Mildred I. Grous,
Air Force vet
PLAINFIELD — Mildred I. (Kent) Grous, 81, formerly of Third St., died Jan. 24, 2018, at Westview Healthcare. She was the wife of the late Raymond Grous. Born in 1937 in South Brunswick, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Eleanor (Colburn) Kent.
Mildred was a veteran of the post-Korean war time, serving with the U.S. Air Force from 1955 - 1959.
Mrs. Grous worked for many years in the housekeeping department at UConn.
Mrs. Grous enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers, doing crossword puzzles, and playing cribbage. Mildred was a devoted member of the Plainfield Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses.
She leaves a son, Davis Grous of Moosup,; two daughters, Cynthia Robb (Steven Gencarelle) of Moosup and Donna Athorne of Central Village; a brother, Lenny Kent and a sister, Beverly Hawkes; 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by five siblings.
Funeral arrangements and cremation by Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Michael T. Tuchsen,
Air Force vet
DANIELSON — Michael T. Tuchsen, 64, of Danielson, died unexpectedly Jan. 20, 2018.
He was born on Jan. 28, 1953, in Albany, Calif., son of the late Richard and Patricia (Flanagan) Tuchsen. Michael was the spouse of Robert R. Fafard since Nov. 2, 1999.
Michael enlisted with the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and was honorably discharged in 1975. He retired from AT&T as a computer programmer and in his later years he worked for Home Depot in Lisbon. His happiest time was spent with his grandchildren throwing parties. Michael was a very generous person and would dress up as Santa Claus for children and for Home Depot passing out candy at Christmastime. Michael was an Eagle Scout and loved the outdoors, fishing. They lived in California, Oregon, New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Besides his spouse Robert he leaves his grandchildren Hallie, Emma, Gavin and Zoey; stepdaughter Bobbie-Jo Fafard; stepson Joseph Alfred Fafard; sister-in-law Debbie Tuchsen of Oakley, Calif. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Tuchsen.
Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
David M. Bernard
WOODSTOCK — David M. Bernard, 48, of Dugg Hill Rd., died Jan. 23, 2018, at the Hospital for Special Care. Born in 1969 in Putnam, he was the son of Jude and Nilda (Rivera) Bernard.
David earned his associate's degree in manufacturing and engineering from Thames Valley Community College. He worked for many years as a high-stakes dealer at Foxwoods Resort and Casino.
David was a gentle soul, who loved his family and was always willing to extend a helping hand. David was the mixer in the family Doughboy business, and was widely known at the fairs for making the best dough in the family. He also enjoyed gardening, games, and rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots. David saw the good in all people; helping them wherever he could.
He leaves his parents; two brothers, Jude A. Bernard Jr. of Palm Springs, Calif., and Stephen J. Bernard (Agnes) of Windham; two sisters, Virginia E. Sharpless of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Lisa M. Hart (Martin) of Pomfret; nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 29 in St. Stephen Church, Quinebaug, with burial in the spring in Elmvale Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Barbara D. Martin
PUTNAM — Barbara (Hebert) Martin, 81, of Sabin St., died Jan. 27, 2018, in Worcester. She was the wife of the late Wilfred E. Martin. Born in 1936 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late Euclid and Stastia (Czechowski) Hebert.
Mrs. Martin worked as an LPN for Day Kimball Hospital for 30 years. She enjoyed walks on the beach, vacations in Maine, puzzles and playing with her grand-dogs.
She leaves her daughters, Brenda Senecal (Glenn) of Putnam, and Sharon Stasko (Gerald) of Webster; her son, Kevin Martin (Pamela) of Killingly; her grandchildren, Derek Martin, Adam Przystas (Heather), and Andrew Senecal; and her great-granddaughter, Laurana Przystas.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 1 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: East Coast Canine Rescue, P.O. Box 387, Pomfret, CT. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Bernice Donovan
NAUGATUCK — Bernice Donovan, 91, recently of Naugatuck, died Jan. 26, 2018, at Bridgeport Hospital.
