Obituaries pg 8 11-26-14

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ëRussí Everett Avery
POMFRET ó Russell ìRussî Everett Avery died Nov. 19, 2014, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. 
Russ was born in 1941 in Pomfret Center to the late Clara Nutall Avery.  He was a graduate of UConn School of Agriculture and dealt with cattle for many years before starting Country Springs, a well-known bottled water company in Pomfret.  He was a member of the Danielson National Guard for many years.  One of his favorite pastimes was playing golf with friends at his club, Vineyard Valley, and putting together winning teams for local tournaments. Russ spent his final days in hospice care in Virginia.   
He leaves his former wife, Patricia Avery of Charlottesville, Va.; four children and their spouses:  Stephen and Teresa Avery of Bedford, Va., Christina and John Bowman of Charlottesville, Va., Shannon and Richard Hull of Barboursville, Va., and Russell (Scooter) and Ereina Avery, of Ruckersville, Va.; 15 grandchildren; and his brother Douglas Avery and family of Willington.
Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 29 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam, followed by a graveside service in Brooklyn South Cemetery, Canterbury Rd. 
 
Diane Joy Bradley
UNION ó Diane Joy Bradley, 57, of Union, died Nov. 2, 2014, while on vacation in the White Mountains.  She died on the way to do what she loved best, hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Diane was born on April 29, 1957, in Hartland, Maine.
She spent her childhood in Montville, then enrolled at UConn.  While pursuing a bachelorís degree in Spanish, she spent a year in Mexicoóan early indication of her intrepid spirit and her heart for adventure. After spending some time in San Diego, she returned to Connecticut and found a job in social work.  She fell in love with the field and spent the rest of her life working with people with psychiatric and substance abuse challenges.  Along the way, she earned a masterís degree in social work from UConn. Her work was only one of many ways in which Diane helped others.  She and her husband, Ted, often invited friends to live with them when they needed somewhere to stay for a while, and also served as hosts to refugees from Kosovo when they resettled in Connecticut. Diane had a great reverence for all creatures and for all of creation.  She was particularly fond of cats, and also enjoyed spending time in her gardens.  Her friends and family treasure the many plants and flowers Diane passed on to them. Diane was a member of First Congregational Church of Woodstock, where she sang in the choir, served as a deacon, and was a member of the recent pastoral search committee.  Her faith and moral convictions led her to speak out about what she believed and advocate on behalf of others. She had a joyful spirit, generous heart, bright smile, and infectious passion.
She leaves her husband, Edward Bradley; her parents, James and Dolores Strickland; her siblings and their spouses, Gary and Gail Strickland, Nancy and Carlos Atilano, Margaret and Larry Strohm, and Wendy Strickland and Paul Schuster; her nephews and niece, Carl Atilano, Thomas Atilano, and Bethany Strohm.
A Memorial Service was Nov. 23 at First Congregational Church, Woodstock. Donations: The Last Green Valley, P.O. Box 29, Danielson, CT 06239. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
 
Judith Kenhart, DHS
PUTNAM ó Sr. Judith Kenhart, DHS, 77, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Nov. 20, 2014, at the Holy Spirit Provincial House, where she had been in residence since 2005.              .
Born on Aug. 21, 1937, the daughter of the late Stephen and Joan (Leslie) Kenhart, Sr. Judith entered religious life in 1955 and made her religious profession on April 24, 1957, at the Provincial House in Putnam.  She was then known as Sr. Stephen of the Passion.
A graduate of the Diocesan Sistersí College, South Woodstock,  with a bachelorís, she later earned a masterís from Boston College, and a second masterís from Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, Mass.
Sr. Judith taught at Putnam Catholic Academy, Putnam, her Alma Mater and Cathedral High School, Bridgeport.  After a year as CCD coordinator at St. Ceciliaís parish in Leominster, Mass., she was appointed special assistant to President Buchanan at Annhurst College.  In 1980, she served as director of Family Refuge Center Shelter in Sweet Springs, WV.  In 1985 she became program developer at Catholic Charities in Cambridge.  In 1993 she served as volunteer Coordinator at Womenís Educational & Industrial Union in Boston and in 1995 until 2005 she served as volunteer chaplain at Mass General Hospital in Boston.
She retired to the Provincial House in Putnam in 2005.
She leaves an uncle, John Kenhart of Santa Rosa, Calif.; an aunt, Catherine Schumann of Florida; cousins and a friend, Linda Lamoureux of Killingly.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 22 at the Provincial House chapel followed by burial at St. Maryís Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT  06260.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.  
 
