Let’s face it, we all need to go and because we all need to go on a regular basis during an active life, sometimes, we need to go at non-convenient moments. Convenient moments of go-ing are defined by having access to a clean bathroom at the ready. Non-convenient go-ing is when you have to seek out a bathroom and, depending upon the severity of the need to go, maybe just a secluded spot. Over my many years and travels, I have gone in some interesting places and spaces. I have learned that the definition of clean varies depending upon your location as well as the toilet seat height, with a Western toilet being “sit” worthy and many others around the world requiring the user to “squat” quite low. Simply stated, my need to go has lead me to experience things I may not have otherwise experienced and to meet people I may not have otherwise met…
During one of my first European trips, I discovered that service stations off the highways were very convenient places to go, and although they typically cost about .70 euros each, they are always clean. On one particular occasion, I realized, upon entering the highly amenity-filled service station, that I didn’t have change for the bathroom, but rather than panicking, I figured that our purchases would yield us the change necessary to use the facility. Unfortunately, for my change, the cashier handed me back Euro bills and a mere 20 cent coin. Luckily, at this particular service area, the use of the restrooms turned out to be free. There was, however, a restroom Service Lady at the entrance door, making sure that not only were the restrooms tidy but also that her “tips” bowl had a visually prominent location.
As is often the case, my husband had a shorter wait and was able to complete his task while I was still waiting. Without a coin for a tip in his pocket and sort of motioning for me to take care of it, I watched him walk right past the Service Lady and head to the car. I thought about how I should handle my lack of change issue: I didn’t want to drop a $10 Euro in the bowl and fish out change but if my husband had just walked by without even a look of disdain from the Service Lady, surely my 20 cent tip was going to be better than his nothing.
After successfully go-ing and departing the restroom, I nicely smiled at the Service Lady and gently deposited my meager coin into her tip bowl.
I’m not sure how many steps I had taken before I heard someone shrewdly yelling at me from behind. Of course, the yelling was in a language I was not entirely familiar with and so it took me a bit longer to realize that the loud sound behind me was coming from the Service Lady who was chasing me and aggressively waving something in her hand.
In the end, I didn’t need to understand her language as I knew she was publicly shaming me about my insult of leaving her only 20 cents. She threw it back at me. I wasn’t sure why she gave me back the 20 cents and yet, offered no insult to my husband who hadn’t left her anything, but with tears in my eyes, I quickly stuffed the coin in my pocket and practically ran to the comfort of our car, wanting nothing more than to make a quick exit.
After relaying my story to my snickering husband, I learned, rather emphatically that, if you’ve gotta go in Europe, make sure to carry a $1 Euro coin in your pocket. ALWAYS ALWAYS
Kathy Naumann, possessor of NATURALLY curly hair and the understanding that you can’t control everything!
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Wed. Sept. 19
Golf Tourney
DANIELSON --- The 26th QVCC Foundation Golf Tournament at CT National Golf Course will be held today. . To sponsor or register your team call 860-932-4063. No event day registrations. Benefits local students at QVCC.
Fund-raiser Dining
DAYVILLE --- Dining for a Cause will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pub99 in Killingly Common to benefit PAWS Cat Shelter. Pub99. Drawings planned --- get your drawing flyer will be posted on PAWS FB page or at Paws Cat Shelter, on Rt. 171, Woodstock.
Wed. Sept. 19
Exhibit
The Spirol Gallery at Quinebaug Valley Community College will present Art Meets Engineering through Sept. 30.
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. Sept. 20
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Walk at 8 a.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Bring binoculars and wear drab colored clothing. Meet in parking lot. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at Matulaitis Rehab & Skilled Center. 1-800-RED CROSS.
Sat. Sept. 22
Positively Pomfret
POMFRET --- Positively Pomfret Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Recreation Park on Rt. 97. Vendors sought: Visit www.pomfretct.gov/recreation for a form.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Banding at 9 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sun. Sept. 23
Day of Peace
PUTNAM --- The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council (GPIC) will be holding its annual International Day of Peace event at 2 p.m. at the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Auditorium on Church Street. Entrance is in the rear of the building. The "traveling" Peace Pole will be present (looking for a new home for next Year). Address by Pastor Charles F. Seivard of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in N. Grosvenordale. All welcome. 860- 455-8144.
Mon. Sept. 24
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.
Thur. Sept. 27
Trivia Challenge
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will hold a fund-raiser Trivia Challenge at 7 p.m. at the Crossings Restaurant downtown. It benefits Homeless of NE CT.
Sat. Sept. 29
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Banding at 9 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Book Sale
MANSFIELD --- The Friend of the Mansfield Library will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Mansfield Public Library on Rt. 89. Benefits the library.
Coat Drive
PUTNAM --- The Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus will be collecting clean, used winter coats for men, women and children and clean, used blankets and baby clothes in good condition from noon to 3 p.m. in the parking lot behind St. Mary Church of the Visitation on Providence Street. 860-928-7241.
