Donation pg 6 7-4-13
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Donations
At right --- The Putnam Rotary Club recently made donations to local groups including: Putnam Mayor Pete Place (2nd from left) for Putnam Dog Park, $1,500; Putnam Fireworks, $500; Louise Pempek (4th from left) for the Windham County 4-H, $500; David Dunham (2nd from right) and Shawn Johnston (right) for IHSP/Daily Bread, $500; Donna Grant (3rd from left) for TEEG, $500; Betty Hale (left) for Regional Community YMCA, $3, 000; Other donations included: Putnam Rotary Foundation – 4-Year Scholarship, $6,000; Putnam Rotary Foundation – 2-Year Scholarship, $3,000; Oklahoma Rotary Bi-District Tornado Disaster Fund, $2,000; Boy Scouts of America Troop 21, $250. Also pictured, center, is outgoing Putnam Rotary President Paul Pikora. Linda Lemmon photo.
TEEG pg 6 7-4-13
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TEEG adds
to staff
THOMPSON — TEEG announced a new addition to its team of caring staff members. Emma Pietrantonio will join the agency as the new Community Program Manager. Previously a constituent services representative and campaign manager for U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, Pietrantonio began working with TEEG full time in May.
As Community Program Manager, Pietrantonio is responsible for overseeing day-to-day activities and providing direct consumer service in TEEG’s needs based and senior services programs. She will work with clients to provide case management, fuel assistance, senior services, Back to School and Campership programs, and community events. Pietrantonio is 2008 graduate of Providence College with a degree in political science. She will be pursing her Master of Social Work from Wheelock College in Boston starting this fall.
In her role as a Constituent Services Representative for Representative Courtney, Emma assisted homeowners in the 2nd congressional district as the housing case manager. She worked directly with families to prevent mortgage foreclosure and eviction.
“It was during this time that I realized my passion for social work and direct service. It was empowering to be able to connect homeowners with the resources to create positive outcomes, and be able to show that the government is available to help. I hope to bring this passion to TEEG where I will continue to empower families in the Quiet Corner with resources that will assist them. I hope furthering my education and obtaining my master of social work will allow me to better perform my new responsibilities.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Emma to the TEEG team,” said Donna Grant, TEEG Executive Director. “Her expertise, kind heart and passion for assisting others make her a perfect fit for our agency.”
Pietrantonio likewise believes that TEEG is the perfect fit for her. “TEEG has created an amazing community presence focused on collaboration and integration. Their agency is renown in the area for providing essential services to families in not only Thompson, Woodstock and Putnam, but throughout the Quiet Corner. It is that collaboration and respect from the community that drew me to TEEG,” said Pietrantonio. “It is an honor to become a part of the TEEG team. I look forward to working to create true and lasting change for individuals and families. As I learn the ropes, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself with any ideas for events, programs and partnerships.
Obituaries pg 8 7-4-13
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Alan J. Laflamme
POMFRET CENTER — Alan J. Laflamme died June 22, 2013, after a short bout with cancer. He was 59.
Alan was the husband of Joanne Laflamme, whom he married on July 5, 1980; father of Joseph and Amy Laflamme; and son of Ramona (Payne) Mulvaney and the late Roland Joseph Laflamme.
Alan worked as an operations manager for Staples, Inc. for 25 years. Before that, he was a police officer in Putnam; a teacher in Woodstock, Thompson, and Killingly; and a production supervisor for Frito-Lay. He served on the Pomfret Inland Wetlands Commission and volunteered with the Pomfret Little League.
Alan enjoyed beekeeping, tending his fruit trees, and Red Sox baseball. He lived to see his son graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his daughter from the Northeastern University School of Nursing.
In addition to his wife and children, Alan leaves his sister, Joanne Coderre, who helped care for him while he was ill; her husband, Michael; and their son, Jason; his stepfather, Daniel Mulvaney.
A Mass of Christian Burial was July 1 in St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in Abington Cemetery. Donations: Deary Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06239. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Donald Bond Sr.
PLAINFIELD — Donald K. Bond Sr., 70, of Black Hill Road, husband of Barbara Dapsis, died June 27, 2013, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.
