Rotaract Club
donates to
Particle
PUTNAM — The 11th Annual Particle Accelerator received a donation of $2,500 from the Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club’s 2nd Annual Cornhole Classic.
“Particle Accelerator is dedicated to raising awareness for suicide and depression, and community partnership is critical to achieving that mission,” said United Services President/CEO Diane Manning. “We are grateful to the Rotaract Club for supporting Particle and United Services through their Cornhole Classic and helping to spread the message of hope in our community.”
The QVR Rotaract Club is a community service and professional networking organization for young professionals, ages 18 to 35, in northeastern Connecticut. The Rotaract Club’s Cornhole Classic, held June 3, featured 30 teams competing at the Thompson Speedway.
Rotaract Club President Mallory Moreau said each year the club chooses a non-profit or an event that has a positive impact in our local community to support, and this year it was a “clear choice in selecting Particle Accelerator.”
“The event and mission work in perfect harmony of Rotaract’s commitment to Service above Self,” Moreau said. “We know the funds we raised will go far in supporting Particle Accelerator to raise awareness and fund supports for mental health locally in such a timely manner.”
Particle Accelerator benefits United Services’ Mental Health First Aid Training, a public education initiative that helps the public identify people in the midst of a mental health crisis more readily and get them the resources
and professional help they need before they harm themselves or others.
The festival also aims to provide information and support for depression and suicide prevention, while promoting music and civic engagement as a healthy alternative to drug and alcohol abuse among young adults.
The Rotaract Club joins United Lens, The Savings Institute Bank & Trust, Wheelabrator, Byrnes Agency and Cannery Music Hall as top sponsors of this year’s event.
The concert is organized by Putnam residents Jack and Grace Young and Eric and Sandy Gould with the help of many volunteer artists, bands, sound and lighting technicians and many others. Terry and Sarah Paquette, owners of The Stomping Ground on Main Street in Putnam, joined the event as honorary chairpersons this year.
The festival is held in memory of local musician Jack Young Jr.
On dean’s list
WORCESTER — The following local residents were named to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute dean’s list for the spring 2017 semester: Yu-sen Wu of Danielson, a member of the class of 2017 majoring in robotics engineering and mechanical engineering; William Bourgeois of Woodstock, a member of the class of 2018 majoring in actuarial mathematics.
Magic Visit
Residents and patients of Westview Health Care Center in Dayville were treated to an afternoon of awe and bewilderment when Master Magician, Brian LaPalme visited. He captivated the audience with his own style of gaffs, laughs and magic that he has honed meticulously over the course of his 41 years of performing.. He said, “I love magic and it’s not just my vocation, it’s my avocation and passion. “Mr. LaPalme is an amazing illusionist and a well-seasoned performer,” said David T. Panteleakos, administrator. Courtesy photo.
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High Honors
Putnam American Legion Post #13 Commander Ronald P. Coderre, left, was named the Connecticut Legionnaire of the Year from State Department Commander Louie Robinson. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — The American Legion Department of Connecticut honored Mayotte-Viens Post #13 Commander Ronald P. Coderre at its 99th Department Convention July 8, naming him as the Legionnaire of the Year.
The award, which is the highest honor accorded a Legionnaire in Connecticut, is based on the activities of the individual and the outstanding and unusual service performed by the member to the American Legion during the previous year. The award was presented by State Department Commander Louie Robinson.
“This gentleman is the backbone of his Post. He is intimately involved in his Post’s activities and works closely with all of his members in determining the vision of the Post. This is a highly deserved honor,” said Robinson.
Coderre is a U.S. Air Force veteran. He served as a radar operator on remote Aircraft Control and Warning stations from 1959 to 1965 during the Cold War and Vietnam era. He’s been a member of the American Legion since 1983. He assumed the position of Post commander two years ago and was recently inducted for his third year.
During his tenure the Post membership has grown from 94 to 143 members, the second largest percentage increase in American Legion 4th District. He’s also assisted the Post in organizing a number of new activities and community projects.
This year the Post presented its first scholarship to a veteran attending Quinebaug Valley Community College in addition to presenting a scholarship to a Putnam High School student. The Post also supported two veterans’ families over the holiday season as well as bringing gifts of clothing and toiletries to the Homeless Veterans in Jewett City.
“The award came as a total surprise. I am most humbled to receive this prestigious honor. Much of the credit for this selection goes to the membership of our Post, which has projected us as a viable organization in the greater Putnam community,” said Coderre.
Coderre, who is a graduate of Assumption College, was honored last year by the Department of Connecticut with the Louis E. Molinaro plaque as the most outstanding Post Commander in the state. He was recently elected as the junior vice commander of the 4th District. He also serves as the National liaison to Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy.