Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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WOODSTOCK — Peter Sumner, a dedicated and innovative Career and Technology teacher at The Woodstock Academy, has been recognized as the 2023-24 Connecticut Technology and Engineering Education High School Teacher of the Year by the Connecticut Technology and Engineering Education Association (CTEEA).
This award acknowledges Sumner’s outstanding contributions to the field of engineering education and his commitment to fostering a passion for engineering within the classroom. In May 2023, Sumner was also named CTEEA Teacher of the Month for Technology and Engineering High School Education, which qualified him for consideration of CTEEA Teacher of the Year.
Sumner has been instrumental in creating and implementing innovative and engaging curriculum, providing his students with real-world, hands-on experiences to deepen their understanding of engineering. His ability to make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable has earned him the admiration and respect of both students and colleagues.
“Mr. Sumner brings the perfect mix of professional expertise and fun and enjoyment to his classes. While taking the engineering CAD course, you are always engaged with an interesting project that connects to an aspect of the engineering process,” said Evan Rhault ’24, one of Sumner’s current students.
“Mr. Sumner led me to a greater understanding of engineering through his superb teaching skills and his great depth of knowledge in the subject matter,” said student, Joel Koleszar ’24.
Recent accomplishments of Sumner’s teaching career at WA include starting a competitive robotics team, becoming members of the Technology Student Association and Youth Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative, starting a chapter of the National Technical Honor Society, and with the help of generous donors and grants, introducing his students to 3D printing, robotics, lasers, simulators, CNC machining, state of the art computers, drones, and latest design software, that are all continuing to evolve.
“The greatest thing about technology and engineering is that tools are always evolving, nothing stays the same, there is never a dull moment. Everyday there is something new for students to learn,” said Sumner. “I am not big on awards but this one is a testament to the people that have guided me along the way, including mentors, colleagues, and WA’s administration.”
“Peter’s state-wide recognition is not a surprise. His classroom instruction is superior, creative, and cultivates strong student agency. Over the years, he continues to lead robotics teams to regional, state, and national success,” said Associate Head of School Holly Singleton. “And he has guided the engineering program at The Academy to align with industry standards and innovative thinking.”
Along with being recognized at the CTEEA State Conference on November 7, Sumner will also be honored by the International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) at their annual convention in Memphis, TN in March 2024.
“As Teacher of the Year, Peter joins a long line of distinguished educators who have received this honor over the years. His leadership and desire to continuously improve the program at The Woodstock Academy is paramount to our profession,” said Dan Grenier, CTEEA State Champion and presenter of Sumner’s award.
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Holiday
Clockwise from top left:
Members of the Putnam Middle School band. From left: Nick Benoit, Bailey Champagne and Reagan Murphy.
After lighting the holiday lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus settled into their chairs to talk to more than 100 kids. This one wasn't talking yet!
Santa will be at 112 Main St., Putnam, Saturdays from 10-1. From left: Santa, Preston Nattress, Audrey Nattress and Gwen Wilson.
Parade color guard. Photo by Michael Rocchetti.
Holiday bulbs, aka Brownie Troop 61192
BSA Pack 21
10 Year Tradition: The Putnam Business Association raised $6,265 to benefit Daily Bread.
Blake Rawson and Santa light up the holiday lights all over Putnam.
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PUTNAM — Rawson Materials, a quality aggregate producer, has purchased substantially all of the assets of Rampco Construction Corporation, Inc. in Dudley.
The business will now operate under the Rawson Materials name as Rawson Materials Plant #9, and will continue to provide dependable service and produce quality aggregate materials.
Discussions regarding the asset purchase had been ongoing between Rawson Materials’ President, Jeffrey Rawson and Rampco Construction Corporation President Richard Androlewicz, and Vice President Jonathan Androlewicz. The deal became effective on Nov. 1.
