Woodstock Elementary/Middle

Monday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit. Tuesday: Wheat pancakes, turkey sausages, fruit. Wednesday: Bosco cheese sticks, marinara sauce, fruit. Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, fruit. Friday: Pizza, green beans, fruit.

Pomfret Community

Monday: Hamburgers, chickpea salad, strawberry cups. Tuesday: Chicken Teriyaki, carrots, pineapple cups. Wednesday: " Tater Tot" Shepherd Pie, peach cups. Thursday: Pizza, broccoli cups, apple slices. Friday: Chicken Parmesan, pasta, green beans, applesauce.

Putnam Elementary/Middle

Monday: Taco salad, Mexicali corn. Tuesday: Hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw. Wednesday - half day: Brunch at Lunch: Scrambled eggs, hash browns, chocolate chip muffins. Thursday (half day PES only): Chicken Caesar salad. Friday (half day PES only): Macaroni and cheese, broccoli and cauliflower florets.

Putnam High

Monday: General Tsos Chicken, stir fry vegetables, spring rolls. Tuesday: Clipper Wraps, Cuban black bean salad. Wednesday: Buffalo chicken salad. Thursday: Baked ziti, meatsauce. Friday: Pizza.

 

 

E. ‘Betty’ Lajeunesse

N. GROSVENORDALE — Elizabeth (Lewis) Lajeunesse, 87, formerly of Riverside Drive, died Feb. 15, 2014, in Matulaitis Nursing Home.  She was the wife of the late Robert A. Lajeunesse.  Born in 1926 in Swansea, South Wales, UK, she was the daughter of the late Ivor and Alice (Leigh) Lewis.

Mrs. Lajeunesse was a supervisor for Woodstock Line.  She was a member of the VFW Putnam Women’s Auxiliary.

She leaves her son, Michael A. Lajeunesse of N. Grosvenordale; her daughter, Ruth Simmons of Moosup; her brother, Dudley Lewis of Swansea, South Wales; her grandchildren, Roxanne Rhault, Ron Rhault, and Val Haggerty; and her great grandchildren, Patrick and Montana Haggerty, and Evan and Drew Rhault.

The Funeral was March 28 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale with burial in W. Thompson Cemetery. Donations: Community Fire Department and Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 874, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; and/or West Thompson Fire Department, 248 W. Thompson Road, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or to a charity of your choice

 

Jeanne Grenier

N. GROSVENORDALE — Jeanne C. (Cardinal) Grenier of N. Grosvenordale, wife of Jean P. Grenier, died March 22, 2014.

She was born in N. Grosvenordale, daughter of the late Gerard & Adrienne (LaFleur) Cardinal.  Jeanne and Jean were united in marriage in 1962, and made their home in N. Grosvenordale.

Besides her husband, she leaves two daughters and a son-in-law, Anita Richard of Dudley and Louise and Vincent Pugh of E. Hampton; three grandchildren, Jenise Richard, Jean-Paul Richard and Shannon Pugh; brothers, Morris Cardinal, Roger Cardinal and his wife Diane; a sister, Madeline Robidoux; her brother-in-law, Paul Grenier; sisters-in-law, Agnes Gaucher and Margaret Lafontaine. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Paul Richard.

The Funeral Mass was March 27 in St. Joseph’s Church, N. Grosvenordale. Donations:  St. Joseph’s Church, 15 Main St. N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Richard E. Pepin,

Korean war vet

PUTNAM — Richard E. Pepin, 83, of Putnam, died March 19, 2014, at Day Kimball Hospital.

Dick was born in Putnam, son of the late Arthur and Eva (LaGrandeur) Pepin and lived in Putnam all his life.  He was a retired pressman, having worked several years at Jacobs Rubber Manufacturing.  He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Korea. Dick was a member of the Yankee Yesteryear Antique Car Club.  He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed model airplanes, camping, motorcycles and bike riding.  He had a love for animals.  Richard had a great sense of humor and loved laughter.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Eleanor J. (Fifield) Pepin of Putnam; two daughters, Noreen D. England (Rick)of Putnam, Caroline T. Gardiner (Paul) of Putnam; a brother, Les Pepin of Canterbury; a sister, Doris Green of Putnam; seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Arthur Pepin and a sister, Estelle Menard.

Graveside services with military honors were March 26 in Grove Street Cemetery, Putnam.  Donations: Putnam Baptist Church, Church Street, Putnam, CT 06260.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Edward S. Babula

THOMPSON — Edward S. Babula, 87, of Thompson, died March 20, 2014, at home.

