Andrew Barylski Jr.,
Vietnam vet
PUTNAM — Andrew Barylski Jr., 72, died July 3, 2019, at his home.
He was born Aug. 12, 1946, son of the late Andrew Barylski Sr. and Jeannette (St. Germaine) Barylski.
He graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in 1964 and attended broadcasting school in Boston and entered the Army in 1965. In 1966, one week after his marriage, he was deployed to Vietnam assigned to HHC VII Corps as a reporter for the US News and Stars and Stripes. During a stint with the Green Berets, he earned a Bronze Star for his service. He was them assigned to Baumholder, Germany, where he started a newspaper for the Commander and earned an award for that. While in Vietnam, his father-in-law (Owen Peppin) signed him up in the VFW and The American Legion and got him involved in TAL when he returned. He went through the ranks of the District and into the State. He served as state commander in 2007-2008.
After his military service, he worked for the Norwich Bulletin as a reporter, worked as an independent photographer, attended Quinebaug Valley Community College and later became a Ford car salesman until his retirement.
He leaves his wife of 53 years Rita M (Peppin) Barylski; two sons; Dennis of Putnam and Michael of Milwaukee; one grandson, Dennis Jr. and a great-granddaughter Isabella Rose of Missouri. Andrew was the brother of twin sisters, Gloria Ghirarduzzi of Glens Falls, NY and Linda March (John) of North Carolina; nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service was July 10 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery with military honors. Donations: The American Legion, Operation Comfort Warriors, 700 N Pennsylvania Ave., PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
Charles F. Knous,
Marine vet
PUTNAM — Charles F. Knous, 88, of 95 Cady Rd. died June 29, 2019, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. He was the husband of the late Claire (Joyal) Knous. Born in 1930 in Dedham, Mass., he was the son of the late Charles E. and Catherine (Henderson) Knous and had seven children with his wife Claire.
Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and was the owner and operator of Charlie’s Autobody in Sudbury, Mass., for more than 40 years.
He leaves two sons, Scott Knous of Massachusetts and Michael Knous of Florida; two daughters, Bonnie Harris of Florida and Sharon Poitras of Massachusetts; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Donna Knous and two sons, John and Thomas Knous.
Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: Matulaitis Nursing Home, 10 Thurber Rd., Putnam, CT 06260.
Ronald L. Lambert,
Vietnam vet
PUTNAM — Ronald “Ron” Lambert, 68, of Ballou St, died peacefully in his sleep on June 30, 2019, at Webster Manor. Born in 1951 in Circleville, Ohio, he was the son of the late Donald and Thena (Albright) Lambert.
Ron was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in Vietnam. He was the lead maintenance man for Greenville Manor for many years, and a truck driver and delivery man for several years.
Ron was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed working with nature and his hands. He had a flare for hobbies and loved many. His interest in airplanes and flying brought him close to obtaining a pilot’s license. He had a passion for leather working, woodworking, locksmithing, gardening, camping, fishing and hunting. His longest and most beloved endeavor was bee keeping. He kept and cared for hives for more than 30 years.
He leaves his son, Jared Lambert (Susan) Susan of Putnam; two daughters, Clarissa Allan (Jeff) of Glocester, R.I., and Emily Lambert of Greenville, R.I.; two sisters, Donna Guillen of Texas and Linda Albright of Ohio; four grandchildren, Salem Lambert, Joelle Lambert, Liam Allan and Faelyn Allan. Ron is predeceased by his brother, Terry Lambert.
A Celebration of Life will be from 4 to 7 p.m. July 12 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: The Connecticut Beekeepers Association, Attn: Mike Campion, 113 Mathews St., Prospect, CT 06712.
K. ‘Ellen’ Tessier
PUTNAM — Katherine “Ellen” Tessier, 91, of Walnut St., Putnam, died June 28, 2019, at the Villa Maria Convalescent Home, Plainfield. She was the wife of the late Albert C. Tessier.
Born Sept. 22, 1927, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late George and Kathryn (MacNeal) Mackenzie. She grew up in Rogers and Pomfret and has lived in Putnam for the last 65-plus years.
Ellen was employed by William Prym and assisted in the manufacturing of safety pins.
She was a member of Daughters of Holy Spirit, Putnam Travelers, and volunteered at Daily Bread. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, ceramics, shopping, knitting, animals and spending the summers with her cousin, Marian Morrison, at Rye beach and Portsmouth, N.H.
