Wed. Jan. 10
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present its Winter Art Show featuring local artists from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays through mid-January at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present Art @ the Library’s “As I See It: Multimedia Works” by Kate Gilman-Alexander through Jan. 27. There will be a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 8. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org
Fri. Jan. 12
Teen Weekend
POMFRET CENTER --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp will hold its Winter Teen Weekend from 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 through 9 a.m. Jan. 14 at the camp on Taft Pond Road. For teens 13-17. $50. Preregister by Jan. 5. 860-974-3379.
Fish Fry
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a Friday fish fry from noon to 8 p.m. Prices vary. 860-923-2967
Mon. Jan. 15
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 lower level meeting room. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. 860-315-5175
Tues. Jan. 16
Veterans Program
DANIELSON --- The Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse will present Wayne Simmons of Clear Captions with a program about telephone captioning at about 9:15 a.m. at 185 Broad St. The coffeehouse opens at 9.
Wed. Jan. 17
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Library Friends will present “Intro to Online Genealogy: Google” at 3 p.m. at the library. Registration encouraged. 860-928-3475.
Thur. Jan. 18
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Bird Walk at 1 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Fri. Jan. 19
Fish and Steak
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a steak and fish dinner from noon to 8 p.m. Prices vary. 860-923-2967
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Sat. Jan. 20
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Owl Walk" at 7 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Depends on weather. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Acorn Adventure
WOODSTOCK --- The Last Green Valley’s Acorn Adventure: Eagle Eyes, will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Roseland Park. Children and their families are invited to join The Last Green Valley’s Chief Ranger Bill Reid and Ranger J.P. Babineau to experience just how big a bald eagle’s wings are, how huge their eyes are compared to the size of their heads and other fun facts. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope if you have them. Sponsored by Putnam Savings Bank.
Library Program
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Public Library will present “ Sharon Yang, Author of Letter from a Dead Man and Bait & Switch” at 11 a.m.
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Sun. Jan. 21
Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Trail Wood Reflections: Writer &Artist In-Residence Exhibit" through Feb. 25 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 21. 860-928-4948.
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Mon. Jan. 22
Film Series
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center and the Town of Pomfret's Green Team will present "Tapped 2009" at 6:30 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948. Snow date Jan. 23.
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Library Friends will present “Robert Frost Lunch with Avery Tillinghast & Pomfret Library Friends” at noon at the library. Registration encouraged. 860-928-3475.
Wed. Jan. 24
Farm Protection Program
ASHFORD --- Protecting Family Farms and Forest will be presented from 7 to 9 p.m. at Knowlton Memorial Hall, 25 Pompey Hollow Road. TLGV is partnering with Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), Connecticut Farmland Trust, MassConn, and the Ashford and Willington Conservation Commissions for this workshop to help landowners determine whether they want to ensure some or all of their land remains open space permanently. Free.
Fri. Jan. 26
Fish Dinner
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a Friday fish fry from noon to 8 p.m. Prices vary. 860-923-2967
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Sat. Jan. 27
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present "Nature Sketchbook Journaling" from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. CAS members, $10; nonmembers, $20. Call to register: 860-928-4948.
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Sun. Jan. 28
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Mon. Jan. 29
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Library Friends will present “Women’s Self-Defense with Kristin Duethorn” at 6 p.m. at the Pomfret Historical Society’s Old Towne House. Registration required. 860-928-3475.
Fri. Feb. 2
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Sat. Feb. 3
Run/Walk
POMFRET CENTER --- The 4th Annual February Freeze 5k Run/Walk family-friendly race will start at 1 p.m. at Parsons Lodge, Pomfret School, on Rt. 169. Snow date: Feb. 4. $25 per runner. Benefits the eighth grade Pomfret Community School Washington, D.C. trip. Register: lightboxreg.com/february_freeze_2018.
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Sun. Feb. 4
‘Almost Maine’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Almost Maine” by John Cariani at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 through Feb. 4. $20 and $16. 860-928-7887.
Sat. Feb. 10
Potato Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Boy Scout Troop 21 will hold a baked potato buffet fund-raiser from 5 to 7 p.m. in the downstairs hall of St. Mary Church on Providence Street. $5 for potato, toppings and dessert, coffee or tea. Eat in or take out. 860-928-7241.
Uniform Drive
PUTNAM --- The Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 21 need uniforms. If you have all or part of any used Boy Scout uniforms in good condition, please bring it to St. Mary Church basement, from 5 to 7 p.m. 860-928-7241.
Sat. March. 10
Benefit Dinner
PUTNAM --- Putnam Ford Inc. will sponsor its 20th annual Spaghetti Dinner/Dance to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life at the K of C on Rt. 12, N. Grosvenordale. Cocktails at 6; dinner at 7. $25 donation. Limited seating 860-928-2731.
Fri. March 16
‘Tucker’ Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Academy, in association with Putnam Bank, will present the Marshall Tucker Band in concert March 16 at the Center for the Arts. Cold Train opens for Marshall Tucker Band at 7. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Benefits improvements to the Center. General admission, $35; Limited premium tickets for $100. woodstockacademy.org/tickets.