He was born Sept. 8, 1942, in Putnam, a son of the late Donald J. and Thelma (Kinder) Bond and had lived in Plainfield for the past 22 years. He was a Vietnam era veteran of the U.S. Army. Don was employed as reporter at The Bulletin for the past 50 years and had been the editor of the former Journal Transcript for several years. He served as chairman of the Killingly/Brooklyn Springtime Festival from 1999 to 2003, and received the humanitarian award in 2011 from the Northeast CT. Chamber of Commerce. Don helped found the Tommy Toy Fund and chaired the Windham County Committee for 35 years. He had coached Putnam American Legion baseball from 1971 to 1974.
Besides his wife he leaves a son Donald K. Bond Jr. of Brooklyn; three daughters, Donna Pasquerella of Ellenton, Fla., Paula Widman of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kelly Bond of Woodstock; three grandsons and one great-grandson.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 2 p.m. July 7 at the Central Village Fire Department. Donations: Don Bond Memorial Fund, c/o Core Plus, 202 Salem Tpk. Norwich, CT. 06360. Walk-in donations will be accepted at any branch. Dougherty Bros. Funeral Home, Plainfield.
Dorothy Graveline
THOMPSON —— Dorothy F. (Viens) Graveline, 79, of Wrightson Drive, formerly of Moosup, died June 30, 2013, at home. She was the wife of the late Paul Graveline.
Born Nov. 9, 1933, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Diana (Martel) Viens. On Nov. 24, 1955, at St. Mary Church in Putnam she was united in marriage to Paul Graveline.
Mrs. Graveline was a very active member of St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale
She leaves a son Mark Graveline (Sandra) of Plainfield; two daughters Susan Srednicki (William) of Thompson and Renee Nadeau (Steven) of Moosup; three brothers Rene Viens and Maurice Viens, both of Thompson, and Robert Viens of Putnam; five grandchildren Mathew, Kaelyn, Nicholas, Tyler, and Nathan.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 9 a.m. July 9 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Leila Coutu
N. GROSVENORDALE — Leila Coutu, 88, of Central Street, died June 18, 2013, at home.
She was born in 1925 in Newton, Mass., daughter of the late Frank and Glennie (Marshal) Littlehale.
Mrs. Coutu worked as a CNA for Milford Nursing Associates. She enjoyed collecting turtles.
She leaves sons; Edward Coutu of Fort Mills, S.C., Thomas Coutu of Fort Walton, Fla., Mark Coutu of Milton, Fla., and Russell Coutu of Hiram, Maine; daughters, Frances Robinson of Milton, Florence Shepherd of Woonsocket, R.I., Jo Anne Field of Hiram, Maine, Norma Sylvester of Medway, Mass., Terry Desnoyer of Leominster, Mass., and Rochelle Coutu of N. Grosvenordale.
The funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St, Putnam.
Robert Beaudreault
WOODSTOCK — Robert L. Beaudreault, 81, of Stonebridge Road, died June 26, 2013, at home after a 17-year struggle with cancer. He was the husband of Gloria (Bissonnette) Beaudreault with whom he married on Oct. 13, 1956, in St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale.
Born in 1931 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Antonio Beaudreault and Effie (Perry) Beaudreault.
Mr. Beaudreault served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until 1954. He worked as a mason for 31 years for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation. He was a lifelong member of the Putnam Fish and Game. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery, and gardening.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons, Robert P. Beaudreault (Jean) of Woodstock, and Mark D. Beaudreault of Putnam; daughter, Laura A. Salo (Laurence) of Woodstock; brothers, Norman Beaudreault (Yvette) of Woodstock, Harvey Beaudreault (Shirley) of Texas, Paul Beaudreault of AK, Leo Beaudreault (Sharon) of Dayville; sister Ruth B. Roy (Richard) of Woodstock; grandchildren Scott R. Beaudreault, Kelly B. Percy (William), Timothy A. Beaudreault (Erica), Amber Salo, Britany Salo, Hunter M. Beaudreault; seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Beaudreault.
