PUTNAM — Service to their communities earned three local residents a prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award.
At the Putnam Rotary Club’s induction and awards ceremony, Robert Challinor Jr., Jackie Lajoie and Rotarian Crystal Simonson received the awards. And it was kept as a surprise.
Challinor, president of Putnam’s Veterans Advisory Committee and the town’s veterans agent and more, is involved in nearly aspect of veterans services. Were it not for Challinor’s energy and drive, the reborn Putnam Veterans Park would not exist. And he’s always looking for more ways to help veterans.
Lajoie was honored for her service to the St. Joseph’s Church community in North Grosvenordale. It started with organizing bingo to help St. Joseph’s school. When the school was closed, the bingo games continued helping the church. And her help widened to help feed those in need and much more.
Simonson won the award for her energy, enthusiasm and work on programs and speakers for Rotary all year long. She’s always upbeat, always smiling — and always looking for more ways to help.
The Paul Harris, named after the founder of Rotary Club, is the Rotary’s highest honor. The awards were given out by committee chair Jeff Rawson.
In addition to the awards, new officers were inducted including: Kathy Kirk, president; Martha Paquette, president-elect; Emily Barnes, secretary; and Fred Chmura, continuing as treasurer; and Doug Porter, immediate past president. Three sergeants-at-arms: J. Scott Pempek, Jonathan Tremblay and Jonathan Sturdevant. The board of directors includes: Jennifer Brytowski, Linda Lemmon, Crystal Simonson and Cheryl Guillot.
Rotary Club of Putnam Connecticut
P.O.Box 604, Putnam CT 06260-0604 (Phone: 860-428-2148)
Meeting Tuesdays at 12:15 PM
Day Kimball Hospital
320 Pomfret St, Putnam CT 06260
The Putnam Rotary Club recently honored the area's valedictorians and salutatorians. From left: Incoming President Kathy Kirk, PSA valedictorian Dominick LaDuca, PHS valedictorian Madison Lamothe, Woodstock Academy salutatorian Kira Greene and valedictorian Xander Miller and committee chair Kristen Willis. Not pictured: Marianapolis - salutatorian Chloe Alba and valedictorian Vincent Vo; Pomfret School - salutatorian Zoe Lovett and valedictorian Eason Yishen Zhao, PHS - salutatorian Isabelle Magalhaes; PSA - salutatorian John Devine; Tourtellotte - salutatorian Luke Senosk and valedictorian Sofia Thurber.
captions: -- Rotarians at Rotary park: from left: Joe Adiletta, organizer Karen Osbrey, Club President Doug Porter, Rachael Johnston and Marc Archambault.
Everywhere you looked the Putnam Rotary Club --- in all of its incarnations --- was hard at work May 17.
For its annual Rotary Day of Service, members of the Putnam Rotary Club spent hours weeding and tidying the garden at Rotary Park. Digging out, pulling up and then dumping the weeds made that garden on the hill shine. And it’s just in time for the multitude of events the Rotary Park hosts. Visitors will be welcomed by some beautiful gardens.
captions: -- Rotarian Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti
A few blocks away the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club members were working at the Super Hero Saturday event. They stood at the entrance on Main Street, handing out event schedules to visitors. At the other end of the street, Interact Advisor Rotarian Roberta Rocchetti passed out schedules as well. She was dressed in scrubs because those in the health field are heroes, too.
PUTNAM — Putnam Rotary President Doug Porter called the 2024-2025 Interact Club an “amazing group.” But for the Interact Club members it was just their usual — which is over the top.
Outgoing Interact co-presidents Sofia Thurber and Jane Ferraro listed their accomplishments in their address to club members. One of their touchstones for their Interact year was children and they added several activities to the long list of annual projects that centered around helping children, including gathering hundreds of dollars’ worth of new toys and delivering them to the Boston Children’s Hospital.
New Interact Leaders
The Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club installed its new co-presidents and got its new year started. From left: Putnam Rotary Club President Doug Porter, Gabriell Cerasiello, Paige Perry and advisor Roberta Rocchetti.
The Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club installed its new co-presidents and got its new year started. From left: Putnam Rotary Club President Doug Porter, Gabriell Cerasiello, Paige Perry and advisor Roberta Rocchetti.
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club had so many donations to make that it went on for weeks. And still continues into April!
More than a dozen deserving organizations were invited to the Putnam Rotary Club meetings to receive donations to their organizations.
February and March donations were made to:
The Arc ECT, Community Café, Northeast Placement, American Red Cross, United Services, NOW, TEEG, the Pomfret-Eastford Little League, the Putnam Little League, Woodstock Little League, the Thompson Little League and Tri-Town American Legion baseball.
Putnam Rotary Club President Doug Porter said: “The Putnam Rotary Club donates to more than 40 organizations, including social services groups, youth-focused groups, community projects, international projects and our main focus, local scholarships. During these months the club is pleased to honor these groups at our weekly meetings.”
President Porter said he was honored to present checks to these groups --- and there are more coming in April. He also thanked the club members who work to raise the money for these donations and the local community members who support the Rotary Club fund-raising efforts.
He added that the local community has been “very supportive” of the club’s two main fund-raising events, the Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament and the club’s 2/20 drawing.
“All the money from these events goes to support our donations and scholarships. Last year the club provided $32,500 in scholarships to local high school students. In addition the club provided almost $24,000 total for community projects, international projects, social service groups and youth groups,” he said.
Pastor Ross Johnson with Putnam Rotary President Doug Porter
One of the most important programs for the members of the Putnam Rotary Club is its scholarship program.
It’s a continuum running through generations. Scholarships named for passed Rotarians who contributed to the community are awarded to high school students who will pass that on to the community of tomorrow.
The Putnam Rotary Club turned 100 years old last year and the scholarship program has been a tie that binds.
Everything from endowments to good-natured fines to golf tournaments and much more through the years has built a scholarship program that this year awarded $30,000 to six local students heading to college.
Six scholarships were awarded for the 2023-2024 year. Amanda Kelly, president for that year, said: “The Putnam Rotary Club is proud to be able to offer these scholarships and provide support to students in our region. This past year we had a very impressive group of scholarship applicants.” She thanked the committee for its work and congratulated the students who received a scholarship.
Doug Porter, current Rotary president, said the awards ceremony Jan. 2 “was a great evening for both the scholarship recipients and the Rotary Club of Putnam.” Noting that scholarships are “a major focus” of the Rotary Club of Putnam, Porter thanked the Rotarians who worked so hard to raise money for the scholarships and congratulated “these outstanding students from northeastern Connecticut.”
Rachael Johnston, chair of the Scholarship Committee, said “We were, frankly, blown away” by the caliber of the scholarship applicants. They all excelled in sports, community service and “oh yes, throw in academics.”
The six winners included: John O’Brien Scholarship (presented by The Putnam Rotary Club Foundation president Joseph Adiletta) – Ava Hovestadt; A. Leon Archambault Scholarship (presented by Denise, Marc and Mary Archambault) — Talia Tremblay; Maurice Beaulac Scholarship (presented by Maureen Beaulac) – Lily Goyette; and three Raymond and Violet Brousseau Scholarships (all presented by Ronald P. Coderre) – Julia Coyle, Eric Levesque, and Peyton Bentley.
Hovestadt, a Woodstock Academy grad, is attending College of the Holy Cross and is majoring in economics and also getting a certificate in finance and banking.
Tremblay graduated from Woodstock Academy and is majoring in nursing at UConn. “I would not have been able to pursue this at my top school without this scholarship,” she said.
Coyle graduated from Woodstock Academy and is majoring in government and history at Connecticut College. She is also interested in international relations. She is taking part in cross country and track and said she has co-authored a chapter in a book about the Ukraine. “It’s been a great experience so far.”
Levesque, a co-president of the club’s Interact Club last year, is a double major in accounting and actuarial science. Because of the number of advanced courses he took at Tourtellotte, he has junior credit standing at UConn. He is working to recreate the Rotaract Club of Storrs which went extinct after COVID-19. It is being sponsored by the nearby Stafford Springs Rotary Club.
It was one of the coldest winters in years but that didn’t stop the members of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club from ringing the bells at the local Salvation Army kettles.
Interact Club members, their friends, Rotarians and family members have been ringing the Salvation Army Kettle bells since 1997.
Rotarian Roberta Rocchetti, advisor, said the Interact members in that time have raised more than $250,000 for this region.
“This Kettle campaign is the only source of revenue for the Putnam Salvation Army office. They use the money to assist the needy of northeastern Connecticut with utilities, rent, fuel oil, and more,” she said.
She added that this year “We received $11,447.75 in kettle donations (including $500 from the Rotary Club) and a very generous check for $2,000 to bring the total to $13,447.75. That is amazing considering we only had four Saturdays to collect donations.
Last year the group had five weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas and it took in $14,608.53.
“I’m grateful to all 96 students from Woodstock Academy, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Putnam High, Marianapolis Prep, Pomfret School and UConn who stood out in the cold to man the kettle. I appreciate all other volunteers who helped set up and fill in where necessary. I am so grateful to Putnam Supermarket for letting us store our kettles all these years and Walmart, Stop & Shop and Price Chopper for allowing us to have the Salvation Army kettles in front of their store. Without their support we could never accomplish all that we do,” she said.
Taking part, from Putnam High: Paige Perry, Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaydence Morris, Maddy Kimball, Emma Campbell, Alivia Ortiz, Angelina Seymour, Jayda Rivera, Carlos Harper-Mendoza, Ella Carota, Kaylee Borders, Keivon Robinson, Jay Patel, Gavin Patterson, Cora Desrosiers, Makenzei Fry, Hudson Smith.
From Tourtellotte: Ava Tucker, Gianna Brinson, Caitlyn L’Heureux, Alexis Phav, Isabell McGlynn, Christian Dejesus, Cole Hopkins, Lindsey Sturtevant, Victoria Patterson, Kayd Patterson, Calleigh Levesque, Joshua Tackson, Dylan Axtell, Serena Smith, Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Bethany Nieves, Tessa Sheldon, Tanisha Patel, Tyler Shead, Keegan Stall, Abby Ditzel, Zahara Moore, Grace Akana, Ember Merrill, Anna Bell.
From Marianapolis: Devi Patel-Gandhi, Emma Martineau, Henrietta Hayes. From Pomfret School: Max Gerum. From UConn: Eric Levesque, Jordyn Butler.