Bernice was born Dec. 29, 1926, in Waterbury, oldest daughter of the late Walter and Harriett (Slason) Veillette Sr. She lived most of her life in Bridgeport before moving to Putnam for 20 years. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts and sewing, and was an avid genealogist.
She leaves her children: Kathleen Donovan, Robert Donovan, Patricia Champagne and Richard Donovan; grandchildren: Christopher (Rebecca) Champagne and Eileen (James) Mayo, and great-grandchildren: Brayden, Grayson, and Adysen Champagne and Mackenzie Mayo; a sister, Alice Wolfe; nieces and nephews. Bernice was predeceased by her daughter, Elizabeth A. Donovan, and two brothers, Walter Veillette Jr. and Howard Veillette Sr.
The Funeral was private. The Riverview Funeral Home, Shelton.
Raymond E. Weiss
N. GROSVENORDALE — Raymond E. Weiss, 76, died Jan. 9, 2018.
He was born in Webster, son of the late Raymond and Theresa (Millette) Weiss and lived in N. Grosvenordale most of his life. Raymond managed the Tilcon Asphalt Plant in Wilsonville till the plants closing.
He leaves his son Marc Weiss (Tracy) of Holland, N.Y.; a granddaughter Leah Weiss of Cheektowaga, N.Y.; his companion and caregiver Anne Bayer of N. Grosvenordale; a brother Robert Weiss of Gunnison, Colo.
Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Sarah Harriott
CANTERBURY — Sarah L. (Auger) Harriott, 43, died Jan. 9, 2018, at Hartford Hospital, Hartford.
She was born in Putnam, daughter of the late George and Linda (Coman) Auger and lived in Canterbury for the past 12 years prior to that living in Pomfret. She was a hairdresser working at the Central Village Golden Shears. She loved the beach and collecting shells.
She leaves a sister Rebecca Auger of Killingly; her dear friend Katherine J. Blake of Central Village.
Services will be held later. Donations: Woodstock Cat Shelter or to the charity of donor’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Vicki Williams
THOMPSON — Vicki Williams was born in Putnam and died Jan. 11, 2018.
She retired from Drake Petroleum in 2015.
She was vibrant, caring, honest, trustworthy, funny person. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, watching movies, spending time by the ocean and taking her grand nephew Conor to feed the horses. She will be remembered for her bright smile, contagious laugh and her beautiful eyes.
She leaves husband Stanley (Stosh) Malek; her sister friends Jeanne Priest, Jane Donovan and Sandy Wheele;, nephew Justin LeDoux; niece Amber LeDoux, great nephew Conor LeDoux; sisters Robyn LeDoux and Donna Armstrong; and mother Carol .She was predeceased by her memere Rosamond Chapdelaine, brother Daniel Williams and father Joseph Williams.
A celebration of life will be held this summer. Donations: TEEG of Thompson. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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caption:
Back on Stage
Brother and sister, Tim and Mackenzie Deary, are heading back to the big stage on April 7 and 8 for a reprisal of Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion’s famous duet, “The Prayer” in Broadway Live’s upcoming show ‘The Conncert’. Courtesy photo.
WOODSTOCK — Tim and Mackenzie Deary will reprise the Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion’s famous duet, “The Prayer” in the Broadway Live’s upcoming show, The Conncert April 7 and 8.
The Conncert performances will be performed at the Center for The Arts at The Woodstock Academy. For more details and ticket information can be found at www.theconncert.com.
Having performed in numerous Broadway Live musical productions over the past 18 years, Tim and Mackenzie are no strangers to the stage. Most recently Tim performed in “Broadway Live … 2015” where he sang “Run Freedom Run” from the Broadway musical “Urinetown” among other hits. As a French teacher at Pomfret School in Pomfret, he continues to use the stage as an outlet to express his love of culture, life and music.