Eleanor (Evans) Williams
DAYVILLE ó Eleanor Helen (Evans) Williams, 96, formerly of Woodstock, died Nov. 22, 2014, in Westview Healthcare Center.  She was the wife of the late Raymond Williams.  Born in 1918 in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Theresa (Mahoney) Evans.
Eleanor attended St. Peterís parochial school in Worcester. She moved to Southbridge at the age of 10 and attended St. Maryís parochial school, Mary Wells High School and Becker College. She worked at American Optical Company for 25 years. 
Eleanor moved to Woodstock after her marriage to Raymond Williams. She attended Most Holy Trinity Church and joined St. Monicaís Guild, The Daughters of Isabella, and Council of Catholic Women. 
She was an avid bridge player and traveler. She and her partner won the Day Kimball Bridge Trophy in 1990. She traveled extensively with 3 close friends to European countries and to Japan. 
She leaves her stepdaughter, Shirley Rapose of Woodstock; her brother, Richard Evans of Manchester and his former wife Geraldine Evans of S. Windsor; nephews, Robert Evans (Catherine) of S. Windsor, and Brian Evans of Timonium, Md.; two great-nephews, Robert and Phillip Evans of S. Windsor.  She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Evans, who was lost in WWII. 
Visitation  is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 26 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Burial follows in Quassett Cemetery. 
 
Theresa Antos
DUDLEY ó Theresa A. (Kudron) Antos, 76, died Nov. 19, 2014, at the UMass Memorial Healthcare Center, Worcester. She was the widow of the late Jacob Antos who died in January of 2004. 
She was born in Webster daughter of the late Stanley and Marie Rose (Fitzback) Kudron and lived in Dudley, most of her life. She worked for many years at the American Optical in Southbridge. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, gardening. 
She leaves two sons, Lawrence Antos (Christine) of Thompson, and Leonard Antos of Woodstock; dear friend, Baline Grisel of Woodstock; a brother Stanley Kudron Jr. of Worcester; sister Rose Marie Cesolini of Pomfret; her 3 grandchildren, Katherine, Jacob and Sydney. She was predeceased by a sister, Gloria Burlingame.
The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 26 at St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Donations: St. Joseph Grammer School.†Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
 
Richard B. Greene
DANIELSON ó Richard B. Greene, 82, died Nov. 14, 2014, at the UMass Memorial Medical Center.††
He was born April 5, 1932, in Danielson, son to the late Harold E. and Annie (Bray) Greene.††
Richard was owner of the R.B. Greene Transportation Inc. of Danielson for 58 years.
Having resided in Danielson for most of his life, Richard was a member of the 1951 graduating class of Killingly High School; He was an active member of his community and served it well by being a dedicated member of the Westfield Congregational Church, the Danielson Elks, the Fraternal Order of Police Association, and serving as a member of the Fan Advisory Board for the Patriots 1776 Club; he was always helpful with the provision of trucks to be used as floats for the Spring time Festival.††Richard was an accomplished pilot who greatly enjoyed to fly and was a member of the original Black Hawks Football Team of Danielson, back in the day when the players wore leather helmets.
He leaves his wife†Carol A. (Basley) Greene, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage; his son: Robert B. Greene as well as his children Randy B. Greene and Chelsea J. Greene of Danielson; two stepdaughters: Carlene Sabourin of Danielson, and Christine Credit of Putnam as well as their children: Jason Cayen, Tiffany DeBruycker and Austin Sabourin; his great-granddaughter Jaida. †He was predeceased by a brother: Franklin T. Greene.
A memorial service was Nov. 22 in the Westfield Congregational Church in Danielson. Donations: Westfield Congregational Church Steeple Fund, Main Street, Danielson. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
 
