caption:
Michael Rocchetti mans the kettle.
PUTNAM — “Three cheers for Putnam Rotary’s Interact Club and friends who manned the Salvation Army kettles for five weekends in a row!” Interact Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti was thrilled with the fifth and final day of Salvation Army bell ringing.
More than $1,800 was collected and the grand total was more than $14,000.
“It was another wonderful day,” she said.
The Dec. 23 collection helped the club break last year’s record of $13,000.
“We couldn’t have achieved this goal without the support of our local students,” she added.
Help came from Putnam High School: Jay Patel, Keivon Robinson and Delta Wagner. The Woodstock Academy: Maya Rodriguez, Ben Cross, Ela Gadoury, Grace Pokorny, Celine Leffingwell, Madison Williams, Arthur Soucy, Lillian Beausoleil and Sophia Milardo. Tourtellotte Memorial High School: Alexis Phav, Gia Dipasquale, Anna Bell, Jadon Dakai, Adrian Rivera, Grace Akana and Colby Ormerod. Rotarians: Doug Porter, Pam Brown, Amanda Kelly, Michael Rocchetti.
The Interact Club is a regional club for ages 12 - 18 and meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Putnam Library. For more information contact Roberta Rocchetti -860-933-8603 or
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Wed. Dec. 27
Art Show
PUTNAM --- “AFTERLIFE: Reimagining 18th Century Grave Carvings” by Laura Tedeschi will be presented at The Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex. The exhibition reinterprets local 18th-century grave carvings in vibrant colors. On display until Dec. 31. Sponsored by the Putnam Arts Council.
Thur. Dec. 28
Camp Game Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp is offering a Camper Game Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kids ages 6-12. Games, food and fun during the holiday vacation week. $20 includes lunch and snacks. Outdoor gear required. Preregister by 12-22. 860-974-1122.
Bird Walk
PLAINFIELD --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. Dec. 30
Owl Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present an owl walk at 6 p.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Lessons and Carols
BROOKLYN --- The public is invited to a Lessons and Carols service at 4 p.m. at Old Trinity Church at 60 Church St. Dress warmly and come to sing! www.trinityepiscopalchurchbrooklyn.org..
Mon. Jan. 1, 2024
Happy New Year!
Sun. Jan. 7
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration materials available. Early bird discounts. www.4hcampct.org.
Thur. Jan. 25
Bird Walk
PLAINFIELD --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Fri. Jan. 26
Lecture
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School will present the Schwartz Public Lecture, “Ndaba Mandela” at 7 p.m. in the Hard Auditorium. Free. All welcome. Register: Pomfret.org/Schwartz.
Sat. Feb. 10
Fire and Ice
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam will present Fire and Ice around downtown.
Thur. Feb. 22
Bird Walk
PLAINFIELD --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. Feb. 24
Owl Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present an owl walk at 7 p.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. April 20
International Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present International Day.
Sat. May 18
Fairy Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present a Fairy and Magic Fest.
Sun. Aug. 11
Pluck a Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present Pluck a Duck Aug. 11 and 12.
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caption:
New Book
From left: Nichole Nichols, Father Dempsey, Kathy Zamagni. Aspinock Historical Society photo.
PUTNAM — Father Ed Dempsey recently gave a talk on his new book, “Remembering John Noel Dempsey: A Man Who Did Good”
At a talk hosted by the Putnam Public Library recently Father Dempsey said: “At a time when governors have been sent to jail, presidents have been impeached, and legislatures seem dedicated to gridlock, and adherence to blind partisanship trumps all else, it’s not hard to fathom why American people have become skeptical about politicians and cynical about the entire political process and downright disgusted at what is seen to be governmental shenanigans. It may come, then, as comfort to some and dubious to others to read about a politician who has been dubbed “the genuine article,” a man who personified the adage “what you see is what you get,” a person who believed that life was about giving and not about getting. That’s the kind of man I grew up knowing, the kind of politician, who would no longer fit the current mold, the person I am honored to call “my father.”
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TEEG gets
grant for
milk program
THOMPSON — The Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG) was awarded a $2,500 grant from the Putnam Area Foundation to support its Milk Program.
The Putnam Area Foundation, Inc. is a charitable organization with a commitment to the greater Putnam geographical area. The Foundation supports cultural, educational, health, housing, social services, and other charitable organizations that seek to improve the quality of life in the community.
TEEG began to offer fresh milk thorough its markets during the pandemic after local dairy farmer, Jon Hermanot approached the Agency, hoping to supply milk to local families. The distribution has now become a regular offering to those using their three “Community Markets”.
TEEG offers stand-alone markets in Thompson and Pomfret, and a mobile market in Woodstock. In addition, they partner with local schools and community organizations to ensure that children have enough to eat when they are home from school each weekend. The markets are based on a S.W.A.P (Serving Wellness At Pantries) system that integrates healthy offerings and dietary information to those who use TEEG’s services. TEEG believes that the option for healthy eating should be accessible for everyone, and they prioritize that in their markets.
Foundation President Tom Borner said, “Ensuring that our neighbors have healthy food that meets their dietary needs is a basic human right. The Foundation is pleased to be able to assist TEEG in providing people in our local community with fresh milk.”
Increased housing, food, and energy costs continue to impact local households at a time when government assistance is decreasing. The need for fresh milk is especially important for children as it provides calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, and protein that are necessary for proper growth and bone development. TEEG distributes approximately 54 half gallons of milk each week at an average cost of $2.59 per half gallon. This grant will help TEEG continue the program in 2024, ensuring that local youth are supported and served through the efforts of our Youth Service Bureau and the Foundation. This support will help address increased needs and continue to offer healthy choices to those who need it.
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Thomas Borner, president of the Putnam Area Foundation, gives TEEG's Anne Miller a grant. Courtesy photo.
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