Wed. Jan. 3
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present its Winter Art Show featuring local artists from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays through mid-January at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present Art @ the Library’s “As I See It: Multimedia Works” by Kate Gilman-Alexander through Jan. 27. There will be a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 8. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org

Fri. Jan. 5
Fish Fry
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a Friday fish fry from noon to 8 p.m. Prices vary. 860-923-2967

Mon. Jan. 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 lower level meeting room. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome.  860-315-5175

Garden Club
S. WOODSTOCK --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club will present “How to Grow Microgreens” at 7 p.m. at the S. Woodstock Baptist Church. Nonmembers are asked to make a $5 donation to attend this program.  www.quietcornergardenclub.org

Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Breeding Bird Atlas Project - Introduction" at 7 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948. Snow date Jan. 9.

Tues. Jan. 9
Blood Drive
DANIELSON --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at  Quinebaug Middle College, Upper Maple Road. 800-RED CROSS.

Veterans Program
DANIELSON --- The Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse will present Andrea Truppa of the Danielson Probate Court with a program about voluntary conservatorships about 9:15 a.m. at the coffeehouse at 185 Broad St. The coffeehouse opens at 9.

Fri. Jan. 12
Teen Weekend
POMFRET CENTER --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp will hold its Winter Teen Weekend from 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 through 9 a.m. Jan. 14 at the camp on Taft Pond Road. For teens 13-17. $50. Preregister by Jan. 5. 860-974-3379.

Fish Fry
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a Friday fish fry from noon to 8 p.m. Prices vary.  860-923-2967

Tues. Jan. 16
Veterans Program
DANIELSON --- The Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse will present Wayne Simmons of Clear Captions with a program about telephone captioning at about 9:15 a.m. at 185 Broad St. The coffeehouse opens at 9.

Wed. Jan. 17
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Library Friends will present “Intro to Online Genealogy: Google” at 3 p.m. at the library. Registration encouraged. 860-928-3475.

Thur. Jan. 18
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Bird Walk at 1 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Fri. Jan. 19
Fish and Steak
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a steak and fish dinner from noon to 8 p.m. Prices vary. 860-923-2967

‘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. through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.

Sat. Jan. 20
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Owl Walk" at 7 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Depends on weather. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Acorn Adventure
WOODSTOCK --- The Last Green Valley’s Acorn Adventure: Eagle Eyes, will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Roseland Park.  Children and their families are invited to join The Last Green Valley’s Chief Ranger Bill Reid and Ranger J.P. Babineau to experience just how big a bald eagle’s wings are, how huge their eyes are compared to the size of their heads and other fun facts.  Bring binoculars or a spotting scope if you have them. Sponsored by Putnam Savings Bank.

Library Program
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Public Library will present “ Sharon Yang, Author of Letter from a Dead Man and Bait & Switch” at 11 a.m.

‘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.

Sun. Jan. 21
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. Reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 21. 860-928-4948.

‘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.

Mon. Jan. 22
Film Series
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center and the Town of Pomfret's Green Team will present "Tapped 2009" at 6:30 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948. Snow date Jan. 23.

Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Library Friends will present “Robert Frost Lunch with Avery Tillinghast & Pomfret Library Friends” at noon at the library. Registration encouraged. 860-928-3475.

Wed. Jan. 24
Farm Protection Program
ASHFORD --- Protecting Family Farms and Forest will be presented from 7 to 9 p.m. at Knowlton Memorial Hall, 25 Pompey Hollow Road. TLGV is partnering with Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), Connecticut Farmland Trust, MassConn, and the Ashford and Willington Conservation Commissions for this workshop to help landowners determine whether they want to ensure some or all of their land remains open space permanently. Free.

Fri. Jan. 26
Fish Dinner
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a Friday fish fry from noon to 8 p.m. Prices vary.  860-923-2967

‘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.

Sat. Jan. 27
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Nature Sketchbook Journaling" from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. CAS members, $10; nonmembers, $20. Call to register: 860-928-4948.

‘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.

Sun. Jan. 28
‘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.

Mon. Jan. 29
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Library Friends will present “Women’s Self-Defense with Kristin Duethorn” at 6 p.m. at the Pomfret Historical Society’s Old Towne House. Registration required. 860-928-3475.

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.

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.

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.