From Woodstock Academy: Liliana Bottone, Christian Menounos, Kira Greene, Phoebe Griffin, Maddie Jezierski, Bella DiGregorio, Avery Plouffe, Ava Golden, Vivian Bibeau, Eli Manning, Sophia Milardo, Lauren Thomas, Anthony Beaudreault, Mia Sorrentino, Katelyn Bruce, Gianna DiCola-Keddy, Kaelyn Tremblay, Livia Gerum, Melanie DiPippo, Jackie Dearborn, Thatcher Paterson, Aidan Tyler, Miranda Miller, Eli Susi, Maddie Bloom, Mikayla Bessette, Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, Kaylee Saucier, Macy Rawson, Grace Pokorny, Liliana Moran, Maura Hart, Chyanne Machamer, Jackson Dorez, Celine Leffingwell, Eva Lusignan, Allie Boyd, Sophia Sarkis. Lillian Morgis, Maggie McHugh, Audrey MacPherson, Lillian Beausoleil, Avery Thienel, Ivan Lin, Emma Quinney.
She also thanked the adult volunteers: Leo Rocchetti from Stafford Springs, Patty Gaffney from Putnam, Edit Dipippo from Woodstock, Claudia Ursin and Donna Drasch from Ashford. Rotaract members: Matthew and Harrison Gardiner, John Spratt. Rotarians: Jonathan and Keri Tremblay, Dick and Marianne Loomis, Deb Hoft, Emily Barnes, Joseph Adiletta, Richard & Kathy Naumann and Mike and Roberta Rocchetti, Kayla Morin, Marc Archambault, Paul Pikora, Rotary Club past president Amanda Kelly and current Rotary Club president Doug Porter.
caption, from left: Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaylee Borders, Abby Ditzel
Interact Club members, their friends, Rotarians and family members have been ringing the Salvation Army Kettle bells since 1997.
Rotarian Roberta Rocchetti, advisor, said the Interact members in that time have raised more than $250,000 for this region.
“This Kettle campaign is the only source of revenue for the Putnam Salvation Army office. They use the money to assist the needy of northeastern Connecticut with utilities, rent, fuel oil, and more,” she said.
She added that this year “We received $11,447.75 in kettle donations (including $500 from the Rotary Club) and a very generous check for $2,000 to bring the total to $13,447.75. That is amazing considering we only had four Saturdays to collect donations.
Last year the group had five weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas and it took in $14,608.53.
“I’m grateful to all 96 students from Woodstock Academy, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Putnam High, Marianapolis Prep, Pomfret School and UConn who stood out in the cold to man the kettle. I appreciate all other volunteers who helped set up and fill in where necessary. I am so grateful to Putnam Supermarket for letting us store our kettles all these years and Walmart, Stop & Shop and Price Chopper for allowing us to have the Salvation Army kettles in front of their store. Without their support we could never accomplish all that we do,” she said.
Taking part, from Putnam High: Paige Perry, Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaydence Morris, Maddy Kimball, Emma Campbell, Alivia Ortiz, Angelina Seymour, Jayda Rivera, Carlos Harper-Mendoza, Ella Carota, Kaylee Borders, Keivon Robinson, Jay Patel, Gavin Patterson, Cora Desrosiers, Makenzei Fry, Hudson Smith.
From Tourtellotte: Ava Tucker, Gianna Brinson, Caitlyn L’Heureux, Alexis Phav, Isabell McGlynn, Christian Dejesus, Cole Hopkins, Lindsey Sturtevant, Victoria Patterson, Kayd Patterson, Calleigh Levesque, Joshua Tackson, Dylan Axtell, Serena Smith, Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Bethany Nieves, Tessa Sheldon, Tanisha Patel, Tyler Shead, Keegan Stall, Abby Ditzel, Zahara Moore, Grace Akana, Ember Merrill, Anna Bell.
From Marianapolis: Devi Patel-Gandhi, Emma Martineau, Henrietta Hayes. From Pomfret School: Max Gerum. From UConn: Eric Levesque, Jordyn Butler.
From Woodstock Academy: Liliana Bottone, Christian Menounos, Kira Greene, Phoebe Griffin, Maddie Jezierski, Bella DiGregorio, Avery Plouffe, Ava Golden, Vivian Bibeau, Eli Manning, Sophia Milardo, Lauren Thomas, Anthony Beaudreault, Mia Sorrentino, Katelyn Bruce, Gianna DiCola-Keddy, Kaelyn Tremblay, Livia Gerum, Melanie DiPippo, Jackie Dearborn, Thatcher Paterson, Aidan Tyler, Miranda Miller, Eli Susi, Maddie Bloom, Mikayla Bessette, Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, Kaylee Saucier, Macy Rawson, Grace Pokorny, Liliana Moran, Maura Hart, Chyanne Machamer, Jackson Dorez, Celine Leffingwell, Eva Lusignan, Allie Boyd, Sophia Sarkis. Lillian Morgis, Maggie McHugh, Audrey MacPherson, Lillian Beausoleil, Avery Thienel, Ivan Lin, Emma Quinney.
She also thanked the adult volunteers: Leo Rocchetti from Stafford Springs, Patty Gaffney from Putnam, Edit Dipippo from Woodstock, Claudia Ursin and Donna Drasch from Ashford. Rotaract members: Matthew and Harrison Gardiner, John Spratt. Rotarians: Jonathan and Keri Tremblay, Dick and Marianne Loomis, Deb Hoft, Emily Barnes, Joseph Adiletta, Richard & Kathy Naumann and Mike and Roberta Rocchetti, Kayla Morin, Marc Archambault, Paul Pikora, Rotary Club past president Amanda Kelly and current Rotary Club president Doug Porter.
caption, from left: Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaylee Borders, Abby Ditzel
PUTNAM — The Putnam Rotary Interact Club members and their friends from the local high schools bundled up and faced the cold morning Dec 14 to bell ring for the local Salvation Army. Despite the cold people were out shopping and were once again very generous, according to club advisor Roberta Rocchetti.
Saturday’s kettle donations were $2,951.66 along with a generous check of $500 from the Putnam Rotary Club which brings the total to $9,112.32.
She thanked the brave students from Tourtellotte: Gianna Brinson, Sofia Thurber, Ava Tucker, Caitlyn L’Heureux, Christian Dejesus, Serena Smith, June Ferraro, Isabelle McGlynn, Calleigh Levesque, Dylan Axtell and Tanisha Patel.
She thanked, from Woodstock Academy: Grace Pokorny, Celine Leffingwell, Maddie Jezerski, Jackie Dearborn, Liliana Bottone, Bella Digregorio, Ava Golden, Avery Thienel, Maddie Bloom, Vivian Bibeau, Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, Kaylee Saucier, Macy Rawson, Liliana Moran, Lillian Morgis and Maura Hart.
From Putnam High: Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaylee Borders, Paige Perry, Ella Carota, Keivon Robinson, Jay Patel, Gavin Patterson.
She also thanked the Rotarians who helped set up: Joseph Adiletta, Paul Pikora, Amanda Kelly, Mike Rocchetti and Roberta Rocchetti.
This Saturday, Dec. 21, is the last one! You’ll find the bell ringers at Putnam Supermarket, Putnam Walmart, Putnam Stop & Shop and Putnam’s Price Chopper.
Saturday’s kettle donations were $2,951.66 along with a generous check of $500 from the Putnam Rotary Club which brings the total to $9,112.32.
She thanked the brave students from Tourtellotte: Gianna Brinson, Sofia Thurber, Ava Tucker, Caitlyn L’Heureux, Christian Dejesus, Serena Smith, June Ferraro, Isabelle McGlynn, Calleigh Levesque, Dylan Axtell and Tanisha Patel.
She thanked, from Woodstock Academy: Grace Pokorny, Celine Leffingwell, Maddie Jezerski, Jackie Dearborn, Liliana Bottone, Bella Digregorio, Ava Golden, Avery Thienel, Maddie Bloom, Vivian Bibeau, Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, Kaylee Saucier, Macy Rawson, Liliana Moran, Lillian Morgis and Maura Hart.
From Putnam High: Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaylee Borders, Paige Perry, Ella Carota, Keivon Robinson, Jay Patel, Gavin Patterson.
She also thanked the Rotarians who helped set up: Joseph Adiletta, Paul Pikora, Amanda Kelly, Mike Rocchetti and Roberta Rocchetti.
This Saturday, Dec. 21, is the last one! You’ll find the bell ringers at Putnam Supermarket, Putnam Walmart, Putnam Stop & Shop and Putnam’s Price Chopper.
captions:
Celine Leffingwell, Grace Pokorny
Isabel D'Alleva-Bochain, Macy Rawson, Kaylee Saucier
Putnam Rotary Club President Doug Porter, right, gave Rotarian Scott Pempek his Paul Harris Plus 4 award. It is in recognition of Pempek’s continued donations to the Rotary International Fund. The funds are used for international grants as well as local grants. The Putnam Rotary Club just received a grant to help with the musical instrument installation at the Mary Fisher Elementary School in Thompson.
Rotarians collect games for kids
PUTNAM — Years ago, the Putnam Rotary Club, did a holiday Yankee Swap. But then reconsidered — nothing says Christmas like games and toys for those less fortunate. So the Yankee Swap was traded in for a board games drive among Rotarians.
The drive is always successful. Rotarians contributed more than 80 games that were donated to TEEG, the Putnam Family Resource Center and the United Services Domestic Violence program last week.
Terri Hart, the director of the domestic violence program said the shelter is caring for 24 people including 11 children and some semblance of a holiday for the kids was so important.
Shannon Haney, family educator of the Putnam Family Resource Center, said they are helping 118 families and that includes 207 children. Liz Perry, volunteer coordinator for TEEG said 290 families are being helped this year. That includes 732 individuals and some 281 kids will get gifts.
Rachael Johnston, the committee chair, said she was happy the club was able to help so many children this time of year.
caption:Piles of Games.The Rotary Club collected board games for kids. From left: Shannon Haney, Liz Perry, Danielle Marrow-Rivera, club President Doug Porter, Rotarians Rachael Johnston and Missy Meyers.
PUTNAM — Years ago, the Putnam Rotary Club, did a holiday Yankee Swap. But then reconsidered — nothing says Christmas like games and toys for those less fortunate. So the Yankee Swap was traded in for a board games drive among Rotarians.
The drive is always successful. Rotarians contributed more than 80 games that were donated to TEEG, the Putnam Family Resource Center and the United Services Domestic Violence program last week.
Terri Hart, the director of the domestic violence program said the shelter is caring for 24 people including 11 children and some semblance of a holiday for the kids was so important.
