A TEDx Talk is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas in under 18 minutes.
President
President Elect
Treasurer
Secretary
Rotary Foundation Chair
Past President
Vice President
Membership
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Rotary Youth Exchange Officer
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Executive Secretary/Director
Interact Chair
Rotoract Chair
Member Birthdays:
-
Karen OsbreyJanuary 5
-
Jeffrey RawsonJanuary 8
-
Audrey WitkowskiJanuary 12
-
John MillerJanuary 17
Spouse/Partner Birthdays:
-
Karen OsbreyJanuary 5
-
Cheryl PempekJanuary 21
-
George BrownJanuary 26
Anniversaries:
-
John MillerDarlene MillerJanuary 12
-
Pam BrownGeorge BrownJanuary 21
-
Gerard CotnoirLeona - deceased (2010) CotnoirJanuary 31
Join Date:
-
Elizabeth BuzalskiJanuary 1, 20109 years
-
Ron CoderreJanuary 1, 198336 years
-
Roberta RocchettiJanuary 6, 20154 years
Welcome to the 
Putnam Rotary Club Website
QVCC’s Business & Industry Services department, which facilitates training programs in a variety of topics for local businesses.
Joseph D. Courtney (born April 6, 1953) is the U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 2nd congressional district, serving since 2007. The district includes most of the eastern third of the state, including Norwich and New London. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Many of the programs Access provides are delivered directly to customers who walk through our doors looking for assistance. With offices in Willimantic and Danielson, our Family Advocates are on hand to help customers find what they need to make ends meet and take steps towards greater financial stability.
In addition, Access makes a difference in the community by providing programs for customers that are referred through DCF and the CT Judicial System. These include our programs to foster positive at-risk youth development and our supportive housing programs. Like all our services, referral programs help those in need achieve stability and success.
Success Stories
ACCESS TO FOOD AND HOUSING
Results That Matter
Because of the help and hope we provided:
- 365 nights of housing and 47,382 meals were provided to those living in our group homes and emergency shelter
- 23,592 women, infants, & children are healthier because they redeemed $1,512,430 worth of healthy food vouchers
- 68 income-eligible seniors lived in 59 safe, high quality, affordable one-bedroom apartments
- 642 low-income children are healthier because of 244,481 nutritious meals and snacks provided through their licensed home childcare providers
- 6,332 households were able to stay warm last year. Value of Energy Assistance provided was $4,520,686
- 3,903 adults and 1,550 children didn’t go hungry because they received supplemental food equivalent to 65,436 meals; of these 2,593 customers received their meals from our mobile food pantry
- 41 families and 12 individuals who were chronically homeless were able to find and maintain permanent housing
Mrs. Younhee Shin will be presenting Korean Spirit & Culture.
Dear Rotarian My name is Younhee Shin and I am a program coordinator in KSCPP. Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project (KSCPP) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising awareness of Korean history and culture. In appreciation for the United States’ support for Korea during the Korean War and in the years that followed, since 2009, KSCPP has held 1,700 presentations about the history and culture of Korea including 350 different rotary clubs throughout the country and in Europe. At the meetings, we presented film about the history of Korea from ancient to modern times: KOREAN SPIRIT AND CULTURE PROMOTION PROJECT Cordially Invites the Members of the Club to: The Hidden Treasure of Korean Art and Modern Korea Once known as the Land of the Morning Calm, Korea now possesses the 10th to 12th largest economy in the world and is becoming more and more important in the world's economy, culture and politics. Two documentary films about Korea will be shown. The first film illustrates the cultural achievements of Korea's past, and the second film shows Korea's industrial achievements since the Korean War. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. We are always looking for new opportunities to give programs and talks. Kind Regards, Younhee Shin KSCPP - Program Coordinator Cell: (917) 838-4689 www.kscpp.net *KSCPP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to educating Korea's unique history and culture.
Our own Pam Brown and Gary "O" will inform us of the latest happenings in and about The Rotary Foundation"
.JPG)
x
Our own Jay Wade and John Dignam will give us a motivational speech hoping to inspire all of us.
Chief of Police, Town of Putnam
Christopher Ferace, 51, began his career in law enforcement in 1991 as a patrol officer in Plainfield. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Roger Williams College and a graduate certificate in criminal justice education from University of Virginia.
Officials touted Ferace’s educational background, noting the newly appointed chief holds numerous professional certifications which include attending the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.
He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
“I still believe that policing is a noble profession, or I wouldn’t have taken this job or signed on to this commitment,” Ferace said during the ceremony. “There is no other period in modern history where policing is so scrutinized, and never so dangerous.”
Ferace said selfless service when another is in crisis continues to motivate him. He said his expectations for the department are simple.
“I expect nothing more than what the public expects,” he said to a standing ovation. “Do this job with integrity, accountability, compassion, courage, pride and professionalism. If we follow these values combined with the community policing philosophy, we as an agency will continue to be successful. I take great pride in wearing the Putnam Police patch on my sleeve.”
Martin Podskoch Author, Historian and CT resident recognized for his extensive work documenting the history of the Catskills, the Adirondack fire towers, and the Civilian Conservation Corps camps. His first travel guide, "The Adirondack 102 Club: Your Passport & Guide to the North Country" has become the best-selling travel book in the Adirondacks. Podskoch will soon be releasing a second travel guide book called "The Connecticut 169 Club: Your Passport and Guide to Exploring CT."
Dawn Curry, Wellness Coordinator & Elina Vandenberg, program graduate
We partner with the YMCA of the USA to promote the importance of physical activity after a cancer diagnosis.
What content informed this program?
Our ongoing dialogue with cancer survivors through our surveys and research led us to discover that a top concern among survivors was the difficulty of returning to physical activity after treatment. In response, LIVESTRONG partnered with the YMCA of the USA in 2007 to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12-week physical activity program designed to get survivors back on their feet.
Who benefits from LIVESTRONG at the YMCA?
Survivors participate in free or low cost customized exercise regimens catered to their individual needs from certified fitness instructors. The instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise and supportive cancer care. Survivors and often their families receive a membership at the YMCA for the duration of the program.
Future direction
We recently worked with researchers from Yale University and Dana Farber Cancer Institute to conduct a research study on the impact of the program on participants’ cancer-related outcomes. We found that participants experienced significant increases in physical activity, overall quality of life and fitness performance as well as decreases in cancer-related fatigue. By the end of 2018, we will offer the program in 19-25 new YMCA associations.
Our own Aileen Witkowski will present a support system that helps all patients in need of transportation to their treatments.
.JPG)
Robin Lynch presents information about volunteer opportunities for Retirees and Seniors.
Congrégation des Filles du Saint-Esprit Maroua le 24/07/2018
Vice-province du Cameroun
B.P.753 Maroua
Tel (+237) 699800172
Mail : vpfsemaroua@yahoo.fr
Bonjour Mrs Karen,
Ce mot pour vous dire un grand merci pour votre aide apportée au Centre Jeanette HORBAITA, nous avions bien reçu l’argent envoyé pour notre centre et cela a été un grand appui cette année pour la formation de ces jeunes filles. De tout cœur, nous vous disons grand merci, que le Seigneur vous rende cela au centuple.
Un petit mot pour vous présenter le centre :
Nous sommes un Centre de formation de jeunes filles qui prend en charge les filles désœuvrées, orphelines et indigentes dans les domaines de la formation en alphabétisation, couture, broderie, cuisine, agriculture et produit dérivés, économie sociale et familiale, secrétariat bureautique, secrétariat comptable, graphisme de production. Cette structure de formation professionnelle privée a pour but de :
-développer chez la jeune fille, l’esprit d’entreprise,
-de lutter contre le chômage et la déperdition scolaire de la jeune fille, d’autonomisation de cette dernière,
- de favoriser le dialogue, la tolérance, le partage.
-En un mot, aider la jeune fille à apporter sa contribution matérielle dans les familles et en économie familiale.
L’objectif de la formation dispensée au Centre Jeannette HORBAITA est d’aider la jeune fille en peine.
Au cours de cette année scolaire, notre entre a enregistré 85 jeunes filles inscrites dont 17 abandon en cours d’année.
A la fin de l’année, nous avons obtenu un taux de réussite générale de 85%.
Comme difficultés rencontrées, nous notons le manque de paiement des frais scolaires par certaines filles, le départ en mariage avant la fin de la formation, l’ignorance des filles de leur situation d’indigence, le manque de subvention par l’Etat.
Nous vous envoyons ci-dessous quelques photos des activités dans notre centre :
Une fois de plus nous vous remercions.
La sœur Pauline MAISENSO ,
Vice-provinciale.
Sortie des Filles de la troisième année.
Activités pratiques : fabrication des paniers.
Rotary International
One Small Act
One Small Act takes us on a journey through small acts of kindness, showing the powerful impact they have on the life of one little girl.
Our Youth exchange student, Kiara Monahan will share her experiences and impressions from her year in Italy.
Hamburgers, Hot dogs and Strawberry Shortcake; at 95 degrees, boy was that fun. 
Our new Administration 2018-2019
left to right: Kristin Willis, Secretary; John Miller, President; Kathy Naumann, Vice President; Racheal Johnson, Board Member; Paul Pikora, Board Member; Jeffrey Rawson, Board Member; Roberta Rocchetti, Board Member; Richard Naumann, President Elect; Fred Chmura, Treasurer
To see our Paul Harris recipient please click: Read more
.jpg?_=636832956937699350)
President Rick Place, Valedictorian Woodstock Academy Griffin Edwards, Salutatorian Woodstock Academy Nora Guszkowski, Salutatorian Putnam High Doria Daviau, Valedictorian Putnam High Lauren Carita. Not pictured Val-Sal Chair Jay Byrnes.
2018 Scholarship Receipients presented by President Rick Place and Scholarship Chairman Scott Pempek.
From left to right: President Rick Place, Haley Armstrong, Maeve Stevenson, Anna Murphy, Doria Daviau, Eden Law, Tyler Fitts, Julia Bibeault, Natalie Ionkin, Brianna Long, Jenna Kochinskas, Cassandra Gallant, Maegan Roy, Shannon Gauthier, Morgan Graham, Scholarship Chairman Scott Pempek. Not in picture Kiara Monahan.
Rebecca Anderson & Allison Dumas are being presented with a donation to the Franklin Scholarship Fund.
Rotary golf tourney
Honored
Eric Whittenburg of ERW, Inc. holds the Ace in the Hole Award. ERW has been a major sponsor of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament for the last 10 years. He is a generous and unassuming person who cares deeply for his community and supports a number of local organizations. Photo courtesy of Doug Porter.
Eric Whittenburg of ERW, Inc. holds the Ace in the Hole Award. ERW has been a major sponsor of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament for the last 10 years. He is a generous and unassuming person who cares deeply for his community and supports a number of local organizations. Photo courtesy of Doug Porter.
PUTNAM -The Putnam Rotary Club's Ronald P. Coderre golf tourna-ment saw lots of winners AND a hole in one.
Paul Sas had a Hole-in-One on #9. Gross Score:
1st place -Archie Drobiak, Rob Rovito, Paul Sas and Jeff Bums of the Brynes Insurance Agency Team with a score of 55
2nd place -George Amenabar, Jeff Childs, Steve Keller and Scott Gendreau of Northeast Flooring & Kitchens Team with a 57
3rd place -Dan Gilbert, Doug Wood-ward and Chris Brook of the Inn at Woodstock Hill team also with a 57
1st place -Archie Drobiak, Rob Rovito, Paul Sas and Jeff Bums of the Brynes Insurance Agency Team with a score of 55
2nd place -George Amenabar, Jeff Childs, Steve Keller and Scott Gendreau of Northeast Flooring & Kitchens Team with a 57
3rd place -Dan Gilbert, Doug Wood-ward and Chris Brook of the Inn at Woodstock Hill team also with a 57
Net Score:
1st Brandon Carita, Eric Livingston, Gary Rudman and Daryl Stevens of the Pacon Team
The Rawson golf team.
2nd Greg Kalafus, Steve Kinross, Nicole Fredericks and Bill Miller of the Securitas Security Services team
3rd Brian Orenstein, Guy Henry, John Dolan and Greg Shelter of the Charter Oak FCU team
3rd Brian Orenstein, Guy Henry, John Dolan and Greg Shelter of the Charter Oak FCU team
Closest to the Pin: #7 - 7 feet, S inches, Chris Brock and #15 - 9-4 Paul Sas
.png)
Sam lives in Woodstock where he was raised, and is a Woodstock Academy alumni.
.png)
Valedictorian & Salutatorian from Marianapolis and Putnam Science Academy 2018
Valedictorian Ms. Bridget O'Leary, Salutatorian Ms. Emma Sarantopoulos
click her to watch the presentation: https://youtu.be/-_cZ4oWPDz4
Salutatorian Ms. Marigona Bassileo, Valedictorian Mr. Dan Porcik
click her to watch the presentation: https://youtu.be/c0Kawfj_j5E
XIII ECUADOR ROTARY PROJECT FAIR!!
Welcome to Rotary Service Connections, a Rotary blog to help our members and supporters plan effective and inspired service projects. We offer resources, best practices, success stories and lessons learned to keep you informed and introduce you to new ideas.
As members of the Rotary family, we are 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting changes in our communities and around the world. Our diverse occupations, cultures, and backgrounds give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service drives us to take on the world’s most challenging problems.
Learn more about Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.
