What if everyone read the same book and then joined together to talk about it? That’s the idea behind the One Book project. Quiet Corner Reads began a yearly One Book project five years ago, and the collaboration of libraries throughout northeastern Connecticut still working together to encourage literacy, library support, and community development. Members include libraries in the towns of Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Mansfield, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Thompson, Union and Woodstock. 

The One Book project each year encourages residents of northeast Connecticut to read the same book at the same time, bringing people together to discuss ideas and to broaden their appreciation of reading. Past books include “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan, Bill Warrington’s “Last Chance” by James King, “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, and “Tag Man” by Archer Mayor.

The fifth annual Quiet Corner Reads launch event will be held at 10:30 a.m. April 23 at the Thompson Public Library.  The announcement of the 2014 One Book selection will be made by Rhode Island author Ann Hood. Information about the accompanying book discussions and related programs from April to June will be presented, as well as a Skype session with the author. Hood will speak at an evening event at the Pomfret School in Pomfret, CT on June 17, and limited tickets will be sold at locallibraries.  The author visit is being sponsored by The Beagary Trust and local Friends of the Libraries. For more information, visit QCReads on Facebook and at the quietcornerreads.org website.

 

Arthur Blackmore Jr.,

WWII vet

POMFRET — Arthur F. Blackmore Jr., lifelong resident of Pomfret, died on April 12, 2014,  at the age of 90. 

He was born Oct. 28, 1923. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and retired from the Connecticut Department of Transportation in 1978. Mr. Blackmore was a lifelong communicant and caretaker of the grounds for the Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret for many decades. He was active in the American Legion and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. A lifelong beekeeper, Mr. Blackmore (“Mr. Bee”) operated a bee-keeping supply shop known as the Bee Valley Apiary, at his home in Pomfret.

In his later years, Mr. Blackmore welcomed daily companion visits from the staff of Day Kimball HomeMakers. After a fall this past winter, he rehabbed at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham. 

Mr. Blackmore is predeceased by his wife Mary Ann (Skiffington); an infant son, Eugene Edward and, most recently, his daughter Ann Marie Simmons Hill. He leaves his sister, Mildred Craven of E. Longmeadow, Mass., and seven children and their spouses: Daniel (Francene) of Hilton Head, S.C., Mary Margaret (Sebastian) Ragno of Willimantic, Marguerite (Robert) Rose of W. Hartford, Judie Blackmore (Mike) of Pomfret, John (Kathy) of Willington; Kate (James) McGivern of Oradell, N.J., and David (Jackie) of Trumbull; son-in-law, Brian Hill of Austin; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was April 16 in Most Holy Trinity Church, with burial with military honors in South Cemetery, Pomfret. Donations: Day Kimball HomeMakers, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or charity of one’s choice. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Barbara C. Klare

EASTFORD — Barbara Carolyn Wilder Klare, 93, died April 8, 2014, at Westview Health Care Center. She was predeceased by her husband of many years Dr. Rudolph Klare and her son, Andrew Klare.

She was born on Jan. 14, 1921, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her family moved to Teaneck, N.J., where they operated a bakery out of their home during the Depression, featuring wedding cakes.

As a youth Barbara developed Rheumatic Fever, which briefly limited her physical activities, but she determinedly overcame the condition, affecting her attitude for the rest of her life. She had a very sheltered childhood until she met Rudy at age 15 at a Seascout exhibition – a worldly young man who had already been to China. She wanted to be a teacher and graduated from Patterson State Teacher’s College and taught elementary school.

She was married in 1944 and supported Rudy through the end of WWII, occupation of Japan and eventual return to GI bill undergraduate and medical school education. They moved to Woodstock in 1955, the year of the hurricane and flood, and quickly became part of the local community. They later moved to Eastford, where she became a near-daily swimmer in the cool waters of Crystal Pond.

Until very recently Barbara continued her active interest in local events, especially those concerning the East Woodstock Congregational Church, where she had been an organist and member of the choir for many years, assisted with the Fourth of July celebration, supported the Sunday School and helped found the Mission Committee. She loved music and playing the piano and had two pianos in the living room to play duets with friends. She helped establish some of the initial local efforts in Learning Disabilities, starting over 30 years ago when very little was known about the condition. Barbara helped establish a summer camp at Crystal Pond for children with learning disabilities. She maintained an interest in medical matters and was member of the Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital and also participated in the Connecticut State Medical Society. She was avid supporter of public education and focused on public broadcasting. She supported multiple local charities, was an avid music, history and natural history enthusiast. No matter the venue, she was always willing to enter enthusiastically into a good conversation.

She leaves two sons, Ronald (Joy)  Klare, and Steven Klare; and three granddaughters, Heather Klare, Jennifer Klare and Whitney Klare.

A Celebration of Barbara’s Life was April 11 at the East  Woodstock Congregational Church. Donations: East Woodstock Congregational Church, PO Box 156, East Woodstock, CT 06244; or the Day Kimball Hospital Development Office, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Doris I. Houghton

WOODSTOCK —  Doris I. Houghton, 68, died April 10, 2014, in Day Kimball Hospital. Born in 1946 in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Donald E. Van Orden Sr. and Norma P. (Ashton) Van Orden.

