Rectory School welcomes new Head of School
First female Head of School at Rectory
POMFRET — Julie Anderson officially began as the Rectory School’s new Head of School last week. She Anderson makes history as Rectory’s first female Head of School and becomes only the sixth person to hold this position since the school’s founding in 1920.
She was chosen, after a nationwide search and thorough selection process, for her deep experience in independent school leadership, her dedication to student-centered education, and her ability to inspire growth through collaboration and innovation.
Prior to joining Rectory, she served as Head of School at Cheshire Academy, where she led strategic initiatives that strengthened academic programming, increased enrollment, and elevated community engagement. She brings with her a strong foundation in both teaching and administration, along with a lifelong commitment to fostering inclusive, purpose-driven learning environments.
She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in liberal studies from Wesleyan University and a master’s in education from Southern Connecticut State University.
Her leadership arrives at a time of momentum, as the school prepares to open a new athletic facility and launches an ambitious strategic planning process this fall.
“I am honored to join the Rectory community and continue the important work of building a joyful, inclusive, and future-ready school,” said Anderson. “From the moment I first stepped on campus, I was struck by the warmth of the people and the sense of purpose that runs through everything here. I’m thrilled to begin this journey together.”
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Devlin honored by Day Kimball Health
PUTNAM — Day Kimball Health (DKH) named Andrea Devlin Employee of the Month for April. Devlin is a physical therapy assistant with Day Kimball Health at Home.
With 29 years of experience in the field, Devlin joined DKH in 2018 and has since made a meaningful impact on her patients through compassionate, personalized in-home care. Her work helps individuals regain strength, confidence, and independence, greatly improving their overall quality of life.
Also she is deeply involved in both the workplace and her community. She serves on DKH’s internal safety and falls prevention committees and leads a monthly Alzheimer’s Family/Caregiver Support Group.
Devlin is a dedicated supporter of causes that matter to her. She has earned a place in the Champion’s Club for three consecutive years through her fund-raising efforts for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
She also participates in Relay for Life Northeastern Connecticut and serves as a board member of the Putnam Commission on Aging. Additionally, she is involved in local youth sports programs.
“Andrea’s dedication to her patients and her team is truly inspiring,” said Kyle Kramer, CEO of Day Kimball Health. “She embodies the values of DKH: compassion, excellence, and service. Her commitment to providing high-quality care and her involvement in both professional and community initiatives make her a standout member of our organization.”
A lifelong resident of Putnam, she lives with her husband and their two sons.
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Champlin was 'champ'in 1st hot-dog eating contest
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM --- The first annual hot-dog eating contest July 5 came right down to the wire. The addition of another donation pushed champ Jim Champlin over the top. and won the belt.
Champlin, sponsored by bankHometown, and John Spratt, sponsored by Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes, each ate eight hot dogs in three minutes. The tie-breaker was a look into which contestant brought in the most donations. Champlin won.
The contest, sponsored by the Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club, was a fund-raiser. According to Matt Granier, the club's new president, the contest pulled in $4,000 which will go toward scholarships. Nikki's Dog House supplied the hot dogs.
Putnam Parks and Recreation Director James Callaghan said that he expects the contest will run again next year. He anticipates it will run later next year, closer to the town's concert/fireworks extravaganza.
Competitors included: Nick Rauh from Radical Auto Detail; Spratt; Granier; Mayor Barney Seney (he ate1); Eric Gould from Savage Systems; Josh Dumas from Nikki's.
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From top: Mayor Seney, Eric Gould and Jim Champlin. Linda Lemmon photos.
The competitors lined up before the contest.
John Spratt, left, and Matt Granier.
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H. Ray Paine
POMFRET CENTER —H. Ray Paine, 79, of Cheney Road, died unexpectedly on July 1, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Chris (Christensen) Paine, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. Born in September 1945, in Putnam, he was the son of the late Howard and Laura (Lungren) Paine.
A lifelong resident of Pomfret, Ray was a highly respected restoration mason known for his expertise in 17th- and 18th-century construction. He began his career working alongside his father, eventually taking over the business, which he led with skill and dedication until his retirement in 2012.
Ray and Chris were passionate campers, beginning their adventures when their youngest daughter was just six weeks old. Over the years, they created countless memories with their family through vacations and extended RV trips across the country.
Together, Ray and Chris founded R & C Acres Sugarhouse in 1982 which operated successfully for more than a decade. Whether he was working in the sugar bush or teaching a group of schoolchildren, Ray came alive when sharing his deep knowledge of and love for nature and all it provides. Ray and Chris also served at 4-H Swine Leaders with the Pomfret Livestocker’s.
He was a proud member of Putnam Lodge #46 AF&AM and a longtime camper at Travelers Woods of New England Campground, where he formed many lasting friendships.
Including his wife, Chris, he leaves two daughters: Lena Travinski (Christopher) of Woodstock, and Heather Logsdon (Jimmy) of Thompson; his surrogate son, Stephen Breen (Mia) of Brooklyn; three grandsons, Lucas, Tyler, and Aaron; and two granddaughters, Laura and Shannon.
A Memorial Service was July 8 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Burial will be private. Donations: Springfield Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
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