In February 2004, our district hosted our first project fair in Quito. Since then, 12 fairs have been organized in beautiful cities across Ecuador: Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Manta. Every fair highlights District 4400’s club service projects for international visitors to build friendships, partnerships, and facilitate connections to bring projects to life.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed Rotarians from the United States, Canada and Europe to the fairs. We’ve built lifelong friendships and a huge number of projects have been successfully carried out with the support of our international visitors. As a result, our district has been able to implement larger scale projects with support from our international friends and global grants.
When a fair is organized, we not only plan the related events but also offer our guests attractive social activities and opportunities to tour our very diverse country, including the Galapagos Islands, the Sierra highlands, the Amazonian jungle, rainforests, and the coast.
Many fair attendees return year after year to revisit old friends, build new partnerships, and visit the projects they have sponsored and their impact on the local community. Sometimes, international visitors are not able to commit to supporting one project during the fair. But as visitors go back to their home clubs and districts, present about the initiatives they learned about and saw first-hand during their time in Ecuador, they inspire their fellow clubs to reach out and build partnerships with our exhibitors in need of support. Throughout the year, we are pleased to receive requests from districts and clubs asking for backgrounds on projects still seeking support. That is when many of these projects that were not sponsored have a second chance and are successfully carried out with wonderful international partners.
This was the case of a new born intensive care unit at a hospital in Quevedo. We had visited this project with the Rotary Club of Quevedo and it was presented at the fair, but the club did not find an international partner. Some months later we received an email from the Rotary Club of Alpharetta in the United States asking for a projects still seeking support. They eventually partnered on the hospital project, and it is already completed and benefiting the community. This is the magic of Rotary!
When you or a loved one needs in-home care services, it’s comforting to know that you can find everything you need right here, from Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. We offer a wide range of compassionate and personalized in-home care services. And we expertly integrate them with the care delivered by our primary care doctors and specialists, so the patient’s entire care team remains informed about his or her condition.
All of our in-home services are available throughout northeast Connecticut, including to patients in long-term care facilities, making us the only resource you need for the services that will help you live with medical conditions that are best served by in-home care. Contact any of our in-home care divisions for a care coordination assessment.
Day Kimball Healthcare At Home's Services Include:
Day Kimball HomeCareOur skilled providers visit individuals at home to deliver medical and specialized home care services. We monitor and manage health conditions, manage and supervise medications, and provide nutritional counseling, IV therapy, physical therapy and more. We are a Medicare-certified home care agency, accredited by The Joint Commission, and our team is on call 24/7.
.PNG?_=636832956937699350)
Mrs. Pam Brown, Dr. Francois Gauthier, Sister Gertrude Lanouette, President Rick Place
Presented a check for $2000 in support of the Jeannette Horbaita Center in Cameroon, Africa.
The Jeannette Horbaita Center in Cameroon, Africa, sponsored by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Putnam. Dr. Francois Gauthier,
Director of Development for the Daughters of the Holy Spirit presented the program about the project.
President Rick Place welcomes the newest Rotarian to the Club.
Missy Bonsall, COO of Generations, has been inducted in and joins the Rotary Club of Putnam.
International Youth Exchange
.JPG)
Presented by our own Kathy Naumann
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students 15 to 19 years old are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
What are the benefits?
Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
- Develop lifelong leadership skills
- Learn a new language and culture
- Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
- Become a global citizen
How long do exchanges last?
Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.
Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.
What are the costs?
Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:
- Round-trip airfare
- Travel insurance
- Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
- Spending money and any additional travel or tours
How can I apply?
Candidates are 15-19 years old and are leaders in their schools and communities. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.
Can I host an exchange student?
Hosting an exchange student can be incredibly rewarding for your family, bringing an international experience directly into your home. Host families provide room and board and share their lives with exchange students, involving them in family, community, and cultural activities. All host families are screened and trained.
If you’re interested in learning more about being a host family, contact a Rotary club near you.
Learning in Retirement (LiR)
Presented by Dr. Bill Brower
You are never too old to learn!
LiR at QVCC provides the means to meet the wide range of interests for mature adults who want to pursue new topics or to revisit interests from the past. Our classes and short courses are designed to stimulate the mind and provide a quality social environment in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
LiR is an independent, self-governing membership organization under the auspices of Quinebaug Valley Community College. Formed in 1995 with 120 original charter members, membership has grown steadily and now stands at over 400 individuals. Courses and programs are held in the fall, winter, and spring.
Membership and Fees
Membership is open to all. Yearly membership fees cover the period from September 1 through August 31.
Membership is a prerequisite for enrolling in an LiR course or taking part in any other group activities. A nominal fee is charged for multi-session courses and field trips. Each semester there may also be free courses, seminars, and socials.
.png?_=636832956937699350)
Rotary welcomesPutnam Mayor Norman “Barney” Seney
The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the Town. As such the Mayor is directly responsible for administration of all appointed Town departments, boards, agencies, and offices. The Mayor insures that all laws and ordinances governing the town are faithfully carried out. The Mayor prepares and submits to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance the annual budget and keeps the Selectmen fully aware of the financial condition of the Town. We welcome input, suggestions, and even complaints from the community.
Presented by President William & Terry Pearsall
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
What We Do
NAMI relies on gifts and contributions to support our important work:
We educate. Offered in thousands of communities across the United States through NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates, our education programs ensure hundreds of thousands of families, individuals and educators get the support and information they need.
We advocate. NAMI shapes national public policy for people with mental illness and their families and provides volunteer leaders with the tools, resources and skills necessary to save mental health in all states.
We listen. Our toll-free NAMI HelpLine allows us to respond personally to hundreds of thousands of requests each year, providing free referral, information and support—a much-needed lifeline for many.
We lead. Public awareness events and activities, including Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks, successfully fight stigma and encourage understanding. NAMI works with reporters on a daily basis to make sure our country understands how important mental health is.
Assistant District Governor Bill Hall
will present the Putnam Rotary Club with the prestigious Presidential Citation
PETER JOHNSON, FACILITATOR TRAINING CHAIR, .jpg)
Peter is an investment advisor and Certified Portfolio Manager with UBS Financial in Portland, Maine and a member of Yarmouth Rotary, Currently Training Advisor for the New England Multi-District President-Elect Training Seminar (2017-19), he was District Governor (7780) 2001-02, and has also served as District Foundation Chair (7 years), District rep to Council on Legislation (2x), Rotary Leadership Institute Regional Vice-Chair, a three-time club president, recipient of The Rotary Foundation Meritorious Service Award, and a Foundation major donor. He resides in Yarmouth, Maine with his wife Carolyn, who is also a Past District Governor (2013-14).
Presented by Steve LaPointe, Director
The Eastern Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center
Supporting students and businesses from the Quiet Corner all the way to the shoreline, the new QVCC 10,00 sqft. AMTC provides hands-on learning opportunities for students and also a location for area manufacturers with customized training needs. The Center includes a machine lab, mechatronics and metrology labs, classroom, conference space and offices.
Steve LaPointe, right, spoke to the Putnam Rotary Club Jan 16, about the QVCC Advanced Manufacturing Center. He is the center's director. Putnam Rotary Club president Rick Place is on the left.
Presented by: Mr. Romeo Blackmar
To unite the citizens of Putnam in a partnership to create and foster a safe, drug free environment for the entire community.
For the past several years, the Putnam PRIDE has worked to make our town a safe, friendly, drug-free community. The PRIDE draws its membership from all sectors of society, including healthcare professionals, employees of the school system, town officials, concerned parents, and prevention professionals. It is the intent of the PRIDE to minimize the effects of drugs and alcohol on all community members young and old, and to raise awareness within the community that substance abuse can affect anyone. In order to achieve these objectives, the PRIDE has targeted a number of substances and related issues, including underage drinking, proper prescription drug disposal, and paraphernalia sales at convenience stores. Past accomplishments include awareness campaigns, data collection, and assessment of community substance-abuse needs.
Presented by: Mrs. Diane Manning 
Creating Healthy Communities
United Services is one of Connecticut’s most comprehensive private, non-profit
behavioral health centers, providing mental and behavioral health education,
prevention, treatment and social services to the children, adults, families and
communities of Northeastern Connecticut since 1964.
behavioral health centers, providing mental and behavioral health education,
prevention, treatment and social services to the children, adults, families and
communities of Northeastern Connecticut since 1964.
Through all of life's challenges... We're here to help
Rick Place, Putnam Rotary Club president, welcomes the club's newest member, Cheryl Fogg. She works at New England Placement Services (NEPS) in Woodstock.
Kathi Peterson, center, program coordinator of the Interfaith Human Services of Putnam, thanked the Putnam Rotary Club Dec. 19 for the club's donation of hats, gloves, blankets and more to the group. Peterson stands with Rotarians Lara Luppi and Paul Pikora and a couple of the many blankets that were donated. Each Christmas the Rotary Club collects the "warmth makers" and donates it to the IHSP.
Spreading Holiday Cheer! Rotarians have been collecting games, blankets and hats, mittens and scarves over the past few weeks to donate to TEEG and The Family Resource Center for kids and families in need this Christmas. Pictured from left to right, President Rick Place, Gift Giving Committee member Paul Pikora, Family Resource Center Shannon Haney, Gift Giving Committee Chair Rachael Johnston and Elizabeth Zachow. sitting in front Jennifer Strong from TEEG
December 5, 2017 at The Inn At Woodstock Hill starting at 5:30pm. Remember this takes the place of our afternoon meeting.
Welcome to the Wyndham Land Trust.
Our own Steve Adams and Andy Rzeznikiewicz will give us all you ever wanted to know about :
The Wyndham Land Trust
is working hard to protect land in the Quiet Corner of Northeast Connecticut. The land trust was incorporated in April 1975, and the first parcel was protected in 1977. Today we have acquired over 50 parcels in ten towns totaling 2271 acres. In addition almost 700 acres are protected through conservation easements or restrictions held by the land trust.
Birds sing and breed in the grassland meadows, swamps, and woods that we protect. Amphibians breed in our vernal pools, and wildflowers and native plants flourish on protected trust land. Land has been acquired through generous donations from people that wanted to leave a legacy of open space for future generations. Land has also been acquired through hours and hours of hard work from volunteers that believe in the mission of the land trust and believe in protecting this corner of the planet we call home. We invite you to join the land trust and share our goal of protecting land in Wyndham County. Our work is urgent.
This web site provides information about joining the land trust and about donating land and money. The web site also gives an inventory of the land trust preserves. If a preserve has good access, we provide information about trails and a detailed map of the property. We invite you and your family to visit our preserves and discover the joy of exploring the variety of habitat in all four seasons.
We welcome any questions or comments you have about the work of the land trust. You can reach us at info@wyndhamlandtrust.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 15, 2017
CONTACT: Karen Osbrey, Putnam Rotary Club, 860-928-1350, kareno@winyradio.com
On Saturday, October 28th, as part of an ongoing project to upgrade and beautify Rotary Park, the Putnam Rotary Club, with assistance from a Rotary District 7890 Grant, rolled up their sleeves and put on their gardening gloves to plant 1500 spring bulbs. The bulbs chosen are all hardy to this region, will naturalize (meaning they will multiply and spread) and come back year after year. Project coordinator, Rotarian Karen Osbrey, said “the hardest part is waiting for spring. But it will be worth the wait.” People can expect to see the colorful display in early spring. There will be white and yellow Narcissus (daffodils) and blue and white Puschkinias.
Putnam Rotary Club President, Rick Place led by example and dug right in, along with his wife Mary. He would like to thank all of the volunteers who came out to help. Rotarians and family members included Roberta Rocchetti, Jonathan Tremblay and daughters Talia and Kaelyn, Pam Brown and husband George, daughter Emily Brown Mleko and grand-daughter Ava Mleko, Marcy Dawley, Kristin Willis, Anne Miller, Deborah Hoft, Scott Pempek, Gary and Karen Osbrey. Rotarians were also joined by students from Woodstock Academy and Putnam High School, and the community at large. From Woodstock Academy, International students included Lucy Chen, Aaron Hu, Jefferson Wu, Khe Nguyen, Tina Dang, Nguyen Cai and Daisy Li. PHS students Lucas Perry, Jonathan Aier, Selena Cordero, Michayla Rugh and Nathan Barylski joined in the fun. Dr. Steve Raheb, Earl Rosebrooks, Sue Morrison, Mike Morrill and Betsey Craaco also lent a helping hand. 
Putnam Rotary Club Secretary Kathy Naumann received a coveted Paul Harris Award in recognition of her contributions to the Rotary International Foundation. Club president Rick Place presented the award.
.png?_=636832956937699350)
.jpg)
This weekend Putnam Rotarians Paul Pikora, Elizabeth Zachow, and Kathy Naumann represented the Putnam Club well when they attended the Rotary Leadership Institute this past Saturday. Special Congratulation to Kathy who reached graduate level after completing her third class. Another special shout out to Paul who attended his third graduate class. Are you interested in learning more about the Rotary Leadership Institute? Ask one of these three about their experience. Keep an eye out for future classes to take advantage of.
Everything you ever wanted to know about our Putnam Rotary Foundation.
Our own Gary "O" presents
"The Rotary International Foundation"
The Rotary Club Team almost won !
We went BIG and we went Home and had a great time supporting our Rotaract Club.
Congratulations to the repeat Winner "The Archambault Team"
Pictured are left to right: Shawn and Rachael Johnston, Fred Chmura, Kathy Naumann, Jonathan Tremblay, Brendan Larkin, Lara Luppi, Steve Adams
The 2017 Paul Harris and Community Service Award has been awarded to
Jim Booth of Brooklyn, CT.
