caption:
Vanya
The cast of Bradley Playhouse’s production of “Vanya & Zonia & Masha & Spike” at a dress rehearsal. The production opens June 30 and runs for two weekends. Courtesy photo.
'Vanya'
starts June 30
PUTNAM — The Bradley Playhouse on Front Street continues its 2017 season with Christopher Durang’s 2013 Tony award-winning play “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike.”
This zany Broadway comedy opens June 30 and runs for two weekends. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. June 30, July 1, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. July 2 and 9 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. All seats are reserved. Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887.
Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia are living a quiet life of self-reflection in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up, while their sister Masha, a popular movie star, travels the world. The comic wheels are set in motion when Masha returns with her boy-toy Spike in tow, and their psychic cleaning woman Cassandra issues ominous warnings about their future. And so begins an unforgettable romp that builds to a fever pitch of rivalry, regret, and racket.
This hilarious mash-up of themes and characters from Chekhov’s plays, set in the present in eastern Pennsylvania, will sure to entertain all. It is a savvy comedy about a family reunion gone awry, which will surely hit a funny bone with everyone as they recognize their own family dynamics (as well as themselves!) in the story.
Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike, directed by Carole Hayes features Tom Stokes as Vanya, Lisa Mielnicki as Sonia, Brenda Jenkins, as Masha, Sharon Starr as Cassandra, Aiden Laliberte as the “Boy-Toy” Spike and Larissa Bailey as the young star struck neighbor, Nina.
Honored
Donna Grant and Earl Rosebrooks received Paul Harris awards at the Putnam Rotary Club induction night June 20. Linda Lemmon photo.
Wed. June 28
Fun Run
THOMPSON --- The West Thompson Dam Fun Run is on Wednesdays through Sept. 13. It will be held at the West Thompson Dam Entrance on Ravenelle Road. Start time is 6:15 p.m. Distance is 3.1 and 1.44 miles. The Fun Run or walk is free and is open to everyone. Free T-shirt once three events are completed. Details: mayer.robert @sbcglobal.net. This year’s events will be held in memory of Ryan French who died in January.
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Nature’s Canvas – photography by Nancy L. Barrett” through the end of July at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. 860-928-4948.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Library will present Art @ the Library Spring Awakening by Simone Germain through June 29.
Thur. June 29
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bull Hill Bird Watch/Hike at 8 a.m. starting from the center on Day Road. $5 for members; $3 for non members. 860-928-4948.
Trivia Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will hold a Trivia Challenge at 7 p.m. at The Crossings Restaurant. The charity that night will be Young Marines. All welcome.
Movie Series
WOODSTOCK --- The First Congregational Church of Woodstock Board of Outreach and the Bracken Memorial Library at Woodstock Academy will present “Loving” at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodstock Academy Auditorium, 57 Academy Road. Free and all welcome. Discussion follows and light refreshments served. “Profiles in Color: Breaking Barriers” series (presented under public performance site license number 87152-1).
Fri. June 30
Comedy
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike”: at 7:30 p.m. June 30, July 1, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. July 2 and 9. $20 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. 860-928-7887.
Twilight Lawn Concert
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage will present The Blackburns—classic rock with an eclectic spin, at 7 p.m. at the cottage on Rt. 169. Bring a picnic. Cosponsored by Historic New England and Woodstock Recreation. Free. 860-928-4074.
Sat. July 1
Fireworks
PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam’s fireworks display and concert will be held in the plaza parking lot behind Jade Garden on Kennedy Drive. Billy Pilgrim plays at 7:15 p.m. and the fireworks display is at 9:15 p.m./dusk. PHSAAA sports drawing. Rain date July 2.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a nature sketchbook journaling program from 9 a.m. to noon at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers. Call 860-928-4849 to register and for list of materials to bring.
