Wed. June 11
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council will present “An Abstract Fantasy: An Artist’s Journey of Self Discovery,” featuring the art of Tabitha “Purrmage” Cummings, through June in the Corridor Gallery inside the Municipal Complex.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, in its Art @ the Library series, “Dimensional Work by Laura Salo” (quiltings). The display case will feature “Thompson Public Library Children’s Department Level Up at Your Library Summer Reading 2025.”
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret on Day Road will present an art exhibition, “Nature Reveals Itself," through June. Free admission.
Thur. June 12
Strawberry Social
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society will host a Strawberry Shortcake Social to honor the late Joy Lizotte 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fred Hedenberg pavilion at the Gertrude C. Warner Boxcar Children Museum on South Main Street. RSVP by June 6: at the library in person or by calling 860-963-6826. No charge but donations always welcome. Bring a chair.
Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Tavern, on Rt. 171, is hosting a Guest Bartender Fund- raiser to support Paws Cat Shelter of Putnam from 5 to 8 p.m. Six teams of local known community members, including state Senator Jeff Gordon, MD, will be there. www.woodstockcats.org for the list of teams or, for info: 860-315-1228.
Sat. June 14
Concert-Fundraiser
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present a concert/fund-raiser, “Washington’s Favorite, The Nation’s Guest: Songs of Lafayette’s Time In America” with Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle at the Old Town House). Refreshments at 6; concert at 7. $25.
Collection
PUTNAM --- The Knights of Columbus will be collecting donations of clean, used winter coats of all sizes for men, women and children and clean, used blankets and baby clothing in good condition, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the K of C Hall on Providence Street for those in need in northeastern Connecticut. 860- 928-5873, leave a message.
Open House
WOODSTOCK VALLEY --- The Friends of the Mill will hold a spring open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chamberlin Mill, 286 Old Turnpike Road, Woodstock Valley.
Volunteer Day
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society will hold a summer volunteer day from 9 a.m. to noon at Trail Wood. Bring gloves and pruning implements. Please let us know if you'll be joining us:
Sun. June 15
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
Witness Stone
BROOKLYN --- The Trinity Episcopal Church will hold the Witness Stone Project ceremonies starting with a Eucharist at 10 a.m. and then the dedication of the stones at 11:30. Trinity was founded in 1771 by Godfrey Malbone, a slave owner whose family fortune was made in the slave trade. Two of these enslaved persons, Jenny and Sias, will be honored. All welcome. Info: http://www.trinityepiscopalchurchbrooklyn.org.
Mon. June 16
Meditation
THOMPSON --- Quiet Corner Mindful Meditation group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thompson Public Library. Free. Beginners are welcome, no meditation experience necessary.
Sat. June 21
Fine Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council will present its annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival June 21 and 22 at the Municipal Complex front yard.
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast is holding a low cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. $15 cash per animal. Pre-registration and appointment is required: 860-317-1720.
Sat. June 28
Household Hazardous Waste
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will hold a Household Hazardous Waste and Confidential Paper Shredding Collection Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Middle School. Putnam residents only. Bring ID.
Sat. July 12
Elks Anniversary
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Elks Lodge 574 will be celebrating its 125 Anniversary from noon to 3 p.m. with a Community Day at the Lodge on Edmond Street. All welcome.
Sat. Sept. 27
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier” performed by Kevin Johnson of the CT State Library at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
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Paul Harris
winners: Always looking for more ways to help
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Service to their communities earned three local residents a prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award.
At the Putnam Rotary Club’s induction and awards ceremony, Robert Challinor Jr., Jackie Lajoie and Rotarian Crystal Simonson received the awards. And it was kept as a surprise.
Challinor, president of Putnam’s Veterans Advisory Committee and the town’s veterans agent and more, is involved in nearly aspect of veterans services. Were it not for Challinor’s energy and drive, the reborn Putnam Veterans Park would not exist. And he’s always looking for more ways to help veterans.
Lajoie was honored for her service to the St. Joseph’s Church community in North Grosvenordale. It started with organizing bingo to help St. Joseph’s school. When the school was closed, the bingo games continued helping the church. And her help widened to help feed those in need and much more.
