Putnam Rotary Club continues support of the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse
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Valedictorian, Salutatorians honored
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.
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Paul Harris Awards
PUTNAM — Service to their communities earned three local residents a prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award. |
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Interact finishes busy year
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. |
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Rotary Club blankets Town with Service
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.
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. |
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Scholarship App 2025 |
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Rotary scholarships: The tie that binds a community
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.
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Salvation Army will be warmed by the Interact Club's fund-raising tally
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 |
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Bundled up and ringing the bells
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.   captions: Celine Leffingwell, Grace Pokorny Isabel D'Alleva-Bochain, Macy Rawson, Kaylee Saucier |
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Rotarians collect games for kids
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. |
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Award
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.
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Interact Club helping ... everywhere
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.  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.  Gabriell Cerasiello, Kaylee Borders, Kaydence Morris
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Have Toys Will Travel
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.
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The Mission is Music
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.  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. |
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Helping Out
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 |
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Foundation Recognition Brunch
Rotary District 7890 Foundation Recognition Brunch 2023 - 2024 Key Foundation Projects District and Global Grants
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Interact 'Active' is an Understatement
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. |
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Putnam's Interact Club has been busy!
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.  (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. |
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Rotary Meeting in Rotary Park
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.  |
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Interact Club ‘Races’ to Help
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. |
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Rotary Interact Club at Work Already
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 |
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Quiet Corner Leaders
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.”   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. |
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Putnam Rotary Awards - New Officers
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. |
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Interact Club Says ‘Let There be Light’
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. 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.  #1 Switch Assembly |
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US Congressman Jope Courtney
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.  |
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Valedictorian Salutatorian Honors
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). |
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Ellis Tech Tool Scholarship
The Putnam Rotary Tool Award was presented to Bronson Swift and Evangeline Moran. |
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Tradition
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 |
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Ron Coderre Golf Tournament 2024
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. |
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Interact Club starting new
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.  |
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Day of Service
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.     |
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New Members
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Scott's Big Check
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Ringing with Laughter ... and Now Music
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:  "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. |
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Putnam Interact - Donuts for Solar Power
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     |
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Good Friday Food Drive a Big Success
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.”   |
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Putnam Rotary Basketball Senior Shootout Shines for More Than 3 Decades
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Putnam Rotary - Interact Club - TEEG Garden
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.”  |
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100 Year Rotary Ice sculptor
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Interact Fund-raiser sets records all around
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. |
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‘Ghostly’ Fund-raiser
‘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. |
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Putnam Rotary - Interact Club Breaks 'Bell Record'
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Interact Club Bell Ringing
 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. |
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Veterans Day Presentation
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.  |
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Great Pumpkin Festival
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.  |
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Helping Kids
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. |
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The ARC
 Jennifer Ricci, left, describes the process that Arc workers use to create their famous chocolate chip cookies.
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Interact Club receives donation
 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
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Interact Member attend RYLA
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.  |
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Putnam Rotary Club marks 100 years with honors
PUTNAM — What is this “no” you speak of? For the Putnam Rotary Club — for the last 100 years — the answer has always been “yes.” Yes to seemingly impossible projects. Yes to always doing more for communities … and worldwide. Right from the beginning, when the Putnam Rotary Club was founded in 1923, led by John Reardon, the Putnam club has been driven, according to Rotarian Joe Adiletta. At the club’s recent awards ceremony and induction of officers, Adiletta gave a brief synopsis of the club’s 100 years of service. From local projects, to helping out nationally to lending a hand worldwide, the answer was always yes. In this 100th year it was always “yes” and projects tumbled into the “done” column. The club received a citation in honor of its 100th anniversary from Governor Ned Lamont.  And even the Paul Harris Fellowship Awards, Rotary’s highest, echoed the resounding “yes”. Jeff Bousquet, of Bousquet’s Appliances, was always there, always saying yes, according to Rotarian Gary Osbrey who nominated him for the award. He embraces and gives back to the community, “all without fanfare,” Osbrey said. “Woody” Durst also received a Paul Harris award. Rotarian Doug Porter, who nominated Durst, said although Durst is a relatively new member he’s always there, serving. He’s heavily involved in Rotary projects and always says “yes.”  New president Amanda Kelly spoke about her goals for the coming year, in line with Rotary International’s theme this year, “Creating Hope in the World”. She gave each club member a stone engraved with the word “hope.” Important for her year, she said, is diversity and inclusion.  Putnam Rotary Officers and Board From left: Past President Missy Meyers, Directors Kristen Willis and Woody Durst; Secretary Martha Paquette; Treasurer Fred Chmura; Vice President Kathy Kirk and President Amanda Kelly. The club’s new officers were inducted and include: Amanda Kelly, president; Elizabeth Williams, president-elect; Kathy Kirk, vice president; Fred Chmura, treasurer; Martha Paquette, secretary; Missy Meyers, past president. Sergeants-at-arms include: Jonathan Sturdevant, Jonathan Tremblay, and Barry Shead. Directors include the officers and: Durst, Kristen Willis, Jennifer Ricci and Pam Brown.  captions: Honors Putnam Rotarian Woody Durst, second from right with light shirt, won a Paul Harris Fellowship award. From left: Nominator Rotarian Doug Porter; Paul Pikora, chair of the Paul Harris Committee; Durst; and Rotarian and MC Joe Adiletta.  Jeff Bousquet also was awarded a Paul Harris. He stands next to Rotarian Gary Osbrey who nominated him.  The MC, Joe Adiletta served as MC and also spoke about what the club has accomplished in the last 100 years. The club was founded in 1923. |
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Valedictorians and Salutatorians
Honored The Putnam Rotary Club last week honored valedictorians and salutatorians from local schools.  From left: James D'Alleva-Bochain (val), Woodstock Academy; Paige Owens (sal), Woodstock Academy; Felicia Fongemie (sal) Marianapolis; Hanna LeClaire (sal) Tourtellotte and Alishia Thompson (sal), Putnam High. Missy Meyers, club president, and Rotarian Kristen Willis. Not pictured: Abbie O'Brien (val), Marianapolis; Sungwoo "Aiden" Choi (1st in class) and Miles Burrello, (2nd in class), Pomfret School; Guinevere Weiker (val) Putnam High; Rafael Machado (val) and Hailey Johnson (sal), Putnam Science; Alex Nachtigall (val), Tourtellotte.
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John F. Reardon Youth Community Service Award
Special Honors
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Putnam Rotary Club's founding, the club recently bestowed the John F. Reardon Youth Community Service Award on five high school students --- one from each of the club's five-town service areas.  The one-time award, named after the founder of the Putnam Rotary Club, went to students: Maya Gerum, 2nd from left, Pomfret School, entering Northeastern University/environmental sciences; Lennon Favreau, center, Woodstock Academy, entering Wesleyan University; and Emily St. Martin, right, Putnam High School, entering Endicott College/nursing. Not present were winners Aubrey Rumrill of Eastford, Woodstock Academy, entering University of Maine/biology and Jordyn Butler of Thompson, entering her senior year at Tourtellotte Memorial High School. Far right is club president Missy Meyers. Far left is Rande Chmura who conceived the idea of the award and chaired the committee which chose the five recipients. |
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Roots of Development
Putnam Rotary Club hosted a virtual visit by Chad Bissonnette of Roots of Development, and Louino Robillard of Rasin Development. They are leading the water access project on La Gonave island in Haiti, which our club partially funded this past year. Photos shown were part of their presentation on the progress made by this local Haitian community. So inspiring to have even a small role in such a worthwhile project!! .  |
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One-Time Award will Honor Club's First Presidentl's First President
Putnam Rotary to Honor Students with Youth Service Award Nominations Open April 1 to May 15 In celebration of its 100th year, the Putnam Rotary Club will be honoring five local high school students with the Robert P. Reardon Youth Service Award. This one-time award is named after the club’s first president. The club will award $200 each to one student from each of the club’s town service areas: Eastford, Pomfret, Putnam, Thompson and Woodstock. Club President Missy Meyers said: “The Putnam Rotary Club is very excited for this opportunity to recognize the exceptional youth in our area, who voluntarily commit their time and energy to community service. The motto for Rotary is Service Above Self, and we can’t wait to see the nominations for the Reardon Youth Awards, to see the inspiring stories of how local high school students prioritize the same values.” To be eligible for this award, the student must be in grades 9 through 12, live in one of the club’s five service towns and show that they exemplify Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Community service as a volunteer is the keystone of this award and the student’s daily conduct should incorporate the values of Rotary, as highlighted in Rotary’s “4-Way Test” of service: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Students can be nominated by faculty, teachers, fellow students, friends or neighbors. Nomination forms are available at: https://form.jotform.com/ The deadline is May 15. The awards will be presented at the Putnam Rotary Club Gala on June 3. For information or questions contact Rande Chmura at rchmura20@gmail.com.  |
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Ray Brousseau All Star Basketball Shoot-Out
All Stars Shoot Lights Out at Rotary -Brousseau Game Playing in front of a sparse crowd of family, friends, fellow students and Putnam Rotary Club members, the high school senior basketball boys and girls put on an offensive barrage never witnessed in the history of the Putnam Rotary Club Ray Brousseau Memorial Senior All Star game. Due to a low turnout of female players the teams were combined with men and women on both squads. A combined total of 214 points was scored. with the winning Green team coached by Donte Adams and Denzel Washington of The Woodstock Academy edging the Blue squad coached by Neil Bernier and Lee Blanchette of Tourtellotte Memorial High School. The final score was 108-106 in a game that went down to the wire for the evenly matched teams. The contest was close throughout with the Blue team on top 57-53 at halftime. The game winning basket by the Green squad was scored by Putnam’s Alonzo Henries on a tip in with less than two seconds on the clock. The winners were paced by team Most Valuable Player Mikey Monroe of Parish Hill who finished with 29 points, nine rebounds and seven assists on the night. Henries totaled 13 points for the winners. Hailey Johnson of Putnam Science Academy was the women’s MVP for the winners The losing Blue team was led by hot shooting Brody Belanger of Windham Tech, who poured in 49 points with an amazing demonstration of three-point bombs, explosive dunks and slashing moves to the hoop. He was selected as the Blue team MVP. Putnam Clipper Emily St. Martin was the women’s MVP for the Blue squad. Dylan Johnson of Tourtellotte Memorial High School and Carter Tosetti of Woodstock each walked away $50 richer thanks to CorePlus Credit Union, which sponsored the halftime shootout. The duo of Johnson and Tosetti made shots from the foul line, top of the key and half court to earn the $50 reward. The game was a total community effort with the referees from Board #35 donating their services. The refs were led by Bill Monaco. Working with him were Matt Phillips, former UConn woman’s player Shannon Saunders and David Coderre. The scoring and time keeping were done by Fred Hutchins and Maurice “Moe” Coderre, who also led those in attendance by performing the National Anthem. Sponsors of the game included The Woodstock Academy, CorePlus Credit Union, Centreville Bank, WINY Radio, Benpe Consulting and Archambault Insurance Associates. Game participation mementos, presented to all players, and the MVP Awards were sponsored by the Byrnes Agency of Dayville and Norwich. Rotarian Jonathan Tremblay was the chairperson of the organizing committee. Working with Tremblay were H. Douglas Porter, Dick Loomis, Ron Coderre, Jon Sturdevant, Club President Missy Meyers, Deb Hoft, John Miller, Woody Durst and Richard Naumann. “The Putnam Rotary Club is pleased to sponsor this annual game featuring the senior boys and girls all stars. It’s part of our commitment to the young people of our communities. We’re looking forward to next year. Congratulations to these players for putting on one heck of a show for those in attendance,” said chairman Tremblay.  Captions: MVPs Brody Belanger of Windham Tech (blue) and Mikey Monroe of Parish Hill with Jonathan Tremblay, chair of the Rotary basketball committee.  MVPs Putnam Clipper Emily St. Martin (blue) and Hailey Johnson of Putnam Science Academy stand with Jonathan Tremblay, chair of the Rotary basketball committee.  The Blue Team  The Green Team  at the scoring table |
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Happy 100 Birthday Putnam Rotary |
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From every corner of the Quiet Corner
The Quiet Corner? Maybe. But Debbie White of the Salvation Army wondered out loud, perhaps it should be “Philanthropic Corner.” From every corner of the Quiet Corner, food, money, toys and more comes pouring out of residents to help those less fortunate. Bell ringing -- 25 years later Nov. 19 White helped kick off the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club 25th anniversary of bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Interact Club co-advisor Roberta Rocchetti said in 25 years the Interact Club has raised $233,200. Local high school students will be ringing the bells from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and 26 and Dec. 3, 10, and 17 at Putnam Supermarket, Walmart, Price Chopper and Stop and Shop in Putnam.  Photos: Emily St. Martin, president of the Putnam Interact Club From left: Captain Joshua Jones and Debbie White of the Salvation Army, Interact Co- Advisor Roberta Rocchetti; Emily St. Martin, Caitlin Mercer and Eoin Mercer of the Interact Club; Missy Meyers, president of the Putnam Rotary Club.   |
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Putnam Rotary honored
Putnam Rotary Honored J. Scott Pempek, left, past president of the Putnam Rotary Club, recently received a Rotary District Citation for the club’s performance in 2021-2022. He is congratulated by Assistant District Governor Vin Marinaro. The Putnam Rotary Club is one of 15 out of 45 clubs in the district to receive the honor. The Rotary Citation is the highest award a club can receive from Rotary International. Courtesy photo.   |
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Interact Club on hand
Interact Club on Hand Oct. 16 found the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club members helping at the TEEG Fall Festival. Club members helped with the book distribution table, costume distribution and at the Halloween candy giveaway table. President Emily St. Martin called the festival a success and thanked Caitlin and Eoin Mercer, Jordyn Butler, Eric Levesque, Talia and Kaelyn Tremblay, Maeve and Callum Lusignan and Jacqueline Dearborn. The club is now working on its "Ornament for Shut-ins" project and they look forward to celebrating 25 years of bell ringing for the Salvation Army. The Kickoff celebration for the bell ringing will be at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 17 in front of the Municipal Complex Building in Putnam. The public is welcome. From left: Eric Levesque, Jordyn Butler, Emily St. Martin, Eoin Mercer and Caitlin Mercer. Courtesy photo.  |
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Interact Costumes collected
Costumes Collected The Putnam Rotary Interact Club is collecting new kids Halloween costumes for TEEG's Halloween costume distribution in October. New costumes sizes 2t-5t or kids 6-16 can be dropped off at the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center off Kennedy Drive until Sept 27. For more information about the Interact Club contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com. caption: Interact President Emily St. Martin holds a poster about the club's collection of Halloween costumes. Courtesy photo.  |
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Kettle kick-off Nov 19th
Kettle kick-off Nov. 19 PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will kick off its 25th year as organizers for the Putnam Salvation Army Office kettle campaign at 10:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in front of the Putnam Municipal Building. The guest speaker will be Debbie White, Salvation Army Service Extension Coordinator. The public is welcome. Since 1997 when the Interact club was chartered, students from local schools stood by the red kettles and rang the bell for the local Salvation Army. The original organizers and advisors to the Interact Club were Pam Brown, Barbara Schreier, Paul Desautels, Bill McCloud and Dena Baskin. At that time there were kettles located at Kmart, Stop & Shop, Price Chopper, Walmart and Putnam Supermarket. A friendly competition between schools began with Putnam High School, Putnam Middle School, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Woodstock Academy, Marianapolis, Killingly High School, St. Mary’s School, St. Joseph’s School, Ashford School and Putnam Science Academy. Rotarian Karen Osbrey, an Interact advisor, designed the Ring-a-Ling Trophy award for the student with the most bell ringing hours. This trophy has been passed down from winner to winner over the years. The most recent winner was Abby Smith from The Woodstock Academy. From December 1997 to December 2021 the Interact Club has helped raise more than $233,200 for Putnam’s Salvation Army Office. Kathi Peterson, Community Service coordinator of the Putnam office, said the money is used for the needy in northeastern Connecticut for utilities, rent and fuel oil. Recently there have been other groups to assist the Interact Club in this endeavor, including Boy Scout Troop 21 and 25, Creation Church, the Leos Club, the Quinebaug Valley Rotaract Club, TEEG and the Ashford Social Services. Look for the kettles at the Putnam Stop & Shop, Putnam Price Chopper, Putnam Walmart and Putnam Supermarket. A tap payment device is on the sign for easy donations. Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti said, “The Interact Club is excited to celebrate 25 years of bell ringing and looks forward to another successful year. |
