WOODSTOCK — A free summer movie series open to the local community is set to begin at the Woodstock Academy Elizabeth S. Hyde Arts Center Auditorium. Titled Profiles in Color: Breaking Barriers, the series will focus on recent award-winning films that explore race relations in society, followed by a facilitated discussion.
The event is co-sponsored by the Board of Outreach of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock and Woodstock Academy Library. After each screening, a discussion will be led by members of the congregation who have been trained as Racial Justice Ministry Facilitators by the Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ. Light refreshments.
The series kicks off at 6:30 p.m. June 29 with the screening of “Loving” (PG-13). The movie “traces the lives of Richard and Mildred Loving, as they fight for their right to marry and find themselves at the center of one of the most important Supreme Court cases of the ‘60s by virtue of falling in love, getting married and having children.” The facilitators for the first evening will be Lynn Davis and Charlene Swanson.
“Hidden Figures” (PG) will be screened at 6:30 p.m. July13. “Hidden Figures” tells the story of a talented group of young women of color who are instrumental in getting NASA off the ground. Discussion following the film will be led by Debby Kirk and Rev. Jocelyn Gardner Spencer.
“42: The Jackie Robinson Story” (PG-13) will be the final feature film, shown at 6:30 p.m. July 27. Amazon review states “42 is a poignant film that has some unexpectedly witty moments, and viewers can expect their emotions to run the gamut from shame, helplessness, and rage to the awakening of inspiration and empowerment to continue to effect change and eradicate discrimination... Watch it—and make sure to include your teenagers in the audience.” Katy Field and Katie Wells will lead the discussion.
“The Board of Outreach is committed to providing public opportunities for open and frank discussion of complex topics,” said Lynn Davis, Board of Outreach co-chair. The Rev. Jocelyn Gardner Spencer, pastor of First Congregational Church of Woodstock, said, “Because we believe that every person is made in God’s image, we hope to help our communities understand the ongoing role of race in our society, and to inspire one another to build a more just world for all God’s people. Please join us!”
A special thanks to Woodstock Academy Library for serving as host for this important series. All films are presented under public performance site license number: 87152-1.
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A Hit
The NOW Equipment Dig was a hit with many kids (and dads) throughout the weekend. Photo courtesy of Sarah Mortensen.
THOMPSON — The NOW Touch-A-Truck returned for its third year of family fun and fund-raising June 10 and 11 June 11 at the Thompson Speedway. The event saw crowds braving the heat for two days of activities, including an interactive display of 50 trucks and equipment, a youth mud run, equipment rides, a bounce house, face painting, and more. Proceeds from the event will support NOW scholarships and programs in the 10-town area of northeastern Connecticut.
The Touch-A-Truck began in 2015 as a free event featuring heavy equipment for children of all ages to climb and explore. In 2016 the event moved to the Thompson Speedway and grew into a fundraiser, with many more trucks and equipment on display. For 2017, the event expanded to include new attractions intended to engage families.
Reflecting the organization’s mission of promoting youth wellness, NOW partnered with Green Valley Crossing to host the “Tuff Buddy,” a mud run obstacle course designed exclusively for children. The course consisted of 12 elements with volunteers available to lend a helping hand at each obstacle. Children received free T-shirts courtesy of Deary’s Gymnastics, Deary’s Gym Supply, Byrnes Agency, Deary Bros. Mike’s Stand, Church Street Storage, and Cargill Chevrolet. The East Thompson Fire Department also assisted by hosing off the Tuff Buddy participants after their muddy run through the obstacle course.
Another new attraction was a chance to ride on four pieces of real construction equipment, including a bulldozer, loader, and two excavators. For a fee, children and parents were invited to climb in the cab of each item and dig in the dirt, assisted by a licensed operator. The result was an over-sized sandbox and a one-of-a-kind experience for participants.
Other activities included a bounce house, tethered balloon rides in the Re/Max hot air balloon, face painting, games provided by the New England Dairy & Food Council, and displays by the Natchaug River Young Marines, Boy Scout Troop 21, WPTP Football, Griffin Youth Hockey, and the Woodstock Middle School Playground Committee. At Saturday’s event the Killingly Brooklyn Rotary Club offered Amber Alert registrations for families.
