Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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GROTON — Brian A. Orenstein, CEO of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, and Wayne J. Burgess, chairman of the credit union’s Supervisory Committee and President of the Southeastern Connecticut Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, have been named this year’s co-chairmen of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut’s 2014 campaign appeal.
“We’re looking forward to leading this year’s campaign for United Way,” said Orenstein. “Despite a recovering economy, there’s still a profound need for assistance across this region,” he said.
“The monies we raise in 2014 will benefit a broad spectrum of local organizations that work together to advance the common good for everyone and provide building blocks for a better life, from those working to end food insecurity to groups that increase education efforts, stabilize incomes and create healthier lives in southeastern Connecticut,” Orenstein said.
Both Orenstein and Burgess have been longtime supporters of United Way efforts in the region, and Charter Oak is a corporate benefactor of the Gales Ferry-based social services agency. During 2013, Charter Oak employees increased their United Way giving by 22 percent, and the credit union and its employees were honored with United Way’s 2013 Partner of the Year, Outstanding Achievement and Benefactor awards.
Charter Oak’s assistance to those in need extends beyond its United Way annual campaign. The credit union’s Community Giving Program, started in 2009, has donated nearly
$800,000 to non-profits and charitable organizations across eastern Connecticut. During 2013, Charter Oak donated $200,000 in community giving and will increase its community giving in 2014 – its 75th anniversary year – by 10 percent.
Charter Oak has 13 branches including one in Dayville and one in Putnam.
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Donation
The Putnam Bank Foundation donates $2500 to the Performing Arts of Northeast CT. Pictured: Lynn Bourque, SVP of Putnam Bank; Tom Borner, CEO and president of Putnam Bank; Lindsay Paul, Ellen Silbermann and Betty Hale of NECT Performing Arts. Courtesy photo.
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caption, page 7:
Hoop Help
Judi Ann Jones of Dancin’ with Hoops works with Peyton Bentley of Woodstock on hooping techniques. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
A large contingent of youngsters accompanied by their parents and grandparents turned out on March 29 at Quinebaug Valley Community College for Healthy Kids Day sponsored by the Regional Community YMCA. This was the fourth year the program has taken place and the first year on the campus of the college.
Youngsters and their chaperones wandered throughout the inside of the college as well on the grounds enjoying demonstrations, educational classes and an opportunity to participate in a number of activities. The day was organized by the YMCA’s program director Christine Rivers, assisted by Board of Advisors Program Committee chairperson Sarah Bentley.
“It’s great to see the turnout of families, who are enjoying the variety of activities. This is a wonderful day for northeastern Connecticut. We moved the date to late March and I believe that helped increase attendance. People want to see winter go away and are looking to get outside for activities,” said Sarah Bentley.
Among the many groups present were the Connecticut State Police who oversaw a bicycle rodeo and safety program; Putnam PRIDE, which presented information on substance abuse; Dancin’ with Hoops featuring Judi Ann Jones; a presentation on “How To Become Bully Proof” by Day Kimball Hospital; Northeast Opportunities for Wellness; the YMCA’s Camp Woodstock; Putnam Police Officer Brian Castle and his canine friend Ammo; and numerous other groups.
“The kids really enjoyed being able to get close to and pet Ammo. He responded well by giving friendly face lickings,” said Officer Castle of his two-year old canine.
Although the skies were overcast, many of the participants ventured outside for activities. The State Police Bicycle Rodeo was appreciated by 12 year old Logan Toper who there with his mother Renee and his six year old sister Abby.
“I learned a lot about bicycle safety that will help me,” said Logan Toper. “I really enjoyed doing the obstacle course. It was challenging and fun.”
Dancin’ with Hoops was a favorite of many of the youngsters, who were encouraged by Judi Ann Jones who energized not only the participants but also the onlookers with her agility and skill in performing seemingly magic tricks with her hoop.
“When I was a kid I enjoyed hoola hooping,” said Betty Hale, as she watched her granddaughter Helen Hale work out under the watchful eye of Jones.
As the event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., was winding down Christine Rivers was glowing in the aftermath of the success of the program. “This was a great location for Healthy Kids Day. The facilities are perfect for the activities and the grounds are so spacious, allowing everyone the area they need for their activity,” said Rivers.
Whether it was participating in an activity or learning something new about healthy living and healthy life styles, there was something for everyone at Healthy Kids Days as more than 40 exhibitors were on hand. And the event brought awareness to the proposed Regional Community YMCA that is scheduled to open in August 2015 off Kennedy Drive in Putnam.
“We’re excited to see this turnout today. And we’re equally excited about the opening of the Regional Community YMCA for the people of Northeastern Connecticut,” said Jim Scherer, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.
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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Rheo A. Brouillard ’76 of Hampton, has been named to the Western New England University Board of Trustees.
Brouillard is president and CEO of SI Financial Group, Inc. and of Savings Institute Bank and Trust. He began his banking career in 1976 with Massachusetts-based BayBanks Corp. He joined Connecticut Online Computer Center (COCC), a regional bank service bureau, in 1983 and served as customer service vice president until he returned to banking in 1989. He was named president of Danielson Federal Savings & Loan Association in 1989.
Brouillard serves as president of the Northeastern Connecticut Community Development Corporation. He is also a director of Infinex Financial Group, the Vantis Life Insurance Company, and Banker’s Bank Northeast. He is a past chairman of the Connecticut Bankers Association and is active in the American Bankers Association serving as the Connecticut representative of the Community Bank Council, the Federal Home Loan Bank Committee and the OTS/OCC Merger Task Force. Brouillard also serves as director of a number of non-profit organizations.
Brouillard received his B.S.B.A. degree, majoring in Management, from Western New England University in 1976.
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Then
This is the Union Block in downtown Putnam in the 1940s. Putnam Town Crier file photos.
& Now
This is the same area today.