James Bernard Neeland, U.S. Army veteran
PUTNAM — James Bernard Neeland of Putnam, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully March 4, 2025, surrounded by the multi-generational legacy of love he had created.
Born on Jan. 19, 1941, James set many goals for his life, complementing his love of family with career success as a well-regarded, highly respected professional in the field of precision machining.
James’ aptitude for his chosen vocation led him to teach his trade to up-and-coming young machinists and even to provide valuable insights and expertise in the production of household products as varied as the Tupperware line. His decades-long career was a source of joy and pride for himself and his loved ones.
James’ dedication to his country manifested in his service in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961. In later years, James gave back to his fellow veterans in the State of Connecticut and beyond by volunteering with the AMVETS organization, rising to the level of vice-commander for Connecticut. His dedication to the cause of veterans extended even beyond James’ affiliation with the group, as he personally visited many ailing veterans over the years, doing what he could to provide comfort. James was a remarkable person whose life will serve as an exemplar of success, on a variety of levels, for many.
He leaves his wife of 62 years, Marcella Joan Neeland; children: Stephanie, Susan, Lorraine, James, Thomas and Elaine - and an ever-widening circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will always remember their beloved “Poppy” as the caring, kind, generous man he was.
Visitation was March 8 at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed. March 19
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council presents Art Guild Inspirations, works by the members of the Art Guild Northeast in the Corridor Gallery in the Municipal Complex through March.
Photo Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library will present “Focus on Thompson: Third Annual Community Photo Display” in the display case through the month of March.
Book Swap - Launch
PUTNAM --- The Relay for Life will kick off a Book Swap and Relay Reads Launch from 6 to 7 p.m. at their meeting at the Putnam Board of Education office left side of PHS). Donate a new children or young adult book to be read at the CT Children's Medical Center or bring a recent read to swap—gift wrapped with 3 clues about the book inside on the wrapping. (Yankee Gift Swap style). Unleash your inner artist and design your own custom bookmark to take home. Attendees also receive our 2025 Turning the Tide Against Cancer Relay Bookmark.
Thur. March 20
Probate Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Council on Aging will present a Free Senior Forum featuring Probate Judge Gabrielle Labonte at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex, conference room 112.
Fri. March 21
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “A Fireside Chat: Revolutionary Abington” at 7 p.m. at the Vanilla Bean.
Sat. March 22
Food Drive
PUTNAM --- There will be a food drive for local, needy people from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cargill Council 64 Knights of Columbus Hall on Providence Street. Please bring your non-perishable food items and tax-deductible monetary donations. If you can’t get there in person, then please mail your check to Interfaith Human Services of Putnam, P.O. Box 281, Putnam, CT 06260. 860-928-5873.
Sun. March 23
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.
Fri. March 28
Fund-raiser Concert
POMFRET --- Canadian roots and folk musician, James Keelaghan, will perform at 7 p.m. at The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road. Tickets are $25. Registration required: 860-928-4948. Admission at the door will be $30, only if seating remains available.
Sat. March 29
Poets at Large
POMFRET --- Poets at Large will begin its year from 7 to 9 p.m. March 29 at The Vanilla Bean Café. Dates for the events at the Vanilla Bean are March 29, April 26 and May 31. The event is also held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Roseland Park June 15 and Sept. 7. Admission for the Vanilla Bean events is $15 and park events are free. The events are sponsored in part by Linemaster Switch, Charter Oak FCU and WHZ Financial Advisors. All Poets at Large events are ADA compliant. Contact
Wed. April 2
Rain Garden Program
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam Land Use Department is promoting a Rain Garden Program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Putnam Public Library. To be presented by Maura Robie, natural resource specialist at Eastern CT Conservation District. Free.
Fri. April 4
PHS – 'Clue'
PUTNAM --- The Putnam High School drama club will present “Clue, the High School Edition” at 6:30 p.m. April 4 and April 5 in the Black Box Theatre at PHS. $15 tickets at PHS or through PHSClue.ludus.com.
Sat. April 5
Garden Symposium
DANIELSON --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club will host “Growing Gardeners 2025”, a Symposium from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at QVCC. It includes vendors, informative exhibits, farmers and more. Giveaways and door prizes. Box lunch is available for an additional charge. Info/tickets: www.quietcornergardenclub.com.
Fund-raiser Shopping
PUTNAM --- Paws Cat Shelter on School Street will hold a shopping day from noon to 3 p.m. Bitsy's Boutique Shop has new and used items along with handcrafts. Adoptable cats will be available for viewing. All proceeds to help the shelter. For more info or to make a monetary donation: 860-315-1228.
Wed. April 9
Book Signing/Sales
PUTNAM --- The American Legion Post 13 will hold a fund-raiser book signing/sales at 6:30 in Room 201 at the Municipal Complex. The book is part of the Hometown Heroes of the Quiet Corner series --- Civil War Edition 2025, Vol. 1 written by Legion Post Commander Michael Rocchetti. Benefits legion programs.
