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Holidays
Top: Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, widow Theresa M. Brodeur holds the poinsettia that was just presented to her by Cargill Council Brother Knight Casey M. Dundon. Photo by John D. Ryan. Above: Santa Claus reads a story at the Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, annual children’s Christmas party, held for the young children and grandchildren of Cargill’s Knights . Photo: Brian J. Martineau
Knights lend
helping hand
all year long
PUTNAM — Cargill Council 64 makes a point of supporting widows, children, the local needy and each other. Putnam’s Knights of Columbus did just that in December, holding events for people all along the spectrum.
“That’s what I’m most proud of,” said Cargill Council 64 Grand Knight David G. Lamontagne Sr., the council’s elected leader. “We help a wide range of people in the community. That’s why we’re here.”
It all started with Cargill Council’s 32nd Annual Joe Bousquet Christmas Giving Appeal, when a total of almost 100 council members and others donated over $4,500 to help local, needy people at Christmas time. Named for one of the program’s founders, the late Brother Knight Joe Bousquet, Knights gave out grocery cards to 72 needy families, plus giving another $700 to local food pantries and $200 to a local family with a child being treated for cancer.
The council also made a special gift from its general fund of $375 to a local family in particular need at Christmas.
Meanwhile, the council’s 24 local widows received a red poinsettia, as part of a personal home visit from the Knights. This was the culmination of Cargill Council’s program to visit and assist the council’s 28 widows. Year-round, the council maintains a dedicated fund to help its widows when requested. Begun in 1995, it’s one of the best K of C programs of its type in the state. For the last two years running, this effort to support the council’s widows has won the Connecticut Knights of Columbus State Council’s Annual Family Service Award.
Cargill Council Past Grand Knight Herman F. Bishop founded the widow’s program when he was grand knight in the mid-1990s.
“Helping the widows of deceased members was one of the main reasons the Knights of Columbus was founded over a hundred years ago,” Bishop said, from his current home in Melbourne, Fla. “We wanted to do something tangible for our widows that was in that spirit. The poinsettias are important, but it’s the visit to each widow that really matters. We wanted our widows to know that we remember them and their husbands and that we care about them as people,” he said.
At the other end of the age range, Cargill Council 64 hosted its annual Christmas party for the young children and grandchildren of its knights. The event included a Christmas tree, pizza, cookies and candy, songs, games, a new toy for every child and a visit from Santa Claus.
Not forgetting themselves, the council held its annual “Tom & Jerry” Christmas party for members. Named for the traditional Christmas eggnog cocktail, Past Grand Knight Robert E. Desrosiers said they’ve held the “Tom & Jerry” party every year since Council 64 moved into its current home, at the former Putnam Polish Club building on Providence Street, in 1976.
“The funny thing is,” Desrosiers said, “nobody drank a ‘Tom & Jerry’ at the party.”
Although December was particularly busy, Cargill Council always has something fun and productive going on. Cargill’s knights raised and donated over $16,000 in the last fraternal year, as part of conducting literally dozens of positive, local programs and events. In addition to its Christmas programs, the council co-sponsored the annual “Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip” at Quaddick Pond in Thompson to raise funds for muscular dystrophy research and treatment and for Camp Quinebaug in Killingly, which helps local people with disabilities, held food drives for the local poor, provided free, new winter coats for needy local children, held annual Easter egg hunts for children at its two parishes, as well as holding an annual council golf tournament and continuing work to end abortion and assisted suicide and to otherwise support the “Culture of Life.”
Woodstock public schools
Monday: Hot dogs, baked beans, fruit. Tuesday: Waffle sticks, hash browns, sausage, fruit. Wednesday: Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes, beets, fruit. Thursday: Pasta, meatballs, carrots, fruit. Friday: Pizza, spinach salad, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Macaroni and cheese, baked beans, veggie cups, raisins or fruit cups, cookies. Tuesday: Roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, cranberry sauce, fresh fruit or fruit cups. Wednesday: Hamburgers or cheeseburgers, veggie cups, baked Doritos or chips, fresh fruit or fruit cups. Thursday: Pizza, broccoli, veggie cups, fresh fruit or fruit cups. Friday: Chicken nuggets, corn, veggie cups/dip, fresh fruit or fruit cups.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Mini chicken sliders, broccoli. Tuesday: Pasta with meatsauce, roasted vegetables. Wednesday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, Goldfish crackers, veggie sticks/hummus. Thursday: Country chicken drummies, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn. Friday: Putnam Special Pizza, salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
Putnam High
Monday: Crispy chicken chipotle flatbread sandwiches, carrots/hummus dip. Tuesday: General Tsos chicken, vegetable fried rice, broccoli. Wednesday: Nachos Grande, Spanish rice with black beans, Mexicali corn. Thursday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce, penne pasta, roasted butternut squash. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza, salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.
