Mildred L. Bell,
WWII vet
WOODSTOCK — Mildred L. Bell, 99, formerly of Woodstock and Webster, died Sept. 21, 2018 in Westview Healthcare Center. She was the wife of the late Rufus H. Bell who died in 1976. Born in 1919 in Southbridge, she was the daughter of the late William and Rozilda (Benoit) LaCroix.
She graduated from Southbridge High School. She was a World War II Coast Guard Veteran serving as a switchboard operator. Mildred went on to work for American Optical retiring in 1980. She loved to sew and was an amateur artist.
She leaves four sons, Michael Bell (MaryAnn) of Dudley, Jeffrey Bell (Carol) of Woodstock, Dana Bell of Framingham, Mass., and James Bell (Debbie) of Webster; her brother, Ernest LaCroix of Southbridge; her sister, Gladys Carrier of California; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings, George LaCroix, Claude Arnold, Jeannette (LaCroix) Ladyka, Leona (LaCroix) Gaudette, and Pearle (LaCroix) LaFleche.
The funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Ronald R. Morin,
U.S. Army vet
PUTNAM — Ronald R. Morin, 65, of River Road, died Sept. 19, 2018, at home.
Born in 1952 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Jean Gabriel and Therese E (Bernier) Morin.
Mr. Morin enlisted and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. He worked as a self-employed contractor.
He liked to tinker with just about anything and was a “Jack of all Trades.” He enjoyed hunting, riding his motorcycle, and was a member of the Putnam Elks.
He leaves his children, Sarah Morin of Myerstown, Penn., Jessica Mutnansky (Michael) of N. Chelmsford, Mass., Mark J. Morin (Melissa) of Putnam, and Matthew Morin (Laura) of Rutland, Vt.; his brothers, Jim Morin of Texas, Jerry Morin of Chatham, Mass., and John Morin of Plainfield; his sisters, Doris Craven of Plainfield, Betty Birkhofer of Pachaug, and Jackie Willard of Danielson; grandchildren, Jack and Celia Morin, Carter and Bennett Mutnansky, and Hunter Morin.
A Celebration of Life was Sept. 21 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Thomas Slye Sr.,
Air Force vet
ABINGTON — Thomas C. Slye Sr. of Abington died Sept. 13, 2018, at his home.
He was born Oct. 14, 1934, in Putnam, son of the late Frank and Phoebe (Franklin) Slye.
He was the husband for 63 years of Ruth (Jarett) Slye. She died Oct. 2, 2014.
Thomas served with the U.S. Air Force. He worked for Pratt and Whitney as a jet engine tester until his retirement.
Thomas was a firefighter with the Pomfret Fire Department. He loved camping, traveling and hunting.
He leaves his daughter Donna Leplat (Marc Sr.); his son Thomas C. Slye Jr.; his grandsons Marc Leplat Jr. (Sandra), Michael Leplat; his great-granddaughter Alexis Leplat; his brothers Frank Slye and Jim Slye.
A graveside service was Sept. 22 in Abington Cemetery with military honors. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Paul I. Lee,
WWII vet
WOODSTOCK — Paul Irving Lee, 94, of Woodstock, died Sept. 14, 2018. He was the widower of Louise Lee (nee Stevens), to whom he was happily married for 64 years.
Paul was born in 1924 in Newton, Mass., to Hope Christina Lee (nee Jacobson) and Leopold Louis Lee. His childhood was spent in Watertown, Mass., where he graduated from Watertown High School. He subsequently graduated from Harvard College, Class of 1946, with a bachelor’s in chemistry. Grandson of a Civil War veteran and son of a WWI veteran, he served in the U.S. Army as a 2nd lieutenant during WWII. In 1951 he and Louise moved to Stratford. He worked for the next 35 years at Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc., retiring as national chief sales engineer.
During the years in Stratford when Paul and Louise were raising their three children, Paul played a leading role in civic and church affairs, serving variously as moderator, head of the Board of Deacons, and head of the Nominating and Search Committees at the First Congregational Church; Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 172; member of the First Ecclesiastical Society; president of the Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut; and many other activities.
In 1987 Paul and Louise moved to Woodstock, where Paul continued to pursue a broad range of interests. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, the Audubon Society, and the Romeos. He and Louise travelled the world widely until recent years, visiting every continent other than Antarctica, often on birding expeditions and frequently with their dear friends Jim and Ella McCullough. Above all else Paul was a fervent follower of Harvard athletics, especially football and women’s and men’s ice hockey. At the time of his death Paul had seen more Harvard-Yale football games than any other living person.