Simonson won the award for her energy, enthusiasm and work on programs and speakers for Rotary all year long. She’s always upbeat, always smiling — and always looking for more ways to help.
The Paul Harris, named after the founder of Rotary Club, is the Rotary’s highest honor. The awards were given out by committee chair Jeff Rawson.
In addition to the awards, new officers were inducted including: Kathy Kirk, president; Martha Paquette, president-elect; Emily Barnes, secretary; and Fred Chmura, continuing as treasurer; and Doug Porter, immediate past president. Three sergeants-at-arms: J. Scott Pempek, Jonathan Tremblay and Jonathan Sturdevant. The board of directors includes: Jennifer Brytowski, Linda Lemmon, Crystal Simonson and Cheryl Guillot.
captions, top to bottom:
Nominator Gary Osbrey, left, and Rob Challinor.
From left: Jackie Lajoie, nominator Rachael Johnston and Jeff Rawson.
From left: Nominator Maddie Smith, Crystal Simonson and Jeff Rawson. Linda Lemmon photos.
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Strike up
the bands
PUTNAM — The Town of Putnam Recreation Department is striking up the bands — free live concerts in Rotary Park this summer. Three energetic and talented bands will be belting out the hits in the park, along the scenic shores of the Quinebaug River.
* Saturday, July 5, Roc-Kin’-On performs popular rock hits to fire up the crowd before the Fireworks shoot off (Rain date: Sunday, July 13).
* Saturday, July 19, Chicago Total Access, New England’s premier tribute to the band, Chicago, offers you a hi-energy, explosive show (no rain date). The concert will be followed by River Fire.
* Saturday, August 9, Ed Peabody And The Big Blue Thang, has been a fixture with the blues scene for years. Enjoy this talent (no rain date). This concert will be followed by River Fire.
More specific details will follow as each event gets closer.
For info: https://www.putnamct.us/departments/parks-and-recreation or stop in to the Rec Office, in the Municipal Complex, second floor.
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PHS honor rolls
PUTNAM — The Putnam High School honor roll for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 school year includes:
Seniors
High Honors: Brooke Champagne, Anthony Cosentino, Melanie Garcia, Logan LaFrance, Deven Lamothe, Madison Lamothe, Isabelle Magalhaes, Evan Mailloux, Edy Morente Mendez, Ava Morrison, Jacob Olson, Isabel Porter, Ava Wolinski, Jasmine Wolinski
Honors: Natalie Braga, Antonio Furtado, Olivia Hetrick, Kaylee Mayo, Emily Olecki, Alexus Paquin, Zoe Pehowdy, Clara Souza, Hailey Summers, Justin Vukas
Juniors
High Honors: Kaylee Borders, Nicholas Devlin, Joselin Garcia Osorio, Evan Garvey, Jayce Jodoin, Aidan Martin, Kaydence Morris, Paige Perry, Kasyn Robillard, Kaylin Rodrigues, Jandiel Suarez, Madison Thomas
Honors: Leah Benzie, Ella Carota, Brynn Dignam, Benjamin Gustafson, Vanessa Menard
Sophomores
High Honors: Delanie Bernier, Mia Cosentino, Ayla Daniels, Leland Fisher, Avah Grimshaw, Sidra Jahangir, Jay Patel, Gavin Patterson, Nathaniel Ramos, Iyanah Riuz, Rockford Snow, Jillian Spalding, Calvin Wormley
Honors: Danny Boriboun, Madelyn Haynes, Bridgett Reidy, Rebekah Robbins Ferreira
Freshmen
High Honors: Kaitlin Brodeur, Theodore Buzanoski, Laura Coderre, Abigail Daniels, Daniel DiNola, Avalynn Fiske, Eliza Garvey, Chloe Gazzola, Sophie Godzik, Caleb LaFrance, Devin LeBeau, Nyla Magalhaes, Oliver Paine, Jayda Rivera, Cassidy Sabatinelli, Angelina Seymour, Mya Smith, Gavin Weiker
Honors: Alyssa Daniels, Sammuel Jackel, Camden Kell, Catherine Levesque, Travis Morvan, Taylor Thomas, Logan Walker
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