Wed. April 26
Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Waterbirds in Love: Photography by Carol Lowbeer” through April 28 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, in its Art @ the Library series, the 14th Annual Thompson Community Art Show Perspective through April 28. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org.
Thur. April 27
Trivia Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will host a Trivia Night at 7 p.m. at the Crossings Restaurant. The charity of the night will be the Putnam Family Resource Center.
Fri. April 28
Book Sale
WOODSTOCK --- The PAWS Cat and Kitten Shelter will hold a book sale from 3 to 6 p.m. April 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 30 at 244 Rt. 171. Rain/snow/shine. 860-336-7129.
Book/Bake Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church will hold a book and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. April 28 and from 9 a.m. to noon April 29 in the church basement.
Comedy Cabaret
PUTNAM --- The Putnam High School Drama Department will present “Clipper Corner Comedy Cabaret” at 7 p.m. April 28 and April 29 in the PHS Black Box Theatre. Presentations include: “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse” (which answers the question “It’s the end of the world and hordes of rampaging zombies are about to kill you. What do you do?) and “13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview” (where each applicant's interview hilariously illustrates what NOT to do at a college interview.) Students will also perform comedic musical numbers to tickle your funny bone. Students, $5; adults $7. Refreshments.
Sat. April 29
Bake Sale
DAYVILLE --- The fourth annual bake sale benefitting Cassie’s Kitten Kastle will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Petco.
Concert
CANTERBURY --- Hannu Makipuro will celebrate Finland'’s Centenary with a concert, at 7 p.m. April 29 and at 3 p.m. April 30 at the Finnish Hall on N. Canterbury Road. April 29 tickets are $30 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres; April 30 tickets are $15 and include light refreshments. 860-423-3854.
Healthy Kids Day
PUTNAM --- The Hale YMCA will hold its annual Healthy Kids Day from 3 to 6 p.m. All welcome. Many healthy free events. Rain or shine. For more info, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Drug Take-Back Day
PUTNAM --- Putnam PRIDE and the Putnam Police Department will hold a prescription drug take-back day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Riverview Farmer’s Market on Kennedy Drive. Convenient drive through.
Tues. May 2
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three C’s of the Performing Arts for Kids will present “Biscuit, The Little Yellow Puppy” at 10 a.m. at the Hyde Cultural Center for grades pre-k through second. $4. www.thethreecs.org
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.
Senior Meeting
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Commission on Aging will meet at 6 p.m. in the Ella Grasso Apartments Community Room. Public welcome. Attendance and participation by seniors, caregivers and family members is encouraged.
Fri. May 5
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present First Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. around downtown Putnam.
Fun on Lawn
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present Fun on the Lawn: A Kids’ Fair from 5 to 8 p.m. during First Friday downtown. Free. 860-928-4405.
Book Sale
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present its annual Book Sale from 5 to 7 p.m. May 5 and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 6. Benefits community charities. 860-928-4405.
Auction/Tag Sale
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H 63rd annual Auction and Tag Sale will be held at 6 p.m. May 5 and 6. Donations sought through May 3. 860-974-3379.
Sat. May 6
Book Sale
W. WOODSTOCK --- The West Woodstock Library will hold its annual book sale to benefit the library from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society on N. Canterbury Rd will hold its annual Tori Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Vendors sought. 860-608-7877
Town Tag Sale
POMFRET --- The 11th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale will be held starting at 7 a.m. Purchase a map for $1 at Pomfret Community School and the Christ Church to find the tag sales. From 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the Christ church's Colossal Rummage Sale will be held. Preview Sale and Early Bird Buy-in is $5 per person from 5 to 7 p.m. May 5. There will also be a multiple tag sale at the Pomfret Senior Center to benefit the Pomfret Food Pantry and Veterans Coffee House. 974-1583.
Book/Tag Sale
POMFRET --- The Friends of Pomfret Public Library will hold a used book sale and tag sale from 7 a.m. to noon in Pomfret Community School Cafeteria. $5/bag sale from 11 a.m. to noon for books.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a bird walk at 8 a.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Dinner Cabaret
PUTNAM --- The Putnam High School Music Association will present an Italian Dinner Cabaret from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary Church Hall. $10 for adults (age 10 and older) and $6 for senior citizens (60 and older) and children 3-9.
Tag Sale Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Regional Interact Club’s Relay For Life Team, will hold a tag sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Woodstock Avenue. The goal is to raise $1,000 for the American Cancer Society. Checks to be made out to - American Cancer Society.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Nature Sketchbook Journaling from 9 a.m. to noon. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948 to register and list of recommended supplies.
Beautify Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will be holding its 9th Annual downtown cleanup from 8 a.m. to noon starting from the US Button Parking Lot on Kennedy Drive. Trash bags, gloves, water, snacks and lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Fun trophies awarded for “the most unusual thing found” and more.
Program
DANIELSON --- “Through My Eyes… The Dragoons and the American Revolution,” a presentation by Captain Salvatore Tarantino, will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Killingly Historical Society, 196 Main St., Danielson. All welcome. Free. Refreshments.
Sun. May 7
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. Opening reception at 2 p.m. May 7. 860-928-4948.
Wed. May 10
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Full Moon Guided Walk at 7:30 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free for CAS members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Thur. May 11
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a bird walk at 5 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Trail Wood Bird Walks at 8 a.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $3 for CAS members; $7 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Fri. May 12
Golf Tournament
PUTNAM --- The Killingly-Brooklyn Rotary Club will hold a golf tournament at Connecticut National Golf Course. For more information call 860-428-7661.