Graveside services are at 3 p.m. Aug. 2 in Elmvale Cemetery, Roseland Park Road, and Senexet Rd. Woodstock. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Beverly Ann Farland
DANIELSON — Beverly Ann Farland, 78, of Danielson died, June 25, 2013, at Regency Heights Nursing Home in Danielson. She was born June 17, 1935, in Burlington, Vt., daughter of the late Raymond and Leonna (Savard) Jacquish. Beverly enjoyed crafts and playing bingo.
She leaves four children Norman, Michael, Sandra, Darlene; four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A Graveside Service was July 1 in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Marjorie Potter
WOODSTOCK — Marjorie G. Potter, 88, of Woodstock, died June 23, 2013, at Regency Heights Nursing Home in Danielson. Wife of the late Arthur C. Potter, they were married March 10, 1946, in Woodstock. He died in 2000.
She was born June 22, 1925, in Florida, N..Y, daughter of the late Ernest and Elsie (Vaughan) Withers Sr.
Marjorie was a homemaker who raised four children. She was a life member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in Southbridge. She was an avid gardener, a lover of birds and enjoyed nature. Marjorie enjoyed her winters spent in Florida with her husband.
She leaves her children Steven Potter (Cynthia) of Rochdale, Mass., Kathleen Spinney (Donald) of Woodstock, Gary Potter of Woodstock; a granddaughter Tiffany Rose Potter of Brighton, Mass.; siblings Gwendolyn, Gladys, Dorothy, Sally, William. She was predeceased by her son Daniel in 2003 and a brother Ernest Withers Jr.
Burial was private in Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
John J. Czernicki
WEBSTER — John J. Czernicki, 57, died June 23, 2013, the day before he was to return to work after his recovery from recent surgery> He died in his sleep after a day of fishing and fun with his family on Webster lake.
He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Anthony J. and Stasia (Milas) Czernicki. John was an athlete at Bartlett High School class of 1973 . He graduated from Worcester Poly Tech. He lived in Webster all his life a former firefighter for Webster Fire Dept. John was a 33-year member of the Teamsters Local 170. A part of the Czernicki Champion bowling family that put Webster in the news many times. He made deliveries for Atlas Distributors.
He was inducted into the Candlepin Hall of Fame in 2011.
He leaves his wife Sandy (Shaw) Czernicki; two daughters: Tara Czernicki of Webster and Stasia Czernicki of Woodstock; two brothers: Daniel Czernicki (Theresa) of Lothian, Md., Edward Czernicki (Jeanne) of Webster.
The Funeral Mass was June 28 in St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial at St. Joseph Garden Of Peace Cemetery, Webster. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.
Hilda P. Sharin
BROOKLYN — Hilda Sharin died June 17, 2013, at Pierce Memorial Home in Brooklyn. Always one to focus on the positive, Hilda kept remarking about what a lovely private room she had with a breezy, pleasant view, and how fortunate she was to have the most heart-centered people taking such good care of her.
Hilda was born on May 6, 1914, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Franklin Posner and Celia Brown Posner, proud and prescient Hungarian immigrants, who came to America a few years earlier to escape the persecution of Jews. The new family moved to New York City soon after her birth, and Hilda spent virtually her entire life there, rising from poverty to ultimately enjoy the best this cultural capital of the world had to offer. While a student at City College of New York, she met the love of her life, Barney Sharin, singing in the college chorus. They were married for 49 years until his death in 1987, raising two children, pursuing professional careers, traveling the world together, and regularly patronizing the Met Opera, Broadway, museums, and many, many concert series over the decades. Lovers of music and each other, they attended classical music performances at least every month and enjoyed singing favorite arias together.
For almost 50 years, Hilda was executive secretary and manager of a prominent corporate law firm in Manhattan. She was a gourmet cook, talented seamstress, and an all-around natural artist, including Japanese brush painting, stained-glass work, and jewelry. She created beauty and loved being surrounded by beauty. After her husband’s death she progressed from a novice bridge player to compete in NYC regional tournaments, earning master points toward Life Master. At the age of 85, she wanted to learn about computers and got her own for email, computer bridge, and word processing, successfully using one until her vision didn’t permit.
Hilda also had an avid interest in reading newspapers and in politics, engaging in spirited discussions with friends and community right through her final years. She served for five years as treasurer of the NYC Manhattan chapter of the League of Women Voters. Always valuing her right to vote, she never missed an annual election her entire life, including last year’s presidential election.
