DANIELSON — Quinebaug Valley Community College opened its doors for the fall semester with new renovations, programs, and staff, one of whom has returned after an 11-year absence.
Martin Charette of Voluntown, a member of the maintenance staff from 1997 to 2004, is back at QVCC leading his former department. As the new building maintenance supervisor, he is responsible for maintaining all college facilities, including the Middle College and the Willimantic Center. Whether taking care of the grounds, cleaning the building, painting, or troubleshooting utilities, Charette supervises a staff of eight and two student workers whom he calls “highly intelligent, highly motivated, and extremely helpful.”
As a former skilled maintainer and general trade’s worker, Charette worked side-by-side with the recently retired building maintenance supervisor, David Stifel. In fact, Stifel encouraged Charette to take some credit courses at the College, as well as the state Building Superintendent Level 1 test, offered by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services.
The College has experienced significant changes since Charette left in 2004, including an expanded Danielson campus with two new wings, the addition of the Middle College, renovations to the cafeteria and library, and the new manufacturing program. With the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center scheduled to open in late 2016, Charette and his staff will have an even larger facility to maintain.
New branch
WATERFORD — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union will open a new full-service branch in Mystic – the 15th in its growing eastern Connecticut network – as it continues its multi-year expansion of branches across New London and Windham counties, including Dayville and Putnam. The new Mystic branch, which is scheduled to open in spring 2016, will be on Hendel Drive, along Rt. 27. Also, it is across from an entrance and exit to I-95.
This year the Aspinock Historical Society (AHS) participated in a national campaign called “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive.” A grass-roots effort, it is intended to serve as a call to the “can do” spirit of courage, self-sacrifice and national unity displayed during World War II (WWII). It is intended that this renewal of spirit will help America face and solve its current and future challenges. The AHS certainly used the “can do” spirit to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.
Combining with the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the AHS was part of the Memorial Day program for Putnam. A display at the Rotary Park Bandstand highlighted the men from Putnam who had given their lives for America’s freedom. Along with posters about these men, a pamphlet was put together on these soldiers, with information on what branch of service they were in, when they were killed and where they are buried. A terrific effort with an impressive result was made by the Putnam High School (PHS) librarian, Principal Jacqueline Vetrovec, and students to produce this pamphlet! The pamphlet continues to be available through the AHS.
A WWII exhibit was staged at Putnam Middle School (PMS) in May, thanks to the help of the Superintendent of Schools William Hull, his staff, the Putnam Elementary School (PES) and PHS librarians, the PHS cafeteria staff and the history and art departments, as well as PMS teachers.
In June, with the help of Ron Coderre from the American Legion, presentations were held at PHS where WWII veterans shared some of their stories with students.
A series of WWII movies were shown at the Putnam Library with the help of the Head Librarian, Priscilla Crowell, and her staff. One of the movies, “The Flying Tigers,” included a presentation by Tom Pandolfi telling about the Tigers and their mission. For two months, displays were put in the Putnam Library display cases. One of the displays held WWII memorabilia, with contributions from Putnam citizens, and the other display highlighted the Home Front, including many of the things Putnam did to help win the war.
Putnam’s July First Friday saw another exhibit of WWII memorabilia and displays at the Congregational Church. Included were a bell-ringing concert, actual uniforms and an oral presentation by Bruce LaBelle, who shared his own collection. Also featured here was The Wall of Remembrance, which was created by AHS members to highlight major events of the war and the men and women of Putnam who served.
The final program of the commemoration was in August at the Rotary Park Bandstand. The park was jumping as The Little Big Band performed favorite WWII music, and AHS members filled in with information and tidbits about the songs. That was made possible with the help of the Town of Putnam Recreation Department and Willie Bousquet and his staff, and a generous donation by The Center for Bone and Joint Care of Putnam. At the beginning of the commemoration, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans donated 4 tickets to their museum. The drawing winners chosen that night were Rod Waters of Putnam and Joyce Sirard of Massachusetts.
Also as part of the commemoration, plaques were made by Chase Graphics of Putnam’s servicemen who lost their lives in WWII. These plaques will be placed on the streets in Putnam that were named in their honor, or on gravesites, or, for the men buried overseas, will be on display at the AHS.
By Ron P. Coderre
Thanks to an idea from Pomfret resident Dr. Murray Buttner who is an avid runner, the students of Quinebaug Valley Community College will be the beneficiaries of scholarship aid.
The concept of Tackle the Trail, a 19.4 mile race on the former Airline Trail, will take place for the second year in a row beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 17. The event, which features individual competition as well as relay teams, begins at the Trail head on Route 169 in Pomfret and finishes at Milk Street in Willimantic, according to the college’s Director of Institutional Advancement and Race Director Monique Wolanin.
“The Trail race committee and volunteers have worked hard to plan an exciting, fun event for all runners,” said Wolanin.
The cost for individual runners is $100, while the relay team entry fee is $150 per team with a maximum of five runners eligible. All participants will receive a gift and entrance to the post Trail run celebration at the Willimantic Elks Club. The proceed from the event support the QVCC Foundation’s mission, to raise funds so that all residents of northeastern Connecticut are provided the opportunity to attend the college regardless of income.
“The committee has put together a great day for the runners. Race day will include live broadcasts at the start and finish line on WINY – Putnam and WILI –Willimantic, massages for the runners, relay stations and a great post-race celebration at the Willimantic Elks Club,” said Wolanin.
From start to finish there are five legs to the competition. Leg #1 is 2.3 miles, beginning at Route 169 to the Pomfret Town Hall. Leg #2 is 2 miles and goes to Brooklyn Road, followed by Leg #3, which is 5.3 miles ending at Estabrook Road. Leg #4 continues for 6.7 miles to Route 203/Beaver Hill Road. The final Leg is 3 miles ending at Milk Street in Willimantic.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our many sponsors. Special thanks to our friends at the Department of Environmental Protection for their efforts to get the trail ready,” added Wolanin.
Among the group of sponsors are Whitcraft, OOFOS, Putnam Bank, Savings Institute Bank and Trust, Friendly Spirits and Shock Top Beer, Hartford HealthCare, The Gates Group, CNB- A Division of ESB, The Center for Bone and Joint Care, Jewett City Savings Bank and WINY and WILI.
Race information can be accessed at www.qvcc.edu/tacklethetrail/. Registration information is available at www.thelastmileracing.com. Further information can be found by contacting Wolanin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 860 932-4174 or Susan Breault at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 860 932-4062.