She leaves her son, Randolph Tessier (Phyllis) of Putnam; two grandchildren, Jennifer (Tessier) Cook (Henry III), and John A. Tessier; great-grandson Dakota R. Cook; great-granddaughter Montana S. Cook of Putnam. She was predeceased by Albert C. Tessier; her two brothers George Mackenzie & Dunkin “Bud” Mackenzie, and her cousin Marian Morrison.
Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT. 06489.
Dorothy Gyte
N. GROSVENORDALE — Dorothy J. Gyte, 81, of Valley View Dr., the wife of 60 years to Milton E. Gyte Jr., died June 15, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital. Born in 1938 in Hammond, Ind., she was the daughter of the late George and Dorothy (Long) Johnstone.
Mrs. Gyte worked for many years as a registered nurse mostly at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, Calif. After moving to Connecticut in 1981 she became the owner of The Thompson Flower Shop in Thompson where she became fondly known as “The Flower Lady.” She enjoyed ceramics and making jewelry and trinkets as gifts for her family and friends and was a member of the “Jobs Daughters”.
She leaves her husband, Milton E. Gyte Jr.; her children, Milton E. Gyte III of N. Grosvenordale, Matthew E. Gyte of Utah, Michelle Renee Levins of Oregon, and Jennifer R. Nordine of Arizona; five grandchildren.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. July 17 in Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Donations: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.
Pauline C. Ouellette
PUTNAM — Pauline (Mailloux) Ouellette, 80, of Bellevue St., died June 30, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of Gerard A. Ouellette for 59 years.
Born in 1939 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Sylvio and Lucy A. (Beaulieu) Mailloux.
Mrs. Ouellette worked as an assembler for American Optical in Putnam and in Southbridge. She previously worked for American Thread in Willimantic where she met her husband. She enjoyed crocheting and embroidery.
In addition to her husband, she leaves her sons, Joseph Ouellette (Tara) of Woodstock, and Peter Ouellette of Hartford; her daughters, Patricia Evans (Greg) of Putnam, Linda Pasay (Christopher) of Putnam, and Alma McMerriman (John) of Brooklyn; her brother, Richard Mailloux of E. Putnam; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers, Ronald and George; and her sisters, Sylvia, Hortance, Cecile and Viola.
Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.
Robert Boutin
N. GROSVENORDALE — Robert Boutin, 90, formerly of Riverside Ave., died July 4, 2019, at Davis Place. He was the husband of the late Yvonne Boutin.
Born in 1929 in Moosup, he was the son of the late Odilon and Eva (Robideaux) Boutin. Mr. Boutin worked for many years at Knox Glass.
He leaves his sisters, Cecile Mazzolla of Florida and Geralda “Gerry” Auger of Putnam; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Roger Boutin, and brothers, Arthur, Lucien, and Gerard Boutin.
The Graveside Service is at 10 a.m. July 11 in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
David M. DeJesus,
Army vet
DUDLEY — David M. DeJesus, 61, died June 28, 2019.
He was born in Worcester, son of the late Manuel J. DeJesus and Jean C. (Seraphin) DeJesus and lived here most of his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran. David formerly worked at Electric Boat in Groton
He leaves a son David D. DeJesus of Connecticut; two brothers Daniel DeJesus of N. Grosvenordale, Dennis DeJesus of Boylston, Mass., two sisters Debra DeJesus of Northport, Fla., and Darlene K. DeJesus of Tennessee; two grandsons and a granddaughter.
Donations: Local animal shelter. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Troy E. Rivers
AUBURN/HAVERHILL, Mass. — Troy E. Rivers, 31, died June 26, 2019.
He was born in Putnam, son of William B. Rivers and the late Sally A. (Barylski) Rivers and lived in Auburn most of his life. Troy was a manager of a GNC store and always worked in sales. He was a fan of the Boston Bruins, enjoyed fishing, camping motorcycles. Troy had a great talent for drawing and painting.
He leaves his companion Nicole Daly of Haverhill; his father, William B. Rivers of Auburn; a sister, Haley Rivers of Auburn; a brother Nicholas Avery of Norwich.
