Gerard ‘Jerry’ Beausoleil, Army National Guard
PUTNAM — Jerry Beausoleil, 78, of Maynard St, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2026, in the comfort of his home. He was the loving husband of the late Susan (Crabtree) Beausoleil.
Born July 23, 1947, in Putnam, he was the son of the late Wilfred and Vivian (LeBlonde) Beausoleil.
Jerry proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of CW3. He dedicated 50 years of service to the Town of Putnam, beginning in 1968 as Recreation Director and retiring in 2018 as the Director of Public Works. A devoted member of the St. Mary’s School and church community, Jerry served on the School Athletic Association, the Board of Education, and as chairman of the Circle of Fun. He also volunteered for 25 years with the Putnam Fire Department.
Jerry was a longtime member and past treasurer of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, where he formed many lasting friendships. Those who knew Jerry knew how much he loved the game of golf. He was a proud member of Quinnatisset Country Club in Thompson, where he spent many cherished days on the course. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandsons play sports; if he wasn’t on the golf course or at the Elks, he was at a court or field watching one of the ‘big’ boys’ or ‘little’ boys’ games beaming with pride.
He leaves two daughters, Andrea Devlin (Sean) of Putnam, Melissa Beausoleil of Ellington; son, Gregory Beausoleil (Lauren) of Putnam; sisters, Martine Dorsey (Michael) of Gill, Mass., Jeanine Mauer of Putnam; grandchildren, Brady Devlin, Nicholas Devlin, Greyden Beausoleil, and Kailer Beausoleil; nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam with burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: Putnam Little League, PO Box 540, Putnam, CT 06260; Tri Town American Legion Baseball P.O. Box 262, North Grosvenordale, CT. 06255; or PHSAAA, 71 Bibeault St, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam.

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Raymond Edmond Bourque
PUTNAM — Raymond Edmond Bourque passed away on May 19, 2026. He was born Sept. 9, 1955, in Putnam to Rosario Bourque and Theresa Gagne Bourque. 
Ray leaves behind his wife, Susan Calaman of Putnam, sisters Janet (Richard) Watson and Jean (Gary) McNally of Woodstock Valley; and nieces and nephews. 
He worked at Pall Corporation for many years until his retirement. Ray took interest in hiking, wood carving, crossword puzzles, and local history.
Donations: Aspinock Historical Society, 200 School St., Putnam, CT 06260, or to the organization of your choice.
Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

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Donald P. Galenski
WOODSTOCK VALLEY — Donald P. Galenski, 78, of Woodstock Valley, died Monday, June 15, 2026, at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Plainfield. Beloved husband of 56 years to Joan (Misiaszek) Galenski. He was born Sept. 5, 1947, in Putnam, son of the late Peter and Mary (Anthony) Galenski.
He worked as an account executive for Travelers Insurance Co. for 39 years. Donald was a graduate of Woodstock Academy and was a catcher for the varsity baseball team there. He was a lover of sports, especially the Boston Red Sox, Miami Dolphins, and Boston Celtics. In his younger years, he loved to hunt. 
Besides his wife Joan, he leaves his daughter Heidi Galenski of California; brother-in-law Fred Misiaszek of Putnam; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Melissa Galenski, sister Joan Winslow, sister Bernice Fabian and nephew Douglas Fabian. 
Services are private. His wishes were to be cremated and to be buried with his daughter Melissa in St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam. Donations: Make-A-Wish America 1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ 85016; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

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Wed.  June 24
Exhibits
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History on Rt. 169 exhibitions for the summer and fall include “Woodstock Through the Camera’s Eye in Post-Civil War America” and “Crazy for Quilts,” a monthly series of small spotlight exhibitions of quilts by local quilters. The center is open for exhibition viewing and research Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other arrangements through the website: www.centerforwoodstockhistory.com  

250th Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library, the Aspinock Historical Society, the CT State Library, the American Revolution PBS fund and the America 250 Connecticut Affiliate will present “Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Town Hall.  

