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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout goes to the man who’s all about youth soccer Allan Rawson.  For more than two decades Rawson has been instrumental in the growth of youth soccer in Putnam and Northeastern Connecticut.  His name adorns the youth soccer field on Recreation Park Road.
The Regional Community YMCA which comes closer to reality every day conducted its annual Healthy Kids Day on April 27 at the Putnam Middle School.  This was the third year the organization has staged the event as part of a nationwide program being sponsored by The Y.  Despite the beautiful weather and the numerous activities taking place on Saturday, organizers estimate that upwards of 300 families passed through the portals.
The day included demonstrations and activities geared toward children but there were a number of organizations present that benefited adults as well.  Northeast Opportunities for Wellness was on hand with Quiet Corner Football.  There were opportunities for youngsters to try their skills at tossing a football through a canvas target, testing their passing accuracy.  Members of the Putnam Science Academy basketball coaching staff were on hand in the Middle School gym to work with boys and girls on shooting and dribbling drills.
Members of the Woodstock Academy freshman baseball team were available to toss a baseball with youngsters, while their counterpart National Honor Society students roamed the area volunteering wherever needed.
A team of dancers from The Complex Performing Arts Centre performed a modified rendition of a dance choreographed for their upcoming performance of Silent War.  The dance rendition is a full length movement work exposing the emotional effects of human trafficking.  The Danielson Martial Arts Academy II also took the stage under the direction of Academy owner and instructor Darryl LaPerle for an invigorating karate demonstration.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to offer this day free of cost to the members of the northeastern Connecticut community,” said Dr. Garfield “Woodie” Danenhower.  “It’s exciting to think that in the foreseeable future our area will have a full-service Y.  It will provide our residents an opportunity not only to swim but to indulge in a variety of programs aimed at healthy life styles.”
Other groups on hand included Blueberry Hill Organic Farms, Dr. Burns Discover Chiropractic, Day Kimball Health Care, Girls Scouts, The Last Green Valley, Panther Winterguard, Lori McDermott- Healthy Shakes, Quiet Heirloom Food Company, Quiet Corner Tai Chi, Rectory Summer Camp, Thompson Rec Department, YMCA Camp Woodstock, Adept Bodywork of Putnam and the Putnam Police Department K-9 Unit, Officer Mike Termini and his dog Aron.
The day’s activities were coordinated by Christine Rivers, The Y’s local coordinator of programs.  She was assisted by Betty Hale, Sylvia Danenhower and members of the Greater Hartford YMCA program staff, represented by Vice President for Development Susan Joyse.
“This is such a fun activity to coordinate.  The ultimate satisfaction comes from seeing the kids and families availing themselves of all the opportunities we have throughout the building.  It will be such a great day when we have our Regional Community YMCA up and running,” said Rivers.
The day’s activities culminated with the drawing of the door prize, a bicycle donated by Walmart-Putnam and store manager Michael Douglas.  The winner of the bicycle was Bruce Egan of Moosup.   
Play Ball in Danielson…
The Town of Killingly and the borough of Danielson came together in outstanding fashion April 27 for the opening of the Killingly Little League season.  The league was celebrating the 55th anniversary of its inception.
The morning started with a parade featuring all players and teams, from the T-ball leagues through Little League.  The march, supervised by the Connecticut State Police and the various Killingly Fire Departments, wound its way from Davis Park to the Little League Fields off Route 12.
Norm Thibeault, president of the league, welcomed the hundreds of players and coaches and the crowd of parents, friends and well-wishers, estimated at more than 2000 people.  Music prior to the ceremony was provided by Big Daddy Entertainment.  Following the games the management and staff of Ninety-Nine Restaurant sold ¼-pound burgers and hot dogs for $2 with all proceeds going to the Killingly Little League.
Following a moment of silence and an invocation by a priest from St. James Church, President Thibeault presented a check for $500 to the Regional Community YMCA.  Accepting the check on behalf of The Y was Betty Hale, a local Y trustee and Susan Joyse of the Greater Hartford YMCA.
“It’s an honor for the Killingly Little League to support this YMCA effort that will serve all of the kids and families of Northeastern Connecticut.  In our own way we say thank you from our players, coaches and administrators,” said President Thibeault.
The league recognized the 2012 All-Star team and individuals who were on hand from the inaugural 1958 season.  Some of the more noted individuals from the first season included Dick Veilleux, Dave Allen, Ron Joly, Bob Oatley, Norm Chartier, Roger Lemery and Sam Markley.  Some of the members of the initial season threw out the first pitch to begin the season.  The Killingly High School choir was on hand for the singing of the National Anthem.
The mornings activities were coordinated by longtime Killingly Little League administrator Joseph Cacciapouti.
Happy Birthday Big Stan…
The popular Stan Lesniewski of Thompson celebrated his 70th birthday last weekend.  Lesniewski, who was one of the leaders in the Thompson Little League for many years, spent a quiet evening with his lovely bride Barbara and his family.  He’s a noted Eastern Board umpire who in his prime officiated numerous CIAC State high school tournament games as well as American Legion contests.  He currently serves as a member of the TriTown American Legion Baseball program executive committee.  Lesniewski is a veteran of the Vietnam War.
From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History…
A large crowd was on Memorial Day at the Putnam Fair Grounds on Park Street, as Killingly defeats Putnam High School and Holy Cross defeats Brown University.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Be there when people need you.