What Bob Miller meant to Putnam - in mural form
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The Robert Miller Park is transformed from a tangle of weed trees and weeds to a shining representation of Miller’s transformative effect on the community.
And that transformation continued July 10 with the installation of two murals by local artist Elaine Turner.
Town officials, family and friends and park contributors gathered to watch the unveiling.
It began at an Aspinock Historical Society meeting when President John Miller and board members asked out loud, what else can we do for the park. The large “whiteboard” kiosk had two blank spots — perfect for two murals that told Robert Miller’s story, honored him. Turner, a board member, said she looked through photos and memorabilia and tried connect with what Robert Miller was all about, how much he did for the community. One mural, called “Connecticut Home Guard,” noted his service to the scouts, family and the U.S. Army (WWII). The second mural noted Miller as VP of National Chromium as a beacon of customer service, quality and also community service as the town historian and so much more.
The two murals join the garden, a map of the River Trail, a plaque honoring Miller, a replica of the Putnam High School Wall of Honor plaque honoring Miller, and a plaque honoring all those who have helped transform the park including: the Putnam Economic and Community Development Department, Chace Building Supply, Centreville Bank, the Putnam Recreation Department, National Chromium, the Aspinock Historical Society and the Miller and extended family. There are also commemorations for Kenneth Gunsalas, Scout leader, and the Putnam Industrial Corporation.
Mayor Barney Seney said Miller helped save the history of Putnam through the Aspinock Historical Society. “If you don’t have that history, you don’t have anything,” he said.
Turner said she delved into Bob Miller. “I wanted to depict how hard he worked; how joyful he was to represent the military. He was dedicated to service.”
Turner said last summer “we started the conversation about what we should put up here.” She said she loves doing storyboards — to tell a story through art. So she spent the summer gathering information and pictures and stories and she said she began “in earnest” in the fall, sketching and starting to paint. A broken wrist in December delayed the work for about three months. Then it was about four months of “serious painting.” The murals are on a material called Polytab and the paintings are sealed. That is adhered to an aluminum sheet, so if the wood underneath begins to rot, the mural can be removed, the wood replaced and the mural put back up.
She likened it to a collage of someone’s life. “I gather information and stories and pictures and then I close my eyes, and I just try to envision what that story would look like in an art form. And that vision slowly becomes the reality.”
He did so many important things she couldn’t even fit it all.
Turner said doing the murals was an honor.
caption, page 1:
Family, friends, the mayor, the Aspinock Historical Society and artist Elaine Turner (in blue) in front of the two murals unveiled last week. More photos on page 4. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photo.
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Family, friends, the mayor, the Aspinock Historical Society and artist Elaine Turner (in blue) in front of the two murals unveiled last week. More photos on page 4. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photo.
Putnam Police Department named Legion's CT Dept. of Year
PUTNAM — The Putnam Police Department has been recognized by the American Legion as the 2024-2025 Police Department of the Year for the entire State of Connecticut. This prestigious award was presented to Putnam Police Chief Christopher Ferace at the American Legion Department of Connecticut’s 106th Annual Convention July 12. Presenting the award was John DeBisschop – commander of the Department of Connecticut.
In appreciation, Chief Ferace said: “I am so humbled to accept the award; it would not be possible without the outstanding and dedicated work the men and women of the Putnam Police Department do daily; they deserved the recognition. I am privileged to lead and work with such an excellent team in a great community.”
According to American Legion Post 13 Commander Michael Rocchetti: “The American Legion makes this award annually to that police department of any town or city, or State Police barracks, that brings credit to that police department for performance in the field of children and youth, drug education, community awareness projects, and participation in patriotic observances.”
In his award citation, Past Putnam Post #13 Commander Brian Maynard said: “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I write to recommend the Putnam Police Department for the American Legion Police Department of the Year Award. The Putnam Police Department exemplifies the very essence of community policing, consistently demonstrating professionalism, dedication, and a deep connection to the residents and visitors of our thriving town.
“Throughout the year, the Putnam Police Department goes above and beyond their duty to ensure the safety and well-being of our community while actively engaging in meaningful ways. They raise funds for local charities, participate in numerous community events, and foster a spirit of unity that strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the people they serve. These efforts reflect not only their commitment to public safety but also their understanding of what it means to be integral members of our community.
“The Putnam Police Department continues to support and protect our children and youth by working directly within our school systems. They ensure safety in these critical environments while also engaging with students on a positive level, building trust and serving as role models for the next generation. This proactive involvement underscores their commitment to the future of our town.
“Putnam is a town known for its vibrant events, which often see our population double as tens of thousands of residents and visitors come together. Managing such large crowds in a small town is no small feat, yet the Putnam Police Department rises to the challenge time and time again. Year after year, they ensure that these events occur safely and successfully, a true testament to their professionalism, expertise in policing, and unwavering dedication to our community’s well-being. Furthermore, the Putnam Police Department, without hesitation, ensures that events hosted by our American Legion Post and other military organizations—such as the recent Henry Breault ceremony—are safe and secure. These events are often attended voluntarily by our Police Chief, Captain, and other officers, demonstrating their heartfelt support for our military and veteran community.
