Richard E. Tremblay, U.S. Army veteran
POMFRET CENTER — Richard E. Tremblay, 84, of Brook Front Lane, died May 30, 2025, at Westview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. He was the loving and devoted husband of the late Lorraine H. (Tercjak) Tremblay for 57 years. Born in 1940 in N. Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Ralph E. Tremblay Sr. and Anna (Demers) Tremblay.
Mr. Tremblay worked for National Propane as a truck driver. He was an Army Veteran stationed in Germany for two years. Richard was a life-long fan of all New England sports teams and rarely missed watching the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots which he enjoyed doing with his son. His knowledge of sports trivia was unmatched. He was a past-president, coach, and umpire of Thompson Minor, Little, and Senior leagues, having been a mentor to many young players throughout his years of dedication. One of his favorite things to do was to take in a Paw Sox game with his wife, family and friends, and nothing gave him greater joy than going out to dinner and sharing a meal with those he loved. Prior to health issues, Richard and Lorraine travelled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. They held these memories dear to their hearts. Richard had an uncanny knack for remembering the names of anyone he met and was interested in learning all about them. As much as he would not want it stated here, that was part of his incredible charm and humor! He made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He leaves his son Todd Tremblay, and his partner Anne Douglas of Thompson, his daughter, Tracy Tremblay, and her partner Paul Brockett of New London; his sister-in-law, Pauline Laprade (Norman) of Washington, N.H.; and a grandson. He was predeceased by his brothers, Ralph Tremblay Jr. and Ronald Tremblay.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. June 6 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Richard’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kerri Sauer, Dr. Botta, and the devoted staff at Westview Healthcare for their exceptional care and love that they showed him this past year. Many became like family over the years that their mother resided there, and this past year Richard was in their loving care. Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, Main Street, N. Grosvenordale.
Lucille A. Herrick
PUTNAM — Lucille A. Herrick, 86, of Putnam, died May 21, 2025 at her home in Putnam. She was born July 21, 1938, in Putnam, daughter of the late Armand and Jeanette (Benac) LaCombe. She was the wife of the late John Herrick; he died March 25, 1995.
Lucille was a very strong woman, independent woman and was still working until about two months ago. She worked for 40 years as the First District Clerk for Putnam’s Special District. Lucille was a big sports fan and cheered for the Red Sox, Patriots and UConn. She was very generous with family and really enjoyed a good restaurant. Lucille loved spending time with her family out at her place on Cape Cod. She enjoyed playing Bingo at Foxwoods.
She leaves her sons Kendall Herrick of Nashua, N.H., and Randy Herrick (Angela) of Putnam; her daughter Cindy Herrick of Eastham, Mass.; her grandchildren Emily Daniels, Jack Herrick and Kaleb Herrick; her sisters Joan Brewer and Barbara Page; her brother Armand LaCombe (Nadine). She was predeceased by a brother Richard LaCombe.
The Mass of Christian Burial was May 30 St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, with burial in Grove Street Cemetery after the Mass. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, Putnam.
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Wed. June 4
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, in its Art @ the Library series, “Dimensional Work by Laura Salo” (quiltings). A reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 9. The display case will feature “Thompson Public Library Children’s Department Level Up at Your Library Summer Reading 2025.”
Sun. June 8
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.
Sat. June 7
Cat Cafe
DANIELSON --- Paws Cat Shelter is hosting a Cat Cafe at noon at the Killingly Library. Come and meet the Paws volunteers and learn how the shelter helps the community. Light refreshments. 860-315-1228.
Sun. June 8
Paddle 4 Hope
BROOKLYN --- The annual Paddle 5 Hope fund-raiser, which benefits Neighbors Against Cancer, will be held at Riverside Park. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the launch is at 10. There is no registration fee but we ask that you please make a donation. PFD required for all participants. All non-motorized watercraft welcome. For info: 860-974-1202.
Composting Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Town Agricultural Commission will present a free composting workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. June 8 at the Pomfret Recreational Park Pavilion on Rt. 97. The first session at 1 p.m. will be an introduction to composting. The second, at 2 p.m., will be intermediate composting. All welcome.
Tues. June 10
Strawberry Social
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society will host a Strawberry Shortcake Social to honor the late Joy Lizotte, longtime treasurer, membership chair and volunteer, from 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.
Thur. June 12
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.
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. This is the last clinic until October. No walkins.
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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Interact finishes year on high note
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Putnam Rotary President Doug Porter called the 2024-2025 Interact Club an “amazing group.” But for the Interact Club members it was just their usual — over the top.
Outgoing Interact co-presidents Sofia Thurber and Jane Ferraro listed their accomplishments in their address to club members. One of their touchstones for their Interact year was children and they added several activities to the long list of annual projects that centered around helping children, including gathering hundreds of dollars’ worth of new toys and delivering them to the Boston Children’s Hospital.
Projects included: Aug 2024: Volunteered at Now Kids fun Run, Collection of Backpack, TEEG Backpack Distribution, Gardening in TEEG community Garden; September 2024: Presented backpacks to DKH children and adolescent behavioral health center, NOW Lap Around the Lake Fun Run, DKH Cancer Survivor Picnic at Roseland Park, Assembled a scarecrow (Minion) to be placed in Rotary Park, Gardening at TEEG; Oct 2024: Gardening at TEEG, Zombie Fashion show, collected costumes for Halloween distribution, Participated in TEEG costume distribution, sold hot cider and treats at Great Pumpkin fest to purchase toys for the Boston Children’s Hospital; Nov 2024: Created Ornaments for the Elderly shut-ins, collected toys and presented them to the Boston Children’s Hospital, participated in Turkey Dip for Camp Quinebaug and raised $700; Dec 2024: “Competitive” bell ringing for the Salvation Army – raised $14,608; Jan 2025: Pizza Party for all bell ringing volunteers, Relay For Life kick-off meeting, made buttons for cancer survivors, created valentine cards for the elderly; Feb 2025: Volunteered at the Rotaract Trivia night, carved an ice block at Fire & Ice festival to raise money for our Heifer project - $436, Relay For Life meeting painted rocks; March 2025: Relay for Life meeting made bookmarks, volunteered at the Special Olympics Swim meet, gardening at TEEG; April 2025: Attending the Interact Conference, made posters for the Good Friday Food Drive, volunteered at the Relay For Life Pancake Breakfast with Easter Bunny, participated at the Good Friday Food Drive, held a car wash for their Heifer International project- $492; May 2025: Purchased $910 worth of animals through Heifer International, Volunteered at Super Hero Saturday, participated in Relay for Life.
After Interactors received their service citations for the numbers of hours they volunteered/worked, incoming co-presidents Paige Perry and Gabriell Cerasiello said they are excited about a new year of volunteering, adding they were inspired by the hard work of the dedicated leaders and volunteers. They said it is “so rewarding to look back on our time involved in Interact these past years and know that we’ve made an impact on something greater than our own lives.” They also complimented Putnam Rotarian Interact Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti, saying she “stops at nothing to encourage and motivate every last one of the volunteers I this club.” The two new co-presidents said they’d like to focus their year’s energy on “the urgent needs in our community — hunger.”
Citations went to: June Ferraro - 105 hours; Sofia Thurber - 88.5; Gabriell Cerasiello 42.5; Paige Perry 41.5; Isabelle McGlynn 35; Serena Smith 30; Kaelyn Tremblay 25; Sam Hachigian 12; Matthew Rybacki 10.5.
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caption:
New Interact Leaders
The Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club installed its new co-presidents and got its new year started. More photos Wed. night on our FB page. From left: Putnam Rotary Club President Doug Porter, Gabriell Cerasiello, Paige Perry and advisor Roberta Rocchetti. Linda Lemmon photo.
MuralFest is off and running
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
The history of Putnam took a giant step into the future with the recent kickoff of the MuralFest project.
And while the organizers begin their research, those interested in the murals project can help now. Organizer Elaine Turner said a bank account, MuralFest, is already set up at Jewett City Savings Bank and (tax deductible) donations are welcome. Some donations were collected during last week’s project kickoff, including a $10,000 donation from the Putnam Area Foundation.
She said all the money raised will go toward the project. If there’s any left over, it will go to mural maintenance.
In addition, general help is welcome and she asks folks to reach out by email (
The committee will also be reaching out to researcher Valentine Iamartino and the Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam to find historical events that will grace the murals.
Turner said the project involves historical murals painted on walls in Putnam — on a very grand scale. The town of Putnam partnered with the committee and applied to WallDogs, a group of professional mural artists, and was accepted. Only one in 200 applications to WallDogs is approved. She said a recommendation by Emilda Roller, a WallDogs muralist who worked on the MLK mural on the Hale YMCA, helped seal the deal for the town of Putnam.
The target date is in 2028, she said. Between now and then is a long list of tasks and research.
Turner said 52 people came to the introduction of the project last week, from all walks of life, businesses, Day Kimball, the VFW and more. “It was a very strong start,” she said. “Everyone is all in.”
In the next month or so Turner and the committee will be researching every aspect of the project — from the possible number of murals to the costs to the historical content of the murals. They will be heading to Keene, N.H., as that town recently completed a WallDogs project.
“I want to look at the nuts and bolts; I want to see the spreadsheets,” Turner said.
“Our goal is not set yet. We need to do more research,” she said, starting with the Keene trip this month. Following that the committee will be meeting with those people who showed an interest to keep everyone involved.
When the numbers and ideas become clearer a presentation to the town will be made.
“The important thing is we have to know we can raise enough money,” Turner said.
Costs depend on the number of private buildings that might be in the running. Town-owned buildings are a possibility as well. The search will be on for possible sites.
Traditionally with the WallDogs costs would include transportation to bring in the WallDogs muralists, lodging (some artists bring a camper to live in), food, supplies, portable rest rooms, scaffolding and lifts, ladders, permits and more. Stipends go to the WallDogs coordinator and to the mural team leader. Local artists will be taking part as well.
Artists do an artist’s rendition of how the mural would look and that gets approved. Then, Turner said, a prep team is sent first, making sure the chosen walls are ready for the artists. Then the artists descend on Putnam for a three-day flurry of painting murals.
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