Doris always worked very hard to support her family, retiring due to illness in 1990 from her position as a Cost Accountant for State Mutual Life Insurance. 

She enjoyed helping people and was a wellspring of good advice. She also enjoyed following 

politics and current events, and was always up for a lively debate. 

Doris leaves her daughter, Darlene Selig of Danielson; grandchildren, John Douglas Selig of Somerville, Mass., and Ian R. Selig of Danielson; brothers, Donald Van Orden Jr. of North Scituate, R.I., and John Van Orden (Janice) of  N. Providence; sisters, Judith Kenney (J. Ryder) of Narragansett, R.I., Phyllis Nathanson (Morris) of Providence,  Elizabeth Van Orden of Coventry, R.I., and Norma P. Desjardin (Philip) of Southborough, Mass.  She is predeceased by her daughter Kathlene M. Houghton, son Douglas R. Houghton II, son-in-law John R. Selig, and former husband Doug R. Houghton. 

Burial will be in Acotes Hill cemetery, Chepachet. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Rita T. Mayotte

PUTNAM — Rita T. Mayotte, 82, formerly of Woodstock Avenue, obtained her lifelong goal April 12, 2014, when she was called home to Jesus. She was the wife of Ralph Mayotte, until his passing in 2004. 

Born on July 4, 1931, Rita was the only daughter of the late Adelard and Leona Harvey. In her early years she worked at American Optical in Southbridge, then she and her late husband made their home in Putnam in 1979. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from UConn, she worked as a counselor with Integrated Lifestyle Counseling and as a recreational therapist at the Westview Nursing Home. 

A devoted Christian, Rita was a member of the First Apostolic Church of Danielson. 

In addition to her husband, Rita was predeceased by her son, Michael Cecere; and by four brothers, Raymond, Maurice, Armand and Roger Harvey. 

The Funeral was April 16 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam with burial in Grove Street Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: CT Humane Society.

 

Jeanne M. Tackson

WEBSTER — Jeanne M Tackson, 86, of Park St, died  April 9,2014,  in St. Vincent Hospital.

She was born in Webster, the daughter of the late Harold and Olia (Patenaude) Paradise. She lived here all her life. Jeanne graduated from Bartlett in 1945 and then received her nursing degree from Memorial School of Nursing. She worked more than 40 years at Hubbard Regional Hospital retiring as a Supervising RN in 1992. 

She leaves one son: Dennis Tackson and his partner Trish of N. Grosvenordale; two daughters: Anne Sawilla (Norbert) of Webster, Sara Tackson and her partner Kris of  Peterborough N.H.; grandchildren Michael  and Christopher Tackson, Stephanie Moisan, Jessica Reich, Megan and Jeffrey Shead and Hunter Mathewson and great-grandchildren. Her husband of 34 years, Leonard Tackson died in 1985.

The Funeral Mass was April 16 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Webster, with burial in Sacfred Heart of Jesus Cemetery. Webster. Donations: St. Anne School, PO Box 818 Day St.,; or Accord Adult Day Center, 10 Cudworth Rd. both Webster, MA 01570. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.

 

Susan L. Veilleux

PLAINFIELD — Susan L. (Welch) Veilleux, 55, of Basley Rd., died unexpectedly, April 7, 2014, at home. She is the wife of Robert Veilleux.  Born in 1958 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Prudence (Marquis) Hartley.

Mrs. Veilleux worked for Walmart and Staples.  She enjoyed spending time on her computer, mostly visiting Facebook.  She spent time caring for her plants, and enjoyed the company of her bird, three dogs, and her cat. 

In addition to her husband, Susan leaves her son, Eric Deslauriers of Oneco; her daughters, Vikki Deslauriers of Plainfield, and Melissa Waite of Norwich; her brothers, Richard Welch of Albuquerque, N.M., and Michael Welch of Danielson; her sister, Deborah Duquette of Grosvenordale; and her grandchildren, Christian and Kaylee.

The Mass of Christian Burial was April 11 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to UConn Husky fan and graduate Dennis Kelly.  In high school, Kelly was a standout on the hardwood for Woodstock Academy.  A little known fact, he played on the Huskies freshman team in the days when players were only allowed to play varsity basketball for three years.

The U.S. Navy graduated a class of more than 800 recruits at the Great Lakes Training Center on Friday, April 4.  Among the newest recruits who were promoted to E-2 was former Woodstock Academy 2013 graduate Tim Cutler.

Cutler successfully completed eight weeks of basic training, which started for his class in early February.  It seems that Cutler started his training at a time when most people would rather be in Florida, Arizona or Aruba as the weather in the Chicago area is not known for its balmy temperatures at that time of the year.  Following the ceremony Seaman Apprentice E-2 Cutler is awaiting his next assignment.

Prior to reporting to his assignment, which will be to the USS Blue Ridge, an amphibious craft that is the flagship of the 7th Fleet stationed out of Yokosuko, Japan, Cutler will spend time in “A” School located at the Great Lakes Naval Air Station.