Wed. April 16
Maritime Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The Global Maritime Industry” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 16 and April 23.
Auction Collections
POMFRET --- From April 16 through April 30 donations will be accepted for the 71st annual Windham County 4-H Auction & Tag Sale (May 2 and 3) from 9 - 5 Mon., Weds, Fri and Sat and from 9 a.m. .to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Antiques and gently used household goods, furniture, toys, electronics, tools, books, lunch decorative items, etc. will be welcomed during those hours. We do not accept donations of clothing, textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias. For further donation assistance, call: 860-974-3379.
Sat. April 19
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. 326 Taft Pond Rd, Pomfret, CT. Meet the director and other camp staff; take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379.
Wed. April 23
Maritime Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The Global Maritime Industry” from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Sat. April 26
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Fighting for Freedom: Pomfret’s Black Revolutionary War Soldiers” at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
Sat. May 31
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Colonial Fiber Arts Workshop with Stacey Beck” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Town House. Pre-register.
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” at the Old Town House. Refreshments at 6; concert at 7. $25.
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.
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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Briefly
Donation
OXFORD, Mass. — bankHometown and its employees recently made donations of $24,000 to the United Way. Employees pledged over $14,000 of their own funds in the bank’s United Way workplace campaign. Combined with the bank’s additional corporate contribution, the campaign total of $24,000 will be donated to the United Ways of Central, North-Central, and South-Central Massachusetts.
Honored
PUTNAM — Assisted Living Services, Inc. received the distinguished 2025 Best of Home Care® –Leader in Experience Award, Best of Home Care® - Provider of Choice and Best of Home Care® - Employer of Choice from Activated Insights. The Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition bestowed by Activated Insights and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics. Assisted Living Services, Inc. has offices in Cheshire, Westport and Putnam.
Top Lender
JEWETT CITY — Jewett City Savings Bank was recently ranked as one of the fastest-growing commercial lenders in Connecticut by the Hartford Business Journal for 2024. The Hartford Business Journal examined the challenging commercial lending environment banks and borrowers faced in 2024. Of the 29 banks headquartered in Connecticut that achieved growth in 2024, Jewett City Savings Bank ranked third for growth in commercial real estate loans and fifth for multifamily residential real estate loans.
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Work begins on boxcar pavilion
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Signs of spring — backhoes.
Construction has begun for the pavilion at the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children Museum. Equipment cleared space for the concrete pad the pavilion will rest on. Museum Director Pat Hedenberg said workers intend to pour the concrete this week.
The pre-fab pavilion from Kloter Farm is made of white vinyl with a brown roof. It will be used for crafts, music, lessons and even town events, according to Hedenberg. The pavilion measures 14-foot by 20-foot and Woodstock Building Associates will be installing it.
April 30 and May 1 115 third-graders will descend on the boxcar museum. The museum and the Municipal Complex host the students each year.
Hedenberg said when the kids come, the buses run between the Municipal Complex (where they learn about Gertrude Warner and Putnam’s history at the library and Aspinock Historical Society) and the boxcar museum. If it’s raining there isn’t enough room for the students in the boxcar and the buses may or may not be at the museum.
The pavilion comes through the generosity of the Spirol Charitable Foundation which contributed $45,000 total. Originally Hedenberg went before the Spirol board last January. She asked for $50,000 for the replacement of rotted rail ties underneath the boxcar and the pavilion.
Board member Jim Shaw had asked Hedenberg “if she could dream, what would she love to see on the museum grounds.” The pavilion. They OK'd $10,000 for the rail tie replacement as it was urgent and asked her to come back later with details for the pavilion.
Last fall Hedenberg said she thought “What about landscaping?” The town asked what else should be there. Former Parks and Recreation Director Willie Bousquet made several suggestions. What about lights? So she asked Chaput Electric, which had donated electrical work when the museum was renovated, for a quote. He suggested adding a plug in case something might need to be plugged in. Then she got a quote for a 4-foot vinyl fence that would run along the top of the hill, between South Main and the boxcar. Then Bousquet suggested that crushed stone should be added along the fence so the fence would not be damaged by mowers. Jeff Rawson of Rawson Materials is donating that, just as Rawson had donated the stone used when the rail ties were replaced last year. And what about labor? Hedenberg asked NEPS Iron Horse for a quote.
When she’d gathered all the quotes, she appeared before the Spirol Foundation board and presented two proposals: One very simple including the pavilion, electrical work and vinyl picnic tables and the other with the dream items.
The board OK’d the dream proposal. Jeffery Koehl, president of Spirol and chair of the Spirol Charitable Foundation, told Hedenberg where to get the vinyl picnic tables as she was having trouble locating a source for those. The pavilion will be named the Fred Hedenberg Boxcar Pavilion after the late Fred Hedenberg, a longtime society member who made the boxcar museum happen. Aspinock Historical Society President John Miller thanked Hedenberg and Barbara Scalise for their hard work.
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