Rene Camille Provost,
Vietnam war vet
LEESBURG, Fla. — Rene C. Provost, 79, of Leesburg, died April 26, 2018, after a brief illness. He had lived in Florida for the past 15 years, but spent most of his life in Connecticut.
Rene was born in Canterbury to Joseph and Theresa (Mailloux) Provost. He graduated from Killingly High School in 1956. Rene was a retired officer with a distinguished history of service in the Connecticut Army National Guard. He enlisted in the Guard in 1955 at the age of 17 and became an officer in 1960. In 1962 he worked in the Corps of Engineers with the 250th Engineer Company in Danielson, and became the company commander of the 249th Engineer Company in Putnam three years later. He volunteered to serve in Vietnam in the Army’s 65th Engineer Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division from 1967-1968 and returned to the CT National Guard after the war. He was the Post Commander at the National Guard training camp in Niantic from 1969-1979. In 1981, he became commander of the 192nd Engineer Battalion, and later assumed command of the Troop Command Unit in New London. He retired with the rank of Colonel.
Rene loved golfing and fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He was also an avid UConn women’s basketball fan and was a basketball referee in Connecticut for many years.
He leaves his wife, Rosalind; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Josh Krell; daughter Pamela Provost; grandson Aaron Krell; brother-in-law Arthur “Bucky” Rickey (Gerri); sisters and brothers Paulette (Marvin) Sawyer, Paul (Rosalie) Provost, Jackie Walker, Joseph Provost, and Jeanne (David) Carpenter. He was predeceased by his parents; sister Pauline Peloquin; brother Richard Provost.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. May 18 Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, with a funeral at 11. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Danielson. Donations: Disabled American Veterans 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Ruth H. Blanchette
BROOKLYN — Ruth H. Blanchette, 89, of Brooklyn, died May 8, 2018, at home.
She was born Jan. 29, 1929, in Brooklyn, daughter of Michael and Vera (Copeland) Harrington. She married Gerard Blanchette on Nov. 23, 1946, in Brooklyn. He died April 1, 2008.
She was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson. She worked as an assembler for 39 years at Arrow-Hart. Ruth enjoyed gardening, traveling throughout the U.S. with her husband Gerard and she was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and a NASCAR fan.
She leaves her brother Michael Harrington of Brooklyn; her sister Alice Hartman of Whitinsville, Mass.; her nephews Bradley Harrington (Amy) of Brooklyn, and Mark Harrington (Dawn) of Brooklyn; her sister-in-law Linda Blanchette of Brooklyn; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Paul Harrington, Royal Harrington and Howard Harrington and her sisters Agnes Staskiutch and Frances Clark.
The Mass of Christian burial was May 11 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial at South Brooklyn Cemetery in Brooklyn. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Patricia M. Lawrence
DAYVILLE — Patricia M. Lawrence, 78, of Dayville, died May 7, 2018, at home. She was born Aug. 2, 1939, in Saranac Lake, N.Y., daughter of Arthur and Delia (Rule) Miller. She married Henry Therrien and they were together for 40 years.
Patricia worked for the local mills all of her life until retirement. She loved gardening, cooking, shopping on QVC and gambling.
Besides her husband Henry she leaves her daughter Lori Lawrence; granddaughter Chelsea Lawrence and Melissa Lawrence (Josh); great-grandchildren Bryson, Spencer Nicholas and Kaylee; siblings Rose Golden, Howard Miller, Henry Miller and Jack Miller. Patricia was predeceased by her son Delbert Lawrence and her brother Keith Miller.
A Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. June 2 at her home, 259 Hartford Pike, Dayville. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Lemieux Service
PUTNAM — Arthur Lemieux, 87, of Moosup, died Jan. 13, 2018, at Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center after an accident at home in November. He was born in Dudley, son of the late Philias and Suzanne (St.Cyr) Lemieux. He was a carrier at the Putnam Post Office and was president of the local NALC Chapter. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He leaves his wife, Lillian; son Philip, daughter-in-law Cheryl; stepsons Dean and Tim Verranault, stepdaughters Cheryl (Stanley Jr.) Klick and Michelle Gutierrez; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers John and David (Jane); sisters Jacqueline (Donald) Wallen and Rose (Paul) Bernier. He was predeceased by his first wife Ann (McKenna;, brothers Joseph and Robert; sisters Theodora Perrone, Helen Dawicki, Theresa Turenne, Beatrice Seraphin, and Rita Czernicki.
A memorial service was Feb. 3. Burial with military honors will be at 10 a.m. May 21 at St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam.
Jessica L. Shaffer
PUTNAM — Jessica L. Shaffer, 33, formerly of Nichols St., died peacefully Sunday morning, May 6, 2018. Born in 1984 in Putnam, she was the daughter of Christopher Shaffer of Putnam and Nancy (Sponcey) Shaffer of Bozrah.
Mrs. Shaffer worked as an inspector at Loos Company in Pomfret. She enjoyed motorcycle riding, collecting suns, moons, and stars, and tie dying.
Jessica leaves her parents; two daughters, Lily McKay and Brook McKay; and a son, Chevy McKay all of Massachusetts; two sisters, Jenilee Galarza of Killingly and Julia Feser of Arizona; paternal grandfather, Robert A. Shaffer of Woodstock; and maternal grandfather Omar Sponcey of Thompson. A Celebration of her life is being planned for the near future. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Stephen Rechner, a 1977 graduate of Woodstock Academy, has been named School-Related Professional of the Year by New York State United Teachers during the union’s annual convention held recently in Buffalo. Rechner is also a 1993 graduate of NYU Stern School of Business and has worked as an administrative aide in the School of Law’s Lawyering Program since 1986. He is a longtime union activist on the NYU campus and serves as president of the Union of Clerical, Administrative and Technical Staff at NYU.
Rechner was recognized for his work on behalf of education professionals who provide support and leadership in school districts and on college campuses across the state. Rechner, who is also a member of NYSUT’s statewide Board of Directors, has been an active unionist for nearly 30 years. He has been the lead negotiator for several successful UCATS contracts and, in the early 1990s, led the fight for domestic partner benefits for all NYU employees. His parents, Joan and Stephen Rechner, live in Woodstock.
Wed. May 16
Artist Show
POMFRET --- The Northeast CT Art Guild is having an Artist's show through May 31 at the Vanilla Bean Café. Art is available for purchase. Free. All welcome during restaurant hours. www.NECTAG.ORG
Art Exhibit
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present Art @ the Library --- Thompson Spring Student Art Showcase through May 29. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon at Pomfret Center will present “Focus on Birds: Featuring David Stumpo & Nancy Barrett” through May 31 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Thur. May 17
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon at Pomfret Center will present “Bull Hill Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Carpool to Bull Hill. $7 for CAS members; $12 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Incredible Edible Arts & Crafts” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Festival
WILLIMANTIC --- The Willimantic 3rd Thursday Street Fest will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Main Street. Free parking, free admittance (donations accepted), free, live entertainment!
Fri. May 18
Denim and Diamonds
PUTNAM --- The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Denim and Diamonds fund-raiser at the Connecticut National Golf Course. 860-774-8001.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon at Pomfret Center will present “Afternoon Bird Walk” at 5 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Film Screening
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon at Pomfret Center will present the comedy, “The Big Year,” film at 7 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948.
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Aubuchon Hardware. 1-800-RED CROSS.
Book Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church will hold a book and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. May 18 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 19 in the church basement.
Sat. May 19
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon at Pomfret Center will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 9 a.m. to noon at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Call 860-928-4948 to register and for list of materials.