Paul was a true renaissance man. He was an expert birder, made honey and lip balm from his own beehives, wove Nantucket Baskets and crafted Shaker boxes, climbed all 46 mountains in New Hampshire over 4,000 feet high, went on fossil digs in Montana and China, and raised and preserved cranberries. In raising his children he set the absolute highest ethical and moral standards. His family and everyone who came in contact with Paul knew he was a force of nature.
He leaves his son Jeff Lee and his partner Karen Outerson of Norwalk, his daughter Jeanne Landin (Rev. Kenneth Landin) of Franklin, Mass.; and his son the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Lee (Rev. Bridget Fidler) of Hartford; grandchildren Jonathan Lee, Andrew Lee, Katie Grenon, Marta Finewood, Samuel Dean-Lee, and Skyler Dean-Lee; great-grandchildren Nova Grenon, Quinn Finewood, and Kaiya Finewood.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 27 at the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, with a reception to follow. Donations: Paul and Louise Lee Education Endowment Fund at the Connecticut Audubon Society in Pomfret (P.O. Box 11, Pomfret, CT 06259); or the Paul and Louise Lee Memorial Fund at the First Congregational Church of Woodstock (543 Route 169, Woodstock CT 06281). Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Brian Gleason
PUTNAM — Brian Gleason, 45, died Sept. 13, 2018. Born Oct. 25, 1972, in Putnam, he was the son of Lawrence Gleason Jr. of Staunton, Va., and Mary Jane (Harvey) Gleason of Putnam. Brian was a graduate of Putnam High School and was a member of the Putnam Baptist Church.
Brian was a man of many talents. He owned his own roofing company in his early years and worked for other construction companies as well.
He had every tool to prove it until he found his real passion driving truck after he graduated NETTS. He loved the freedom of the open road and traveling the coasts. He loved seeing new places while getting paid. Brian loved to tell stories of being a kid and running dirt bikes and trikes with his friends and he always swore he would someday have another Tecate.
Brian had a love for music and will be fondly remembered as the “funny music fanatic.” Brian knew everything there was to know about “Hair Bands”. He was an avid concert goer with his best friend, John Hollingworth. Brian played the drums and was able to show off his skills at his 40th birthday party. There wasn’t a movie that Brian hasn’t seen or even bought for his collection. He loved good food and researching new restaurants to experience but nothing compared to pizza at Pizza King. Brian’s greatest accomplishment was his son Josh.
He loved to laugh.
He leaves his parents, his son, Josh Gleason and fiancé Katie Sartori of Plainfield; a brother, Aaron Gleason of Putnam; two grandchildren, Holden and Ivyana Gleason, both of Plainfield, the light of his life, Amber; aunts, uncles and cousins; the mother of his son, Krista Preble whom he had remained close. Brian was predeceased by his grandparents, Edith and Ralph Patterson and Louise and Lawrence Gleason Sr.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Patricia A. Haven
DAYVILLE — Patricia A. (LaBonte) Haven, 73, of North Rd, died Sept. 23, 2018, in Davis Place. She was the wife of Herbert Haven. Born in 1944 in Rockville, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Freeda (Jannino) LaBonte.
Patricia was employed for many years as a packager at the Danielson Curtain factory. She loved having coffee with her sister and going to the local casinos.
In addition to her husband, she leaves two sons, Roland Savoie of Woodstock and David Savoie of Brooklyn; her sister Joanne Bush of Killingly; two grandsons, Gavin and Trevor Savoie.
Funeral arrangements are private. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Anna E. Lariviere
Anna E. (McNeill) Lariviere, 77, of Goose Creek, S.C. died Sept. 20, 2018, at home.
Anna’s life began on July 8, 1941, to Neil and Anna (Yurkow) McNeill in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1957, she met Joseph R. Lariviere Sr. and was wed three years later on Jan. 22, 1960, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Brooklyn. Celebrating 58 years of marriage, the couple demonstrated the ideal life of love and devotion. Being a Navy wife, the couple moved around but eventually settled in South Carolina to raise their family.
She worked for many years as a clerk at the Naval Exchange. She was a very talented woman, creating beautiful paintings, crochets, and cross-stitches. She was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her loved ones. She dedicated her time to her community as a leader of the Girl Scouts organization and would coach and umpire for the Men-Riv sports league.