Wed. March 28
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three C's will present “Freedom Train” for grades 3 to 9 at the former Hyde Cultural Center. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wed. June 5
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three C’s will present “Nugget and Fang” for grades K-3 at the former Hyde Cultural Center. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Golden
Lamb
closes after
55 years
BROOKLYN — After thriving for more than a half century, the venerable Golden Lamb Buttery closed after its traditional New Year’s Eve celebration, according to owner Katie Bogert. No reason for the closing was given.
It was founded in 1963 by grandparents Bob and Virginia “Jimmie” Booth.
Movers in the world of high fashion, Mr. Booth had been president of Amalagamated Textiles Ltd., and Mrs. Booth was a buyer for G. Fox and Lord & Taylor. Together they operated Hillandale Handweavers, producing fine woolens and custom suits produced by a proprietary PhotoMetriC system that used a carefully positioned series of mirrors, tape measures and a camera so that one single photograph would show all angles, resulting in perfectly tailored garments without the inconvenience of time- consuming fittings, alterations, and adjustments.
The weaving business began to flourish, often drawing customers from several hours away. With few nearby choices for dining, Bob and Jimmie decided to open a restaurant called the Golden Lamb Buttery in the great barn and adjoining art studio which lay at the heart of their 1,000-acre family farm. Jimmie presided over the decorating and cooking, with Bob as congenial host, hayride driver/raconteur, and general manager. The term “buttery” recalled buying trips Mrs. Booth made to England and Ireland, where she visited unique small restaurants that served only a limited menu.
Lunches were served either on the deck or in three eclectically decorated dining rooms. In 1972 the Golden Lamb Buttery began serving prix fixe dinners on Fridays and Saturdays, with reservations essential. The dinner menu, always recited, usually featured four main courses, each with a multitude of starters and side dishes.
Herbs, vegetables, and fruit were grown throughout the seasons in gardens, raised beds, and a greenhouse. Guests were invited to stroll around the property during their visit to the farm, which was also home to five donkeys, three sheep (named Parsley, Rosemary, and Sage), and several cows.
Many employees were long-term employees. Customers were also known for their extreme loyalty: the gentleman known as “Customer Number One” from opening day in 1963 remained a regular patron well into his 90s, passing away recently.
Summer theater at the Golden Lamb was a long standing tradition begun in the early 1970s with the Providence Art Theater company doing outdoor productions of Shakespeare. This was followed by Sarah Caldwell, who brought members of her Boston Opera Company to the barn. In the 1980s the Northeast Repertory Theater Company presented many shows, including a memorable production of “The Fantasticks.” Theater in the Barn continued with light comedies led by Chip Lamb, Susan’s husband.
Beginning in 2009 the Golden Lamb Buttery served Easter dinner, Mother’s Day brunch, and Thanksgiving dinner. Fridays and Saturdays evening in December featured an a cappella costumed madrigal group. This elite honors ensemble featured students from Griswold high School under the direction of Ray Churchill.
The Golden Lamb Buttery received outstanding critical acclaim in both print and broadcast media.
Owner Katie Bogert explained that following the New Year’s Eve closing, the future of the Golden Lamb Buttery site remains uncertain. However, she emphasized that the overall rural ambiance will remain unchanged, as the 1000 acre estate, which has been in the Booth family since the early 1940s, is protected farm land consisting of open pastures, beautiful stone walls, woods, and a pond.

PHS girls
take Clipper
Classic
By Shawn Bates
Dec. 26
Boys
The Putnam Clippers (3-0) came out shooting on opening night of the Clipper Classic against Ellis Tech with Sebastian Ramos scoring 12 of his team-high 16 in the first quarter. He led the Eagles 18-8 and then much of the same from Ramos to go into half time with a 36-17 lead. The Clippers came out in the second half and pressed Ellis for the remainder of the game to go on to a 73-48 win to advance to the finals of the annual tournament. Scoring leaders for Putnam Tyion Harris and Colby Livingston chipped in 10 a piece Anthony Navedo 8  pts Connor Holloman and Aiden Ciqueia would add 7 each. For Ellis, Nico Cummings 14 pts and Jamie Talbot 12 pts.
Girls
The Lady Clippers (3-1) took on Windham Tech in the first round of the Clipper Classic and cruised to a 69-29 win. Putnam came out in a press and forced 12 Windham turnovers to jump out to a 16-4 lead and then went on a 14-2 run to go into the half with a 33-16 lead. Putnam would not look back for the rest of the game to advance to the tournament finals .Scoring leaders for the game Ashley Burke and Kayleigh Lyons netted 17 pts each and Freshman Alex Hutchins 16 pts. For Windham Marissa Shirshac would lead the team with 22 pts of the teams 29 pts.
Dec. 27
Girls
Girls: The Lady Clippers (4-1) down by 5 pts with 4:41 on the clock in the fourth quarter would come back and win the Clipper Classic for the first time in five years. Down the stretch the Clipper defense would force some crucial turnovers and would capitalize to win 52-49 over the Killingly Redgals. Scrappy defense key rebounds and some clutch free-throws down the stretch helped the Clippers to hoist the Classic trophy to a large crowd in the two-year old Gym.  Scoring leaders for Putnam: Ashley Burke 14 pts, Molly McKeon 10 pts and Alex Hutchins and Kaleigh Lyons with 8 pts each. Killingly (1-4) Kylee Mazzarella had a game-high 15 pts, Julie Trafaconda 14 pts and Reagan Morin 10
Boys
The Clippers (3-1) were handed their first loss of the season by the Killingly Redman (3-0). The Redman would come out and outscore the Clippers 14 to 9 in the first and would keep the pedal down to win the Clipper Classic 60-37. S Sebastian Ramos would score to 13 to lead all Clippers and Mitchell Barylski would have 8 pts to add. For the Redman Luke Desaulnier 18 pts and Alex Fontaine 10 pts
Dec. 29
Girls
The Lady Clippers ended their holiday week perfect with another home win against St. Bernard‘s on a chilly afternoon. The Ladies held the Saints to 16 points in the first half while Putnam tallied 31 to go into the half with the lead. The second half would be more of the same for the Lady Clipper with them outscoring the Saints in the remaining two quarters. Putnam’s Defense was too much for the Saints to handle and it showed with some sloppy play and a lot of intercepted passes that led to some easy early buckets for the Clippers. Scoring leaders for Putnam Ashley Burke 17 pts, Victoria Dias 16 pts, Alex Hutchins 9 pts and Molly McKeon 7 pts. For the Saints: Lindsey Clement 13 pts, Emily Nelson 12 pts and Brianna Beverly 8 pts
Boys
Putnam (4-2) would host the Indians of Montville (1-5). This would be another possible opponent for next year’s ECC schedule. The first two minutes of the game Putnam would force two turnovers and quickly got on the board with a 5-0 lead but Montville would settle down and would gain the lead back quickly and would not look back with a 72-42 win over the Clippers.