The service was July 1. Donations: charity of the donor’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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Gilman, Valade
celebrate
100 years July 18
PUTNAM —July 18 Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory will celebrate the business’s 100th Anniversary with a rededication ceremony at its location, 104 Church St. in Putnam. The funeral home in Putnam has been in the same location since 1938, when it was purchased by the original owner Alexander Gilman and is now owned and operated by Robert Fournier Jr.
A rededication ceremony will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 18th and will include a ribbon cutting as well as remarks by local elected officials and the presentation of commemoratives and proclamations. Following the event, Fournier and his staff will bury a time capsule, which is planned to be unveiled in 20 years.
“We are inviting the general public to write a special note or memory to someone they want to be remembered by in the future, and our plan is to read these notes when we unveil the capsule in 20 years. We also plan to include a few unique items as well as time-sensitive items that we assume will have changed dramatically by 2039. We see this as both a Memory Capsule and a Time Capsule,” said Fournier.
Materials will be available at the rededication ceremony for those who would like to contribute a written note or memory. In addition, “The public is encouraged to contact us if they have items they’d like considered for placement in the capsule.” he added.
The original business was started in 1919 by Mr. Gilman, a local hardware store owner. Since its early days the name Gilman Funeral Home has been synonymous with community service as well as providing quality care to local families. The funeral home ownership was passed down to Leonard Gilman who owned and operated the business until 1973.
Lawrence Bellerose began working for the Gilman family in 1958. He and his wife Arlene purchased the funeral home in 1973. Robert Fournier acquired the business in 2005 from the Alderwoods Group, which ran the funeral home for 10 years. With the exception of the decade involving The Alderwoods Group, Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes has been a family-owned and operated funeral service.
“We’re very proud of the fact that with a minor exception, the Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes have provided quality care as a family-owned and operated business for 100 years. In celebrating our centennial, it’s our way of saying thank you to the people of Putnam and the surrounding area,” said Fournier.
The Rededication Celebration ceremony is open to the public. In addition to preparing the Memory Capsule and several brief presentations, the event will include a drawing for gift certificates to local restaurants and refreshments. Reservations are not required; however, anyone interested in attending can call 860-928-7723.
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By Ronald P. Coderre
The headline of the Sept. 29, 1943, edition of the Windham County Observer proclaimed – Putnam Soldier Is Dead In South Pacific War Zone. A sub-headline read, Last Letter From Son Received On Same Day Notice Of His Death Arrived.
On Sept. 16, 1943, Cpl. George R. Viens wrote home, “Dear Mother and Father.” In his final letter he writes about receiving a package of cookies and candy from home and that he’s happy to also receive a fountain pen. He talks about receiving a letter from Aunt Dell and of sending more money home, as he has no need for it where he is. His letter also states of “more planes coming direct from the States.”
Viens also wrote, “Hope that Dad has been able to find me a 45 automatic. That is the only thing that I need.”
On that same day his mother, Mrs. Blanche Viens received a telegram from Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Va., informing her that her son had been fatally wounded in action in a raid by the Japanese in the New Georgia area of the South Pacific.
This information, along with all of Cpl. Viens’ letters to his parents, newspaper clippings with stories of his demise, as well as his Putnam High School yearbook and other memorabilia, were unveiled in a small suitcase preserved by Mrs. Viens until the date of her death, Dec. 21, 1972.
Born in Putnam on March 11, 1922, George Viens grew up much the same as all the young men of his era. Young George Viens attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Parochial School in 1936. He was an avid Boy Scout of Troop 23, which was sponsored by St. Mary’s Parish, earning Star rank in 1934- and Five-Year Veteran Scout in 1939.
Viens graduated from Putnam High School in 1940. His yearbook profile describes Viens as, “one of the class’s quiet boys, although active in different clubs. His hobbies are skiing, hunting, fishing and swimming. Although he has no definite plans for the future, he speaks of being an undertaker.”
His high school nicknames were “Porky” or “Chicken,” most likely because his father, Delard, raised chickens and turkeys at the family homestead.
Following his high school graduation, he worked for General Phonograph and later at Western Electric in Mystic. As the war in Europe and the Pacific heated up, Viens enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 9, 1942.
The first of his many letters home during the 17 months he served in the Marines arrived in Putnam dated May 24 1942. At this time, he’s assigned to Platoon 379 at Parris Island, S.C. In a series of letters from June 4 through June 28, he tells of rifle training, missing home cooking, and his platoon being the best in a parade revue and qualifying 100% with pistols. His final letter home, in June, mentions being paid $60, which he is sending home to be put in his savings account.