One of her favorite sayings was: “Love My Family” followed by an embracing hug.
In addition to her husband, she leaves her daughter, Leslie Hutcherson of Hodgenville, Ky.; her brother, Neil (Marie) McNeill of Valley Stream, N.Y.; and her grandchildren, Brittany Stone and Chelsea Stone of Bardstown, Ky. She was predeceased by her son, Joseph R. Lariviere Jr., and her daughters, Anna Elizabeth Lariviere and Lisa Anne Lariviere.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 25 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Katherine M. Wolf
WOODSTOCK — Katherine M. Wolf died Sept. 4, 2018, at Westview Health Care Center.
Born Katherine Marie Greene in 1934 in Providence, she was the daughter of Harry and Helvi Greene.
She graduated AISC in 1956; MS ECSU in 1973.
She was a Woodstock resident for 47 years. She was an elementary school teacher more than 40 years, beginning Springfield, Mass., and ending in Thompson.
She leaves two sons, Rev. David B. Wolf (Martha) of Silver Spring, Md., and Karl Wolf (Ellen) of Queens, N.Y.; seven grandchildren. She was predeceased by Paul, husband of 53 years, and son Jamie.
A celebration of Katie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 6 at the First Congregational Church, Woodstock. Donations: Special Olympics of CT, 2666 State St., Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517-2232; or Westview Residents’ Recreation Fund, PO Box 248, Dayville, CT 06241. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Kandy Riley
PLAINFIELD — Kandy R. (Ford) Riley, 57, died Sept .14, 2018, at home.
She was born in Annapolis, Md., daughter of the late Louis and Marie Ford, and lived in Plainfield since 2009 prior that living in N. Grosvenordale. Kandy enjoyed crafts painting.
She leaves her husband of 10 years, Shawn M. Riley; son Thomas Riley of Canada; a brother Billie Ford of Maryland.
There was a Celebration of Life in Maryland. Donations: Cancer research. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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Wed. Sept. 26
Exhibit
The Spirol Gallery at Quinebaug Valley Community College will present Art Meets Engineering through Sept. 30.
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Nature’s Inspiration,” a photography exhibit by Aaron Bourque and Deborah Eccleston, through the end of October at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Thur. Sept. 27
Trivia Challenge
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will hold a fund-raiser Trivia Challenge at 7 p.m. at the Crossings Restaurant downtown. It benefits Homeless of NE CT.
Sat. Sept. 29
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Banding at 9 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Book Sale
MANSFIELD --- The Friend of the Mansfield Library will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Mansfield Public Library on Rt. 89. Benefits the library.
Coat Drive
PUTNAM --- The Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus will be collecting clean, used winter coats for men, women and children and clean, used blankets and baby clothes in good condition from noon to 3 p.m. in the parking lot behind St. Mary Church of the Visitation on Providence Street. 860-928-7241.
Sun. Sept. 30
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bull Hill Bird Walk at 8 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Antique Appraisal
CANTERBURY --- The Federated Church of Christ in Brooklyn on Rt. 169 is sponsoring an Antique Appraisal Fair from 2 to 5 p.m. Appraisers will appraise up to three items for $5 apiece. Equipment will be on hand to identify metal content in jewelry without harming the piece.
Mon. Oct. 1
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Woodstock Town Hall large meeting room on the lower. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. Please check the town website www.woodstockCT.gov for current schedule or call 860-928-6595.
Wed. Oct. 3
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Library will present Art @ the Library, “Things, Stuff and The What Not” photography by Virginia Chase through Oct. 29. Reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 4.
Thur. Oct. 4
History Program
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam will present “Tracing the Black Experience in Putnam” at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theater at Putnam High School.
Fri. Oct. 5
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present First Fridays --- Scandinavian-American Heritage from 6 to 9 p.m. around downtown Putnam.
'Unexpected Guest'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present a drama, "The Unexpected Guest" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 21 at the playhouse on Front Street. 860-928-7887.
Donations Sought
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will be collecting for the homeless and less fortunate from 6 to 10 a.m. at WINY radio station. The donations will go to Daily Bread and TEEG. Donations needed: Tarps, sleeping bags, tents, socks, hats, gloves and blankets and money. You can also mail a check made out to the Putnam Lions Club to: Putnam Lions, PO Box 535, Putnam, CT 06260.