Dolores Hubert
N. GROSVENORDALE ó  Dolores E. (Gaumond) Hubert, 77, died Nov. 10, 2014, at home.††She was the wife of Roger D. Hubert who died July. 1, 2014.††
She was the daughter of the late Amedee and Mary A. (St. Germaine) Gaumond and lived in Thompson for the past 47 years.††She worked for many years at Putnam Mfg. and Stevenís Linen.†
She leaves two daughters; Cynthia Gatineau of N. Grosvenordale and Nancy and her husband Allen Rexford of Dalton, N.H.;  four granddaughters ; a brother Richard Gaumond of Connecticut. She was predeceased by three brothers, Leonard, Bernard, and Laurant Gaumond; three sisters, Jeanne Kruzel, Doris Duquette, Alice Benway.
Donations: American Lung Assoc.††A graveside service was Nov. 22 at St. Joseph Cemetery, Grosvenordale. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
 
Mark Sortwell
N. GROSVENORDALE ó Mark W. Sortwell, 47, of Marshall St. died Nov. 10, 2014, in Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam.††
He was born in Webster and lived in N.  Grosvenordale for the past 10 years prior to that living in Webster.
He leaves his parents, William F. and Patricia A. (Gardner) Sortwell; two brothers; Robert and his wife Donna Sortwell of Killingly and Scott Sortwell of Danielson; two sisters; Debra and her husband Thomas Jones of Nashville, and Linda and her husband William Rivera of Dudley.††
There was a Celebration of Life Nov. 14 with burial in Worcester County memorial Park. Donations: United Church of Christ, food share program, Webster. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster. 
 
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Killingly pg 9 11-26-14

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By Ron P. Coderre
This Thanksgiving Day edition of RPC is dedicated to Putnamís unofficial goodwill ambassador Kenny LaFleur.  A former Putnam High School gridder, LaFleur is a fixture around town, sharing his great sense of humor and positive attitude with his multitude of friends.
The saga of whoís in what athletic directorís chair at what school took another spin this week with the announcement from Killingly High School that former Redman football coach Gene Blain was hired to fill the vacant spot.  The position has been unoccupied since former athletic director John Krotís contract was not renewed this past summer.
When Krot was let go this summer, the reason given was for budgetary reasons.  Since that time, Killingly has been operating without anyone officially in the position but with school administrators handling the responsibilities.
Although the pressure of finding someone to fill the spot has probably been mounting, Blain appears to be a great selection and not a rushed decision.  As a former coach, teacher and administrator in the Killingly school system and as a local resident, Blain is thoroughly familiar with the goings-on with Killingly athletics.  He also brings along many other positive attributes.
In addition to his Killingly educational and athletic experience, Blain has formerly served as the principal at Windham High School.  For many years he was also a high school basketball official.  The greatest attribute Blain brings to the job is his people skills.  He understands people and has a tremendous sense of humor, which is required for a position such as this.
Blain started his career at Killingly as a teacher and assistant football coach under Krot.  In 1983 he became the head coach of the Redmen.  The acme of his football coaching career occurred in 1996 when he led the Redmen to the Connecticut Class M championship.
Blain, who retired from Windham this past spring, has been enjoying his free time doing his favorite activity, which is playing golf.  Heís a member at Quinnatisset Country Club in Thompson.  Blain and his wife, Barbara have one adult son, Joel.
Climbing The Corporate Ladder
A former Putnam resident is making the news in Hartford area business circles.  Michael Garceau, a 1984 graduate of Putnam High School, was named Chief Financial Officer of XL Group Global Insurance on Oct. 15.
Garceau, the son of Robert and Merrilyn Garceau of Putnam, attended Quinebaug Valley Community College following his graduation from Putnam.  He received his bachelorís degree from Central Connecticut State University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
He initially held financial positions in New Jersey with Chubb Specialty Insurance prior to moving on to Zurich Financial Services, where he served as Senior Vice President and head of the North American Underwriting and Support Service Division.  He was originally hired by XL Group as the Chief Operating Officer of its North America Property and Casualty unit.
As a student at Putnam High School, Garceau was a member of the Clipper football and basketball teams. Growing up he played in the Putnam Little League baseball program and youth recreation leagues.
Garceau lives in Simbury with his wife Nancy and the coupleís three children, Connor, Arden and Claire.
Up and About
RPC is pleased to see Dayville resident and former Putnam Clipper Walt Crabtree back walking Sports Street.  Crabtree recently made a surprise stop at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, where he underwent successful quadruple bypass surgery.  ìTreeî reports that heís gradually regaining his strength thanks to the Cardiac Rehab program at Day Kimball Hospital.  And of course he never lost his terrific sense of humor.  Heís looking forward to taking on all comers at Quinnatisset Country Club in the spring of 2015.  Nice to see you around and healthy, Walt.
Netters Honored
The Constitution State Conference recently announced its volleyball all stars for the recently completed fall 2014 high school season.  Putnam High School placed Gabby Simpson on the First Team and her teammate Maja Sari on the Second Team.  Kasey Marrier and Sydney Tetreault of Ellis Tech were also named to the Second Team. 
College Basketball Update
College hoop fans will be pleased to note that former local players are making an impact on the college scene.  Paul Brooks, the ex-Putnam Science Academy 6-foot, 9-inch center, continues to enjoy success as a sophomore at Worcester State University.  Brooks led the Lancers to a 69-51 victory over Becker College in the Wesleyan Tip-Off Tournament, with 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots.  Last season Brooks won Rookie of the Year honors in the MASCAC.
At Quinnipiac University former Marianapolis standout Ousman Drame has started his senior season in spectacular fashion.  In a double overtime 89-85 victory over Yale, Drame had 13 points and led the Bobcats in rebounds.  His teammate, freshman Chaise Daniels formerly of Putnam Science Academy is being taken along gradually by coach Tom Moore.  In the win over Yale, Daniels had two points on a one-for-five shooting night.
If you were tuned in to ESPN2 on Friday, November 21 for the UConn victory over the University of Dayton, you saw another ex-PSA product Scoochie Smith on the tube in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan.  In 22 minutes of court time for the Flyers, Smith had seven points, two rebounds, two assists and four personal fouls.
Stats and More
Itís hard to believe but the high school football season is coming to a close on Thanksgiving morning.  As of press time, Plainfield is the only local team, at 9-1, with an opportunity to move into the CIAC Playoffs.  In order to qualify, the Panthers must get by a feisty Griswold High School team.
Plainfield is led by quarterback Steve Jankowski who is the areaís statistical leader in touchdown passes with 23.  Raif Santerre of the Quinebaug Valley Pride leads the locals in touchdowns on the ground with 11.  Santerre, for the second season in a row has surpassed the 1000-yard plateau in rushing yards.
RPCíS Closing Thought For The Day: Once every couple of months enjoy a four course meal ñ but eat each course at a different restaurant.
(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
 
