The new home for EMS got its official sign last week in Putnam. The staff has already moved in. After some revamping is done in the old building, which still shelters the trucks and equipment, the town will hold an official welcome. Linda Lemmon photo.
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Food Share volunteer ‘family’ – close knit, caring
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Seemed like the hottest day of the year and the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse volunteers at Food Share kept distributing food. Taking care of the folks in more than 300 cars and each other.
The challenges were all around them. The volunteers had to put insulated pallet blankets over the stacks of frozen food boxes. Coffeehouse Vice President and Food Share organizer Bruce Hay had large fans brought in and he asked the volunteers to sit in front of the fans and hydrate every 15 minutes. Glenn Senecal was directing traffic on the hot pavement that was Kennedy Drive. Hay also took care of him; having him sit in the air conditioned cruiser. Also Auxiliary officer Matt Rondeau spelled Senecal.
One Food Share volunteer brought iced handkerchiefs to be wrapped around the neck.
One or two volunteers made the rounds with coolers filled with iced drinks, again and again. “Have water.”
Usually more than half the volunteers who help are veterans. Still serving. The connections among these “family” members are touching. They tease each other; they scold each other. They not only take care of the folks receiving the food boxes, they care for each other. You’ll hear a good natured — but firm — “put that box down.” And when a volunteer might have a problem with the heat, the response is immediate and inspiring.
So despite the heat, the volunteers made sure each vehicle was taken care of. Nikki’s Dog House, per tradition, brought Coney Dogs for all the volunteers. And volunteers July 2 included two homeschooled boys and about 10 volunteers from the district Walmart stores. Originally Hay thought they might only be able to send five volunteers because the 4th of July weekend is kinda busy. But the local Walmarts put the word out internally and 10 volunteers came, including one from the Norwich Walmart. “I love all the different companies who are here,” said one Walmart volunteer.
The offerings at the Food Share this month included: Frozen waffles, pepperoni pizza bites, French fries, ham steaks, pies, soda, applies, potatoes, limes, strawberries, bananas, carrots, latke mix, corn, puffer corn baby snacks, Panettone, bread, applesauce, vitamins, macaroni and cheese, ramen noodles, fruit drinks, cereal, energy drinks and more.
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Michael Lamoureux Sr.
PUTNAM — Michael Lamoureux Sr., 73, of Church St., died unexpectedly April 25, 2026, at home. He was the loving husband of 50 years to the late Linda (LeClair) Lamoureux who died on April 8, 2024. Born in 1952 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Roland and Jeanne (Bernier) Lamoureux.
Mr. Lamoureux was united in marriage to the former Linda LeClair on Aug. 19, 1972, at St. John Church in Plainfield.
Michael enjoyed golfing, cooking, and playing pool. Mike and Linda followed their boys as they grew and volunteered in Boy Scouts, Little League, other sports and in their school activities. But, above all he cherished the quality time that he spent with his family and friends.
He leaves his two sons, Michael Lamoureux (Kristi) of Gray, Maine, and Daniel Lamoureux of Webster; his sister, Connie Lafortune of Putnam; and a grandson Quinn Lamoureux of Gray.
Graveside Services are at 1 p.m. July 11 in St. Mary Cemetery, 355 Providence St., Putnam. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 School St., Putnam.
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Wed. July 8
Exhibits
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History on Rt. 169 exhibitions for the summer and fall include “Woodstock Through the Camera’s Eye in Post-Civil War America” and “Crazy for Quilts,” a monthly series of small spotlight exhibitions of quilts by local quilters. The center is open for exhibition viewing and research Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other arrangements through the website: www.centerforwoodstockhistory.com
Revolution Tunes
PUTNAM --- the Putnam Public Library, the Aspinock Historical Society, the American Revolution PBS fund and the America 250 Connecticut Affiliate will present “Connecticut Tunes and Tales of the Revolution” from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Town Hall with Connecticut singer-songwriter Kent Besocke. Free.
Sat. July 11
Fireworks
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present its Fireworks extravaganza starting at 7 p.m. with a concert and the fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Rain date 7-19. Bring your lawn chairs.
Bottle Drive
PUTNAM --- Paws Cat Shelter is holding a Can and Bottle Drive from noon to 3 p.m. at the shelter, 74 School St. Please separate 2-liter bottles. Pet food and donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Paws is a non-profit, all volunteer organization caring for the cats of our communities. For more info or to make a monetary donation, contact Paws at 860-315-1228.
Tues. July 14
Al-Anon Meeting
POMFRET --- Al-Anon will meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St. Please use the lower level door, near the flagpole. All welcome.
Sat. July 25
Concert – River Fire
PUTNAM --- The Al Fresco Concert and River Fire will begin with a concert at 7 p.m. followed by the season’s first River Fire at 9:15 p.m. with music provided by WINY Radio. Free. Bring a lawn chair. Brought to you by the Town of Putnam and WINY Radio.
Pig Roast Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- Freshly roasted pork and more from 5 to 8 p.m. to raise $10,000 to build a home in Guatemala through Partners in Development. Music by guitarist duo "That Dollars Gone". $50 pp, 10 and under $10. Advance sales only. Contact Mitzi as pidfundraiserCT @gmail.com
Sat. Aug. 8
Concert and River Fire
PUTNAM --- A concert and River Fire will begin with a concert at 7 p.m. followed by River Fire at 9:15 p.m. with music provided by WINY Radio. Free. Bring a lawn chair. Brought to you by the Town of Putnam and WINY Radio.
Sun. Aug. 9
Main Street Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The annual blowout Main Street Car Cruise will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. around downtown and at Rotary Park. Free for registrants and spectators. Presented by the Town of Putnam.
Pluck-A-Duck
PUTNAM --- Pluck-A-Duck Extravaganza will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rotary Park. Lots of games, vendors and more. Last chance to buy your Pluck-A-Duck drawing tickets. The ducks are plucked at noon Aug. 10 at the secret pond location. Fund-raiser that benefits 39 nonprofit organizations. Presented by the Putnam Business Association.
Wed. Aug. 12
‘Baseball Wars’
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library and the Aspinock Historical Society will present “Baseball’s Own Civil War, 1818-1865” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. Free.
Sat. Sept. 6
Savor the Flavor
PUTNAM --- The annual Savor the Flavor – a Food Tasting, will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in downtown Putnam. It benefits IHSP-Daily Bread. Brought to you by the Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam.
Thur. Sept. 10
The Wall That Heals
PUTNAM --- The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Putnam Sept. 10 through 13, at Murphy Park. It will be open 24 hours a day and is free to the public. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. thewallthathealsputnam2026.org www.vvmf.org
Sat. Oct. 3
Revolutionary Abington
ABINGTON --- The Pomfret 250th Committee will present a simulated battle re-enactment Oct. 3 and 4 at the Pomfret Recreation Park. There will be two encampments – one British, one American. Battles will be staged at some points Oct. 3.
Sat. Oct. 24
Rec or Treat
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold its annual Rec or Treat (Trunk or Treat) starting at 4 p.m. at the soccer field at the Recreation Park on Hampton Road. The PCS PTO will have hayrides and crafts from 4 to 5:30 and a Pomfret Fire Department will have a bonfire is set for around 5:30. Concessions will be for sale at the white barn – cash only.
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