‘Amazed at the generosity’ of the community
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Every year the Putnam Police Department is touched by the outpouring from the community for the department’s Handcuff Hunger.
Traditionally the collection point is in front of Price Chopper. More than one resident stopped to ask the volunteers what they needed. Then they went in, did their Thanksgiving shopping and on the way back out delivered what they needed. One gentleman came out and gave the collection crew half the groceries in his cart.
Putnam Police Captain Justin Lussier said “We are just amazed at the generosity of our community.”
For 15-plus years the department has been collecting money and food and it is split between Daily Bread and TEEG.
He said $2,512.54 in cash/checks/gift cards was collected. Add to that 222 turkeys and truckloads of food. 
He added his thanks to “Everyone from the department that participated, sworn and civilian, as well as some judicial marshals from Danielson Superior Court that joined us.”

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Collecting
The Handcuff Hunger crew included members of the Putnam Police Department plus friends plus volunteers including Putnam High School students Sami Bouzrak and Makenzei Fry, far right. Linda Lemmon photos.

Quiet Corner Garden Club receives prestigious awards
WOODSTOCK — The Quiet Corner Garden Club (QCGC) received 16 awards at the 96th Annual Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut Awards Meeting.
The awards are based on garden club activities from June 2024 to May 2025.
The Lucille Schavoir Award is presented annually to a club for outstanding garden club work and is considered the highest award presented to a club. “The Quiet Corner Garden Club was recognized this year for its outstanding work in the community. Its club members are active in every aspect of garden club activities.”
The QCGC received its first ever award from the National Garden Clubs, Inc. A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded for the Club’s monthly newsletter.
The Lea Bauerfeld Beautification Award is presented to a club for an outstanding civic project that benefits the community both aesthetically and environmentally. This award was presented for the Club’s work at Quasset Cemetery in Woodstock.
The Pauline B. Tyler Award for excellence in promoting conservation was presented to Noreene Stehlik of Woodstock Valley for her efforts to eradicate and educate about invasive plants.
An Award of Excellence in Healing, Therapy and Senior Gardening was given for the club’s commitment to expand and share its passion for all things gardening. QCGC members conducted workshops at six local Senior Centers in Connecticut and Dudley
QCGC received the Luckner Youth Award for its efforts working with the Putnam Rotary Interact high school students who worked in the TEEG Community Garden.
The club also received a Citation for Digital Media and a Certificate of Merit for the monthly newsletter. In addition, The QCGC received a Citation for its Floral Design course under the leadership of Bonnie Berthiaume of Woodstock and Marcia Kettle of N. Grosvenordale, and also a Citation for garden work at Eastford Municipal buildings and grounds.
Individuals also recognized for their work were Linda Kaplan of Woodstock, Kathy Mulford of Brooklyn, Deni Van Der Voort of Woodstock, Marian Hallowell of Woodstock, Laura Salo of Woodstock, Ashley Goyette of Putnam, Mary Ann Johnson of Woodstock, and Ginny Sears of Woodstock.

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Dean’s list
E.HARTFORD — Two local students were named to the Goodwin University summer dean’s List: Kelsie Boulet-Briere of Putnam and Jasmyne Quinn of Rogers.

President’s list
E. HARTFORD — Tiahma Rawls has earned a spot on Goodwin University President’s List for the summer 2025 session. Rawls, a student from Brooklyn, is one of 277 students to make the President’s List.

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