Shannon Haney, family educator of the Putnam Family Resource Center, said they are helping 118 families and that includes 207 children. Liz Perry, volunteer coordinator for TEEG said 290 families are being helped this year. That includes 732 individuals and some 281 kids will get gifts.
Rachael Johnston, the committee chair, said she was happy the club was able to help so many children this time of year.
caption:Piles of Games.The Rotary Club collected board games for kids. From left: Shannon Haney, Liz Perry, Danielle Marrow-Rivera, club President Doug Porter, Rotarians Rachael Johnston and Missy Meyers.
PUTNAM — It’s been a very busy week of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club. The club seemed to be everywhere - helping.
Nov. 26 the club members completed their project for elderly shut-ins by making more than 80 gift bags with treats and ornaments.
Thanksgiving morning the Interact Club members jumped into the lake at Camp Quinebaug, raising more than $700 for the camp.
Nov. 29 and 30 the Interact Club along with their classmates began their 27th year of bell ringing for the local Salvation Army office. They raised more than $3,800 in kettle donations.
Nov. 26 the club members completed their project for elderly shut-ins by making more than 80 gift bags with treats and ornaments.
Thanksgiving morning the Interact Club members jumped into the lake at Camp Quinebaug, raising more than $700 for the camp.
Nov. 29 and 30 the Interact Club along with their classmates began their 27th year of bell ringing for the local Salvation Army office. They raised more than $3,800 in kettle donations.
At the Camp Quinebaug Turkey Dip, from left: Gabriell Cerasiello, Paige Perry, June Ferraro, Serena Smith, Sofia Thurber, Niko Kostovski, Sam Hachigian.
Taking part were: Kira Greene, Jackie Dearborn, Liliana Bottone, Christian Menounos, Kaelyn Tremblay, Eli Manning, Sophia Milardo, Lauren Thomas, Anthony Beaudreault, Gianna DiCola-Keddy, Mia Sorrentino, Katelyn Bruce, Lillian Beausoleil, Melanie Dipippo, Ella Petersen, Thatcher Paterson, Livi Gerum and Aidan Tyler from Woodstock Academy; Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaylee Borders, Kaydence Morris, Paige Perry, Emma Campbell, Ella Carota, Emma Campbell, Alivia Ortiz, Angelina Seymour, Jayda Rivera, Maddy Kimball and Carlos Harper Mendoza from Putnam High. Thank you to Grace Akana, Lindsey Sturtevant, Cole Hopkins, June Ferraro, Isabell McGlynn, Tyler Shead, Joshua Tackson, Victoria Patterson, Kayd Patterson, Calleigh Levesque, Dylan Axtell, Anna Bell, Bethany Nieves and Tessa Sheldon from Tourtellotte. Also helping were: Max Gerum from Pomfret School, Hudson Smith from Woodstock Elementary, Talia Tremblay from UConn, Leo Rocchetti, Kelly Alves, Rotarian Jonathan and Keri Tremblay, Dick and Marianne Loomis, Deb Hoft, Emily Barnes, Joseph Adiletta, Richard and Kathy Naumann and Mike and Roberta Rocchetti.
Collections continue Saturdays Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at Putnam Walmart, Putnam Stop & Shop, Putnam Price Chopper and Putnam Supermarket.
Taking part were: Kira Greene, Jackie Dearborn, Liliana Bottone, Christian Menounos, Kaelyn Tremblay, Eli Manning, Sophia Milardo, Lauren Thomas, Anthony Beaudreault, Gianna DiCola-Keddy, Mia Sorrentino, Katelyn Bruce, Lillian Beausoleil, Melanie Dipippo, Ella Petersen, Thatcher Paterson, Livi Gerum and Aidan Tyler from Woodstock Academy; Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaylee Borders, Kaydence Morris, Paige Perry, Emma Campbell, Ella Carota, Emma Campbell, Alivia Ortiz, Angelina Seymour, Jayda Rivera, Maddy Kimball and Carlos Harper Mendoza from Putnam High. Thank you to Grace Akana, Lindsey Sturtevant, Cole Hopkins, June Ferraro, Isabell McGlynn, Tyler Shead, Joshua Tackson, Victoria Patterson, Kayd Patterson, Calleigh Levesque, Dylan Axtell, Anna Bell, Bethany Nieves and Tessa Sheldon from Tourtellotte. Also helping were: Max Gerum from Pomfret School, Hudson Smith from Woodstock Elementary, Talia Tremblay from UConn, Leo Rocchetti, Kelly Alves, Rotarian Jonathan and Keri Tremblay, Dick and Marianne Loomis, Deb Hoft, Emily Barnes, Joseph Adiletta, Richard and Kathy Naumann and Mike and Roberta Rocchetti.
Collections continue Saturdays Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at Putnam Walmart, Putnam Stop & Shop, Putnam Price Chopper and Putnam Supermarket.
Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaylee Borders, Kaydence Morris
June Ferraro and Sofia Thurber, Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club co-presidents, journeyed to the Boston Children's Hospital Nov. 15 to deliver more than $400 worth of toys. The Interact Club raised $205 in donations at the Great Pumpkin Festival.
Sofia's mother, Anita Thurber and grandmother, Guiapka Kostovski, generously donated another $200 toward the purchase of the toys. Victoria Ashley, program coordinator Child Life Services at Boston Children's Hospital, thanked the club for all the toys and was amazed that adviser Roberta Rocchetti drove the club members all the way from Thompson to deliver them.
The Interact Club is now focusing on organizing its annual Salvation Army kettle campaign for the local Salvation Army office. Interact members, along with students from Putnam High, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Woodstock Academy and Marianapolis will be manning the kettles on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday Nov. 30 and Saturdays Dec 7, 14 and 21. You will find them at the Putnam Stop & Shop, Putnam Walmart, Putnam Price Chopper and Putnam Supermarket. Please be generous.
For more information about the Interact Club contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or email: robertarocchetti4@gmail.com.
Caption
from left: Victoria Ashley, Roberta Rocchetti, Sofia Thurber & June Ferraro
To sort clothing for the IHSP-NU-2 U Clothing Closet clothing giveaway. The giveaway is usually held quarterly and is open to all --- all sizes, winter and summer. Every table in a very large room at the Living Faith Methodist Church in Putnam was stacked with clothing for those in need. There were also shoes, boots, socks and more.
From left: The Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club’s co-presidents, June Ferraro and Sophia Thurber joined with two Centreville Bank employees, Erica Barbeau and Kerri Palmer
THOMPSON — The Putnam Rotary Club is more than halfway through its “musical mission” — bringing the gift of creating music to its five service area towns.
Rotarian Karen Osbrey, grant writer and program leader, said volunteers from the club Nov. 11 installed outdoor musical instruments in the playground just completed at the Mary Fisher Elementary School in Thompson.
It’s the third of five installations. When the Putnam Rotary Club was celebrating its 100th anniversary, one of the goals was to plant a musical garden in each of its five service area towns: Putnam, Woodstock, Eastford, Pomfret and Thompson.
The first set of outdoor musical instruments was installed on the River Trail in Putnam. Last year, the club members installed musical instruments in the playground at the Pomfret Community School.
Nov. 11 club volunteers dug holes and installed a xylophone-type instrument and some metal bongos at the recently completed school playground.
The instruments are funded by a Rotary District grant. She said the club received a $2,500 through a Rotary Foundation District 7890 Grant and the club pledged another $2,000.
One of the reasons the club put the Thompson playground next in line was that it was “shovel ready,” she said. The school district and the Mary Fisher Elementary School PTO had been working on plans for a couple years. Osbrey met with the principal, the school superintendent and the playground committee.
Rotarian Karen Osbrey, grant writer and program leader, said volunteers from the club Nov. 11 installed outdoor musical instruments in the playground just completed at the Mary Fisher Elementary School in Thompson.
It’s the third of five installations. When the Putnam Rotary Club was celebrating its 100th anniversary, one of the goals was to plant a musical garden in each of its five service area towns: Putnam, Woodstock, Eastford, Pomfret and Thompson.
The first set of outdoor musical instruments was installed on the River Trail in Putnam. Last year, the club members installed musical instruments in the playground at the Pomfret Community School.
Nov. 11 club volunteers dug holes and installed a xylophone-type instrument and some metal bongos at the recently completed school playground.
The instruments are funded by a Rotary District grant. She said the club received a $2,500 through a Rotary Foundation District 7890 Grant and the club pledged another $2,000.
One of the reasons the club put the Thompson playground next in line was that it was “shovel ready,” she said. The school district and the Mary Fisher Elementary School PTO had been working on plans for a couple years. Osbrey met with the principal, the school superintendent and the playground committee.
caption:
Putnam Rotary Club volunteers installed musical instruments at the new Mary Fisher Elementary School playground. From left: Richard Naumann, Jonathan Tremblay, Karen Osbrey, Charlie Puffer, Emily Barnes, Joe Adiletta and club President Doug Porter.
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
September has been a busy month for the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club.
Sept. 15 the Interact Club volunteered at NOW’s Lap around the Lake 5 K fund-raiser race. Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Serena Smith and Shyla Beckett handed out water at the water station during the 5K race.
Sept. 21 the club volunteered at the Day Kimball Healthcare’s cancer survivor picnic at Roseland Park. They parked cars, assisted with wheelchairs, made ice cream sundaes and cleaned up. Rotarian Kristin Willis, DKH Director of Development & Volunteer Services, said she really appreciated Interact’s help. She said their help with the parking went smoothly.
A big shout out to Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Serena Smith, Calleigh Levesque, Gianna Brinston, Pavanny Phav, Kaelyn Tremblay and Anthony Beaudreault.
The club meets once a month at the Putnam Library. For more information about the Interact Club contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or email robertarocchetti4@gmail.com.
(yellow vests) Helpers at the DKH Cancer Survivor Picnic. From left: Serena Smith, Gianna Brinson, Pavanny Phav, June Ferraro, Sofia Thurber, Calleigh Levesque, Anthony Beaudreault, and adviser Roberta Rocchetti. Missing from photo Kaelyn Tremblay.
Anthony Beaudreault helps out at the DKH Cancer Survivor Picnic.
Sept. 15 the Interact Club volunteered at NOW’s Lap around the Lake 5 K fund-raiser race. Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Serena Smith and Shyla Beckett handed out water at the water station during the 5K race.
Sept. 21 the club volunteered at the Day Kimball Healthcare’s cancer survivor picnic at Roseland Park. They parked cars, assisted with wheelchairs, made ice cream sundaes and cleaned up. Rotarian Kristin Willis, DKH Director of Development & Volunteer Services, said she really appreciated Interact’s help. She said their help with the parking went smoothly.