In addition to the many activities available, the Touch-A-Truck featured an impressive display of vehicles. Many local businesses supported the event by lending their equipment to NOW for the weekend, including: Rawson Materials & Rawson Development, Jolley Concrete, Reynolds Logging, Lavallee Construction, Dalmik Well Drilling, Whitehouse Transport, Kahn Tractor & Equipment, Sunset Nurseries, K&S Harvesting, Dowgiewicz Construction, Central Construction Industries, Fort Hill Farms & the Farmer’s Cow, Earthworks Excavating and Landscaping, and many more. The Touch-A-Truck also saw participation from the National Guard, Connecticut State Police and Putnam Police Department and multiple local fire departments including East Putnam and East Killingly.
The event was made possible by the generosity of returning sponsors: Cargill Chevrolet, Gates Automotive Group and Putnam Ford. Each dealership featured vehicles on display for the entire weekend. Volunteer support was provided by members of the Green Valley Crossing congregation, Killingly F.C. coaches and soccer players, local teenaged gymnastics athletes, and NOW Board members. The Natchaug River Young Marines were present all weekend and assisted with parking, set-up/clean-up, and assisting event attendees.
The Touch-A-Truck is annual fund-raiser for local non-profit Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW). NOW’s mission is to serve children ages 3 to 14 in northeastern Connecticut, promoting youth wellness, regardless of access to financial resources. For more information on NOW and for upcoming events and programs, visit www.NOWinMotion.org.
Wed. June 21
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.
Wyndham Program
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust will present A Summer Solstice Celebration at 7 p.m. at Duck Marsh Preserve on Holmes Road (off Wrights Crossing Road). Bring a snack, your camera and your canvas and paint. 860-963-2090.
Thur. June 22
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Library Friends will present “Room To Grow: Transformative Organizing Workshop” with Clutter Coach Beth Bernard at 7 p.m. at the library. Free. Register at 860-928-3475.
Fri. June 23
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 12:45 to 6 p.m. at Day Kimball Hospital. 1-800-RED CROSS.
Sat. June 24
Farm Tour
THOMPSON --- The Last Green Valley will present Farmers in the Valley Tours with the 7th annual North American Shearing Contest from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Morning Beckons Farm on Sand Dam Road. Free. All welcome. Thelastgreenvalley.org
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, is holding a low cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. No appointment necessary. $12 cash per animal. All animals must be on a leash or in a secured carrier. If a available, bring prior proof of rabies vaccination. 860-317-1720.
Sun. June 25
Golf Tournament
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present The Steve Bousquet Memorial Golf Tournament/Congregational Church of Putnam’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament at 11:45 a.m. at the Thompson Raceway Golf Course. 860-428-0050.
Pancake Breakfast
PUTNAM --- Boy Scout Troop 21 will sponsor a free pancake breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon in the downstairs hall of St. Mary’s Church on Providence Street.
Flea Market
QUINEBAUG --- The St. Stephen's Flea Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church on Old Turnpike Road. Space w/table $20. 860/753-1767.
Fund-raiser
PLAINFIELD --- The Big Five Charity Motorcycle Ride recently announced that United Services Domestic Violence Program will be the beneficiary of its annual charity motorcycle ride through the Quiet Corner of Connecticut. .The day starts at 10 a.m. with a beautiful scenic 45 mile ride through Eastern CT. No bike is required to be a part of this important event, and walk-ins are welcome. https://www.facebook.com/TheBigFiveCharityride/.
Tues. June 27
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Woodstock Town Hall lower level meeting room. Free for all Woodstock senior citizens 60 and older. 860-974-1050.
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.
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WOODSTOCK — After months of preparation, The Woodstock Academy last week took ownership of Hyde School’s Woodstock campus.
Beginning immediately, Academy administration and staff will work to transition the facilities to become The Woodstock Academy’s South Campus.
Head of School Christopher Sandford, said: “We are thankful to both Hyde School and the Gauld family for the opportunity. Acquiring South Campus sets The Academy on a positive trajectory to continue its tradition of excellent education well into the future.”
“We are truly grateful for the many alumni and donors who continue to believe in and support The Academy to make this possible” said Christine Swenson, president of The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees.
She added, “This historic step for The Academy enhances opportunities for students in academics, athletics, fine arts, and other programs.”
According to Associate Head of School, Holly Singleton, “One of our goals with this acquisition, is to use our new space to strengthen our community partnerships around northeastern Connecticut, especially with local non-profits.”
June 21 The Academy held an Open House on South Campus for community members.
A Move-Up Night for incoming freshmen and their parents and the Fall Athletic Information Night for fall athletes and parents was also held.
Sept. 30, during Homecoming Weekend, The Academy will officially celebrate the acquisition with a South Campus Grand Opening Ceremony.