Proactive town clerk earns master certification
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — After more than three years of work, Putnam Town Clerk Christine Bright earned her Master Connecticut Town Clerk Certification.
It is an advanced professional designation awarded by the CT Town Clerk’s Association. It recognizes high level expertise, education and service in municipal administration.
Bright said it took more than 100 hours to earn the education points and the professional development points, she said. There were seminars, webinars, conferences and training that covered all facets of a town clerk’s job.
Bright is the vice president of the Windham County Town Clerks organization and is on various boards with the state organization. She is also the Department of Public Health liaison.
Because “people just don’t know what we town clerks do,” Bright is helping spearhead efforts to bring attention to the office of the town clerk. The town clerk tends to be the “go-to person for questions.”
Town Clerks safeguard every official record from birth to death, plus maps, plus meeting minutes, land records, meeting notices. Plus voting, plus permits for vendors, raffles, plus dog licenses and much more.
The group is also brainstorming ideas for town clerks to connect with their communities with projects and presentations. For example, this year was the second year of the “I Voted” sticker design contest with local schools. Two winning designs were chosen and turned into the “I Voted” stickers that voters receive after they’ve voted.
Bright has been Putnam’s town clerk for the last three and one-half years. Before that she was the town clerk in Scotland for five years.
.
Honored
POTSDAM, N.Y. — Abbie Elizabeth O’Brien of Dayville, a senior majoring in chemical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2025 semester at Clarkson University.
On dean's list
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Three local students were named to the Springfield College dean’s list for the 2025 fall semester: Aurissa Boardman, an education major from Brooklyn, and Carah Bruce of Woodstock Valley, a psychology major; and Samantha Foster of Pascoag, a health science/pre-PT major.
Honored
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Rachel Lynch, a freshman business major from Putnam, was named to the Le Moyne College Fall 2025 dean’s list.
Honored
PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Several local students were named to the Plymouth State University President’s List for the fall 2025 semester: Shannon Breen of Brooklyn, majoring in management; Lilly Tokarski of Chepachet, criminology; Deidrea Hanshaw of N Grosvenordale, criminal justice; Matthew Siegmund of N Grosvenordale, exercise and sport physiology; Lilly Verraneault of Pomfret Center, social work; Logan Gagnon of Thompson, business administration.
.
3 PHS standouts earn all ECC honors
The Putnam High School Clippers boys’ basketball team placed three players on the All-ECC All-Star teams this season, highlighting a strong year for the program as it heads into the state tournament with an 11-9 record.
Sophomore Camden Kell and freshman TJ Espinosa were both named to the All-ECC First Team, while senior Nick Devlin earned Second Team All-ECC honors.
Kell’s selection marks his second consecutive First Team All-ECC honor, an impressive accomplishment for the sophomore guard. Kell numbers this season are 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks per game. Kell recorded two double-doubles this season. Head Coach Shawn Deary said, “Camden has had quite a start for his high school basketball career. Second year in a row being named all-league first team player. Camden is a super athletic lefty that can really score the ball.”
TJ Espinosa turned in one of the most remarkable freshman seasons in program history. He led the Clippers with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals per game. Espinosa is at the top of the state shooting 85 percent from the free throw line. Espinosa recorded five double-doubles and also had a quadruple double and consistently elevated the Clippers’ offensive production throughout the season. Deary said “Espinosa arguably might have had the greatest freshman season in Putnam high school basketball history. He has brought our team to another level this year and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Senior Nick Devlin got the Second Team nod after an outstanding final season. Devlin averages 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists per game and is shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. He tallied six double-doubles and anchored the team defensively. Deary said, “Almost averaging a double double. Is one of our strongest defenders as well. He has had a heck of a four-year career for the Clippers.” Devlin also was awarded the ECC Scholar athlete award for his outstanding work in the classroom.
Sophomore Caleb LaFrance was awarded the team’s Sportsmanship Award. LaFrance started for the Clippers for the majority of the season before a knee injury in January. LaFrance is known for his toughness and defensive presence. He is focused on making a strong comeback entering his junior year.
.
Cub Scout Pack 21 visited the Putnam Fire Department last week. Photo by John Ryan.
.