Hometown Heating LLC, dba Hometown T&S Energy, is owned by Jim and Jacqueline Booth. Their ties to the area run both deep and wide.
Pictured are left to right Mrs. Jacqueline Booth, Mr. Jim Booth, President Rick Place
Weekend Meal Program for children in need !
Mrs. Sara Dziedzic & Mr. Dave McGee outlined the parameters of the "Children in need Food Program" available now in all Woodstock Schools.
This service helps many local families by providing food items to supplement their grocery needs on weekends.
Central Baptist Church of Westerly
16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: (401) -596-4929
16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: (401) -596-4929
Dr. Clayton (Cal) Lord grew up in Colchester, Connecticut and graduated from UCONN with a Bachelor of
Liberal Arts Degree in Sociology and a minor in Human Development and Family Relations. He went on to
receive his Master of Divinity Degree from Andover Newton Theological School in 1984 and went back to
Andover Newton and received his Doctor of Ministry in 1996.
Pastor Cal was called to serve the Cross Mills Baptist Church in Charlestown, Rhode Island in September
1983 and served there for two years. In 1985 he was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Lebanon,
Connecticut and shortly afterwards he was called to serve as the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of
Norwich, Connecticut. He planned to stay for about five years but he fell in love with the people and the
community and he stayed. In October of 2008 he became the longest standing pastor of that church. In his
time in Norwich he served in various capacities within the American Baptist family and in the wider
community. His resume includes service as the President of the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut,
Senator to the National Minister's Council and President of the Norwich Rotary Club.
In 2003 his "Weekly Pastoral Epistles" became a regular feature in the Norwich Bulletin as part of the "Spirit
Page" on Fridays. Today he is published in as many as 18 different newspapers each week. In 2007 he
published his second book, a collection of sermons entitled, God is Rock Solid, through CSS Publishing.
On Monday, March 7, 2011 Pastor Cal began his service with us and we hope he will enjoy a long and
fruitful tenure as the pastor of the Central Baptist Church of Westerly, Rhode Island.
Since his arrival in Westerly, Pastor Cal has already gotten involved and is becoming an active leader in the
community. He is an member, and Past President of the Westerly Rotary Club, a member of the
Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Clergy Association. He is the chair of the
National Day of Prayer celebration co-chair of the Community Easter Sunrise Service in town.
We have enjoyed outdoor worship services, mini dramas in worship, and a renewed sense of community on
Sunday mornings. We are delighted to have him serving with us. Come visit us any Sunday and meet him
and you will see why.
At the present time Pastor Cal lives in Norwich. He and his wife, Lori, have been married thirty plus years
and have three lovely daughters, Rebecca, Sarah and Rachel. They currently share their home with Anna,
Liberal Arts Degree in Sociology and a minor in Human Development and Family Relations. He went on to
receive his Master of Divinity Degree from Andover Newton Theological School in 1984 and went back to
Andover Newton and received his Doctor of Ministry in 1996.
Pastor Cal was called to serve the Cross Mills Baptist Church in Charlestown, Rhode Island in September
1983 and served there for two years. In 1985 he was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Lebanon,
Connecticut and shortly afterwards he was called to serve as the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of
Norwich, Connecticut. He planned to stay for about five years but he fell in love with the people and the
community and he stayed. In October of 2008 he became the longest standing pastor of that church. In his
time in Norwich he served in various capacities within the American Baptist family and in the wider
community. His resume includes service as the President of the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut,
Senator to the National Minister's Council and President of the Norwich Rotary Club.
In 2003 his "Weekly Pastoral Epistles" became a regular feature in the Norwich Bulletin as part of the "Spirit
Page" on Fridays. Today he is published in as many as 18 different newspapers each week. In 2007 he
published his second book, a collection of sermons entitled, God is Rock Solid, through CSS Publishing.
On Monday, March 7, 2011 Pastor Cal began his service with us and we hope he will enjoy a long and
fruitful tenure as the pastor of the Central Baptist Church of Westerly, Rhode Island.
Since his arrival in Westerly, Pastor Cal has already gotten involved and is becoming an active leader in the
community. He is an member, and Past President of the Westerly Rotary Club, a member of the
Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Clergy Association. He is the chair of the
National Day of Prayer celebration co-chair of the Community Easter Sunrise Service in town.
We have enjoyed outdoor worship services, mini dramas in worship, and a renewed sense of community on
Sunday mornings. We are delighted to have him serving with us. Come visit us any Sunday and meet him
and you will see why.
At the present time Pastor Cal lives in Norwich. He and his wife, Lori, have been married thirty plus years
and have three lovely daughters, Rebecca, Sarah and Rachel. They currently share their home with Anna,
The Community Foundation is here to bring people together to work towards a healthy, thriving, sustainable Eastern Connecticut. We do this by putting philanthropy into action to address the needs, rights and interests of our region, while fulfilling the passions of our donors.
 |
| The late Connie Pike sits with children at Old Lyme Children's Center. |
We are a family of hundreds of funds created by those generous people to serve their charitable goals. We also help people create charitable legacies. We provide guidance, investment vehicles, and other expertise to make giving an easy and joyful experience. Together, the funds entrusted to us provide between $4 million and $5 million each year in grants and scholarships in Eastern Connecticut and beyond.
Lillian Rhodes
Director of Development
Lillian Rhodes is Director of Development for the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. Prior to joining CFECT, Lilli spent 15 years as the Director of Community Relations at Natchaug Hospital. Previously, Lilli served as the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s first Communications Officer.A Foundation of Caring
We are one of 800-plus community foundations across the nation: tax-exempt, nonprofit, public charities devoted to improving the quality of life in the communities they serve. Individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits create permanent funds that promote the well-being of their region. Community foundations invest and administer these funds, which annually make distributions in the form of grants and scholarships. Community Foundation FAQs
Founded in 1983, The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut serves as the hub for meaningful philanthropy for 42 communities in the eastern third of our state. We make Eastern Connecticut better by:
- Helping people who want to help meet the region's needs establish powerful, sustainable charitable funds
- Using these funds to issue annual charitable grants to nonprofits — and scholarships to students
- Strengthening local nonprofits and helping them fulfill their important missions
- Serving as a neutral meeting ground where community leaders and stakeholders can convene to listen, learn and work together on effective solutions to community challenges
Read more about Our Work and Our Communities
Experience & Expertise
We are uniquely positioned to serve as a trusted philanthropic leader due to our in-depth knowledge of the region's needs; our more than 30 years of hands-on experience and our longstanding relationships with the nonprofit agencies, civic officials and other experts working on the front lines of our communities every day. Our strategic priorities, which reflect the interests of our donors, currently include empowering youth, promoting basic needs and rights, preserving the environment and advancing animal welfare.
Read more about Our Priorities
Financial Integrity
Our foundation operates in full compliance with the rigorous financial standards set by the nationally recognized Council on Foundations, assuring that we meet the highest philanthropic standards for financial integrity and accountability.
Read more about Our Financial Accountability
After a seven-month national search, the Board of Directors of Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) have announced that Anne Diamond, J.D., C.N.M.T., has been selected as the next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the integrated hospital and healthcare system, which is the major provider of healthcare and largest employer in Northeast Connecticut. Diamond, who is currently the CEO of UConn Health’s John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, CT, will assume her new role at DKH at the end of August. Her selection was made by a subcommittee of the DKH Board of Directors that included physicians, administrators and other members, with input from senior management, department directors, medical staff leadership and medical staff.
Diamond brings to DKH more than 30 years of healthcare experience across a multitude of roles. In her most recent role as CEO of John Dempsey Hospital for the past four years, Diamond has focused on improving the hospital’s quality of care, operations and financial performance, with positive results.
The hospital realized a positive net margin for the past two years and is on track for another positive year. During Diamond’s tenure as CEO the hospital has also been recognized by the American Hospital Association as an organization improving quality at a faster rate than other hospitals nationally and by the CT Hospital Association’s John D. Thompson Award for Excellence in hospital administration for the use of data in improving quality and clinical processes. Anne has also led UConn’s John Dempsey Hospital to three “A” scores for patient safety from Leapfrog and raised Consumer Reports scores to among the top in the state and nation.
“My time at John Dempsey Hospital has been immensely rewarding. I’m proud of all that has been accomplished by the team here over the last four years as CEO and I’m confident that that great work will continue,” Diamond said. “I’m ready now for a new challenge and to help foster that same kind of momentum and innovation at another hospital and healthcare system.”
Diamond continued, “I’m so impressed with the achievements in quality of care at Day Kimball Healthcare and the organization’s ability to weather an extremely difficult time for healthcare in our state and nation over the last several years. Day Kimball’s Board of Directors, administration and staff have consistently risen to those challenges in service to their patients and community; that’s the kind of organization I want to be a part of strengthening, and I look forward to helping to lead efforts toward further growth and success in the future.”
With Diamond’s arrival at DKH in late August, current Interim President and CEO Joseph Adiletta will step down and resume his prior role as Chairman of the Board.
“It was my privilege and pleasure to serve as Interim CEO of Day Kimball Healthcare while the search for a permanent new CEO was underway. I’m proud to have been involved with Day Kimball through participation on the Board of Directors for many years, but being so closely involved on a day-to-day basis has provided me an even deeper understanding and appreciation of the hard work, dedication and commitment that is shown by the people that make up this organization,” Adiletta said.
“I look forward to continuing to support their efforts as Chairman of the Board,” Adiletta continued. “I’m also looking forward to working with Anne, who I think brings the perfect combination of skills, values and perspective about what healthcare should be to Day Kimball and the communities we serve. I have no doubt that she will be successful in working with our team to build upon the accomplishments Day Kimball has attained in recent years and to fuel future success.”
Prior to her role as CEO at John Dempsey Hospital, Diamond served as the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer and Associate Vice President of Operations. Before that, she spent five years at Salem Health in Oregon, serving as Senior Director, Cardiovascular, Cancer and Imaging Services and then Vice President, Service Lines and Operations. Diamond began her career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, working her way up through the ranks of management and hospital administration over the last three decades.
Diamond is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Health Lawyers Association and the American Society of Healthcare Engineers. She sits on the Connecticut Hospital Association’s (CHA’s) Board of Trustees and serves as chair of CHA’s Statewide Asthma Initiative. She is a board member of the Leo and Anne Albert Institute of Bladder Cancer and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon and its Heart Ball. Diamond is also an industry executive advisor for various organizations in healthcare security and patient experience.
Diamond holds an executive juris doctor degree with a concentration in Health Law from Concord School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Cedar Crest College. She retains her certification as a nuclear medicine technologist and is certified as a LEAN process master. She is also an accomplished presenter at healthcare forums and conferences across the country and a contributor to a number of healthcare journals and publications. She is married with a 17 year old son and resides in West Hartford, CT.
More About Anne Diamond
Prior to assuming her role as President and CEO of Day Kimball Healthcare, Anne Diamond served as CEO of UConn Health's John Dempsey Hospital since April, 2010, where she focused her work on improving hospital operations through quality and financial improvements, shared governance, staff engagement and process improvement. The hospital realized a positive net margin for the past two years and is on track for another positive year. During her time as Chief Executive, the hospital was recognized nationally by the American Hospital Association as an organization improving quality at a faster rate than other hospitals nationally and by the CT Hospital Association recognizing hospital administration for the effective use of data in improving quality and clinical processes.
Before UConn, Anne spent five years at Salem Health, a 500 bed health system including a critical care hospital, where she served as Vice President for Service Lines and Operations. At Salem Health, she was deeply involved with quality improvement initiatives, driving core measure outcomes to the top 5% nationally while improving patient satisfaction scores. Anne partnered with Nursing to prepare the organization for Magnet, which they received in 2005. Anne also strategically established ambulatory outreach centers, numerous physician, hospital and service line joint ventures including provider based and taxable subsidiary transactions. In addition, she successfully planned, led and executed the move into a 400K sq. ft. new patient care tower.
Prior to joining Salem Health, Anne worked for 10 years at the Electric Power Research Institute, an international not--for--profit organization based in Palo Alto, Calif. Here, she served in multiple roles including Executive Director for the Healthcare Research Division, and Corporate Director of Planning, Strategy, Public Relations and Marketing. Anne successfully developed funding proposals to maintain and grow a $400 million research portfolio through, grant funding, public private partnerships and academic collaborations.
Earlier in her career, Anne worked at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., a 705--bed teaching hospital, as Director of Safety, Radiation Safety Officer and Assistant Administrative Director, Radiology and at University Hospitals of Cleveland as a nuclear medicine technologist and research technologist in Position Emission Tomography and monoclonal antibody research.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pa., graduate studies toward an MS/PhD in Safety Engineering and is a graduate of Concord School of Law, with a Health Law concentration, where she was awarded the Executive Juris Doctor Award for Academic Excellence given to the graduate with the highest grade point average during their course of studies.
Anne is married with a 17 year old son and resides in West Hartford, CT and is active in community work including Past Chair of CT Go Red for Women Luncheon, part of the American Heart Association, a Board Member of the Leo and Anne Albert Institute of Bladder Cancer, Committee Member for American Red Cross Gala, member of Connecticut Hospital Association Board of Directors Subcommittees on Population Health, and Chair of the statewide Asthma Initiative, Board of Trustee for CT Hospital Association. Diamond is also an industry executive advisor for various organizations in healthcare security and patient experience.
