Ann Marie Hill

LAKEWAY, Texas — Ann Marie Blackmore (Simmons) Hill of Lakeway, formerly of Pomfret, died April 1, 2014, following a seven- year battle with ovarian cancer. 

Born in 1945, Ann was the first of eight children of Mary and Arthur Blackmore of Pomfret. Her father, Arthur, died 11 days after Ann, on April 12, 2014. 

Ann grew up in Pomfret, and was a 1963 graduate of Putnam Catholic Academy. Following her marriage to Edward Simmons of Putnam, and raising their sons, she earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees toward a career in health services administration.  Most recently with Cerner Corporation, Ann’s work involved extensive travel throughout the U.S. and internationally; as she trained staff in the use of new healthcare technologies.

Ann was the wife of TV broadcaster Brian Hill of Lakeway, mother to Michael Simmons of Littleton, Colo., and Jason Simmons of Austin, Texas; and step-mother to Leighton Hill of Virginia Beach, Va. She leaves four granddaughters and one grandson; seven siblings and their spouses: Dan Blackmore (Francene), Mary Ragno (Seb), Marguerite Rose (Bob), John Blackmore (Kathy), Judie Blackmore (Mike), Kate McGivern (Jim) and David Blackmore (Jacki). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and their children and by her former husband Edward Simmons.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. June 13 at the South Cemetery, Pomfret.  Following a graveside service led by Rev. Jonathan Scott, friends are welcomed to join us at the Grill 37, Pomfret. Donations: Nonprofit Hospice Austin http://www.hospiceaustin.org/get-involved/donate/ ; and Ovarian cancer research http://www.ovarian.org/. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Kenneth T. Merrill,

WWII vet

DANIELSON — Kenneth Torrey “Uncle Ken” Merrill, 90, died May 27, 2014, at home.

He was born Oct. 23, 1923, in Springfield, Maine, the son of Torrey G. and Ada Boyington Merrill. He received his secondary education at Eastern Maine Institute in Springfield. He served in the U.S Navy during WWII aboard a mine sweeper in the South Pacific. He graduated in 1953 from UConn with a bachelor’s in dairy manufacturing, continuing post graduate studies at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic. 

He owned and operated Uncle Ken’s Drive-In for 17 in Willimantic. After that he became a real estate broker, then an appraiser, operating Uncle Ken’s Appraisal Services until his retirement in 2010 at age 86. “Uncle Ken” enjoyed working with people and helping them realize their dreams of home ownership. He practiced the Golden Rule and quietly helped many people. He was a member of the Yankee Yesteryear Car Club where he held the position of secretary for six years. He was an accomplished harmonica player, and enjoyed playing solos for anyone within earshot, also singing and playing with a band at local nursing homes.

He leaves his wife, Jeanne (Demoranville) Merrill; daughters Deborah Merrill of Danielson, Wendy Mason (Roger) of Niantic; son Jeffrey (Hayne) of Gorham, Maine; and five grandchildren: Paul Michael Gignac of Tulsa, Okla., Sarah Roers, currently in Okinawa Japan, with her husband Jason Williams, Jocelyn Magalis of Terryville, Seth Merrill of Johnston, Colo., and Stephanie Roers of Arvada, Colo; older sister Gladys and younger sister Noreen, and more than 40 nieces and nephews, many of whom were present at his 90th birthday party last October. Ken was predeceased by 10 of his 12 siblings.

Ken’s philosophies were: Nothing is forever; Wear a smile; and Try to help others. He felt that if he brought a little sunshine into someone’s life then his time on earth was well spent. He wishes that no one grieve for his passing, only to be thankful for having him around for as long as they did.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. June 8 at Westfield Congregational Church in Danielson. Bring a story to share. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Maj. Bernard Cooney, 

RIANG-Ret.

PUTNAM —  Major Bernard “Barney” Cooney, 66, of School St., died  May 24, 2014, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. He was the husband of Diane E. (Courcy) Cooney. Born in 1947 in Providence, he was the son of the late Henry and Catherine (Corcoran) Cooney.

Major Cooney served his country for four years as a sergeant in the Air Force, including a tour in the Vietnam war. He later served for over 20 years with the RI Army National Guard, retiring as a major. After retiring, he became a photojournalist for newspapers including the Webster Times, the Observer Patriot and Speedway Scene. 

