Dr. Julius ‘Dr. Grey’ Gryckiewicz
BARRE, Vt. — Dr. Julius “Jules” Gryckiewicz of Putnam passed away peacefully at the age of 94 Feb. 22, 2025, at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Barre, surrounded by his family.
Born in New Britain, on April 12, 1930, Jules was the middle of five children of Joseph Gryckiewicz and Helen (Kasinski) Gryckiewicz who immigrated from Poland shortly before his birth. After graduating from high school, Jules joined the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and was the first of the friars ordained in the Eastern Rite, giving his first Mass at the tomb of St. Peter in Rome.
Jules pursued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree from St. Pius X Seminary in Saranac Lake, N.Y., and a master’s degree from Fairfield University. While in Saranac Lake, he met his future wife, Donna, for whom he later left the priesthood.
He became a professor of education at the University of Vermont, earning a master’s degree in education there and ultimately a PhD from UConn, where his research explored the constitutionality of state aid to non-public schools.
A longtime resident of Putnam, Jules moved there to be close to his ailing father. 
He worked for many years in the Putnam Public Schools as an administrator and guidance counselor, where he was known to most by his professional name, “Dr. Grey.”
Jules was an accomplished pianist who enjoyed performing the works of Chopin. He was also a professional photographer who ran his own studio. 
His other hobbies included hiking, studying philosophy, theology, and history, and playing chess.
Recently, Jules and Donna moved to Stowe, Vt., to live with their son Jonathan, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and grandson Andrew.
Jules is preceded in death by his brother Joseph Gryckiewicz and sister Cecelia MacLean. He leaves his wife Donna Gryckiewicz; sisters Helen Balint and Leonore Johnson; sons Jonathan Gryckiewicz and Damon Bizuka; and grandson Andrew Gryckiewicz.
Remembrances will be private per his wishes. 
Donations: Putnam High School Scholarship Fund, c/o Putnam High School, 152 Woodstock Ave., Putnam, CT 06260.  Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St., Barre. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com.

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Wed.  March 12
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.

Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Black Dog Bar and Grille on Park Road is hosting a Dining for a Cause fund-raiser event to help Paws Cat Shelter from 3 to 9 p.m. Fifteen percent of the food and beverage sales will be donated when you present a coupon for either dine in or take out. Coupons are available at Petco in Dayville, Paws Cat Shelter on School St., from noon to 3 p.m. March 8 or request by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Coupons are free and must be obtained in advance. No coupons will be available at the event.  860-315-1228.

Thur.  March 13
Art Reception
PUTNAM --- A closing reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Municipal Complex. The exhibit, “Art Guild Inspirations,“  currently on view in the Corridor Gallery, closes March 30. The exhibit features a variety of mediums and styles from 21 Art Guild Northeast artists.  The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. www.PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com.

Sat.  March 15
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Introduction to Tai Chi Chuan” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Movement participation is optional. (Wear loose, comfortable clothes and flat, soft-soled shoes. Registration required: 860-963-6826. Registration limited to 25 adult participants.

Baked Potato Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Scout Troop 21 will present a Baked Potato Buffet fund-raiser from 5 to 7 p.m. in the St. Mary Church Hall. $10 donation.

Sun.  March 16
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.

Camp Tour
POMFRET --- Visit the Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet the director & other camp staff, take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379. 

Wed.  March 19
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). Design a 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.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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. For info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Wed.  April 2
Gardening Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Rain Gardening” from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

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.

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.

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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Yottivong honored at Westview
DAYVILLE — Larda Yottivong was awarded with the January 2025 Employee of the Month honors for Westview.  She is a server in the Dietary Department of Country Living at Westview Commons.  She and the serving team prepare the hospitable atmosphere in Westview Commons’ Great Room by setting and resetting the room for dining hours; making additional arrangements throughout the day for special celebrations or occasions.
Prior to working with Country Living at Westview Commons, she worked as a server in the dietary department of another residential facility.  A strong sense of family binds her family together.  Her mother and step-father are the owners of “Emerald Buddha Thai Hot Pot & African Cuisine,” a restaurant in Danielson where she has worked alongside her older sister.  Larda’s innate human compassion, family values, and employment experience are an asset in accommodating the catered independent and assisted living at Westview Commons.  She started working at Westview Commons in June 2024. 
Some of Larda’s preferred pastimes include reading, walking, kayaking, and yoga.  She looks to turn pages in her favorite mystery and crime-solving novels whenever the moment presents.  The Mansfield Hollow Dam and the area around Storrs are some of her favorite places to explore on walks.  Finding natural settings to be endlessly interesting, she is beginning to kayak on local, calm waters and she savors the serenity of those moments.
Academically astute, she graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences; concentrating in developmental psychology.  She is confident in the pluralistic potential of her education, and sees how it can overlap into a lot of different vocations.  She likes looking, listening, and learning from a wide range of professional experiences to stimulate her knowledge and abilities.  She applies much of what she has studied to her approach at Westview Commons.  “I am full of gratitude in receiving this award!  It feels amazing to work for an employer who notices and acknowledges our hard work.”  She added: “Kindness and compassion have always been my priorities and I am happy to see it has an impact.  Thank you to Westview and those who advocated for me to attain this achievement.

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