N. GROSVENORDALE — Putnam Bank was a key contributor to TEEG’s 2015 Holiday Giving Program. As one of the 14 ‘gift tree’ sites, employees and customers took tags from the tree to donate gifts to local children. Each tag identified an individualized gift, so that children could receive an item they wanted for the holidays.
2015 was the first year Putnam Bank was a designated tag site. Hosting trees at both the Putnam and Pomfret branches, Putnam Bank quickly filled all of the 60 original tags. When all the donations were met before the deadline, 20 more tags were hosted. Overall, Putnam Bank donated approximately 80 individual gifts to TEEG’s Holiday Giving Program, ensuring that every child in need in the local community in need would receive a gift just for them.
Furthermore, Putnam Bank also donated pajamas to TEEG for children. In addition to receiving gifts, families also received hats, gloves, scarves, and a pair of pajamas. In total, 70 pairs of pajamas were donated to TEEG as a result of Putnam Bank’s yearly pajama drive, which donates pajamas to organizations all around northeastern Connecticut. Combined with donations from other organizations, including the staff, students, and faculty at Mary R. Fisher Elementary School in North Grosvenordale, TEEG was able to give every child a pair of pajamas as well as gifts and food.
Donna Grant, executive director of TEEG, said the organization is incredibly grateful to all the businesses, churches, schools, service clubs, families and individuals that donated to the Holiday Giving program. The support of the local community is the driving force behind TEEG’s ability to serve our neighbors in northeastern Connecticut.
Mattress recycling
PUTNAM — Effective Jan. 18, mattresses and box springs will no longer be accepted for pick up at the curb. According to the Mattress Recycling Council, all mattresses and box springs must be brought to the Fox Road Highway Garage at 151 Fox Rd. in E. Putnam. You may bring them to the garage any week day between 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. No stickers are required.
PUTNAM — In just under a month, downtown Putnam will host the hottest winter event in the region – the 2016 Fire & Ice Festival. On Feb. 13, the public is invited to experience more than two dozen ice carvings, glowing fire torches, fire dancing performances, and a chocolate sculpting and molding contest.
2016 will see the return of the Fire & Ice Chocolate Contest. Back for a second year in a row, the contest will include sculpting and molding categories and will allow chefs, students, and novices to show off their talents. Last year’s winners included an elegant hat adorned with hand-crafted flowers, a whimsical queen of hearts figure, and a jolly chef – all created from chocolate. Submissions and the winning pieces can be viewed at The Empty Spaces Project Gallery at 114 Main Street throughout the festival.
In addition to the fan-favorite chocolate sculptures, the event will also continue the tradition of professional and amateur ice carvings decorating the streets of downtown Putnam. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., there will be pre-carved ice blocks as well as professional ice carving demonstrations by Ice Matters of Cheshire. The creative spirit of northeastern Connecticut will be on display as professional and amateur artists carve ice blocks, all sponsored by local businesses. Throughout the day, patrons can watch as 300-pound ice blocks are transformed into a variety of shapes and figures.
There will be plenty of ways to keep warm, with dinner and drink specials available at local restaurants. The festival also provides an opportunity for newcomers to discover the many shops and galleries of Putnam. For families, there will be an appearance of two favorite animated characters, sure to thaw any “frozen” hearts. The event will also include photo boards with famous couples from history and pop culture. Sure to please the sweet tooth of all ages, milk and dark chocolate Fire & Ice candy bars will be available for purchase, with prizes hidden under the wrappers of select bars.
As the sun goes down, luminaria will fill downtown Putnam with an ambient glow. Fire torches will help light the way as Main Street transforms into a romantic setting for the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration. Adding to the spectacle of the festival, visitors will be wowed by Fire Dancer Elektra as she performs from 5 to 9 p.m.
Then
This is a drawing of the front of the Hale YMCA done in 2008.
& Then
This is how the building as drawn in 2014.
& Now
This is the front entrance today. The YMCA is slated to open. Feb. 29.