The highlight of July correspondence is receiving his marksmanship medal. His July 30 letter is received from New River, N.C. In a letter dated Aug. 3, 1942, Viens notes he’ll be shipping out in mid-August but he will not be able to divulge where he’s going.
In mid-September 1942, he writes of crossing the equator and going through the King Neptune’s Court ritual. (King Neptune’s Court is a ritual that commemorates a sailor’s first crossing of the equator. The ritual includes a haircut and being soaked in a barrel where you then become a shellback.) From September through December 1942 he writes he’s on, “some island in the South Pacific,” where he goes through machine gun schooling.
His letters of late December relate to missing being home for Christmas. In one letter he asks his mother to keep him in her prayers and Masses. On Christmas Day he writes of attending Midnight Mass and going to confession and receiving communion.
As the calendar turns to 1943, Viens’ letters give no indication of his location. He frequently writes of his love for his brother Bernard and sister Gladys. He also makes note of his appreciation for letters he is receiving from Miss Keith (most likely Abbie Keith one of the most beloved teachers in the history of Putnam schools) and Monsignor Wodarski most likely the pastor of St. Mary Church). Some letters also mention some of his friends, specifically Dick and Conrad Waters and Leo Gagnon.
The letters home to his father and mother continue to flow in despite changes in location that he’s experiencing. In a letter prior to Mother’s Day 1943, Viens writes, “I will be attending Mass and receiving communion on Sunday to honor Mother’s Day as this is all I can do this year. I shall be thinking of you all that day.”
His July 4, 1943, letter inquires if there was a celebration at The Park (presumably Murphy Park). Again he mentions going to confession and receiving communion. He asks for the address of Miss Bernier (presumably high school teacher Irene Bernier)
Viens’ September letters appear to have more urgency in his writing. He often writes asking his father to send him a 45 pistol.
Cpl. Viens letter of Aug. 16, 1943, reveals that he’s been on American and British Samoa, “two places I never want to go to again.” From there he went to Auckland, New Zealand, “a place to have a good time.” He then states that he’s back in the tropics and closes, “there is little to say about this place. There is no worry. I am safe and well.”
In September Viens wrote three letters home, including his final letter of Sept. 16 that his mother received on the same day she was informed he had been killed. He repeatedly mentions wanting the 45-automatic, writing “that is the only thing I need.’
On Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1943, approximately two months following his death, George Viens mother, Blanche Viens received official correspondence from his battalion commanding officer and the chaplain who was with him when he succumbed.
Excerpts from the letters indicate, “He measured up as a man among his Marine comrades. He unflinchingly did his bit for a better world. He died in the line of duty.”
Another letter indicated that his remains were temporarily interred in Grave 2, Row 69, in a military cemetery in the locality where his death occurred.
According to interment records at St. Mary’s Parish, United States Marine Corps CPL. George R. Viens body was returned to the U.S. following the end of WWII. His body was officially interred at St Mary’s Cemetery on June 5, 1948, in the plot designated Lot 710-711. The plot was purchased by the family on Oct. 4, 1943.
In February 1947, American Legion Post #13 officially changed its name to Mayotte-Viens. The post recently officially celebrated its 100th anniversary. On March 11, 2019, George R. Viens would have celebrated his 97th birthday.
Mental images of George R. Viens that are portrayed by the yellowed pages of newspaper clippings from 1943, official letters from the Marine Corps and photos of the 1940 Putnam High School yearbook are of a quietly rugged young man who was prepared to carry out orders in support of his country.
Those individuals who participated in WWII are referred to as America’s “Greatest Generation.” George R. Viens, through his military service proved that he certainly deserved to be part of the classification that calls itself America’s “Greatest Generation.”
(Excerpts for this article were cited from the September 30, 1943, and March 6, 1947, editions of the Putnam Patriot, Official United States Marine Corp correspondence, the records of St. Mary Church and the 1940 Putnam High School Yearbook. Special thanks to local historian and genealogist Valentine Iamartino, who researched local newspapers and read through all of the letters written by Cpl. George Viens and summarized them in chronological order. And finally, thanks to Michael (the nephew of George Viens) and Nanette Viens for sharing the material in the small suitcase belonging to Blanche Viens, the mother of Cpl. George R. Viens.)
