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Honored

Douglas M. Cutler, center, stands with his two sons. The Hale YMCA will name its summer camp after Cutler. He passed away last year. Courtesy photo.

 

 

PUTNAM — Hale YMCA will host a ribbon-cutting for Opening Day of Camp Cutler, its new summer day camp, named in honor of Douglas Cutler. The ceremony will be at 8:45 a.m. June 19  and will be covered live by WINY in a segment sponsored by Putnam Bank.

Many prominent local residents will be in attendance to celebrate a wonderful new program and to honor the contribution Cutler made to the creation of the Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center. Attendees will include members of the Cutler family, Betty and Laurence Hale, Ronald Coderre and Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano.

The Y recently announced that Camp Cutler will include free breakfast and lunch for all campers. In partnership with Putnam Public Schools, these free meals will enhance the camp experience for children entering grades Kindergarten through fifth. 

Other activities will include swimming, arts and crafts, sports activities, archery and much more. Registration is underway for full week, 3-day camp, as well as AM and PM half-day options. Camp Cutler will begin June 19 and will run through Aug. 25 and Financial Assistance is available. For more information, call 860-315-9622.

 

 

Gertrude L. Hardy

N. GROSVENORDALE — Gertrude L. Hardy, 88, of Seastrand Road, died May 23, 2017, in UMass Medical Center. She was the wife of the late Roland Hardy, Philip Laramie, and Raymond Verdone. Born in 1928 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Narcisse and Dora (Faucher) Ravenelle.

Mrs. Hardy worked for Cluett Peabody, Bates Shoe and then retiring from American Optical as an injection molding machine operator. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary Albert J. Breault Post. She enjoyed golfing, knitting, crocheting, playing bingo at St. Joseph Church, and bird watching. 

She leaves her daughters, Diane Stephens (Gary) of Putnam, Claudette White (Ernest) of N. Grosvenordale, Vivian Kozey (Charles) of Eastford, and Jeanne Verdone of Woodstock; her brother Phillip Ravenelle of Webster; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings, Doris Blain, Jeannette Cardinal, and Norman Ravenelle; and one grandson.

The Mass of Christian Burial was May 30 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

M. Elizabeth Boncer

CUMBERLAND, R.I. — Marie Elizabeth Evenlina Boncer, 100, of Angel Rd., formerly of Quinebaug, died May 21, 2017, in The Holiday Retirement Center in Cumberland, R.I.  She was the wife of the late Louis Boncer.  Born in 1917 in Manchester, N.H., she was the daughter of the late Ulderic and Melina (Bergeron) Gelinas.

Mrs. Boncer worked as a machine worker for BF Goodrich until her retirement.  She was a communicant of St. Stephen Church and St. Joseph Church in Thompson.  

She leaves a niece; four nephews; four great-nieces and four great-nephews. She is predeceased by a brother, Joseph A. Gelinas; and her sisters, Cecile Przybyla, Jean Bergeron, and Rose Troy. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was May 26 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: Disabled American Veterans Association, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

Magdalena Fujtas

PUTNAM — Magdalena (Babacs) Fujtas, 91, of Thurber Rd., died May 25, 2017, at Matulaitis Nursing Home.  She was the wife of the late Bala Dezamits.  Born in 1925 in Reta, Hungary, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Ann (Antal) Babacs.

Mrs. Fujtas worked for many years at Hitchcock Furniture as a hand stenciler and striper after immigrating here with her family from Austria.

She leaves her daughter Magdalena Pepe (James) of Pomfret Center; three grandsons James B. Pepe of Portland Org., Anthony P. Pepe Portland and Frank W. Pepe of Verdi, Nev. She was predeceased by a sister Illona Ujj.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. May 31 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Donations: Matulaitis Nursing Home, Residents Activity Fund, 10 Thurber Rd., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Helen J. Verrette

PUTNAM — Helen J. Verrette, 80, of Putnam, died May 26, 2017, at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester. She was born on March 13, 1937, in Elmford, N.Y., daughter of the late Frank and Eleanor Barrows.

Helen was a homemaker and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed time with friends, going out for lunch, shopping trips, watching TV and doing word find puzzles.