Acorn Adventure
LEBANON --- The Last Green Valley’s Ranger Marcy’s Acorn Adventure will present a Patriotic Parade to Celebrate Independence from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Lebanon Historical Society on Rt. 87. March, visit the free museum to dress up in historic outfits, pitch tent and shoot a musket, enjoy exhibits, snacks, stickers. All welcome. Sponsored by Putnam Bank. 860-774-3300.
Tues. July 4
Happy Birthday, USA!
Parade
WILLIMANTIC --- The 32nd annual WILI July 4th “BOOM BOX PARADE” begins at 11 a.m. at Jillson Square in downtown Willimantic.
Jamboree
E. WOODSTOCK --- The 61st Annual Jamboree will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on East Woodstock Common. A silent auction, attic treasures, and the book tent will open at 9 a.m. Chicken barbecue begins at 11:30 a.m. and lasts until the last bite is gone. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. www.eastwoodstockchurch.org
Wed. July 5
Senior Meeting
PUTNAM --- Putnam Commission on Aging will meet at 6 p.m. at the Bulger Apartments Community Room on Woodstock Avenue. All welcome.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- Art @ the Library will present nature photography by John Rivera at the Thompson Public Library through July 28. There will be an opening reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 10. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org
Fri. July 7
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present its First Fridays event from 6 to 9 p.m. downtown. Discoverputnam.com.
Sat. July 8
Breakfast-Open House
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Independent Fire Company will host a complimentary breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. for Eastford residents. Open house is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ww.thompsonpubliclibrary.org
Pets Can Drive
CANTERBURY --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans to help homeless and needy animals from noon to 4 p.m. at Canterbury Cones on Rt. 169. Dry cat food always needed, Purina brands preferred. Cash donations always welcome. 860-317-1720.
Experience Eastford
EASTFORD--- A town-wide day of family fun will be held in Eastford on July 8th including a Heritage Day Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastford Elementary School with Birds of Prey, Climbing Wall, Bulb Swap, Bounce House, Contests, and more; an Open House at the Eastford Independent Fire Company from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Grand Opening of the Eastford Historical Society Museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; a Vintage Car Show at Bowen's Garage from 9 am to noon; a Craft Fair at Coriander Café from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a tour and talk at the General Lyon Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.; and a Frog Jump Contest at the Congregational Church starting at 5. All events are free and open to the public.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present Whip-poor-will walk at 8:45 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Bring a small flashlight or headlamp. $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers. 860-928-4849.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present Full Moon Hike at 7:30 p.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4849.
Sun. July 9
Tag Sale
PUTNAM --- The B'nai Shalom Tag Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Congregation B'nai Shalom, rain or shine on the synagogue grounds on Church Street. 860 928-5409.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present Second Sunday Walk at 2 p.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4849.
Mon. July 10
Blood Drive
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will be hosting its annual Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m. in the Community Room of town hall. 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Thur. July 13
Movie Series
WOODSTOCK --- The First Congregational Church of Woodstock Board of Outreach and the Bracken Memorial Library at Woodstock Academy will present “Hidden Figures” at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodstock Academy Auditorium, 57 Academy Road. Free and all welcome. Discussion follows and light refreshments served. “Profiles in Color: Breaking Barriers” series ( license number 87152-1).
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present Evening Bird Walk at 6 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4849.
Sat. July 15
al Fresco
PUTNAM --- "Sophisticated Lady" al fresco will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rotary Park. Free.
River Fire
PUTNAM --- River Fire will be presented from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Rotary Park. Rain date is July 16. Free.
Sun. July 16
Farm Tour
THOMPSON --- The Last Green Valley will present Farmers in the Valley Tours with Ice Cream and Bluegrass from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fort Hill Farms Thelastgreenvalley.org.
Wed. July 19
Rug Exhibit
DUDLEY --- The Pearl K. McGown Northern Teacher’s Workshop will present a rug exhibition from noon to 7 p.m. at the Nichols College.