The distinguished Dr. Bill Brower will be presenting
Bill Brower earned his BA in Philosophy
at Fairfield University, his MA in Education at WCSU and finally attained a PhD in Reading & Statistics at UCONN. He taught Reading class in elementary school and World Studies in middle school for 35 years in the nearby town of Ridgefield, CT.
at Fairfield University, his MA in Education at WCSU and finally attained a PhD in Reading & Statistics at UCONN. He taught Reading class in elementary school and World Studies in middle school for 35 years in the nearby town of Ridgefield, CT.
The Palmer Arboretum,
located in the Town of Woodstock, CT on Route 169, was founded in 1914 by Minnie Palmer Dean. Mrs. Dean gave the property to the Town of Woodstock in her will in 1925. Several of the trees date back to 1914 or 1916, among them the huge purple beach and the grove of cypresses which can be seen from the parking lot. Over the years, the area over overlooked and became a jungle of poison ivy, multiflora rose and honeysuckle. In the 1970's, Arthur Manthorne cataloged the remaining trees. A separate Arboretum Committee was formed by the Selectmen in 1985, and the slow process of restoration began. Most of the plantings were made in 1993-1994. The Arboretum is a place for education, enjoyment and enlightenment.
The Founders
Richard (Dick) A. Auger, Winemaker/Owner (March 19, 1955 – March 3, 2017)
Dick was a co-founder and owner of Taylor Brooke Winery. 25 years ago Dick found himself working for a biotech start up filled with engineers, chemists, and biologists who tinkered in their home labs brewing beer. Never a fan of beer, Dick participated by making wine, drawing on the knowledge of his colleagues to work out the kinks in the wine making process. That tinkering was the inspiration that eventually led to the development of Taylor Brooke Winery 10 years later.
Due to his inability to sit still and and relax, Dick felt compelled to build this winery while working his very full time job as a Global Director of Facilities Management for top firms in the U.S. He traveled often for work, returning inspired from local cuisine and beverage. Dick’s passion in the kitchen translated quite easily to passion for developing new wines.
Dick’s recent passing was a devastating loss to all he touched over the last 12 years of being in business. We his family intend to honor his vision of inclusion and expansion, of education and community, by moving forward as he would have wanted.
Linda Auger, Tasting Room Manager/Owner
Linda is a co-founder and owner of Taylor Brooke Winery. You could say Linda started it all when she purchased a wine kit for Dick as a Christmas gift 22 years ago. Linda’s primary focus is as Tasting Room manager. She runs a highly curated retail shop of locally sourced goods. On the weekends, she spends most of her time in the tasting room managing staff and assisting guests. She is also in charge of all things HR, marketing, and social media, and is our business manager. Linda represents Taylor Brooke winery on countless boards and committees, focusing on promoting and preserving small businesses and local agriculture.
The Winemaker
Nikki Auger, Winemaker/Owner
Nikki is an owner and the Winemaker at Taylor Brooke Winery. She began making wine in the kitchen with Dick when she was 16, and joined him as his assistant making wine and directing operations of the vineyard and winery in August 2016. She has spent over 15 years in the food and beverage industry working at top restaurants in Boston, as well as wineries in Northern California. During the week she can be found in the cellar tasting, testing, strategizing with the vineyard team, and overseeing winery operations. On the weekends, her focus is on assisting Linda with the management of the tasting room. She is also in charge of events.
The Vineyard Manager
Paul Crowley, Vineyard Manager
Paul has been in his position at the winery for over 6 years now. He started his second career in wine by studying viticulture and enology at a local institution. He works with Nikki to oversee vineyard as well as cellar operations. Paul helps to assess and maintain the health of the grapes in the vineyard identifying and anticipating pests and problems. In the cellar, Paul keeps us on schedule guiding grapes from harvest to bottle.
Kiara Monahan
Shiho Nakanishi with family and a US Exchange Student to Japan
Shiho Nakanishi
Rotary Youth Exchange students, Kiara Monahan and Shiho Nakanishi join Rotary's Club meeting to say hello and bon voyage! Miss Monahan will be departing for Italy next week for her year of exchange while Miss Nakanishi has just landed in America from Japan. Both girls are enjoying a week together jam packed with lots of meetings and orientations for the Youth Exchange Program and have agreed to share their thoughts, impressions and hopes for the exciting year ahead with the Club!
Woodstock Middle School PTO is building new Playground.
Ms. Crystal Adams and Erica O'Brien presented a conceptual drawing of the new playground with equipment installed.
For more details and the entire project please click the link below.
The Putnam Rotary Club greeted the Rotary District 7890 governor Dave Mangs at its meeting recently. Mangs made several awards to the club and the Interact Club and the Rotaract Club.
Left to right: Bill Hall, assistant governor; Richard Place, Putnam Rotary Club president; Mangs; and Andrew Morrison, Rotaract president
Rotary District 7890 Governor Dave Mangs, left, brought several awards when he visited the Putnam Rotary Club recently. Left to right: Mangs; Andrew Morrison of the Rotaract Club; Paul Pikora, Putnam Rotary Club's advisor to the Rotaract Club; Kate LeBlanc, Interact president; Samantha Gisleson, Interact secretary; and Rotary Club Interact advisors Roberta Rocchetti and Monique Mailloux.
DAVID MANGS
DISTRICT GOVERNOR - 2017-18
DISTRICT 7890
.jpg)
Dave Mangs joined the West Hartford CT Rotary Club in 1993. In addition to serving his local club as a board member for 8 years and Club President from 2006-2007, he served as Youth Exchange officer, RYLA coordinator, and Ambassadorial Scholarship coordinator. Dave served his District as Rotaract Chair and also served as Interact Chair for over a decade overseeing a very successful annual District Interact Conference, while expanding the number of Interact Clubs. He is a multiple Paul Harris.
Dave earned a Master’s Degree in Education at Clark University in 1972, and completed a second master’s degree at the University Of Chicago-School of Social Service Administration. He earned his Ph.D. from the Heller School for Advanced Studies in Social Welfare at Brandeis University. During and after his graduate work, Dave worked for a decade with troubled youth and established demonstration projects to serve them in both Illinois and Massachusetts.
Since 1982, Dave has worked in the financial service industry. As a financial professional, he has his own firm: Mangs Financial LLC (Securities offered by LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC) which includes his son Adam who serves as Operations Manager. Dave has earned his CLU and ChFC designations from the American College, he is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Roundtable, and he has served as a board member of the Hartford Chapter of FSP (Financial Service Professionals), as well as various community non-profit organizations. His wife Gail is an attorney working in the Bureau of Special Education at the State Dept. of Education. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
Dave’s broad interests include: gardening, playing piano and singing, biking, swimming, travel, time spent at his home on Cape Cod, and quality time with family.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
.png?_=636832956937699350)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hey, Strawberry Shortcake here we come ! I am so happy that Putnam Rotary serves the best.
Scott Pempek marketing genious: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/videos/6FD49B2B-C4C1-426C-9549-0EFBA2FC3B50/Riverfire-in-Putnam
Listen to the entertainment:
Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana (CALM) takes the position that Federal laws against the use, cultivation, and transportation of marijuana should be maintained and enforced and should not be relaxed or softened. Cultivation, processing, transportation and use are illegal under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Marijuana continues to be identified by Congress and the DEA as a schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs are classified as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use. After decades of study the FDA continues to reaffirm that there is no medical benefit provided by the use of smoked marijuana and that, in fact, considerable harm can be caused by such use.
CALM is opposed to any State law that attempts to undermine the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Our position is that California Proposition 215 was misrepresented under the misguided claim that there is substantial “medical” benefit from ingesting marijuana and that the harm and negative impacts would be negligible. Subsequently, SB 420 was enacted in a failed attempt to clarify some aspects of Prop 215.
We affirm the 2006 FDA finding and vast scientific evidence that marijuana causes harm. The normalization, expanded use, and increased availability of marijuana in our communities are detrimental to our youth, to public health, and to the safety of our society.
Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana calls upon the state legislature, county governments, and local municipalities to work within current federal law and to join with federal agencies to stop the spread of marijuana distribution and use. We encourage all citizens to join in this effort.
“Legalization of marijuana will come at the expense of our children and public safety”
— Drug Enforcement Administration 2006
15 Scholarships have been awarded to local students. For details please click here: PhotoAlbums/2017-scholarship-awards
Please watch the slideshow: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6068/PhotoAlbums/2017-scholarship-awards
Mr. Aldo Pantano presented outlines of the CT Partnership for Long Term Care.
Pictured are Fellow Rotarian Peter Benoit and Mr. Aldo Pantano, State of CT, Office of Policy and Management
Fellow Rotarian Jay Byrnes receives the prestigious "Ace in the Hole Award" for his support and dedication towards Rotary's 2017 Ron P. Coderre Golf Tournament.
Pictured are Golf Committee Chair Shawn McNerney and Jay Byrnes, owner of Byrnes insurance agency.
District Governor Frank Wargo delivering the District Foundation Grant used for Rotary Park improvements.
Pictured are President Marc Archambault and District Governor Mr. Frank Wargo.
Congratulations to all our Valedictorians & Salutatorians !
Pictured left to right: Rotary President Marc Archambault;
Val: Margaret Azu, Sal: Mimi Vo , Marianapolis Preparatory School
Val: Eric Ayala, Putnam Science Academy
Sal: Emily Hughes, Val: Jake Owens, Woodstock Academy
Sal: Andrew Simmons, Val: Heather Terron, Putnam High School
Our fellow Rotarians Headmaster Mr. Chris Sanford and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Mr. Jonathan Sturdevant
The Woodstock Academy Anticipates Closing on Hyde Campus Purchase
WOODSTOCK, CT ( May 19, 2017) –
The Woodstock Academy excitedly anticipates the June 15 closing date on the purchase of Hyde School’s Woodstock campus. The Academy administration have been preparing for months for a smooth acquisition and transition of Hyde School’s facilities to become The Woodstock Academy’s South Campus.
On the evening of June 21, with the many end-of-school activities over, The Woodstock Academy will host an Open House on the newly purchased campus from 6 - 8 PM. Also on June 21 will be a Move-Up Night for incoming freshmen and transfer students and their parents from 5:30 - 6 PM, as well as the Fall Athletic Information Night for fall athletes and parents from 6 - 6:30 PM. “On the twenty-first we are welcoming anyone who is curious to come and check out South Campus” said Head of School Christopher Sandford.
“Purchasing Hyde School’s Woodstock campus is one of the most significant expansion opportunities in The Woodstock Academy’s history,” said Sandford “and we are excited to see our months of planning come to fruition as we open up the campus.”
The facilities on Hyde School’s campus fulfill many of The Academy’s needs, including additional classrooms, new learning and performance spaces for visual and performing arts, a larger auditorium, additional athletic facilities, student housing, a second cafeteria, a health center, and room for expansion. “To have so many facility needs fulfilled in one purchase is incredible,” said Associate Head of School Holly Singleton, adding, “it would have taken us years to build these facilities.”
“We are very excited about what these facilities mean for The Academy, but also for the community as it provides opportunities to build more partnerships” said Sandford.
During Homecoming Weekend, on Saturday, September 30, The Academy will officially celebrate the purchase with a South Campus Grand Opening Ceremony.
***
The Woodstock Academy is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory high school for grades 9–12, located in Woodstock, CT. The mission of The Woodstock Academy is to prepare all students for a lifetime of learning by providing academic rigor, a safe environment, and a diversity of educational experiences which will foster a sense of respect for self and others, and will encourage active investment in family, school, community, and the world.
-END-
A Wellspring of Generosity !
The Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group is a small social service agency helping to meet the needs of
The Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group is a small social service agency helping to meet the needs of
Northeastern Connecticut residents for over 29 years. Through a wide variety of programming we aim to
provide a "hand up" to all who walk through our doors.
President elect Rick Place thanks Anne Miller, Executive Director of TEEG for her presentation.
TEEG’s mission is to strengthen the local community by Empowering individuals to live independently; Strengthening families to live respectfully; Engaging the community to work collaboratively; and Connecting resources to promote a better future for all.
The story of how the TEEG building was built is not unlike many from childhood… rich with lessons. Our young faith community members learned lessons in public service. Leaders who moved the project forward learned lessons in patience. Ellis Tech students learned vocational skills in electrical construction, commercial plumbing, patio design and concrete installation. Legislators and local officials learned lessons in community resourcefulness.
The greatest lesson learned is how important it is to give people an opportunity to be a part of something. In this ever more structured world of contracts, policies and risk management, it has become difficult for people to contribute to and participate in public projects. The TEEG building process bucked this trend and invited the community to be part of something meaningful. Everyone who answered the call to donate their time, talents and treasures were repaid not with money but rather a sense of ownership and community pride.
TEEG began in 1987 as a collaborative effort between local churches, government and caring community members and was founded as the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group. As we have grown and incorporated additional communities and services, the agency has become known by community (and now statewide!) by its nickname, TEEG!
The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Pictured From left to right, Garrett Sword - Robotics Team Member, Rotary President Marc Archambault and Lead Mentor, First Robotics Competition Caleb Warner demonstrate their Robot Entry in the Competition, which earned them a "Best Rookie Team" Award.
Our newest Member Mrs. Emily Petrik, is formally inducted by Club President Marc Archambault.
.png?_=636832956937699350)
every one needs a place to call home
Mr. Dino Tudisca, a long time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, shared his enthusiasm for the organization during his presentation.