She leaves her children Susan Durand of Thompson, Joann Desrochers (Robert) of N. Grosvenordale, Sandra Farrar (James) of Topsfield, Maine, Alan Verrette (Iwona) of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; grandchildren Danielle, Jamie, Travis, Tyler and Kyle; great-grandsons Benjamin and Nathaniel. Her siblings Robert Barrows; Frank Barrows; Frances Bourbeau; Lillian Holcomb and Charlotte Mauller. She was predeceased by two grandchildren Ryan and Lindsay. 

The Funeral Service was May 31 in Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial will be in Munyan Cemetery, E. Putnam.

 

Beverly Holmes Stark

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Beverly Holmes Stark, 87, died May 15, 2017, in Brooksville. 

Bev spent most of her early life in Fall River, Mass., where she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. She was a member of the Framingham Teacher’s College Class of 1952, and taught home economics in New Haven and Newton, Mass. 

She and her husband Cliff moved to Woodstock in 1958, where they raised four sons. While there, she earned her realtor’s license, and was successful largely due to her integrity and desire to help both buyer and seller. She was involved with the Woodstock Nursery School Marathon Bridge group, was a Cub Scout den mother, and helped fund raise for the Woodstock Nursery School and Woodstock Community Health Association.  She was active in the local senior citizens group and organized their craft club.

Bev was an accomplished seamstress. Her granddaughters loved the adorable American Girl doll outfits she made. Whenever a family member or friend was celebrating the birth of a new baby or a child’s birthday, they could count on Bev sending a package of handmade baby balls, toys and bibs. Even after suffering a stroke, she continued to create crafts. Beverly was thoughtful: she sewed gifts for people she didn’t know, put together care packages for armed services members, and bought backpacks and clothing for needy children. She loved bridge and other card games and was playing right up until the time of her passing. She also loved to shop, always hunting for a “bahh-ggin.” But she rarely purchased anything for herself; instead she looked for gifts for her family, children in foster care, and others.  When asked to recall her favorite memories, she often spoke of happy summer days at the family cottage in Portsmouth, R.I. She enjoyed sailing “candy” boats, playing bingo in the community house, sitting in a chair with her feet in the salt water, and just enjoying cherished times with her brother Ray, family members, and friends. 

She will be remembered for her devotion to family and friends, positive outlook in life, and many generous acts of kindness. 

Beverly was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Clifford D. Stark, and her youngest son, Steven. She leaves sons Jeffrey (Valerie) of Natick, Mass.; Douglas (Amy) of Whitinsville, Mass.; and Philip of Spring Hill, Fla.; and  five grandchildren: Brian, Kevin, Kristabel, Joy, and Molly, and their families;  nieces and nephew, cousins, extended family. 

Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. June 3 at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Road, Woodstock. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Geoffrey S. Coderre

N. GROSVENORDALE — Geoffrey S. Coderre, 49, of N. Grosvenordale, died May 23, 2017, at UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester.

Geoffrey was born in Putnam and lived most of his life in E. Putnam, moving to N. Grosvenordale eight years ago.  He was a forklift operator for Rite Aid Distribution Center. 

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, hunting and being outdoors.  

He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics.

He leaves his father, Richard A. Coderre of Jacksonville, Fla.; his mother, Judith D. Rhynehart of E. Putnam and her companion, Fred McCoy of Baltic; one brother, John A. Coderre and his companion Suzanne Hart of Central Village; four sisters, Deborah Yakis of Woodstock and her companion, Mike Picard, Monique Sisson and her husband Randall of Pomfret, Roxanne DeOliveira (Roberto) of Woodstock, Nadine Gray (Sean) of Putnam; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; his cat, Fluffy.

Graveside Services were May 26 in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: PAWS-CT, P.O. Box 31, South Woodstock, CT 06267.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

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National Trails Day is June 3, Connecticut Trails Days are June 3 and 4, and The Last Green Valley’s (TLGV) Spring Outdoors leaders have trail adventures galore for you in the 35-town National Heritage Corridor!  More info at  www.thelastgreenvalley.org or TLGV’s Facebook page.