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Bonus T-Day football games 11-26-14

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Football Wrap-up:

Plainfield Wins Easily Over Woodstock

By Ron P. Coderre

Plainfield prepared for its Thanksgiving Day encounter with Griswold by easily disposing of Woodstock 47-7 in the only schoolboy football game of the week.  Although the Panthers started slowly and the offense was cranky, there was never any doubt regarding the outcome of the game.

After stopping Woodstock on its initial possession, Plainfield’s stellar signal caller Steve Jankowski went to work as he has all season in leading his mates to the Promised Land.  When Coach Pat Smith’s charges finally got their act together, it was a five yard Jankowki scamper that started the team on its way to victory.

Before the end of the first quarter, Jordan Federer added a nine yard run and a Jankowski point-after kick put Plainfield up 13-0.  Plainfield rolled in the second quarter, scoring 28 points, posting an insurmountable advantage 41-0 lead at the half.

The first score of the second stanza came on a Jankowski to Isaiah Fort 28-yard pass-run touchdown.  That was followed by a Jankowski to Federer pass play that covered 14 yards for Federer’s second score of the evening.

The Plainfield defense, not to be outdone, got into the act with a pair of touchdown interceptions by Tyler Ballard.  The first interception resulted in a stunning 60-yard touchdown run and the second registered 35 yards on the scoreboard.   Hunter Griffin closed out the Plainfield scoring with a fourth quarter 43-yard TD scamper.  

The lone Woodstock score came on a KyleProuty 36-yard run in the fourth period.

Jankowski completed 8-of-15 passes for 119 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  He carried the pigskin six times for 79 yards, while Federer had 76 yards on 13 carries.  The Panthers intercepted Woodstock’s quarterback Trent Appleton our times.  In addition to Ballard, Federer also had a pick.  The win lifted Plainfield to 9-1 overall and 2-1 in the Eastern Connecticut Conference Small Division.

The Panthers have an opportunity to qualify for the CIAC playoffs with a victory over Griswold.  The win would also clinch the Small Division title.

Woodstock is 1-9 on the season as it prepares for its Thanksgiving Day encounter with the Windham Whippets. 