Meatball Supper
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present a Swedish Meatball Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. eat in/takeout as part of Putnam’s 1st Fridays Scandinavian Celebration. Adults, $12; children 12 and younger, $5.
Sat. Oct. 6
Community Day
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The 15th Annual Thompson Community Day will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park on Rt. 12. 860-923-9440.
Book, Bake Sale
CANTERBURY --- The Friends of the Canterbury Public Library will hold a book sale and a bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Room. Sale opens at 8:30 a.m. for members. Memberships available at the door, at the Canterbury Library, or at: http://canterburylibrary.org/
Art Show
POMFRET --- The Walktober Weekend Art Show, Exhibit, Demonstrations and Fine Crafts and Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at the Historical Society in Pomfret on Townhouse Drive. 860-377-3718. Sponsored by NECTAG.
Arts and Crafts
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury will present the 8th annual FACES at FAHS Fine Art & Craft Exhibit and Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the society on N. Canterbury Road. The Finnish Hall archives, museum and library will also be available for touring and the kitchen will provide luncheon items for purchase. Free admission, handicapped accessible.
Fund-raiser Comedy
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Lions Club will present Spinnato’s Hypnotic Hysteria at 7 p.m. at the Thompson Raceway Restaurant. Doors open at 6 p.m. $25 at the door or in advance. Light refreshments, drawings.
Art Fest
SCITUATE --- The 52nd annual Columbus Day Weekend Scituate Art Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 .
Sun. Oct. 7
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Autumn Writer’s Workshop” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Thur. Oct. 11
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Bring binoculars and wear drab-colored clothing. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Oct. 13
Woodland Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will hold a Wildlife and Woodland Resilience Walk at Rocky Hill Refuge from 10 a.m. to noon at Rocky Hill Rd. Preregister by Oct. 12: 978-952-6856 ext. 121. MassConn Woods partnership & the Wyndham Land Trust. 1.5-mile level hike. Wear comfortable shoes and dress to avoid ticks.
Arts and Crafts
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage holds its 36th annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 13 and Oct. 14. Includes tours of the 1846 Gothic Revival house, live music, and food concessions. $5 for adults; Historic New England members and children under 12 admitted free. Rain or shine. 860-928-4074.
Bull Hill Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will hold a Walktober Bull Hill Preserve Hike from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bull Hill Rd., (off Senexet Rd. Drive to end of road to WLT gate. Parking by gate). N dogs. Easy couple miles.
Old Home Day
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Old Home Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Canterbury Green. Free admission, rain or shine. www.canterburyhistorical.org.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Walktober: Bafflin Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948.
Scarecrow Fest
CHEPACHET --- The Chepachet Grange is sponsoring its 2nd Scarecrow Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Main Street in Chepachet. There will also be music and food. Scarecrows are being made by individuals, churches, businesses, groups and organizations. Scarecrows will be set up and judged in the Pavilion with judging taking place between 11 a.m. and noon. Applications and info: Glocester Scarecrow Festival. com. Applications must be completed by Oct. 5.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Screech Owl Night Hike” at 7 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Bring camera. Rescheduled if inclement weather. $5 for CAS members; $25 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Tues. Oct. 16
Program
WOODSTOCK --- The Three C’s will present “Doktor Kaboom and the Wheel of Science” at 10 a.m. and noon at the Center for the Arts at Woodstock Academy on Rt. 169. Performances are for groups of 10 or more. $4 per person.
Sat. Oct. 19
Teen Weekend
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Road will hold a Teen Weekend from 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 to 9 a.m. Oct. 21. For teens 13 – 17. Bring your own pumpkin to carve. $50. Preregister by Oct. 9: 860-974-3379.
Sun. Oct. 20
Pumpkin Fest
PUTNAM --- The Great Pumpkin Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. around downtown Putnam.
Tackle Trail
DANIELSON --- QVCC will hold the annual Tackle the Trail fund-raiser 20-mile trail race. It’s open to individuals or up-to-five person relay teams. Race begins in Pomfret, ends in Willimantic. Runners enjoy a post-race party sponsored by Michelob Ultra. Register: www.qvcc.edu/tacklethetrail. No race day registrations. Benefits local students at QVCC.
Preserve Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will hold a Walktober Rapoport/Spalding Preserve Walk from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Calkins Rd, Please park respectfully at the end of Calkins Rd. - off Joy Road - by #129 Calkins Rd. easy 2-mile walk. Bad weather will cancel. Leashed dogs welcome.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 9 a.m. to noon at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Call 860-928-4948 to register and for a list of materials to bring.