Sat. May 13
Plant Sale
WOODSTOCK --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club will hold its annual Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Agricultural Exhibition Building on the Woodstock Fairgrounds. Fund-raiser for the scholarship program.
Church Supper
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present Polish Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. $12 for adults; $5 for kids 12 and younger. Benefits community charities. Takeout available. 860-928-4405.
Wyndham Program
THOMPSON --- The Wyndham Land Trust will present the Long Pond Bird Walk at 8 a.m. at Long Pond. Bring binoculars and alert senses. No dogs. 860-963-2090.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Long Pond bird walk at 8 a.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. Carpool to Wyndham Land Trust Preserve in Thompson. $7 for CAS members; $12 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Mother’s Day Event
EASTFORD --- A Mother’s Day Story Time & Craft event will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Eastford Public Library for kids 3 and older. Register by May 6 at 860-974-0125.
Food Drive
PUTNAM --- Putnam Post Office Postmaster Don Deslauriers said the post office will be holding its annual food drive to support Daily Bread and TEEG. Place a bag of nonperishable food near the mail box or drop it off at the Putnam Post Office downtown. "There's always a need in the community."
Plant Sale
BROOKLYN --- The Federated Church of Christ at the intersection of routes 6 and 169, will hold a Mother’s Day Plant, Bake and Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to noon.
Sun. May 14
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Mother’s Day Bird Walk at 8 a.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. Mother’s free. 860-928-4948.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Second Sunday Guided Walk at 2 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free for CAS members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Mon. May 15
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present 20 Warbler Day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. $15 for CAS members; $30 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Wed. May 17
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a bird watch for people with limited mobility at 8 a.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Fri. May 19
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present 90 Bird Day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. Bring lunch, drinks and snack. $20 for CAS members; $35 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 20
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a bird banding demonstration at 9 a.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sun. May 21
Wyndham Program
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will present the Rocky Hill Refuge Dedication at 1 p.m. Light refreshments. 860-963-2090.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Spring Writing Workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Thur. May 25
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Trail Wood Bird Walks at 8 a.m. at Trail Wood parking lot on Kenyon Road. $3 for CAS members; $7 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
..
Takes Trophy
The Courthouse Bar & Grille team of “Bootlickers & Buckle Bunnies” consisting of Kaila and Joe Maurer and Jill and Steve Bourbeau, took home the Denim & Diamonds Trophy. Courtesy photo.
Wild West
'fun-raiser'
a big success
The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce sponsored a night in the wild, wild West April 21 with a new event, Denim & Diamonds.
The “fun”-raiser was held at the Connecticut National Golf Club & “Ranch” in Putnam and welcomed nearly 150 guests dressed in western and diamond attire. Cowboys and cowgirls danced to the music of Tequila Bonfire, enjoyed outstanding refreshments, rode “El Torro,” the mechanical bull, and participated in the corporate throw-down games.
The Courthouse Bar & Grille team of “Bootlickers & Buckle Bunnies” consisting of Kaila and Joe Maurer and Jill and Steve Bourbeau took home the Denim & Diamonds Trophy.
Committee chair Dr. Carlee Drummer said, “The Chamber could not be more pleased with the number of people who turned out – and we’re looking forward to bringing the Wild West back to the Quiet Corner in 2018.”
PUTNAM — The 11th Annual Particle Accelerator: A Day of Music and Hope will be held June 10 and for the first time will be on Main Street in downtown Putnam. The free, all-day music festival features 20 bands playing music of all genres and for all ages. The concert begins at noon and will continue until 9 p.m.
The move to Main Street is due to renovations at Rotary Park, which will keep the park closed during the festival. But the move also fits with organizers’ long-term goal for growing the festival to a multi-venue event happening simultaneously between Main Street and Rotary Park.
“After 10 glorious years of Particle Accelerator we were looking for ways to take the festival to the next level, being very careful not to lose the flavor our fans have come to love; to bring the festival into the future without forgetting about its past,” said concert organizer Eric Gould, of Putnam.
During the festival, Main Street will be closed to traffic from Lee Street to Rt. 44. The concert remains a free event, so the road and sidewalks will remain open to pedestrian traffic.
The annual benefit concert has two main goals. The first is to raise funds and awareness to support Mental Health First Aid Training, a United Services 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.
United Services will next offer Youth Mental Health First Aid May 15 and Mental Health First Aid on May 21, both from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the agency’s Dayville office, 1007 North Main St. The training is free thanks to Particle Accelerator. Call Emily Morrison at 860-774-2020 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.
The second goal is 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.
“United Services is grateful to Particle Accelerator for the very important work it does in our community battling the stigma of depression and suicide,” said Diane L. Manning, president and CEO of United Services.
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, join the event as honorary chairpersons this year.
The Stomping Ground and The Crossings will once again host the Particle Accelerator Restaurant Tour on May 11. Both restaurants will donate 10 percent of sales all day to Particle. Kala Farnham, a longtime Particle performer, will play at The Crossings and The Eric Ducoff Band with play at The Stomping Ground, both at 8 p.m.
The festival is held in memory of local musician Jack Young, Jr. In addition to the concert, the family-friendly festival will also feature art displays, children’s activities and booths from local nonprofit organizations providing information on various local behavioral health and human services. A basket drawing will also be held at the event.
In 10 years, Particle Accelerator has raised more than $50,000 for local mental health services.
“It’s our sincere wish that no lives be lost to suicide and depression for want of information on the great programs in our area that are available to help families,” said Grace Young.
Then
This is Putnam Sales and Service after it was rebuilt following the Flood of 1955. Putnam Town Crier file photos.
& Now
This is where Putnam Sales and Service stood. It is now King Cadillac GMC and is on Pomfret Street.