“The excellence of the Putnam Police Department is further evidenced by the numerous letters of praise they receive throughout the year, such as those submitted for Officer Ustin and others. These commendations highlight the consistently high standards and exceptional service that have become synonymous with our police force.”
Maynard added: “For these reasons, I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend the Putnam Police department for the American Legion Police Department of the Year Award. They embody the ideals of service, professionalism, and community partnership that this recognition seeks to honor.”
Rocchetti added: “We are so proud of our police department – they keep us safe, and they help make Putnam a great place to live.”
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caption:
Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace accepts the Award from John DeBisschop, commander of the American Legion, Department of Connecticut.
Hometown Heroes
2nd Lt. Desire Massicotte USAF
By Michael Rocchetti
The war was over, but military occupation duties were keeping U.S. forces busy in Europe and the Far East. On Dec. 10, 1945, a B-17G Flying Fortress bomber (tail # 43-39236) nicknamed the “Blinkin’ Betsy” took off from RAF Grafton Underwood in the UK, carrying passengers on a flight to Orly Field in Paris. Unable to land due to weather, they were diverted to Lyon. The plane never made it. At 1815 hours on a cold, dark, foggy, overcast, evening the plane crashed into a hill at a place called Saint Andre la Cote, 16 miles SW of Lyon. There were 8 men aboard the plane – but only three of them survived the crash. Sadly, Desire Massicotte was not one of the survivors.
Desire Massicotte was an insurance agent from Putnam who volunteered for service with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was assigned to the 546th Bombardment Squadron, 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in the 8Th Air Force. He was the navigator on a B-17 bomber the “Blinkin’ Betsy”, based at RAF Grafton Underwood. He had flown numerous combat missions including the very last bombing mission flown by the 8th Air Force in Europe during WWII which targeted the vast Skoda armaments works at Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. He was only 29 years old when he died. He was born May 21, 1916, in Putnam, the son of Alfred and Alma Massicotte. In addition to his parents, he was survived by his wife Rita (Crawford) Massicotte, their daughter Adele, and a brother Labby. He is buried at Plot A, Row 8, Grave: 3 at the Rhone American Cemetery in France. The following articles were written about him in the local newspapers:
Putnam Patriot, February 21, 1946: “Letter Received By Wife; Details Of Accident Given: A communication received from Lt Col Lloyd D. Chapman. Air Corps commander, by Mrs. Rita Massicotte of 106 Woodstock Avenue contains some of the details connected with the death of her husband, Lt. Desire L. Massicotte, on December 10th, 1945. The letter, dated January 18th from APO 125. U S. Army, reads as follows: Dear Mrs. Massicotte: You have received official notification from the Adjutant General about the death of your husband. Lt. Desire L. Massicotte, who was killed in a plane crash on December 10th, 1945. As his commanding officer, I am in a position to give you more details of the accident and at this time I want to express my deep sorrow that so unfortunate an accident occurred, especially in peace time when we are so anxious to return home and leave behind the discomforts and unpleasantness associated with war. Your husband was flying as navigator on that flight, which left on the morning of the tenth. First the plane landed at Le Havre and then took off for Paris, where two passengers were to get off. The field at Paris was closed in and the plane was directed to Lyon to remain overnight. As they were approaching Lyon’s airfield for a landing, the plane crashed into the side of a hill about 150 feet from the top. The accident happened shortly after 5:00 o’clock that afternoon. Your husband and four others were killed instantly. He was up front in the navigator’s seat at the time and we are absolutely sure from the medical report that he never knew what happened. Three of the eight men in the plane lived but sustained serious injuries. On Thursday, December 13th, we held a very beautiful funeral at the Luynes National Cemetery, about six miles south of Aix, France. The Catholic chaplain, Father Sullivan, who has been with the squadron for quite some time, officiated at the ceremony. The men of the squadron brought several wreaths of beautiful autumn flowers and our photographer took pictures of the ceremony, which will be forwarded to you. Your husband was a very capable navigator for the 546th Squadron, and I can assure you he had done a splendid job in every respect and was very well liked and admired by his associates. Again, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and offer my sincere condolences to you and his entire family. LLOYD D. CHAPMAN, Lt. Col, Air Corps Commanding.”
Hometown Heroes is a series published in the Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger with this mission: We owe it to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to make sure that they are never forgotten, and that the memory of their service and sacrifice will forever live on in the hearts and minds of the grateful people of Putnam.
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Unbelievable!
We're starting our 33rd year --- memoralizing our lives in scrapbooks and stuck on refrigerators and gracing coffeetables. And none of thiswould have happened without the support of fellow small businesses and readers.
Thank you!
Linda Lemmon, editor-publisher
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