QVCC student
helps in
Puerto Rico
DANIELSON — Ke Sherman, a student at Quinebaug Valley Community College, took a break from his studies on Sept. 29 to board a Connecticut Air National Guard C-130H cargo plane and head to Puerto Rico to help in the relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
Sherman, a senior airman, was one of 10 guardsmen from the 103rd Airlift Wing deployed to help plan and organize air transportation activities, such as loading and unloading personnel and cargo, delivering food and water, and medical evacuation. They joined another contingent from the 103rd who had arrived earlier to assist in establishing and maintaining communications equipment.
Stationed at the Puerto Rican Air National Guard base outside San Juan, alongside units from Missouri, Kentucky, and Georgia, Sherman spent a month on the island working 12-hour days to help with the arduous recovery process.
The amount of destruction and debris was overwhelming. “I have never seen such devastation,” said Sherman. “The forests and trees were gone, windows blown out, buildings flattened. Almost no electrical power. People lost everything.” Parts of the island were covered in eight feet of water. The surrounding ocean was contaminated, and a smell of sewage hung in the air.
While Sherman said the recovery teams are working day and night to unload and deliver food, water, and supplies, it will take many years for Puerto Rico to recover from the crisis.
Sherman, who lives in Putnam, is studying Advanced Manufacturing Technology at QVCC, hoping to catch up on what he missed during his deployment so he can complete the program and graduate in December.
His month in Puerto Rico was “a humbling experience for me,” he said, that has made him look at things from a different perspective.

Dean’s list
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Two local students were named to the Champlain College Dean’s List: Shannon Eber of Danielson and Dylan Grube of Eastford.

Honored
NASHVILLE — Coleen Solitro of Woodstock qualified for the Fall 2017 Dean’s List at Belmont University.

Takes part
WILLIMANTIC — The theatre program at Eastern Connecticut State University presented the holiday classic “Little Women”. Among the participants was Emily John ’18 of Woodstock Valley, who was the stage manager. John majors in theatre.

DAYVILLE — The month of December has been a perpetual celebration of all things Christmas for the patients and residents of Westview Health Care Center.
Beginning with a holiday craft bazaar Dec. 1, the days were coordinated by the facility’s Recreation Department to celebrate the splendor of Christmastime in fun and imaginative ways.
Residents and patients partook in card making, cookie decorating, jewelry making and games such as Christmas Jeopardy and Holiday Trivia.
Numerous carolers visited the facility including members of the Danielson Elks, TMHS Modern Music Ensemble, Putnam Science Academy students, Woodstock Academy’s Tri-M Music Honor Society, Boy Scout Troop 27, as well as carolers from Crossway Church and Creation Church.
The month-filled festive activities culminated Dec. 22 with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus who helped dispense gifts to the residents and patients of Westview during the annual Christmas Party.
“Our Recreation Department, under the direction of Louise Taylor, has been coordinating a myriad of activities and events during this joyous holiday season,” said David T. Panteleakos, administrator.
“Not only do they make it look a lot like Christmas throughout the halls and rooms, but more importantly they made it feel like Christmas during the weeks leading up to Christmas day.”