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Interact Flyer
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Always Helping Interact Club
The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club helped TEEG in a very big way by volunteering with the backpack distribution at Pomfret Community School, Woodstock Middle School and the TEEG facility in Thompson. Families were able to come to these locations and fill their backpacks with school supplies. The Interact Club also made a donation of nine Scientific calculators, some composition books, folders, paper and pens, according to Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti. Chelsea French, TEEG program director, said many families were helped and she thanked the Interact volunteers: Emily St. Martin (Putnam High School) and Mikayla Walford from Putnam, Abigail Morin, Jeff Phongsa, Talia and Kaelyn Tremblay, Jackie Dearborn, Kira Greene and Abby Smith (Woodstock Academy); Jordyn Butler, Eric Levesque, Melanie Noonan and Kaylee Beck (Tourtellotte Memorial High School). The Putnam Rotary Interact Club is a regional club for students ages 12 - 18 and meets from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday from September through May at the Putnam Library. Rocchetti said “It is a great way to help our community and earn community service hours at the same time. Our volunteer activities help TEEG, Daily Bread, the local Salvation Army, Day Kimball Hospital, the Alzheimer's association and Relay For Life, to name a few. Sept. 13 is the date of our first meeting.” For more information contact Rocchetti at 860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com. captions: - Chelsea French, left, of TEEG, and Emily St. Martin, president of the Interact Club. - Interact Club members helped TEEG distribute school supplies. Courtesy photos. |
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Congressman Joe Courtney
Congressman Joe Courtney visited the Putnam Rotary Club meeting today! He spoke at length about the recent legislation being passed to support veterans (the PACT Act), the production of semi-conductors and other innovations (the CHIPS & Science Act) and the environment, manufacturing and access to healthcare (the Inflation Reduction Act). Rotarians appreciated the opportunity to ask questions about Congressional activity and discuss the future needs of northeastern CT.   |
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Honored Marc Archambault and Roberta Rocchetti
Honored. Two Putnam Rotarians received Paul Harris Plus pins recognizing their level of support to the Rotary Foundation. Marc Archambault, left, received the Paul Harris Plus 3 pin and Roberta Rocchetti, center, received the Paul Harris Plus 1 pin. The pins were presented by Missy Meyers, Putnam Rotary Club president, right.  |
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Recognition Scott Pempek
Recognition Missy Meyers, Putnam Rotary Club president, July 12 presented J. Scott Pempek, past president, with a Paul Harris Plus 3 pin in recognition of his level of donations to the Rotary Foundation.  |
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Newest Paul Harris Award Recipient 2
Putnam Rotary Club Bestows Paul Harris Fellow Award on Jason Verraneault “It is said that when asked to help out, Jason just can’t say no. I would say, it’s not that he can’t, it’s more that he just doesn’t want to. It’s not in his nature.” These were the words written about Jason Verraneault, the Putnam Rotary Club’s most recent Paul Harris Fellow honoree. He received the award at the Putnam Rotary Club’s July 12 meeting from Missy Meyers, the club’s recently installed president. In her nomination of Verraneault for The Rotary Foundation’s highest award, Meyers, recounted only part of a list of Verraneault’s involvement in the community --- from Little League to Daily Bread to schools and beyond. Meyers said “Jason’s volunteerism is spread across our entire region.” She added: “Jason also extends himself to many local Board of Director groups, and currently serves on the board for Northeast Placement Services and Quiet Corner Cares. As the owner of NorthStar Home Loans LLC, he is very active in promoting local business and is the vice president of the Killingly Business Association and on the Executive Committee of the Putnam Business Association. In addition to all of these ongoing commitments, Jason also responded during the COVID pandemic and became very engaged for an extended time in the Food Distribution Drives hosted by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse and Town of Putnam. “Jason is clearly a very busy guy, but he always makes time to give of himself to his community. He puts the virtues of volunteerism front and center, and models this ethic to his children and employees, often getting all of them to join him in whatever the latest task is to support our region. His altruism and enthusiasm are infectious.”  |
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Rotaract Club Awards Scholarships, Honors
Rotaract Club Awards Scholarships, Honors The Putnam Rotary Club’s Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club gave away multiple student scholarships to local students from NE CT who are going on to pursue a higher education. The club also honored a number of community members and businesses for their continuous support of the QVR Rotaract Club’s mission. Special Recognitions: Rotaract Rockstar: Adam Rondeau; Rotaract Alumni Award: Maria Thomas; Community Partnership Award: Byrnes Agency. Scholarship Recipients: Morgan Bentley, Reagan Boledovic, Amayah Chavez, Alivia Dalpe, Zachary Roethlein. In addition, the club presented a $2,250 donation to Tim Kettle at Northeast Placement Services, its 2022 Cornhole Tournament beneficiary. Current president Elle-Jordyn Goslin passed the gavel to incoming 2022-2023 club President Tayler Shea.  |
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Newest Paul Harris Recipient
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club recently bestowed its highest honor, a Paul Harris Fellow Award, on Monique Wolanin. Wolanin, a 15-year veteran as director of Institutional Advancement at Quinebaug Valley Community College, has “raised funds so that the residents of northeastern Connecticut are provided the opportunity to attend QVCC regardless of income. In doing this, Monique has provided a tremendous service to this community and has truly exemplified the Rotary motto of Service Above Self,” said Rotarian Marc Archambault, who nominated her for the award. He added: “She has been remarkably effective at her work, leading the Foundation as it has grown from an organization with $1.5 million in assets to one with $6 million. The number and amount of scholarships and institutional support for residents on northeastern Connecticut has grown six-fold in that time. Monique has developed innovative friend-raising and fund-raising ideas like the Visions in Leadership program, QVCC Spelling Bee, Donuts for Donations, QVCC Golf Tournament, and her ultimate brainchild, the Tackle the Trail Race which has grown not only in distance, but in popularity and participation. Monique does all of this with one goal in mind – Transforming lives for the people of northeastern Connecticut.” Archambault said Wolanin “has a tremendous work ethic. She is intelligent, she is an enthusiastic leader, she is feisty and she has unmatched grit and determination.” He added Wolanin has “been the face of QVCC in the community.” “She has done all this while confronting head-on a very scary health situation. She has done it with grit and determination, and with remarkable passion and enthusiasm. Her love for our community is evident and her drive to change lives is truly a part of who she is.”  |
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Inauguration of new President
Putnam Rotary Club Begins New Year June 28 the Putnam Rotary Club held its 99th Induction ceremony. Outgoing President J. Scott Pempek was honored, while the gavel was officially passed to incoming President Missy Meyers. Meyers shared her plans for the upcoming year including more community outreach and volunteerism, targeted efforts around housing insecurity and plans for the club’s 100th Anniversary. This year’s Paul Harris Fellow was also presented to Monique Wolanin, director of Institutional Advancement at QVCC. A Paul Harris Fellow can be awarded to those who regularly exhibit extraordinary contributions to their respective club, community and/or fellow citizens. She was selected for her commitment to raise funds so that all residents of northeastern Connecticut are provided the opportunity to attend QVCC regardless of income, to support educational excellence, technological advancement, and professional development at the College and to serve as the regional advisory council.  |
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Probate Judge Leah Schad
Probate Court Outreach Continues The Rotary Club of Putnam hosted Probate Judge Leah Schad and Chief Clerk Mary Ann Champney at an outreach program about the services provided by the Northeast Probate Court at their weekly meeting on June 7. Judge Schad presented information about the probate process and the services provided by the court to the local community. Judge Schad explained that the probate court helps families who have lost a loved one settle their estates, appoints conservators when a family member is no longer able to care for themselves, and appoints guardians to protect the intellectually disabled and handles matters involving children in need. The Northeast Probate District covers the towns of Ashford, Brooklyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Putnam, Thompson and Woodstock. Judge Schad described the origins of the probate outreach program to the Rotary members. Prior to COVID, clerks at the court were able to sit down with residents and give personal assistance to people going through a difficult time. Judge Schad and Chief Clerk Champney now travel to area senior centers, town halls, libraries and community groups to bring that service back to people struggling with life events who need the help of the probate court. The next outreach program is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. June 21 at the Thompson Public Library. If you are a member of a group that would like to schedule an event, please contact Judge Leah Schad or Chief Clerk Mary Ann Champney at 860-928-4844. caption: Probate Judge Leah Schad and Putnam Rotary Club President following the judge's program at the June 7 club meeting.  |
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Interact Club blows fund-raising record out of the water
Interact Club blows fund-raising record out of the water The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club raised a record breaking $10,008 for this year's Northeastern CT Relay For Life through daffodil sales, donations and sponsorships. Interact advisor Roberta Rocchetti said last year they raised $3,500. June 4 the Interact members and friends sold a total 33 pairs of their famous tie-dyed socks for a total of $102. In attendance were Sierra Girard (QMC), Lucas Cornell (Ellis Tech), Emily St. Martin, Amayah Chavez (PHS), Mikayla Walford (Putnam), Christine Denaker, Adisyn Makara (Dayville), Leo Rocchetti (Stafford Springs), Roberta Rocchetti (advisor). And Rotaract Helps, Too Meanwhile the Putnam Rotary Club’s Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club manned the Relay For Life Raffle Tent and sold more than $600 in tickets. Helping at the tent were: Tayler Shea, Andrew Arpin, Haylee Olsen, Shannon Fagan and Woody and Dottie Durst from the Putnam Rotary Club. Captions: Putnam Rotary Club's Interact Club sold their tie-dyed socks to raise money at the Relay For Life. From left: Leo Rocchetti, advisor Roberta Rocchetti and Christine Denakes and (front) Adisyn Makara. The Putnam Rotary Club's Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club ran the basket raffle fund-raiser table at the Relay For Life June 4. There were so many baskets they didn't all fit on two large tables.   |
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Award
Award Putnam Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek, left, awarded Rotarian Fred Chmura a Paul Harris Plus 2 pin in recognition of his level of donations to the Rotary Foundation.  |
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Putnam Rotary Club’s Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament
Winners Besides the Putnam Rotary Club’s Scholarship Fund, winners of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament on May 27 include: First Place: 54 Paul Archer Dave Langevin, Tim Whitecross, Bruce Barrett Second Place: 58 Dr. Jeff Simpson, Dr. Jack Mooney, Joe Malardo, Brian Litke Third Place: 58 Brendan Meehan, Michael Meehan, Jared Meehan, Courtney Ravenelle Closest to Pin: Hole 7: Tim Whitecross Hole 11: Jim St Jean Winners of the Ace in the Hole Awards were: Center: Rotarians Jeffrey Rawson and Marc Archambault, flanked by Putnam Rotary President J. Scott Pempek on the left, and tournament namesake Ronald P. Coderre.   |
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Animal Rescue
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Fish Steals Fishing Pole
Fish Steals Fishing Pole
Kids at Rotary fishing derby have a great time PUTNAM — More than 50 kids came to the banks of the Quinebaug River and had a blast at the 48th annual Putnam Rotary Club Noe Poulin Fishing Derby. When you added the cheerleaders (parents) there were more than 100 people at the event. After registration, the kids lined the banks of the Quinebaug and started fishing. Awards in three age categories were made and then they were treated to lunch. This year everyone was encouraged to release their fish after they were measured Awards went to: Largest Fish – 13 – 15 years old – Trevor Bouchard – 13” yellow perch Largest Fish – 10 -12 years old – Hailey Rourke – 6 ½” bullhead Largest Fish – 6 – 9 years old – Jenna Taylor – 29” carp Largest Fish – 0 – 5 year olds – Savanna Burke – 22” carp Most Fish caught – Bryce Plouffle – several sunfish Smallest fish (4” sunfish) – Willow Les Chandler. The most unique catch - snapping turtle – Izik Alfredo Santigo. The carp that took off with one of the fishing poles didn’t hang around for his “prize.” J. Scott Pempek, the Putnam Rotary Club president said: “It was a great event! I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, the kids fishing or the many Rotary volunteers watching the reactions of the kids when they got a bite and were reeling the ‘big one’ in.” Major sponsor: WIN Waste Innovations which provided the seven major prizes, gift cards to local merchants and 10 additional gift cards as raffle prizes. In addition: Runnings provided several additional gift cards; Rotarians Fred and Rande Chmura donated and cooked the food for the event; Marcy Dawley from Chase Graphics donated the photo shoot frame. Jenn Brytowski of Chase Graphics helped with the event flyers and with an updated banner for the event; Town of Putnam – use of the bandstand and sound system – closing of Bridge Street. Mayor of Putnam – Barney Seney and Selectman Scott Pempek (also president of the Putnam Rotary Club) opened up the event. More than a dozen Rotarians were also there to help that day. caption: Jenna Taylor watches Rotarian Marc Allard measure the German carp she caught at the Putnam Rotary Club Noe Poulin Fishing Derby at Rotary Park May 14. Family friend Wayne Burke is holding the fish.  |
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Honored Doug Porter
Doug Porter, left, received a special Paul Harris Plus Six award May 10 based on his level of contributions to Rotary International. At right is Putnam Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek.  |
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Busy Interact Club
The Putnam Rotary Club Interact Club got busy recently putting together toiletry kits for the homeless with all the donated items they collected at the Rotary Day of Service. Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti thanked Karen and Gary Osbrey for providing the workspace for club members. The toiletry kits will go to TEEG, Daily Bread and the local shelters to assist the homeless. Amayah Chavez, Emily St. Martin and Mikayla Walford put together the kits in record time. At an upcoming Interact meeting club members will be matching and bagging their tie-dyed socks to sell at the club’s Relay For Life table June 4 at Roseland Park. For more information about the Interact Club call Rocchetti at 860-933-8603.   |
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Putnam Rotary Club Supports Literacy
POMFRET --- For the last 6 months, the Putnam Rotary Club has been working with the Pomfret Public Library to enhance the library’s collection of teen books. After meeting with Pomfret librarians to assess their needs and priorities, the club applied for a Rotary Foundation District 7890 Grant, and began planning. A survey was conducted and a Teen Advisory Group was established. Rotarians and Interact members met with the newly formed advisory group to learn first-hand which authors and book genres interested the teens most. More than 300 new titles were purchased, along with a subscription to the Junior Library Guild which will allow the teen and library staff to choose six new titles each month for one year. Special bookplates were placed inside each book. The librarians also compiled a “Wish List” of age appropriate board games and club members donated and presented the games at the April Teen Advisory meeting. Project chairperson, Karen Osbrey said, “As soon as fellow Rotarian Marc Archambault approached me with this idea, as an avid reader myself, I was totally on board. Marc and I are thrilled to see all the new titles on the shelves.” Between Rotary Foundation District Grant funding, the local contribution from the Putnam Rotary Club and games donated by club members, a little over $4,500 was spent on this worthwhile project. The library welcomes input from teens, parents, and educators regarding the teen collection and future programming. For more information, inquire at the Pomfret Library, at 449 Pomfret Street in Pomfret, CT or visit www.pomfretlibrary.org.    |
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‘Banner’ Day For Giving April 9
Rotary District 7890 Governor Joanne Alfieri, center, brought the Putnam Rotary Club a banner for the Rotary Day of Service on Saturday, April 9. At left is Putnam Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek and on the right is Rotarian Karen Osbrey, Day of Service committee co-chair. The club will be collecting items and donations for the homeless from 9 a.m. to noon April 9 at WINY Radio. Donations will go to IHSP (Daily Bread), TEEG and the No Freeze Shelter in Danielson. The top priority is monetary donations for emergency housing (make checks out to the Putnam Rotary Club). Also needed: Toiletries such as shampoo, soap, body wash, toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, razors and shaving cream; towels and wash cloths; manual can openers and flashlights. Also gift cards to local coffee shops, fast food restaurants and laundromats in Putnam, Thompson or Danielson. All the clubs in two Rotary districts will be having a Day of Service. The Putnam club intends to make it an annual club event. In addition, the club’s Interact Club will be helping out at the Day of Service and they will also be gathering gently used clothing and linen for the Interact Club’s Relay For Life fund-raising efforts.  |
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Big Check. Big Gift Ukraine Disaster Relief
Big Check. Big Gift. PUTNAM --- J. Scott Pempek, president of the Putnam Rotary Club, displays the large check representing the money raised by the Putnam club for the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund. Behind him are the club members who donated so generously. Pempek said the effort started after he was involved in a Zoom meeting with the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton. The Zoom presentation was a live feed from Kiev, Ukraine. “That was the impetus to do something,” Pempek said. Putnam Rotarians “stepped up" with donations and Pempek said the Putnam Rotary Club board voted to match the donations up to $1,000. While the check says $2,000, Pempek said the club actually raised more than that. And the club’s Interact Club held a carwash and raised a separate $847 toward helping the refugees. Pempek said the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund will work through Rotary International. Almost 100 percent of the funds raised will go toward refugee relief for Ukrainians.  |
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Collecting Toiletries
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will be collecting toiletries for Daily Bread and TEEG to assist people in need. The collection bin is inside the Putnam YMCA. The collection will run until April 9. Items needed include: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, shampoo, soap, disposable razors and shaving cream. Cash and checks (made out to the Putnam Rotary Interact Club) are also welcome --- please drop off at the Y’s front desk.
