Donation

Former Senator Donald E. Williams Jr., center, donated $5,000 to the Regional Community YMCA project following a fund-raiser event. Courtesy photo.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Surrounded by friends and members of the Regional Community YMCA Campaign Cabinet, a smiling Donald E. Williams Jr., presented a check for more than $5,000 to the Y on behalf of the proceeds from a recent retirement party in his honor.

Williams, the former State 29th District Senator and Senate President Pro Tem, was honored in March by friends, colleagues and dignitaries following his 22 years of service in the Connecticut Senate, 10 as President Pro Tem.  Since the initiation of the Regional Community YMCA fund-raising campaign, Williams has served on the local organization’s Board of Advisors.

“I’ve been very close to this project since its inception.  I believe the YMCA will be an asset to our entire northeastern Connecticut region.  It will provide a much needed exercise and health alternative to families, children and seniors in our area,” said Williams.

The Regional Community YMCA, which is currently under construction off Kennedy Drive in Putnam on land donated to the community by Wheelabrator-Putnam, is a $14.6 million facility.  When completed, it will feature an eight-lane competitive pool, warm water pool, gymnasium, fitness area, teen center and child-watch area.

Williams was instrumental in securing a State grant of $3.745 million for the project, which is currently part of the more than $13.775 million the campaign has raised.  The impetus for the Y came initially from a $3 million gift from the Newell D. Hale Foundation and its trustees, Betty and Laurence Hale.  The YMCA of Greater Hartford Board of Trustees is committed to $4 million and community fund-raising has realized $2.775 million.

“When the committee was planning my retirement party they asked where I’d like to designate any surplus funds from the event.  As the Y project was dear to me I asked that it be put toward the fund-raising program.  I’m pleased we’re able to make this presentation.  And I thank the committee for all its hard work to make this gift a reality,” said Williams.

“The Y is a regional project and Don represented the region so well during his more than 20 years in office, we were pleased when he made the suggestion.  This Y will be a facility that all the people of the region will enjoy.  It’s a real tribute to what he’s stood for as a legislator,” said Cindy Dunne, chairperson of the Williams retirement committee.

The construction of the Regional Community YMCA is expected to be complete in 2016.  Fund-raising efforts are expected to reach the goal by the end of this summer.  Volunteers continue to canvas potential donors in an attempt to achieve the $2.85 million community goal.  Anyone interested in information regarding the project or wishing to make a pledge or donation, should call 860 928-6772.

“It’s great to see the project progressing on or ahead of schedule.  The bridge, which will serve as access to the YMCA and the regional industrial/technical park also appears to be moving along.  This gift from Senator Williams puts us closer to our goal and is an indication that people are thinking about the Y,” said Paul Kelly of Woodstock, campaign vice-chairman.

 

 

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Ribbon Cutting

The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp in Pomfret celebrated the completion of renovations to the Lodge building recently. Left to right:  Jane Rider, Louise Pempek, Heather Logee (camp director), Mike Alperts and Warren Scholl. Photo courtesy of Jim Goodwin.

 

POMFRET — A happy crowd of former campers, counselors, donors and 4-H Foundation members gathered recently at the Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp in Pomfret for a ribbon cutting  ceremony to celebrate the completion of the renovations to the  Lodge building.  

Jane Rider, Foundation president, welcomed all with remarks about the legacy of generosity that began with the original founding members and continued through the support of many to make the current lodge renovation dream a reality.  Other speakers included Warren Scholl, President of the Putnam Chamber of Commerce, and Representative Mike Alberts, who presented an official citation offering congratulations to the Windham Tolland 4-H Camp from the Connecticut General Assembly on the opening of the newly renovated lodge.   

Foundation member and major donor Louise Pempek spoke about the vision of the 12  original  foundation members, among them her father, Loid C. Cutler,  that built a camp in less than a year in 1954.  The new Loid C. Cutler Science classroom was dedicated to serve as a  base for hands-on environmental science studies in his memory, with all three of his daughters present, and represents a continuation of the legacy of the vision of the original founders.  The theme moved on to one of celebration as the ribbon was cut and everyone enjoyed tours of the lodge, food prepared by the camp cook in the wonderful new kitchen, and time to connect with old friends and meet this year’s camp staff.  

 

 

Wed. July 1

Photo Walk

POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a nature photography walk from 4 to 6 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. Free to CAS members; $5 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Pet Loss Support Group

DAYVILLE --- NECCOG Animal Services, 125 Putnam Pike, will present a Pet Loss Support Group at 6 p.m. Free.  No fee/reservations are required, and you are free to attend as often as necessary throughout your grief process.  860-774-1253.

 

Fun Runs

THOMPSON --- The Wednesday Fun runs will be held at the West Thompson Dam through Sept. 16. The runs/walks start at 6:15. All welcome.

 

‘Touring’ Exhibit

WOODSTOCK --- Historic New England’s new exhibit “Touring New England, 1820 – 1970” opens today and runs through Oct. 15 at  Roseland Cottage, in the Carriage Barn. It explores why the region’s natural and built environments have been tourist destinations for centuries. The exhibit touches on the distinct characteristics of each New England state: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  Free.

