Interact helps Relay for Life
PUTNAM — In true community spirit, the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club was quite busy supporting one of its main projects — the Relay for Life.
Club adviser Roberta Rocchetti said one of the club’s fund-raisers was the Savers Clothing Drive. The total weight collected was 4,111 pounds for which the club received more than $800. That will be donated to the American Cancer society’s Relay for Life which will be held May 31.
Rocchetti said: “A big shout out to all the Relay for Life teams and the people in the surrounding communities that helped contribute to the Savers Clothing drive. A big thank you to Putnam High School for storing the bags of clothing and the students who helped load all the bags. Thank you to Mayor Barney Seney, Kevin Lamothe and the Town of Putnam for their support. Thank you Woody Durst, Mike Rocchetti and Shane Donahue for their assistance in transporting the clothes to Savers in Manchester.”
That successful drive was followed by another day of community spirit which benefited the Relay. 
The club’s Pancake Breakfast and Photos with the Easter Bunny netted $238 for Relay. She thanked the Knights of Columbus for providing the hall, Boy Scout Troop 21 who helped serve, and Scout Master Chris Jodoin, Jayce Jodoin, Joe Vergoni, Jordan Travisano and Revin Middleton. 
Also she thanked Interact members, June Ferraro, Isabelle McGlynn, Sam Hachigian, Devi Patel-Gandhi, Henrietta Hayes, Emma Martineau and Rotarian advisor Kayla Morin.
She also thanked the Putnam Relay for Life team, Whitney Pynn, Sawyer Britt, Evan Mailloux, Iyanah Ruiz and Nick Devlin and Larry Benson, “an amazing cook”.

.
caption:

Scout Troop 21 Helping

Greet the Easter Bunny!

The Putnam Recreation Department held its annual Greet the Easter Bunny extravaganza at the Putnam Middle School April 12. The Easter Bunny was there and an egg hunt was enjoyed by about 200 kids, according to Recreation Director James Callaghan. There was face painting by Emily, games and crafts. The Relay for Life was there as was the Putnam Little League with fund-raiser drawings. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page: Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger.

captions, clockwise from top left: 

Paige Perry, an Interact Club member helping the Relay for Life, is channeling the Easter Bunny for the occasion.

Rec Director James Callaghan handed out treats.

It's the start of an Easter egg on her cheek at the Facepainting by Emily table.

Lucille Cole, 8, was all decked out.  She with Megan LeVesque and Josh Avrett.

Left: Everywhere you looked there were Easter eggs!

Woodstock names new superintendent
WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Public Schools Board of Education announced the appointment of Christopher Roche as the district’s new Superintendent of Schools.
Roche comes to Woodstock after dedicating more than 20 years to public education. 
In his current role as Chief of Schools and Performance K–12 in Danbury Public Schools, he is driving district-wide strategic initiatives that have led to record-breaking gains in student achievement. He has worked in schools in Connecticut, Maine, and Texas. 
His leadership has earned numerous awards, including School of Distinction status, national recognition from the U.S. News & World Report, and multiple Gold Star Distinctions in Texas. 
“In selecting Chris, the Board carefully considered the district’s needs along with input from school and community stakeholders,” said Board Chair, Sonia Greene. 
“He has a strong track record as a visionary leader and brings a creative, strategic, and fiscally responsible approach to solving complex problems. Chris displays a deep understanding of learning, a hands-on, ‘roll up his sleeves’ approach, and unwavering commitment to student success. The Board was especially impressed by his positive energy, collaborative style, and ability to build relationships and elevate those with whom he works.”
“I was incredibly impressed by the Woodstock Board of Education. There were very positive conversations and honest and open dialogue. From my perspective, this signified a deep commitment to the district’s success. I immediately felt at home and knew this was the district I wanted to lead,” said Roche.

.