A big shout out to Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Serena Smith, Calleigh Levesque, Gianna Brinston, Pavanny Phav, Kaelyn Tremblay and Anthony Beaudreault.
The club meets once a month at the Putnam Library. For more information about the Interact Club contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or email robertarocchetti4@gmail.com.
(yellow vests) Helpers at the DKH Cancer Survivor Picnic. From left: Serena Smith, Gianna Brinson, Pavanny Phav, June Ferraro, Sofia Thurber, Calleigh Levesque, Anthony Beaudreault, and adviser Roberta Rocchetti. Missing from photo Kaelyn Tremblay.
(blue vests) Helpers at the NOW Lap Around the Lake 5k fund-raiser race. Shyla Beckett, Serena Smith, Sofia Thurber and June Ferroro.
Anthony Beaudreault helps out at the DKH Cancer Survivor Picnic.
October was a very busy month for the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club.
Books
Oct. 16, the Interact club presented the “Little Spot” children’s book series to the Day Kimball Hospital Children and Adolescent Behavior Center.
Day Kimball officials said: “Thank you to the Putnam Rotary Interact Club for its generous donation of the A Little SPOT book series to our Behavioral Health Child-Adolescent team. These books, written by Diane Alber, are focused on emotional regulation and help children learn to identify and manage their emotions, develop coping skills, and improve their life skills. Visual learning is especially impactful for kids, and this resource is a valuable addition to our clinicians’ therapeutic tools.
We are grateful to the Putnam Rotary Interact Club for stepping in to provide these essential resources when they were needed. Your support is making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.”
Toys
Oct. 19, the Interact Club manned a booth at Rotary Park at the Great Pumpkin Festival to raise money to buy toys for children at the Boston Children’s Hospital. The culinary department at Tourtellotte Memorial High School made chocolate chip cookies to sell and there was hot cider as well. The club raised $206.54.
Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti said: “Thank you to Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Pavanny Phav, Gianna Brinson and Serena Smith for this effort. We’re pleased with the generosity and support the community gave.”
Helped Racers
Earlier that morning, Paige Perry, Isabel D’Alieva-Bochain and Anthony Beaudreault assisted the children at the Tackle the Trail Jr. race beginning at the Putnam Lions Dog Park on Kennedy Drive and ending at the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center.
And just for fun the club members entered Putnam's Scarecrow Contest, using a small hay bale for an Interact Minion.
For more information about the Putnam Rotary’s Interact Club contact Rocchetti at 860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com
..
captions:
Book Donation
From left: Peter Neal, Director of Behavioral Health Services; Mickie Loucraft, Licensed Professional Counselor; Sherrie Wilkinson, Patient Care Coordinator; Savannah Nute, Licensed Master Social Worker; Larisa Zukic-Halilovic, Licensed Professional Counselor; Roberta Rocchetti, Putnam Rotary Interact Club advisor; Tayler Shea, Behavioral Health intern; Sofia Thurber, Co-President, Putnam Rotary Interact Club.
Park Fund-raising
From left: Interact Sofia Thurber, Gianna Brinson, Serena Smith, June Ferraro, Pavanny Phav. Courtesy photos.
Rotary District 7890 Foundation Recognition Brunch
2023 - 2024
Key Foundation Projects
District and Global Grants
On a beautiful summer day, the Putnam Rotary Club held their weekly meeting at Rotary Park. Lunch was provided by Renee's Catering.
Club President, Doug Porter, organized the meeting as a social meeting for the Club. Rotarian, Karen Osbrey, presented a short history of Rotary Park. The Park was created after hurricane of 1955 with the help from contributions for Rotary Clubs across United States.
The Club continues to support the Park with the help of a Club committee, "Gardeners in the Park". The Club also contributed money to the Town of Putnam for an irrigations system and a new lawn for the Park.
Although it was mostly a social meeting, when Rotarians get together business always gets done. On Tuesday, the Club pledged $1,700 to the Town's "Brick for a Veteran Campaign". The money will be used to honor 17 Rotarians that have served in the United States Armed Services. A brick with their name on it will be placed in Veteran Park.
PUTNAM — Aug. 11 was a great day for a fun run thanks to NOW (Northeastern Opportunity for Wellness).
The race started at the Putnam Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center and ended at the Locks for Loves arch on the Putnam River Trail.
Executive director of NOW and a Rotarian, Tayler Sazhin, said there were more than 40 participants with ages ranging from 2 to 11.
She thanked Putnam Rotary Interact members Whitney Pynn and Shyla Beckett for their help with the race.
The Putnam Rotary Interact Club is a Rotary-sponsored regional community service organization for ages 12 - 18. The club meets the second and fourth Tuesday at the Putnam Public Library. For more information contact Rotarian Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com.
Helping, Putnam Rotary Interact members Whitney Pynn, left, and Shyla Beckett helped with a NOW kids race.
The race started at the Putnam Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center and ended at the Locks for Loves arch on the Putnam River Trail.
Executive director of NOW and a Rotarian, Tayler Sazhin, said there were more than 40 participants with ages ranging from 2 to 11.
She thanked Putnam Rotary Interact members Whitney Pynn and Shyla Beckett for their help with the race.
The Putnam Rotary Interact Club is a Rotary-sponsored regional community service organization for ages 12 - 18. The club meets the second and fourth Tuesday at the Putnam Public Library. For more information contact Rotarian Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com.
Helping, Putnam Rotary Interact members Whitney Pynn, left, and Shyla Beckett helped with a NOW kids race.
PUTNAM --- Working already. The Putnam Rotary Interact Club is collecting backpacks and school supplies for TEEG at Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center. The last day to drop off new backpacks and school supplies at the Hale YMCA is Aug. 13.
If you live near TEEG (15 Thatcher Rd., N. Grosvenordale), you can drop the school supplies directly to TEEG. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Interact Club's first meeting of the school year will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Putnam Public Library. The club meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the library, September through May.
For more information contact Roberta Rocchetti 862-933-8603, robertarocchetti4@gmail.com
PUTNAM — To say that today’s youth in the Quiet Corner are bursting with energy and promise would be an understatement.
The Putnam Rotary Club takes part in the Rotary district’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program. Sophomores attend a special program at Springfield College and develop leadership qualities and good citizenship.
They learn in teams and each team selects one student to take part in the World Affairs Seminar in 2025 in Wisconsin.
The Putnam Rotary Club sent five students in June and three of those students were elected to attend the World Affairs Seminar. Rotarian Jay Wade, who leads the program for the club, said having three students from one club go to the Worlds has never happened before.
“It just shows the caliber of the students here,” he said. Attending the Worlds are: Anthony Beaudreault and Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, both from Woodstock Academy, and Ava Tucker from Tourtellotte Memorial High School.
Madison Thomas from Putnam High School and Caitlyn L’Heureux from Tourtellotte rounded out the five attendees of RYLA’s Springfield program. Beaudreault, D’Alleva-Bochain and Thomas described their experiences in Springfield at a recent Rotary meeting.
On the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club side, the new co-presidents spoke to the Rotary Club and described the year they have planned. Sofia Thurber and June Ferraro summarized the very busy year they have planned: “We aim to raise awareness for children with disabilities, special needs, and childhood cancer. We’ll collaborate with St. Jude’s and Boston Children’s Hospital to organize events, providing outdoor activities for those able to leave the hospital and kits for those who cannot. During holidays, we’ll create cards for the kids. Additionally, we’ll volunteer at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and raise funds for Make-A-Wish through walking events and school fund-raisers. We’ll wear specific colors to raise awareness and participate in the Special Olympics in March, as well as support Camp Quinebaug by joining the turkey dip. We will also be continuing our journey with TEEG.”
The Putnam Rotary Club takes part in the Rotary district’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program. Sophomores attend a special program at Springfield College and develop leadership qualities and good citizenship.
They learn in teams and each team selects one student to take part in the World Affairs Seminar in 2025 in Wisconsin.
The Putnam Rotary Club sent five students in June and three of those students were elected to attend the World Affairs Seminar. Rotarian Jay Wade, who leads the program for the club, said having three students from one club go to the Worlds has never happened before.
“It just shows the caliber of the students here,” he said. Attending the Worlds are: Anthony Beaudreault and Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, both from Woodstock Academy, and Ava Tucker from Tourtellotte Memorial High School.
Madison Thomas from Putnam High School and Caitlyn L’Heureux from Tourtellotte rounded out the five attendees of RYLA’s Springfield program. Beaudreault, D’Alleva-Bochain and Thomas described their experiences in Springfield at a recent Rotary meeting.
On the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club side, the new co-presidents spoke to the Rotary Club and described the year they have planned. Sofia Thurber and June Ferraro summarized the very busy year they have planned: “We aim to raise awareness for children with disabilities, special needs, and childhood cancer. We’ll collaborate with St. Jude’s and Boston Children’s Hospital to organize events, providing outdoor activities for those able to leave the hospital and kits for those who cannot. During holidays, we’ll create cards for the kids. Additionally, we’ll volunteer at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and raise funds for Make-A-Wish through walking events and school fund-raisers. We’ll wear specific colors to raise awareness and participate in the Special Olympics in March, as well as support Camp Quinebaug by joining the turkey dip. We will also be continuing our journey with TEEG.”
captions:
Top: Interact co-presidents, Sofia Thurber, left, and June Ferraro. Above, from left: Rotary President Doug Porter Anthony Beaudreault, Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, both from Woodstock Academy (and both are going to the World Affairs Seminar), and Madison Thomas from Putnam High and Rotarian Jay Wade. Not pictured. Ava Tucker, Tourtellotte (going to World Affairs Seminar) and Caitlyn L’Heureux from Tourtellotte. Courtesy photo.
Top: Interact co-presidents, Sofia Thurber, left, and June Ferraro. Above, from left: Rotary President Doug Porter Anthony Beaudreault, Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain, both from Woodstock Academy (and both are going to the World Affairs Seminar), and Madison Thomas from Putnam High and Rotarian Jay Wade. Not pictured. Ava Tucker, Tourtellotte (going to World Affairs Seminar) and Caitlyn L’Heureux from Tourtellotte. Courtesy photo.
Putnam Rotary Club Honors 3 With Rotary’s Highest Award
New officers begin the club’s 102nd year of ‘Service Above Self’
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club began its 102nd year of Service Above Self June 25 with the award of three prestigious Paul Harris Fellows and a welcome to its new officers.