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Fund-raiser Car Wash
The Putnam Rotary Interact Club is having a car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26. Rain date is March 27. All donations will be sent to the Rotary International Emergency Relief fund for Ukraine. For more information contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603. |
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Newest Member Wayne Durst
March 8 the Putnam Rotary Club welcomed its newest member, Wayne "Woody" Durst, left. Club President J. Scott Pempek, right, joked that he'd been holding Durst's badge, pin and plaque for quite a while --- waiting for the club to meet in person. Zoomland is not conducive to a new member installation. Kinda hard to pin someone on a computer screen.  |
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MLK mural
    A Presentation featured Dot Burnworth, owner of Sawmill Potter; Emida Roller, local artist; and Matt Conway, Executive Director for Rise Up for Arts They presented on the MLK mural that will be created and displayed in Putnam on the side of the YMCA. During the presentation, they asked for community members to take the survey that will guide the design of the mural. The hope is that this mural represents civil rights and diversity to Northeastern CT. Please click on this link to view the entire report: To make the mural a reality, there is a current fundraiser happening with a goal of $15,000. If you would like to make a personal contribution, please donate through the |
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Interact Club Members ‘Warmed’ by Bell-Ringing Fund-raiser Success
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club conquered the brutal cold and raised more than $11,000 for the local Salvation Army. And they celebrated with pizza and awards. Jan. 22 trophies and awards were given out to the top individual bell-ringer and top schools in raising $11,050 for the Salvation Army in the club’s annual bell-ringing campaign. Rotary President J. Scott Pempek commended the Interactors “Thank you for the work you’ve done. My part was a brief 20 minutes on ‘Kettle Days,’” setting up the kettles and waiting for the Interact members and their friends to come ring the bells. “I got cold in those 20 minutes,” he said. ”Then I thought to myself “Wait, how did you guys stand out there in that cold for way longer than 20 minutes. Week after week?’ The cold was brutal and there you all were, ringing the bells to raise money.” Abby Smith of The Woodstock Academy rang the bells for nine hours, and she was awarded the individual trophy. The 26-year-old trophy goes home with the winner and is brought back the next year to be awarded to the next top bell ringer. Tied for second on the individual race were Elizabeth Lovrien, Zack White and Curtis Desabre, all of The Woodstock Academy, with eight hours each. In a blowout, The Woodstock Academy took the award for the school with the most volunteer hours with 182 hours. In second was Tourtellotte Memorial High School with 27 and Putnam High, with 31 hours, took third. Schools taking part included: EO Smith, Killingly High, Plainfield High, Putnam High, Quinebaug Middle College, Tourtellotte and The Woodstock Academy. Kathleen A. Orfitelli, Salvation Army Service Extension director, also commended the students and thanked them sincerely. “There is not another town that supports the Salvation Army like you do.” The 145 bell ringers, she said, raised $11,050 and she said Putnam had not broken the $10,000 ceiling since 2014. She said: “Over the past years, young people have raised $228,160 under the guidance of the Rotary Club to support the needs of others; clearly exemplifying the Rotary motto: ‘Service Above Self.’” “Because of your efforts,” she said, “you have helped to strengthen your community and will definitely make an impact in the lives of hundreds of people who struggle with day-to-day hardships.”  Bell Ringers Lauded Members of the Putnam Rotary stand with Interact Club members who celebrated their successful annual Salvation Army Kettle bell ringing fund-raiser campaign. Group photo: at left are Rotarian advisors Woody Durst and Roberta Rocchetti. In the center is Putnam Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek.  Pempek congratulates the top individual bell ringer, Abby Smith. |
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Daffodil Days |
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Rotary Club Christmas 🤶 Party
The Holiday Committee is pleased to invite you to our Holiday event this year on Tuesday, December 21st, starting at 12 noon, on the heated Patio of the Crossings Restaurant. The cost is $25 per person and includes the following buffet offerings: Musical Entertainment provided bv PHS Music Department Left to right, Music Teacher Skye Shogren, Thomas Manin, James Lazarou, Kaylee Goding, Jackie Gomez, Railey Anctil, Cheyanne Debold, Adam Tomkins, Melanie Garcia. Please click on this link to view the performance: |
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Generosity and Hard Work …🎅
Generosity and Hard Work …🎅 … Brings a record-breaking season of bell ringing for the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club. Dec. 18 was the last day for bell ringing for the Putnam Salvation Army office and true community spirit was abundant, according to Interact Club Advisor Roberta Rocchetti. Including a $500 donation from the Putnam Rotary Club and a $1,000 donation from the Newell D. Hale Foundation, the hard-working Interact Club and friends raised a total of $10,850.45, Rocchetti said. That shatters last year’s record by $1,100. Dec. 18 was the last of three Saturdays that Interactors, Rotarians and friends and volunteers rang bells at the Salvation Army kettles. And it wasn’t easy. Through raw rain and winds they stood at their posts, ringing away. They rang at: Putnam Price Chopper, Putnam Supermarket, Putnam Stop & Shop and the Putnam Walmart, Dec. 18 Boy Scout Troop 21 took part. Additional helpers included: from Killingly High --- Lola Ward, Carley Dimartino, Payton Keefe, Ayvril Brystowski; from Putnam High --- Cody Keene, Jordan Travisano; from Tourtellotte --- Tara Hafernan, Neveihah Richardson, Noel Racicot, Patricia Peterson, Juliana Rodriguez, Sophia Tomany; from Woodstock Academy --- Zachary White, Elizabeth Lovrien, Silas Strandson, Evan Pimental, Milo Dlugosz, Nathan Droulin, Abby Morse. Jade Demond, Julia Scandalito, Jillian Marcotte, Scarlett Pierce, Dylan Mayo, Lily Pierce. Rotarians and volunteers helping with set up and bell ringing included: Leo Rocchetti, Mike and Roberta Rocchetti, Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek, Dick Loomis, Charlie Puffer and Doug Porter.   |
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Putnam Rotary Club Supports Literacy
Putnam Rotary Club Supports Literacy Pomfret, CT – The Putnam Rotary Club has always been an advocate for education and literacy and this year is no different. Under the guidance of Rotary President Scott Pempek (2021-2022) and through a grant from Rotary District 7890, the Putnam Rotary Club is partnering with the Pomfret Public Library to enhance the library’s collection of teen book titles. Besides $4500 in monetary support, the club and library will hold a Teen Focus Group to give local students the opportunity to choose their desired book titles. Members of the Putnam Rotary Regional Interact Club will also participate in the focus group. Reading is not a technical skill that is learned once and only in grammar school but a developmental process that continues throughout a reader’s life. Through this grant and partnership, the Putnam Rotary Club hopes to encourage young people to embrace a lifetime of reading and learning by exposing them to various forms of writing, subjects and authors. Rotarians (and avid readers themselves) Karen Osbrey and Marc Archambault are excited to work on this worthwhile project and look forward to book delivery day in early spring 2022. “This partnership with Putnam Rotary Club comes at an excellent time!” says Laurie Bell, director of Pomfret Public Library. “We plan to add on to the Pomfret Public Library soon and will be making upgrades to our Teen section. Thanks to this grant, our collection will now be as up-to-date as our space!” The library welcomes input from teens, parents, and educators regarding the teen collection, space, and future programming. More information about the Teen Focus Group and how you can take part is available at pomfretlibrary.org.  |
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Interact Perseverance
Interact Perseverance Not rain, wind or even crutches will stops volunteers from ringing. The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club raised $2,022.90 in its second weekend of bell ringing for the Salvation Army. The grand total, so far, is $7,870, according to Interact Club Advisor Roberta Rocchetti. Dec. 18 will be the last time Interact Club members and friends will be swinging their bells at the kettles at local stores. Club members sent a special thank you to Sophia, an eighth grader from Thompson who came on crutches and was out in the rain for three hours. The club also thanked: Dawn Rivers, Leo Rocchetti, Tara Earley and Haylee Olson (Rotaract) and student volunteers: From Killingly High - Anjolina Oriz, Casey Beauregard; From Tourtellotte - Tara Haffernan, Neveihah Richardson, Julian Rodriguez, Sophia, Hunter Cleveland, Morgan Lapalme, Alex Starr; From Woodstock Academy - Ryan Hanlon, Abby Smith, Julia Scandalito, Morgan Bonin, Lelia Macinnon, Ava Coutu, Amber Ahearn, Hadley Grether, Diego Rodriguez, Maya Rodriguez. The club also thanked Rotarians Joseph Adiletta, Doug Porter, Roberta and Mike Rocchetti for assisting with set up.  |
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Putnam Rotary Club Collects Mountains of Games 💂🏼♀️
Generosity trumps virus-laden times, yet again. The Putnam Rotary Club’s Holiday Giving Committee collected from fellow Rotarians and friends, games for children who might not have much of a holiday. And in a couple short weeks, the committee collected record-breaking 70-plus games, according to Committee Chair Rachael Johnston. Dec. 7 the club invited TEEG and the Putnam Family Resource Center to pick up huge stacks of games so they can give them to Santa in time for the holiday. Johnston thanked the rest of the committee and fellow Rotarians for their help. J. Scott Pempek, president of the club, said “It’s always a heartwarming feeling when we can brighten the lives of others.” The games span all age groups. The Holiday Giving project has been collecting games or blankets and more for a few years. It’s a great replacement for the club’s longtime Yankee Swap Chelsea French, TEEG’s Community Program manager, said some 247 families are being helped. TEEG’s Winter Wonderland on Dec. 18 will be filled with everything from toys to pajamas to personal hygiene items for those in need --- from kids to families to senior citizens. Shannon Haney, parent educator at the Putnam Family Resource Center in Putnam, said so far 95 Putnam families have signed up “but we always have last-minute signups.” The center, too, helps Putnam families with as many needs as possible, not just toys. French and Haney were joined at the Rotary meeting by Liz Perry, program assistant at TEEG. Good thing because their vehicles were packed with games when they left.  Just a Tiny Sample The Putnam Rotary Club collected more than 70 games in a couple short weeks. Dec. 7 TEEG and the Putnam Family Resource Center came to collect them for the kids they serve. From left: Liz Perry, TEEG program assistant; Rachael Johnston, chair of the club’s Holiday Giving Committee; Chelsea French, TEEG’s Community Program manager; Putnam Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek; Rotarian and committee member, Rande Chmura and Shannon Haney, parent educator for the Putnam Family Resource Center. |
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Putnam Rotary Interact Bellringers Report 🔔
More Money Raised The Putnam Rotary Interact Club’s Salvation Army kettles were filled with generous donations totaling $1,600 and counting the weekend of Dec. 4. Thanks went out to volunteers Dawn Rivers, Roberta, Mike and Leo Rocchetti. Student bell ringers included: From Woodstock Academy - Abby Smith, Curtis Desabre, Ella Favreau, Natalie Romano, Alexadra and Alyssa Thompson, Owen Tracy, Ethan Craig, Ella Musumeci, Magnolia Hart, Paige Owens, Lennon Favreau, Dylan Mayo, Lily Pierce & Scarlet Pierce; from Quinebaug Middle College - CJ Orthmann, Rheilley Vegiard, Marylynn Whitfield; from Killingly High - Avi Miller, Elizabeth Marcoux. The club also thanked Rotarians who helped set up: Missy Meyers, Pam Brown,Charlie Puffer and Mike Rocchetti. For more information about the Putnam Rotary Interact Club contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603.  |
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Putnam Rotary - Salvation Army 🎄
An Excellent Start The Putnam Rotary Club Nov. 30 donated $500 to the Salvation Army, kick starting the club’s Interact Club in its annual Salvation Army Kettle Campaign. An anonymous Rotarian donated $100. Both are part of the more than $4,000 the Interact Club and friends collected their first weekend manning the kettles --- a record. The bell ringing fund-raiser campaign continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at Putnam Stop & Shop, Putnam Walmart, Putnam Supermarket and Price Chopper. Roberta Rocchetti receives the symbolic check from Putnam Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek.  |
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Interact Motto: Help/Fun 🎃
Interact Motto: Help/Fun The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club helped the Quinebaug Middle College students and parents who in turn helped TEEG with its Halloween Festival Oct. 23. Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti thanked them and said: “We had fun handing out candy and helping children with arts and crafts and games. Thank you Zoie Castillo, Ashlee Goss, Vanessa Mercado, Vincent Moore and Rene Lajuenesse, Meadow Bulan and Justice Henderson and Suzette Lefevre.” From left: Zoie Castillo, Ashley Goss, Justice Henderson and Meadow Bulan. Courtesy photo.  |
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Halloween 🎃
Volunteers Having Fun Students from Quinebaug Middle College assisted TEEG in costume distribution Oct. 18. For the last few years Walmart has donated costumes to TEEG for their costume distribution. This year at least a dozen families came looking for Halloween costumes. Roberta Rocchetti, the Putnam Rotary’s Interact Club advisor, thanked Suzette Lefevre for recruiting some of her students to assist TEEG. Rocchetti thanked Vincent Moore, Icarus Saffir, Milana Perez, Ashlee Goss, Zoie Castillo, Brianna Fulton and Suzette Lefevre. For more information about the youth group, the Interact Club, contact Rocchetti at 860-933-8603 or email: robertarocchetti4@gmail.com. Top row, from left: Suzette Lefevre, Icarus Saffir, Milana Perez, Brianna Fulton. Front: Ashlee Goss, Zoie Castillo, Vincent Moore. Courtesy photo.  |
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Newest Paul Harris Fellow
No Ordinary Lunch Meeting
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Interact Club helps out !
Interact Helps Out The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club helped during the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Putnam. The walk began at Rotary Park and traveled along the river to the newly renovated Henry Breault pedestrian bridge. The walkers crossed the bridge, turned around and went back the same way for a total of 1.5 miles. The Interact Club, with the assistance of some friends, manned the bridge to ensure everyone stayed on the right route. Taking part was: Sierra Girard, Lucas Cornell, Aysaiah Chavez, Enrico Ong, Jacob and Evan Mailloux. |
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Newest Rotary Members
Welcome The Putnam Rotary Club recently welcomed two new members. From left: Jake Dykeman, Putnam Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek and Martha Paquette.  |
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Donation is Just ‘Ducky'
Donation is Just ‘Ducky' Putnam Rotary Club member Richard Loomis, left, hands club President J. Scott Pempek a check for $770.50. The money came from the sale of tickets for the area’s wildly popular fund-raiser, Pluck-a-Duck. The Putnam Business Association’s fund-raiser saw more than 5,000 numbered little yellow rubber ducks “sold.” Donated prizes were awarded to the ducks’ “owners” as they were plucked out of the water. Several local non-profits, including the Putnam Rotary Club, earned half their duck sales back. Pempek said traditionally the club puts the “duck money” toward next year’s scholarship program. Courtesy photo.  |
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Putnam Rotary - Interact helps DKH
Helping Hands Sept. 12 was a glorious day for the DKH cancer survivor picnic at Roseland Park and the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club and the Putnam Lions' Leos Club were on hand to help. They helped with parking, wheelchair assistance, check in and drawings. Interact Advisor Roberta Rocchetti thanked Leo volunteers Brooke Mayo, Sophia Scandalito, Julia Scandalito, Emma Martineau and Mia Cosentino and advisor Mary Ann Pezanko. Rocchetti, who was there helping, also thanked Interact volunteers Suzie and Quinn Lefevre, Sierra Girard, Lucas Cornell, and Mike Rocchetti. Shown are Interact members helping: Quinn Lefevre, Lucas Cornell and Sierra Girard. Courtesy photo LL  |
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ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES $30,000 PLUS
PUTNAM --- It was a full house, full coffers and full hearts at the 2021 Putnam Rotary Club Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament. One of the Putnam Rotary Club’s largest fund-raisers of the year, significantly more than $30,000 was raised, according to golf committee Chairman Shawn McNerney. McNerney was awarded the Ace in the Hole award for all his work. The tournament, founded around 1985, has been a stalwart fund-raiser for scholarships for the Putnam Rotary Club. Winners included: Closest to Pin #7 – Greg Shetler (1 foot 2 inches) Closest to Pin #11 – Kyle Schmidt Best Poker Hand – Mike Mooney – 5 Kings Net Division 3rd – 41.5 – Brandon Carita, Eric Carita, Gary Rudman, Eric Livingston 2nd – 41 – Jim Zahansky, Raul Olivia, Reilly Decker, Dan Shaughnessy 1st – 39.75 – Ralph Fiegel, Dan Gregoire, Melanie Hopkins, Marie Beauchemin Gross Division 3rd – 61 – Jeff Rawson, Earl Rosebrooks, Bruce MacLeod, Jimmy Logsden 2nd – 59 – Jay Long, Ed Morissette, AJ Siekierski, Bryan Hitchcock 1st – 59 (Matching Cards – Better Back 9) Michael Meehan, Jared Meehan, Brendan Meehan, Loni Wright. captions: Golfers stand ready to go. Carts on the move. Tournament Chairman Shawn McNerney, center, being awarded the Ace in the Hole Award by Ronald P. Coderre, right, while Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek looks on. Courtesy photos.     |
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Putnam Rotary Fun T-Shirt
Putnam Rotary - Having Fun TshirtMissy Meyers, the Putnam Rotary Club's president-elect, had the best T-shirt at the club's recent golf tournament.  |
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Rotaract is Everywhere
Of Service Everywhere You can find the Putnam Rotary Club’s Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club everywhere. They volunteer at the PAWS shelter for cats in need and they volunteer at the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Putnam. The Daily Bread Food Pantry is an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit through Interfaith Human Services of Putnam. The food pantry serves local residents and families with various groceries and household necessities. Members often take part in events of the Putnam Rotary Club and the club’s Interact events. Shown is veteran Rotaract Club member Emily Barnes at her last day as a member of Rotaract, serving at Daily Bread.  |
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Interact at Relay for Life
A 25 YEAR TRADITION --- INTERACT HELPS RELAY FOR LIFE --- FROM THE BEGINNING! It was a hot day Aug. 7 for Relay For Life of Northeastern CT at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds, but members of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club were busy --- filling luminaria bags with sand and a candle and distributing them all around the track for the luminaria ceremony later in the evening. This year the Interact members raised $3,500 for the American Cancer Society. The Interact club was given an award at the opening ceremony for their team support for the last 25 years. The Relay For Life thanked the Interact Club and members Sierra Girard, Talia, Kaelyn and Jonathan Tremblay, Marcy Dawley, Shannon Fagan from the Putnam Rotary Club’s Rotaract Club, and advisor Roberta Rocchetti for all their help for 25 years. Caption: At Relay: Sierra Girard and Talia and Kaelyn Tremblay at the Relay For Life. Courtesy photo.  |
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New Board
The Putnam Rotary Club June 22 inducted its new officers and Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 year. J. Scott Pempek, seated, is the new club president. Backing him up are officers: President-Elect Missy Meyers, Vice President Amanda Kelly, Treasurer Fred Chmura, Secretary Elizabeth Williams and four Sergeants at Arms: Stephen Adams, Paul Pikora, Deborah Hoft and John Miller. The 2021-2022 Board of Directors includes: Immediate Past President Kristen Willis, Stephen Adams, Barry Shead, Kathy Kirk and Crystal Simonson.  |
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Changing of the guards
Changing of the Guard It might not look like a tree, but the plaque, presented by incoming Putnam Rotary Club President J. Scott Pempek to outgoing President Kristen Willis, represents a cherry tree to be planted in her honor in Putnam’s Rotary Park. His President’s Award honors Willis’s leadership in an almost impossibly challenging COVID-19 year. In her remarks Willis thanked club members who did anything but sit back in a pandemic, raising money and serving the community. “We answered the call,” she said with pride, raising and then giving $38,000-plus to more than 35 non-profit groups. The club also awarded $34,000 in scholarships. “There is no challenge too great for this club,” she said. Pempek said his goals this year are to build new membership, get more involved and work on the 100th anniversary coming in Rotary year following his.  |
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Rotary Club recently bestowed Rotary’s highest honor on seven local people
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club recently bestowed Rotary’s highest honor on seven local people. The Paul Harris, named for the founder of the Rotary Club, recognizes the behind-the-scenes service of Rotarians and community members. Bill and Terri Pearsall received the award for their selfless work to help feed the community. They work tirelessly at Daily Bread in Putnam, according to Rotarian Karen Osbrey, who nominated them. The couple is instrumental in the Thanksgiving Baskets that help more than 300 families. They also chair the Empty Bowls fund-raiser and they started the free Thanksgiving dinner for those who would not have a Thanksgiving otherwise. It started at their home more than 30 years ago and when the need grew, the dinner moved to the Congregational Church of Putnam. Along the way they have been members of many organizations including Aspinock and the Arts Council. Bill Pearsall is Putnam’s town historian. Kristen Willis, immediate past president of the club, received a Paul Harris. Rotarian nominator Marc Archambault called Willis a “fearless leader” who didn’t let a pandemic stop the club’s good works. “Every week was a challenge and every week she rose to the challenge,” Archambault said. And the community’s needs were met. Ben Williams, better known as “Big Ben,” was awarded a Paul Harris. More than 4,000 acres of open space has been preserved for future generations under his leadership, said Sarah Heminway, director of the Connecticut Audubon of Pomfret Center, who has worked with Williams for many years. He is a proud Marine, she said and a lifelong educator. She added he’s instrumental in the creation of the new Audubon center. Williams, in thanking the Rotary, said he was honored. “What we have here is so rare and so precious and the community ‘gets it’,” he said. He vowed to continue to be a “cheerleader for the natural world.” Emily Barnes, who serves her community through the Putnam Rotary Club’s Rotaract Club, as a volunteer “market master” for the Putnam Saturday Farmers’ Market, and in many other roles, received a Paul Harris. Rotarian Delpha Very, who nominated Barnes for the award, called her thoughtful and honest. “You always see the real Emily.” She spends nearly every weekend in service to her community, she said, as a Rotaract member, the farmers’ market master and more. Barnes also takes care of the calendar at Daily Bread --- no small feat. Rotarian Pam Brown, who nominated Tom Pandolfi for his Paul Harris, recounted Pandolfi’s service in Vietnam as a Green Beret and his service to veterans, whether it's guardsmen or reservists or veterans. He was instrumental in the success of the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse. That organization serves all northeastern Connecticut towns. The group’s meetings are now held every week and 40 to 70 veterans take part each week. Pandolfi helps veterans navigate complex issues that plaque veterans and was the spark that grew into the Foodshare program that has fed thousands of northeastern people for the last 15 months. Brown said, “He is an example of the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self.’” Rotarian Rachael Johnston was chosen to describe the contributions of the next Paul Harris winner, her husband Shawn Johnston. She recounted his involvement in the community from an early age including coaching and, at 11, his first foray into politics, licking envelopes for a candidate for state rep. Little did he know, she joked, that he would be a state rep later in life, serving his constituents with independence and integrity for 16 years. Service is a core part of him. After retiring from Eversource after 33 years, he turned right around and joined nonprofits in service to the community.  xx  xx xx  |
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Rotary Gives Back !