Mackenzie Deary recently completed her master’s degree in public policy at the University College London. She has been involved in musical theater since her debut as Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at the young age of 5. “It is an honor to once again be performing “The Prayer” alongside my brother, Tim, because the song has such a deeply profound significance to our entire Deary family,” said Mackenzie.
Executive Co-Producer David T. Panteleakos said, “We are thrilled that Tim and Mackenzie are appearing in this benefit concert for the YMCA. They are both very talented and gifted performers; and the fact that they are bringing ‘The Prayer’ back to the Broadway Live stage is a real treat.”
Broadway Live...The Conncert, is a musical performance featuring over 30 regional vocalists, accompanied by a 16-piece orchestra, benefitting the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center. With regard to the YMCA’s credo based on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, The Conncert is a musical production centered around performances arranged and performed by local families and individuals.
Wed. Jan. 31
Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Trail Wood Reflections: Writer & Artist In-Residence Exhibit" through Feb. 25 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Thur. Feb. 1
Exhibit
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Friends of the Library will present Art @ the Library, “Watercolors by Adolph Rutkin” from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28 at the Thompson Public Library. The opening reception will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org
Fri. Feb. 2
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
‘Duck Day’
EASTFORD --- At 7:30 a.m. the “Duck Day ALTERNATIVE to Groundhog Day” will happen at the Ivy Glenn Memorial on Rt. 198. Scramble the Duck has successfully predicted six weeks of weather for the past four years. Come see if he is accurate again. Scramble also predicts sports outcomes. Assisting Scramble will be three Torcellini brothers: Micah, Isaac and Benjamin. To predict the weather, Scramble emerges from a model of the Ivy Glenn building and proceeds down a red carpet where he will tell us whether the next six weeks will bring more cold or more warmth. The boys wear top hats and formal dress in honor of the occasion.
Sat. Feb. 3
Run/Walk
POMFRET CENTER --- The 4th Annual February Freeze 5k Run/Walk family-friendly race will start at 1 p.m. at Parsons Lodge, Pomfret School, on Rt. 169. Snow date: Feb. 4. $25 per runner. Benefits the eighth grade Pomfret Community School Washington, D.C. trip. Register: lightboxreg.com/february_freeze_2018.
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will hold a winter tracking hike from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Canterbury. $50 CAS members; $60 nonmembers. Registration required. 860-928-4948.
Sun. Feb. 4
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the camp on Taft Pond Road. Tour, registration materials available. Early bird discounts available through Feb. 28.
Mon. Feb. 5
Garden Club
S. WOODSTOCK --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club will present “How to Grow Microgreens” at 7 p.m. at the South Woodstock Baptist Church. Free to club members; $5 donation for nonmembers. www.quietcornergardenclub.org
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 lower level meeting room. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. 860-315-5175.
Tues. Feb. 6
Veterans
DANIELSON --- State Representative Anne Dauphinais will be at the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse at 185 Broad St. Danielson to make a Bronze Star presentation to local U.S. Navy veteran Alan Joslin. Alan earned the Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam. The guest speaker will be Deborah Steignaier a U.S. Army veteran and founder of Well-Being for Warriors. The coffeehouse opens at 9 a.m.
Veterans Program
DANIELSON --- The Danielson Evening Veterans Coffeehouse will present musical entertainment by Richard Young and Seamus McCalium at St. John Lutheran Church on Wauregan road. Coffeehouse opens at 7 p.m.
Sat. Feb. 10
Potato Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Boy Scout Troop 21 will hold a baked potato buffet fund-raiser from 5 to 7 p.m. in the downstairs hall of St. Mary Church on Providence Street. $5 for potato, toppings and dessert, coffee or tea. Eat in or take out. The Easter Bunny will be there! 860-928-7241.
Uniform Drive
PUTNAM --- The Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 21 need uniforms. If you have all or part of any used Boy Scout uniforms in good condition, please bring it to St. Mary Church basement, from 5 to 7 p.m. 860-928-7241.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will present “Cold Weather Survival: Fire Building 101” from 10 a.m. to noon at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $3 for CAS members; $7 no members. 860-928-4948.