Thur. July 20
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Library Friends will present a free event, “Abandoned Villages and Ghost Towns of New England” with Tom D’agostino at 7 p.m. at the Pomfret Historical Society’s Old Towne House. No registration required. www.pomfretlibrary.org
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Induction
American Legion Post #13 of Putnam recently inducted its officers for the 2017-2018 year. Left to right: Perry Caldwell, 4th District commander; Victor Kratz; Sean Hendricks; Charlie Leach; Roger Franklin; Marc Coderre Sr.; Eric Quinn; Brian Maynard; Alan Joslin; Ronald P. Coderre, commander; and Sean Connolly, Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam conducted its installation of officers for 2017-2018 June 23. The evening also included the induction of officers for the Sons of American Legion Squadron as well as recognition of individuals from the Post and community for outstanding service.
The induction ceremony of Post officers was administered by Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Sean M. Connolly. Ronald P. Coderre was installed for his third term as post commander. American Legion 4th District Commander Perry Caldwell of Post #26 Stafford Springs was on hand for his first official visit to a District Post during his one-year tenure.
“It’s an honor to be selected by our members to serve another year as commander. I’m looking forward to continuing the good works and programs that our members have done in the past decade. We have a great group of men and women who work very closely together in all that we do,” said Coderre.
Officers include: Alan Joslin, senior vice commander; Brian Maynard Jr., vice commander; Eric Quinn, finance officer; Marc J. Coderre Sr., chaplain; Roger C. Franklin, adjutant; Charlie Leach, historian; Victor J. Kratz, sergeant-at-arms; Norman “Barney” Seney, service officer; and Sean Hendricks, judge advocate.
Commander Coderre administered the oath to the incoming team of officers of the Sons of American Legion. The Squadron Commander is David Coderre Sr., vice commander; Earl Rosebrooks, adjutant/finance officer; Arthur Corey, junior vice commander/chaplain; William McKevily.
“Our Post theme for this year is “Together for Veterans, Community and Country. We’ll work closely as a Post with the new team of Squadron officers,” said Coderre.
In his remarks Coderre highlighted the goals for the coming year, which include increasing membership beyond 150, completing the ‘banner project’ that is currently underway, hosting incoming National Commander Denise H. Rohan in Putnam on her visit to Connecticut and involving the Post membership in a significant community project.
Outgoing Jr. Vice Commander Albert L. Cormier was honored as the Post’s Legionnaire of the Year. Cormier, a longtime local educator, serves as the chairman of the Children and Youth Committee, overseeing the scholarship program, the oratorical contest, Americanism activities and Boys’ State selection. He’s also active in programs for veterans and Post fund-raising activities.
Post milestone certificates were presented to members achieving five- and 10-year levels. Recognition was accorded to three Putnam High School juniors, Scott Davagian Jr., Tyler Fitts and Justin Haynes who were selected to attend Boys’ State at Eastern Connecticut State University.
Zulma Montalvo, a veteran attending Quinebaug Valley Community College, and Jozzlynn Lewis, a Putnam High School graduating senior, were presented academic scholarships. Pam Brown, who is retiring as the Veteran Services Coordinator at Quinebaug Valley Community College, and Linda Colangelo of Putnam were presented the Commander’s Award. The two women were recognized for their support of veterans and Post #13 programs. Putnam Police Chief Rick L. Hayes received the Post’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for his dedication and work in making the Putnam Police Department one of Connecticut’s outstanding “community policing’ departments.
Arthur “Buster” Corey, long time Squadron Leader of Post #13 Sons of American Legion, and Post members Victor J. Kratz and Barbara Smith were honored for their service to the Post.
It was also noted that Post #13 will be honored at the upcoming Department of Connecticut convention in early July. The Post has been selected to receive the Arthur E. Daly Plaque recognizing its work in all phases of its Americanism programs and the initiation of a Homeland Security program. It will also receive the John N. Roberto Plaque presented to the Post that shows the greatest participation and work on promotion of Patriotic Observances and Americanism in schools, community.
American Legion Post #13 is composed of men and women veterans who have served in our country’s military during a time of war. Post 13 meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, with the exception of the months of July and August, in the conference room at Gerardi Insurance. For more info, call 860-928-6772.