Robert H. Carlson,
Korean vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Robert Herman Carlson, 87, of N. Grosvenordale, died Dec. 24, 2018, at the Matulaitis Nursing Home, Putnam. His first wife, Joan Blackmer Carlson, died in 1976. On Dec. 27, 1986, he married Karen (Langevin) Carlson.
He was born Oct. 16, 1931, in Webster, son of the late Herman and Ruth Carlson. He owned and operated a dairy farm in Woodstock for many years. He also was a supervisor at Loos and Co. for 17 years, retiring in 1993 due to his health.
He was a Korean veteran of the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS Yellowstone. He was a UConn women’s basketball fan, and an avid horseshoe player. He enjoyed time with his family and Sunday suppers.
He leaves his wife Karen; his daughter Donna L. Stewart and her partner Edward of Quinebaug; his son Glenn Robert Carlson (Tammy) of Thompson; his brother-in-law Harmon Blackmer (Tina) of Brooklyn; his stepchildren Cheryl Lenda of Norwich and Jeffrey Donais of Thompson, his special care giver Rosemary “Rosie”; his grandchildren, Jon, Jeffrey, Ashley, Danielle, Maddison, Brady, Abby. In addition to his first wife Joan, he was predeceased by his siblings Russell Carlson and Helen Warren.
The Funeral was Dec. 29 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial with military honors in Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Community Ambulance, PO Box 874, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255.
John L. Dennett
DANIELSON — John L. “Jake” Dennett, 89, died Dec. 24, 2018, at Davis Place in Danielson after a short battle with cancer.
John was born Jan. 27, 1929, in Dayville, son of the late William and Sarah (Reddy) Dennett.
John was also predeceased by his brothers Robert Dennett and Pfc. Edward Dennett who was killed in action in Iwo Jima, Japan, during WWII, a sister Charlotte Carter, and his wife Jean (Mayo) Dennett who died in 1984. He leaves a daughter Patricia, and her husband Richard Schnatter of Danielson; a son Kevin Dennett and his partner Lisa Racine, of Charlton; three grandchildren: Hayley Schnatter of Manchester, N.H., Ryan Schnatter of Danielson, and Brendan Dennett of Charlton; a sister, Mary Gazzola of Dayville; nieces and nephews.
John was a 1947 graduate of Killingly High School. He was a Union bricklayer for many years, specializing in fireplaces and chimneys. Some of his local work was at the Crystal Mall in Waterford and Killingly Memorial School in Danielson.
John enjoyed music, dancing, shopping, the ocean and meeting his friends for coffee. John could hold a conversation with anyone he met, and he enjoyed meeting new people.
Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Philip A. Godin
PUTNAM — Philip A. Godin, 75, of Putnam died Dec. 24, 2018, at Davis Place in Danielson.
Phil was born on Jan. 30, 1943, in Hardwick, Vt., to Peter and Hazel (Cote) Godin.
Philip worked at Day Kimball Hospital for 40 years, retiring in 2004. He was involved with the Arc Quinebaug Valley, was a member of the Brooklyn Senior Center, a volunteer at DKH and was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Danielson. Philip, a very social man, loved visiting PJ Donuts, riding his bike to sporting events, traveling to Graceland (a true fan of Elvis was Phil!), Hawaii, Orlando, Branson, Mo., and he enjoyed visiting with his many friends. He looked forward to participating in yearly talent shows, the Special Olympics and was a bowling enthusiast.
He leaves his sister Patricia (Denis) Drouin; nieces Bonnie (Jason) Gaudreau and Heidi (Christopher) Davis of Connecticut; one great-nephew; great-nieces.
A Celebration of Life was Dec. 29 at Arc Quinebaug Valley, Danielson. Donations: Arc Quinebaug Valley, Cook Hill Rd., 687 Cook Hill Road, Danielson, CT 06239. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Nancy A. Pershula
N. GROSVENORDALE — Nancy (Nachajko) Pershula, 81, died Dec. 27, 2018, in UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester. She was the wife of the late Joseph Pershula for more than 50 years. Born in 1937 in Webster, She was the daughter of the late Chester and Elizabeth (Lemanski) Nachajko.
Mrs. Pershula received her master’s degree in art history and was a teacher for the Killingly school system for 25 years. She loved reading, going to the beach in Duxbury, Mass., watching the Red Sox, and had a personal interest in Egyptian archeology. She also had a passion for seafood — haddock and scallops were among her favorites, drinking tea and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. She never owned a dishwasher because she liked washing dishes!
She leaves her daughter, Joi Belforti (Paul) of Lake Forest, Ill.; her sister, Elizabeth Recko of Wilsonville; her brother, Ronnie Nachajko of Putnam; grandchildren, Jody L. Pellecchia, Morgan Ann Pellecchia, Max Belforti, and Kyle Belforti. She was predeceased by her daughter Jody Ann Pellecchia.
Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 5 in Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 10 a.m. with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Eleanor W. Strand
WOODSTOCK — Eleanor W. Strand, 97, of Woodstock died Dec. 26, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. She was the wife of the late Roland Strand. He died in 1999.
She was born Jan. 12, 1921, in Boston, daughter of Ernest L. and Christine (McWilliam) Wallen.
She was a graduate of Woodstock Academy Class of 1938. A lifelong resident of Woodstock, she enjoyed reading, word puzzles, crocheting and baking. Eleanor was a life member of the Woodstock Evangelical Covenant Church in Woodstock, where she was involved with the Ladies’ Aid. She was an avid fan of the UConn women’s basketball team and she loved her two cats.
She leaves her son Stephen Strand (Janet) of Woodstock; grandchildren Sara K. Seigler (Joshua) of Dedham, Mass., Sgt. Tim Strand (Nichole) of Sandy Hook; a great-granddaughter Remi C. Strand; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her daughter Kathleen L. Strand in 1961.
A Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 5 at The Evangelical Covenant Church, Woodstock. Burial will be private in Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Paws Cat Shelter, PO Box 31, S. Woodstock, CT 06267; or Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Jeffrey S. Goglia
BROOKLYN — Jeffrey S. Goglia, 55, of Brooklyn died Dec. 22, 2018, at home.
He was born March 31, 1961, in Southbridge, son of the late James Goglia and Karen (Mease) Hoyt. Jeff was the husband of Brenda (Demery) Goglia.
He was employed at P.S. Irrigation for more than 20 years. He never said no when someone asked for help and was the most selfless person one could ever know.
Besides his wife he leaves his sister Robin Hart (Ronald); brother Josh Hoyt (Shana); sons Evan and Nathan; daughters Jessica Plante and Kevin Shaw and Amy Kingsbury; stepfather Bob Hoyt of Danielson; grandchildren Hunter, Logan and Davin.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to the family to help with final expenses. Tillinghast Funeral Home, Danielson.
Fred Tourtellotte,
Korean war vet
BROOKLYN — Fred Tourtellotte, 81, of Brooklyn died Dec. 25, 2018, at Hope Hospice in Providence.
Fred was born Nov. 13, 1937, in Putnam, the son of the late Fred and Hazel (Goodell) Tourtellotte. He was the husband of Mignonne (Turcotte) Tourtellotte.
Fred served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was employed at Anchor Glass for 36 years before his retirement. Fred enjoyed playing Santa Claus for many years at various events and nursing homes.
Besides his wife he leaves his children Richard Tourtellotte and Sandra Cummings both of Beaufort, S.C.; step sons Joseph Allen Curreri, Mark Curreri and Jeff Curreri; sisters Marjorie Cyr of Clearwater, Fla., Judith Jolley of Atlanta, and Patricia Palmer of Atlanta; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sisters Martha Cartier and Ruth Belisle.
The Funeral was Dec. 29 in Tillinghast Funeral Home, Danielson, with burial with full military honors in Dayville Cemetery.
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Last year's February Freeze
POMFRET — Calling all runners and walkers! Pomfret Community School (PCS) is holding its 5th Annual February Freeze 5K Run/Walk event Feb. 2. (snow date Feb 3). This is the largest fund-raiser for the eighth grade class as they earn money for their spring trip to Washington, D.C.
The eighth grade trip to Washington is a tradition that started more than 40 years ago — the first trip was in 1976 — in honor of our country’s bicentennial celebration. Since then countless PCS students have visited the Capitol, museums and National Monuments that make Washington, D.C. so unique. For many, it serves as a rite of passage as it is often the first time they have travelled without their parents.
Michael Galligan, assistant principal at Pomfret Community School, has been organizing the trip for the past 17 years. Galligan said; “The Washington D.C. trip is such an important learning experience for all Pomfret children in eighth grade. I have been going on the trip for 17 years and each year it is still memorable. It takes a village to make sure we offer this opportunity to the children in Pomfret.”
The idea for the February Freeze was conceived five years ago by Pomfret residents, Monique Wolanin and Kathleen Johnson. Both runners themselves, they saw the potential of getting the community together for a fun, healthy event — which at the same time could raise money for all Pomfret Community School eighth graders. The first year the event was organized in just three weeks. Since then, the event has grown, attracting more runners, sponsors and spectators. This year they anticipate welcoming approximately 200 people to the event.
New for this year, there will be a shorter Fun Run for children from preschool- fourth grade for whom the 5K distance is still a little too far.
Pomfret School has been the scenic location of the race since its inaugural year. The course consists of three loops and winds through the beautiful campus - past brick buildings and along the quad with a downhill finish to the lodge. Groups of eighth grade students are found cheering on every corner, at the top of the hill and along the course. Finishers are rewarded for their effort with hot chocolate and refreshments by the warm fire in Parsons Lodge.
This year’s race sponsors, so far, include: Pomfret School, Simply Orthodontics and VMware through a grant fulfilled by Dan Plouffe, DCR Trucking, Day Kimball Hospital, Law Office of Jamie Davis Aleman, Vanilla Bean Cafe, Chaput Electric. Lots of other individuals and businesses have “tee signs” with encouraging messages dotting the course.