All three of the newest Paul Harris Fellows were chosen for their remarkable service to the community.
Rotarian Shawn McNerney is a longtime chair of the Ronald P. Coderre Rotary Golf Tournament which is the primary source of charitable funds raised by the club, said Rotarian Marc Archambault, who nominated McNerney. “His commitment to the club and determination to put on an annual golf tournament that is a model for others and appreciated by all who participate, is unwavering. In this, he exemplifies the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.” He added that McNerney has guided the committee with a steady hand and it has raised more than $400,000 in the last 12 years.
Emily Morrison, director of development for United Services Inc., also won a Paul Harris Fellow award. Husband and Rotarian Andrew Morrison nominated her and said: “I nominated Emily for the Paul Harris Fellow Award because she embodies the Rotary ideal of 'Service Above Self' in every aspect of her life. From her professional work raising millions for community health initiatives to her personal commitment as a volunteer and leader in local non-profit organizations, Emily’s diligent service has positively impacted many people in our community. I am grateful to the Putnam Rotary Club for recognizing her many contributions to the Quiet Corner with the esteemed Paul Harris Fellow.”
The third Paul Harris Fellow awarded June 25 went to John Rauh. Rotarian Ronald P. Coderre, who nominated Rauh, said the award honors “People who exhibit the qualities of compassion, kindness and benevolence and who are generous and philanthropic in nature. People who espouse Rotary’s motto of – ‘Service above Self.’ Our recipient is a person who not only possesses these qualities but lives by the motto every day. Quiet, hardworking and unassuming, he’s like the cream in the old-fashioned milk bottles (for those of you who can remember) --- he has a knack of rising to the top.” Rauh serves northeastern Connecticut in a multitude of ways, most recently as campaign general chairman of the Roseland Park/Golf Course Legacy Campaign “150 Years and Beyond.”
Group photo, from left: President Douglas Porter, Immediate Past President Amanda Kelly, Board of Directors members Crystal Simonson, Pam Brown and Jennifer Brytowski; Treasurer Fred Chmura and Secretary Martha Paquette. Linda Lemmon photo.
Impact from Putnam Across the Globe
After months of fund-raising, soliciting donations and sponsorships, the Putnam Rotary Interact Club raised $3,000 to purchase the Solar Suitcase Kit and June 18, with a little bit of teamwork, they put the kit together.
Once WE Share Solar OK’s the club members’ assembly work, it will send it to a school house in a developing country that has no electricity.
Brownie sundaes helped keep all the helpers cool.
Jordyn Butler, past Interact co-president, said:" Overall I thought the solar suitcase was a great project to be a part of. From fund-raising to actually putting the suitcase together, every step of the process encouraged teamwork and community connectedness which allowed us to hone some valuable skills."
Eric Levesque, past co-president, said, "The solar suitcase was surprisingly very simple to put together. The instructions were clear and easy to understand, allowing for a quick and satisfying product. While $3,000 may have been an intimidating figure, with a couple of fund-raisers, and sponsors, we were able to reach the mark comfortably. I highly recommend the project to anyone willing to take it on. "
Butler and Levesque brought the idea back last year from the Rotary Youth World Affairs Seminar they attended. They had both attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program and were voted, by their peers, to attend the World Affairs Seminar.
New Interact co-president, Sofia Thurber said: "I would highly encourage the initiative of constructing a solar suitcase as an innovative science project within the educational curriculum. Embarking on such a project would not only cultivate creative and critical thinking among students but also serve as a pioneering addition to the academic system. This endeavor extends beyond mere educational value; it equips students with the skills to create a practical device that can make a significant impact in regions beyond the United States."
June Ferraro, new co-president, said:" I would definitely recommend schools to raise money for a solar suitcase. It would be interactive and fun for students to build in a science class. It can help students learn new things and maybe help them be more interested in volunteering or raising funds. The solar suitcase allows people that are less fortunate to have the ability to power schools, hospitals, and much more. Overall it was fun and went towards a great cause".
Roberta Rocchetti and Woody Durst, Interact Club advisors, said they were so impressed with the students' approach to the project. They immediately formed groups and went to work putting the suitcase together. One group worked on the suitcase assembly, allowing a light to be attached, a phone or laptop to be charged and the solar panel to be attached to recharge the battery. The other group assembled a switching box which allowed more lights to be attached to the solar suitcase. The students completed the project in less than 2 hours.
"I feel we all learned a lot about the uses of solar electricity, especially in developing countries. I am so happy the Interact Club chose this as their Interaction project for the year" said Rocchetti.
After months of fund-raising, soliciting donations and sponsorships, the Putnam Rotary Interact Club raised $3,000 to purchase the Solar Suitcase Kit and June 18, with a little bit of teamwork, they put the kit together.
Once WE Share Solar OK’s the club members’ assembly work, it will send it to a school house in a developing country that has no electricity.
Brownie sundaes helped keep all the helpers cool.
Jordyn Butler, past Interact co-president, said:" Overall I thought the solar suitcase was a great project to be a part of. From fund-raising to actually putting the suitcase together, every step of the process encouraged teamwork and community connectedness which allowed us to hone some valuable skills."
Eric Levesque, past co-president, said, "The solar suitcase was surprisingly very simple to put together. The instructions were clear and easy to understand, allowing for a quick and satisfying product. While $3,000 may have been an intimidating figure, with a couple of fund-raisers, and sponsors, we were able to reach the mark comfortably. I highly recommend the project to anyone willing to take it on. "
Butler and Levesque brought the idea back last year from the Rotary Youth World Affairs Seminar they attended. They had both attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program and were voted, by their peers, to attend the World Affairs Seminar.
New Interact co-president, Sofia Thurber said: "I would highly encourage the initiative of constructing a solar suitcase as an innovative science project within the educational curriculum. Embarking on such a project would not only cultivate creative and critical thinking among students but also serve as a pioneering addition to the academic system. This endeavor extends beyond mere educational value; it equips students with the skills to create a practical device that can make a significant impact in regions beyond the United States."
June Ferraro, new co-president, said:" I would definitely recommend schools to raise money for a solar suitcase. It would be interactive and fun for students to build in a science class. It can help students learn new things and maybe help them be more interested in volunteering or raising funds. The solar suitcase allows people that are less fortunate to have the ability to power schools, hospitals, and much more. Overall it was fun and went towards a great cause".
Roberta Rocchetti and Woody Durst, Interact Club advisors, said they were so impressed with the students' approach to the project. They immediately formed groups and went to work putting the suitcase together. One group worked on the suitcase assembly, allowing a light to be attached, a phone or laptop to be charged and the solar panel to be attached to recharge the battery. The other group assembled a switching box which allowed more lights to be attached to the solar suitcase. The students completed the project in less than 2 hours.
"I feel we all learned a lot about the uses of solar electricity, especially in developing countries. I am so happy the Interact Club chose this as their Interaction project for the year" said Rocchetti.
For more information about the solar suitcase go to We Share Solar | Hands-On STEM Education | Global Impact.
For more information about how you can join the Interact club contact robertarocchetti4@gmail.com or txt 860-933-8603.
For more information about how you can join the Interact club contact robertarocchetti4@gmail.com or txt 860-933-8603.
#1 Switch Assembly
Top Students Honored by Putnam Rotary Club
PUTNAM --- As is tradition, the Putnam Rotary Club recently honored the valedictorians and salutatorians from its five-town service area.
In receiving their plaques, each student told the club members a little about themselves, where they were headed and what they intend to major in.
From left: Rotarian Kristen Willis, Valedictorian-Salutatorian Committee chair; Amanda Kelly, club president; Pomfret School valedictorian Delia Bousquet; The Woodstock Academy salutatorian Sean Gasperini; Woodstock Academy valedictorian Kayleigh Murray; Tourtellotte Memorial High School salutatorian Kaylee Beck; Tourtellotte valedictorian Eric Levesque; Putnam High School valedictorian Savannah Loiselle; Putnam High salutatorian Lily Goyette.
(Not pictured: Pomfret School salutatorian Simiao Li, Marianapolis salutatorian Violete Torres and valedictorian Bridget MacDonough; Putnam Science Academy salutatorian Christian Chu and valedictorian Tyler Hansen).
US Congressman Joe Courtney visited the Putnam Rotary Club on June 18 and spoke about legislation important to eastern Connecticut --- from child care to submarines and more. Pictured: Courtney and Putnam Rotary Club President Amanda Kelly.
The Putnam Rotary Tool Award was presented to Bronson Swift and Evangeline Moran.
Putnam Rotary Club Golf Tournament Raises $30,000+
PUTNAM --- The weather couldn’t have been more perfect --- for fun and fund-raising.
The Putnam Rotary Club’s annual Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament raised more than $30,000 for scholarships and more.
Co-chair Shawn McNerney said 32 teams took part.
The winners were:
First place: The RE/MAX Bell Park Realty Team - Brendan Meehan, Jared Meehan, Mike Meehan and Courtney Ravenelle
Second place: The Inn at Woodstock Hill – Doug Woodward, Jeff Ives, Chris Brock and Dan Gilbert
Third place: Weiss, Hale and Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors – Doug May, Chris Katralis, Herb Hermann and Eric Whittenberg
“Middle of The Pack” award: Charter Oak Federal Credit Union – Brian Orenstein, Guy Henry, Greg Shetler and John Dolan
Closest to the Pin #7: John Dolan at 7 feet, 7 inches
Closest to the Pin #11: Harold Sparrow at 4 feet, 9 inches
Poker Contest: Steve Bordua
Jonathan Tremblay is the co-chair.
Tradition
Co-presidents of the Putnam Rotary Club's Interact Club, lightsabers in hand, were just a few of the Interact members who were helping at the June 1-2 Relay for Life. The Interact Club raises money throughout the year for Relay and has for many years. In front of them are the tie-dyed socks they sell each year.
Eric Levesque, at left; and Jordyn Butler
Interact Club starting new --- probably just as busy --- new year
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Interact Club inducted three new officers May 28, kicking off a new year full of service.
Amanda Kelly, the Putnam Rotary Club president, inducted June Ferraro and Sofia Thurber as Interact co-presidents.
Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti inducted Kaelyn Tremblay as the new Interact historian and archivist.
Jordyn Butler and Eric Levesque, outgoing co-presidents and seniors from Tourtellotte Memorial High School, gave an overview of all the Interact Club’s achievements from the past year. It was a year full of hard work.
Levesque said the club secured a $1,000 District Rotary grant to help with fencing around the TEEG Community Garden. They also worked hard on revitalizing the garden that had fallen victim to vandals and varmints.