Wed. Jan. 18
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a walk at noon starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free for CAS members; $3 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present an exhibit,” Art @ the Library: The Monahan Family Artwork & Paintings” until Feb. 28. Reception is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org
Thur. Jan. 19
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Friends of the Pomfret Public Library will present The Rage of Plum Blossoms – Book Reading and Publishing Talk by Author Christine Whitehead at 7 p.m. at the library. No registration. Free. 860-928-3475.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present "Monthly Bird Walk" at 1 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Bring your camera. Free for CAS members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a walk at 8:30 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Bring camera. Free for CAS members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Jan. 21
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present "Winter Wildlife Tracking Workshop" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Dress for weather. Bring water, lunch and snack. Registration required. $50 for CAS members; $60 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Soup Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- The Putnam Masonic Lodge 46 will present an all-you-can-eat soup dinner and made to order grilled cheese sandwiches from 4 to 6 p.m. at the lodge on Rt. 169. $10. Benefits our Woodstock Academy Educational Awards.
Workshop
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will present a Wildlife Tracking Workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $50 for CAS members and $60 for nonmembers. Registration required: 860-928-4948.
Supper
DANIELSON --- The Westfield Church on Main Street will host a Yankee Pot Roast Supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. $12 for adults; $8 for kids 10 and younger. Takeout also available. WestfieldUCC.org/Eat.
Music Fund-raiser
THOMPSON --- The Real Wives of Windham County will present three great bands at the Raceway Restaurant and Golf Club as a fund-raiser for RSVP Veterans Coffeehouse. Tickets are $25 and are available at WINY Radio, Danielson Surplus Sales, The Trinket Shoppe or the Veterans Coffeehouse.
Tues. Jan. 24
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Woodstock Town Hall lower level meeting room. Free for all Woodstock senior citizens 60 and older. 860-974-1050.
Wed. Jan. 25
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a walk at noon starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free for CAS members; $3 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Thur. Jan. 26
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present a walk at 8:30 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Bring camera. Free for CAS members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Trivia Night
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will present a Trivia Night fund-raiser at 7 p.m. at the Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub. This month’s charity is the Putnam EMS.
Fri. Jan. 27
Lecture
POMFRET --- Pomfret School will present Alex Ross, a Lecture on the Industries of the Future, at 7 p.m. at the school’s Parsons Lodge. Free and open to the public. This is presented under the auspices of The Schwartz Visiting Fellow Program at the school.
Fish Fry
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a fish fry from noon to 8 p.m. Prices vary. 860-923-2967.
Sat. Jan. 28
Baked Potato Buffet
PUTNAM --- There will be a baked potato buffet from 5 to 7 p.m. in the downstairs hall of St. Mary’s Church on Providence Street. $5. Benefits Boy Scout Troop 21.
Ham Bean Supper
E. WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will host a Ham & Bean supper from 5 to 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. $10 for adults; kids 10 and younger admitted free. Take out available. Tickets: 860-928-07449 or 860-928-2731 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Supper, Music
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Grange will present a supper and two bluegrass bands at the Grange on Rt. 101. Supper is at 6 and the show starts at 7. Call 860-774-0087 for more info.
Sun. Jan. 29
Acorn Adventure
WOODSTOCK --- The Last Green Valley Ranger Marcy's Acorn Adventure - Eagle Search & Lake Visit will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Roseland Park. Snacks, eagle info, Acorn Adventure stickers and fresh air fun included. Dress for the weather, and bring a friend. Free. All welcome. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present "Winter Writing Workshop: Nature Writing - A Walk with Edwin Way Teale" from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Trail Wood off Kenyon Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Mon. Jan. 30
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Friends of Pomfret Public Library will present “Creative Writing For Adults” with Christine Kalafus at 7 p.m. at the library. Free, but please register. 860-928-3475.
