Charged with damaging park
PUTNAM — A Putnam man was arrested July 9 in connection with damaged lighting at the Veterans Park.
Eric Swanson, 56, of no certain address in Putnam, was charged with second-degree criminal mischief and interference with a war or veterans’ memorial or monument, according to Putnam Police Chief Christopher D. Ferace.
May 19 the Putnam Police Department was notified that damage had occurred overnight in the newly renovated Veterans Park on Bridge Street. The spotlights illuminating the veterans memorials in the park had been intentionally smashed out. After an investigation, police obtained an arrest from the Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office and Officer Chip Carney of the Putnam Police took Swanson into custody without incident. All accused are innocent until proven guilty.
Elks begin celebration of 125th anniversary
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The BPOE Putnam Lodge 574 kicked off a celebration of its 125th anniversary July 12 with armfuls of citations, patriotic booths, games and more.
The celebration began with honored guests including U.S. Representative Joe Courtney, Mayor Barney Seney, State Senator Mae Flexer, State Representative Chris Stewart, Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, each bringing proclamations and citations.
As Saturday’s celebration went on in Putnam, the U.S. flag was flying over the U.S. Capitol for the lodge, courtesy of Courtney.
Exalted Ruler Marcel Morissette said the lodge has been planning the celebration for probably close to a year. “We really got it off the ground in January,” he said.
Morissette said the Elks are a patriotic organization: Members believe in God, they are U.S. citizens and are willing to pledge allegiance to the flag.
The U.S. flag is a foundation of the Elks. Janet Muscara-Schmidt said the Elks honored nine local businesses that proudly honor the flag every day: Chase Graphics, Honor Movers, Linemaster Switch and Mansion on Bald Hill, Eastford Building Supply, Pursuit Aerospace, Paquette Electric and Ivanhoe.
Also, geared toward kids, she had explanations of the importance of the flag along with patriotic coloring sheets and stickers.
She asked kids to draw an outline of their hand and place it on the poster – a pledge to honor the flag.
Morissette said the anniversary year will include a black-tie gala in October.
There will be only 150 seats and tickets are already on sale (860-928-3901). They will also be a co-marshal of the Dazzle Light Parade.
There will be some “pop-up” events. That’s in addition to annual events like their Trunk or Treat, the free Thanksgiving dinner and their Christmas basket program and more.
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captions:
Clockwise from top left:
Citations and proclamations began the celebration. Courtesy photo.
Exalted Ruler Marcel Morissette and secretary Lisa Morissette.
Joanne Donnell challenged Mike Stewart to a race on the obstacle course. It seemed to be a draw.
Left: There was a sizeable history lesson inside the lodge. The original charter was there, plus photos and projects, ledgers and even thank you letters from GIs who received care packages from the Elks during the war. More photos Wed. night on our FB page.
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Marilyn Lillian Crocker
WOODSTSOCK — Marilyn Lillian Crocker, 90, of Route 197 in Woodstock, died peacefully July 9, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Living Center in Windham with her daughter, Lori, and sister Debbie by her side. Marilyn was the wife of the late Charles Stetson Crocker. She was born July 17, 1934, in Danielson, CT, and was the daughter of the late James O’Connor and Yvonne (Vanasse) O’Connor.
Marilyn attended Bryant College and earned a certificate in business administration. She worked as a secretary and administrator for Rogers Corporation, The American Cancer Society and Teamsters Local 798 in Plainfield. In her retirement enjoyed volunteering for the American Cancer Society.
Marilyn was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where she enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher and serving on their vestry team.
Marilyn was a kind, caring woman with unwavering generosity towards others and most of all, she was the best mother a person could possibly hope to have. Marilyn had a few favorite catch phrases we will all miss hearing such as, “in about five minutes,” “such is life,” and “right back at you.”