Sun. Sept. 30
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bull Hill Bird Walk at 8 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Antique Appraisal
CANTERBURY --- The Federated Church of Christ in Brooklyn on Rt. 169 is sponsoring an Antique Appraisal Fair from 2 to 5 p.m. Appraisers will appraise up to three items for $5 apiece. Equipment will be on hand to identify metal content in jewelry without harming the piece.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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. Pre-register 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.
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.
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.
Harvest Fair
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present its Harvest Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 26
Trick or Treat
PUTNAM --- Trick or Treat on Main Street will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.
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ROCKY HILL — A Putnam woman, Rita M. Barylski, was named the American Legion Auxiliary Eastern Division National vice president for the 2018-2019 year.
Members across the country joined together at the 98th National Convention to install their new National officers in Minneapolis.
Barylski was elected Aug. 29 as one of five National Vice Presidents. Her region will cover all of New England, plus New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and the District of Columbia. The American Legion Auxiliary is the country’s largest women’s patriotic organization.
She joined the American Legion Auxiliary, Mayotte-Viens Unit #13 in 1968 becoming Unit president in 1986. Rita continued becoming District President and earning District President of the Year in 1990. In 1994/95 she became Department of CT President. Upon completion of her term she went on to become the Department Secretary/Treasurer from 1995 to 2011.
Rita is excited to represent Connecticut and the National Organization as she visits the states in her region to bring information on serving our heroes, especially women veterans.
Volleyball
team back to winning
ways
The Woodstock Academy volleyball team won its last 20 matches last season.
That streak was ended by RHAM in the Class L state championship.
The Centaurs have picked up where they left off this season.
After a season-opening, 3-2, victory over East Lyme the week before, the Centaurs reeled off another close 3-2 win over Waterford Sept. 10 and followed that up with a pair of 3-0 victories over Ledyard and Plainfield.
The Centaurs had to come back in both of their first matches after trailing East Lyme, 2-0, and Waterford, 2-1, in those matches.
“The silver lining I can take out of that is that last year, or any previous year, if that had happened early in the season, it would have been lights out for us. It showed early on in the season that we’re a team that can fight, that can hang in, and we can win those tough matches. That’s a huge positive,” said Woodstock Academy coach Adam Bottone.
Bottone expected Waterford to be a tough match for a couple of reasons.
Not only are the Lancers pretty good, but they brought their ‘A’ game.
“A lot of schools around the state are looking at us as a perennial powerhouse. We lost Caroline Eaton, but we return most of our hitting power, most of our defense, our setter. We have some girls with a lot of experience out there on the court and when teams come to play us, they expect they will lose, and they have the mindset of ‘What do we have to lose?’ We have to come into every game prepared and mentally tough,” Bottone said.
The Centaurs did that Sept. 12 against Ledyard.
After two close battles to open the season, the Woodstock Academy volleyball team finally had a little breathing room Sept. 12.
The Centaurs jumped out to an easy win in the first set and rode the momentum to the three-game sweep of the Colonels.
“There is less stress,” coach Adam Bottone said with a laugh in regard to the three-game sweep. “I think the big difference was that our defense was a lot better. Things we worked on (Tuesday) transferred to the game which doesn’t happen too often or, at least, as quickly as we want it to so that was good.”
The Centaurs, behind six kills from Natalie Low and four from Paula Hernandez won the first set with ease, 25-6.
Bottone wasn’t ready to call it the best set of the season thus far.
“That was the cleanest set so far this season. Energy-wise, maybe not, but when you breakdown the technique, the technical aspect, it was the best set this year,” Bottone said.
Hernandez, who finished with 16 kills, didn’t get her first until late in the first set, but when she did, it was impressive.
She got off to a running start and delivered a fast ball into the center of the Ledyard defense that no one touched.
“It felt awesome,” the junior said. “It was a perfect set.”
That set was delivered by senior Sammie Orlowski who finished with 34 assists.
“We have a connection and we know what each other wants to do before we start a game. I’m really happy to have Sammie because we couldn’t do anything without her,” Hernandez said.
The Centaurs, much to Bottone’s chagrin, relaxed a little and Ledyard took advantage, making it much closer in the last two sets, won by the Centaurs 25-15 and 25-23.
“When we got up a little in that second set, they started goofing around a little on the court, laughing and joking around. I think the focus came off of playing the game and doing the things we needed to do and we began to think it was in the bag and let’s relax a little. I addressed that between the second and third sets,” Bottone said.
The third set was even closer because Bottone substituted liberally.
“While those girls may not play a lot, it’s important for them to get playing time, because if we need them, they have to be ready to go. The game experience is huge,” Bottone said.
Bekah Wesler had 17 digs for Woodstock.
The Centaurs then rolled to their fourth straight victory over the Panthers Sept. 14.
Hernandez led the way with 15 kills while Low added 12.
Orlowski helped those kills with 16 assists while fellow senior Emma Green had 12.
Wesler, who started in place of Maddy Gronski, who is under the weather, for a second straight game finished with 12 digs.
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director
The Woodstock Academy
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