Former President Kristen Willis and current President Scott Pempek present a check to the Hale YMCA for $400 to sponsor campers at the Y’s camp Cutler!  |
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Newest Rotary Member
The Putnam Rotary Club June 1 inducted its newest member, Jennifer Ricci. From left: Putnam Rotary Club President Kristen Willis, Ricci, and induction committee members Gary Osbrey and Jeffrey Rawson.  |
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Putnam new Municipal Complex
  Elaine Sistare, Town Administrator for the Town of Putnam Elaine said she was going to report on the status of the new Municipal Complex at 207 School Street. By the end of this week 100% of the brickwork will be complete. She explained that new ball fields were being constructed adjacent to the Middle and Elementary schools to replace the ones on the new Municipal Building Site. The parcel where the new building is located, consists of 7 acres, 2 of which has been persevered as open area or not to be developed per the DEEP. The main entrance and the only exit to the complex is on School Street opposite of Walnut Street and where the former Aspinok Historical Society Building stood. At present the site will have 160 parking spaces and additional spaces in the future. There is also an additional entrance on Providence Street. The Main Building consists of 2-stories with a 1-story addition to the rear, which will house the Library. The ground level will house the Library, 3 community rooms, a kitchen for Meals on wheels, the Town Clerk, WPCA, Assessor and Revenue Departments. Meals on Wheels will serve meals 5 days a week and is expected to make 40 to 50 meals per day. The new Library will be over 60% larger than the current Library and some of the furniture will be reused with some modifications. The second floor will be occupied by the Mayor’s Office, Town Administrators. Office, Recreation Department, Building Department, and Zoning. In addition, there will be a 4th Community room along with rooms for the Historical Society and the Town Hall Copy Room. They anticipate that the 4th Community room will be used for the monthly Board and Commission meetings as well as for other public meetings. The expected move in date is August 19, 2021. The overall cost of the project was estimated at $19.9 million. Costs, to date, are at $19.4 million and therefore under budget. Rotarian Karen Osbrey, who is also the Building Chairperson, added that there will be a Gallery and expects this new building to be used for many events. |
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ROTARY FOOD DRIVE RAISES THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND POUNDS OF FOOD.
 ROTARY FOOD DRIVE RAISES THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND POUNDS OF FOOD.PUTNAM --- As far as northeastern Connecticut goes, please mark us down for “plays/works well with others.” The Putnam Rotary Club’s annual Good Friday Food Drive was a resounding success. Volunteers from the Putnam Rotary Club, the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club, the Putnam Rotary Club’s Rotaract Club, the Putnam Lions Club, the Putnam Lions Club Leos Club and the Putnam Lodge of Elks all stood fast in some chilly windswept weather to collect nonperishables and donations to benefit Daily Bread. A steady stream of cars filled almost two vans with food and the money box with checks and cash totaling $6,093, according to Karen Osbrey, Rotarian and head of the Interfaith Human Services of Putnam. In addition to the nonperishables, Rotary Club Interact advisor Roberta Rocchetti said a local bakery dropped off bread and a local farm dropped off eggs. Osbrey said 1,320 pounds of food were donated. There was no drive in 2020. This year’s drive raised less money but saw more food donated.  |
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Interact Raises $ Selling Flowers
Interact Club off to Great Start! PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club is off to a great start in its Relay For Life Team fund-raising campaign. They kicked off with an American Cancer Society Daffodil Sale and sold more than $1,830 worth of flowers. The daffodils and tulips were sold in bunches of 10 or pots of mini daffodils. The club members sold 81 bunches of daffodils, 38 bunches of tulips and 30 pots of mini daffodils. The daffodils will be delivered around March 22.  Interact Gets Ready In this photo from last year’s Relay For Life, some of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club members took part. From left: Roberta Rocchetti, advisor; Brayden Cutler, president (Tourtellotte); Emma Braithwaite, PHS; Layla and Amayah Chavez, PHS. |
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Trivia Night - Rotaract Club |
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PUTNAM ROTARY CLUB RADIO PHONATHON |
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Interact Bellringing 2020
Interact Club members enjoying their pizza party, al fresco. Brayden Cutler, right, and Putnam Rotary President Kristen Willis with the trophy. The day was a bit on the "cool" side but that did nothing to dampen the excitement of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club Annual Bell Ringing Pizza Party held in the Farmers’ Market pavilion in Putnam. Interact President Brayden Cutler thanked all who took part. Despite COVID, the club raised $9,774.86 for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, beating last year’s total of $8,727 by more than $1,000. Some 115 volunteers and 11 Interact Club members made it happen. Schools represented include: The Woodstock Academy, Killingly High School, Putnam High School, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Plainfield High School, Ashford School and UConn. Boy Scout Troops 21 and 25 also took part. Salvation Army Director, Kathleen Orfitelli, thanked everyone for the Kettle Campaign success and said, "Because of your efforts, the Salvation Army will be able to assist 20 families locally." Putnam Rotary President Kristen Willis thanked the volunteers and announced the winners of the bell ringing competition. School with most hours: Woodstock Academy won the “Most Hours” prize with 74 hours, followed by Killingly High School with 73 and Putnam High School with 69 hours. Award-winning students: third-place, Sophia Griffin (KHS), 8 hours; second-place, Kaylee Goding (PHS), 9 hours; and the trophy winner: Brayden Cutler and Katie Lamontagne, 9.5 hours. The Putnam Interact Club has been organizing the bell-ringing effort since 1997. For more information about the Interact club and their next meeting contact Roberta Rocchetti 860-933-8603 or robertarocchetti4@gmail.com   |
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Veterans Day Program Victor E. Lippiello
 In Honor of Veterans Nov. 10, in a Veterans Day program, Putnam Rotary Club members were mesmerized by the tales of Victor E. Lippiello, 100 --- from the bad timing in his Army time being extended because the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor to the lessons gin taught him when he was stationed on Fishers Island to the heart-stopping memory of parachuting behind enemy lines in the Philippines.. Lippiello is a treasure of northeastern Connecticut. Left to right Rotarian and veteran Pete Benoit; Putnam Rotary Club President Kristen Willis; Victor E. Lippiello, 100-year-old WWII veteran; Ronald P. Coderre, MC, Rotarian and American Legion District 4 commander; veteran Mike Rocchetti (husband of Rotarian Roberta Rocchetti); and Rotarian and veteran Jay Wade.      |
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Pomfret Public Library expansion project |
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2020 Rose Sale
  Pictured are Elizabeth Buzalski, Roberta Rocchetti, Rick Place  Pictured are Kathy Kirk, Roberta Rocchetti, Joseph Adiletta
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Duck Race 2020
Donation is 'Just Ducky' Richard Loomis, president of the Putnam Business Association, gives Kris Willis, president of the Putnam Rotary Club, a check for $970. The funds came from the PBA's Pluck-a-Duck fund-raiser.  |
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Interact Club 2020 Relay For Life
Relay Support The Putnam Rotary Interact Club worked hard at the recent Relay For Life at the Killingly Intermediate School. The students helped set up tents, handed out fliers and gave directions to incoming cars. They also lit the luminaries at the end of the evening. The Interact Team raised $1,285 for the American Cancer Society. Here members of the club welcome survivors and supporters to Relay For Life. The president of the Interact Club is Brayden Cutler. From left: Rotary Club advisor Roberta Rocchetti, Interact President Brayden Cutler, Tourtellotte Memorial High School; Emma Braithwaite, Putnam High School; Layla Chavez, Putnam High School; and Amayah Chavez, Putnam High School. (missing from photo, Marcy Dawley) Courtesy photo.  |
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ShelterBox HERO recognition for Rotary Year 2019-2020. 
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Rotary Club hosts school
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The Putnam Rotary Interact Club
The Putnam Rotary Interact Club has three events coming up. The Interact Club will be set up at the Relay for Life at the Killingly Intermediate School Sept 19 to wave to the survivors and to assist where needed. At 4 p.m. Sept. 26 the club is planning a hike at the Air Line trail near East Thompson Road and New Road, about 3 miles north of its junction with Rt. 193. The hike will go to the Tri-State marker. Students ages 12 to 18 are welcome to join. Please wear sneakers or boots and bring water and a mask. The club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Riverside Park Gazebo. Students ages 12 to 18 from the northeast region are welcome to attend. Members are from Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Putnam High School, The Woodstock Academy and QVMC. For more information about the Putnam Rotary Interact Club call Roberta at 860-933-8603 or email robertarocchetti4@gmail.com Photo by Marcy Dawley. |
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2020 Putnam Rotary Club Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament
  Taking a Break Two golfers take a break during the Putnam Rotary Club Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament Aug. 21. Photo courtesy of Richard Naumann. PUTNAM — The Putnam Rotary Club’s annual Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament was a success, according to Golf Tournament Chairman Shawn McNerney. Despite the changes COVID-19 brought about, McNerney said he believes the tournament, one of the club’s biggest fund-raisers, still did well. Three teams tied for the best overall score at 57.After applying the USGA Tiebreaker rules, the order of the top three: 1st Northeast Flooring & Kitchens team — John Darigan, Bob Darigan, Jason Gerum and Mark Jurski 2nd. BenPe Consulting team — Mike Meehan, Brendon Meehan, Daryn Trudeau and John Trudeau. 3rd. Bucknam, Masseur & Associates team — Steve Bucknam, Don Wilson, Walter Greer and Dave Curry. The top three net scores (applying handicaps): 1st. The team from Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Management— Steve Bibek, Bob Tetreault, Fran Bernier and Chet Kijek. 2nd. The team from Charter Oak Federal Credit Union — Brian Orenstein, Guy Henry, John Dolan and Greg Shelter. 3rd. The team from Rawson Materials — Earl Rosebrooks, Jimmy Logsdon, Bruce MacLeod and Sean Bennett. Closest to the pin on hole #7 — Chet Kijek. Closest to the pin on hole #11 — Dave Coderre. Finally Brendon Meehan won the poker game with an amazing hand of 5 Aces ==================================================== Hello Everyone, Thank you all for your help in making the Golf Tournament as success again this year. COVID caused a few changes and made everything else more difficult, but it was a beautiful day and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. It will probably be a couple weeks before we know exactly where we stand financially, but I’m certain it was successful from that standpoint as well. Three teams tied for the best overall score at 57.After applying the USGA Tiebreaker rules, the order of the top three was: 1st Northeast Flooring & Kitchens team comprised of John Darigan, Bob Darigan, Jason Gerum and Mark Jurski 2nd. BenPe Consulting team with Mike Meehan, Brendon Meehan, Daryn Trudeau and John Trudeau. 3rd. Bucknam, Masseur & Associates team with Steve Bucknam, Don Wilson, Walter Greer and Dave Curry. The top three net scores ( applying handicaps) were: 1st. The team from Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Management comprised of Steve Bibek, Bob Tetreault, Fran Bernier and Chet Kijek. 2nd. The team from Charter Oak Federal Credit Union comprised of Brian Orenstein, Guy Henry, John Dolan and Greg Shelter. 3rd. The team from Rawson Materials consisting of Earl Rosebrooks, Jimmy Logsdon, Bruce MacLeod and Sean Bennett. Closest to the pin on hole #7 was won by Chet Kijek. Closest to the pin on hole #11 was won by Dave Coderre. Finally Brendon Meehan won the poker game with an amazing hand of 5 Aces. Because we were not able to have a gathering after the event the prizes have not been awarded. If any of you solicited any of the winners and would like to personally deliver the prizes, please let me know. Otherwise, I will reach out to the winners. Thanks again to the Committee members and to everyone else who helped make the Tournament a success. |
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Interact Club assisting TEEG "back-to-school- supply distribution
Back to School
The Putnam Rotary Interact Club had fun assisting TEEG in its back-to-school supply distribution Aug. 19 and 20. Volunteers helped with the set-up of grade appropriate stations, and helped children with the selection and filling of backpacks. Volunteers: Brayden Cutler, Katie Lamontagne, Makayla Tackson from Tourtellotte Memorial High School; Abby and Emily St. Martin from Putnam High School; Talia and Kaelyn Tremblay The Woodstock Academy, and Putnam Rotarians Roberta Rocchetti and Kathy Kirk. The Interact Club’s first meeting for the year will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Riverside Gazebo, N. Grosvenordale. Bring a lawn chair and wear a mask. For more info call: Roberta Rocchetti at 860-933-8603. Left to right are: Advisor Roberta Rocchetti, Emily St. Martin, Interact President, Brayden Cutler, Katie Lamontagne and Abby St. Martin. Courtesy photo.   |
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Putnam Rotary Club's Rotaract Club Emily Barnes new market master of the Putnam Saturday Farmers' Market
 Meet Emily Barnes, the new market master of the Putnam Saturday Farmers' Market. She's a member of the Putnam Rotary Club's Rotaract Club (immediate past president) and is looking forward to helping the market "grow."
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Putnam Rotary awards 8 scholarships
Putnam Rotary awards 8 scholarships  The Putnam Rotary Club recently awarded scholarships to eight local seniors. All the scholarships are $4,000 each. The Putnam High School scholarship winners included: --- Zoe Hetrick won the Ray & Vi Brousseau Scholarship. She plans to major in physical therapy at the University of Rhode Island.  --- Justin St. Martin also won a Ray & Vi Brousseau Scholarship. He will be attending Landmark College and will major in computer science.  The Tourtellotte Memorial High School winner is: --- Robert Gatzke. He was awarded the John O’Brien Scholarship. He plans to attend the University of Massachusetts and will major in political science.  Five students from Woodstock Academy won scholarships including: --- Grayson Walley who will attend UConn, majoring in mechanical engineering.  --- Emma Redfield won a Ray & Vi Brousseau Scholarship. She will major in the STEM field at UConn.  --- David May also was awarded a Ray & Vi Brousseau Scholarship. He plans to attend Northeastern University and will major in mechanical engineering.  --- Tessa Houlihan won the Ray Brousseau Scholarship. She’s heading for UConn where she will major in mechanical engineering.  --- Emma Durand was awarded the A. Leon Archambault Scholarship. She will major in nursing at Fairfield University.  |
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Putnam Rotary Club honors Valedictorians and Salutatorians
  The Putnam Rotary Club recently honored the valedictorians and salutatorians from schools within its service area. Each of them received a plaque acknowledging their accomplishments. Honored were:   Marianapolis: Valedictorian Brendan Phaneuf from Danielson. He will be attending Providence College in the fall. Salutatorian Elizabeth Schoemer is from Oxford, Mass. She will be attending Trinity College and plans on majoring in engineering.  Pomfret School: Valedictorian Bao “Tintin” Nguyen. He recently graduated as a two-year senior. He was a member of the Outdoor Adventure Group, the Recreational Tennis Team, and the Math Team and took part in the Pomfret STEM Exploration Certificate Program (investigating Modern Cosmology and Black Holes through independent studies, learning Data Science programming on analyzing astronomical datasets, and initiating an observatory automation project). He wants to pursue astrophysics as a vocation, not just a subject or a future job. He will attend the University of Arizona and plans a double major, physics and astronomy in the next four years --- his next steps towards unveiling the mysteries of the cosmos.  Pomfret School: Salutatorian Eva Steinitz of Arlington, Mass., graduated after two years. She coxed for the varsity four for the men's crew team and managed the varsity volleyball and women's basketball teams. She was secretary of VOICE, the diversity organization; and was president of Hillel, the Jewish organization. She was also a QUEST leader in the Social Justice & Diversity pillar, creating and facilitating programming around those topics for juniors and seniors. She’s going to the University of Richmond to study studio art and psychology and continue coxing crew.   Putnam High: Co-valedictorians: Molly McKeon is going to UConn and plans to major in accounting; Ellie Morissette is going to UConn and plans to major in mathematics.  Tourtellotte: Valedictorian Jesse Trottier said he enjoyed learning new things since a young age, and this school system facilitated my curiosity. He said somewhere along the way he found his passion was math and science. He will attend UConn and major in biomedical engineering. Salutatorian is Nima Sherpa.  The Woodstock Academy: Valedictorian is Nathan Craig. He was a captain of the varsity soccer team, ran track, participated in math team, robotics club, Earthsave, and was also a member of five different honor societies. He also volunteered at Daily Bread food bank in Putnam and at Day Kimball Hospital. He plans to attend Brown University to study physics.  Salutatorian is Caitlyn Sroczenski and she took part in the Science Bowl club, the Writing Centaur, tennis, and a number of honor societies. She said she is an avid reader, coffee enthusiast, and dog-lover. On the weekends (and some weekdays) you’ll find me at JC Penney, folding clothes and running the cash register. She is going to UConn as a nursing major, and hopes to get a masters and advanced practitioner license after that. |
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Putnam Rotary Club - PPE fund-raiser
 All Smiles John Richard and Kayla Engh, EMTs with the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association in South Woodstock, are all smiles after receiving PPE funding from the Putnam Rotary Club. Courtesy photo. Call it a “rapid-response” fund-raiser. “Rapid response” --- much like the beneficiaries of the Putnam Rotary Club’s latest fund-raiser. First responder ambulance/EMT crews received $1,400 total from the Putnam Rotary Club to spend on Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that they might need. In less than two weeks, an idea was conceived, carried out and the checks went out. One Putnam Rotarian who works with local emergency personnel heard about different needs in different ambulance corps. Some needed masks; others needed face shields; still others needed gloves. Instead of giving crews the items, the club thought that giving the funds instead would allow the crews to get exactly what they needed. The icing on the cake was word that “First responders are first in line ordering from Amazon.” Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann, in a Zoom meeting with his club and follow-up email, asked Rotarians send checks to the Rotary Club’s treasurer. Another Rotarian compiled a list of crews in need in the club’s area of service. Within days, club members had contributed $700. Naumann said the club added another $700 from the District and the checks were mailed to the crews. The following first responders received funds: Pomfret Fire District, Putnam EMS, East Putnam Fire Dept., Muddy Brook Fire Dept. in Woodstock, Bungay Fire Brigade in Woodstock, Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association, Eastford Independent Fire Company, No.1, and the Community Fire Company in N. Grosvenordale. Done and done! |
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2/20 Drawing Week #1 & #2 & #3 & #4 & #5
 Week #5 – final week $250 goes to #322, won by Ben Shead, sold by Barry Shead $250 goes to #530, won by Roberta Rocchetti, sold by Roberta $500 goes to #110, won by David Lee, sold by Jen Brytowski $500 goes to #602, won by Elizabeth Zachow, sold by Elizabeth Williams $500 goes to #2, won by Steve Adams, sold by Steve Adams Deuces Wild $20 goes to Rande Chmura, Bob Halloran and Kathy Naumann ======================================== Week 4 $50, #414, winner is Jack Adiletta, sold by Joe Adiletta $50, #269, winner is Tim Campbell, sold by Rick Place $100, #331, winner is Jay Wade, sold by Jay Wade $100, #551, winner is Lynn Baxter Bourque, sold by Crystal Simonson $200, #461, winner is Maria Halloran, sold by Bob Halloran Just one Deuces Wild this week and that goes to Brad Favreau. ======================================== week #3 Week of March 31, 2020 $50 #497 Kevin Belanger sold by John Miller $50 #317 Marie Fournier sold by Bob Fournier $100 #307 Adam Mleko sold by Pam Brown $100 #187 Rande Chmura sold by Rande Chmura $200 #413 Colby Cummings sold by Joe Adiletta No Deuces Wild this week. ======================================== Week #2 March 24th, 2020 Today’s winners are! $50 goes to #243, Betti Kuszaj, sold by Betti $50 goes to #260, Chris Benoit, sold by Peter $100 goes to #334, Lorna Wade, sold by Jay $100 goes to #635, Eric Gould, sold by Eric $200 goes to #122, Bob Fournier, sold by Bob Deuces Wild!!!! $20 goes to John Miller, Jonathan Tremblay, and Marc Archambault. =============================================== WEEK#1 March 17th, 2020 $50 for Elizabeth Zachow #602 Sold by Elizabeth Williams $50 for Jack Byrnes #618 Sold by Jay Byrnes $100 for Everett Shepard #422 Sold by RPC $100 for Jonathan Tremblay #589 Sold by Jonathan Tremblay $200 for Pam Brown #671 Sold by Pam Brown Deuces Wild!!! $20 to Jeff Rawson $20 to Jonathan Tremblay |
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Corona Virus COVID-19
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New Orleans Rotary Club
New Orleans Rotary Club 12 "Mardi Gras" Fat Tuesday |
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Mardi Gras "Fat Tuesday"
 The Putnam Rotary Club Feb. 25 shot a short video of its membership wishing the New Orleans Rotary Club a Happy Mardi Gras. The New Orleans club will be sending Mardi Gras wishes back to the Putnam Rotary Club. |
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Rescued Wood by Dan Merlo
Feb. 25 the Putnam Rotary Club learned about the creative --- and sometimes dangerous process --- of creating wooden bowls from Dan Merlo of Eastford. He described the serendipity of finding amazing logs, trunks and burls, the drying process, turning on a lathe (and it had better be completely balanced!), his discovery of using resins to fill gaps beautifully and more. Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann is on the left.   Rescued Wood is a business inspired by my love of the natural beauty of wood. Turning and creating bowls, cutting boards, tables, rolling pins, etc. |
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"Eagles" in THE LAST GREEN VALLEY & Childvoice
Double the Programs ... ... double the fun! The Putnam Rotary Club swung between Uganda and eagles at its Feb. 18 meeting. Kristin Barlow, left, international program director of ChildVoice, described ChildVoice's efforts to help young people in Uganda and elsewhere heal from the horrors of war. Bill Reid, center, chief ranger at The Last Green Valley, spoke about the success of this past January's annual survey of eagles in the northeastern corner of Connecticut and beyond. Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann is at right.  |
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Woodstock Fire Department
Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Eric Young thanked the Putnam Rotary Club for its donation of funding for a device that helps locate firefighters inside burning buildings by tracking their Scott Air Paks. Young also gave Rotarians a view into the challenges of a mostly volunteer fire company and described the teamwork among all the fire departments in town. Young, left, is pictured with Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann.  |
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Newest Rotarian
The Putnam Rotary Club, Jan. 14, inducted its newest member, Kathy Kirk. She is pictured with Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann. Courtesy photo.  |
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Australian Wildfire Collection
The Australian wildfires continue to wreak havoc with more than two dozen people dead along with hundreds of thousands of animals. Parts of the country have been leveled with at least 12 million acres of land impacted by the fires. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia estimates approximately half a billion animals have been killed and the fires could change the country forever, according to NBC News. Officials expect the fires to continue for months. The Putnam Rotary Club took up a collection to support Rotary Internationals efforts to help the people of Australia and the affected animals.