She leaves her daughter Lori Crocker-Lincoln (Brian) of Woodstock; her stepson Russell Crocker (Joan) of Nevada; her brother James O’Connor of Florida; her sisters Nola Hoss of Dayville, Cassandra O’Connor of Dayville, Debra Larkin (John) of Danielson; grandchildren Derek Crocker, Stephen Crocker, Ross Lincoln (Emily), Riana Lincoln (Henri), and great-grandchildren Alexis Crocker, Liam Crocker, and Annie Rose Lincoln. She was predeceased by her siblings Kay Peralta, Martin O’Connor and Patricia Woodworth.
There will be a private burial at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s Memorial Garden, in Plainfield where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Charlie. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Black Dog in Putnam for her family and friends. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed. July 16
Photo Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit of photographs by Carmine Angeloni is now on view until September in the Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. July 24 at the Municipal Complex. Refreshments, meet the artist. Reception is free and open to the public. For more info: putnamCtArtsCouncil.com.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present its August art exhibit, “Three Friends: Cathy Shires, Micky Welles & Xiaochong Song. Works by the Quiet Corner Garden Club will be in the display case.
Wed. July 17
‘Furry’ Program
PUTNAM --- Furry Scaly Friends presents a hands on introduction to critters at 10:30 a.m. in the tent outside the Putnam Public Library. Bring a chair or blanket. Free kids’ lunch at 11:30. Free.
Sun. July 20
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
Tues. July 22
Al-Anon Meeting
POMFRET --- Al-Anon will meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St. All welcome.
Sat. July 19
Al Fresco – River Fire
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present “Al Fresco Chicago Total Access (a Chicago tribute band) at 7 p.m. at the bandstand at Rotary Park. River Fire follows at 8:30 p.m. Free.
Fri. July 25
‘The Prom’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse will present its summer musical, the joyously funny and sweet blockbuster “The Prom” starting July 25 and running for three weekends. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. July 25, 26 and Aug. 1, 2, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. July 27, Aug. 3 and Aug. 9. To accommodate the Putnam Car Cruise on Aug. 10, shows for the final weekend are at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Tickets: $30 for adults; $27 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. 860-928-7887. Sensitive material.
Sat. July 26
‘The Prom’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse will present its summer musical, the joyously funny and sweet blockbuster “The Prom” starting July 25 and running for three weekends. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 1, 2, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. July 27, Aug. 3 and Aug. 9. To accommodate the Putnam car cruise on Aug. 10, shows for the final weekend are at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Tickets: $30 for adults; $27 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. 860-928-7887. Sensitive material.
Wed. Aug. 6
Author Visits
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library and the Aspinock Historical Society will present Patricia Suprenant from 6 to 7 p.m. The author of “Behind the Scarlett Letter," she will speak and sign books.
Sat. Aug. 9
Concert-River Fire
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present Ed Peabody & the Big Blue Thang from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the bandstand at Rotary Park. River Fire follows at 8. FREE.
Army Band
PUTNAM --- The CT Army National Guard 102D Army Band will present a free concert at 4:30 p.m. in Rotary Park. The Jazz Combo and Brass Band will entertain.
Sun. Aug. 10
Main Street Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present the annual Main Street Car Cruise around downtown and Rotary Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free registration starts at 8 a.m.
Fri. Aug. 22
Learning Open House
DANIELSON --- Learning in Retirement (LIR -QV) will hold a Fall Open House at 1 p.m. at the Killingly Community Center. The LIR-QV will present Sheryl Faye as Sheryl Faye, as Katherine Hepburn: “From Hartford to Hollywood.” There will be a preview of fall courses, light refreshments. Free. Limited seating – first come, first served. No reservations required.
Sat. Sept. 13
Fall Festival
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will host a Fall Festival at the Recreation Park. This is an old fashioned family fun day. The department is partnering with PCS PTO for a Harvest Hustle 5K & Kids Fun Run. www.pomfretct.gov/recreation.
Sat. Sept. 27
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier” performed by Kevin Johnson of the CT State Library at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
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