The club also raised $3,000 to purchase a solar suitcase to power a small school in a developing country. Butler talked about the Rotary World Seminar that she attended last June and how we can do little things like repurpose our clothing and avoid wasteful shopping on fad fashions that end up in the landfill.
Sofia Thurber and June Ferraro, juniors from Tourtellotte, spoke about their upcoming year as co-presidents and their focus on children with needs. They would like the Interact Club to get involved with the Special Olympics, Camp Quinebaug, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and other organizations that address children's needs.
Rocchetti gave gifts and certificates to Interactors including, from Woodstock Academy: Ava Hovestadt, Emma Kerr, Kira Greene, Jacqueline Dearborn, Kaelyn and Talia Tremblay, Logan Casteen and Amelia Haynes; Putnam High: Gabriell Cerasiello and Paige Perry; Tourtellotte: Eoin and Caitlin Mercer, Melanie Noonan, Serena Smith, June Ferraro, Sofia Thurber, Jordyn Butler and Eric Levesque.
The Interact Club is a regional Rotary-sponsored youth group for ages 12 -18, they meet at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday at the Putnam Public Library from September through May. For more information email: robertarocchetti4@gmail.com.
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Interact Club inducted three new officers May 28, kicking off a new year full of service.
Amanda Kelly, the Putnam Rotary Club president, inducted June Ferraro and Sofia Thurber as Interact co-presidents.
Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti inducted Kaelyn Tremblay as the new Interact historian and archivist.
Jordyn Butler and Eric Levesque, outgoing co-presidents and seniors from Tourtellotte Memorial High School, gave an overview of all the Interact Club’s achievements from the past year. It was a year full of hard work.
Levesque said the club secured a $1,000 District Rotary grant to help with fencing around the TEEG Community Garden. They also worked hard on revitalizing the garden that had fallen victim to vandals and varmints.
The club also raised $3,000 to purchase a solar suitcase to power a small school in a developing country. Butler talked about the Rotary World Seminar that she attended last June and how we can do little things like repurpose our clothing and avoid wasteful shopping on fad fashions that end up in the landfill.
Sofia Thurber and June Ferraro, juniors from Tourtellotte, spoke about their upcoming year as co-presidents and their focus on children with needs. They would like the Interact Club to get involved with the Special Olympics, Camp Quinebaug, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and other organizations that address children's needs.
Rocchetti gave gifts and certificates to Interactors including, from Woodstock Academy: Ava Hovestadt, Emma Kerr, Kira Greene, Jacqueline Dearborn, Kaelyn and Talia Tremblay, Logan Casteen and Amelia Haynes; Putnam High: Gabriell Cerasiello and Paige Perry; Tourtellotte: Eoin and Caitlin Mercer, Melanie Noonan, Serena Smith, June Ferraro, Sofia Thurber, Jordyn Butler and Eric Levesque.
The Interact Club is a regional Rotary-sponsored youth group for ages 12 -18, they meet at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday at the Putnam Public Library from September through May. For more information email: robertarocchetti4@gmail.com.
Day of Service
The Event was sponsored by a grant from The Last Green Valley.
Despite "a couple raindrops," the Putnam Rotary Club took part in Rotary’s Day of Service by working on the garden beds in Rotary Park. They were joined by Interact Club members from local high schools and accomplished weeding, trimming, installing border stones, spreading pea stone and mulch, planting perennials and evergreens and more. The Day of Service was organized by Rotarian Karen Osbrey who is third from the right in the group photo.
Despite "a couple raindrops," the Putnam Rotary Club took part in Rotary’s Day of Service by working on the garden beds in Rotary Park. They were joined by Interact Club members from local high schools and accomplished weeding, trimming, installing border stones, spreading pea stone and mulch, planting perennials and evergreens and more. The Day of Service was organized by Rotarian Karen Osbrey who is third from the right in the group photo.
POMFRET --- The playground at the Pomfret Community School rings with children’s laughter --- and now it will ring with music.
Some members of the Putnam Rotary Club last week installed two musical instruments at the playground area used by students and the public. No one told the students the instruments were going to be installed.
Principal Susan Imschweiler said, “The instruments were a big hit today at recess!”
The instruments installed after school last Friday included a Metallaphone (similar to a xylophone) and a trio of Bongo Drums.
The Music Garden at Pomfret Community School was funded through a Rotary Foundation District 7890 grant of $2,375 plus $1,200 from the Putnam Rotary Club. The concrete work was donated by J.B. Concrete Products.
District Grant Committee Chair Karen Osbrey said there are 350 children enrolled in Pomfret Community School but the playground serves as a public playground during non-school hours.
The Putnam Rotary Club has five service towns: Putnam, Woodstock, Eastford, Thompson and Pomfret. A larger musical instrument installation is already delighting people on the River Trail in Putnam. Osbrey said the club hopes to install instruments in all five of its service towns. She added that Thompson is building a playground and so a Rotary touch of music for that playground is likely the next one on the list.
Helping Osbrey install the instruments were Rotarians Doug Porter and Wayne “Woody” Durst.
captions:
Some members of the Putnam Rotary Club last week installed two musical instruments at the playground area used by students and the public. No one told the students the instruments were going to be installed.
Principal Susan Imschweiler said, “The instruments were a big hit today at recess!”
The instruments installed after school last Friday included a Metallaphone (similar to a xylophone) and a trio of Bongo Drums.
The Music Garden at Pomfret Community School was funded through a Rotary Foundation District 7890 grant of $2,375 plus $1,200 from the Putnam Rotary Club. The concrete work was donated by J.B. Concrete Products.
District Grant Committee Chair Karen Osbrey said there are 350 children enrolled in Pomfret Community School but the playground serves as a public playground during non-school hours.
The Putnam Rotary Club has five service towns: Putnam, Woodstock, Eastford, Thompson and Pomfret. A larger musical instrument installation is already delighting people on the River Trail in Putnam. Osbrey said the club hopes to install instruments in all five of its service towns. She added that Thompson is building a playground and so a Rotary touch of music for that playground is likely the next one on the list.
Helping Osbrey install the instruments were Rotarians Doug Porter and Wayne “Woody” Durst.
captions:
"Testers"
The Putnam Rotary Club installed some musical instruments at the Pomfret Community School and these kids, at the playground after hours, gave them a try.
"The Installation Crew"
From left: Matt Stachura from J.B. Concrete Products, Rotarian Woody Durst, John Barnes from J.B. Concrete Products, Rotarian Doug Porter and Rotarian and District Grant Committee Chair Karen Osbrey.
Donuts Will Bring Solar Energy
PUTNAM — The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club April 6 held its first ever Krispy Kreme fund-raiser. They raised $1,760 --- and more donations are still coming in.
Interact Club Advisor Roberta Rocchetti said the Interact Club’s goal is to raise enough money to buy a Solar Suitcase kit (a small portable generator) to give the gift of power in a developing country’s clinic or school.
Once the $3,000 cost is raised the club members will put it together and have it tested. Once it is approved, it will be sent to a clinic or school in a developing country.
Interact members were set up in front of WINY Radio, the Citgo in Pomfret, the Citgo in Putnam by Walmart and Runnings.
Interact participants were; Sofia Thurber, Serena Smith, June Ferraro, Paige Perry, Gabriell Cerasiello, Amelia Haynes, Logan Casteen, Jordyn Butler and Eric Levesque. Rotaract members, Matt Gardiner and Nick Megas,helped. Rocchetti also thanked Rotarians and adult volunteers: Wayne and Dottie Durst, Jennifer Brytowski, Joseph Adiletta, Jonathan and Keri Tremblay, Mike and Roberta Rocchetti, Maureen Bender and Adrienne Casteen.
captions:
Amelia Haynes, left, and Maureen Bender
from left: Jordyn Butler, Joseph Adiletta, Eric Levesque
Rotaract members: Nick Megas, left, Matt Gardiner
From left: Paige Perry, Gabriell Cerasiello
PUTNAM — The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club April 6 held its first ever Krispy Kreme fund-raiser. They raised $1,760 --- and more donations are still coming in.
Interact Club Advisor Roberta Rocchetti said the Interact Club’s goal is to raise enough money to buy a Solar Suitcase kit (a small portable generator) to give the gift of power in a developing country’s clinic or school.
Once the $3,000 cost is raised the club members will put it together and have it tested. Once it is approved, it will be sent to a clinic or school in a developing country.
Interact members were set up in front of WINY Radio, the Citgo in Pomfret, the Citgo in Putnam by Walmart and Runnings.
Interact participants were; Sofia Thurber, Serena Smith, June Ferraro, Paige Perry, Gabriell Cerasiello, Amelia Haynes, Logan Casteen, Jordyn Butler and Eric Levesque. Rotaract members, Matt Gardiner and Nick Megas,helped. Rocchetti also thanked Rotarians and adult volunteers: Wayne and Dottie Durst, Jennifer Brytowski, Joseph Adiletta, Jonathan and Keri Tremblay, Mike and Roberta Rocchetti, Maureen Bender and Adrienne Casteen.
captions:
Amelia Haynes, left, and Maureen Bender
from left: Jordyn Butler, Joseph Adiletta, Eric Levesque
Rotaract members: Nick Megas, left, Matt Gardiner
From left: Paige Perry, Gabriell Cerasiello
NE CT --- Cars lined up and when they were done, Daily Bread Food Pantry was the proud recipient of a truck filled with food and a cash box filled with thousands in monetary donations.
The traditional Good Friday Food Drive, held in the WINY Radio parking lot, is a joint effort among the Putnam Rotary Club and its Interact Club, the Putnam Lions Club and its Leos Club and the Putnam Elks Lodge #574.
Doria Daviau, a Putnam Lions advisor for the Leo Club, said at the end the truck was filled and more than $4,500 in donations were received. Daviau has been a volunteer at the food drive for more than 10 years.
The wind was cold and raw and definitely not helpful --- it tried to steal the volunteers’ tent. Despite the windy challenges, the volunteers were collecting with smiles on their faces.
The rain didn't stop the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club from waving and encouraging cars to stop by and make a donation. Kira Greene, left, and Jacqueline Dearborn had fun despite the cold wet weather.
The volunteers said: “We had an excellent day. Great volunteers and great people donating.”
Interact Helping Rescue TEEG Garden
PUTNAM — “With you guys involved, it feels like it will really get done this time,” TEEG Executive Director Anne Miller told the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club.
The Interact Club decided last year to make the vandalized garden at TEEG its main project. Interact members had already raised some money for garden supplies.