Thanksgiving Day Picks

Killingly  (1-9)vs. Quinebaug Valley Pride (5-5): The Pick - Killingly 32 – QVP 20

Despite a 1-9 record, Killingly appears poised for victory because of its passing combination of quarterback Kyle Desrosier, Vasielos Politis and Michael Elsey.  The Redmen have also developed a solid running game with its young backfield of Austin Caffrey, Chace Wood and Spencer Lockwood.  If the Danielson contingent wants to bring the Commander’s Trophy home, it must find a way for the defense to stop the Pride’s Raif Santerre.  Killingly has had a rugged schedule, facing the iron every week.  That could be the difference

Although QVP has faced some strong teams this season, the schedule doesn’t matchup with Killingly’s.  The Pride does possess a special weapon in running back Santerre, who has more than 1300 yards from scrimmage.  But the question is, can he carry the team to victory on his back?  Quarterback “Chuckin” Charlie Innes is a good athlete but his passing success has been sporadic.  Kyle Loomis has come on strongly as a receiver, which could create problems for the Killingly defense. 

The major factor in this contest, which will be hard fought, is Killingly based on strength of schedule.

Griswold (5-4) vs. Plainfield (9-1): The Pick – Plainfield 35 – Griswold 30

Griswold is a solid football team that has played against the iron week-in and week-out during the 10-game regular season.  They’ve been in every game.  The Wolverines have beaten Plainfield 11 years in a row on Thanksgiving morning, a factor that could psychologically hang over the heads of the Panthers.  

But this season Plainfield has as many weapons as an Air Force F-16.  The Panthers primary weapon is quarterback Steve Jankowski, who like the F-16 is a threat in the air and like a Sherman Tank is a threat on the ground.  Jankowski is surrounded by a number of weapons, including Jordan Federer, Tyler Ballard, Andre Bergeron, Isaiah Fort, Cody Alday and Kade Amster.

Although the Plainfield schedule has had some cream puffs, the Panthers have never let up.  They also posted a big victory over a highly rated New London team.

The Panthers are thirsting to break the Griswold Thanksgiving Day jinx, while the Wolverines would like nothing better than to win.  Griswold can play the role of spoiler.  A Wolverine victory would knock Plainfield out of CIAC postseason consideration.

The thought of playing in the postseason and a plethora of weapons is the Plainfield difference in a close game that could go down to the wire.     

Windham (8-2) vs. Woodstock (1-9):  The Pick – Windham 44 – Woodstock 13

This game is a story of two programs on opposite ends of the spectrum.  Woodstock has struggled all season, unable to put points on the scoreboard.  Windham has played a solid schedule, with its losses coming at the hands of highly rated New London and undefeated Ledyard.

Coach Brian Crudden’s Whippets have too many offensive weapons for Woodstock and Coach Clay Killingsworth.  This game will be decided early with Windham moving on to the CIAC Playoffs.

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Putnam pg 10 11-26-14

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PUTNAM ó The Putnam Arts Council announced a historical, architectural, artistic work titled ìPutnam Post.î  Twenty images were created and they will be available as postcards, prints, softcover and hardcover books.  Putnam Post can be seen at the Silver Circle Gallery and Empty Spaces Gallery. The opening reception is Dec. 5 at both studios where you can see the images displayed and meet the artist.  Putnam Post is being exhibited along the new shows at the two galleries: Silver Circleís Six Year Anniversary Small Works Show and Empty Spacesí Five by Five Small Works Exhibit.
Over the past year, the Putnam Arts Council discussed a possible project to present the beautiful and historic architecture of Putnam.  What came out of those discussions was the idea to create a new take on the ìthen and nowî†photography project.  As a group, they agreed that they all enjoyed looking at the ìthen and nowî photographs that are presented locally through the Historical Society as well as the local papers.† Lindsay Lehmann, as the photographer in the group, was asked to work on the project.† The original project called for utilizing old photographs. When a colleague from Pomfret School presented Lindsay with old Putnam postcards, which had belonged to his father, a new concept presented itself ìPutnam Postî.† Lindsay posed the idea integrating the two time periods into one image.† The Arts Council felt it was a terrific fit as well as a new, clever way to illustrate Putnamís architecture and history.
Lindsay Shaw Lehmann is a Putnam native. 
 
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