PUTNEY-Since 1996, the alums of the Putney grade schools have attended reunions — not only to socialize but primarily to raise money to give to two eighth-grade graduates each year.
That is in danger of coming to a close unless a minimum of three new board members join the board overseeing the project. Most of the current board has moved away or retired. The last reunion was held Aug. 31, 2019 and was the ninth reunion held since 1996. Now funds have nearly run out, although there is enough for two 2026 awards.
It’s not necessary to hold a reunion to raise funds for the students. There are an infinite number of ways to raise money for the student awards. Local businesses and residents could be contacted, for example.
Putney Grade Schools Reunion Ltd. became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2019. Since then, charitable donations can be accepted. Each donation helps fund two annual student awards to Putney Central students every June.
The organization’s name reflects the other grade schools in Putney’s past — the Washburn School (Westminster Road), East Putney School (next to 150 Cemetery Road) and the Little Red Schoolhouse (West Hill Road — and at the time of the formation of the organization, several graduates of those schools were still living.
Contact us by Monday, May 18 with questions or if you are interested in helping continue this Putney tradition. Email me (Carolyn Handy) at [email protected]; email Barbara Taylor at [email protected]; or call Anita Coomes at 802-387-5715.
Carolyn Handy
Putney
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