Johnston
endorses Coderre
for Senate seat
Former eight-term 51st Assembly District State Representative Shawn Johnston recently announced his support for candidate David Coderre for the Connecticut 29th Senate District seat.
In making his announcement, Johnston stressed Coderre’s ability to relate to all the citizens of the 29th District. 
He also noted that Coderre is a hard working individual who’ll be available to his constituents and would be a Senator who will work in a bipartisan manner in Hartford.
“We are in a critical time for the State of Connecticut.  We need someone with fiscal common sense who will work on our behalf to control state spending,” said Johnston.
As a State Representative, Johnston understood the needs of the people of northeastern Connecticut.  In supporting Coderre, Johnston believed that the candidate has that same understanding.
“Dave Coderre is a throwback to more responsible times when the State managed our money as wisely as our parents and grandparents did with their own household budgets.  He is a well versed individual who understands that these are serious times for the future of our State.  There is no doubt in my mind that David Coderre is the person I want representing our interests as our next State Senator,” said Johnston.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of former State Representative Johnston.  I’ve known him for many years and admired him while he was in office.  He always had the best interest of his constituents in mind when making decisions.  I will work diligently to support our people and our region if I am elected,” said Coderre
The 29th Senate District encompasses the town of Thompson, Putnam, Killingly, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Scotland, Windham and Mansfield.

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PUTNAM — The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam will remember local veterans on Veterans Day by recognizing three local veterans from different conflicts at its annual “Veterans Tribute and Celebrity Bartender Night” Nov. 11 at The Black Dog Bar and Grille.  The evening’s events begin at 4 p.m. with the special veterans’ tribute taking place at approximately 6.
The honorees this year are WWII and Korean war Merchant Marine and Army veteran Peter Trama of Putnam, Vietnam war Army vet Charlie Leach also a Putnam resident and Dr. Michael Therrien, a cardiologist and Air Force veteran who served in the Middle East in the Iraq War.  The ceremony honoring the trio is the centerpiece of the evening.
According to Post #13 Commander Alan Joslin, the evening begins at 4 p.m. when three presidents of the Putnam Business Association, Matt Desaulnier, Jeff Rawson and Earl Rosebrooks join with local radio celebrity Gary “O” of WINY for the first hour behind the bar.
The group will be followed Craig Gates, owner of The Black Dog; Putnam Bank President Tom Borner; Denny Gates; Chelsea Cormier and Nick Deojay.  Greeting friends behind the bar at 5:30 p.m. is the group that includes local music and stage stars Linda Colangelo and Laura Crosetti who’ll be joined by former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois and QVCC President Carlee Drummer.
The Shaw contingent of Jim, Kevin and Kevin’s daughter Sarah Bentley and Chuck Bentley will jump behind the bar from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. The final hour of the evening will see the husband/wife team of Mary Jane and Jack Burke of Killingly, and Jason St. Onge of G-Seven Caterers serving libations with former Post Commander and current Putnam Mayor Norman “Barney” Seney.  Veteran advocates Fred Ruhlemann and Annie Hill will also be working.
“This promises to be a spectacular evening filled with spirit and emotion.  It’s an honor to recognize our veterans every year.  It’s recognition that’s long overdue,” said Post #13 Commander Joslin.
The evening will also include the singing of the National Anthem by U.S. Air Force veteran Maurice “Moe” Coderre.  Linda Colangelo will offer a special rendition of God Bless the USA and a tribute to the five branches of the service by.
Trama was a member of the Merchant Marines during WWII from 1943 to 1951, ferrying fuel and supplies to the troops in the European and Pacific Theaters.  He was later drafted into the Army, where he served two years, during the Korean Conflict.  Leach, who was discharged from the Army as a Warrant Officer in 1986, spent 12 months in Vietnam at Long Binh and Tay Ninh as a signalman with the 25th Infantry Division.  Dr. Michael Therrien enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 53 in 2008 when the military experienced a shortage of physicians.  Following intensive stateside training he was deployed to Air Force Theater Hospital at Joint Base Balad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he treated critical care patients.
There is no admission and the program is open to the public.  The proceeds from the evening, which include tips for the bartenders, a super drawing and auction, benefit the Post #13 charity efforts and programs.  The Post provides Americanism programs in the Putnam Elementary School, an oratorical contest in the high school, sponsors young men to Boys’ State, supports the TriTown American Legion Baseball Program, provides a scholarship to a high school senior and a veteran at Quinebaug Valley Community College and offers assistance during the holidays to a veteran’s family.  The “Hometown Hero” banner project and the flags on the WWI Veterans Memorial Bridge are also part of the Post’s funding programs.
“Our Post is an integral part of the Putnam community.  We accept our responsibility of being a good citizen and helping others,” said Joslin.
Since the event is being held on the actual date of Veterans Day, The Black Dog Restaurant is offering 25 percent off meals to active duty and veterans who present the appropriate identification.
The organizing committee is spearheaded by Immediate Past Commander Ronald P. Coderre and includes Commander Joslin and his wife Jo-Anne, Dee Carnahan, Brian Maynard, Michael Vassar, Victor Kratz, Donald Steinbrick and Eric Quinn.

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Thur. Nov. 1
Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The PAWS Cat Shelter Fund-raiser will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub on Main Street. A portion of dinner proceeds will be donated to PAWS.

Fri. Nov. 2
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library series will present “Reap & Sew, Collections & Reflections” small works  by Rena Masson, through Nov. 29. An opening reception will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8. Program supported by the Friends of the Library. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org.