Harvest Fair
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will present its Harvest Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 26
Trick or Treat
PUTNAM --- Trick or Treat on Main Street will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.
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Honored
DAYVILLE — Danielle DeLay is Westview Health Care Center’s Employee of the Month for August. She is a certified nursing assistant with the Westview’s Nursing Department.
She lives in Thompson. When she can, Danielle enjoys time fishing or practicing her accuracy at the target range. Currently, she is also a full time student pursuing a degree as a Registered Nurse.
Of her dedication and strong, positive drive, Westview Administrator David Panteleakos said: “Danielle exhibits tremendous compassion through the care she provides. On many occasions, I have been made aware of her loving treatment towards patients, her caring considerations for families, and her hard-working contributions among colleagues. She absolutely makes the most of these gifts.”
Support
Race Day Sponsor Putnam Bank supported the event with 43 team members for the 2018 event. Courtesy photo.
KILLINGLY — Sept. 16 200 runners and walkers navigated the private roads surrounding Alexander’s Lake in Dayville, all in the name of raising money for youth wellness programs. The 7th Annual NOW Road Race & Walk, subtitled “Lap the Lake,” is an annual event held by Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW), a non-profit focused creating opportunities for local children to access fitness, nutrition and sports.
For 2018 the event grossed $13,000 with an estimated profit of almost $10,000. All proceeds will support NOW youth scholarships and programs in the region.
With the support of Race Day Sponsor, Putnam Bank, the event saw notable changes for 2018. For the 7th annual event, the NOW Road Race featured an altered race route with a transition to a traditional timed 5K (3.1 miles). Starting at The Lake Tavern on Upper Maple Street in Dayville, the race route included one “lap” around Alexander’s Lake before finishing back at The Lake Tavern. This route is a change from past years, with the event previously marketed as a “3.5ish” mile race, with a 3.76-mile course. In addition to the 5K race, the event also featured a Kids Race that saw about two-dozen children ages 2 to 10.
For the first time in the event’s seven-year history, the top runner of the NOW Road Race was a female athlete. With a time of 19 minutes and 58 seconds, Moosup resident Cindy Ouillette won the race. Ouillette was followed by Willington resident Pierre Dens Fils with a time of 20 minutes and 9 seconds. Both runners were each presented with a cash prize of $100, sponsored by Prize Sponsor Jewett City Savings Bank. Ouillette opted to donate her winnings back to NOW. Prizes were also awarded to the top three runners in each five-year age group. For 2018, each top runner received a gold compass with commemorative tag and all youth runners received participation medals.
For several years, the Road Race has been generously sponsored by Putnam Bank, which shows additional support with dozens of employees participating; for 2018, the Putnam Bank team topped off at 43 participants. NOW was also pleased to welcome a new major sponsor to the event, Lake Road Generating, which signed on as a Starting Line Sponsor and also featured a team of employees participating in the 5K. The major event sponsors were joined by 16 additional sponsors supporting the official event t-shirt, which for 2018 is a long-sleeved moisture wicking t-shirt.
Executive Director Sarah Wolfburg said: “We are grateful for all of the support we received for this year’s Road Race. 2018 was a great year of growth for this event and has set a record for the most participants and most money raised.”
In addition to the many sponsors that showed support for the event, the Road Race was also supported by several local volunteers. Moosup resident Elle Goslin helped mark the beginning of the event with a live rendition of the National Anthem. Just Performance Fitness and the QVCC Foundation featured booths at the event, while Back & Body Chiropractic of Dayville offered complimentary massages to runners.
Local photographer Mikayla Gagnon with Ginger Photography took over 200 photos throughout the event. As well, the four water stations that lined the course were supported by volunteers from Deary’s Gymnastics, Woodstock Academy Gymnastics, and Green Valley Crossing. The Dayville Fire Company offered volunteer support by conducting traffic on Upper Maple Street, ensuring all event participants remained safe. Complimentary refreshments, including water, bananas and clementine oranges were donated by Price Chopper of Putnam and The Killingly Big Y.
All proceeds from the event will support the many youth programs NOW offers to children residing in the 10-town area of northeastern Connecticut, including youth scholarship support, fitness & nutrition outreach, and free wellness clinics.
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