Library will hold a book sale to benefit the library and a cat café sponsored by PAWS Cat Shelter from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fund-raiser Race
POMFRET --- The 11th annual Abolish Breast Cancer 5k Race/Walk will be held at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Recreation Park. Registration is at 8. Walkers start immediately after runners. To register, info go to: abc5kct.com.
Auction
QUINEBAUG --- the VFW Auxiliary to Thompson Memorial Post 10088 will hold its 15th annual auction at the VFW Post Home on Rt. 131. Food at 5 and auction at 6. Benefits veterans and community programs.
Sun. Oct. 7
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Autumn Writer’s Workshop” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Concert
CHEPACHET The Music at the Meeting House at the Chepachet Baptist Church on Rt. 44 will present "Folk Meets the Classics" at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments follow. Free but a free will offering will be taken. chepachetbaptist.org.
Mon. Oct. 8
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Woodstock Town Hall large meeting room on the lower. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. Please check the town website www.woodstockCT.gov for current schedule or call 860-928-6595.
Wed. Oct. 10
Senior Info Fair
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Commission on Aging will hold a Senior Information Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Mary Church Hall on Providence Street. Flu shots will be available, bring your insurance card.
Thur. Oct. 11
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Bring binoculars and wear drab-colored clothing. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Oct. 13
Woodland Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will hold a Wildlife and Woodland Resilience Walk at Rocky Hill Refuge from 10 a.m. to noon at Rocky Hill Rd. Preregister by Oct. 12: 978-952-6856 ext. 121. MassConn Woods partnership & the Wyndham Land Trust. 1.5-mile level hike. Wear comfortable shoes and dress to avoid ticks.
Arts and Crafts
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage holds its 36th annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 13 and Oct. 14. Includes tours of the 1846 Gothic Revival house, live music, and food concessions. $5 for adults; Historic New England members and children under 12 admitted free. Rain or shine. 860-928-4074.
Bull Hill Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will hold a Walktober Bull Hill Preserve Hike from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bull Hill Rd., (off Senexet Rd. Drive to end of road to WLT gate. Parking by gate). N dogs. Easy couple miles.
Old Home Day
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Old Home Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Canterbury Green. Free admission, rain or shine. www.canterburyhistorical.org.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Walktober: Bafflin Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948.
Scarecrow Fest
CHEPACHET --- The Chepachet Grange is sponsoring its 2nd Scarecrow Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Main Street in Chepachet. There will also be music and food. Scarecrows are being made by individuals, churches, businesses, groups and organizations. Scarecrows will be set up and judged in the Pavilion with judging taking place between 11 a.m. and noon. Applications and info: Glocester Scarecrow Festival. com. Applications must be completed by Oct. 5.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Screech Owl Night Hike” at 7 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Bring camera. Rescheduled if inclement weather. $5 for CAS members; $25 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Mountain Bike Ride
HAMPTON --- The Quiet Corner Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association is holding free guided mountain bike rides starting at 9 a.m. at Goodwin State Forest as part of The Last Green Valley’s Walktober series. Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. Off-road bike and helmet are required. Rain date Oct. 14. www.facebook.com/QuietCornerNEMBA/ or
Coat Drive
DANIELSON/BROOKLYN --- The Knights of Columbus in Danielson and Brooklyn will be collecting clean, used winter coats for men, women and children and clean, used blankets and baby clothes in good condition from 1 to 4 p.m. at the parking lot at St. James Church, on Franklin Street in Danielson or the parking lot at Our Lady of La Salette Church, Rt. 6 in Brooklyn. 860-928-7241.
Roomful of Blues
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Academy and Putnam Bank will present Roomful of Blues at 7:30 p.m. at the Woodstock Academy Center for the Arts. Doors open at 6:30. For info, tickets, go to: WACenterforthearts.org.
Sun. Oct. 14
Blessing
WOODSTOCK --- The Blessing of the Animals will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at PAWS Cat Shelter on Rt. 171. No cost. Donations of pet food appreciated.
Tues. Oct. 16
Program
WOODSTOCK --- The Three C’s will present “Doktor Kaboom and the Wheel of Science” at 10 a.m. and noon at the Center for the Arts at Woodstock Academy on Rt. 169. Performances are for groups of 10 or more. $4 per person.
Sat. Oct. 19
Teen Weekend
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Road will hold a Teen Weekend from 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 to 9 a.m. Oct. 21. For teens 13 – 17. Bring your own pumpkin to carve. $50. Preregister by Oct. 9: 860-974-3379.
Sun. Oct. 20
Pumpkin Fest
PUTNAM --- The Great Pumpkin Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. around downtown Putnam.
Tackle Trail
DANIELSON --- QVCC will hold the annual Tackle the Trail fund-raiser 20-mile trail race. It’s open to individuals or up-to-five person relay teams. Race begins in Pomfret, ends in Willimantic. Runners enjoy a post-race party sponsored by Michelob Ultra. Register: www.qvcc.edu/tacklethetrail. No race day registrations. Benefits local students at QVCC.
Preserve Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will hold a Walktober Rapoport/Spalding Preserve Walk from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Calkins Rd, Please park respectfully at the end of Calkins Rd. - off Joy Road - by #129 Calkins Rd. easy 2-mile walk. Bad weather will cancel. Leashed dogs welcome.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 9 a.m. to noon at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Call 860-928-4948 to register and for a list of materials to bring.
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Local promoted
BOSTON — Seniorlink announced the promotion of Julie Carita of Putnam to District Manager of Its Caregiver Homes Boston Office
Carita brings decades of experience in care management for complex patients and their families, and advocates for family caregiver support and community-based care programs statewide.
Carita brings more than 20 years of healthcare operations experience in Massachusetts to the expanding Boston district. In her previous role as District Manager in the Worcester branch of Caregiver Homes, she was responsible for overseeing the safety and care of elders in their homes and communities by managing and balancing strategic, operational, and financial needs.
“I look forward to serving families in the Boston area and to support family caregivers committed to caring for their loved ones at home,” said Carita. “It is an honor to be part of the Caregiver Homes Team and partner with the many agencies and programs in the Commonwealth to ensure that residents receive quality care at home.”