Sat. Nov. 3
Roast Beef
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of  Putnam will hold a roast beef dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., eat in/takeout. Adults, $15; children 12 and younger, $5. 

Lasagna Dinner
BROOKLYN --- The Federated Church of Christ on routes 6 and 169 will hold a Take Out Lasagna Dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. or until it’s gone. $10.

Nature Program
POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret Center will present Saw-whet Owl Banding at 8 p.m. Nov. 3 and Nov. 10 at the Grassland Bird conservation Center on Day Road. $15 for CAS members; $25 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Fall Fair
ASHFORD --- The Ashford Senior Center Fall Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 25 Tremko Lane. Spaces available. 860-428-6502.

Roast Beef Supper
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam, downtown, will hold a roast beef supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Adults $15; kids 12 and younger, $5. Benefits community charities. Takeout available. 860-928-4405.

Bottle, Can Drive
KILLINGLY --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans to help homeless and needy animals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Killingly Town Garage on Rt. 12. Dry cat food urgently needed, Purina brands preferred. Cash donations always welcome. 860-317-1720.

Train Program
DANIELSON ---  “Trains of Yesteryear” will be presented by Pieiter Roos of the CT Eastern Railroad Museum from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Killingly Historical and Genealogical Society, 196 Main St.  All welcome. Free. Refreshments. 860-779-7250.

Harvest Holly Fest
QUINEBAUG --- The VFW Auxiliary to the Thompson Memorial Post 10088 will hold a Harvest & Holly Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the post home on Rt. 131. Benefits veterans and community programs.

Sun. Nov. 4
Art Exhibit
POMFRET CENTER --- The Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret Center will present House & Garden; Field & Farm – art by Roxanne Steed through December. The opening reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird conservation Center on Day Road. Free. 860-928-4948.

Concert
CHEPACHET --- Music at the Meeting House at the Chepachet Baptist church on Rt. 44 will present Steve Caddick and Avalon in "Songs from the Decades,"  2:30 p.m. The 100th anniversary of the end of World War I will be recognized at the start of the program in honor of our veterans. A free will offering will be taken; refreshments will be served. www.chepachetbaptist.org.

Mon. Nov. 5
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.

Wed. Nov. 7
Senior Dinner
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Senior Citizens are holding a Harvest Potluck Dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Eastford on Church Road (use back parking lot). Entertainment. Call 860-576-7209 to sign up and say what food item(s) you will bring. All welcome.

Thur. Nov. 8
History Program
PUTNAM ---  The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam will present “Research on East Putnam” by Fab Cutler from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Joseph Pempek Conference Room in the Superintendent’s wing of Putnam High.

Ornament Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- A Celebrity Karaoke will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at The Crossings to raise money for the holiday ornament in Rotary Park fund.

Fri. Nov. 9
History Program
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will present David Naumec speaking about "The Pequot War" following the brief 7 p.m. business session at the Canterbury Town Hall. Refreshments. All welcome.

Sat. Nov. 10
Yuletide Festival
PUTNAM --- The Daughters of Isabella Yuletide Festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Church Hall on Providence Street. Drawings, vendors, café, bake sale, basket drawing and more. Tickets sold at St. Mary’s parish center.

Winter Bazaar
DANIELSON --- The Westfield Church on Main Street will hold its Winter Wonderland Bazaar and Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. westfielducc.org.

Tues. Nov. 13
Origins of Thanksgiving
POMFRET --- Author Glenn Cheney will present the historical context of the Pilgrims’ travels and their year prior to the famous Thanksgiving feast of 1621 at 7 p.m. at Old Town House. Sponsored by Friends of Pomfret Public Library.

Fri. Nov. 16
‘Moveable Feast’
THOMPSON --- The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce will present “Tastefully New England – A Moveable Feast” starting at 7 p.m. at The Raceway Restaurant. $50. 860-774-8001.

Sat. Nov. 17
Greek Pastries
DANIELSON --- The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Water Street will hold its Greek Pastry Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sun. Nov. 18
Turkey Shoot
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus on Riverside Drive will hold its annual turkey and ham shoot from 2 to 6 p.m.  Public welcome.  860-923-2967.

Mon. Nov. 19
Santa Visits
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will host Santa & Mrs. Merry Claus making a pre-season visit to the Green District Schoolhouse to chat and pose for photos from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Green District Schoolhouse off Rt. 169.

Tues. Nov. 20
Thanksgiving
PUTNAM ---  The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council will be holding its Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at 7 p.m. at B'nai Shalom on Church Street (across from Town Hall).  The diverse faith groups in the area will offer prayers of thanks, along with music,  fellowship & refreshments. All welcome. Free but a monetary or nonperishable food donation to Daily Bread will be accepted. 860-928-2795.

Thur. Nov. 22
Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam, downtown, will hold its annual Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends at 12:30 p.m. It is a “Don’t be Alone on Thanksgiving” event. Information and reservations required: 860-928-4405.

Fri. Nov. 23
Santa Arrives
PUTNAM --- Santa Comes to Town at 4 p.m.

Sun. Nov. 25
Holiday Parade
PUTNAM --- The annual Holiday Dazzle Light Parade will start at 5 p.m. from Grove Street.

Thur. Dec. 6
History Program
     PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam will present “The Putnam High School Wall of Honor 2017” from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Joseph Pempek Conference Room in the Superintendent’s wing of Putnam High.

Sun. Dec. 9
Fair and Open House
WOODSTOCK --- PAWS Cat Shelter on Rt. 171 will hold its  Holiday Fair and Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. New and gently used jewelry/purses, handmade gifts and baked goods, and a Gift Wrapping Station. Tours. Adoptions. 860-315-1CAT.

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