Legacy of puppet theater lives on through an Eagle Scout project
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editora
PUTNAM — Fifteen or 20 years ago his mom, Kim Merchant, created a puppet theater for her church’s Bible School outreach.
And when it came time for Jordan M. Travisano, 16, to create an Eagle Scout project, that came to mind.
Eagle Scout projects require a presentation to a committee, full of details. If approved, the Eagle Scout candidate must come up with plans; gather materials and helpers and much more. Every detail needs to be beautifully covered.
And Travisano unveiled his project, a puppet theater and a puppet show and a follow-up craft project where Boy Scouts and guests created their own puppets from paper lunch bags.
Following in his mom’s footsteps, he said he intends to donate the theater to the Green Valley Crossing Church’s children’s program. The children’s worship leader is Patty Gaffney.
Travisano said it took him about 16 to 18 hours to create the theater. First he gathered materials including fabric, PVC pipe and more. Aubuchon was very helpful, he said.
Helping Travisano was Boy Scout Jace Jodoin.
Jodoin also helped put up the theater before the presentation to scouts and guests in the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 hall.
The show, narrated by Merchant, involved the theft of some funds and the thief turning himself in.
A short discussion on the lesson of the show followed.
The Akela Club Puppet show was presented by Cub Scout Pack 21.
Travisano’s Eagle Scout project coach is John D. Ryan.
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captions:
From left: Jordan Travisano, Jace Jodoin and Kim Merchant.
Travisano and Jodoin working the puppets.
Jayda and James Mentor build puppets. More photos Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photos.
Merchant, Jodoin and Travisano putting the puppet theater together.
Barn Resurrection
The restoration of the iconic barn at the intersection of routes 171 and 169 continues. The work is being done by Mike Blanchflower. The building was lifted and a new cinder block foundation and wood sill were installed. The clapboards were beyond repair and are being replaced. Linda Lemmon photo.
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Monday: No school
Woodstock Public Schools
Every day: Fruit. Tuesday: Bosco sticks (elementary), Mozzarella sticks (middle), marinara sauce, salad. Wednesday: Chicken nuggets, black beans. Thursday: Grilled cheese, tomato soup. Friday: Pizza.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Every day except Wed.: Fruit. Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables. Wednesday - Wolf Meal: Beef burger with cheese, sherbet. Thursday: Chicken nuggets, broccoli. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza, salad.
Putnam High
Tuesday: Chicken filet sandwich or bacon cheeseburger. Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs or chicken Caesar wraps. Thursday: Cheesy beef Tot-Chos or "Wild Mike's" cheese bites. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza or chicken tender fry basket.
Pomfret Community
Tuesday: Turkey and cheese grinders, baby carrots. Wednesday: Chicken tenders and waffles, maple vanilla chickpeas. Thursday: Soft tacos, corn. Friday: Cheese or roni pizza, cucumber wheels.
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Legal Notice - Town of Pomfret
MUNICIPAL ELECTION - NOVEMBER 4, 2025
In accordance with the provisions of Section 9-226 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, notice is given that the Electors, the legal voters of the Town of Pomfret, are hereby warned to meet at the Pomfret Community School Auditorium, 20 Pomfret St, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. to cast their ballots for the following:
First Selectman, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance (Full Term), Board of Finance (2 year vacancy), Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning & Zoning Commission (Full Term), Planning & Zoning Commission (2 year vacancy), Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate, Zoning Board of Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate, Constables, Library Trustees ( Full Term), Library Trustees (4 year vacancy).
The polls will be open for voting during said hours: 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. in the Pomfret Community School Auditorium.
Election Day Registration/Voting Will Take Place at:
Pomfret Town Hall, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259
Absentee Ballots and EDR Ballots will be counted at the following central location:
Pomfret Town Hall, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center CT 06259
During the 14-day early voting period before said election, the hours and location of early voting will be as indicated below. Each early voting location will also offer Same-Day Registration (SDR).