Barney’s interests included nature photography, canoeing, sailing, and model-making. A military historian, he enjoyed collecting and shooting antique rifles. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He was a volunteer fireman and EMT with fire departments in Pascoag and Putnam.  Barney will be remembered for his storytelling and sharp wit. He had the ability to relate to everyone he came across, and to remain calm in difficult situations.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, he leaves two sons, Michael Cooney (Jennifer) of Moosup, and David Cooney of Putnam; brother, Richard Cooney (Dorothy) of Barrington, R.I.; sister, Frances Burnell of Littleton, N.H.; cousin Susan Schwartze (George) Saunderstown, R.I.; grandson, Matthew Cooney. The Funeral Service was May 31 in St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Putnam, with burial in W. Thompson Cemetery. Donations: Boy Scouts of America, 60 Darlin St., East Hartford, CT 06108-320. Checks should be made to Connecticut Rivers Council, in honor of Bernard Cooney. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Raymond Evans Jr.,

WWII vet

PUTNAM — Raymond R. Evans Jr., 92, of Putnam, died Memorial Day, May 26, 2014 at home. He was born March 19, 1922, in Putnam, the son of Raymond R. and Anna (Mercier) Evans Sr. 

He married his high school sweetheart Mary A. Lehrer on May 5,1943. They celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage until her death on Feb. 24, 2002. 

Within a few weeks of being married Ray shipped overseas for the remainder of the war in Europe. He was a veteran of WWII serving with the 8th Army Air Force in the European Theatre. He received the following decorations and citations: EAME Theatre Campaign Ribbon with nine Battle Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, and was Honorably Discharged September 25, 1945. Ray was a member of the 389th Bombardment Group stationed near Norwich, England where he was part of the support crews for B-24 bombers. 

In May of 2008 the American Warrior Flight Foundation took Ray and many other local veterans to Washington DC to visit the WWII Memorial. During retirement Ray enjoyed the visits of restored B-24 and B-17 bombers to local airports and in 2010 he had the opportunity through the Collings Foundation to fly on a B-24 from Connecticut to Rhode Island. 

Upon returning to civilian life, he worked at General Phonograph, and did precision grinding, making cutting needles for recording the sound track in vinyl records. He was the Office Manager, Plant Manager and Vice President of Wellington Curtain Company for many years. Continuing a long tradition of printing in the Evans family, Ray, along with his wife Mary and son Kenneth, purchased in 1978 the Observer Company and published the Windham County Observer/Putnam Patriot Newspaper.

 At the age of 58 he took evening courses at Central Connecticut State University and obtained a Provisional Teaching Certificate. He established a Graphic Arts Program at Plainfield High School and later Putnam High School, teaching the craft of printing, photography, computer type setting and journalism. Upon retiring from teaching, Mr. Evans was awarded Educator of The Year from the Student Council and was recognized by the Putnam High School Academic community for 18 years of service. He was also a member of the Putnam Board of Education. He was treasurer and served on the building committee for the current Putnam Elementary/Middle schools.

Until the time of his death, Ray was an active member of High Pointe Church in Thompson. He was also a fan of UConn sports and the Boston Red Sox. 

He leaves his children, Kenneth Evans of Putnam, Jeffrey Evans of Putnam, Timothy Evans and his spouse Robert Quelch of Fresno, Calif., Gregory Evans (Patricia) of Putnam, Deborah Guido (Frank) of Marco Island, Fla.; grandchildren, Rebecca Moussally (Phillip) of Basking Ridge, N.J., Carolyn Guido-Traina (Michael) of Warren, N.J., Brittany Evans of Putnam, Michael Evans of Putnam; three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Avis Sherman of Putnam

The Funeral Service was May 30 at High Pointe Church, with burial with military honors in Grove Street Cemetery. Donations: High Pointe Church, 1208 Thompson Road, Thompson, CT 06277; or The Collings Foundation, PO Box 248, Stow, MA 01775. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Marion E. Wilson

DAYVILLE —  Marion E. Wilson, 76, of Williamsville Rd., died May 30, 2014, on her birthday, in Day Kimball Hospital. She is the wife of the late Dr. Charles E. Wilson, Ed.D.  Born in 1938 in Melrose, Mass., she was the daughter of the late John and Violet (Magnuson) Holding.

Mrs. Wilson worked as a nurse for Newport Visiting Nurses. 