 Eddie was born in Thompson, son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Gac) Babula and lived in Thompson all his life. 

 Ed was a life-long farmer and enjoyed gardening and woodworking.  He was a bus driver for many years in Thompson, served as a First and Second Selectman in Thompson, and worked for several years for the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home.  Additionally, Ed was a former member of the Thompson Fire Department.  He was a parishioner and usher at St.  Joseph Basilica, Webster.  He enjoyed playing bocce ball with his family.

He leaves his wife of 59 years, Lena D. (Iwanicki) Babula of Thompson; a daughter, Nancy Thomas (David) of Vernon; four grandchildren, Adam Thomas (Cyndi), Timothy Thomas (Shauna), Nicole Thomas and Zachary Thomas; two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Paul Babula and by two brothers, William and John Babula.

 The Funeral Mass was March 24 in St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Alfred Habercoss,

WWII vet

WILSONVILLE — Alfred A. Habercoss, formerly of Pompeo Road, 95, died March 25, 2014,  

He was born on Jan. 24, 1919, in Dudley, to Anna (Koebke) and Carl Habercoss.  He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Carl and William Habercoss, and by his wife, Natalie (Tonner) Habercoss, who died in 2012.

Attending Thompson schools, in his early 20’s he was an accomplished accordian player and was a member of a trio called the “Serenaders”, playing locally in Webster and Putnam areas in the late ‘30s-early ‘40s. 

Alfred was a WWII veteran, serving from 1942-1945 with the 749th AAA Gun Battalion with tours in Iceland, France, Belgium, and Germany.  After the war, he worked in the American Optical in Southbridge, here he met his wife Natalie.  They married in 1947, and settled in Wilsonville.

He was a member of the Thompson Congregational Church, previous to that, a lifelong deacon at the First Baptist Church in Webster.

Always a talented craftsman, in 1956, along with his father-in-law, Ewart Tonner, they designed a line of colonial antique reproduction miniature furniture, which Alfred and his wife Natalie made in their home workshop.  Branded TONCOSS, the furniture was sold to gift shops and collectors throughout this country and abroad. Alfred retired from this business in the 80’s and began his second venture, collecting and selling antiques in their home shop, and Brimfield antique flea markets.  

He leaves his four daughters, Nancy Beauchamp (Tom) of Thompson, Heather LaPlante (Dennis) of Mendon, Mass., Carol Habercoss and her partner Jim Kelley of San Leandro, Calif., Kristin Sevigny (Will) of Thompson; five grandchildren.

His funeral was March 31 at the Thompson Congregational Church with burial with military honors in Mount Zion Cemetery, Webster. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to Rollie Johnson of Putnam.  The father of a number of former Putnam High School athletes, Rollie was a pretty fair golfer himself.  Today he can be seen on many mornings enjoying breakfast at Main St. Grill with his wife Alma.  Rollie blew out another candle on the cake on Thursday, March 27.

Last year around this time Dayshon ‘Scoochie’ Smith was relishing in the publicity he was receiving for being named the Northeast Prep Tournament Most Valuable Player and for the fact that he had signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Dayton.

If you’re one of the millions across the country who are engulfed in March Madness you’re probably becoming more familiar with the name ‘Scoochie’ Smith as it appears to be a favorite of the courtside television announcers and the studio analyst who dissect every aspect of every game.

Smith and the University of Dayton Flyers have become the darlings of the nation as they’ve come from their underdog role to advance to the NCAA Elite 8.  The Flyers opened tourney play by ousting Ohio State University.  This was a huge victory not only because Ohio State was a decided favorite but adding spice to the win is the fact that the schools are located only 30 mile apart.

The next foe to fall in this David versus Goliath scenario was the mighty Syracuse University Orange.  In the Round of 16 the Flyers flew past a much bigger but slower Stanford Cardinal, winning by 10 points.

Smith has been steady throughout the tournament as it appears that coach Archie Miller has nurtured his freshman guard in preparing him for a bigger role in each game.  ‘Scoochie” scored two key hoops in the win over Syracuse and in the nationally televised contest against Stanford, Smith ran the offense with the skill of a veteran.  In addition, he hit a big three-pointer and just when it seemed the Cardinal was making a run, Smith hit a driving layup to stem the tide.