Last week they presented Miller with a $1,000 check from a Rotary district grant they had been awarded.
Roberta Rocchetti, Interact advisor, said she was proud of the club members and this is the first Rotary district grant she’s aware of that the Putnam Interact Club has received.
The grant is earmarked for the fence around the garden. Miller said vandals had wrecked the fence, broken the fence gate and trampled the garden. Varmints have been “enjoying” the plantings ever since. Miller said the total is $9,800 and $8,800 is still needed.
Miller noted the importance of the garden — on many levels. Many of the TEEG programs incorporate that garden. It brings people in to work and to pick, “to have that experience,” she said.
The garden grows herbs, plus tomatoes, peppers, squash, peas, etc. In addition rows of flowers such as zinnias and sunflowers are planted to be picked and sold.
In addition to Interact Miller said schools in the area are really coming together. “We have some really determined individuals,” Miller said. “It’s time to start meeting to make a plan — get the garden back on its feet.”
PUTNAM — “With you guys involved, it feels like it will really get done this time,” TEEG Executive Director Anne Miller told the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club.
The Interact Club decided last year to make the vandalized garden at TEEG its main project. Interact members had already raised some money for garden supplies.
Last week they presented Miller with a $1,000 check from a Rotary district grant they had been awarded.
Roberta Rocchetti, Interact advisor, said she was proud of the club members and this is the first Rotary district grant she’s aware of that the Putnam Interact Club has received.
The grant is earmarked for the fence around the garden. Miller said vandals had wrecked the fence, broken the fence gate and trampled the garden. Varmints have been “enjoying” the plantings ever since. Miller said the total is $9,800 and $8,800 is still needed.
Miller noted the importance of the garden — on many levels. Many of the TEEG programs incorporate that garden. It brings people in to work and to pick, “to have that experience,” she said.
The garden grows herbs, plus tomatoes, peppers, squash, peas, etc. In addition rows of flowers such as zinnias and sunflowers are planted to be picked and sold.
In addition to Interact Miller said schools in the area are really coming together. “We have some really determined individuals,” Miller said. “It’s time to start meeting to make a plan — get the garden back on its feet.”
Local girls and boys topped off their high school basketball careers at the Ray Brousseau All Star Senior High School Shootout at Putnam High School March 14. The games have been sponsored and run by the Putnam Rotary Club for more than 30 years.
In a closely contested extremely exciting girls’ contest the Woodstock Building Associate Green team edged the WINY Radio Yellow team 43-41 on a Kylie Damble basket with less than two seconds remaining on the clock.
In the boys' game, the Centreville Bank Blue team ran away from the Archambault Insurance Red team for an easy 101-67 victory.
Last-Second Basket Highlights
Girls’ Game
After trailing 32-25 following three quarters of play, the WBA Green team coached by John Murdock of Ellis Tech used some last-quarter heroics to walk off with a 43-41 victory thanks to Damble’s basket with less than two seconds to play.
WBA Green placed three girls in double digits in pulling off the win. Damble, of Ellis Tech, had 13 points; Tara Hefferan from Tourtellotte had 14; and Alyssa Czmyr of Windham Tech added 10 for the winners.
Lily Goyette of Putnam High School had 15 points and Kaelyn Pearl of Parish Hill dropped in 13 for the WINY Yellow squad. Melodie Anderson of Putnam High School was selected as the MVP of the Yellow squad and Jordyn Butler of Tourtellotte, who had numerous key rebounds for the winning team, captured MVP honors.
Winning Centreville Team Cracks the Century Mark
Led by Camden Nassen and Josh Carlson, who tallied 31 and 30 points respectively, Centreville Blue rolled to an easy 101-67 win over the Archambault Red team. Jake Patterson of Tourtellotte contributed 21 points to the
win, while Jacob Mailloux had 12 and Koby Rock seven.
The Archambault Red team was led by Hunter Larson with 26, Carter Tossetti with 19 and Deonte Snow with 15. Tosetti was selected as the MVP of the Red Squad and Nassen captured MVP laurels for the winning Blue team.
Jeff Belanger of E.O. Smith High School coached the Red team and Shawn Deary of Putnam High School was the winning Blue coach.
In a closely contested extremely exciting girls’ contest the Woodstock Building Associate Green team edged the WINY Radio Yellow team 43-41 on a Kylie Damble basket with less than two seconds remaining on the clock.
In the boys' game, the Centreville Bank Blue team ran away from the Archambault Insurance Red team for an easy 101-67 victory.
Last-Second Basket Highlights
Girls’ Game
After trailing 32-25 following three quarters of play, the WBA Green team coached by John Murdock of Ellis Tech used some last-quarter heroics to walk off with a 43-41 victory thanks to Damble’s basket with less than two seconds to play.
WBA Green placed three girls in double digits in pulling off the win. Damble, of Ellis Tech, had 13 points; Tara Hefferan from Tourtellotte had 14; and Alyssa Czmyr of Windham Tech added 10 for the winners.
Lily Goyette of Putnam High School had 15 points and Kaelyn Pearl of Parish Hill dropped in 13 for the WINY Yellow squad. Melodie Anderson of Putnam High School was selected as the MVP of the Yellow squad and Jordyn Butler of Tourtellotte, who had numerous key rebounds for the winning team, captured MVP honors.
Winning Centreville Team Cracks the Century Mark
Led by Camden Nassen and Josh Carlson, who tallied 31 and 30 points respectively, Centreville Blue rolled to an easy 101-67 win over the Archambault Red team. Jake Patterson of Tourtellotte contributed 21 points to the
win, while Jacob Mailloux had 12 and Koby Rock seven.
The Archambault Red team was led by Hunter Larson with 26, Carter Tossetti with 19 and Deonte Snow with 15. Tosetti was selected as the MVP of the Red Squad and Nassen captured MVP laurels for the winning Blue team.
Jeff Belanger of E.O. Smith High School coached the Red team and Shawn Deary of Putnam High School was the winning Blue coach.
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PUTNAM — Putnam Rotary Club President Amanda Kelly praised the Interact Club members’ fund-raising efforts for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign. They pulled in a record amount of money — and spent a record number of hours in the cold doing it.
In its 26th year, according to Interact Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti, the club members and volunteers raised $15,283.
Kelly said “We appreciate the hours you volunteers spent in the cold, bell ringing.” She added, “Those hours and hours added up.” She also thanked the advisors and volunteers who helped.
The Salvation Army, recipient of the club’s Kettle Campaign efforts, uses all the funds raised in the local area. Debbie White, director of Social Ministries for Connecticut and Rhode Island, told the volunteers in a letter, on behalf of the Salvation Army “you have our heartfelt gratitude for your dedicated service as a volunteer.”
She added, “Thank you for choosing to be a beacon of hope and change.”
The school which spent the highest number of hours on “kettle duty” was Woodstock Academy with 166 hours. In second was Putnam High School with 152 and coming in third was 93 hours for Tourtellotte Memorial High School.
In the individual category there was a tie for first with Paige Perry and Gabriell Cerasiello of Putnam High working together for five weekends and racking up 32 hours. In second was Kaylee Borders with 15 hours and in third was Delta Wagner with 12 hours.
Interact Club members include: Paige Perry, Gabriell Cerasiello, Kasyn Robillard, Delta Wagner, Danny Boriboun, Maggie Kimball, Maddie Jezierski, Kira Greene, Phoebe Griffin, Hunter Larson, Taylor Lamothe, Madie McMahon, Ava Simoes, Greysen Dery, Kiley Elliott, Elizabeth Ladzinski, Amelia Haynes, Logan Casteen, Austin Crim (UConn), Lillian Conway, Caitlin Mercer, Eoin Merce, Vivianna Hill, Jordyn Butler, Eric Levesque, Patricia Peterson, Cade Jones, Jared Nielsen, Emma Kerr, Eden Lusignan, Gianna DiCola-Keddy, Noel Racicot, Ella Carota, Zahara Moore, Ava Hovestadt, Cooper Sweeney, Joshua Tackson, Talia Tremblay, Kaelyn Tremblay, Serena Smith, Livi Gerum, Keivon Robison, Abby Houle, Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Kaylee Beck, Jin Blair, Kaylee Borders, Jackie Dearborn, Avery Thienel, Adam Rumrill, Sara Macri, Angelica Oliveira, Evan Shaughnessy, Julius Lang, Leo Rocchetti, Delaney Anderson, Danny Pynn, Jay Patel, Ryan Rivera, Tyler Shead, Mikayla Bessette, Ava Golden, Bella DiGregorio, Julia Coyle, Grace Pokorn, Maya Rodrigues, Mackenzie Lewis, Angel Sherpa, Noah Russell, Ben Cross, Ela Gadoury, Alexis Phav, Gia DisPasquale, Celine Leffingwell, Adrian Rivera, Grace Akana, Ethan Latandrice, Romeo Devil, Hudson Smith, Adric Devil, Cody Keene, Madison Williams, Arthur Soucy, Lillian Beausoleil, Sophia Milardo, Anna Bell, Jadon Dakal, Colby Ormerod.
Also, Patty Gaffney, Marysia Cournoyer, Adam Rumrill, Maryann and Calvin Heath, Woody and Dottie Durst, Garry Brown, Claudia Ursin, Donna Drasch, Leo, Mike and Roberta Rocchetti, Dick Loomis, Kelly Alves, Harper Smith, Hudson Smith, Paul Pikora, Fred Chmura, Jonathan and Keri Tremblay, Doug Porter, Barry Shead, Pam Brown, Amanda Kelly, Shannon Fagan, Matthew Gardiner, Hailey Messier, Tom and Jacob Russel and Richard and Kathy Naumann.
captions:
Interact Club members, volunteers, advisors.
From left: Putnam Rotary Club President Amanda Kelly, Amelia Haynes accepting the top school award for Woodstock Academy, and Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti.
From left: Putnam Rotary President Amanda Kelly, Paige Perry and Gabriell Cerasiello (2 top individual winners - tied) and Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti.
In its 26th year, according to Interact Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti, the club members and volunteers raised $15,283.
Kelly said “We appreciate the hours you volunteers spent in the cold, bell ringing.” She added, “Those hours and hours added up.” She also thanked the advisors and volunteers who helped.
The Salvation Army, recipient of the club’s Kettle Campaign efforts, uses all the funds raised in the local area. Debbie White, director of Social Ministries for Connecticut and Rhode Island, told the volunteers in a letter, on behalf of the Salvation Army “you have our heartfelt gratitude for your dedicated service as a volunteer.”