Sat. Feb. 4
Dinner Dance
WOODSTOCK --- The Day Kimball Hospital Woman’s Board will hold its Valentine Dinner Dance fund-raiser at The Mansion at Bald Hill. Checks may be made out to Woman’s Board Day Kimball Hospital. Please send to: WBDKH, 37 Tunk City Road, Danielson, CT 06239.
Sledding Day
CANTERBURY --- Laskianen/Sledding Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Finnish Hall on Rt. 169. Includes lunch of pea soup and breads. All welcome.
Dinner Dance
WOODSTOCK --- The Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital will hold a Valentine Dinner Dance at the Mansion at Bald Hill. Cocktails are at 6, dinner at 7, dancing from 8 to 11 p.m. $45 and donations accepted. 860-774-5802.
Sun. Feb. 5
Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Waterbirds in Love: Photography by Carol Lowbeer” through the end of February at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Slideshow and opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5. Free. 860-928-4948.
Mon. Feb. 6
Haircut Donations
DAYVILLE --- On Feb. 6 and 7 the Hair Cuttery will host Share-A-Haircut for the Homeless. Every time anyone receives a haircut at any of the Hair Cuttery salons in New England, including the salon in Dayville at 1109 Killingly Common Drive, a free haircut certificate will be donated to a homeless person in the community
Sat. Feb. 11
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Owl Walk” at 7 .p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. Cancelled if rain, snow or high wind. 860-928-4948.
Fire & Ice
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present the 4th annual Fire and Ice festival to Putnam from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. downtown. This is the largest single ice-block competition in the U.S. www.discoverputnam.org .
Sun. Feb. 12
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Eagle Program by Horizon Wings” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $10.. 860-928-4948.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Second Sunday Walk” at 2 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Full Moon Walk” at 7 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Thur. Feb. 16
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Monthly Bird Walk” at 1 .p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. Cancelled if rain, snow or high wind. 860-928-4948.
Thur. Feb. 17
‘Sister Act’
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present “Sister Act” at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Hard Auditorium on the Pomfret School campus. Free. All welcome.
Fri. Feb. 18
Game Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will have “Camper Game Day” for boys and girls, ages 6-12 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch and snack provided with games, crafts,, etc. Bring outdoor gear and a sled if there is snow on the ground. $15. Register: 860-974-3379.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Tues. Feb. 21
Movie, Book
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library will present a movie and book discussion on “The Light Between Oceans” with movie starting at 1 and discussion following. All welcome. No registration required. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org
Sat. Feb. 25
Historical Collaboration
SOUTHBRIDGE --- The Last Green Valley will present “Historical Collaboration in the Last Green Valley” from 1 to 3 p.m. at Optical Heritage Museum on Crane Street. Snow date is Feb. 26. RSVP: 860-774-3300.
Sun. Feb. 26
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Stroll, Story, Stew and Song” fund-raiser. $25. Register: 860-928-4948.
Fri. March 3
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club and Matulaitis Health Care will co-sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Community Room at Matulaitis Rehab on Thurber Road. 1-800-RED CROSS.
Sun. March 5
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Wilderness Survival Program” at from 2 to 4 p.m. 860-928-4948.
..
DAYVILLE — Westview Health Care Center announced the appointment of Joseph J. Botta, M.D., as medical director to the facility as of Jan. 1.
Botta takes over the medical director reins with the retirement of Dr. Jeffrey Howe, Westview’s previous medical director for the past 13 years.
Botta joined Westview’s medical staff in 2002 and established his current practice, Joseph J. Botta M.D. and Associates, LLC, now on South Main Street in Putnam, at the Westview facility in January 2009.
Botta is a Board Certified Geriatric Specialist whose professional memberships include: American Geriatrics Society, American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y., and a Doctor of Allopathic Medicine Degree from Sackler School of Medicine, Ramar Aviv, Israel. His professional training includes a Fellowship of Geriatric Medicine, a Residency, and Chief Residency of Internal Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York.
With this appointment, Botta will oversee Westview’s medical staff of physicians and work directly with the facility’s health care professionals to assure the highest standards of care that Westview continually strives to achieve.
“We would like to thank Dr. Howe for his many years of dutiful service to Westview and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” said David T. Panteleakos, administrator. “We are also very excited to welcome Dr. Botta as our new medical director here at Westview. His rich educational background, experience and professional interests including chronic disease, memory disorders and medication management will undoubtedly be an enormous benefit to our patients, residents and staff.”
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