Submitted by John Herbst
(October 19, 2024) — Ever wonder who the old guys are sitting outside of the Brewed Awakening Coffee shop every morning? It’s a ragtag group of about a dozen guys whom I call “Haddam’s Finest.”
(Also referred to by many of our town’s females as Higganum’s Sexy Seniors.)
They consist of a bunch of unique, retired old-timers who contribute a lot to our community.
In this first submission, I would like to highlight three of these very special gentlemen.
Jack Calhoun 
Jack was born in Haddam and his father was our town doctor. As a young child, Jack would join his dad at the scenes of many a late night car accident, assisting where he could. Sadly, Jack’s father passed away when Jack was very young. His oldest sister and the rest of the town raised him.
Jack served in the U.S. Air Force and later as a Connecticut State Trooper. Jack is among the volunteers who organize our Memorial Day Parade. Jack has always loved history and is generally known as our town’s unofficial historian. He has contributed to many local historic events, including leading tours of the old prison on Jail Hill Road. His latest labor of love was to lead the team in tearing down, removing, transporting, and restoring our historic Shad Museum. Awesome Guy!
Chuck Cook 
Chuck was born in upstate Vermont and moved to Connecticut when he was nine.
During the Cold War, Chuck served our country in the U.S. Army, including a long-term assignment in Germany. A resident of Haddam for more than thirty years, Chuck has dedicated his life to serving others. Chuck is always there, whether it’s plowing a driveway for a disabled senior, or helping out a friend, relative or a neighbor in need. Chuck also volunteers in the town’s Memorial Day events. About nine years ago he came up with the idea of building a Haunted House. It became a reality and has been open to the town with all proceeds going to great causes like the Haddam Food Bank. Chuck and the team have dedicated thousands of hours of their time to the annual October event. Grim’s Haunted House has gotten better every year and rivals a Disney Attraction. It includes face-painting, Trunk or Treat, and is complete with lasers, holograms, robots, simulated elevators, dizzying rotating tunnels, and even a comedian, “Skully” the talking skeleton. Another Awesome Guy!
Wayne LePard 
Wayne is another longtime Haddam/Higganum resident who the coffee shop gang insists is older than dirt. Word has it that he was one of the waiters at the Last Supper. Despite his senior status, few have his energy and youthful drive.
Wayne has served on numerous town boards, and is a key member of a dedicated group that maintains half of our town’s cemeteries. Wayne is always lending a hand at various church and community events. A longtime volunteer at the Valley Railroad, he has laid a lot of track. He has the strength and energy of a twenty year old! Wayne is truly a Renaissance Man who is a gifted artist, musician, engineer, dancer, and comedian. Awesome Guy #3!
Jack Calhoun, Chuck Cook, and Wayne LePard may be retired from their day jobs, but are still major contributors improving the quality of life in our community.
I am proud and very thankful to call them my friends!
Photos provided by John Herbst
