We will not be publishing Dec. 31. These menus are for the following week.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Every day: Fruit. Monday (Jan. 5): Macaroni and cheese, vegetable medley. Tuesday: French toast sticks, sausage patties, hash browns, spiced apple slices. Wednesday: "Wild Mike's "cheese bites, marinara sauce, pasta, broccoli. Thursday: Popcorn chicken potato bowls, corn, gravy. Friday: Pizza, salad.
Putnam High
Monday (Jan. 5) Chicken filet sandwich or spicy chicken sandwich. Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo bake or bacon cheeseburger. Wednesday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce or chicken Caesar wraps. Thursday: Chicken potato bowls or "Wild Mike's" cheese bites. Friday: Pizza or chicken tender fry basket.
Woodstock Public Schools
Every day: Fruit. Monday (Jan. 5): Hot dogs, green beans. Tuesday French toast sticks, sausage, hash browns. Wednesday: Chicken tenders, brown rice, carrots. Thursday: Beef and cheese nachos, refried beans. Friday: Pizza, salad.
Pomfret Community
Monday (Jan. 5): Mac and cheese, carrots. Tuesday: Drummies , corn bread, broccoli. Wednesday: French toast sticks, turkey sausage, hash browns. Thursday: Beef and cheddar walking tacos, black beans. Friday: Pizza, cucumber wheels.

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Town of Putnam
Zoning Board of Appeals
Legal Notice

The Town of Putnam Zoning Board of Appeals held a hybrid meeting on December 16, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. in Room 201 on the second floor at the Putnam Municipal Complex, located at 200 School Street, Putnam, CT.  The following action was taken:

Continue public hearing on Appeal # 2025-006  Derik Gagnon request for a variance from the Town of Putnam Zoning Regulations Section 607 Excavation B. Exemptions 2.  Provided that less than 1500 cubic yards is disturbed or removed.  The applicant is requesting to vary the exemption of 1500 cubic yards to the removal 5000 cubic yards. Property located at 188 Sabin Street, Town Assessors Map 10, Lot 83, Zoned R-10.  Public hearing continued to January 20, 2025, at 7:00 P.M.

Public hearing on Appeal # 2025-008 Sukpaseuth Phongsa & Khamphanh Phongsa request for variances from Section 601 of the Town of Putnam Zoning Regulations to reduce the 33 required parking spaces down to 22 parking spaces and Section 601(c.) setback of parking access from property line: reduced from the required 5 feet down to approximately 2 feet. The applicant is seeking variances for the construction of a restaurant and a grocery store.  Property is located at 611 School Street, Town Assessors Map 26, Lot 67, Zoned Highway Commercial.  Public hearing continued to January 20, 2025, at 7:00 P.M.

Public hearing on Appeal # 2025-009 Krupa Shah request for a variance for the placement of a Bounce X sign next to the Montana Nights Axe Throwing for better visibility of sign & business.  Property is located at 50 Providence Pike Unit # 2, Town Assessors Map 26, Lot 007/003, Zoned Highway Commercial.
Public hearing continued to January 20, 2025, at 7:00 P.M.

Public hearing on Appeal # 2025-010  Sixty Providence Street LLC request for a variance from the required  front yard setback of 30’ down to 20’ for the construction of a 600 sq. ft. wash bay building.  Property located at 60 Providence Street, Town Assessors Map 11, Lot 80, Zoned General Commercial.
Application withdrawn.

Scott Zadora, Acting Chairman

Dec. 24, 2025

Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Public Hearing
January 5, 2026
 The public is hereby notified and warned that a Public Hearing will be held in Room 109 of the Putnam Municipal Complex at 200 School Street, Putnam, CT on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 6:30 in the evening for purposes of discussing the proposed ordinances (1) limiting the property tax exemption for veterans with permanent and total disability and (2) establishing a citation process for zoning violations. Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file in the office of the Town Clerk and are available for inspection during normal business hours.
Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Notice of Special Town Meeting
January 5, 2026
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 109 of the Municipal Complex at 200 School Street, Putnam, CT on Monday, January 5, 2026, 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 proposed ordinance establishing a limitation on the real property tax exemption for veterans with permanent and total disability. A copy of the proposed ordinance is on file in the office of the Town Clerk and is available for inspection during normal business hours.
3. To determine the wishes of those present and eligible to vote at town meetings of the Town of Putnam with respect to the proposed ordinance establishing a citation process for zoning violations. A copy of the proposed ordinance is on file in the office of the Town Clerk and is available for inspection during normal business hours.
Dated at Putnam, Connecticut this 22nd day of December, 2025.
Town of Putnam, Its Board of Selectmen
Norman B. Seney, Mayor 
J. Scott Pempek, Deputy Mayor
Rick Hayes 
Gloria Marion
Michael Paquin 
Roy Simmons
Michael Bogdanski
Attest: 
Christine Bright,
Town Clerk
Dec. 24, 2025

Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Putnam Special Services District
Trash Installment #2
COLLECTOR OF REVENUE
(860) 963-6800
The second installment of taxes, due to the Town of Putnam and Special Service District on the Grand List of October 1, 2023 is due and payable on January 1, 2026, through February 2, 2026.
The second installment of Putnam’s trash / recycling program is also due and payable by February 2, 2026.
Payment of taxes made after February 2, 2026, will be subject to an interest charge of 3% (1½% per month) or $2.00 minimum per Town and $2.00 minimum per District (where applicable), whichever is higher, according to Connecticut State Statute, SEC. 12-146.
Late payments received for the trash / recycling program will cause an immediate disruption of service.
 Mail must be postmarked no later than February 2, 2026, to avoid interest charges.
Bills may be paid online at www.putnamct.us or at our outside drop box.
Supplemental Motor Vehicle bills will be due in full during January.
Supplemental Motor Vehicle bills are for vehicles registered between October 2, 2024, and September 30, 2025. 
If anyone is having financial problems, please contact our office anytime.  We will be glad to work with you on a payment arrangement.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season.
Tax Window Office hours
8:30am – 4:15pm Monday through 
Wednesday
8am-5:45pm Thursday
8am-12:45pm Friday
Closed December 25 & 26, January 1, 2 
and 19. 
Address:
Town of Putnam Municipal Complex
200 School Street
Putnam CT 06260

Dec. 24, 2025
Jan. 8, 2026
Jan. 29, 2026

Public Notice
Pomfret Registered Democrats are hereby notified that a caucus will be held on Thursday, January 8th, 7:00 p.m., at the Pomfret Community Center, 207 Mashamoquet Road, Pomfret Center CT for the purpose of accepting nominations and voting for the Pomfret Democratic Town Committee membership and transact any other business that may properly be brought before the caucus.
Raymond E. Wishart Jr., 
Chairman
Pomfret Democratic Town Committee

Dec. 24, 2025

Legal Notice
Town of Pomfret
Planning &
Zoning Commission

At the December 17, 2025, meeting of the Pomfret Planning & Zoning Commission, the following legal action(s) were taken:

1. Lance Sistare, 43 Wolf Den Road, special permit for a 40’x100’ pole barn. APPROVED with conditions.
2. Lance Sistare for Kevin and Merilis Huff, 357 Orchard Hill Road, special permit for a 60’x80’ pole barn.  APPROVED.

Dated at Pomfret,
Connecticut
December 22, 2025

Lynn L. Krajewski,
Clerk 
Planning & Zoning Commission

Dec. 24, 2025

Legal Notice
TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE
TOWN & FIRE DISTRICT 
OF POMFRET

Legal Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town and Fire District of Pomfret that the Supplemental Motor Vehicle and second installment of Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills on the Grand List of October 1, 2024 are DUE AND PAYABLE January 1, 2026.  The last day to pay without penalty is February 2, 2026.  Per State Statute, interest will be charged at 18% annually (1.5% per month), with a minimum charge of $2.00 per entity (the Town and Fire District are separate entities) on all delinquent payments postmarked February 2, 2025, or later. 

Make all checks payable to Pomfret Tax Collector and mail to: Pomfret Tax Collector, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.  If a receipt is desired, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.  For more information or to pay online, go to www.pomfretct.gov.  

Tax Office Hours are:  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The Town Hall is closed on Fridays.  If you have any questions, please call 860-974-0394.  The Town Hall will be closed December 25, January 1, 2026 and January 19, 2026.

