Toy collection shines
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
WOODSTOCK — In its 20th year, the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association’s toy collection was off the charts.
The group collected more than 2,000 toys and about $4,400 with more coming in. Chair Russ Downer said he expects the monetary donations to come in close to $5,000.
The total collected over the years, though, is impressive. Downer, who is also president of the association, estimated that in 20 years they’ve collected more than 50,000 toys and more than $150,000 in donations.
The toys and donations are split between three organizations.
None of it happens without an outpouring of help, he said. “This event survives because of our local community business and people.” This year he gave a shout out to Linemaster Switch which comes in with a truck load of donations ever year. Woodstock Grill delivered pizza.
Downer said each year, a woman calls before Amazon Prime Day and asks what toys they might like. The toys are delivered directly to the firehouse and firefighters put them aside until the big collection day.
The Community fire department in Thompson, plus the Muddy Brook and Bungay departments in Woodstock, also help. This year, he said help also came in the form of Tourtellotte Memorial High School students. Plus, traditionally the Woodstock football team helps.
“We all look forward to this every year,” Downer said.
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caption:
Members of the WVFA and helpers with some of the 2,000+ toys collected. Photo courtesy of Diane Odorski.
No School Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - Happy Thanksgiving!
Woodstock Public Schools
Every day: Fruit. Monday: Hamburgers or cheeseburgers, baked beans. Tuesday - elementary: Waffles, sausages, hash browns. Middle: Chicken tacos, refried beans.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Every day: Fruit. Monday: Spaghetti, meatballs, corn. Tuesday: Chicken nuggets, rice, broccoli.
Putnam High
Monday: Orange chicken bowls or spicy chicken sandwiches. Tuesday: Mac and cheese with pulled pork or bacon cheeseburgers.
Pomfret Community
Every day: Fruit and veggies. Monday: Cheeseburger, baked beans. Tuesday: Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, pumpkin roll.
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Legal Notice
Town of Pomfret
Inland Wetlands and
Watercourses Commission
At the November 5, 2025 meeting of the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission, the following application(s) was acted upon:
1. BHL Properties, LLC. 768 Mashamoquet Road, application for 3-lot subdivision, with 2 new dwellings and improvements (i.e., driveways, septic systems, and well). Proposed improvements to be located in the upland review area. No proposed alteration of wetlands. APPROVED: With conditions.
Town of Pomfret
Dated this 10th day
of November 2025
Lynn L. Krajewski,
Clerk
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission
Nov. 19, 2025
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Aspinock announces History Maker Award honorees
PUTNAM — The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam, in partnership with the Putnam Recreation Department, announced the recipients of the annual Putnam History Maker Awards.
This year’s distinguished honorees are Fabiola Cutler and Leo C. Tetreault. The awards ceremony begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 11, 2025, at the Putnam Elks Lodge. The public is invited to attend the free event. Please reserve your spot by contacting Marcy at 860-963-6800, extension 141
The Putnam History Maker Award recognizes contributions from any resident or non-resident of Putnam, living or deceased, whose impact is felt locally or globally, in the spotlight or quietly behind the scenes.
Fabiola Cutler and Leo C. Tetreault have been selected for their outstanding commitment and significant contributions that embody the spirit of this award. Their dedication has left a lasting, positive mark on our community.
“The History Maker Award is our way of celebrating the people who have shaped Putnam into the wonderful place it is today,” said a representative from the Aspinock Historical Society. “We are thrilled to honor Fab Cutler and Leo Tetreault, two individuals whose commitment to service truly exemplifies what it means to be a History Maker.”
The Aspinock Historical Society is dedicated to the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of the town of Putnam.
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