captions, clockwise from top left:

 

Michael Serricchio, 7, of Westfield, Mass., waits in line with his grandmother, Andy Krofina of Woodstock, ready for the train ride.

 

A Young Marine welcomes a visitor from the train.

 

Scarecrow Winner

The first-place winner for the Putnam Business Association’s annual scarecrow contest was Matulaitis Rehabilitation & Skilled Care on Rt. 44. This is the second year they won. There were 16 entries this year. CNB, a division of bankESB, took second with a scene from Finding Nemo and Putnam Bank’s giant bat took third. An Honorable Mention trophy was award to The Arc Day Services Program for their entry titled “Seemore Guts!” Left to right: Putnam Business Association members judges: Rhonda Wishart, Kim Rosebrooks, Chris Coderre, Laura Moorehead, Earl Rosebrooks, Mary Oliver and Jackie Lefebrve. Courtesy photo.

 

Singer from Just Two Trio, entertaining folks in Union Square.

 

The "Great Pumpkin" on display weighs 1,223.5 pounds.

 

 

Funds stolen

PUTNAM — Oct. 24 Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW) held its 5th Annual A Taste for NOW, A Taste for Life event at The Mansion at Bald Hill Banquet Center in Woodstock. With just under 200 people in attendance, the event was a resounding success, with thousands of local youth to benefit from the proceeds of the evening. 

However, NOW is saddened to report that $610 raised from the raffle was stolen, the envelope containing the cash discarded in the bathroom.  Sarah Mortensen, NOW executive director, said “The person who absconded with this money not only stole from NOW but deprived local youth of opportunities they deserve. In response, some of the NOW Board members have come forward with donations to help replace the stolen funds. NOW also calls on the community for support.”

If anyone has information about the stolen money, contact Mortensen at 888.940.4669 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

To make a donation: NOW, P.O. Box 206, Putnam CT 06260.

 

 

Woodstock public schools

Monday: Chicken patties, fruit.  Tuesday: Baked potato with toppings, broccoli, cookie, fruit. Wednesday: Chicken tenders, wax beans, fruit. Thursday: Beef and cheese nachos, black beans, fruit. Friday: Pizza, carrot sticks, fruit. 

Pomfret Community

Monday: French toast sticks, turkey sausages, hash browns, carrot snacks. Tuesday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, carrot/red pepper cups/dip, baked beans, fruit. Wednesday: Baked chicken, peas, cranberry sauce, fruit. Thursday: Mr. Fox's pizza, broccoli, veggie cups, fruit. Friday: Deli turkey sandwiches, veggie cups/dip, baked Doritos.

Putnam Elementary/Middle

Monday: Hot dogs, baked beans, cookie treats. Tuesday: Lasagna rollups, squash. Wednesday: Popcorn chicken potato bowls, corn. Thursday: Macaroni and cheese, broccoli. Friday: Homemade calzones. 

Putnam High

Monday: Clipper Burgers, sherbet.  Tuesday: Hot dogs, cole slaw. Wednesday: Nachos Grande, Spanish rice with black beans. Thursday: Chicken Parm, roasted autumn vegetables. Friday: salad with grape tomatoes.