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Pomfret Eastford Little League
 Thanks TJ Billiard, right, of the Pomfret Eastford Little League and the Griffin Youth Hockey League, dropped by the Putnam Rotary Club Jan. 14 and presented Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann, left, with a plaque of appreciation for the donations from the club. He stressed how many young athletes benefited from the club's donation and let club members know they are appreciated!  |
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Bell Ringers, Salvation Army
 The Putnam Rotary Interact Club is ringing the bells at the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign which runs through Dec. 21 locally. Left to right: Interact member Layla Chavez of Putnam High and Putnam High freshman Jacob Tremblay. Photo by Roberta Rocchetti. PUTNAM — Each year the Putnam Rotary Interact Club puts the pedal to the metal and raises thousands and thousands of dollars for the Salvation Army. All the money raised stays in the northeast corner of Connecticut. The 2019 Salvation Army Kettle campaign started Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 21 on Fridays and Saturdays, Interact members, students and volunteers throughout the neighboring towns are ringing the bells at the Putnam Walmart, Stop & Shop, Price Chopper and Putnam Supermarket. Helping on the first weekend were: Alexia and Ryanne Bourbeau Woodstock Academy (WA), Jordan Rukstela of Killingly High (KHS), Abe Antonelli of KHS, Kaileigh Martineau of KHS, Jacob Tremblay of Putnam High (PHS), Becky Dibenedetto of KHS, Jenelle Charron of KHS, Abby Driscol of KHS, Sarah Roberts of KHS, Abby Card of KHS, Jordan Dreibholz of KHS, Emma Redfield of WA, Tessa Houlihan of WA, Bryn Kusnarowis of WA, Brayden Cutler of Tourtellotte Memorial High School (TMHS), Leah Cutler of Thompson, Emma Durand of WA, Rachel Lambert of WA, Gina, Anna and Henry Burnham of Ashford Community School (ACS), Lynn Fontaine of ACS, Jason and Journey Horn of ACS, Melissa and Sophia McDonough of ACS, Sierra Girard of Quinebaug Valley Middle College, Quinn Lefevre of WA, Suzie Lefevre, Layla Chavez of PHS, Stella Du of WA, Daisy Li of WA, Christine and Colin Denaker of Dayville, Jocelyn Mayotte of WA, Aleya Wesler of WA, Brooke Nagle of WA, and Lily Brin of WA. |
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Newest Rotary Club Members
Newest Members The Putnam Rotary Club Nov. 19 inducted new members under its recently approved corporate memberships, the Arc of Eastern Connecticut and The Woodstock Academy. Left to right: Barry Shead from Arc; Brad Favreau from the academy; Judy Daviau from Arc; Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann; Crystal Simonson from Arc; John Rigney from the academy; and Kathleen Stauffer from Arc.  |
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Honor Movers
David Lavoie, owner of Honor Movers, spoke at the Nov. 5 meeting of the Putnam Rotary Club. After careers in the U.S. Army and the Connecticut State Police, he decided he wanted to continue serving the community with a local family-owned veteran moving company --- and Honor Movers was born. Honor stands for Helping Our Neighbors Overcome Relocation.
Lavoie described the challenges of opening a small business and the continuing challenges of a booming business. Lavoie is on the left and Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann is on the right.  |
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Trivia Night
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Rose Sale 2019
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World Polio Day
END POLIO NOW! The Putnam Rotary Club invites you to a very special Rotary meeting and speaker program on Tuesday, October 29th at 12 noon at the Inn At Woodstock Hill. Polio survivor, Nick Marshall will be our guest speaker.   |
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District Governor Mark Brady
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Interact Helps!
Assisting Members of the Interact Club parked cars and helped where needed at the recent Day Kimball Hospital Cancer Survivor Picnic. Brayden Cutler enjoyed his job, driving the golf cart to and from the parking lot with people and equipment. Kristen Willis, director of Development for DKH, thanked the Interact Club. Left to right are: Roberta Rocchetti, advisor; Brayden Cutler, Rachel Lambert, Linda St. Laurent, Emma Redfield, Tessa Houlihan. Missing from photo Maeve Lusignan, Reegan Reynolds, Talia and Kaelyn Tremblay and Marcy Dawley, advisor. Courtesy photo.  |
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Putnam Rotary Donates to the Bahamas
With a simple passing of the basket at our meeting today, the Putnam Rotary Club raised $500 to send to the Bahamas Rotary Club to help in their relief efforts
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Gardeners in the Park!
SATURDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS AT ROTARY PARK. Thank you to the work crew from the Putnam Connecticut Rotary Club and the Putnam Arts Council organized by Karen Osbrey who had her crew spreading 20 yards of pea stone at the Bird in the Hand sculpture at 7:00 am on Saturday morning. We appreciate your efforts to make Rotary Park look beautiful. Thank you to local businesses, M. Provost Trucking & Landscape Products and Rawson Materials for donating rocks and pea stone.   |
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The life of a mushroom
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Woodstock Volunteer Fire Dep.District Grant
Putnam Rotary Club Donation  The Putnam Rotary Club Sept. 24 visited the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association to receive thanks from firefighters for the donation of a Scott Pak Tracker. Eric Young, the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association’s fire chief, said the crew has had the Scott Pak Tracker for about two months and has been trained on it; however, they haven’t had to use it yet. The tracker is tied into sensors on the Scott Air Paks on each firefighter. When the tracker detects that the firefighter hasn’t moved for a certain amount of time, it alerts. Firefighters then know who might be in trouble and where that firefighter is in the building. The tracker, and a donation of a self-contained breathing apparatus mask to the Bungay Fire Department in West Woodstock were both part of a $6,000 effort to help local emergency crews. Rotary District 7890 funded $1,500 of the $6,000 price tag and the Putnam Rotary Club covered the rest, according to Putnam Rotary Club President Richard Naumann. |
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David Lavoie, Honor Movers
David Lavoie, Honor Movers
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Meeting at The Audubon Society Pomfret
Meeting at The Audubon   The Club enjoyed its weekly meeting at the Audubon facility located in Pomfret, where Director, Sarah Hemminway updated us on the current programs and events.
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US Rep. Joe Courtney
Joseph D. Courtney (born April 6, 1953) is the U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 2nd congressional district, serving since 2007. The district includes most of the eastern third of the state, including Norwich and New London. He is a member of the Democratic Party.  |
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Tree Planting Project 2nd Year
More Trees The Putnam Rotary Club is planning a second round of tree planting. Last year Rotarians taking part included: left to right: Paul Pikora, , Jeff Rawson, past president John Miller, Jay Sinha and Rick Place. Courtesy photo. PUTNAM — The Putnam Rotary Club recently completed its first Tree Planting Project and is planning a second one for the 2019-2020 year. The club purchased saplings and offered them to towns that the Putnam Rotary Club covers: Woodstock, Putnam, Pomfret and Thompson. Richard Naumann, the Putnam Rotary Club’s current president, spearheaded the effort. He said the club spent $420 for 2-foot tall saplings. The funds were taken out of the club’s surplus fund. Recently the club membership approved spending up to $500 this year to get more trees for the surrounding area. In Woodstock the plantings are at the Woodstock Common (in front of the Woodstock Academy), 2 Chinquapin Oaks, 1 American Elm; Palmer Arboretum, 2 Chinquapin Oaks, 1 American Elm, 2 American Chestnuts; Plaine Hill Road 5 Chinquapin Oaks, 4 American Elm, 4 American Chestnuts. In Thompson the plantings are at Riverside Drive, just north of Thompson Housing Authority and include 7 Chinquapin Oaks, 6 American Elm, 5 American Chestnuts. In Putnam the plantings will be planted along the Putnam River Walk and include 7 Chinquapin Oaks, 6 American Elm, 5 American Chestnuts. In Pomfret Center the plantings are at the Pomfret Audubon Society on Day Road and include 7 Chinquapin Oaks, 6 American Elm, 5 American Chestnuts. This year the town of Eastford will be added to the list, he said. Naumann said that the original idea came from the Rotary Club’s world president. He added that these particular trees were chosen because they are native to the area and the trees replace those affected by blights. All trees have been named in honor of both past and present and as more trees are planted, more former Rotarians’ names will be added.. Name plates will be placed on the trees after they mature. Some of the past and present Rotarians of the Putnam Club include: Stephen Adams, Joseph Adiletta, Leon Archambault, Marc Archambault, Keith Aubin, Jayne Battye, Maurice Beaulac, Lawrence and Arlene Bellerose, Peter Benoit, Raymond Brousseau, Pamela Brown, Jennifer Brytowski, Elizabeth Buzalski, James Byrnes, Frederick Chmura, Rande Chmura, Ronald Coderre, Gerard Cotnoir, Marcy Dawley, Paul Dery, Henry Doughty, Joyce Duff, Cynthia Dunne, Cheryl Fogg, Robert Fournier, Richard and Suzanne Franklin, Eric Gould, Robert Halloran, Deborah Hoft, Rachael Johnston, Amanda Kelly, Nelson G. King, Russell King Donald King, Betti Kuszaj, Brendan Larkin, Renee Lasko, Linda Lemmon, Richard Loomis, Shawn McNerney, Melissa Meyers, Anne Miller, John Miller, Albert B. Morgan, Andrew Morrison, Latham Morse, Kathy Naumann, Richard Naumann, John O’Brien, Gary W. Osbrey, Karen Osbrey, Leonard Partridge, Dana Peloso, Scott Pempek, Joseph Pempek, Paul Pikora, Richard Place, Douglas Porter, Charles Puffer, Jeffrey Rawson, Roberta Rocchetti, Christopher Sandford, Malcolm Schumann, Jay Sinha, Jonathan Sturdevant, Jonathan Tremblay, Christopher Vaillencourt, Gerry Vaillant, Douglas Valentine, Delpha Very, Joseph Wade, Elizabeth Williams, Kristen Willis, Audrey Witkowski.  |
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World Affairs Seminar Attendees
.JPG) Peace Through Understanding
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Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project
Mrs. Younhee Shin will be presenting Korean Spirit & Culture.  
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Access Agency
 Many of the programs Access provides are delivered directly to customers who walk through our doors looking for assistance. With offices in Willimantic and Danielson, our Family Advocates are on hand to help customers find what they need to make ends meet and take steps towards greater financial stability. In addition, Access makes a difference in the community by providing programs for customers that are referred through DCF and the CT Judicial System. These include our programs to foster positive at-risk youth development and our supportive housing programs. Like all our services, referral programs help those in need achieve stability and success. Success StoriesACCESS TO FOOD AND HOUSINGResults That MatterBecause of the help and hope we provided:
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Jeannette HORBAITA Center Report
Congrégation des Filles du Saint-Esprit Maroua le 02/03/2019 Vice-province du Cameroun B.P.753 Maroua Tel (+237) 699800172 Mail : vpfsemaroua@yahoo.fr Greetings, our dear Benefactors, We are endlessly grateful for the assistance you continue to offer to our Jeannette HORBAITA Center.. It is such a comfort for us to have this money, because it is a huge support for our mission with these young girls who are getting ready to take their own future in hand. The money you gave us ($2000.00) was welcomed and was used to buy some computers. These young women like to work with computers, and it also open them up to the modern world. Below we are attaching a few photos of some of the activities at our center: We thank you again. May God bless you! Please click on this link to view the entire report: |
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YMCA & Putnam Pride
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Newest Rotary Members
New Members Muriel Pepper, manager of the Inn at Woodstock Hill (shown with club President John Miller) and Putnam Police Officer Dana Peloso were recently welcomed to the Putnam Rotary Club family. Peloso stands with his sponsor Jeff Rawson, left, and club President John Miller, right. Courtesy photos.   |
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Marianapolis, Centers of Execellence |
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Andrew Morrison, B&I Services at QVCC
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meeting learning about Abraham Lincoln
.png)  The Putnam Rotary Club spent part of its recent meeting learning about Abraham Lincoln. Bill Juzwic, a funeral director at Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory, spoke to Rotarians. The funeral home presented a week-long display of a replica of Lincoln’s casket and other items from that time. Putnam Rotarian Robert Fournier Jr. owns Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory. Photo courtesy of Valentine Iamartino.  |
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Emily Petrick's TEDx Talk
A TEDx Talk is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas in under 18 minutes.  Putnam Rotarian and banker Emily Petrik (standing with Putnam Rotary President John Miller) Jan. 29 presented her TED talk on a program she designed called "A Penny Saved". It's a financial literacy program that teaches people with intellectural and developmental disabilities how to manage their finances --- including how to write a check, go to the bank, use the ATM machine, etc.She said these are all skills that are needed to become independent adults and the program has shown great success so far. Courtesy photo  |
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Pam Brown & Gary "O", "The Rotary Foundation
Our own Pam Brown and Gary "O" will inform us of the latest happenings in and about The Rotary Foundation" .JPG) x |
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Jay Wade & John Dignam "Local Long Distance Trails"
Our own Jay Wade and John Dignam will give us a motivational speech hoping to inspire all of us.   |
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Martin Podskoch, Author & Historian
 Martin Podskoch Author, Historian and CT resident recognized for his extensive work documenting the history of the Catskills, the Adirondack fire towers, and the Civilian Conservation Corps camps. His first travel guide, "The Adirondack 102 Club: Your Passport & Guide to the North Country" has become the best-selling travel book in the Adirondacks. Podskoch will soon be releasing a second travel guide book called "The Connecticut 169 Club: Your Passport and Guide to Exploring CT." |
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Chief of Police visits Rotary Club
Chief of Police, Town of Putnam Christopher Ferace, 51, began his career in law enforcement in 1991 as a patrol officer in Plainfield. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Roger Williams College and a graduate certificate in criminal justice education from University of Virginia. Officials touted Ferace’s educational background, noting the newly appointed chief holds numerous professional certifications which include attending the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.