Church Supper
DANIELSON --- The Westfield Church on Main Street will hold a BBQ Chicken Supper from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. $12 for adults; $8 for kids 10 and younger. Eat in or takeout. WestfieldUCC.org/Eat
Chicken BBQ
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society's annual Chicken BBQ will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Finnish Hall on Rt. 169. $12. Takeout available at 3:30. 860-480-3648.
Chicken BBQ
PUTNAM --- The Knights of Columbus on Providence Street will host a chicken barbecue from 5 to 7 p.m. $15. Eat in or take out. Benefits Boy Scout Troop 21 Summer Camp Fund. For tickets: Joseph’s Jewelers in Putnam, or call (860) 928-7241.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon at Pomfret Center will present “90 Bird Day” from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $20 for CAS members; $35 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Chicken BBQ
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society's annual Chicken Barbecue will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Finnish Hall on Rt. 169. All welcome. $12. Takeout available starting at 3:30. 860-480-3648.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon at Pomfret Center will present “Baby Birds Up Close” at 2 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $3 for CAS members; $7 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
BBQ Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- There will be a chicken barbecue from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Providence Street. $15. Eat in or take out. Benefits Boy Scout Troop 21 Summer Camp Fund. Tickets: visit Joseph’s Jewelers in Putnam, or call (860) 928-7241.
Wheels for Meals
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The 7th annual TEEG Wheels for Meals – Ride to Feed Kids, will be held today, beginning at 15 Thatcher Road. 15-, 35- and 60-mile rides. $40 registration for this fund-raiser. www.wheelsformeals-rideforkids.org
Book Sale
CANTERBURY --- The Friends of the Canterbury Public Library will present a book sale and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Room at Town Hall. http://canterburylibrary.org/
Rabies Clinic
CANTERBURY --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, is holding a low cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Canterbury Fire Station on Rt. 14. No appointment necessary. $12 cash per animal. All animals must be on a leash or in a secured carrier. If available, bring prior proof of rabies vaccination. 860-317-1720.
Sun. May 20
Book Sale
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Lions Club Craft Fair and Book Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Roseland Park. Benefits Lions’ community service activities, including vision screenings and assistance for vision problems. Free admission. https://www.facebook.com/WoodstockLions/
Healing Service
PUTNAM --- A Christian Healing Service will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Philip’s Church on Grove Street. Prayer teams available. Service includes praise and worship music at a celebration of the Eucharist. 860-928-3510.
May Breakfast
CHEPACHET --- The Chepachet Baptist Church will host a May Breakfast at 9 a.m. at the church on Rt. 44. Free will donation.
Mon. May 21
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.
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Meditation for Total Wellness” at 7 p.m.
Tues. May 22
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Experiments with Light” at 4:30 p.m.
Fri. May 25
Blood Drive
POMFRET CENTER--- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Pomfret on Rt. 169. 1-800 RED CROSS.
Wed. May 30
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Genealogy Workshop” at 3:30 p.m.
Thur. May 31
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Writing Workshop: Love and Heartbreak” at 7 p.m. at the Old Town House. Register at pomfretlibrary.org.
Victorian Days
WILLIMANTIC --- Willimantic Victorian Days will be held May 31 through June 3. Music, history, tours. victorianwillimantic.org
Trivia Challenge
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions will sponsor a Trivia Challenge at 7 p.m. at the Crossings Restaurant. Benefits the Special Olympi
Runnings sets
grand opening
PUTNAM — Runnings on Rt. 44 will host a grand opening celebration May 16 through May 20. Throughout the week, there will be storewide discounts, fun events and over $25,000 in prizes given away.
“A lot of work has been put in by a lot of people to get the store ready to open,” said Donovan Lee, store manager. “It’s all worth it when we see the reaction of customers walking in the store for the first time. Extremely positive reactions.” Store hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Runnings, a 70-year-old general merchandise retailer, opened the Putnam store in April. A new store in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, was also recently opened and will hold a grand opening on the same days.