She enjoyed playing cards, painting, sketching, sewing, watching the Red Sox and professional tennis. She was an avid lover of animals and enjoyed listening to music especially Patsy Cline, Sam Cooke, and the early days of Rock and Roll music. But, one thing that brought a special joy to her life was traveling with her family throughout Europe, Japan, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Marion loved Pizzeria Regina in Boston’s North End, Revere Beach, Whole Belly Clams at Kelly’s, and black raspberry ice cream

Marion leaves her son, John Wilson (Carrie) of Catonsville, Md.; daughter, Robin Carrier (Jason) of Dayville; brothers, John Holding of Greenland, N.H. and David Holding of Plainville, Mass.; and grandchildren, Thomas Wilson and Sophie Wilson.

Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. June 7 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 6. Burial will be private at White Horse Beach in Massachusetts. Donations: Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168; or St. Jude Children Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to Putnam veteran B.J. Cassio.  He was a member of the U.S. Navy submarine corps when on active duty.  Today he spends his time working, helping others and peddling his bicycle.  RPC salutes you B.J.

Chad Neal, the varsity football coach at Killingly High School, puts in many hours with his players, not only during the season but also in the offseason.  The hard work and hours are paying off for some of the young men, according to Neal.

Mitchell Conroy of Brooklyn, who was a two-year starter at defensive end and tight end for the Redmen, is headed to Massachusetts Maritime Academy in September where he will play football.  Conroy was an all-Eastern Connecticut Conference and All- Norwich Bulletin selection as a senior.  The versatile Conroy also played basketball and ran outdoor track for Killingly.  He’s the son of Buddy and Kim Conroy.

Zane Cooke, who also started on the offensive and defensive lines, was recently honored by The Southeastern Connecticut Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame as a scholar athlete.  Cooke, who excels in the classroom, was honored at a banquet at the Mohegan Sun.  He was also honored by the CIAC as Killingly’s scholar/athlete in festivities at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

A third Redman from last year’s squad recently ran into some tough luck.  Hard charging fullback Nick Hewitt broke his foot, which may sideline his college plans.  Hewitt was being courted by Castleton State and Mount Ida but may forego college next year for a year of prep school or attending Quinebaug Valley Community College.  Hewitt was also a mainstay of the Redmen basketball and baseball teams.

Two recent graduates of Killingly had good seasons this year on the college level.  Dana Groleau, a 2012 graduate and a former two-year starter on the Killingly offensive line, completed his sophomore year at Becker College in Worcester.  He’s transferred his skills learned at Killingly to the offensive line at Becker where he’s been a starter for two years.

Down the road from Becker at Worcester State University Josh Fortin, a 2010 Killingly grad and former All-State wide receiver, recently completed his junior year for the Lancers.  He started six games and had nine receptions for 129 yards.  Josh’s dad is Jeff Fortin, also a former Redman and a member of the 1981 Killingly State Championship team.

Clinic for Your Basketball Health

Young boys and girls ages 6 through 18 will have an opportunity to learn new basketball skills or improve their skills this summer at the Putnam Science Academy Basketball Clinic.  According to information recently released by clinic director and Putnam Science Academy basketball coach and athletic director Tom Espinosa, three different two-day summer sessions are available to youngsters of varying ages.

The Drills and Skills Clinic is scheduled for boys and girls ages 11-18 on July 18 and 19.  The Shooting Clinic also for boys and girls ages 11-18 is set for Aug. 1 and 2.  The Junior Drills and Skills clinic will take place Aug. 15 and 16 for boys and girls ages 6-10.  All camp times are Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.  The cost for a two-day session is a reasonable $65.  All clinic participants will receive a T-shirt.  All sessions will be held at the Putnam Science Academy gymnasium on 18 Maple St., Putnam.

“The clinics will provide training in fundamental work in all areas of a player’s game.  Camp is a learning experience centered on having fun,” said coach Espinosa.

Espinosa has been the only basketball coach in the history of basketball at Putnam Science Academy.  Since 2006 his teams have amassed a 146-50 record and have gone on to national prominence.  He’s regarded as one of the top teachers of basketball skills on the prep level.  Seven of his players have moved on to play college basketball on the NCAA Division I level.

For more information or to register mail – Putnam Science Academy, Attn: Basketball Coach Tom Espinosa, 18 Maple St., Putnam, CT 06260or call 860 933-0117.  Checks may be made payable to: Putnam Science Academy “Mustang Club.”

High School Baseball Poll Update

It’s highly unlikely that any of the coaches or sports writers who vote in the high school baseball polls read Ramblings, Points and Comments.  Even if they did they probably wouldn’t take our advice.  This week’s polls however, are in agreement with our suggestion made last week.