A rugged, physically fit and determined individual, Cutler is hoping to be accepted into one of the Navy’s special missions programs.

While a student at Woodstock Academy Cutler starred on the Centaurs baseball and soccer teams.  During the summer months he was a stalwart on the Paul Faucher coached TriTown American Legion Baseball team.  He split his time between the pitcher’s mound and the outfield.  Last season he was the Towners ace relief pitcher.

Seaman Apprentice Cutler is the son of Doug and Charlene Cutler, who serves as the Town of Putnam’s town administrator and executive director of The Last Green Valley respectively.  The Cutlers, along with their other son James, were in attendance at the graduation ceremony.  The family used the opportunity to see and tour the sites of Chicago and the many offerings of the Windy City.

All State Selections

Northeastern Connecticut schools saw three of their players honored by the CIAC as first team All-State selections following conclusion of the basketball season.  The players were chosen in Class L, M and S, representing three divisions and three local schools, Woodstock Academy, Plainfield High School and Tourtellotte Memorial High School.

Chris Lowry Woodstock Academy’s stellar point guard, was a Class L selection.  Lowry, who averaged in double figures for the Centaurs, led the team to a 20-6 record and into the Class L semifinals.  He’s planning to play basketball on the college level next season.  The Academy floor general was selected for postseason play in the prestigious CIAC All Star game and the Jewish Community Center Schoolboy Classic.

Ryan Pambuku, Plainfield High School’s sharp shooting guard, was a Class M selection.  The long-range threat was one of the top scorers in all of Eastern Connecticut this season as he led the Panthers to a 13-11 log and into the Class M second round.  He averaged 21.8 points a contest in the recently completed season.  On March 25 he was chosen as the Most Valuable Player in the Putnam Rotary Club Ray Brousseau Senior All Star Shootout for his outstanding performance in which he poured 33 points through the nylon.  Pambuku is ticketed for college on the NCAA Division II level next season.

Kaevon Safford of the Tourtellotte Tigers was a Class S selection.  He was the Tigers go-to players throughout the season, leading his team to a 12-11 record and entry into the Class S tourney.  Safford averaged 24.3 points per game to capture the scoring title in northeastern Connecticut.  He’s planning on continuing his basketball career on the prep school level in anticipation of honing his hoop and academic skills.    

All three players had one thing in common last season: they all surpassed the 1000 point plateau for their high school careers.

Familiar Face Resurfaces As Track Coach

Credit Tourtellotte athletic director Deb Spinelli with bringing a quality individual to the Thompson campus to coach the boys’ track program.  Rich Jerr of Danielson, a familiar name and experienced track coach, is looking forward to revamping the Tourtellotte program.

Jerr is a solid track coach with years of experience and knowledge.  He was the head coach at Killingly for many years before moving on to Pomfret School for a stint at the prep level.  Although he’s been absent from the coaching scene for a few years, the itch to coach got the better of him.  It’s a certainty that he’ll jump right in with the old Jerr enthusiasm.  

Biking For Bucks

Putnam resident Charlie Leach is known around town as one of the community’s good guys.  Always willing to step forward for a good cause, Leach has been instrumental in the revitalization of the Congregational Church of Putnam steeple.  Leach is now on another mission as he prepares for the popular bicycle ride known as the Pan Mass Challenge.

This is the 35th year of the PMC, which has raised a total of $414 million for the Jimmy Fund at the Dana Farber Cancer Center.  Last year more than 5300 riders participated in the event and Leach will be one of more than 5000 riders who are expected to turn out again this year.  

There are various routes that riders can select that range from 132 to 190 miles in the two-day event that will be run on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2 and 3.  The most noted route starts in Sturbridge, Mass., and ends in Provincetown on Cape Cod.

Leach has a goal of raising $4,300 to participate and he’s looking for help from his many friends and those generous individuals who want to support his effort and the work of the doctors at the Dana Farber Cancer Center.

Get in touch with Leach at 860 924-2019 or 860 428-0050 or by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

College Golf Career Off 

To A Great Start

A former Putnam resident is making a name for herself on the college level as a freshman at Quinnipiac University.  Nicole Scola, a member of the Lady Bobcats women’s golf team, is leading her team in just about every conceivable scoring category.

Scola, a business major who will receive an MBA in four years, has played in 16 rounds this season and carries an 18-hole average of 78.06.  Her low round of the season was 70 in the Dartmouth College Women’s Invitational.  She leads the team with the most birdies and is the proud owner of the team’s only eagle of the season.

The Lady Bobcats are members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and play their home matches at River Highlands.  Among the honors Scola has received this season was being named the MAAC Player of the Month in September and October.

Quinnipiac’s golfing sensation lives in Watch Hill, R.I. with her parents, Atty. Nicholas and Jill Scola.  Her brother Bobby is a member of the Prout School golf team.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Congratulations to the University of Connecticut’s men’s and women’s basketball teams for bringing NCAA National Championships to Storrs.

(If you have sports items worthy of publication please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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