Put your pedals and piggy-toes to the trails during these events June 3:

“Enjoy the Trails of Sturbridge” with lots of activity choices from 8 am – 3 pm on the Leadmine Mountain Trails. A trail run, mountain bike rides for advanced riders and for kids, geocaching, environmental awareness hike, and even trail building 101 are a few choices. Some of these activities need preregistration, and for more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) Goodwin Fun Ride” offers a choice of 7, 15 or 25 mile loops in Goodwin Forest in Hampton starting at 8 am. Fees apply. For more information check out facebook.com/quietcornerNEMBA. 

“Holland & Brimfield Trail Bike Ride” rolls off at 10 am for an easy flat trail ride; meet at 20 Pond Bridge Road in Holland. Brought to you by the Holland Trails Committee.

“Air Line Lore along the Lebanon & Columbia Line” is a family-friendly walk at 11 am with the CT Eastern Railroad Museum’s historian Ray. Learn about the Ghost Train and the line construction of 1912-1913. 

Enjoy the “Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening” on the newly-installed bridge on the Air Line Trail in Thompson at noon. Bike, walk, jog, ride your horse! Best parking is at the Route 12 parking lot (Mechanicsville Section.) Find out about this event and all things Thompson Trails on facebook.com/Thompson-Trails-Committee.

“Hale Homestead Trails Day Walk” starts at 2 pm in Coventry. A slow 2 mile walk down the 18th century road that the Hales used to bring their livestock to market takes you back in time. Registration recommended: 860-742-6917. Heavy rain cancels. 

Connect to more land and water trails June 4: 

Goodwin Forest is ready for runners at the “10k & 30k Trail Run” starting at 9 am. Expect a challenging but fun course, peaceful scenery and other activities throughout the day, but pre-registration is required at friendsofgoodwinforest.org. 

Wyndham Land Trust showcases their “Rapoport/Spalding Preserve Walk” at 10 am in Woodstock, with scenic fields, woods, and wetlands. Your leashed dog is welcome, too. 

“Back Roads Undiscovered Killingly Bus Tour” is back by popular demand. Killingly’s Conservation Commission connects you to historic sites and open spaces that you can return to explore on your own. Unpaved roads, Revolutionary War graves, highest point in town, 500 acres of water are a few of things you’ll tour. Limited seats, so register by May 31st to 860-779-5311 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information on where to meet at 1 pm. 

“Paddle the Shetucket with TLGV Ranger Bill” along the National Recreation Water Trail. Pre-registration is required and to get all the details, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The weekend also offers tours, events, programs, croquet and farmers’ markets!

“Trees on Woodstock Hill” at 10 a.m. June 3, a tour of 100-year-old Palmer Arboretum. 

“Scouts/Kids! Plant for Pollinators” is a great excuse to visit Hodges Village Dam in Oxford. A family-friendly location with events all the time, this one offers you a chance to plant your own plot of wildflowers at 10 a.m. June 3. RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so a sign can be made in your name. Bring your own soil amendments, gloves and drinks. USACE will provide the seeds and tools. 

“Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House” invites you to meet their director and staff, take a tour and learn about the benefits of this great camp on both Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in Pomfret. 

Willimantic knows how to put on whimsically fun events and “Alice in Wonderland Croquet” is no exception. Come to Jillson Square on Sunday at 11:30 am for croquet with Alice, the Queen of Hearts and other Wonderland characters. Costumes are welcome but not required. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs. $4 to play croquet. 

 “Full Moon Hike” at the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Trail Wood in Hampton slows down the daily hustle and bustle so you can enjoy the magical sights and sounds of the evening. Free for CAS members, $5 for non-members.

The “Thames River Basin Partnership Floating Workshop” lands in Roseland Park at noon June 9. $25 fee includes light lunch, demonstrations, information sessions, paddling and a walking tour for the land lubbers. To register call 860-928-4948 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. “Rose Full Moon Paddle” at Roseland Park, Friday, June 9th at 7 pm. This is a perfect location for new paddlers, and we’ll enjoy the splendor of the rising full Rose Moon. Limited space, pre-register to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

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