He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. “I still believe that policing is a noble profession, or I wouldn’t have taken this job or signed on to this commitment,” Ferace said during the ceremony. “There is no other period in modern history where policing is so scrutinized, and never so dangerous.” Ferace said selfless service when another is in crisis continues to motivate him. He said his expectations for the department are simple. “I expect nothing more than what the public expects,” he said to a standing ovation. “Do this job with integrity, accountability, compassion, courage, pride and professionalism. If we follow these values combined with the community policing philosophy, we as an agency will continue to be successful. I take great pride in wearing the Putnam Police patch on my sleeve.” |
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District Governor Kate Simms |
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Y's Livestrong Cancer Survivor
Dawn Curry, Wellness Coordinator & Elina Vandenberg, program graduate  We partner with the YMCA of the USA to promote the importance of physical activity after a cancer diagnosis. What content informed this program?Our ongoing dialogue with cancer survivors through our surveys and research led us to discover that a top concern among survivors was the difficulty of returning to physical activity after treatment. In response, LIVESTRONG partnered with the YMCA of the USA in 2007 to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12-week physical activity program designed to get survivors back on their feet. Who benefits from LIVESTRONG at the YMCA?Survivors participate in free or low cost customized exercise regimens catered to their individual needs from certified fitness instructors. The instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise and supportive cancer care. Survivors and often their families receive a membership at the YMCA for the duration of the program. Future directionWe recently worked with researchers from Yale University and Dana Farber Cancer Institute to conduct a research study on the impact of the program on participants’ cancer-related outcomes. We found that participants experienced significant increases in physical activity, overall quality of life and fitness performance as well as decreases in cancer-related fatigue. By the end of 2018, we will offer the program in 19-25 new YMCA associations. |
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Dee Carnahan, 911 Survivor
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Road to Recovery, American Cancer Society
Our own Aileen Witkowski will present a support system that helps all patients in need of transportation to their treatments. .JPG)  |
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Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
Robin Lynch presents information about volunteer opportunities for Retirees and Seniors.  |
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Correspondence from Horbaita Center Cameroon
Congrégation des Filles du Saint-Esprit Maroua le 24/07/2018 Vice-province du Cameroun B.P.753 Maroua Tel (+237) 699800172 Mail : vpfsemaroua@yahoo.fr Bonjour Mrs Karen, Ce mot pour vous dire un grand merci pour votre aide apportée au Centre Jeanette HORBAITA, nous avions bien reçu l’argent envoyé pour notre centre et cela a été un grand appui cette année pour la formation de ces jeunes filles. De tout cœur, nous vous disons grand merci, que le Seigneur vous rende cela au centuple. Un petit mot pour vous présenter le centre : Nous sommes un Centre de formation de jeunes filles qui prend en charge les filles désœuvrées, orphelines et indigentes dans les domaines de la formation en alphabétisation, couture, broderie, cuisine, agriculture et produit dérivés, économie sociale et familiale, secrétariat bureautique, secrétariat comptable, graphisme de production. Cette structure de formation professionnelle privée a pour but de : -développer chez la jeune fille, l’esprit d’entreprise, -de lutter contre le chômage et la déperdition scolaire de la jeune fille, d’autonomisation de cette dernière, - de favoriser le dialogue, la tolérance, le partage. -En un mot, aider la jeune fille à apporter sa contribution matérielle dans les familles et en économie familiale. L’objectif de la formation dispensée au Centre Jeannette HORBAITA est d’aider la jeune fille en peine. Au cours de cette année scolaire, notre entre a enregistré 85 jeunes filles inscrites dont 17 abandon en cours d’année. A la fin de l’année, nous avons obtenu un taux de réussite générale de 85%. Comme difficultés rencontrées, nous notons le manque de paiement des frais scolaires par certaines filles, le départ en mariage avant la fin de la formation, l’ignorance des filles de leur situation d’indigence, le manque de subvention par l’Etat. Nous vous envoyons ci-dessous quelques photos des activités dans notre centre : Une fois de plus nous vous remercions. La sœur Pauline MAISENSO , Vice-provinciale.  Sortie des Filles de la troisième année.  Activités pratiques : fabrication des paniers. |
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Rotary International
Rotary International One Small Act One Small Act takes us on a journey through small acts of kindness, showing the powerful impact they have on the life of one little girl. |
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Italy, Youth Exchange Program Report
Our Youth exchange student, Kiara Monahan will share her experiences and impressions from her year in Italy.  |
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QVCC Program Tour |
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Foodservice in the Park, Fireworks
 Hamburgers, Hot dogs and Strawberry Shortcake; at 95 degrees, boy was that fun.   |
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Toronto Rotary International Convention
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Induction Night and Paul Harris Awards
Our new Administration 2018-2019  left to right: Kristin Willis, Secretary; John Miller, President; Kathy Naumann, Vice President; Racheal Johnson, Board Member; Paul Pikora, Board Member; Jeffrey Rawson, Board Member; Roberta Rocchetti, Board Member; Richard Naumann, President Elect; Fred Chmura, Treasurer To see our Paul Harris recipient please click: Read more |
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2018 Valedictorian & Salutatorian Woodstock Academy and Putnam Highschool.jpg)
 President Rick Place, Valedictorian Woodstock Academy Griffin Edwards, Salutatorian Woodstock Academy Nora Guszkowski, Salutatorian Putnam High Doria Daviau, Valedictorian Putnam High Lauren Carita. Not pictured Val-Sal Chair Jay Byrnes. |
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2018 RYLA Participants honored |
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Scholarship Awards 2018
 2018 Scholarship Receipients presented by President Rick Place and Scholarship Chairman Scott Pempek. From left to right: President Rick Place, Haley Armstrong, Maeve Stevenson, Anna Murphy, Doria Daviau, Eden Law, Tyler Fitts, Julia Bibeault, Natalie Ionkin, Brianna Long, Jenna Kochinskas, Cassandra Gallant, Maegan Roy, Shannon Gauthier, Morgan Graham, Scholarship Chairman Scott Pempek. Not in picture Kiara Monahan. |
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Donation to Franklin Scholarship fund
 Rebecca Anderson & Allison Dumas are being presented with a donation to the Franklin Scholarship Fund. |
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Ronald P. Coderre Golf Classic
Rotary golf tourney  Honored Eric Whittenburg of ERW, Inc. holds the Ace in the Hole Award. ERW has been a major sponsor of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament for the last 10 years. He is a generous and unassuming person who cares deeply for his community and supports a number of local organizations. Photo courtesy of Doug Porter. PUTNAM -The Putnam Rotary Club's Ronald P. Coderre golf tourna-ment saw lots of winners AND a hole in one. Paul Sas had a Hole-in-One on #9. Gross Score: 1st place -Archie Drobiak, Rob Rovito, Paul Sas and Jeff Bums of the Brynes Insurance Agency Team with a score of 55 2nd place -George Amenabar, Jeff Childs, Steve Keller and Scott Gendreau of Northeast Flooring & Kitchens Team with a 57 3rd place -Dan Gilbert, Doug Wood-ward and Chris Brook of the Inn at Woodstock Hill team also with a 57 Net Score: 1st Brandon Carita, Eric Livingston, Gary Rudman and Daryl Stevens of the Pacon Team The Rawson golf team.  2nd Greg Kalafus, Steve Kinross, Nicole Fredericks and Bill Miller of the Securitas Security Services team 3rd Brian Orenstein, Guy Henry, John Dolan and Greg Shelter of the Charter Oak FCU team Closest to the Pin: #7 - 7 feet, S inches, Chris Brock and #15 - 9-4 Paul Sas |
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Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail
.png) Sam lives in Woodstock where he was raised, and is a Woodstock Academy alumni. .png) |
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Valedictorian & Salutatorian from Marianapolis and Putnam Science Academy 2018
Valedictorian & Salutatorian from Marianapolis and Putnam Science Academy 2018   Valedictorian Ms. Bridget O'Leary, Salutatorian Ms. Emma Sarantopoulos click her to watch the presentation: https://youtu.be/-_cZ4oWPDz4   Salutatorian Ms. Marigona Bassileo, Valedictorian Mr. Dan Porcik click her to watch the presentation: https://youtu.be/c0Kawfj_j5E |
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Tell us about your first car |
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Professor Jayne Battye "International Project"
XIII ECUADOR ROTARY PROJECT FAIR!! Welcome to Rotary Service Connections, a Rotary blog to help our members and supporters plan effective and inspired service projects. We offer resources, best practices, success stories and lessons learned to keep you informed and introduce you to new ideas. As members of the Rotary family, we are 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting changes in our communities and around the world. Our diverse occupations, cultures, and backgrounds give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service drives us to take on the world’s most challenging problems. Learn more about Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.  In February 2004, our district hosted our first project fair in Quito. Since then, 12 fairs have been organized in beautiful cities across Ecuador: Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Manta. Every fair highlights District 4400’s club service projects for international visitors to build friendships, partnerships, and facilitate connections to bring projects to life. Over the years, we’ve welcomed Rotarians from the United States, Canada and Europe to the fairs. We’ve built lifelong friendships and a huge number of projects have been successfully carried out with the support of our international visitors. As a result, our district has been able to implement larger scale projects with support from our international friends and global grants. When a fair is organized, we not only plan the related events but also offer our guests attractive social activities and opportunities to tour our very diverse country, including the Galapagos Islands, the Sierra highlands, the Amazonian jungle, rainforests, and the coast. Many fair attendees return year after year to revisit old friends, build new partnerships, and visit the projects they have sponsored and their impact on the local community. Sometimes, international visitors are not able to commit to supporting one project during the fair. But as visitors go back to their home clubs and districts, present about the initiatives they learned about and saw first-hand during their time in Ecuador, they inspire their fellow clubs to reach out and build partnerships with our exhibitors in need of support. Throughout the year, we are pleased to receive requests from districts and clubs asking for backgrounds on projects still seeking support. That is when many of these projects that were not sponsored have a second chance and are successfully carried out with wonderful international partners. This was the case of a new born intensive care unit at a hospital in Quevedo. We had visited this project with the Rotary Club of Quevedo and it was presented at the fair, but the club did not find an international partner. Some months later we received an email from the Rotary Club of Alpharetta in the United States asking for a projects still seeking support. They eventually partnered on the hospital project, and it is already completed and benefiting the community. This is the magic of Rotary! |
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DK Healthcare at home
  When you or a loved one needs in-home care services, it’s comforting to know that you can find everything you need right here, from Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. We offer a wide range of compassionate and personalized in-home care services. And we expertly integrate them with the care delivered by our primary care doctors and specialists, so the patient’s entire care team remains informed about his or her condition. All of our in-home services are available throughout northeast Connecticut, including to patients in long-term care facilities, making us the only resource you need for the services that will help you live with medical conditions that are best served by in-home care. Contact any of our in-home care divisions for a care coordination assessment. Day Kimball Healthcare At Home's Services Include:Day Kimball HomeCareOur skilled providers visit individuals at home to deliver medical and specialized home care services. We monitor and manage health conditions, manage and supervise medications, and provide nutritional counseling, IV therapy, physical therapy and more. We are a Medicare-certified home care agency, accredited by The Joint Commission, and our team is on call 24/7.
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Dr. Francois Gauthier, Daughters of the Holy Spirit.PNG)
 Mrs. Pam Brown, Dr. Francois Gauthier, Sister Gertrude Lanouette, President Rick Place Presented a check for $2000 in support of the Jeannette Horbaita Center in Cameroon, Africa. The Jeannette Horbaita Center in Cameroon, Africa, sponsored by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Putnam. Dr. Francois Gauthier, Director of Development for the Daughters of the Holy Spirit presented the program about the project.  |
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Meeting at Hole in the wall gang camp |
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Putnam Rotary Club "Newest Member"
 President Rick Place welcomes the newest Rotarian to the Club. Missy Bonsall, COO of Generations, has been inducted in and joins the Rotary Club of Putnam. |
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International Youth Exchange
International Youth Exchange  .JPG) Presented by our own Kathy Naumann Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students 15 to 19 years old are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries. What are the benefits?Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
How long do exchanges last?Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families. Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session. What are the costs?Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:
How can I apply?Candidates are 15-19 years old and are leaders in their schools and communities. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves. Can I host an exchange student?Hosting an exchange student can be incredibly rewarding for your family, bringing an international experience directly into your home. Host families provide room and board and share their lives with exchange students, involving them in family, community, and cultural activities. All host families are screened and trained. If you’re interested in learning more about being a host family, contact a Rotary club near you. |
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Adult Learning Comm. Dr. Bill Brower
Learning in Retirement (LiR)  Presented by Dr. Bill Brower You are never too old to learn! LiR at QVCC provides the means to meet the wide range of interests for mature adults who want to pursue new topics or to revisit interests from the past. Our classes and short courses are designed to stimulate the mind and provide a quality social environment in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. LiR is an independent, self-governing membership organization under the auspices of Quinebaug Valley Community College. Formed in 1995 with 120 original charter members, membership has grown steadily and now stands at over 400 individuals. Courses and programs are held in the fall, winter, and spring. Membership and Fees Membership is 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.  |
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Boy Scout Putnam Troop 21, John Ryan |
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Rotary Welcomes Mayor Norman “Barney” Seney
 Rotary welcomesPutnam Mayor Norman “Barney” Seney The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the Town. As such the Mayor is directly responsible for administration of all appointed Town departments, boards, agencies, and offices. The Mayor insures that all laws and ordinances governing the town are faithfully carried out. The Mayor prepares and submits to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance the annual budget and keeps the Selectmen fully aware of the financial condition of the Town. We welcome input, suggestions, and even complaints from the community. |
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National Alliance of Mental Illness
Presented by President William & Terry Pearsall NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. What We DoNAMI 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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Hungry at School |
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ADG Bill Hall presents Putnam Club with Presidential Citation Award
 Assistant District Governor Bill Hall will present the Putnam Rotary Club with the prestigious Presidential Citation
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The Rotary Leadership Institute
 PETER JOHNSON, FACILITATOR TRAINING CHAIR, |
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Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center
 Presented by Steve LaPointe, Director  The Eastern Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center Supporting students and businesses from the Quiet Corner all the way to the shoreline, the new QVCC 10,00 sqft. AMTC provides hands-on learning opportunities for students and also a location for area manufacturers with customized training needs. The Center includes a machine lab, mechatronics and metrology labs, classroom, conference space and offices.
Steve LaPointe, right, spoke to the Putnam Rotary Club Jan 16, about the QVCC Advanced Manufacturing Center. He is the center's director. Putnam Rotary Club president Rick Place is on the left. |
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United Services
Presented by: Mrs. Diane Manning  Creating Healthy Communities United Services is one of Connecticut’s most comprehensive private, non-profit behavioral health centers, providing mental and behavioral health education, prevention, treatment and social services to the children, adults, families and communities of Northeastern Connecticut since 1964. Through all of life's challenges... We're here to help |
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Putnam Pride
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. |
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Newest Putnam Rotarian
Rick Place, Putnam Rotary Club president, welcomes the club's newest member, Cheryl Fogg. She works at New England Placement Services (NEPS) in Woodstock.  |
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Interfaith Human Services of Putnam Receives Warm Donations
 Kathi Peterson, center, program coordinator of the Interfaith Human Services of Putnam, thanked the Putnam Rotary Club Dec. 19 for the club's donation of hats, gloves, blankets and more to the group. Peterson stands with Rotarians Lara Luppi and Paul Pikora and a couple of the many blankets that were donated. Each Christmas the Rotary Club collects the "warmth makers" and donates it to the IHSP.
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Gift Giving Ceremony
 Spreading Holiday Cheer! Rotarians have been collecting games, blankets and hats, mittens and scarves over the past few weeks to donate to TEEG and The Family Resource Center for kids and families in need this Christmas. Pictured from left to right, President Rick Place, Gift Giving Committee member Paul Pikora, Family Resource Center Shannon Haney, Gift Giving Committee Chair Rachael Johnston and Elizabeth Zachow. sitting in front Jennifer Strong from TEEG |
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Wyndham Land Trust
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 newest Paul Harris Award recipient
Putnam Rotary Club Secretary Kathy Naumann received a coveted Paul Harris Award in recognition of her contributions to the Rotary International Foundation. Club president Rick Place presented the award.  |
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Rotary Leadership Institute.png)
.jpg) This weekend Putnam Rotarians Paul Pikora, Elizabeth Zachow, and Kathy Naumann represented the Putnam Club well when they attended the Rotary Leadership Institute this past Saturday. Special Congratulation to Kathy who reached graduate level after completing her third class. Another special shout out to Paul who attended his third graduate class. Are you interested in learning more about the Rotary Leadership Institute? Ask one of these three about their experience. Keep an eye out for future classes to take advantage of. |
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Rotary Foundation Program
Everything you ever wanted to know about our Putnam Rotary Foundation. Our own Gary "O" presents "The Rotary International Foundation"   |
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5th Annual Rotaract Trivia Night
The Rotary Club Team almost won ! We went BIG and we went Home and had a great time supporting our Rotaract Club. Congratulations to the repeat Winner "The Archambault Team"  Pictured are left to right: Shawn and Rachael Johnston, Fred Chmura, Kathy Naumann, Jonathan Tremblay, Brendan Larkin, Lara Luppi, Steve Adams |
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Rotary District Foundation Dinner District 7890
The 2017 Paul Harris and Community Service Award has been awarded to Jim Booth of Brooklyn, CT. Hometown Heating LLC, dba Hometown T&S Energy, is owned by Jim and Jacqueline Booth. Their ties to the area run both deep and wide.  Pictured are left to right Mrs. Jacqueline Booth, Mr. Jim Booth, President Rick Place |
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Caring Continues Program
Weekend Meal Program for children in need !  Mrs. Sara Dziedzic & Mr. Dave McGee outlined the parameters of the "Children in need Food Program" available now in all Woodstock Schools. This service helps many local families by providing food items to supplement their grocery needs on weekends. |
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Reverent Cal Lord
Central Baptist Church of Westerly 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891 Phone: (401) -596-4929  Dr. Clayton (Cal) Lord grew up in Colchester, Connecticut and graduated from UCONN with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree in Sociology and a minor in Human Development and Family Relations. He went on to receive his Master of Divinity Degree from Andover Newton Theological School in 1984 and went back to Andover Newton and received his Doctor of Ministry in 1996. Pastor Cal was called to serve the Cross Mills Baptist Church in Charlestown, Rhode Island in September 1983 and served there for two years. In 1985 he was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Lebanon, Connecticut and shortly afterwards he was called to serve as the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Norwich, Connecticut. He planned to stay for about five years but he fell in love with the people and the community and he stayed. In October of 2008 he became the longest standing pastor of that church. In his time in Norwich he served in various capacities within the American Baptist family and in the wider community. His resume includes service as the President of the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut, Senator to the National Minister's Council and President of the Norwich Rotary Club. In 2003 his "Weekly Pastoral Epistles" became a regular feature in the Norwich Bulletin as part of the "Spirit Page" on Fridays. Today he is published in as many as 18 different newspapers each week. In 2007 he published his second book, a collection of sermons entitled, God is Rock Solid, through CSS Publishing. On Monday, March 7, 2011 Pastor Cal began his service with us and we hope he will enjoy a long and fruitful tenure as the pastor of the Central Baptist Church of Westerly, Rhode Island. Since his arrival in Westerly, Pastor Cal has already gotten involved and is becoming an active leader in the community. He is an member, and Past President of the Westerly Rotary Club, a member of the Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Clergy Association. He is the chair of the National Day of Prayer celebration co-chair of the Community Easter Sunrise Service in town. We have enjoyed outdoor worship services, mini dramas in worship, and a renewed sense of community on Sunday mornings. We are delighted to have him serving with us. Come visit us any Sunday and meet him and you will see why. At the present time Pastor Cal lives in Norwich. He and his wife, Lori, have been married thirty plus years and have three lovely daughters, Rebecca, Sarah and Rachel. They currently share their home with Anna,  |
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Community Foundation of Eastern CT
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.