Wed. March 28
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three C's will present “Freedom Train” for grades 3 to 9 at the former Hyde Cultural Center.
Wed. June 5
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three C’s will present “Nugget and Fang” for grades K-3 at the former Hyde Cultural Center.
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Ribbon Cutting
Town officials and the owners of the new Crossfit Aspinock on Rt. 44 (behind the Stop & Shop gas station) held a ribbon cutting Jan. 6. Photo courtesy of Crossfit Aspinock)
PUTNAM --- The temps outside might have been downright frigid Jan. 6, but warmth permeated the official grand opening of Crossfit Aspinock.
The fitness business, on Rt. 44 just behind the Stop & Shop gasoline station, cut the ribbon Jan. 6.
The Putnam Economic Development Director, Delpha Very, said: "I have had the wonderful opportunity to speak with some of the owners of the business both recently, about Crossfit Aspinock and in the past through their prior and additional business experiences. The group of partners who created Crossfit Aspinock are Jessica Deary, Shawn Deary, Dr. Alison Monette, Christopher Pomposelli, Jill Schneider and John Schneider and they are not only certified and experienced Crossfit coaches but also seasoned business owners:."
Very added: "In my book, or any Economic Development director’s book, their combined experience makes for a real recipe for success. We are delighted to have such an experienced group of business-minded professionals come together to offer the community a great wellness opportunity. With a completely customizable approach through a personal and caring coaching experience, Crossfit Aspinock provides fitness without obstacles to its members. Located here, beyond the confines of Main Street, this space embodies the spirit of the business with its accessibility and convenience. Businesses that are centered around their clients and committed to cultivating a safe and personal experience for its members, are businesses that will be successful. Crossfit Aspinock states boldly that it is not just a gym, but rather a community. And Putnam is a community that has seen an expansion not only in the number of people creating businesses here but also in the spaces they are creating them in. Spaces that embody their business."
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Employee of Year
John Beausoleil, left, was named the Westview 2017 Employee of the Year. Administrator David Panteleakos is at right. Courtesy photo.
DAYVILLE — John Beausoleil, PTA of Woodstock was named Westview’s Employee of the Year for 2017 by the Westview Health Care Center Employee of the Year Nomination Committee.
Beausoleil joined the Westview team on June 18, 2007 and works full time as a physical therapy assistant. The announcement of his award was made by Westview Administrator David T. Panteleakos. In an effort to recognize outstanding employees, Westview implemented the Employee of the Year award in 2008 to enhance their established Employee of the Month program, which rewards outstanding employees who demonstrate dedication, outstanding work ethic and a positive attitude that is reflected in their day-to-day work.
“John is an amazing therapist and an overall great person to work with patients,” said David T. Panteleakos, administrator. “He completely understands the nexus between providing the best in quality of care and making his patients feel comfortable. His work record is amazing as well. He has achieved perfect attendance in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
John also achieved Employee of The Month awards in February 2008 and April 2016; and he has received several written commendations from patients and over 24 WOW Cards over the years. John Beausoleil is more than deserving of the Employee of the Year distinction.”
Beausoleil graduated in 2002 from Becker College and began his career as a physical therapy assistant in 2003. “John is the personality and heart of the Sports Medicine Department here at Westview,” said Alexis Williams, RPT, director of Sports Medicine. “His passion and enthusiasm towards helping others makes him a leader and an example for all others to follow.”
Beausoleil grew up in the Quiet Corner and lives in Woodstock with his daughters Alyvia, Alexis and Amy; and his partner Roymane. “I am very proud to be selected for this award and I would like to share this acknowledgment with all of my amazing colleagues.”
Staff goes
above,
beyond for
patient
PUTNAM — Healthcare is not only about ensuring health, but providing care for the whole person. That ideal was on display during last week’s severe winter storm at Day Kimball Hospital as well as in homes across the region where Day Kimball Healthcare at Home providers continued to care for patients. Two staff members even braved a lengthy car ride in the dangerous conditions in order to ensure a hospice patient had the medical equipment necessary for a plane flight out of state to visit his family the next day.
“This morning we received a call from one of our hospice patients to report that the oxygen equipment scheduled for delivery from a local vendor yesterday had not been received, and without it, boarding a plane at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow morning for an out of state visit with family would not be possible,” said Day Kimball Healthcare at Home Executive Director Renee Smith.
Smith said when Day Kimball Healthcare at Home staff contacted the vendor on behalf of the patient immediately after receiving the call, they learned that the vendor’s local store was closed, and that the only open location in Willimantic would not deliver because of the hazardous weather conditions.
His providers at Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut (part of Day Kimball Healthcare at Home), Hospice Program Manager Erica Alexander, RN, BSN, CHPN and Home Health Clinical Manager Terri Ducharme, RN, took it upon themselves to make sure that the necessary oxygen equipment was obtained and delivered.
“Without hesitation, Erica and Terri hopped into one of their four-wheel drive vehicles and drove to the supplier, located about 25 miles from Putnam, to pick up the oxygen equipment and deliver it to the patient,” Smith said.
Day Kimball Healthcare President and CEO Anne Diamond praised the efforts of all DKH staff who are going above and beyond to care for patients under difficult conditions.