Mrs. Teri Bruce, Principal of Putnam Middle School presented the "Mentoring for Success" Program
For more details of the Mentoring program and an application form download the information:
From Left to Right:
Robin Deary-Fillmore (Coach) Kasey Fillmore (Head Coach) Emily Arters Madelyn Grube Elise Boisvert Abigail Vaida Lydia Taft Grace Logan Paige Stuyniski Allison Crescimanno Jenna Davidson Marc Archambault
The Putnam Rotary Club March 28 honored the Woodstock Academy gymnastics team after it swept the Connecticut and New England championships. Team members, along with their coaches, were treated to lunch and praise from Rotary President Marc Archambault and Rotarians. The Putnam Rotary Club donated $250 to the team's favorite nonprofit, the Arc of Quinebaug Valley
Charles Copeland, District Executive - Nipmuck, Boy Scouts of America, Connecticut Rivers Council
President Marc Archambault thanking Mr. Charles Copeland "Eagle Scout" for his presentation
Rotarian Jay Wade "Eagle Scout" reminisced with Mr. Charles Copeland "Eagle Scout"
Mr. Bob Andrews pictured with President Marc Archambault
The membership was informed of the latest safety procedures and policies at DKH for the safety of all patients and the public at large.
Jarred McClurg from Matulaitis Rehab Center and Bob Fournier presented a program about Music and its benefits for the elderly at Matulaitis Rehab & Skilled Care Center.
TJ Billard, right, presents Putnam Rotary President Marc Archambault with plaque of appreciation for support of Pomfret - Eastford Little League and Griffin Youth Hockey. |
The Hill Singers from the Woodstock Academy directed by Mrs. Amy Ranta, visited our Rotary Club meeting and lead us into the Christmas spirit with their beautiful voices
Putnam Rotary Club "Holiday Giving" CampaignPresident Marc Archambault and Holiday Giving Committee Chair Rachel Johnston standing with representative from Putnam Family Resource Center Patty Bryant and TEEG representatives Nicole Hill and Jen Strong.
The gifting theme for 2016 was "Board Games" resulting in more than 75 mind challenging and entertaining games to be donated.
**********************************************************
Cleanup Day in Rotary Park
On Sunday, Putnam Rotarians gathered at Rotary Park for a fall cleanup effort. Lead by Club President, Marc Archambault and Garden Committee Chair, Karen Osbrey, the Rotarians tended to the gardens in the Park. The gardens were weeded, edges reset, and trees trimmed. The Club takes great pride in our namesake Park.
Thank you everyone for your help!
Left to Right - Club President, Delpha Very, Bell Ringing Volunteers, Paul Desautels and Barbara Schreier, Putnam Rotarian and Interact Advisor, Roberta Rocchetti, and Salvation Army Director of Volunteer Services, Kathy Orfitelli
Salvation Army - Bell Ringing
Kathy Orfitelli, Director of Volunteer Resources, for the Salvation Army for the Northeast CT Service District was today’s speaker.
The Salvation Army was started 150 years ago in London by a Wesleyan pastor who felt that society was a mess and that he had to help people. He quit his job and started collecting money. The Salvation Army has 26 core (brick and mortar) and 37 service units. The service units are run by volunteers who share concerns for their communities. There are two free adult rehab facilities in our area.
Ninety percent of the kettle donations stay in the service area and eighty two percent of the mail in donations. Kathy Peterson at Daily Bread is the point person in the area for the Salvation Army. Her office is at Daily Bread. Monies given out from Salvation Army are meant to help people in a temporary crisis. The primary needs in this area are for utilities. The phone number is now part of the state info line.
At Back to School time, they donated 144 backpacks and $30 gift cards to Payless Shoe store. Kathy thanked Jay S. for allowing them to store kettles at the Putnam Supermarket. Paul is retiring from 30 years of helping with the bell ringing. Karen and Pam thanked Paul and Barbara for all of their work with the teens.
Delpha presented Paul with a Special Appreciation plaque from Rotary for his years of service to bell ringing and community youth.
Putnam Rotary Club Celebrates Rotary's 111th Birthday!
At the Club's Tuesday, February 23rd meeting, the Club shared a birthday cake to honor the 111 years that Rotary International has been spreading "service above self".
Linda Colangelo - Northeast District Department of Health - Fall Prevention
Linda Colangelo, Education and Communications Coordinator for the Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH) was the guest speaker for the January 26, 2016 meeting of the Putnam Rotary Club. Colangelo provided members with an engaging presentation on fall prevention, which stressed the importance of regular exercise to maintain core abdominal strength, medication reviews, orthostatic blood pressure checks, and annual vision checks. Colangelo also gave tips for maintaining one’s balance on snow and ice and provided members with fall prevention materials, including handouts to assess personal fall risk and fall prevention safety in the home.
NDDH prevents illness, promotes wellness and protects the health of over 85,000 residents in 12 northeastern Connecticut towns. The presentation was funded by the Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention (CCFP). Colangelo, quoting CCFP Executive Director Dorothy Baker, reminded members of the need to “better interact with their physical environment in order to stay on our feet and that it is never too early and never too late to reduce the risk of falling.”
Rotary helping local families during the Holidays!
During December, the Putnam Rotary Club collected 84 children's games to donate to the Putnam Family Resource Center and TEEG. The games were distributed to local families.
Left to right: Jake Pritchard, TEEG community development coordinator; Rotary President Delpha Very; TEEG Executive Director Donna Grant; Paul Pikora, Christmas Giving Committee member; Rachael Johnston, committee chair; Shannon Haney, parent educator at the resource center.
RYLA Scholarship Winner Reports to Club on Trip
From Left to Right, Delpha Very, Putnam Rotary President, Dakota Anderson, RYLA Student, Jacqueline Vetrovec, Principal Putnam High School and Ron Coderre, Putnam Rotarian
Dakota Anderson was selected by the Putnam Rotary Club to attend the District's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) program at Springfield College in June 2014. During the Springfield College program, Dakota was selected by her peers to go the Rotary World Affairs Seminar at Carroll University, Wisconsin this summer. Dakota is a senior at Putnam High School. Next year she plans to attend college and study photography.
Rotary Exchange Student Attends Red Sox Game
Our exchange student, Leo, went to his first major league baseball game last night. Along with his host family, Marc Archambault and his son, Jack, Leo enjoyed watching the Red Sox play Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, they lost.
Annual Rotary Roses Sale
Every year the Putnam Rotary Club sells roses in the fall. For $15, you get a beautiful dozen of roses and you help the Club raise money for their many charitable efforts. This is one of our three major fundraisers. The money from the roses helps us fund our scholarship program along with more than 30 local charities. Orders for roses need to be in by October 13. The roses will be delivered on Friday, October 23. See a Putnam Rotarian to place an order.
Thank you for your support.
Putnam Little League thanks the Putnam Rotary Club for its continued support. Pictured Benjamin Mayo and Delpha Very
VIP Visitor
Rotary District 7890 Governor Kyong Wilson, left, visited the Putnam Rotary Club during an August Luncheon. She praised the Putnam club members for all their enthusiasm and the work they accomplish. She noted that the Putnam club is well known in the district for its hard-work. She also urged the club to make sure it inspires the local youth, the leaders of tomorrow. She is pictured with Delpha Very, Putnam Rotary Club president. Courtesy photo.
Putnam Rotary Distributes Money to Local Charities
Because the Putnam Rotary Club's golf tournament was so successful, the Club had extra money left in the 2014-2015 year. So 2014-2015 President Rande Chmura decided to make additional donations to several local groups. At the Aug. 4 Putnam Rotary Club meeting, Chmura made the donations to,
left to right: Sue Desrosiers accepted $1,000 for the Arc Quinebaug Valley.
The Community Cafe was awarded $1,000 and Kathi Peterson also accepted $1,400 for Daily Bread.
Putnam Police Deputy Chief Leonel Konicki collected $500 for DARE.
Romeo Blackmar accepted $500 for Putnam PRIDE
and Thomas Harney accepted $1,000 for the QVCC Foundation. Courtesy photo.
Annual Summer Picnic
The Putnam Rotary Club held their annual summer picnic at Rotarians Gary and Karen Osbrey's house in Putnam. Many of the Putnam Rotarians attended and had a great time. Thank you Gary and Karen.
PUTNAM —Several prizes were awarded following the recent Putnam Rotary Club Fishing Derby.
Winners included: Ages 5 & Under – Biggest Fish caught by Mike Prunier with a 1.5-pound Rainbow Trout; Ages 6 – 9 – Most and Biggest fish caught by Dacoda Schlough with 1-pound Catfish and a half-pound Largemouth Bass; Ages 10-12 – Biggest Fish goes to Jailyn Williams with a 1-pound Rainbow Trout. Winner of the most unusual fish goes to John Espinola who caught a clam.
Derby chairman Chris Vaillencourt said 55 kids registered for the June 7 derby. “It was great turnout and we could not have asked for better weather!”
Putnam Rotary Club Honors Four Local Residents for their "Service Above Self".
Last night, at the Putnam Rotary Club's Annual Induction Night, the Club awarded four Paul Harris Fellows Awards. The Paul Harris Fellow Awards are the highest honor bestowed by the Club.
The recipients were Susan Esons, Susan Desrosiers, Richard Naumann, and Donna Coderre.
Susan Esons, Paul Pikora and Steve Adams
Paul Pikora, Susan Desrosiers, and Pam Brown
Paul Pikora, Richard Naumann & Richard Loomis
Paul Pikora, Donna Coderre & Ron Coderre
Putnam Rotary Club Holds Induction Night 2015
.jpg)
2015 - 2106 Putnam Rotary Board (left to right) Ron Coderre, Kayla Burgess, Kathy Leveilee, Elizabeth Buzalski (Treasurer), Delpha Very (President), John Miller (Secretary), Richard Place (Vice President) and Marc Archambault (President-Elect)
The Putnam Rotary Club held their annual Suzanne Franklin Induction Night on Tuesday, June 16th at the Inn on Woodstock Hill. The event honors deceased Rotarian Suzanne Franklin who for many years organized the yearly event.
During the program, the Club awarded four new Paul Harris Fellow to recognize outstanding "Service Above Self". The recipients were Susan Desrosiers, Susan Esons, Richard Naumann and Donna Coderre. The Paul Harris Fellow Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Club
.jpeg)
Rotarian and Golf Tournament Co-Chairman Marc Archambault presenting the Ace in the Hole award to Jim Dandeneau for his contributions to the Putnam Rotary Golf Tournament.
The fifth annual Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament was held on Friday, June 5, 2015 at the Connecticut National Golf Course. The Tournament is the largest fundraiser for the Putnam Rotary Club.
Thank you to the teams that played and to our 2015 Sponsors
Please see Golf Tournament Link for the List of our Sponsors.
Officer Castle with Vice President Delpha Very and Ron Coderre
Rotary Club Honors Putnam Police Officer Brian Castle
The Putnam Rotary Club accorded special recognition to Putnam Police Officer Brian Castle at its regular weekly meeting April 14 at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant. Castle, who is one of the canine officers on the Putnam Police Department, was the guest of veteran Rotarian Ronald P. Coderre. Castle was accompanied by his wife Danielle and his daughters Chelsey and Leah. Deputy Chief Lee Konicki was also in attendance..
On Jan. 19 Putnam Police Officer Brian Castle working the midnight shift responded to a 911 call to a home on Grove Street that was fully engulfed in flames. Upon his arrival, Officer Castle was informed by bystanders that there were people in the building.
The 12-year officer of the force instinctively swung into action. He broke into the home and crawled beneath the smoke line with the fire crackling intensely, where he reached the injured man. Recognizing that the individual was alive he dragged him to safety outside the home, saving the man’s life.
Two nights later, Officer Castle responded to the same area where an automobile had catapulted into a home demolishing that portion of the house. After assuring the safety of the occupants, he was told that the family dog was trapped in the debris. Once again, Officer Castle, risking his life, sprang into action rescuing the family canine.
When asked if he’d do these actions again, Officer Castle responded an emphatic “Absolutely.” “I’ve been a firefighter and paramedic in my career so I simply act instinctively in these type situations. This is what police work is about. Some days you ask yourself ‘why?’ And then there are days that are very rewarding,” said Castle.
In addition to speaking about the incidents that occurred in January, Officer Castle had his police dog Ammo with him. He showed a brief video of the rigorous training that he and Ammo went through to become certified.
Rotary Club President-elect Delpha Very presented Castle with a plaque recognizing his “Heroism in the Line of Duty.”
Rotarians and Loins Join Forces for Food Drive
Rotarians Mona Lee, Roberta Rocchetti, Scott Pempek and Steve Adams help collect food on a cold April day.
The Putnam Rotary Spellers and Cheerleaders at the annual QVCC Foundation Spelling Bee. The Rotarians made it to the 8th round outlasting more than 1/2 the teams participating in the Bee. Over $15,000 was raised for the QVCC Foundation.
Club President, Rande Chmura, Guest Speaker, Dr. Mary Cheyne and Rotarian Joe Adiletta
Today’s speaker was Dr. Mary Cheyne, Forensic Psychologist. She was introduced to the Club by Joe Adiletta. Dr. Cheyne is a member of the Threat Assessment and Management Professionals, testifies at CT Family Court, member of the Association of Threat Professionals and received her Doctorate from the Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology.
Forensic psychology concerns the way that psychology interfaces with the law. Threat Management differs from Risk Assessment in that it blends mental health, security and law enforcement.
Everyday we predict dangerousness. The decisions that we make to protect ourselves is based on the dangers we perceive – for example, how we act in a dark parking lot.
Threats alone are not a predictor of violence. Targeted violence can be predicted – it is not the result of snapping or a trigger event. Threat management is looking at behaviors versus verbal threats.