For information on taking part in the race ($30 per person) or becoming a sponsor, go to:
www.pomfretcommunityschool.org/februaryfreeze
THOMPSON — Three popular local bands will perform Jan. 19 at the Raceway Restaurant. The Real Wives of Windham County is sponsoring the fund-raiser for the Danielson Veterans coffee House.
The “Great Garage Band Reunion,” “Ed Peabody and The Big Blue Thang” and the “Billy Pilgrim Band” are donating their time for the fund-raiser.
Tickets for the event are $20 and include light refreshments. In addition to members of the Real Wives and Coffee House members, tickets are available at WINY Radio, Danielson Surplus Sales, The Trinket Shoppe in Danielson and The Gilman Funeral Home in Putnam.
“Our group attempts to put on a benefit for a cause each year. This year is the 3rd year we’ve focused on the Danielson Veterans Coffee House to assist them in their quest to support and provide help to the veterans of northeastern Connecticut and surrounding areas,” said Wendy Warren-Cudworth, president of The Real Wives of Windham County.
Warren-Cudworth and her group have garnered the support of The Gilman & Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory, who have stepped up as the evening’s Gold Sponsor. In 2019 The Gilman & Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in service to the people of Putnam, N. Grosvenordale and surrounding towns. The company is planning a series of events that will span the entire year and this is the initial program.
“Our company has been caring for the needs of area people for 100 years. Our theme in 2019 is “A Century of Dedication, Compassion and Guidance.” A group that we often provide funeral services for is veterans. We felt that being part of this evening on behalf of the Coffee House was the right thing to do,” said Robert R. Fournier, owner of the Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.
“Gilman and Valade is our first ever Gold Sponsor. We are so happy and thankful for their willingness to be a part of this evening. Their support, which will be recognized at the event, ensures our success on behalf of the Veterans Coffee House,” said Warren-Cudworth.
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Wed. Jan. 2
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present its winter art show and sale through Jan. 13 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Library are sponsoring the Art @ the Library series at the Thompson Public Library with the exhibit “Pourtuitous” by Sarah Sabka through Jan. 31. Opening reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 7.
Sat. Jan. 5
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Owl Walk” at 7 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Cancelled if bad weather. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Mon. Jan. 7
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.
Fri. Jan. 11
Winter Weekend
POMFRET --- The Windham Tolland 4-H Camp Winter teen Weekend will run from 5:30 p.m. Jan. 11 through 9 a.m. Jan. 13 for teens 13-17. $50. Preregister by Jan. 5: 860-974-3379.
Thur. Jan. 17
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Monthly Bird Walk” at 1 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Jan. 19
Benefit Concert
THOMPSON --- The Veterans Coffee House Benefit Concert will be held with cocktails starting at 6 p.m. at the Raceway Restaurant & Golf Club. The Real Wives of Windham County is hosting the event to raise money and awareness for the Veterans Coffee House in Danielson. The Gilman & Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory are the corporate gold sponsors. Cash bar and free light refreshments. $20 at: WINY, The Gilman Funeral Home, the Veterans Coffee House.
TLGV Program
DANIELSON --- The Last Green Valley’s Member Program Series, “Bald Eagles in The Last Green Valley” will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon at TLGV offices on Main Street. Snow date is 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Geared to adults. Two-part program. Chief Ranger Bill Reid. Ranger Bill will provide updated information on local eagles as well as information and results from the Jan. 12 Midwinter Eagle Survey, a Connecticut program for which The Last Green Valley helps coordinate volunteers. Following the presentation, participants are invited to drive to the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery with Ranger Bill in hopes of seeing bald eagles. Free to TLGV members; $10 for non-members.
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp will hold an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. at the camp on Taft Pond Road. 860-974-3379.
Sun. Jan. 20
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Trail Wood Reflections – Reception and Reading” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948.
Mon. Jan. 21
Nature Film
POMFRET --- In partnership with the Pomfret Green Team, the Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “A Plastic Ocean” at 6:30 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free. Snow date, Jan. 22. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Jan. 26
TLGV Adventure
WOODSTOCK --- The Last Green Valley’s Acorn Adventure: Eagle Eyes will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Roseland Park. Children and their families are invited to join The Last Green Valley’s Chief Ranger Bill Reid and Ranger to experience bald eagles. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope if you have them. Acorn Adventures are free, thanks to the sponsorship of Putnam Savings Bank.
Sun. Jan. 27
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present the new “Trail Wood Non-Fiction Book Club” at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road, from 2 to 5 p.m. Free for CAS members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Feb. 2
February Freeze
POMFRET --- The PCS February Freeze 5k Run/Walk will start at 1 p.m. at the Pomfret School – Parsons Lodge. Snow date Feb. 3. $30 per person. Register at www.pomfretcommunityschool.org/februaryfreeze. Proceeds to go Pomfret Community School 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C.
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