Accident on Grove St.
PUTNAM — June 4 members of the Putnam Police and Putnam EMS responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash after a 2016 Kia Sedona collided with a utility pole in the area of 41 Grove St.
Police Chief Chris Ferace said a 64-year-old male was the lone occupant of the vehicle and was traveling eastbound on Grove Street when he suffered an apparent medical emergency.
His vehicle hit a utility pole.
The utility pole sustained moderate damage; however, no services were interrupted.
The operator was transported to Day Kimball Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
His vehicle was towed from the scene due to disabling damage.
Photos by Jimi Gothreau
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Pauline (Fortin) St. Cyr
PUTNAM — Pauline (Fortin) St. Cyr, of Putnam, died May 26, 2025, in the care of Day Kimball Hospital. She was the loving wife of the late Carl St. Cyr. Born Nov. 27, 1943, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Clara (Racicot) Fortin.
Pauline dedicated 35 years, working as quality control for Linemaster Switch. In her spare time, she enjoyed tending to her home, spending time with her family, riding horses and taking the occasional trip to the casino.
Pauline is survived by daughter, Michelle Mandeville; two sons, Brian Labrec, Keith Labrec; and sister, Claire Rock; grandchildren Fallon Rowean, Curtis Burnett, Madelyn Labrec and Pauline Labrec-Lee; six great-grandchildren and her loving cat, Peanut. She was predeceased by son, Kevin Labrec, brother, Joseph Fortin.
Services have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed. June 11
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council will present “An Abstract Fantasy: An Artist’s Journey of Self Discovery,” featuring the art of Tabitha “Purrmage” Cummings, through June in the Corridor Gallery inside the Municipal Complex.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, in its Art @ the Library series, “Dimensional Work by Laura Salo” (quiltings). The display case will feature “Thompson Public Library Children’s Department Level Up at Your Library Summer Reading 2025.”
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret on Day Road will present an art exhibition, “Nature Reveals Itself," through June. Free admission.
Thur. June 12
Strawberry Social
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society will host a Strawberry Shortcake Social to honor the late Joy Lizotte 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fred Hedenberg pavilion at the Gertrude C. Warner Boxcar Children Museum on South Main Street. RSVP by June 6: at the library in person or by calling 860-963-6826. No charge but donations always welcome. Bring a chair.
Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Tavern, on Rt. 171, is hosting a Guest Bartender Fund- raiser to support Paws Cat Shelter of Putnam from 5 to 8 p.m. Six teams of local known community members, including state Senator Jeff Gordon, MD, will be there. www.woodstockcats.org for the list of teams or, for info: 860-315-1228.
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.
Collection
PUTNAM --- The Knights of Columbus will be collecting donations of clean, used winter coats of all sizes for men, women and children and clean, used blankets and baby clothing in good condition, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the K of C Hall on Providence Street for those in need in northeastern Connecticut. 860- 928-5873, leave a message.
Open House
WOODSTOCK VALLEY --- The Friends of the Mill will hold a spring open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chamberlin Mill, 286 Old Turnpike Road, Woodstock Valley.
Volunteer Day
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society will hold a summer volunteer day from 9 a.m. to noon at Trail Wood. Bring gloves and pruning implements. Please let us know if you'll be joining us:
Sun. June 15
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.
Witness Stone
BROOKLYN --- The Trinity Episcopal Church will hold the Witness Stone Project ceremonies starting with a Eucharist at 10 a.m. and then the dedication of the stones at 11:30. Trinity was founded in 1771 by Godfrey Malbone, a slave owner whose family fortune was made in the slave trade. Two of these enslaved persons, Jenny and Sias, will be honored. All welcome. Info: http://www.trinityepiscopalchurchbrooklyn.org.
Mon. June 16
Meditation
THOMPSON --- Quiet Corner Mindful Meditation group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Thompson Public Library. Free. Beginners are welcome, no meditation experience necessary.
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.
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast is holding a low cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. $15 cash per animal. Pre-registration and appointment is required: 860-317-1720.
Sat. June 28
Household Hazardous Waste
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will hold a Household Hazardous Waste and Confidential Paper Shredding Collection Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Middle School. Putnam residents only. Bring ID.
Sat. July 12
Elks Anniversary
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Elks Lodge 574 will be celebrating its 125 Anniversary from noon to 3 p.m. with a Community Day at the Lodge on Edmond Street. All welcome.
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.
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Paul Harris
winners: Always looking for more ways to help
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Service to their communities earned three local residents a prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award.
At the Putnam Rotary Club’s induction and awards ceremony, Robert Challinor Jr., Jackie Lajoie and Rotarian Crystal Simonson received the awards. And it was kept as a surprise.
Challinor, president of Putnam’s Veterans Advisory Committee and the town’s veterans agent and more, is involved in nearly aspect of veterans services. Were it not for Challinor’s energy and drive, the reborn Putnam Veterans Park would not exist. And he’s always looking for more ways to help veterans.
Lajoie was honored for her service to the St. Joseph’s Church community in North Grosvenordale. It started with organizing bingo to help St. Joseph’s school. When the school was closed, the bingo games continued helping the church. And her help widened to help feed those in need and much more.
Simonson won the award for her energy, enthusiasm and work on programs and speakers for Rotary all year long. She’s always upbeat, always smiling — and always looking for more ways to help.
The Paul Harris, named after the founder of Rotary Club, is the Rotary’s highest honor. The awards were given out by committee chair Jeff Rawson.
In addition to the awards, new officers were inducted including: Kathy Kirk, president; Martha Paquette, president-elect; Emily Barnes, secretary; and Fred Chmura, continuing as treasurer; and Doug Porter, immediate past president. Three sergeants-at-arms: J. Scott Pempek, Jonathan Tremblay and Jonathan Sturdevant. The board of directors includes: Jennifer Brytowski, Linda Lemmon, Crystal Simonson and Cheryl Guillot.
captions, top to bottom:
Nominator Gary Osbrey, left, and Rob Challinor.
From left: Jackie Lajoie, nominator Rachael Johnston and Jeff Rawson.
From left: Nominator Maddie Smith, Crystal Simonson and Jeff Rawson. Linda Lemmon photos.
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