Welcome to the 
Putnam Rotary Club Website
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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.
Our 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.
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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.
Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
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.
Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:
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.
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.
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.
Rotary welcomes
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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| 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.
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.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:
Read more about Our Work and Our Communities
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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”
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.
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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
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" Campaign
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.
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Thank you to the teams that played and to our 2015 Sponsors
Please see Golf Tournament Link for the List of our Sponsors.
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.
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
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
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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.
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.
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).
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