VFW Post 1523 adopts smoke-free indoor
PUTNAM — After nearly 100 years, the Albert J. Breault VFW POST 1523 has voted to remove smoking from all indoor areas of its private club, effective March 31.
“Our veterans have already borne enough,” said Ray Beausoleil, quartermaster, VFW Post 1523. “This step protects the men and women we serve, the families who stand with them, and the team members who support our mission every day. It’s the right call—morally, medically, and mission?wise.”
“Our canteen and our upstairs hall are community hubs,” said Helena Mamudovski, Canteen manager. “We host more than 700 community meals a year and can seat 200-plus upstairs for events. Going smoke-free ensures every veteran and neighbor feels comfortable here—whether they’re attending a meeting, grabbing a bite after a volunteer shift, or celebrating a life milestone.”
The details: The smoke-free indoor policy applies to all clubroom/canteen areas and event spaces within the building; outdoor accommodation areas will be clearly signed where permitted by local ordinance; the House Committee and staff will implement and enforce updated House rules, with member education and signage.
The community can help the post sustain and expand its mission by: Booking the upstairs hall (200+ capacity) for meetings, trainings, banquets, celebrations, and nonprofit fund-raisers; dining and socializing in the downstairs canteen; sponsoring meals or veteran?support programming; and volunteering and partnering on community projects
“To every veteran and friend of veterans: you’re welcome here,” added Beausoleil. “Help us keep this place strong—for camaraderie, remembrance, and service.”
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Arts Council offers scholarships
PUTNAM — The Putnam Arts Council is currently accepting applications for its third annual round of scholarships.
The Council will award one Putnam resident currently pursuing an education of any level up to $1,500 in scholarship assistance. The intention of the scholarship is intended to help students of any age or field of study to further their art-related discipline.
The scholarship may be used towards public or private formal education, or towards a class, workshop, etc. outside of an educational institution.
Application deadline is May 31. The grant will be awarded early July.
For more information visit www.putnamctartscouncil.com.
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Putnam Elementary/Middle
Every day: Fruit. Monday: Hot dogs, baked beans. Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese, carrots. Wednesday: Chicken bacon ranch flatbread sandwich. Thursday: Pasta, meatsauce, broccoli. Friday: Pizza, salad.
Putnam High
Monday: Corned beef sandwich on rye or spicy chicken sandwich. Tuesday: Chicken filet sandwich or bacon cheeseburger. Wednesday: Meatball grinder Parmesan or chef special wrap. Thursday: Buffalo chicken tenders or "Wild Mike's" cheese bites. Pizza or potato crust fish fry basket.
Woodstock Public Schools
Every day: Fruit. Monday: Loaded baked potato, broccoli. Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage, hash browns. Wednesday: Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, green beans. Thursday - elementary: Penne pasta, meatsauce, zucchini. Thursday - middle: Beef or chicken nachos, refried beans. Friday: Pizza, carrots with ranch dressing.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Pasta, meatballs, green beans. Tuesday: Chicken and sausage Jambalaya, corn. Wednesday: Pancakes, sausage, cinnamon sweet potato fries. Thursday: Cheesy meaty walking tacos, fiesta black beans. Friday: Cheese or roni pizza, salad.
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Town of Putnam
Inland Wetland Commission
Legal Notice
The Town of Putnam Inland Wetland Commission held a hybrid meeting on March 11, 2026, at 7:00 P.M at the Municipal Complex in Community Room 201 located on the second floor. APPROVAL was granted on the following:
Application # 2026-01 Luke & Ashley Walker, 44 Blood Rd, 3 Lot Subdivision
Adam Paquin, Chairman.
March 19, 2026