Editor’s note: The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam is celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer. It was named in honor of Anselm J. Mayotte and George Viens, two local veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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Wed. July 10
Blood Drive
DAYVILLE --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Dayville Fire Company 63 building on Rt. 101. 1-800-RED CROSS.
Exhibition
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present “30 Minutes: An Exhibition by Hannah Richman & Janet McDonald” through July 30. A reception will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 8. 860-923-9779.
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Birds of Connecticut Photography Exhibit” through the end of July at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Gemini Exhibit
PUTNAM --- Skeeter's Toybox will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing with an exclusive photography exhibit and special space-themed reception. The exhibit, "Gemini: Bridge to the Moon" will feature never-before seen photos of the recovery of the Gemini 5 space capsule and astronauts and runs through July 31. Free. All welcome.
Thur. July 11
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will present “Evening Bird Walk” at 6 p.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
CT Architecture
POMFRET --- Christopher Wigren of the CT Trust for Historic Presentation will present his book “CT Architecture: Stories of 100 Places” at 7 p.m. at the Pomfret Public Library. Free. 860-928-3475.
Fri. July 12
Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The 35th Annual DKH Putnam Bank Golf Classic will start at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. $150 pp or $600 non-sponsor team entry fee. daykimball.org.
Art Exhibit
DANIELSON --- Quinebaug Valley Community College’s Spirol Gallery will present "New Perspectives" by Northeastern CT Art Guild members through Aug. 15. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for meeting the artists. Refreshments. Free.
Sat. July 13
River Fire
PUTNAM --- The River Fire event will begin around dusk in the Quinebaug River off Rotary Park. Free.
Lobster Fest Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- The Putnam Rotary Club will present “Lobster Fest” fund-raiser at 6 p.m. at The Inn at Woodstock Hill on Plaine Hill Road. Rain date: July 14. Open bar. Tickets are $75 per guest. Go to: www.woodstockhill.com/lobsterfest2019.
Concert
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present a free Concert in the Park from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rotary Park. It is followed by the town’s first River Fire. Rain date: 3 to 4:30 p.m. July 14.
Sun. July 14
Tag Sale
PUTNAM --- B'nai Shalom will hold its annual tag sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the synagogue on Church Street. Donations accepted. Call 860-315-5181 to arrange drop off.
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will present “Haiku & Contemplation” from 3 to 5 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Mon. July 15
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Woodstock Town Hall large meeting room on the lower. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. Please check the town website www.woodstockCT.gov for current schedule or call 860-928-6595.
Thur. July 18
Outdoor Concert
POMFRET – A concert, “Woodstock: 50 Years Later” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at the Pomfret Public Library. Free. 860-928-3475.
Murder Mystery
POMFRET --- The New Roxbury Land Trust is hosting an interactive Mafia Murders Mystery Dinner at 6 p.m. at Tyrone Farm on Tyrone Road, Pomfret. Costumes encouraged. $50 pp. Make payable to: The New Roxbury Land Trust, 248 Woodstock Road, Woodstock, Ct. 06281. 860-928-2669.
Sun. July 21
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will present “Summer Writing Workshop” from 2 to 4 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register required:
Tues. July 23
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret Center will present “Trail Wood Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Wed. July 24
Rug Exhibition
STURBRIDGE --- The Pearl K. McGown Northern Teachers’ Workshop will hold a rug exhibition from noon to 7 p.m. at the Publick House and event center on Main Street. Free.
Thur. July 25
Museum Tour
PUTNAM --- The American Lithuanian Cultural Archives, 37 Mary Crest Dr., will offer a tour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Trivia Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will hold a fund-raiser Trivia challenge at 7 p.m. at the Crossings Restaurant. Benefits the Putnam EMS.
Sat. July 27
History Reception
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Aspinock Historical Society will hold an information reception, “Come and See What We Have Done!,” from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cady-Copp Cottage on Rt. 21 (just south of the Heritage Rd/5 Mile River Rd intersection – look for balloons). Light refreshments will be served up with the compelling stories of this historic building. Rain date July 28.
Tues. July 30
Outdoor Concert
POMFRET--- A concert, “Straight-Up Jazz Trio,” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at the Pomfret Public Library. Free. 860-928-3475.
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