Early Voting Day: Hours Early Voting / SDR Location
October 20-27, 29 & 31, 2025: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pomfret Town Hall, 5 Haven Rd., Pomfret, CT
October 28 & 30, 2025: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November 1-2, 2025: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dated at Pomfret, Connecticut this 1st day of October, 2025
Sandy A. Arcayan,
Pomfret Town Clerk
Town of Pomfret
Oct. 9, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE - TOWN OF PUTNAM
November 4, 2025, Municipal Election
The Electors of the Town of Putnam are hereby warned to meet at their respective polling places in said town on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for the following purposes:
To cast their votes for Mayor, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Finance Alternate, Board of Education (Full Term), Board of Education to Fill Vacancy for Two Years, Board of Assessment Appeals, Library Directors (Full Term), Library Director to Fill Vacancy for Four Years, Library Director to Fill Vacancy for Two Years, and District Authority Two Year Term.
Notice is hereby given that the location of the polling places on Election Day is as follows:
Election Day Voting District Election Day Polling Place
District 1 Putnam Municipal Complex, 200 School St., Room 112, Putnam, CT
District 2 Putnam Municipal Complex, 200 School St., Room 109, Putnam, CT
Absentee Ballots will be counted at the following central location:
Districts 1 and 2, Putnam Municipal Complex, 200 School St., Room 201, Putnam, CT
Voting tabulators will be used. The polls will be opened at six o’clock in the morning (6:00 a.m.) and will remain open until eight o’clock in the evening (8:00 p.m.).
During the 14-day early voting period before said election, the hours and location of early voting will be as indicated below. Each early voting location will also offer Same-Day Registration (SDR).
Early Voting Day: Hours Early Voting / SDR Location (Districts 1 and 2)
Oct. 20-27 & 29, 2025: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Putnam Municipal Complex, 200 School St., Room 109,
October 28 & 30, 2025: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Putnam, CT – FOR ALL DATES AND TIMES
October 31 – November 2, 2025: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Election Day, the hours and location of SDR will be as follows:
Election Day: Hours SDR Location (Districts 1 and 2)
November 4, 2025: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Putnam Municipal Complex, 200 School St.,Rm. 101, Putnam, CT
Dated at Putnam, Connecticut, this 1st day of October 2025.
Christine M. Bright, Putnam Town Clerk
Town of Putnam
Oct. 9, 2025
Legal Notice - Town of Putnam
Public Hearing - October 20, 2025
The public is hereby notified and warned that a Public Hearing will be held in Room 201of the Putnam Municipal Complex at 200 School Street, Putnam, CT on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:30 in the evening for purposes of discussing the Interlocal Agreement by and between the Town of Pomfret and the Town of Putnam Regarding Dual Town Use of the Transfer Station Located at 10 Nora Lane in Pomfret. A copy of the agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk and is available for inspection during normal business hours.
Legal Notice - Town of Putnam
Notice of Special Town Meeting
October 20, 2025
The Electors and Citizens qualified to vote in Town Meetings of the Town of Putnam, Connecticut, are hereby notified and warned that a Special Town Meeting of said Town will be held in Room 201 of the Municipal Complex at 200 School Street, Putnam, CT on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:45 in the evening for the following purposes:
1. To choose a moderator for said meeting.
2. To determine the wishes of those present and eligible to vote at town meetings of the Town of Putnam with respect to the Interlocal Agreement by and between the Town of Pomfret and the Town of Putnam Regarding Dual Town Use of the Transfer Station Located at 10 Nora Lane in Pomfret. A copy of the agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk and is available for inspection during normal business hours.
Dated at Putnam, Connecticut this 5th day of October, 2025
Town of Putnam, Its Board of Selectmen
Norman B. Seney, Mayor; Roy J. Simmons, Deputy Mayor; Rick Hayes; Gloria Marion; Michael Paquin; J. Scott Pempek; David Pomes
Attest: Christine Bright, Town Clerk
Oct. 9, 2025
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