The Flyers, who play in the Atlantic-10 Conference, have a record of 26-10.  Entering the South Region championship game in Memphis, Tenn., as 10-point underdogs they go against another tough opponent in the 35-2 University of Florida and coach Billy Donovan.  At this point being the underdog appears to be a role that the Flyers are enjoying.  (The Flyers put up a tough fight but were beaten by the Gators 62-52.)

Three years ago Smith was faced with an important decision, where to play high school basketball.  A native of Bronx, N.Y., his parochial high school, Brother Rice closed leaving ‘Scoochie’ searching for a school to call home.  Fortunately for ‘Scoochie’ and Putnam Science Academy coach Tom Espinosa, Smith opted to come to Putnam and join the Mustangs.  Observing where he is today it appears he made the correct decision.

During his two years on the Maple St. campus Smith led the Mustangs to the best single season record in the school’s history, posting a 22-8 log.  (The record was broken by this year’s team, which went 29-5.)  He ended up as the program’s top career scorer and first 1000-point producer with 1010 points.  He also holds the career record in assists with 345 and steals with 205, both areas that he also holds the single season mark with 215 and 103 respectively.

At the moment Smith can also boast of being the school’s most noted graduate.  He’s also helped to put the 06260 zip code on the map.

Centaur Missing for 

Good Reason

The Putnam Rotary Club Ray Brousseau Senior All Star Shootout was missing one of the area’s best players in the boys’ game played on Tuesday, March 25.  Chris Lowry of the Woodstock Academy Centaurs was absent from the game but for a good reason.  According to CIAC rules, players are only allowed to participate in two postseason all star games.  Lowry has been invited to play in the two most prestigious games in the state.

On Sunday, April 13 Lowry will take part in the Jewish Community Center Schoolboy Classic.  He was one of only 24 schoolboy athletes to be selected state wide.  He’ll also be participating in the CIAC State All Star game.

Anyone interested in attending the JCC Schoolboy Classic on April 13, it’s held at the New Haven JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.  The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start, immediately following the girls’ games that is scheduled to tipoff at 1:30 p.m.  Admission for both contests is $12.

Professional Baseball Update

As Major League spring training is wrapping up and teams and equipment trucks are heading north for the start of the 2014 season the teams are making final moves as they prepare for their Opening Day rosters.  Some players with local ties have been involved in those moves, some staying up in The Show and others going down to the minors.

Area favorite Roger LaFrancois recently e-mailed PTC Sports indicating that spring training with the St. Louis Cardinals has been progressing well toward the start of the season.  LaFrancois, who serves as a minor league hitting instructor for the Redbirds will be spending the season with club’s Class A team in Jupiter, Fla., the spring training home of the parent club Cardinals.

Keeping an eye on the agate page and particularly the Transactions column, it was good to read the news that East Lyme native 39 year old John McDonald earned a spot with the Los Angeles Angels.  McDonald, who last season finished the year with the world champion Boston Red Sox, signed a minor league contract with the Angels but his play in spring training where he batted .321 secured his spot as the team’s utility infielder.  A magician with the glove, it’s a certainty that Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia won’t be sorry that he kept the affable McDonald on his Major League roster.

Former Thompson Little League home run champion Bryan LaHair, who is attempting a return to the Majors following a year in Japan, spent spring training with Terry Francona’s Cleveland Indians.  LaHair was recently reassigned to the minor league camp.  Jesse Hahn, who pitched at Fitch High School, with New York Mets all star Matt Harvey, will start the year with the San Diego Padres top farm team, San Antonio of the Pacific Coast League.  Finally, Dominic Leone of Norwich was reassigned to the minor league camp of the Seattle Mariners.

Remembering An American Legion Legend

People who follow American Legion baseball, especially from 1959 through 1999, will remember the name Lou Ernst.  The backbone of the Niantic American Legion team as an organizer and coach, Ernst 86, died in Florida on Saturday, March 22.

Ernst was known in his day as the dean of American Legion baseball.  He is remembered by those who knew him as “a class act.”  He had high standards for himself and passed those on to all the young men who played for him.  He left baseball and the world as a respected individual who had values that were his trademark.  God speed, Lou Ernst.

Trivia Winner

Congratulations to Romeo Blackmar who was the first person to answer last week’s trivia question.  There were two other people with the correct answer, Ed Dias of Putnam and Ed Hamill of Marco Island, Fla.  The four players to hit home runs in four decades were Ted Williams, Willie McCovey, Rickey Henderson and Omar Visquel. 

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day… You know you’re over the hill when you develop a taste for All Bran.

(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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