Fire & Ice
PUTNAM --- The Fire and Ice Valentine's event will be held from noon to 10 p.m. in downtown Putnam.
Sledding Day
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society's Laskiainen /sledding day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Finnish Hall on N. Canterbury Rd. Includes lunch. $2. Event will be held regardless of snow.
Library Program
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Public Library will hold a Valentine Story and Craft for children ages 3 plus at 10:30 a.m. Register your child by Feb. 3, 860-974-0125 or email
Sun. Feb. 11
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will present “inter Nature Writing Workshop” from at 2 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Feb. 17
Camper Game Day
POMFRET --- The Windham Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond road will present Beat the Winter Blues Camper Game Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s for boys and girls, ages 6-12. Lunch and snack provided with games, crafts and more. Bring outdoor gear and a sled if there is snow on the ground. $15/child. Register by Feb. 9. 860-974-3379.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will hold a winter tracking hike from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a location to be announced. $50 CAS members; $60 nonmembers. Registration required. 860-928-4948.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will present “Owl Walk” at 7 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Feb. 24
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sun. Feb. 25
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will kick off “Trail Wood Reflections: Writer & Artist In-Residence Exhibit” with a closing reception and readings at the center from 2 to 4 p.m. Free. 860-928-4948.
Mon. Feb. 26
Film Series
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center and the town of Pomfret Green Team will present “Generation Zapped” at 6:30 p.m. (snow date: Feb. 27). at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5. 860-928-4948.
Sat. March. 10
Benefit Dinner
PUTNAM --- Putnam Ford Inc. will sponsor its 20th annual Spaghetti Dinner/Dance to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life at the K of C on Rt. 12, N. Grosvenordale. Cocktails at 6; dinner at 7. $25 donation. Limited seating 860-928-2731.
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In 2018 the Putnam Business Association is ready to celebrate “Mill Town Mosaics: Cultural Heritage of the Quiet Corner” during the popular First Fridays series that runs on the first Friday night of each month from May through October.
Mosaics, a “pattern produced by arranging together many small pieces,” certainly describes residents and communities of northeastern Connecticut. Many current residents are a product of our small mill towns, with a mosaic of roots and deep memories extending to Canada, Poland, Greece, Finland, and other parts of the globe. The memories and traditions are shared within families, and with friends and neighbors as the community mosaic grows.
With the 2018 season quickly approaching, the First Fridays committee is launching the annual First Fridays poster contest in search of a poster to represent the theme. Artists of all ages are encouraged to create a 16” x 20” full color poster (portrait orientation) to represent the Mill Town Mosaics. The winning entry will encompass the season’s theme with originality. The poster will be reproduced as the cover of the First Fridays Program, which will have thousands of copies printed and distributed throughout the region and at the events. The winning artist will be awarded a $250 cash prize and will be featured in the program. Entries will be accepted at WINY Radio, 45 Pomfret St., Putnam, until the deadline of March 23.
The First Fridays monthly events will take a closer look at particular cultures while enjoying the overall mosaic that creates community connections and supportiveness, especially while having a big party! Join in each month. Expect to dance! The monthly focuses will be: Polish-Americans on May 4th, African-Americans on June 1st, French Canadian-Americans on July 6th, Greek-Americans on August 3rd, Native-Americans on September 7th, and Scandinavian-Americans on October 5th.
The First Fridays committee admits that it was next to impossible to choose only six cultures to highlight this season when there are many more to celebrate. This could easily lead to another full season of cultural celebrations for a future First Fridays season!
Don’t forget the added bonus in October when the wildly popular Zombie Fashion show will return. Zombie costume possibilities are endless with our cultural mosaic theme! Imagine Heidi the Scandinavian Zombie, or a Paul Bunyan Zombie? Find your inner zombie, create and come dressed in costumes inspired by your own family history and make it a frightfully fun evening!