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. |
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Anne Diamond Named President and CEO of Day Kimball Healthcare
After a seven-month national search, the Board of Directors of Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) have announced that Anne Diamond, J.D., C.N.M.T., has been selected as the next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the integrated hospital and healthcare system, which is the major provider of healthcare and largest employer in Northeast Connecticut. Diamond, who is currently the CEO of UConn Health’s John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, CT, will assume her new role at DKH at the end of August. Her selection was made by a subcommittee of the DKH Board of Directors that included physicians, administrators and other members, with input from senior management, department directors, medical staff leadership and medical staff. Diamond brings to DKH more than 30 years of healthcare experience across a multitude of roles. In her most recent role as CEO of John Dempsey Hospital for the past four years, Diamond has focused on improving the hospital’s quality of care, operations and financial performance, with positive results. The hospital realized a positive net margin for the past two years and is on track for another positive year. During Diamond’s tenure as CEO the hospital has also been recognized by the American Hospital Association as an organization improving quality at a faster rate than other hospitals nationally and by the CT Hospital Association’s John D. Thompson Award for Excellence in hospital administration for the use of data in improving quality and clinical processes. Anne has also led UConn’s John Dempsey Hospital to three “A” scores for patient safety from Leapfrog and raised Consumer Reports scores to among the top in the state and nation. “My time at John Dempsey Hospital has been immensely rewarding. I’m proud of all that has been accomplished by the team here over the last four years as CEO and I’m confident that that great work will continue,” Diamond said. “I’m ready now for a new challenge and to help foster that same kind of momentum and innovation at another hospital and healthcare system.” Diamond continued, “I’m so impressed with the achievements in quality of care at Day Kimball Healthcare and the organization’s ability to weather an extremely difficult time for healthcare in our state and nation over the last several years. Day Kimball’s Board of Directors, administration and staff have consistently risen to those challenges in service to their patients and community; that’s the kind of organization I want to be a part of strengthening, and I look forward to helping to lead efforts toward further growth and success in the future.” With Diamond’s arrival at DKH in late August, current Interim President and CEO Joseph Adiletta will step down and resume his prior role as Chairman of the Board. “It was my privilege and pleasure to serve as Interim CEO of Day Kimball Healthcare while the search for a permanent new CEO was underway. I’m proud to have been involved with Day Kimball through participation on the Board of Directors for many years, but being so closely involved on a day-to-day basis has provided me an even deeper understanding and appreciation of the hard work, dedication and commitment that is shown by the people that make up this organization,” Adiletta said. “I look forward to continuing to support their efforts as Chairman of the Board,” Adiletta continued. “I’m also looking forward to working with Anne, who I think brings the perfect combination of skills, values and perspective about what healthcare should be to Day Kimball and the communities we serve. I have no doubt that she will be successful in working with our team to build upon the accomplishments Day Kimball has attained in recent years and to fuel future success.” Prior to her role as CEO at John Dempsey Hospital, Diamond served as the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer and Associate Vice President of Operations. Before that, she spent five years at Salem Health in Oregon, serving as Senior Director, Cardiovascular, Cancer and Imaging Services and then Vice President, Service Lines and Operations. Diamond began her career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, working her way up through the ranks of management and hospital administration over the last three decades. Diamond is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Health Lawyers Association and the American Society of Healthcare Engineers. She sits on the Connecticut Hospital Association’s (CHA’s) Board of Trustees and serves as chair of CHA’s Statewide Asthma Initiative. She is a board member of the Leo and Anne Albert Institute of Bladder Cancer and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon and its Heart Ball. Diamond is also an industry executive advisor for various organizations in healthcare security and patient experience. Diamond holds an executive juris doctor degree with a concentration in Health Law from Concord School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Cedar Crest College. She retains her certification as a nuclear medicine technologist and is certified as a LEAN process master. She is also an accomplished presenter at healthcare forums and conferences across the country and a contributor to a number of healthcare journals and publications. She is married with a 17 year old son and resides in West Hartford, CT.
More About Anne DiamondPrior 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. |
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Palmer Arboretum
The distinguished Dr. Bill Brower will be presenting  Bill Brower earned his BA in Philosophy at Fairfield University, his MA in Education at WCSU and finally attained a PhD in Reading & Statistics at UCONN. He taught Reading class in elementary school and World Studies in middle school for 35 years in the nearby town of Ridgefield, CT. The Palmer Arboretum, located in the Town of Woodstock, CT on Route 169, was founded in 1914 by Minnie Palmer Dean. Mrs. Dean gave the property to the Town of Woodstock in her will in 1925. Several of the trees date back to 1914 or 1916, among them the huge purple beach and the grove of cypresses which can be seen from the parking lot. Over the years, the area over overlooked and became a jungle of poison ivy, multiflora rose and honeysuckle. In the 1970's, Arthur Manthorne cataloged the remaining trees. A separate Arboretum Committee was formed by the Selectmen in 1985, and the slow process of restoration began. Most of the plantings were made in 1993-1994. The Arboretum is a place for education, enjoyment and enlightenment.     |
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CT Yuletide Carolers |
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TAYLOR BROOKE WINERY
 The FoundersRichard (Dick) A. Auger, Winemaker/Owner (March 19, 1955 – March 3, 2017) Dick was a co-founder and owner of Taylor Brooke Winery. 25 years ago Dick found himself working for a biotech start up filled with engineers, chemists, and biologists who tinkered in their home labs brewing beer. Never a fan of beer, Dick participated by making wine, drawing on the knowledge of his colleagues to work out the kinks in the wine making process. That tinkering was the inspiration that eventually led to the development of Taylor Brooke Winery 10 years later. Due to his inability to sit still and and relax, Dick felt compelled to build this winery while working his very full time job as a Global Director of Facilities Management for top firms in the U.S. He traveled often for work, returning inspired from local cuisine and beverage. Dick’s passion in the kitchen translated quite easily to passion for developing new wines. Dick’s recent passing was a devastating loss to all he touched over the last 12 years of being in business. We his family intend to honor his vision of inclusion and expansion, of education and community, by moving forward as he would have wanted. Linda Auger, Tasting Room Manager/Owner Linda is a co-founder and owner of Taylor Brooke Winery. You could say Linda started it all when she purchased a wine kit for Dick as a Christmas gift 22 years ago. Linda’s primary focus is as Tasting Room manager. She runs a highly curated retail shop of locally sourced goods. On the weekends, she spends most of her time in the tasting room managing staff and assisting guests. She is also in charge of all things HR, marketing, and social media, and is our business manager. Linda represents Taylor Brooke winery on countless boards and committees, focusing on promoting and preserving small businesses and local agriculture. The WinemakerNikki Auger, Winemaker/Owner Nikki is an owner and the Winemaker at Taylor Brooke Winery. She began making wine in the kitchen with Dick when she was 16, and joined him as his assistant making wine and directing operations of the vineyard and winery in August 2016. She has spent over 15 years in the food and beverage industry working at top restaurants in Boston, as well as wineries in Northern California. During the week she can be found in the cellar tasting, testing, strategizing with the vineyard team, and overseeing winery operations. On the weekends, her focus is on assisting Linda with the management of the tasting room. She is also in charge of events. The Vineyard ManagerPaul 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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Rotary Youth Exchange Students
 Kiara Monahan  Shiho Nakanishi with family and a US Exchange Student to Japan  Shiho Nakanishi Rotary Youth Exchange students, Kiara Monahan and Shiho Nakanishi join Rotary's Club meeting to say hello and bon voyage! Miss Monahan will be departing for Italy next week for her year of exchange while Miss Nakanishi has just landed in America from Japan. Both girls are enjoying a week together jam packed with lots of meetings and orientations for the Youth Exchange Program and have agreed to share their thoughts, impressions and hopes for the exciting year ahead with the Club! |
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PTO Playground installation
Woodstock Middle School PTO is building new Playground. Ms. Crystal Adams and Erica O'Brien presented a conceptual drawing of the new playground with equipment installed.   For more details and the entire project please click the link below. |
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District Governor David Mangs visits
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Inauguration of Rotary Clock
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4 H Program |
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Alfresco Riverfire "Sophisticated Lady".png)
Hey, Strawberry Shortcake here we come ! I am so happy that Putnam Rotary serves the best.  Scott Pempek marketing genious: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/videos/6FD49B2B-C4C1-426C-9549-0EFBA2FC3B50/Riverfire-in-Putnam Listen to the entertainment: |
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Putnam Police relentless efforts to eliminate marijuana
Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana (CALM) takes the position that Federal laws against the use, cultivation, and transportation of marijuana should be maintained and enforced and should not be relaxed or softened. Cultivation, processing, transportation and use are illegal under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Marijuana continues to be identified by Congress and the DEA as a schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs are classified as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use. After decades of study the FDA continues to reaffirm that there is no medical benefit provided by the use of smoked marijuana and that, in fact, considerable harm can be caused by such use.  CALM is opposed to any State law that attempts to undermine the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Our position is that California Proposition 215 was misrepresented under the misguided claim that there is substantial “medical” benefit from ingesting marijuana and that the harm and negative impacts would be negligible. Subsequently, SB 420 was enacted in a failed attempt to clarify some aspects of Prop 215. We affirm the 2006 FDA finding and vast scientific evidence that marijuana causes harm. The normalization, expanded use, and increased availability of marijuana in our communities are detrimental to our youth, to public health, and to the safety of our society. Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana calls upon the state legislature, county governments, and local municipalities to work within current federal law and to join with federal agencies to stop the spread of marijuana distribution and use. We encourage all citizens to join in this effort. “Legalization of marijuana will come at the expense of our children and public safety” — Drug Enforcement Administration 2006 |
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Scholarships are awarded to local students
 15 Scholarships have been awarded to local students. For details please click here: PhotoAlbums/2017-scholarship-awards Please watch the slideshow: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6068/PhotoAlbums/2017-scholarship-awards |
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CT Partnership for Long Term Care
 Mr. Aldo Pantano presented outlines of the CT Partnership for Long Term Care. Pictured are Fellow Rotarian Peter Benoit and Mr. Aldo Pantano, State of CT, Office of Policy and Management
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Ace-in-the-hole Award
 Fellow Rotarian Jay Byrnes receives the prestigious "Ace in the Hole Award" for his support and dedication towards Rotary's 2017 Ron P. Coderre Golf Tournament. Pictured are Golf Committee Chair Shawn McNerney and Jay Byrnes, owner of Byrnes insurance agency.
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District Governor visit
 District Governor Frank Wargo delivering the District Foundation Grant used for Rotary Park improvements. Pictured are President Marc Archambault and District Governor Mr. Frank Wargo.
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VAL / SAL Celebration and Recognition
Congratulations to all our Valedictorians & Salutatorians ! Pictured left to right: Rotary President Marc Archambault; Val: Margaret Azu, Sal: Mimi Vo , Marianapolis Preparatory School Val: Eric Ayala, Putnam Science Academy Sal: Emily Hughes, Val: Jake Owens, Woodstock Academy Sal: Andrew Simmons, Val: Heather Terron, Putnam High School
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Woodstock Academy moves forward to make the former Hyde School Complex their new South Campus
 Our fellow Rotarians Headmaster Mr. Chris Sanford and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Mr. Jonathan Sturdevant The Woodstock Academy Anticipates Closing on Hyde Campus Purchase WOODSTOCK, CT ( May 19, 2017) – The Woodstock Academy excitedly anticipates the June 15 closing date on the purchase of Hyde School’s Woodstock campus. The Academy administration have been preparing for months for a smooth acquisition and transition of Hyde School’s facilities to become The Woodstock Academy’s South Campus. On the evening of June 21, with the many end-of-school activities over, The Woodstock Academy will host an Open House on the newly purchased campus from 6 - 8 PM. Also on June 21 will be a Move-Up Night for incoming freshmen and transfer students and their parents from 5:30 - 6 PM, as well as the Fall Athletic Information Night for fall athletes and parents from 6 - 6:30 PM. “On the twenty-first we are welcoming anyone who is curious to come and check out South Campus” said Head of School Christopher Sandford. “Purchasing Hyde School’s Woodstock campus is one of the most significant expansion opportunities in The Woodstock Academy’s history,” said Sandford “and we are excited to see our months of planning come to fruition as we open up the campus.” The facilities on Hyde School’s campus fulfill many of The Academy’s needs, including additional classrooms, new learning and performance spaces for visual and performing arts, a larger auditorium, additional athletic facilities, student housing, a second cafeteria, a health center, and room for expansion. “To have so many facility needs fulfilled in one purchase is incredible,” said Associate Head of School Holly Singleton, adding, “it would have taken us years to build these facilities.” “We are very excited about what these facilities mean for The Academy, but also for the community as it provides opportunities to build more partnerships” said Sandford. During Homecoming Weekend, on Saturday, September 30, The Academy will officially celebrate the purchase with a South Campus Grand Opening Ceremony. *** The Woodstock Academy is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory high school for grades 9–12, located in Woodstock, CT. The mission of The Woodstock Academy is to prepare all students for a lifetime of learning by providing academic rigor, a safe environment, and a diversity of educational experiences which will foster a sense of respect for self and others, and will encourage active investment in family, school, community, and the world. -END- |
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FIRST Robotics Competition Game
 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 Worlds newest Rotarian !
Our newest Member Mrs. Emily Petrik, is formally inducted by Club President Marc Archambault.  |
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Habitat for Humanity Presentation.png)
every one needs a place to call home  Mr. Dino Tudisca, a long time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, shared his enthusiasm for the organization during his presentation.
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Putnam Middle School Principal presents the Mentor Program
Mrs. Teri Bruce, Principal of Putnam Middle School presented the "Mentoring for Success" Program  For more details of the Mentoring program and an application form download the information: |
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Gymnastic Team
 From Left to Right: Robin Deary-Fillmore (Coach) Kasey Fillmore (Head Coach) Emily Arters Madelyn Grube Elise Boisvert Abigail Vaida Lydia Taft Grace Logan Paige Stuyniski Allison Crescimanno Jenna Davidson Marc Archambault
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Boy Scouts of America Charles Copeland
Charles Copeland, District Executive - Nipmuck, Boy Scouts of America, Connecticut Rivers Council  President Marc Archambault thanking Mr. Charles Copeland "Eagle Scout" for his presentation  Rotarian Jay Wade "Eagle Scout" reminisced with Mr. Charles Copeland "Eagle Scout" |
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Newest Rotary Member Marcy Dawley
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Bob Andrews DKH
 Mr. Bob Andrews pictured with President Marc Archambault The membership was informed of the latest safety procedures and policies at DKH for the safety of all patients and the public at large.
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Speaker Brian Murphy informs the club about the Baseball Program |
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Music and its benefits for the elderly
Jarred McClurg from Matulaitis Rehab Center and Bob Fournier presented a program about Music and its benefits for the elderly at Matulaitis Rehab & Skilled Care Center.
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Pomfret-Eastford Little League and Griffin Youth Hockey
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The Worlds newest Rotarian ! Anne Miller has joined the ranks
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Salvation Army Bell Ringing |
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Woodstock Hill Singers
 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 |
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Holiday Giving
 Putnam Rotary Club "Holiday Giving" CampaignPresident Marc Archambault and Holiday Giving Committee Chair Rachel Johnston standing with representative from Putnam Family Resource Center Patty Bryant and TEEG representatives Nicole Hill and Jen Strong. The gifting theme for 2016 was "Board Games" resulting in more than 75 mind challenging and entertaining games to be donated. ********************************************************** |
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Putnam Rotary Club puts up $9K to enhance park |
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Salvation Army Bell Ringing Left to Right - Club President, Delpha Very, Bell Ringing Volunteers, Paul Desautels and Barbara Schreier, Putnam Rotarian and Interact Advisor, Roberta Rocchetti, and Salvation Army Director of Volunteer Services, Kathy Orfitelli
Salvation Army - Bell Ringing
Kathy Orfitelli, Director of Volunteer Resources, for the Salvation Army for the Northeast CT Service District was today’s speaker.
The Salvation Army was started 150 years ago in London by a Wesleyan pastor who felt that society was a mess and that he had to help people. He quit his job and started collecting money. The Salvation Army has 26 core (brick and mortar) and 37 service units. The service units are run by volunteers who share concerns for their communities. There are two free adult rehab facilities in our area.
Ninety percent of the kettle donations stay in the service area and eighty two percent of the mail in donations. Kathy Peterson at Daily Bread is the point person in the area for the Salvation Army. Her office is at Daily Bread. Monies given out from Salvation Army are meant to help people in a temporary crisis. The primary needs in this area are for utilities. The phone number is now part of the state info line.
At Back to School time, they donated 144 backpacks and $30 gift cards to Payless Shoe store. Kathy thanked Jay S. for allowing them to store kettles at the Putnam Supermarket. Paul is retiring from 30 years of helping with the bell ringing. Karen and Pam thanked Paul and Barbara for all of their work with the teens.
Delpha presented Paul with a Special Appreciation plaque from Rotary for his years of service to bell ringing and community youth.
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Rotary International Birthday Putnam Rotary Club Celebrates Rotary's 111th Birthday!
At the Club's Tuesday, February 23rd meeting, the Club shared a birthday cake to honor the 111 years that Rotary International has been spreading "service above self".
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Fall PreventionLinda Colangelo - Northeast District Department of Health - Fall Prevention
 Linda Colangelo, Education and Communications Coordinator for the Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH) was the guest speaker for the January 26, 2016 meeting of the Putnam Rotary Club. Colangelo provided members with an engaging presentation on fall prevention, which stressed the importance of regular exercise to maintain core abdominal strength, medication reviews, orthostatic blood pressure checks, and annual vision checks. Colangelo also gave tips for maintaining one’s balance on snow and ice and provided members with fall prevention materials, including handouts to assess personal fall risk and fall prevention safety in the home. NDDH prevents illness, promotes wellness and protects the health of over 85,000 residents in 12 northeastern Connecticut towns. The presentation was funded by the Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention (CCFP). Colangelo, quoting CCFP Executive Director Dorothy Baker, reminded members of the need to “better interact with their physical environment in order to stay on our feet and that it is never too early and never too late to reduce the risk of falling.” |
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Putnam Rotary Collects GiftsRotary 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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RYLA Scholarship Winner Reports to Club on TripRYLA Scholarship Winner Reports to Club on Trip
 From Left to Right, Delpha Very, Putnam Rotary President, Dakota Anderson, RYLA Student, Jacqueline Vetrovec, Principal Putnam High School and Ron Coderre, Putnam Rotarian
Dakota Anderson was selected by the Putnam Rotary Club to attend the District's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) program at Springfield College in June 2014. During the Springfield College program, Dakota was selected by her peers to go the Rotary World Affairs Seminar at Carroll University, Wisconsin this summer. Dakota is a senior at Putnam High School. Next year she plans to attend college and study photography.
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Rotary Exchange Student Visits FenwayRotary Exchange Student Attends Red Sox Game
 Our exchange student, Leo, went to his first major league baseball game last night. Along with his host family, Marc Archambault and his son, Jack, Leo enjoyed watching the Red Sox play Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, they lost.
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Rotary Roses - Annual Sale Annual Rotary Roses Sale
Every year the Putnam Rotary Club sells roses in the fall. For $15, you get a beautiful dozen of roses and you help the Club raise money for their many charitable efforts. This is one of our three major fundraisers. The money from the roses helps us fund our scholarship program along with more than 30 local charities. Orders for roses need to be in by October 13. The roses will be delivered on Friday, October 23. See a Putnam Rotarian to place an order.
Thank you for your support.
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Putnam Rotary Club - New BoardPutnam Rotary Club Holds Induction Night 2015
.jpg) 2015 - 2106 Putnam Rotary Board (left to right) Ron Coderre, Kayla Burgess, Kathy Leveilee, Elizabeth Buzalski (Treasurer), Delpha Very (President), John Miller (Secretary), Richard Place (Vice President) and Marc Archambault (President-Elect)
The Putnam Rotary Club held their annual Suzanne Franklin Induction Night on Tuesday, June 16th at the Inn on Woodstock Hill. The event honors deceased Rotarian Suzanne Franklin who for many years organized the yearly event.
During the program, the Club awarded four new Paul Harris Fellow to recognize outstanding "Service Above Self". The recipients were Susan Desrosiers, Susan Esons, Richard Naumann and Donna Coderre. The Paul Harris Fellow Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Club
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Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament - Great Success.jpeg) Rotarian and Golf Tournament Co-Chairman Marc Archambault presenting the Ace in the Hole award to Jim Dandeneau for his contributions to the Putnam Rotary Golf Tournament.