There are four pathways to violence: grievance, ideation, breach and attack. Targeted violence has additional pathways: grievance, violent ideation, research and planning the attack, pre attack preparation, probing and breaches, and then the attack. The warning signs can include: physical violence, threats, leakage, loss of temper, bullying, bizarre behavior and uninvited contact. Mental illness is not a predictor of violence except for a schizophrenic who is off their medications or a psychopath because they have no remorse.
The Threat Assessment Model, WAVR - 21, has 21 questions to assess the level of threat.
Crisis occurs when prevention fails. All organizations should have a workplace violence policy and a workplace domestic violence policy. It is important to review the policies and assure that all employees know what the policies are. Also, is important to have a Corporate Threat Assessment Team. It is important to establish protocols, meet regularly, use experts and have an ongoing evaluation process.
QVCC Spelling Bee - Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 5:30 pm
This week the Putnam Rotary Club will participate in the annual QVCC Spelling Bee. The contest helps raise money for the QVCC Foundation, an organization supported by the Putnam Rotary Club. The Spelling Bee will take place at the Putnam Elks on Edmond Street. Come out and cheer on our team.
Putnam Rotary Club Welcomes a new Member
Today at our weekly Club meeting, President Rande Chmura presented Roberta Rocchetti with her Rotary badge and membership certificate. Roberta has been a Rotarian with the Stafford Springs Connecticut Rotary Club. Now that she has moved to Putnam, she has transferred to the Putnam Club. Roberta represents Alfac Insurance. She lives in Putnam with her husband, Mike. Welcome Roberta!
Jean McClellan Brings the Club Up to Date on the Chamberlin Mill Restoration
Rotarian Joe Adiletta introduced Mrs. McClellan to the Club. In 2008 the Nature Conservancy acquired the mill and the surrounding 98 acres from the Chamberlin Family Trust. In 2012, the Nature Conservancy working with the Woodstock Historical Society, established a long term owner for the Mill, Chamberlin Mill, Inc. This non-profit, tax exempt organization is moving forward to preserve and restore the 19th Century Sawmill. Nicholas Bellantoni, a Connecticut State Archaeologist (now retired), called the Mill "one of the most important small-scale industrial sites that I have seen in New England". For more information on the Mill visit www.chamberlinmill.org.
Rotary Club Wins Trivia Contest
Lead by our team captain, Rachael Johnston and Steve Adams, Lara Lupi, Kayla and Jason Burgess, Shawn Johnston and Fred and me, we pulled together at the last round in 5th place and betted all our money and ended up winning. What a great team effort.
Thanks for all the cheer leaders we had.
Backpack Gift
Putnam Rotary Club President Rande Chmura, left, and Vice President Delpha Very manned the table with backpacks filled with school supplies for TEEG's students in needs.
Courtesy photo.
Philippa Paquette addressed the Club at their lunch meeting on September 2, 2014. Mrs. Paquette discussed with the Club her recent trip to Tanzania, East Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mayor Falzarano Brings the Club Up to Date;
The Major talked about many issues that are pertinent to the town. Recently, he was told about the results of a survey that determined that food is a major drive for urbanites as is evident in the restaurant area of Putnam. Food brings people together and creates a place for people to meet. He announced that the bridge is going out to bid on September 2nd and that hopefully, the shovel will go in the ground for the new YMCA in October. The town is working hard to collaborate with neighboring towns concerning the Industrial Park. The town hall has new office hours to meet the needs of the community. Mayor Falzarano discussed with Congressman Courtney the need for a VA Regional Center in the area and proposed that the John Dempsey Regional Center would be a great location. On September 16th, the Facilities Committee will be looking at all town buildings – separate committees have been combined into the one Facilities Committee. He urged everyone to visit the new business on Main St., NOMA. It is a great gift shop. There will be a ribbon cutting at the new Dog Park on September 7th. He spoke at a Welcome Back meeting for Putnam teachers. Mayor Falzarano is very busy and happy in his job.
District Governor Attends Putnam Rotary's Summer Picnic
On Tuesday, July 8th, the Putnam Rotary Club held their annual summer Picnic. Karen and Gary Osbrey hosted the picnic at their lovely pool. District Governor, Mike Roy attended the party. Every year Rotary International has a theme. This year's theme is "Light the Way". Also every year the District Governor visits each club in the District. Following the theme, District Governor Roy decided to lighten up his visit by joining the club at our picnic. Welcome Governor Roy. Also attending the picnic were members of the Putnam Rotaract Club.
Pictured above: Club President, Rande Chmura, Gary and Karen Osbrey and District Governor Mike Roy
Rotarians at Work in Rotary Park
Rotarians, Dick Loomis, Jeff Rawson, Elizabeth Buzalski, Karen Osbrey and Linda Lemmon (photographer) recently spent one morning sprucing up Rotary Park in Putnam. The Park is used for many civic events during the summer. The gardens needed a little attention. As always Rotarians volunteered to get the work done. The Plaque in the center of the garden honors Dr. Robert Dinolt who was instrumental in establishing the Park. Rotary Park was dedicated in June 1966.
Volunteer work on the part of the Rotarian today and in 1966 has made a difference in our Town.
Putnam Rotary Club Donates Cash Register to Haiti Group
PUTNAM --- A random conversation between two people, followed by another light conversation between two people resulted in a spark to a women's group for development in Haiti.
Pam Brown, a member of the Putnam Rotary Club, recently traveled to Haiti with the nonprofit group, Roots of Development as part of a 10-person team. The 10 visited the village of Gran Sous. Group members met with several groups working to raise the standard of living in the village.
One of the groups was the Women's Group for the Development and Advancement of Gran Sous (GFDAG). The group has a community business that buys products in bulk in Port-au-Prince and then resells the items at a lower price. The items are then more accessible to the poor and the business creates employment for local women and the revenue from the business will reduce the dependence the women's group has on outside funding for its development projects, Brown said.
After one year in business, Brown said, the group remains open six days a week and bring in an average of $7,500 (U.S.) per month. "Most of the profits are reinvested into business development or used to keep vulnerable and orphaned children in school. GFDAG is looking to expand to a larger facility with better security and solar-powered electricity to keep up with growing demand," she said.
Brown got into a discussion with the women and saw that the women kept the money at the store in a drawer. Money was not sorted and it was not accounted for until the end of the day.
When Brown returned, she was telling the story about the way cash was handled to Fred and Rande Chmura at a Rotary function. She wondered aloud if there was such a thing as a battery-operated cash register. Fred Chmura looked it up and saw that there was. He obtained one for Brown's Haiti project and the Putnam Rotary Club, feeling it was a good cause, purchased a second one.
The two battery-operated cash registers will be personally delivered by a member of the Roots organization.
Donations for battery charger, rechargeable batteries, traditional batteries and register tapes are being sought. Donations may be sent to the Putnam Rotary Foundation, PO Box 263, Putnam, CT 06260. Please put "Haiti" in the subject line. Those wishing to help may also go to Roots of Development's website at www.rootsoddevelopment.org.
Brown said, "Until you haver personally experienced Haiti, nothing can prepare you for the sheer poverty and lack of infrastructure in the country. But the people there are beautiful, caring and very resilient. They want to be able to help themselves and Roots is giving them the opportunity to do so. I am so grateful to join my fellow Rotarians in Putnam to support them and the work they do."
Induction Night - June 17, 2014
The Putnam Rotary Club held their Induction Night for 2014 on Tuesday, June 17th. The event was hosted by Rotarian, Richard Naumann at the Inn at Woodstock Hill.
This year and going forward, the annual Induction ceremony will be called The Suzanne Franklin Induction Night in honor of Rotarian Suzanne Franklin. Suzanne passed away last year and will be missed by all of her Rotarian friends.
The officers for this year are Rande Chmura, President, Delpha Very, President-Elect, Marc Archambault, Vice President/Secretary 2014, Richard Place, Secretary 2015 and Elizabeth Buzalski, Treasurer.
The Board of Directors will include Jayne Battye, Shawn McNerney, Richard Naumann, Aileen Witkowski and Brad Favreau (immediate past president).
The Club is looking forward to a great year under Rande's leadership.
Putnam Rotary Club Awards Scholarships to Local High School Seniors
The Putnam Rotary Club awarded 12 scholarships. Front row, left to right: Dana Petre, Tourtellotte, Maurice Beaulac Scholarship ($1,000 2014 and 2015); Karina Falco, Tourtellotte, $1,000; Taylor Lynn Copeland, home schooled, $1,000; Arin Lotter, Woodstock Academy, Leon Archambault Scholarship, $1,000; Farrah Belliveau, Putnam High, $1,000; Cynthia Briere, Putnam High, Ray and Vie Brousseau Scholarship, $1,000; Gillian Jackson, Putnam High, $1,000.
Back: Andrew J. Coderre, Tourtellotte, $1,000; Michael LaRochelle, Putnam High, Raymond Brousseau Scholarship, $1,000; Rotary President Brad Favreau; Tylor Genest, Putnam High, $1,000; Kyle Varrette, Putnam High, $1,000.
Not pictured, Gabrielle Cournoyer, Putnam High, John O'Brien Scholarship ($1,000 each year for four years).
Linda Lemmon photo.
Putnam Rotary Club Honors Area Valedictorians and Salutatorians
The Putnam Rotary Club last week honored the local valedictorian and salutatorians. Front row, left to right: Kathryn Archambault, salutatorian, Woodstock Academy; Olivia Arsenault, salutatorian, Tourtellotte; Emily Langlois, valedictorian, Tourtellotte; Madeline LeDuc, salutatorian, Putnam High. Back row: Alexander Tedeschi, valedictorian, Woodstock Academy; Putnam Rotary President Brad Favreau; Patrick Bieger, valedictorian, Putnam High. Not pictured: Pomfret School's valedictorian Madeleine Hutchins and salutatorian Alexa Luborsky. Linda Lemmon photo.
Noe Poulin - Putnam Rotary Club Annual Fishing Derby was held Saturday May 11.
PUTNAM — At the annual Putnam Rotary Club Noe Poulin Fishing Derby May 11, several prizes were awarded. Thirty-six kids registered this year.
Winners include:
Largest fish — Dacoda Canhi of Ballouville — a 4.45 lb. catfish
Second largest fish — Nathan Lafleur — a 11.2 oz. bass
Smallest fish — Hannah Kata — 1.7 oz. perch
Second smallest fish — Mark D. Lefevre III — a 2.4 oz. Pumpkin Seed
Youngest fisherman — Noah Kipp, 2, hooked two trout
Largest kiver — Daniel Champagne
Most unusual catch — Mark D. Lefevre III — a cell phone
Congressman Courtney Visits the Putnam Rotary Club
On Tuesday, March 18, Congressman Courtney joined the Putnam Rotary Club for lunch. Representative Courtney brought the Club up to date on the activities in Washington and in his congressional district.
Putnam Rotary Club Comes in Second at Spelling Bee
With help from the Rotaract Club, the Putnam Rotary Club finished second in the local Spelling Bee. Past President Paul Pikora led the team along with three Rotaract members. A good time was had by all! Maybe next year we go for the Crown.
District Governor Visits Putnam Club
Putnam Rotary Club President, Brad Favreau, District Governor, Michael Barnett and Assistant District Governor, Pam Brown.
On Tuesday, August 6th, the Putnam Rotary Club had the honor of welcoming the Rotary District Governor, Michael Barnett to Putnam. The District Governor gave the club an update on the changes to the Rotary Foundation.
President Pikora Announces Donations
The Putnam Rotary Club recently made donations to local groups including: Putnam Mayor Pete Place (2nd from left) for Putnam Dog Park, $1,500; Putnam Fireworks, $500; Louise Pempek (4th from left) for the Windham County 4-H, $500; David Dunham (2nd from right) and Shawn Johnston (right) for IHSP/Daily Bread, $500; Donna Grant (3rd from left) for TEEG, $500; Betty Hale (left) for Regional Community YMCA, $3, 000; Other donations included: Putnam Rotary Foundation – 4-Year Scholarship, $6,000; Putnam Rotary Foundation – 2-Year Scholarship, $3,000; Oklahoma Rotary Bi-District Tornado Disaster Fund, $2,000; Boy Scouts of America Troop 21, $250. Also pictured, center, is outgoing Putnam Rotary President Paul Pikora. Courtesy photo.
Putnam Rotary Club Introduces the Club's Leaders for 2013-2014
The Putnam Rotary Club last week inducted its new officers and Board of Directors for the upcoming year. Left to right: Brad Favreau, incoming president; Paul Pikora, outgoing president; Kathleen Murphy, Rachael Johnston, sergeant at arms; Sue Desrosier, Peter Benoit, treasurer; Marc Archambault; Keith Aubin, sgt. at arms helper; Bill Witkowski, second vice president; Rande Chmura, first vice president and Scott Pempek. Courtesy photo.
Rotary Honors Valedictorians and Salutatorians at Luncheon
The Putnam Rotary Club recently honored the valedictorians and salutatorians at local schools. Front row, left to right: Ashley Stanley, salutatorian, TMHS; Emily Audet, valedictorian, Marianapolis; Elijah Martin, valedictorian, Woodstock Academy; Lauren Biernacki, valedictorian, TMHS. Back row: Cathleen Casillo, salutatorian, Marianapolis; Sydne Andersen, salutatorian, Putnam High; Rotary Club President Paul Pikora; Leslie Prunier, valedictorian, Putnam High; Bridget Matsas, Salutatorian, Woodstock. Courtesy photo.