In 2004, several months after her 90th birthday, Hilda made the biggest transition of her life, moving from NYC to Creamery Brook Retirement Village in Brooklyn to be near her older daughter. Adjustment to and acceptance of life’s changes always came easily to Hilda, and she thrived in this new setting. She was legendary for her warm personality, thoughtfulness, ready smile, and enthusiasm for life.
She leaves two daughters, Susan Sharin, of Eastford (and partner Laurina Young) and Carole Sharin of New York City, and other family members from coast to coast. There will be a gathering in Eastford in celebration of Hilda’s life to be announced at a later date. Donations: PierceCare, 44 Canterbury Road, Brooklyn, CT 06234.
Rachel DesJardins
NEW LONDON — Rachel Albina DesJardins, 85, of New London, died June 2, 2013. Born Oct. 17, 1927, in Putnam, she was the only child born to Putnam Woolen Mill workers Conrad and Alice (Chagnon) Magnant.
Rachel attended St. Mary Church and was educated for 12 years at Putnam Catholic Academy where she graduated in 1945 as valedictorian. In 1947, she married Leonard E. DesJardins with whom she celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2012. Rachel was employed for many years as a Medical Records clerk at Windham Hospital in Willimantic.
She and Leonard moved to the Connecticut shoreline where they enjoyed the beaches along with their seven children and 18 grandchildren. The highlight of her retirement was a trip to Europe with her husband.
Rachel was predeceased by her husband, Leonard, on April 17, 2013, and by her younger son, Philip DesJardins,on March 6, 2013. She leaves one son, Dave DesJardins of Chaplin; five daughters: Alice Sheriff and Judith M.DesJardins of New London; Emilie J. Krogrud of Palm Bay, Fla.; Laura DesJardins of Varina, Va., and Denise DesJardins of St. Didace, Quebec, Canada. Donations: St. Joseph School Adopt-A-Student Program, Squire St., New London, CT.
Robert Jennings
DUDLEY — Robert L. Jennings, 67, of Dudley, died June 28, 2013, at Webster Manor.
He was born in Wilcoe, W.Va., son of the late Frank and Opal (Bailey) Jennings and lived in Dudley for the past 40 years. He was a landscaper.
He leaves four brothers, Richard Jennings and Douglas Jennings, both of Brooklyn, Garret Jennings of West Virginia and William Jennings of West Virginia; three sisters, Emma Guevremont of Putnam, Vickie Rebet of N. Grosvenordale, and Elizabeth Clark of West Virginia.
Donations: Charity of the donor’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Santina Siekierski
THOMPSON — Santina J. “Bella” Siekierski, 81, died June 14, 2013, in UMass - University Campus, Worcester.
She was born in Dudley, the daughter of the late Thomas and Angeline (Esposito) DeNardis. She was raised in Dudley and lived the past 52 years in Thompson. She graduated from Bartlett High School 1949 where she was an outstanding varsity athlete in basketball and softball as well as being a drummer for the band. She worked 40 years at Rexnord in Worcester.
She leaves her husband of 63 years, Raymond Siekierski; four sons: Raymond Siekierski Jr. (Kathy) of Rindge, N.H., Jim Siekierski (Lynn) of N. Grosvenordale, John Siekierski of Dudley, Jeff Siekierski (Kim) of Wilbraham, Mass.; four grandsons; one brother: Thomas DeNardis of Dudley; three sisters: Josephine Davis of Thompson, Anna Tracey of Dudley and Mary Aldrich of Webster. She was predeceased by a sister, Christina DeNardis.
The Funeral was June 24 with burial i St. Anthony of Padua Cemetery, Webster. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.
Athlete pg 9 7-4-13
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Brad Favreau, the newly inducted president of the Putnam Rotary Club. In his glory days at Woodstock Academy Favreau was a three-sport standout. Today he confines his athletic endeavors to following the fortunes of his children.
The Eastern Connecticut Conference Athlete of the Month award, sponsored by the Byrnes Agency of Dayville, Norwich and Woodstock, for the months of May and June is Woodstock Academy’s outdoor track standout Jake Almquist. The recently graduated senior is headed to UConn on a track scholarship in September.