The fifth annual Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament was held on Friday, June 5, 2015 at the Connecticut National Golf Course. The Tournament is the largest fundraiser for the Putnam Rotary Club.
Thank you to the teams that played and to our 2015 Sponsors Please see Golf Tournament Link for the List of our Sponsors. |
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Officer CastleOfficer Castle with Vice President Delpha Very and Ron Coderre
 Rotary Club Honors Putnam Police Officer Brian Castle
The Putnam Rotary Club accorded special recognition to Putnam Police Officer Brian Castle at its regular weekly meeting April 14 at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant. Castle, who is one of the canine officers on the Putnam Police Department, was the guest of veteran Rotarian Ronald P. Coderre. Castle was accompanied by his wife Danielle and his daughters Chelsey and Leah. Deputy Chief Lee Konicki was also in attendance..
On Jan. 19 Putnam Police Officer Brian Castle working the midnight shift responded to a 911 call to a home on Grove Street that was fully engulfed in flames. Upon his arrival, Officer Castle was informed by bystanders that there were people in the building.
The 12-year officer of the force instinctively swung into action. He broke into the home and crawled beneath the smoke line with the fire crackling intensely, where he reached the injured man. Recognizing that the individual was alive he dragged him to safety outside the home, saving the man’s life.
Two nights later, Officer Castle responded to the same area where an automobile had catapulted into a home demolishing that portion of the house. After assuring the safety of the occupants, he was told that the family dog was trapped in the debris. Once again, Officer Castle, risking his life, sprang into action rescuing the family canine.
When asked if he’d do these actions again, Officer Castle responded an emphatic “Absolutely.” “I’ve been a firefighter and paramedic in my career so I simply act instinctively in these type situations. This is what police work is about. Some days you ask yourself ‘why?’ And then there are days that are very rewarding,” said Castle.
In addition to speaking about the incidents that occurred in January, Officer Castle had his police dog Ammo with him. He showed a brief video of the rigorous training that he and Ammo went through to become certified.
Rotary Club President-elect Delpha Very presented Castle with a plaque recognizing his “Heroism in the Line of Duty.”
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Rotarians and Lions Join Forces for Food DriveRotarians and Loins Join Forces for Food Drive
 Rotarians Mona Lee, Roberta Rocchetti, Scott Pempek and Steve Adams help collect food on a cold April day.
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Club Competes in Spelling Bee to Benefit QVCC
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. |
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Forensic Psychologist Speakes to Club
Club President, Rande Chmura, Guest Speaker, Dr. Mary Cheyne and Rotarian Joe Adiletta Forensic psychology concerns the way that psychology interfaces with the law. Threat Management differs from Risk Assessment in that it blends mental health, security and law enforcement. Everyday we predict dangerousness. The decisions that we make to protect ourselves is based on the dangers we perceive – for example, how we act in a dark parking lot.
Threats alone are not a predictor of violence. Targeted violence can be predicted – it is not the result of snapping or a trigger event. Threat management is looking at behaviors versus verbal threats.
There are four pathways to violence: grievance, ideation, breach and attack. Targeted violence has additional pathways: grievance, violent ideation, research and planning the attack, pre attack preparation, probing and breaches, and then the attack. The warning signs can include: physical violence, threats, leakage, loss of temper, bullying, bizarre behavior and uninvited contact. Mental illness is not a predictor of violence except for a schizophrenic who is off their medications or a psychopath because they have no remorse.
The Threat Assessment Model, WAVR - 21, has 21 questions to assess the level of threat.
Crisis occurs when prevention fails. All organizations should have a workplace violence policy and a workplace domestic violence policy. It is important to review the policies and assure that all employees know what the policies are. Also, is important to have a Corporate Threat Assessment Team. It is important to establish protocols, meet regularly, use experts and have an ongoing evaluation process.
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Putnam Rotary Club to Compete in QVCC Spelling BeeQVCC 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. |
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Newest Putnam RotarianPutnam 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!
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Chamberlin Mill PresentationJean 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.
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Rotary Club Wins Trivia ContestRotary 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.
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Backpacks for TEEGBackpack 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. |
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Paquette Climbs Mount KilimanjaroPhilippa 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
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Mayor Falzarano Addresses ClubMayor 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. |
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Rotary Picnic is a Success
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 |
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Rotarians at Work in Rotary Park
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.
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Cash Register for Haiti Entrepreneurs
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."
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Putnam Rotary Club - Officers for 2014 - 2015Induction 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. |
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Club Awards ScholarshipsPutnam 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. |
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Club Honors Valedictorians and Salutatorians
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. |
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Fishing DerbyNoe 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
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Congressman Courtney Visits Putnam Rotary Club
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. |
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Putnam Rotary Club at local Spelling Bee
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.
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District Governor VisitDistrict 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. |
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Induction Night - Introduce New Rotary LeadersPutnam 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.
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End of Paul's Year Donations
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.
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Rotary Honors Valedictorians and SalutatoriansRotary 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. |
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Rotary ScholarshipsRotary 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. |
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Rotary Fishing Derby
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. 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.
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Donation to Daily Bread
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.
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Christmas DonationsChristmas 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 |
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Donation to Daily BreadPasta 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. 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. |
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New MemberPutnam 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! |
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Project Northeast DonationPutnam Rotary Club Makes Donation to Project Northeast.
Sister Eleanor Baldoni, left, and Putnam Rotary Club President Paul Pikora. Courtesy photo. 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. 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 |
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President Pikora awards Paul Harris Pin President Pikora awards Paul Harris Pin to Putnam Rotarian Gary Osbrey. At the October 9th weekly meeting of the Putnam Rotary Club, Gary Osbrey received his second Paul Harris Award for his contributions to Rotary International. Gary has been very active with Rotary both at the local level with the Putnam Rotary Club and at the District Level. Gary served the District as the Assistant District Governor. Gary and his wife, Karen Osbrey, also a Putnam Rotarian, own and operate WINY 1350 AM. Gary and Karen epitomize the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self". Congratulations Gary on your second Paul Harris Award. Paul Harris was the founder of the Rotary Club organization. |
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Pride Recognizes the Putnam Rotary Club
PRIDE Recognizes the Putnam Rotary Club
 From left to right, Rotarian Jeff Rawson, PRIDE Chairman, Romeo Blackmar and Club President, Paul Pikora At Tuesday's lunch meeting, the Putnam Rotary Club received a certificate of recognition from the Putnam PRIDE Organization for our contribution to PRIDE. PRIDE Chairman, Romeo Blackmar made the presentation. Two Rotarians, Jeff Rawson and Stephen Adams, received individual certificates of recognition for their individual support of PRIDE. PRIDE is the Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone. Their goal is "to unite the citizens of Putnam in a partnership to create and foster a safe, drug free environment for the entire community". The group has run awareness campaigns, helped organize proper prescription drug disposal programs and targeted the sales of drug paraphernalia at local convenience stores. Visit their website PutnamPride.org for more information.
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Donation to the Putnam Family Resource Center
Donation to the Putnam Family Resource Center
 Photo by Linda Lemmon Putnam Rotary Club President Paul Pikora and Patty Bryant check out some of the donations from the Rotary Club to the Putnam Family Resource Center. President Pikora, who was installed in late June, had thought about what was important to the local community when he was considering what his year at the helm of Rotary would look like. While donations by club members and the club to Rotary International help very worthy causes, like the eradication of polio, Pikora wanted to do something that affected the community the Putnam Rotary serves. He decided on a campaign to help local organizations each month of his year. The first month, Putnam Rotarians made contributions to Daily Bread. The next month, Rotarians helped the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group. The Putnam Family Resource Center needed school supplies for the families served by the center. Patty Bryant, director of the center, said 200 backpacks are filled and given to kids in need. In addition to the backpacks, Rotarians donated everything that goes into a backpack including notebooks, pencils, markers and more. Pikora also gave Bryant $77 in cash that was donated. Bryant said those served by the center are families that might not be able to afford school supplies. "The choice might be between food for the table or school supplies," she said. In all the center helps 500 in all capacities throughout the year. "We certainly appreciate the donation," she told Pikora. |
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Roots of Development SpeakerRoots of Development - Chad Bissonnette  As part of their international avenue of service, the Putnam Rotary Club provided funds for the Roots of Development projects in Haiti. At today's meeting, Chad Bissonnette, the Executive Director of the Roots of Development, gave the Club an update on the success of the water project in Haiti. For more information on Roots of Development visit their website at RootsofDevelopment.org. |
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Rose Sale
Rose Sale Underway!
Rick "the Rose King" announced it is that time of year for Rotary's annual rose sale. The roses are $15 per dozen and will be delivered on Thursday, October 18. Checks can be made out to the Putnam Rotary Club. We sold over 1,000 dozen roses last year. We need to beat that! Please check with any Putnam Rotarian if you would like to buy roses. This is one of the Club's three main fundraisers of the year. The money raised for this event and our other activities helps the Putnam Rotary Club award more than $11,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors and contribute over $30,000 to local groups. Your help is always appreciated. |
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New Members
Putnam Rotary's Newest Members
 At Tuesday's lunch meeting, the Putnam Rotary Club welcomed their two newest members, Susan Andersen and Jim West. Both were proposed for membership by Ron Coderre. Ms. Anderson is the Director of Development for Marianapolis and Jim West is the Golf Pro at Connecticut National Golf Course. Welcome to the Club. |
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Putnam Rotary Club donates peanut butter to local food pantry The Putnam Rotary Club recently donated peanut butter and other monetary gifts to the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group. Rotary President Paul Pikora, left, brought the donations to Carl Asikainen, TEEG board chair. Courtesy photo. PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club recently took stock of all the donations made to local community organizations. Donations went to: American Legion Baseball, Arc, Bradley Playhouse, Camp Quinebaug, Clipper Classic Girls Basketball, Community Kitchen, DARE, Day Kimball HomeCare. Also, Day Kimball Homemakers, Day Kimball Hospice, Day Kimball Hospital. Also, Dazzle Light Parade, Deary Road Race, Ellis Tech Scholarship, Habitat for Humanity, Interact, International Projects, Little League/Sports, Memorial Rotarian Scholarships, N.E. Performing Arts. Also, NECASA - N.E. Comm. Ag., Paul Harris/ Rotary Foundation, Putnam Fireworks, Putnam Pride, QVCC Annual Donation, Red Ribbon Campaign, Rotaract, RYLA, Scholarships, School/Education/Literacy, Scouting, ShelterBox USA. Also, TEEG, The Rotary Foundation, United Services, WPTP, Bandstand Project - Handicapped Bathroom, Bandstand Project- Fitting Room, Care in a Heartbeat Campaign, The Arc of Quinebaug Valley, Inc. - Elevator. Also, Regional YMCA Capital Campaign, Northeast Placement Services, Inc., Connecticut Audubon Society - Center at Pomfret, Windham County 4-H Foundation, Inc., Putnam Science Academy - Robotics Team, Four-year Scholarship, Woodstock Elementary School, Eastford Elementary School, Boy Scouts of America Troop 21. |
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District Governor's Visit
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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Induction Night - June 20, 2012
Putnam Rotary Club Holds Induction Night - June 20, 2012The Club held its Induction Night at Tyrone Farms in Pomfret. (Tyrone Farms is operated by Club Member Ian MacLaren and his family.) Richard Loomis served as the emcee of the night as the reins of the Club were turned over from current President Cindy Dunne to incoming President Paul Pikora. Cindy presided over a very successful year for the Club with more than $55,000 in donations to local groups. The highlight of night was the announcement of the three newest Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow award is the highest honor bestowed by the Club. This year's recipients included: Kathleen Murphy, for her service to the Club as editor of the Cargill Falls Courier; Scott Young, for his service to the Club with the Dazzle Light Parade, the Rotary Trailer and the golf tournament; and Betty Hale, for her service to the Community with the Performing Arts of Northeast Connecticut, tourism and art groups, and the Regional Community YMCA program. The Club also made Barbara Schreier an honorary member of the Club for her work with the youth of northeastern Connecticut. For more photos of the evening please click on the Photo link above on the left. |
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Putnam Rotary Annual Scholarship AwardsThe Putnam Rotary Club, June 5, awarded several scholarships to local students. Front row, left to right: Rachel Solomon (Woodstock Academy), $1,000; Megan Heaney (PHS), the John O'Brien Putnam Rotary Scholarship ($1,000 in 2012 and $1,000 in 2013); Amanda Wedegis (WA), Maurice Beaulac Putnam Rotary Scholarship, $1,000; Milton Edward Jacob Ives, Quinebaug Middle College High School, $500; Putnam Rotary President Cynthia Dunne. Second row: Sarah Elizabeth Froehlich (WA) Leon Archambault Putnam Rotary Scholarship, $1,000; Caroline Kenny (WA), $1,000; Edward Partlow (PHS), $1,000; Mary Beaulac, wife of the late Maurice Beaulac; Denise Archambault, wife of the late Leon Archambault. Back row: Taylor Zakrzewski (WA), $1,000; Galina Rachchenko (WA) Raymond Brousseau Putnam Rotary Scholarship, $1,000; Marina Zanczyk (PHS), $500; Valentina Zaytsev (PHS), $1,000. Linda Lemmon photo. 
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Putnam Rotary Club Welcomes the Members of the Group Study Exchange from Mexico For one week in May, the Putnam Rotary Club hosted five professional from Rotary District 4100 in the northwest section of Mexico, as part of the Rotary Group Study Exchange. On May 22 the Group presented a program about Mexico to the Putnam Rotary Club. The visiting Rotarians posed with Rotary District Governor Susan Hallock Klock, far left, and Putnam Rotary Club President Cynthia Dunne, far right. Visiting GSE Rotarians included: Antonio Munoz, Greicy Chavez, Issac Chavez, Carmen Cota and Esteban Velazquez. Linda Lemmon photo. |
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Rotary Donation - Woodstock Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts At our recent Rotary meeting, Paul Pikora, President Elect, had the pleasure of presenting our annual donation to the Woodstock scouting effort. Accepting the donation for the Scouts was Tony Listro. The Putnam Rotary Club tries to support all the troops (boys and girls) in our service area. Contact Paul for additional information on our fundraising efforts. |
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Diaper Donations Helen Ferland, left, Diaper Bank coordinator, stands with Putnam Rotary Club Cynthia Dunne and the more than $200 worth of diapers and baby wipes donated by Rotary Club members to the Diaper Bank. Linda Lemmon photo. |
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Rotary in Action - Donation Presentations
At our recent meetings, Club President, Cindy Dunne presented checks to several organizations, including Roots for Development, Deary Memorial Road Race - Cancer Fund and Literacy Volunteers of Eastern Connecticut. The fundraising efforts of our Club allow the Club to support these worthwhile organizations. Check our photo album to see more pictures.
Donation to Roots of Development  |
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Annual Ray Brousseau Senior All Star Basketball Event - A success On Wednesday, March 21, the Putnam Rotary Club sponsored the annual Ray Brousseau, Senior All Star Basketball games at Putnam High School. Ray Brousseau was a long time and active member of the Putnam Rotary Club and the business community of Putnam. The Club is honored to host the annual All Star Games in his name.The two girls, All Star teams were sponsored by Matulaitis Nursing Home and Archambault Insurance Associates. The Boys teams were hosted by BenPe Consulting and WINY Radio. Byrnes Insurance Agency provided the awards and Citizens National Bank funded the half time shootout with one winner from Putnam Science Academy. Over 30 athletes from the surrounding towns participated in the event. The student athletes represented Putnam Science Academy, Woodstock Academy, Putnam High, Tourtellotte High, Pomfret School, Plainfield High, Windham Tech, and Killingly High, A great time was had by the players and the fans. (Photo courtesy of Linda Lemmon) |
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Rotary Trailer
Rotary Trailer - Ready for Another Event
Rotarians staff the trailer for 6 events during the year to help raise money for our charitable activities. Through the trailer, the Club raises over $6,000. The trailer also helps keep the Club visible in the community. This year, Rande Chmura serves as the Trailer Chief with help from her husband, Fred and the trailer committee. 
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Club Meets at the Putnam Science Academy Campus
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
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Putnam Regional Interact Club Pizza Party at St. Mary Church Hall in Putnam
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. |
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Putnam Rotarians are Recognized at the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Award's CeremonyFriday 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! |
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Putnam Rotarians Make a Good Showing at the QVCC Annual Spelling BeeRachael 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.
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Golf Committee Gears Up for this year's Ronald P. Coderre Golf TournamentThe "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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Home at Last Campaign
At Tuesday, December 7th's Putnam Rotary Club meeting, we had the honor to hear from two local veterans discuss their efforts to build a facility for homeless veterans of Eastern Connecticut (photo from the Norwich Bulletin). The LaFlamme-Kusek American Legion Post #15 is proposing to restore and reuse its existing building in Jewett City into 18 permanent supportive housing units. These apartments are the first of their kind in a rural setting.
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Holiday Dazzle Parade is a Success
The Rotary Club of Putnam was well represented in the Holiday Dazzle Parade. Our float tried to show the local residents where the Rotary Club directs their fund raising money. Last year, the Club raised almost $50,000 for local groups, including Daily Bread, Hospice,and many other great groups. We also awarded over $12,000 in scholarships to local high school students. The students of the Interact Club helped man the float.
Thank you everyone who helped on the Float.
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Rotary's Newest Members
At Tuesday's meeting the Putnam Rotary Club welcomed their two newest members; Kip Parker and Paul Dery. Kip works for the Eastern Connecticut Foundation and Paul is a retired teacher and member of the Thompson Board of Finance. Welcome Kip and Paul!
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Holiday Dazzle Parade
The Holiday Dazzle Parade Committee was hard at work on Saturday getting the Rotary Float ready for Sunday's parade. Thanks to Jeff Rawson for letting the Club use one of his trucks. This year's theme is how the Putnam Rotary Club gives back to the community.
The Parade starts at 5 pm on Sunday.
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Annual Fishing Derby
Every year the Putnam Rotary Club sponsors the Noe Poulin Memorial Fishing Derby in early May. With the help of Willie Bousquet and the Town of Putnam Recreation Department and the Northeast Bass Club, young fishermen and women (up to the age of 15) get to fish the Quinebaug River along Kennedy Drive and Church Street. Prizes are awarded for five different age brackets
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Rose Sale Completed
The first major fundraiser for President Joyce's year, our annual Rose Sale is now complete. Thank you everyone who made the sale a success.
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A Celebration of Healing and World Polio Day
On October 24, World Polio Day, from 1-5 pm join Mary McManus polio and post polio syndrome survivor, 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, inspirational poet and Magic 106.7's Exceptional Woman, and the Rotary Clubs of North Providence and Putnam, Connecticut for a Celebration of Healing and World Polio Day at Wonderland Book Store, 125 Main Street, Putnam, CT.
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Putnam Rotary Club President Kathy Kirk visits the Coffeehouse Tuesday breakfast to deliver a $1,000 check. The Putnam Rotary Club continues to support the Coffeehouse including by helping to staff their breakfast meetings. 
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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 
