Submitted by Elizabeth Malloy, Haddam Historical Society
(November 22, 2024) — On November 7, 2024, the Haddam Historical Society honored two outstanding volunteers who have contributed to furthering the mission of the organization, which is to preserve, collect, interpret and promote the history and heritage of Haddam for present and future generations.
This year we honor two people who have devoted their time and talent to the Haddam Shad Museum:
Lenny Kochanowski: Lenny has been involved with the museum for many years and assisted Dr. Joe Zaientz with most aspects of the museum from maintenance to sharing his passion and knowledge about shad. Before the building move in 2023, Lenny was at the museum most Sundays during the season welcoming visitors and talking about shad, from their history to current fishing conditions. Lenny’s devotion to the Shad Museum has ensured its future at its new home in Higganum.
Jason Potter: In its new location at the former Haddam Elementary School, the Haddam Shad Museum has slowly been undergoing a substantial renovation, including an expert exterior painting job by Jason Potter of Higganum. He generously volunteered his time and talent over the summer to paint the museum and brighten up the former Maynard’s Fish Shack. Jason is a professional large-scale sign painter with expertise in roof advertising on large buildings including stadiums, arenas and business complexes. The small but mighty Shad Museum must have seemed like a tiny project compared to his usual jobs.
In addition, we would like to thank and acknowledge our Founders Day Dinner co-chairs, Sue Costa and Tracy LaComb, who did an outstanding job coordinating the lovely event. A special thank you to Colleen DePaolo at Izzy Rose Design LLC in Higganum for the charming table pumpkins which made the night particularly special.
Photo above provided by Haddam Historical Society. L to R: Bill Schneider, HHS President; Jason Potter; Lenny Kochanowski; and Jack Calhoun, Haddam Shad Museum.