Pamela N. Gaumond, CCMC
Tax Collector
Town & Fire District of Pomfret

Dec. 24, 2025
Jan. 8, 2026
Jan. 29, 2026

Town of Putnam
Planning & Zoning Commission 
Legal Notice

The Town of Putnam Planning & Zoning Commission held a hybrid meeting on December 17, 2025, at 7:00 P. M. in Room 201 at the Putnam Municipal Complex, located at 200 School Street, Putnam, CT.  The following action was taken:
Docket # 2025-16  Carlos Bastos request for a Special Permit to build and operate a body shop in accordance with Section 304 “Schedule of Uses and Districts” of the Town of Putnam Zoning Regulations.  Property is located at 70 May Street, Town Assessors Map 011, Lot 208, Zoned General Commercial.  Public hearing continued to January 21, 2026.
Docket # 2025-17 Krupa Shah request for a Special Permit to operate a vendor’s market during non-business hours in accordance with Section 304 “Schedule of Uses and Districts” of the Town of Putnam Zoning Regulations.  The applicant is requesting a waiver of Section 113  Zoning Permit Application, C. Site Plan Requirements and Section 114 Special Permit, C. Applications 1, a-j, and 2. a-b.  Property is located at 50 Providence Pike Unit # 2, Town Assessor’s Map 26, Lot 007/003, Zoned Highway Commercial.  Public hearing continued to January 21, 2026.
Patricia Hedenberg, Chairperson

Dec. 24, 2025

Legal Notice
Public Hearing Notice
Town of Pomfret
Zoning Board of Appeals

The Pomfret Zoning Board of Appeals will hold the following Public Hearing at its meeting on January 15, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall Conference Room:

1. Timothy & Susan Townshend, 36 Ragged Hill Road, variance application to Sections
19.125.3.2 and 12.19.4 regarding floor size of an ADU.

A copy of this application is on file in the office of the Zoning Board of Appeals, 5 Haven Road Pomfret, Pomfret Center, Connecticut. The file is available for review during normal business hours.

Town of Pomfret
Dated this 22nd day 
of December 2025

Lynn L. Krajewski, 
Clerk
Zoning Board of Appeals

Dec. 24, 2025
Jan. 7, 2026

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Music: A blessing
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
S. WOODSTOCK — Playing Christmas carols at the South Woodstock Baptist Church recently brought into focus for Ruth Doughty how thankful she is and how blessed she feels for the gift of music.
Doughty played the organ at the South Woodstock Baptist Church for more than 65 years, starting around 1957 when her husband Henry became the church pastor. Ten years later he became pastor of the Sterling Hill Church but the young family remained in Woodstock during that time. She also taught piano and organ.
A few years ago some health challenges forced her to stop as the church organist. Recently she’s played at some church events, including the Christmas carols event. “Different people came up to me and thanked me,” she said. Being a part of it is “a real blessing to me.”
This year it was especially meaningful that she had not asked if she could play for the Christmas carols event but they asked her. Pastor Bob Beckwith had arranged the music and all the pages sat ready on the piano. She said they went from one song to the next with Beckwith flipping the pages for her. 
They came to the last song – traditionally “Silent Night.” And there was no page for it on the stand. “Bob looked for it but there was no page.” He came back with his tablet and said it’s in b-flat. And Doughty went ahead and played it without the music in front of her. “I can do that because the Lord has blessed me with that ability. I’ve been so blessed with all these opportunities.”
She believes it’s a gift from the Lord. “It’s either there or it’s not there.”
Her love for music began in earnest growing up in New Jersey. Her grandmother enjoyed music and there was a piano in the house. “Sometimes maybe I’d play around with the piano — no real direction.” When she was in fourth grade her parents started her with lessons. And her siblings started lessons on other instruments. A real musical family. 
Through the years she’s taught perhaps 330 students. BUT she lost her records for eight years so that number is actually higher. Lessons stopped with COVID-19. Later she found that kids, enthralled with technology, weren’t interested in piano lessons. But adults were.
Talking about her students she said “what a blessing they have been.” 
She recalled one challenging student, early on. A blind boy who could play back what he heard but his adoptive parents wanted him to be able to read music. They got the Braille version of the music Doughty had and she worked with him from fourth grade right on through high school. How was that done -– you can’t read the music with one hand and play it with one hand. The boy went over and over the Braille version, memorizing it. Then played the music with both hands. The pair even tackled a Bach piece that was for three hands. She said it was very difficult and he was anguished about it but he did it. He went on to play in different churches. Music became his life.
She also recalls, proudly, that some of her students were advanced enough that when the Mr. Graves started the music program at The Woodstock Academy, her students would play. Mr. Graves didn’t have to hire an accompanist. Recently, she said, there was a reunion celebration with students, alum, and more when Mr. Graves visited. “People came from all over,” she said. She didn’t remember if she had ever talked to him and waited patiently to speak with Graves afterwards. She thanked him for giving her students the opportunity. “So many don’t have the opportunity to use their music,” she told him. 
She said he turned it right around, pointing in the other direction. “I have to thank YOU for how well those students played. I didn’t have to hire an accompanist.” Doughty didn’t expect to hear that and she said, once again she felt thankful and blessed.
The gift of music touched her students and the congregants. Generations to come will be thankful the Lord blessed Ruth Doughty with her gift.

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