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present “Pigment of Imagination” Strout through June. In the display case: TPL Children’s Department: Plant a Seed, Read. Summer Reading.

Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council is presenting the art of Anna Ionkin in the Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex on School Street. The exhibit, “Many Paths,” is on display through June. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com

Tues.  June 30
Al-Anon Meeting
POMFRET --- Al-Anon will meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St. Please use the lower level door, near the flagpole. All welcome.

Sun.  June 28
Early American Music
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society and the Pomfret 250 Commission will host a concert of early American music at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House. Free.   Funded through donations from:  The Friends of Pomfret Library, Pomfret Proprietors, Pomfret Lions Club, and the Pomfret Town Democratic Committee. 

Wed.  July 8
Revolution Tunes
PUTNAM --- the Putnam Public Library, the Aspinock Historical Society, the American Revolution PBS fund and the America 250 Connecticut Affiliate will present “Connecticut Tunes and Tales of the Revolution” from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Town Hall with Connecticut singer-songwriter Kent Besocke. Free.

Sat.  July 11
Fireworks
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present its Fireworks extravaganza starting at 7 p.m. with a concert and the fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Rain date 7-19. Bring your lawn chairs.

Sat.  July 25
Concert – River Fire
PUTNAM --- The Al Fresco Concert and River Fire will begin with a concert at 7 p.m. followed by the season’s first River Fire at 9:15 p.m. with music provided by WINY Radio. Free. Bring a lawn chair. Brought to you by the Town of Putnam and WINY Radio.

Pig Roast Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- Freshly roasted pork and more from 5 to 8 p.m. to raise $10,000 to build a home in Guatemala through Partners in Development. Music by guitarist duo "That Dollars Gone". $50 pp, 10 and under $10. Advance sales only. Contact Mitzi as pidfundraiserCT @gmail.com

Sat.  Aug. 8
Concert and River Fire
PUTNAM --- A concert and River Fire will begin with a concert at 7 p.m. followed by River Fire at 9:15 p.m. with music provided by WINY Radio. Free. Bring a lawn chair. Brought to you by the Town of Putnam and WINY Radio.

Sun.  Aug. 9
Main Street Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The annual blowout Main Street Car Cruise will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. around downtown and at Rotary Park. Free for registrants and spectators. Presented by the Town of Putnam.

Pluck-A-Duck
PUTNAM --- Pluck-A-Duck Extravaganza will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rotary Park. Lots of games, vendors and more. Last chance to buy your Pluck-A-Duck drawing tickets. The ducks are plucked at noon Aug. 10 at the secret pond location. Fund-raiser that benefits 39 nonprofit organizations. Presented by the Putnam Business Association. 

Sat.  Sept. 6
Savor the Flavor
PUTNAM --- The annual Savor the Flavor – a Food Tasting, will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in downtown Putnam. It benefits IHSP-Daily Bread. Brought to you by the Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam.

Thur.  Sept. 10
The Wall That Heals
PUTNAM --- The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Putnam Sept. 10 through 13, at Murphy Park. It will be open 24 hours a day and is free to the public. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.  thewallthathealsputnam2026.org www.vvmf.org