 

Fri. July 3

Display

PUTNAM --- On First Friday, the Aspinock Historical Society will present a display of WWII memorabilia, plus see “Putnam on the Home Front” pictures and stories at the Congregational Church of Putnam. 

 

First Friday

PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present First Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Putnam. This month the theme is WWII and the 1940s.

 

Whip-poor-will Walk

POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Whip-poor-will Walk at 8:45 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. Bring small flashlight or headlamp. In case of rain, it will be rescheduled. $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers. Preregister: 860-928-4948

 

Sat. July 4

Happy 4th of July!

 

Jamboree

E. WOODSTOCK --- The 59th annual Jamboree will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on East Woodstock Common.  Attic Treasures. Books. & Silent Auction will open at 9.  Register for the Pinewood Derby and Horseshoes at 11.  Chicken barbecue begins at 11:30 and lasts until the last bite is gone. Parade steps off at 1.  Live entertainment and food  www.ewcchurch.org

 

Parade

CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury 4th of July Parade and Family Fun Event starts with participants forming up at the Baldwin School at 9 a.m. Parade steps off at 10 and follows Rt. 14 to the Canterbury Town Hall/Community Center.  After the parade, stay for food, entertainment, and family fun.  Rain or shine.

 

Sun. July 5

Worship

BROOKLYN --- The Old Trinity Episcopal Church will be open to the public at 10 a.m. for worship and celebration of America’s independence. It is the oldest Episcopal Church still in use in the state. It is at the intersection of routes 6 and 169. 

 

Quasset School Open

WOODSTOCK --- Quasset School on Frog Pond Road will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays in July and August.

 

Tues. July 7

Music Series

WOODSTOCK --- The NAHACO Summer Sing Jam Music Series begins today and will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 25 at Eastford/Woodstock Nahaco Park, 305 Crystal Pond Rd. Woodstock  (Weeks Rd in Eastford). Free. All ages. Favorite song sharing; Acoustic instrument jamming; Rustic lakeside listening. Info: ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’ 860-974-0197.

 

Thur. July 9

Bird Walk

POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a bird walk at 6 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center. $5 for members; $10 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Fri. July 10

'Pippi Longstockings'

PUTNAM --- The Complex for the Performing Arts will present "Pippi Longstockings" at 7 p.m. July 10 and at 2 p.m. July 11 and 12 at the Bradley Playhouse. 860-963-7170.

 

Concert

THOMPSON --- Thompson Recreation will present a free concert with Ed Foreman Orchestra at 7 p.m. at Riverside Park in N. Grosvenordale. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

 

Sat. July 11

Fireworks

PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam Fireworks Display and Concert will start with a concert at 7:15 p.m. at Rotary Park. The fireworks display will start at 9:15/dusk. Refreshments available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Rain date July 12. 

 

Sun. July 12

Nature Walk

HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Sunday Walk at 2 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to CAS members; $3 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Mon. July 13

Golf Classic

PUTNAM --- The 31st Annual Day Kimball Hospital Golf Classic will be held at Quinnatisset and Connecticut National Country clubs. Benefits the Day Kimball Healthcare annual appeal initiatives. 860-928-7141.

 

Wed. July 15

Summer Supper

DAYVILLE --- Killingly Grange No. 112 on Hartford Pike and Dog Hill Road will hold a Summer Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. $12. 

 

Sat. July 18

‘Britishmania’

PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam will present “Britishmania al Fresco: at 7 p.m. at Rotary Park Bandstand. Rain date is July 19. River Fire is from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Free.

 

River Fire 

PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam will present River Fire from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Rotary Park. Free. 

 

Sun. July 19

Rummage Sale

PUTNAM --- B'nai Shalom on Church Street will hold a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine. No food or drink in the building.

 

Wed. July 22

Artisan Day

PUTNAM --- The Putnam Saturday Farmers’ Market will hold an Artisan Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Riverview Marketplace on Kennedy Drive.

 

Fri. July 24

Movies

PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society will present Movies at the Putnam library with “Sands of Iwo Jima” from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and “Von Ryan’s Express” from 3 to 5 p.m.

 

Concert

THOMPSON --- Thompson Recreation will present a free concert with “Grown Your Own Band” at 7 p.m. at Riverside Park in N. Grosvenordale. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

 

Sun. July 26

Writing Workshop

HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Summer Writing Workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Bring notebook, pen. $10 for members; $20 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Tues. July 28

Bird Walk

HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a Bird Walk at 8 a.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $5 for members; $10 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

 

Genealogy Workshop

TOLLAND --- The French Canadian Genealogical Society of Connecticut will offer free genealogy software use workshops from 2 to 4 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 25 and from 7 to 9 p.m. July 30 and Aug. 27 at the FCGSC Library on Tolland Green. Free but call for reservation: 860-872-2597.