Rotary Awards Scholarships
The highlight of each Rotary President's year is the awarding of Scholarships to local high school students. This year the club will give out over $16,000 in scholarship including our first four year scholarship. Winners standing with Paul Pikora, Putnam Rotary Club president, include: Briana Wrublaski (TMHS); Natalia Gil (TMHS), Kimberly Fafard (TMHS), Calyn Petre (TMHS), Jaylin Marie Greene (PHS); Carissa Lueth (TMHS), Sherry Deslauriers (PHS); Krystina Lewis (PHS); Ilea Peckham (PHS), John O'Brien Scholarship; Sarah Owen (WA); Cedar Hayes (PHS), Raymond Brousseau Scholarship; Ashley Stanley (TMHS) Leon Archambault Scholarship. Not pictured: Rachel Maryyanek (TMHS), Maurice Beaulac Scholarship. Courtesy photo.
Annual Rotary Fishing Derby - 2013
PUTNAM — The fish might not have been biting but nearly 150 youngsters had a wonderful time in Rotary Park the Putnam Rotary Club’s annual Noe Poulin Fishing Derby April 21.
Some fish were pulled in, though. Llizabeth Beauregard, 4, won largest fish caught in the under 5 years old catagory with a 4.9 oz brown trout; Charles Beauregard, 6, won for the most fish caught and the largest for 6-9 year olds with a 6.7 oz and an 8.4 oz brook trouts; Taylor Knupp, 12, won largest fish for 10-12 year olds with a 7 oz.
brook trout; Andre Bessette, 10, won for most unique fish with a crayfish.
Some 144 kids took part. Last year’s rainy fishing derby had only 70 participants. This year’s breakdown of attendees: 5 and younger = 42 children; 6-9 year olds = 47; 10-12 year olds = 37; 13-15 year olds = 18.
Putnam Rotary Club Collects Food for Daily Bread
The Putnam Rotary Club, during its monthly campaign in January, collected a dozen jars of peanut butter, three to four dozen cans of tuna and cash, which it donated to Daily Bread. David Dunham, left, IHSP treasurer, receives the donations from Paul Pikora, Putnam Rotary Club president. Daily Bread was running low on tuna and peanut butter and asked for those items. Courtesy photo.
Christmas Giving - Rotary Style
The Putnam Rotary Club filled gift request for local agencies serving northeastern Connecticut at its annual gift exchange. Left to right: Putnam Rotary Club President Paul Pikora; Jenn Plaza, Junior Review Board coordinator for the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG); Rotarian Richard Naumann, aka “Santa”; Donna Grant, executive director of TEEG; Putnam Rotarian Jeff Rawson, gift organizer; and Patty Bryant, director of the Putnam Family Resource Center. Courtesy photo
PUTNAM, CT --- Again this year, the Putnam Rotary Club’s annual gift exchange was focused on the true meaning of the holiday instead of gag gifts. Putnam Rotarians never miss an opportunity to serve the community.
Years ago, recognizing the overwhelming need in the northeastern Connecticut community it serves, Putnam Rotarians decided to fill gift requests for the agencies serving those less fortunate.
Putnam Rotary President Paul Pikora said this is the third year the Rotarians have stepped up with gifts for others at holiday time. “The hard work and support of Putnam Rotarians all year long is immense,” Pikora said.
This year, each Rotarian received a gift bag. On the tag was the name of an agency and a suggested gift. Putnam Rotarians filled those gift bags and then some, culminating with “Santa” dropping by the gift exchange meeting and thanking the Putnam Rotarian “elves” for their generosity.
Some 80 to 90 gifts were distributed to the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG) and the Putnam Family Resource Center, according to Rotarian organizer Jeff Rawson.
Donna Grant, executive director of TEEG, thanked the Putnam Rotarians for their holiday gifts and their year-long support of TEEG. She said many last-minute requests were made to TEEG. “I think some families thought they could do it, but saw at the last minute that, no, they could not.”
Patty Bryant, director of the Putnam Family Resource Center, also thanked the Putnam Rotary “elves.” She called the support from the Putnam Rotary and the community at large “mind-boggling.”
TEEG and the resource center are just a few of the many northeastern Connecticut organizations supported by the Putnam Rotary all year long.
Pikora, when taking the reins of president last summer, decided that the Putnam Rotary Club could do more. Each month Putnam Rotarians bring in items and monetary donations for a group that is in need. It might be boxes of pasta for the Daily Bread community kitchen one month or school items to fill backpacks for students in need at the Putnam Family Resource Center.
Whatever the need, the Putnam Rotary Club is there. Throughout the year, the club raises more than $60,000 and turns most of it back out to the community it serves. From American Legion baseball to the Bradley Playhouse to Habitat for Humanity to Scouts to Scholarships, the list is very long, indeed.
Putnam Rotary’s “elves” work all year long, serving northeastern Connecticut
Pasta Donation to Daily Bread
Ann Kathi Peterson of Daily Bread and Putnam Rotary President Paul Pikora and some of the donations from the Putnam Rotary Club. Courtesy photo.
In the spirit of giving that runs the whole year through, the Putnam Rotary Club recently brought three dozen jars of spaghetti sauce, pasta and $200 in cash to the Daily Bread Pantry.
Ann Kathi Peterson, Interfaith Human Services of Putnam's secretary and Community Resource/Volunteer coordinator, received the donations from the Putnam Rotary Club's President Paul Pikora.
Pikora, who became president of the club last summer, decided that each month, with so many local groups in need, to ask Rotarians to donate was needed and deliver those donations to those in need each month. Pikora said that local organizations in need are welcome to call him at 928-0811. "We are open to other organizations that need help," he said.
Putnam Rotary Club Welcomes New Member
At Tuesday's meeting, Chris Vaillencourt became the newest member of the Putnam Rotary Club. Chris was proposed for membership by Rotarian Richard Naumann. Chris works for Gerardi Insurance Services. Welcome Chris!
Putnam Rotary Club Makes Donation to Project Northeast.
Sister Eleanor Baldoni, left, and Putnam Rotary Club President Paul Pikora. Courtesy photo.
In its year long commitment to help organizations throughout northeast Connecticut, the Putnam Rotary Club recently donated more than 25 gallon and half-gallon jugs of apple and other juices, plus $10, to Project Northeast.
Project Northeast's Associate Director Sister Eleanor Baldoni, had asked for juice as the project's shelves were nearly empty of juice. The director is Father Richard Archambault and Project Northeast has been serving the less fortunate in northeast Connecticut since 1978.
Sister Eleanor said the agency helps about 100 people a month. The agency, based in the hall at St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Putnam, accepts donations. Call 928-4078.
Pikora began his Rotary presidency at the end of June, pledging to help organizations each month. The club members bring in whatever the organizations ask for and Pikora delivers the donations, including monetary donations, each month
President Pikora awards Paul Harris Pin to Putnam Rotarian Gary Osbrey.
At the October 9th weekly meeting of the Putnam Rotary Club, Gary Osbrey received his second Paul Harris Award for his contributions to Rotary International. Gary has been very active with Rotary both at the local level with the Putnam Rotary Club and at the District Level. Gary served the District as the Assistant District Governor. Gary and his wife, Karen Osbrey, also a Putnam Rotarian, own and operate WINY 1350 AM. Gary and Karen epitomize the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self". Congratulations Gary on your second Paul Harris Award.
Paul Harris was the founder of the Rotary Club organization.
PRIDE Recognizes the Putnam Rotary Club
From left to right, Rotarian Jeff Rawson, PRIDE Chairman, Romeo Blackmar and Club President, Paul Pikora
At Tuesday's lunch meeting, the Putnam Rotary Club received a certificate of recognition from the Putnam PRIDE Organization for our contribution to PRIDE. PRIDE Chairman, Romeo Blackmar made the presentation. Two Rotarians, Jeff Rawson and Stephen Adams, received individual certificates of recognition for their individual support of PRIDE.
PRIDE is the Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone. Their goal is "to unite the citizens of Putnam in a partnership to create and foster a safe, drug free environment for the entire community". The group has run awareness campaigns, helped organize proper prescription drug disposal programs and targeted the sales of drug paraphernalia at local convenience stores. Visit their website PutnamPride.org for more information.
From left to right, Rotarian Jeff Rawson, PRIDE Chairman, Romeo Blackmar and Club President, Paul Pikora
At Tuesday's lunch meeting, the Putnam Rotary Club received a certificate of recognition from the Putnam PRIDE Organization for our contribution to PRIDE. PRIDE Chairman, Romeo Blackmar made the presentation. Two Rotarians, Jeff Rawson and Stephen Adams, received individual certificates of recognition for their individual support of PRIDE.
PRIDE is the Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone. Their goal is "to unite the citizens of Putnam in a partnership to create and foster a safe, drug free environment for the entire community". The group has run awareness campaigns, helped organize proper prescription drug disposal programs and targeted the sales of drug paraphernalia at local convenience stores. Visit their website PutnamPride.org for more information.
Donation to the Putnam Family Resource Center
Photo by Linda Lemmon
Putnam Rotary Club President Paul Pikora and Patty Bryant check out some of the donations from the Rotary Club to the Putnam Family Resource Center. President Pikora, who was installed in late June, had thought about what was important to the local community when he was considering what his year at the helm of Rotary would look like. While donations by club members and the club to Rotary International help very worthy causes, like the eradication of polio, Pikora wanted to do something that affected the community the Putnam Rotary serves.
He decided on a campaign to help local organizations each month of his year. The first month, Putnam Rotarians made contributions to Daily Bread. The next month, Rotarians helped the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group. The Putnam Family Resource Center needed school supplies for the families served by the center.
Patty Bryant, director of the center, said 200 backpacks are filled and given to kids in need. In addition to the backpacks, Rotarians donated everything that goes into a backpack including notebooks, pencils, markers and more. Pikora also gave Bryant $77 in cash that was donated. Bryant said those served by the center are families that might not be able to afford school supplies. "The choice might be between food for the table or school supplies," she said. In all the center helps 500 in all capacities throughout the year.
"We certainly appreciate the donation," she told Pikora.
Photo by Linda Lemmon
Putnam Rotary Club President Paul Pikora and Patty Bryant check out some of the donations from the Rotary Club to the Putnam Family Resource Center. President Pikora, who was installed in late June, had thought about what was important to the local community when he was considering what his year at the helm of Rotary would look like. While donations by club members and the club to Rotary International help very worthy causes, like the eradication of polio, Pikora wanted to do something that affected the community the Putnam Rotary serves.
He decided on a campaign to help local organizations each month of his year. The first month, Putnam Rotarians made contributions to Daily Bread. The next month, Rotarians helped the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group. The Putnam Family Resource Center needed school supplies for the families served by the center.
Patty Bryant, director of the center, said 200 backpacks are filled and given to kids in need. In addition to the backpacks, Rotarians donated everything that goes into a backpack including notebooks, pencils, markers and more. Pikora also gave Bryant $77 in cash that was donated. Bryant said those served by the center are families that might not be able to afford school supplies. "The choice might be between food for the table or school supplies," she said. In all the center helps 500 in all capacities throughout the year.
"We certainly appreciate the donation," she told Pikora.
Roots of Development - Chad Bissonnette
As part of their international avenue of service, the Putnam Rotary Club provided funds for the Roots of Development projects in Haiti. At today's meeting, Chad Bissonnette, the Executive Director of the Roots of Development, gave the Club an update on the success of the water project in Haiti. For more information on Roots of Development visit their website at RootsofDevelopment.org.
As part of their international avenue of service, the Putnam Rotary Club provided funds for the Roots of Development projects in Haiti. At today's meeting, Chad Bissonnette, the Executive Director of the Roots of Development, gave the Club an update on the success of the water project in Haiti. For more information on Roots of Development visit their website at RootsofDevelopment.org.
Rose Sale Underway!
Rick "the Rose King" announced it is that time of year for Rotary's annual rose sale. The roses are $15 per dozen and will be delivered on Thursday, October 18. Checks can be made out to the Putnam Rotary Club. We sold over 1,000 dozen roses last year. We need to beat that! Please check with any Putnam Rotarian if you would like to buy roses. This is one of the Club's three main fundraisers of the year. The money raised for this event and our other activities helps the Putnam Rotary Club award more than $11,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors and contribute over $30,000 to local groups. Your help is always appreciated.
Rick "the Rose King" announced it is that time of year for Rotary's annual rose sale. The roses are $15 per dozen and will be delivered on Thursday, October 18. Checks can be made out to the Putnam Rotary Club. We sold over 1,000 dozen roses last year. We need to beat that! Please check with any Putnam Rotarian if you would like to buy roses. This is one of the Club's three main fundraisers of the year. The money raised for this event and our other activities helps the Putnam Rotary Club award more than $11,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors and contribute over $30,000 to local groups. Your help is always appreciated.
Putnam Rotary's Newest Members
At Tuesday's lunch meeting, the Putnam Rotary Club welcomed their two newest members, Susan Andersen and Jim West. Both were proposed for membership by Ron Coderre. Ms. Anderson is the Director of Development for Marianapolis and Jim West is the Golf Pro at Connecticut National Golf Course. Welcome to the Club.
At Tuesday's lunch meeting, the Putnam Rotary Club welcomed their two newest members, Susan Andersen and Jim West. Both were proposed for membership by Ron Coderre. Ms. Anderson is the Director of Development for Marianapolis and Jim West is the Golf Pro at Connecticut National Golf Course. Welcome to the Club.