Sat.  Oct. 3
Revolutionary Abington
ABINGTON --- The Pomfret 250th Committee will present a simulated battle re-enactment Oct. 3 and 4 at the Pomfret Recreation Park. There will be two encampments – one British, one American. Battles will be staged at some points Oct. 3. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Honors and awards at the American Legion
Edited by Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The Mayotte-Viens Post 13 American Legion of Putnam honored several people at its recent annual Awards Banquet and Installation ceremony for the incoming slate of officers.
Last week’s awards also included the donation of $8,500 from the Legion’s golf tournament to the Veterans Advisory Committee for port-a-johns and food for the Wall that Heals that will visit Putnam’s Murphy Park Sept. 10-13 (see page 8)
Christopher Steinbrick received Post 13’s Legionnaire of the Year Award. Alden Adams was the Putnam Firefighter of the Year. Kyle Maheu was the Putnam Police Officer of the year, and Katie Webster was named the Emergency Medical Technician of the Year. Legionnaire Frank Tremont was also recognized for his long service to the Post as the Sergeant-at-Arms and as a member of the Color Guard.
Steinbrick was noted for presenting a good image of the American Legion and his military bearing always conveys a strong sense of Americanism and patriotism. He is also very reliable. Rocchetti said “One year, when our membership numbers were down, he generously donated his own money to pay the dues for dozens of members who couldn’t afford to renew their annual membership. As a member of the Post’s Executive Committee, his opinions and counsel were always sought after and valued.”
Putnam Fire Chief Bob Campbell nominated Alden Adams for the Firefighter of the Year award. He said in the eight years Adams has been a member of the department “he has become a well-respected firefighter to the Fire Officers and members. Alden has been learning everything possible to be a great firefighter. He will do anything you need to be done and will take care of things without being asked. He is always there to help teach other members, passing on what he has learned.”
In nominating Kyle Maheu for Police Officer of the Year, Police Chief Christopher D. Ferace said Maheu is a 17-year veteran of the department and serves as the School Resource Officer for the public school system. “On a daily basis, Officer Maheu demonstrates exceptional dedication to the school community. He actively engages with students as a positive role model, collaborates closely with faculty and staff to maintain a safe and secure environment, and oversees the School Safety Officers.” Ferace added: “One of Kyle’s greatest strengths is the way he works with families and students in a firm but compassionate manner, always protecting the dignity of the child while helping guide them toward better decisions. Kyle’s responsiveness and dedication make him a valued, integral member of the Putnam Public Schools family. Our schools are safer, stronger, and more connected because of his presence.”
Webster was nominated by Chief Campbell and his team. Campbell said: “Katie Webster is a highly valued member of our EMS team with a strong foundation in emergency medical services. Katie is widely recognized for her deep knowledge of EMS operations and protocols. She is exceptionally task-oriented, consistently demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail in all aspects of her work. Her calm and competent approach shines brightest in critical situations, where she effectively manages high-pressure environments while delivering excellent patient care. Beyond her clinical abilities, Katie is known for her genuine compassion and caring nature. She is deeply dedicated to her profession and to the patients and communities she serves. Her professionalism, reliability, and positive attitude make her an asset to both her team and the organization.”
The new officers sworn in include Post Commander Michael Rocchetti, Senior Vice Commander Brian Maynard, Junior Vice Commander Tina Lajoie, Finance Officer Charles Mackenzie, Chaplain Pierre Desilets, and Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Tremont. 
In his acceptance remarks, Commander Rocchetti expressed his appreciation and admiration for the award recipients and their service to the community. He also spoke proudly of Post 13’s local programs including donations toward repairs at the Veterans Park, scholarships, Boys & Girls State, State Police Youth Academy, Tri-Town American Legion Baseball, the Veterans-in-Need fund, and local Americanism observances such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day.
The Mayotte-Viens Post 13 has been active in Putnam since 1919. Post #13 meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Town Hall in Room 201. “We welcome any veterans who would like to join our Post to attend.”
The Master of Ceremonies was Past Commander Michael Vassar and the ceremony was presided over by Everett Shepard, the Past State Commander, and National Sergeant-at-Arms. Other dignitaries included Police Chief Ferace, Fire Chief Campbell, and Tammy Szpyrka of Putnam Emergency Medical Services. The Elks were represented by Jim Eccleston and the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse was represented by Fred Ruhlemann and Bruce Hay.

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captions:

American Legion post's officers for 2026-2027 year

Putnam firefighter Alden Adams, center, with Rocchetti, right and Michael Vassar. Linda Lemmon photos.

Putnam Police Officer Kyle Maheu with his awards. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page.

Emergency Medical Technician Katie Webster with her awards. 

Steinbrick