She added, “Thank you for choosing to be a beacon of hope and change.”
The school which spent the highest number of hours on “kettle duty” was Woodstock Academy with 166 hours. In second was Putnam High School with 152 and coming in third was 93 hours for Tourtellotte Memorial High School.
In the individual category there was a tie for first with Paige Perry and Gabriell Cerasiello of Putnam High working together for five weekends and racking up 32 hours. In second was Kaylee Borders with 15 hours and in third was Delta Wagner with 12 hours.
Interact Club members include: Paige Perry, Gabriell Cerasiello, Kasyn Robillard, Delta Wagner, Danny Boriboun, Maggie Kimball, Maddie Jezierski, Kira Greene, Phoebe Griffin, Hunter Larson, Taylor Lamothe, Madie McMahon, Ava Simoes, Greysen Dery, Kiley Elliott, Elizabeth Ladzinski, Amelia Haynes, Logan Casteen, Austin Crim (UConn), Lillian Conway, Caitlin Mercer, Eoin Merce, Vivianna Hill, Jordyn Butler, Eric Levesque, Patricia Peterson, Cade Jones, Jared Nielsen, Emma Kerr, Eden Lusignan, Gianna DiCola-Keddy, Noel Racicot, Ella Carota, Zahara Moore, Ava Hovestadt, Cooper Sweeney, Joshua Tackson, Talia Tremblay, Kaelyn Tremblay, Serena Smith, Livi Gerum, Keivon Robison, Abby Houle, Sofia Thurber, June Ferraro, Kaylee Beck, Jin Blair, Kaylee Borders, Jackie Dearborn, Avery Thienel, Adam Rumrill, Sara Macri, Angelica Oliveira, Evan Shaughnessy, Julius Lang, Leo Rocchetti, Delaney Anderson, Danny Pynn, Jay Patel, Ryan Rivera, Tyler Shead, Mikayla Bessette, Ava Golden, Bella DiGregorio, Julia Coyle, Grace Pokorn, Maya Rodrigues, Mackenzie Lewis, Angel Sherpa, Noah Russell, Ben Cross, Ela Gadoury, Alexis Phav, Gia DisPasquale, Celine Leffingwell, Adrian Rivera, Grace Akana, Ethan Latandrice, Romeo Devil, Hudson Smith, Adric Devil, Cody Keene, Madison Williams, Arthur Soucy, Lillian Beausoleil, Sophia Milardo, Anna Bell, Jadon Dakal, Colby Ormerod.
Also, Patty Gaffney, Marysia Cournoyer, Adam Rumrill, Maryann and Calvin Heath, Woody and Dottie Durst, Garry Brown, Claudia Ursin, Donna Drasch, Leo, Mike and Roberta Rocchetti, Dick Loomis, Kelly Alves, Harper Smith, Hudson Smith, Paul Pikora, Fred Chmura, Jonathan and Keri Tremblay, Doug Porter, Barry Shead, Pam Brown, Amanda Kelly, Shannon Fagan, Matthew Gardiner, Hailey Messier, Tom and Jacob Russel and Richard and Kathy Naumann.
captions:
Interact Club members, volunteers, advisors.
From left: Putnam Rotary Club President Amanda Kelly, Amelia Haynes accepting the top school award for Woodstock Academy, and Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti.
From left: Putnam Rotary President Amanda Kelly, Paige Perry and Gabriell Cerasiello (2 top individual winners - tied) and Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti.
3 Cheers for Interact. Beat Last Year’s Fund-raising Record
PUTNAM --- “Three cheers for Putnam Rotary's Interact Club and friends who manned the Salvation Army kettles for five weekends in a row!”
Interact Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti was thrilled with the fifth and final day of Salvation Army bell ringing.
More than $1,800 was collected and the grand total was more than $14,000.
“It was another wonderful day,” she said.
The Dec. 23 collection helped the club break last year’s record of $13,000.
“We couldn't have achieved this goal without the support of our local students,” she added.
Help came from Putnam High School: Jay Patel, Keivon Robinson and Delta Wagner. The Woodstock Academy: Maya Rodriguez, Ben Cross, Ela Gadoury, Grace Pokorny, Celine Leffingwell, Madison Williams, Arthur Soucy, Lillian Beausoleil and Sophia Milardo. Tourtellotte Memorial High School: Alexis Phav, Gia Dipasquale, Anna Bell, Jadon Dakai, Adrian Rivera, Grace Akana and Colby Ormerod. Rotarians: Doug Porter, Pam Brown, Amanda Kelly, Michael Rocchetti.
The Interact Club is a regional club for ages 12 - 18 and meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Putnam Library. For more information contact Roberta Rocchetti -860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com
caption: Helper Michael Rocchetti mans a Salvation Army Kettle
First week of Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club Bell Ringing Nets $3,000+
Salvation Army Kettle Campaign continues from 9 to 5 every Sat. including Dec. 23
PUTNAM --- Once again the Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club organized the Putnam Salvation Army Kettle Campaign for its 26th year, beginning on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25.
The campaign will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday coming up, including Dec. 23, at Putnam Supermarket, Price Chopper, Walmart and Stop & Shop.
"This year we had a new device attached to our kettle stand that allows people to tap (their credit card for) a $5, $10 or $20 donation," said Roberta Rocchetti, Interact advisor. “Hopefully this will help those that want to make a donation but do not carry cash."
The total for the first weekend was over $3,000.
Rocchetti praised Putnam High School students Paige Perry and Gabriell Cerasiello who rang for eight hours. She thanked the bell ringers and volunteers --- from PHS: Kaysn Robillard, Madeleine Kimball, Delta Wagner and Danny Boriboun; from Tourtellotte Memorial High School: Jordyn Butler, Eric Levesque, Patricia Peterson, Noel Racicot Caitlin and Eoin Mercer and Vivianna Hill; from The Woodstock Academy: Greysen Dery, Kiley Elliott, Elizabeth Ladzinski, Kira Greene, Phoebe Griffin, Maddie Jezierski, Hunter Larson, Taylor Lamothe, Madie McMahon, Ava Simoes, Lillian Conway, Amelia Haynes, Logan Casteen, Cade Jones, Jared Nielsen, Emma Kerr, Gianna Dicola-Keddy and Eden Lusignan.
Boy Scout Troop 21 volunteers included: Ethan Latandrice, Adric Devil, Romeo Devil, Cody Keene, Advisor Patty Gaffney and Marysia Cournoyer with Adam Rumrill, Maryann and Calvin Heath (Putnam). UConn volunteer: Austin Crim.
Ashford volunteers included: Claudia Ursin, Donna Drasch. Rotaract volunteers included: Shannon Fagan, Hailey Messier. From American Legion Post 13: Garry Brown, Mike Rocchetti.
Putnam Rotarian volunteers included: Woody Durst and Dottie Durst, Roberta Rocchetti, Richard and Kathy Naumann, Joseph Adiletta, Paul Pikora, Barry Shead and Marc Archambault.
‘Ghostly’ Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- In the “spirit” of The Christmas Carol, the Putnam Rotary Club raised money for three non-profits.
At the club’s holiday gathering and at the next meeting, three trays appeared.
The tray with a picture of the book’s “Ghost of Christmas Past” was a place for Rotarians to donate to The Aspinock Historical Society.
The “Ghost of Christmas Present” tray was for donations to IHSP/Daily Bread.
The “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be” tray was the place for donations for the club’s Interact Club. Interactors are on a mission this year to help restore the Community Garden at TEEG --- for its future.
Rotarians are generous all year long so the quick fund-raiser did well.
The Ghost of Christmas Past raised $40 for Aspinock Historical Society. The Ghost of Christmas Present raised $70 for IHSP/Daily Bread and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be raised $200 for the Interact Club’s efforts toward the future of the TEEG garden.
Rotarian John Miller receives the check for $40 from the Ghost of Christmas Past fund-raiser from Putnam Rotary Club President Amanda Kelly. Elaine Turner, right, who was the speaker at the club’s Jan. 9 meeting, happens to be a member of the Aspinock Historical Society so Miller asked her to step up, too.
Rotarian Karen Osbrey, left, in blue, receives a check for $70 from the Ghost of Christmas Present fund-raiser from club President Amanda Kelly.
Rotarian and Interact Club Advisor Roberta Rocchetti, left, receives $200 from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be fund-raiser from club President Amanda Kelly.
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club was pleasantly surprised by a visit from Rotarian Barry Shead.
Representing the Putnam Masonic Lodge 46, he presented Interact Club President Jordyn Butler with a check for $300 to show support of the club. The Putnam Lodge Masons wanted to thank Interactors for their help with parking cars during the Woodstock Fair.
The Interact Club has committed this year to help TEEG with restarting its community garden and will use the funds to purchase the supplies that are needed.
For more information about the Interact Club contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com
Jennifer Ricci, left, describes the process that Arc workers use to create their famous chocolate chip cookies.
The Putnam Rotary Club's Interact Club spread the good word about the club's good works at the recent Great Pumpkin Festival. And a little rain didn't stop them. From left: Melanie Noonan, June Ferraro, Sofia Thurber --- all students at Tourtellotte Memorial High School --- and advisor Roberta Rocchetti. One of the club's goals this year is to help TEEG restore its garden.
Helping Kids
Oct. 23 the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club members were busy assisting children with their Halloween costume selection at TEEG. Advisor Roberta Rocchetti thanked Caitlin and Eoin Mercer, Julia Lewis, Paige Perry and Gabriell Cerasiello.
Pictured: Caitlin Mercer, left, and Julia Lewis.
Clothing Collection
Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club members are now collecting warm clothing for TEEG.
Members have collection bins at their schools: Putnam High School, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Woodstock Academy and Marianapolis.
Collections are on until Nov. 3. Advisor Roberta Rocchetti said the club members will go through the clothes to make sure they are gently used then bring them to TEEG.
For more information about the Putnam Rotary Interact Club contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com.
Bruce Hay, left, and Fred Ruhlemann, both of the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, flank Putnam Rotary Club President Amanda Kelly. Coffeehouse President Ruhlemann talked about the origins of the Coffeehouse, a coffeehouse that is so well respected that other veteran groups come here for advice on how a strong, vibrant veterans coffeehouse is created/run. Hay described the coffeehouse's Food Share fights food insecurity.
Two Putnam Interact members Kaelyn Tremblay, left, and Abigail Converse, center, described their attendance at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. They learned about diversity, problem solving and building leadership skills. At right is Putnam Rotary Club President Amanda Kelly.