Almquist concluded his high school track career with a flourish winning the high jump competition at the New England Championships with a jump of 6-feet, 9-inches. His attempts to break the existing Academy record of 6-feet, 10-inches, held by Joe Patrone, fell just short.
Earlier in the spring, Almquist led the Centaurs by finishing in first place in the high jump in every dual meet. In addition, he captured the Class MM meet with a jump of 6 feet, 4 inches and followed that up with a jump of 6-feet, 8 inches at the CIAC State Open meet, and good for a second-place finish. During the season he also finished first at the Bloomfield Invitational, Ledyard Relays, the Panther Invite and the ECC Championships, where he set a meet record.
At a dual meet versus New London Almquist pulled off a rare feat by winning all four events he participated in, pole vault, high jump, javelin and the 300-meter hurdles.
Almquist’s senior proved to be significant in his life, as in addition to his track exploits, he was a valuable member of the Woodstock Academy Centaurs Class L State Championship basketball team.
Proud Grounds Keepers…
An RPC Tip of the Sports Fedora to a pair of conscientious individuals who are proud of the work they do in making the playing fields for the TriTown American Legion Sr. and Jr. teams miniature replicas of Fenway Park.
The TriTown Sr. team, which plays its home games at Tourtellotte Memorial High School, has its field manicured by the inimitable Romeo “Mush” Blain. A long time member of the Thompson School System facilities crew, Blain has the infield and outfield grass cut to perfection. He also sees to the raking and watering of the base paths, making fielding of ground balls free of bad hops.
In Woodstock at the Bentley Athletic Complex, Director of Facilities Jason “Jay” Gerum, coordinates and oversees the work of his staff. He’s on site to assure every detail is cared for prior to the start of games. As Gerum said, “I want the players to have a great baseball experience. Part of that is playing on a well prepared field.”
At recent opening day ceremonies, the players, coaches and fans in attendance were treated to stirring and professional renditions of the National Anthem. The Sr. TriTown ceremony saw Putnam resident Melissa Dakai handle the honors. She also sang the National Anthem at Dodd Stadium on June 19 when TriTown entertained Jewett City. The Jr. Team opening ceremony anthem was done by the man who sings at every Putnam High School boys and girls basketball games. Maurice “Moe” Coderre handled the National Anthem flawlessly.
Local Runners Shine…
Two local runners represented northeastern Connecticut with pride June 22 in Worcester. Scott Deslongchamps, who is probably our area’s most durable long distance runner, won the Central Mass Striders 5K, which was held at Worcester State University.
Deslongchamps winning time was 19:15, a solid 12 seconds ahead of second place finisher Rich Auger of Worcester who was clocked at 19:27. Finishing in fourth place was Putnam’s ageless harrier, Alan Rondeau. He was clocked at 19:58. The former Putnam Clipper, who ran for legendary coach George W. St. Marie, is spotted almost every day, regardless of weather conditions, running the street of Putnam.
It’s a certainty the Deslongchamps and Rondeau will be participating in many other races before the snows fall concluding the season.
Happy Fourth of July…
RPC sends along 4th of July wishes to the faithful readers of The Putnam Town Crier and our Sports section. Remember the true meaning of the day, which is the celebration of our country’s declaration of independence in 1776. Our forefathers provided our country with a foundation that’s stood strong to this day. It’s our duty as Americans to continue the traditions that our country was built on.
From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History…
July 1906: Andems baseball team of North Grosvenordale defeated Dayville 20-9 before 300 fans. Time of game: 1-hour, 45-minutes. Games were nine innings. Andems lineup: J. Johnson SS, A. Johnson 3B, Coderre CF, Gadbois 1B, Smalley LF, Norton RF, Sunn 2B, Hickey C, Duffy P. Dayville lineup: Marlor 3B, Conklin 2B, Backer C, Franklin SS, Welch RF, Allen CF, Reynolds LF, Berthiaume 1B, James P.
RPC’s Closing thought For The Day: “Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad, and I’ll show you a guy you can beat every time.” Lou Brock, Baseball Hall of Famer