Rawson said: “It brings me great pleasure to announce the purchase of Rampco Construction Corporation. The family-owned business has been a staple in the Dudley community for many years with a dependable and trustworthy reputation, which aligns with our mission and vision. This is yet another milestone in growth for Rawson Materials and we couldn’t be happier to welcome their exceptional team to our Rawson family! Having a location in Massachusetts will help to further enhance our footprint and provide more opportunities for our customers and the communities we serve while vertically integrating by securing our ability to supply our asphalt plant, Bevilacqua Asphalt, in nearby Uxbridge.”
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WOODSTOCK — United Services recognized long-serving staff, including a 40 year milestone for its President/CEO Diane Manning and welcomed new board members with its recent Annual Dinner.
United Services President/CEO Diane L. Manning reflected on changes the agency undertook in the last year, including certification in the rigorous federal standard Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and the upcoming launch of its Integrated Primary Care program.
United Services is the non-profit, community-based outpatient behavioral health center and Local Mental Health Authority for northeastern Connecticut.
United Services elected new board leadership for the 2023-24 year as well as two new members.
United Services’ continuing board leadership includes Chairman Diane Sauer of Storrs. Vice Chairman Peter Manilow of Willington and treasurer Christopher Dooley of Brooklyn. New leadership includes secretary Philip Gaudette.
Newly elected to the United Services Board of Directors were Doria Daviau of Woodstock and Cheryl Feuerman of Coventry.
Returning board members include Kevin Bernier of Woodstock, Terry Berthelot of Mansfield, Romeo Blackmar of Woodstock, Carlita Cotton of Mansfield Center, Gerard Gagne of Pomfret Center, Maximo Garcia of North Windham, Carol Kent of Canterbury, Roland Lupien of Dayville, Jeanne Nuhfer of Columbia, and Linda Parsons of Brooklyn.
United Services also honored retiring board members Valentine Iamartino of Thompson, who served six years on the board, and Anne Konczakowski of Windham, who served nine years on the board.
United Services staff were honored for their long-standing service to the organization. Manning was recognized for her incredible leadership with significant fanfare, including tributes from USI’s former longtime Medical Director Dr. Jay Patel, deputy commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Colleen Harrington, who is also a former longtime USI employee, and State Rep. Brian Lanoue, R-Griswold. Manning was also honored with citations from the Connecticut General Assembly and U.S. Senators Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
Long-serving staff were recognized: Quality Assurance and Corporate Compliance Division Director Sandra Long, 35 years; Data Compliance Manager Debra Rivard and Data Compliance Specialist Patti McClanahan, 30 years; Comprehensive Care Division Director Holly Fish, Director of Human Resources Cassandra Mantoni and Accounts Payable Specialist Sharon Pulver, 25 years; Client Accounts Manager Cindy Perry, Controller Barbie Soler and Milner House Adjunct Marisol Danehy, 20 years; Data Compliance Analyst Meghan Silvestri, Employment Specialist Katherine Anderson and Client Support Assistant Lisa Shaw all marked 15 years with the agency. United Services also recognized seven employees who have been with the agency for five and 10 years.
The agency operates more than 30 programs under its one administration, including outpatient mental health and addiction services, parenting and family programs, youth programs, crisis programs, domestic violence programs and community education and prevention programs. Founded in 1964, United Services marked its 59th anniversary this year.
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Putnam begins
revaluation
PUTNAM — The town is beginning a town-wide revaluation effective for the Oct. 1, 2024 Grand List.
The town hired Vision Government Solutions, Inc. (VGSI) to complete the town-wide revaluation of all real property, as required by state statute.
VGSI will be mailing Data Verification Reports to all residential property owners the week of Nov. 30.
The town asks that you review this letter carefully and report any corrections using the mailing address or email indicated on the letter.
If you have any questions, the Assessor’s Office can be reached at 860-963-6800 ext. 171.
VGSI appraisers and data collectors performing field review and inspections will be wearing identification badges and possess written documentation clearly stating the purpose of their visit. Homeowners are encouraged to ask for identification prior to admitting anyone on/into the premises.
Learn more about Vision Government Solutions by visiting their website at:
https://www.vgsi.com/taxpayer-revaluation-information/
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