Rotary Trailer - Ready for Another Event
Rotarians staff the trailer for 6 events during the year to help raise money for our charitable activities. Through the trailer, the Club raises over $6,000. The trailer also helps keep the Club visible in the community. This year, Rande Chmura serves as the Trailer Chief with help from her husband, Fred and the trailer committee.
Rotarians staff the trailer for 6 events during the year to help raise money for our charitable activities. Through the trailer, the Club raises over $6,000. The trailer also helps keep the Club visible in the community. This year, Rande Chmura serves as the Trailer Chief with help from her husband, Fred and the trailer committee.
The Putnam Rotary Club recently donated peanut butter and other monetary gifts to the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group. Rotary President Paul Pikora, left, brought the donations to Carl Asikainen, TEEG board chair. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club recently took stock of all the donations made to local community organizations.
Donations went to:
American Legion Baseball, Arc, Bradley Playhouse, Camp Quinebaug, Clipper Classic Girls Basketball, Community Kitchen, DARE, Day Kimball HomeCare.
Also, Day Kimball Homemakers, Day Kimball Hospice, Day Kimball Hospital.
Also, Dazzle Light Parade, Deary Road Race, Ellis Tech Scholarship, Habitat for Humanity, Interact, International Projects, Little League/Sports, Memorial Rotarian Scholarships, N.E. Performing Arts.
Also, NECASA - N.E. Comm. Ag., Paul Harris/ Rotary Foundation, Putnam Fireworks, Putnam Pride, QVCC Annual Donation, Red Ribbon Campaign, Rotaract, RYLA, Scholarships, School/Education/Literacy, Scouting, ShelterBox USA.
Also, TEEG, The Rotary Foundation, United Services, WPTP, Bandstand Project - Handicapped Bathroom, Bandstand Project- Fitting Room, Care in a Heartbeat Campaign, The Arc of Quinebaug Valley, Inc. - Elevator.
Also, Regional YMCA Capital Campaign, Northeast Placement Services, Inc., Connecticut Audubon Society - Center at Pomfret, Windham County 4-H Foundation, Inc., Putnam Science Academy - Robotics Team, Four-year Scholarship, Woodstock Elementary School, Eastford Elementary School, Boy Scouts of America Troop 21.
District Governor Rau Visits Putnam Rotary Club
By Ron P. Coderre
The Putnam Rotary Club received District Governor Eileen Rau at its weekly meeting on Tuesday, August 7 at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant in Putnam.
Rau assumed her position as District Governor of Rotary District 7890 on July 1 and has begun annual visits to each club in the District. A member of the Rotary Club of West Hartford since 1997, Rau has been active on numerous committees in her club and in the District prior to beginning her stint as District Governor.
“I want to carry out the mission of Rotary International and our President Sakuji Tanaka during my year as District Governor. Our motto this year is ‘Peace Through Service’ and I’m encouraging all clubs and members to be more active in volunteering in their communities,” said Rau
Â
Putnam Rotary Club Holds Induction Night - June 20, 2012
The Club held its Induction Night at Tyrone Farms in Pomfret. (Tyrone Farms is operated by Club Member Ian MacLaren and his family.) Richard Loomis served as the emcee of the night as the reins of the Club were turned over from current President Cindy Dunne to incoming President Paul Pikora. Cindy presided over a very successful year for the Club with more than $55,000 in donations to local groups. The highlight of night was the announcement of the three newest Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow award is the highest honor bestowed by the Club. This year's recipients included: Kathleen Murphy, for her service to the Club as editor of the Cargill Falls Courier; Scott Young, for his service to the Club with the Dazzle Light Parade, the Rotary Trailer and the golf tournament; and Betty Hale, for her service to the Community with the Performing Arts of Northeast Connecticut, tourism and art groups, and the Regional Community YMCA program. The Club also made Barbara Schreier an honorary member of the Club for her work with the youth of northeastern Connecticut. For more photos of the evening please click on the Photo link above on the left.Â
The Putnam Rotary Club, June 5, awarded several scholarships to local students. Front row, left to right: Rachel Solomon (Woodstock Academy), $1,000; Megan Heaney (PHS), the John O'Brien Putnam Rotary Scholarship ($1,000 in 2012 and $1,000 in 2013); Amanda Wedegis (WA), Maurice Beaulac Putnam Rotary Scholarship, $1,000; Milton Edward Jacob Ives, Quinebaug Middle College High School, $500; Putnam Rotary President Cynthia Dunne. Second row: Sarah Elizabeth Froehlich (WA) Leon Archambault Putnam Rotary Scholarship, $1,000; Caroline Kenny (WA), $1,000; Edward Partlow (PHS), $1,000; Mary Beaulac, wife of the late Maurice Beaulac; Denise Archambault, wife of the late Leon Archambault. Back row: Taylor Zakrzewski (WA), $1,000; Galina Rachchenko (WA) Raymond Brousseau Putnam Rotary Scholarship, $1,000; Marina Zanczyk (PHS), $500; Valentina Zaytsev (PHS), $1,000. Linda Lemmon photo.
For one week in May, the Putnam Rotary Club hosted five professional from Rotary District 4100 in the northwest section of Mexico, as part of the Rotary Group Study Exchange. On May 22 the Group presented a program about Mexico to the Putnam Rotary Club. The visiting Rotarians posed with Rotary District Governor Susan Hallock Klock, far left, and Putnam Rotary Club President Cynthia Dunne, far right. Visiting GSE Rotarians included: Antonio Munoz, Greicy Chavez, Issac Chavez, Carmen Cota and Esteban Velazquez. Linda Lemmon photo.
At our recent Rotary meeting, Paul Pikora, President Elect, had the pleasure of presenting our annual donation to the Woodstock scouting effort. Accepting the donation for the Scouts was Tony Listro. The Putnam Rotary Club tries to support all the troops (boys and girls) in our service area. Contact Paul for additional information on our fundraising efforts.
Helen Ferland, left, Diaper Bank coordinator, stands with Putnam Rotary Club Cynthia Dunne and the more than $200 worth of diapers and baby wipes donated by Rotary Club members to the Diaper Bank. Linda Lemmon photo.
At our recent meetings, Club President, Cindy Dunne presented checks to several organizations, including Roots for Development, Deary Memorial Road Race - Cancer Fund and Literacy Volunteers of Eastern Connecticut. The fundraising efforts of our Club allow the Club to support these worthwhile organizations. Check our photo album to see more pictures.
Donation to Roots of Development
Donation to Roots of Development
On Wednesday, March 21, the Putnam Rotary Club sponsored the annual Ray Brousseau, Senior All Star Basketball games at Putnam High School. Ray Brousseau was a long time and active member of the Putnam Rotary Club and the business community of Putnam. The Club is honored to host the annual All Star Games in his name.The two girls, All Star teams were sponsored by Matulaitis Nursing Home and Archambault Insurance Associates. The Boys teams were hosted by BenPe Consulting and WINY Radio. Byrnes Insurance Agency provided the awards and Citizens National Bank funded the half time shootout with one winner from Putnam Science Academy.
Over 30 athletes from the surrounding towns participated in the event. The student athletes represented Putnam Science Academy, Woodstock Academy, Putnam High, Tourtellotte High, Pomfret School, Plainfield High, Windham Tech, and Killingly High, A great time was had by the players and the fans.
(Photo courtesy of Linda Lemmon)
Tuesday, Jan 31st luncheon meeting was hosted by Putnam Science Academy. 80% of our membership attended the luncheon and with all the conversations going on everyone seemed to be having a great time. Our luncheon was a very tasty Turkish cuisine Eric Gould especially liked the concept of mixing meatballs with home fry potatoes and the members at my table had quite a discussion about puree eggplant. Highlight change of the day was the mix up of tables, didn't see too many regulars sitting together. We all know it is good to change our luncheon seating arrangements and mingle with other members. Paul Duhammel, Dean of Students, Omer Seven, student head honcho of the Robotics Team, along with other students made us all feel welcomed. They were great host. After lunch it was business as usual, short business meeting, entertainment by Sergent at arms Bob Fournier and money man Keith with fine and happy dollar collection. Then our spelling word of the day which the chosen lucky person and table misspelled. After our entertainment, Omer Seven gave an updated talk on the robotics program and a little demonstration of the progress they have made on their robot. After the demo we split into groups and were given a tour of the school by students. A lot of work has been done to the school, especially the new auditorium. Their next challenge is putting the library together.
As Omer Seven announced at the meeting on Saturday, Feb. 11th they are hosting "Battle in the Quiet Corner", at 1 pm at the school. Teams from all around New England will be there holding live competitions. Included in the program are engineering and programming workshops, live competitions and fun activities. You and your families are invited and the students encourage you to bring your children and grandchildren to experience the activities.
I thank all the members for attending the luncheon and connecting with Putnam Science Academy. Cindy
The red kettles and cheerful teenagers have become a familiar sight in Putnam. For the past 19 years, members of the Putnam Regional Interact Club, their siblings, friends and schoolmates brave the cold and spend hours ringing, singing and dancing (sometimes just to keep warm) to raise money for the Salvation Army. Despite the economy, this was a record breaking year with 253 students from 13 area schools volunteering 1063 hours to raise $18,062.03. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, volunteers spend every Saturday (and some school vacation days) ringing the bell for the Salvation Army in front of Sears Essentials, Stop and Shop, Wal Mart, Price Chopper and Putnam Supermarket.
Marianapolis Prep won the “Ring-a-Ding Challenge” with 60 volunteers providing 317 hours, thus stealing the coveted trophy from last year’s winners. Putnam Science Academy, the 2010 Ring-a Ding champs, came in second with 258 hours and Woodstock Academy was third with 239 hours. Top bell ringers were Caroline Kenney, Jamie Barrette, Anna Werge and Seth Aubin for the high school division and Alexandra Lamontagne, Abby Poirier and Rebecca Pempek for the middle school division. Volunteers celebrated with pizza and high fives.
Putnam Rotarians are Recognized at the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Award's Ceremony
Friday night, the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards ceremony. Putnam Rotarian Dick Loomis served as master of ceremonies for the event at the Thompson Speedway Restaurant.
Jay Sinha, another Putnam Rotarian, received the Past President's Award in recognition of his service as the Chamber's President for 2011.
Karen and Gary Osbrey were awarded the Business Person of the Year Award for their community service. Karen and Gary own and operate WINY radio, the AM radio station serving Northeastern Connecticut. Both Karen and Gary are very active in the Putnam Rotary Club and the Rotary District.
Betti Kuszaj was recognized for her 30 years of service as the Executive Director of the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.
All five Rotarians demonstrated the Rotary motto in action, "Service Above Self". Well done Putnam Rotarians!
Rachael Johnston, Paul Pikora, Steve Adams and Club President Cindy Dunne did a great job at the QVCC annual Spelling Bee. The team made it to the fifth round and finished 7th out of 16 teams. The Spelling Bee raised over $13,000 for the Quinebaug Valley Community College. A fun night was had by all.
The "Save the Date" postcards have been sent.
Remember Friday, June 1, 2012 is the second annual Ronald P. Coderre Rotary Golf Tournament. The tournament was named in Ron's honor last year to recognize all the work he has done for the Putnam Rotary Club. He helped the Club bring the annual golf fundraiser to the prominence that it now enjoys, the Club's latest fundraiser. Last year raising over $25,000 to support Rotary's scholarship program and other charitable activities.
The Golf committee will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, January 31 at 8 am at the offices of Archambault Insurance Associates (Stone Building).
At Tuesday, December 7th's Putnam Rotary Club meeting, we had the honor to hear from two local veterans discuss their efforts to build a facility for homeless veterans of Eastern Connecticut (photo from the Norwich Bulletin). The LaFlamme-Kusek American Legion Post #15 is proposing to restore and reuse its existing building in Jewett City into 18 permanent supportive housing units. These apartments are the first of their kind in a rural setting.
The Rotary Club of Putnam was well represented in the Holiday Dazzle Parade. Our float tried to show the local residents where the Rotary Club directs their fund raising money. Last year, the Club raised almost $50,000 for local groups, including Daily Bread, Hospice,and many other great groups. We also awarded over $12,000 in scholarships to local high school students. The students of the Interact Club helped man the float.
Thank you everyone who helped on the Float.
The Holiday Dazzle Parade Committee was hard at work on Saturday getting the Rotary Float ready for Sunday's parade. Thanks to Jeff Rawson for letting the Club use one of his trucks. This year's theme is how the Putnam Rotary Club gives back to the community.
The Parade starts at 5 pm on Sunday.
At Tuesday's meeting the Putnam Rotary Club welcomed their two newest members; Kip Parker and Paul Dery. Kip works for the Eastern Connecticut Foundation and Paul is a retired teacher and member of the Thompson Board of Finance. Welcome Kip and Paul!
The first major fundraiser for President Joyce's year, our annual Rose Sale is now complete. Thank you everyone who made the sale a success.
On October 24, World Polio Day, from 1-5 pm join Mary McManus polio and post polio syndrome survivor, 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, inspirational poet and Magic 106.7's Exceptional Woman, and the Rotary Clubs of North Providence and Putnam, Connecticut for a Celebration of Healing and World Polio Day at Wonderland Book Store, 125 Main Street, Putnam, CT.
Every year the Putnam Rotary Club sponsors the Noe Poulin Memorial Fishing Derby in early May. With the help of Willie Bousquet and the Town of Putnam Recreation Department and the Northeast Bass Club, young fishermen and women (up to the age of 15) get to fish the Quinebaug River along Kennedy Drive and Church Street. Prizes are awarded for five different age brackets