Despite losing two games, the Plainfield Panthers bounced back with a pair of victories to close out the regular season at a lofty 18-2.  Coach Jason Chaviaras’ Panthers beat St. Bernard 3-2 for win #17 and then took the measure of Montville 4-3 for #18.  With the win over Montville they captured the #1 seed in the Eastern Connecticut Conference Tournament and won the Medium Division outright.

Plainfield was ranked #1 in the New Haven Register and Hartford Courant polls last week.  In this week’s rankings, the Panthers are #5 in the Register rankings and #9 according to the Courant.

Following the ECC Tournament the Panthers will embark on the quest for a State title in the CIAC Tournament.  Stay tuned.

Racing On Memorial Day

The Woodstock Memorial Day 10K Road Race under the direction of Recreation Director Shannon Reynolds drew a large number of entrants again this year.  Since Reynolds has taken over control of the race the event has taken on a new life as she appears to be heading it to the next level.

The race winner was Todd Bennett of Columbia in a time of 37:12.  He had hoped to finish in less than 37 minutes but was happy with his time.  He competed in the Wachusetts Mountain event the previous day.  Quite a feat, two races in two days.

Trailing Bennett was Jon Dipippo of Brooklyn, 38:30.  Third place went to Greg Rossolimo of Pomfret, 39:52, while local favorite Scott Deslongchamps was fourth in a time of 40:01.  The first Woodstock finisher was Christopher Murphy in 42:01.  The big surprise of the day was the seventh-place finisher and fist female to break the tape, Kate Boska.  The 12-year old crossed the finish line in a time of 42:08.

Some of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Woodstock food bank.

RPC’s Closing thought For The Day: Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.

(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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By Ron P. Coderre

Plainfield High School baseball, the pride of northeastern Connecticut, rebounded from its two-game slump with two victories to end the regular season.  The Panthers completed the regular season at 18-2 and outright winners of the Eastern Connecticut Conference Medium Division with a 9-1 log.  The Panthers then moved on to the ECC Tournament where they lost in the title game to Waterford.

Killingly despite not qualifying for the postseason went out on a high night winning two games.  The Putnam Clippers, on the other hand, are in the midst of a five game losing streak as they enter the State Tournament.  Woodstock Academy, experiencing a successful season under coach Bill Carpenter, ended regular season competition at 10-10, picking up two victories in the final week of play.

In softball, Killingly and Plainfield with last gasp efforts both picked up their eighth wins of the 2014 campaign to qualify for the CIAC Tournament.

ECC Tournament A Toothache to Panther Coaching Staff

The scheduling of the ECC Tournament just prior to the opening of the State Tournament has created some ill wind with Plainfield coach Jason Chaviaras.  The Panther mentor contends the dates of the ECC event can wear out the pitching arms of his staff and weaken them for the State Tournament.  His contention proved to be true as his team made it to the finals before the arms ran out of steam.

In the initial game of the ECC Tournament at Dodd Stadium, Chaviaras brought up junior varsity pitcher Dave Carpenter to hurl against Lyman.  The sophomore responded by shutting out the Bulldogs on five hits 4-0.  Garet Griffin and Steve Jankowski with a double and triple respectively were the offensive forces for the Panthers.

The following night Plainfield avenged one of its two regular season losses by beating East Lyme 3-1 in a semifinal contest.  Kyle Boarman improved his record to 6-0 in picking up the win on a nifty four-hitter.  After falling behind in the first inning the Panthers responded with three runs in the third and the remainder of the game belonged to Boarman.

In the championship game against Waterford it appeared the contest would be a high scoring affair as the teams were knotted at 3-3 after three innings.  However, Waterford pitcher Colin Harrington silenced the Plainfield bats the rest of the way as his team walked off with a 7-3 win and the ECC Championship trophy.  Starting pitcher Ryan Pambuku suffered the loss.

Plainfield concluded the regular season with a 14-1 win over Tourtellotte and a 4-3 nine inning victory over Montville. Pambuku picked up the win on the hill against Tourtel

lotte  and supplied some fire power, going 4-for-4 at the plate.  Jordan Federer drove in two runs and Mike Esposito had three runs batted in for the Panthers.

Federer was on the mound for the win over Montville, which clinched the ECC Medium Division crown outright for Plainfield.  The winning run scored in the ninth inning when Jankowski coaxed a bases loaded walk off losing pitcher Evan Hopkins.

Entering the State Tournament Plainfield is 21-3.

Killingly, which suffered through a 5-15 season, finished with a pair of regular season wins.  The Redmen opened the week with a 5-3 win over Windham behind the tosses of Drew Daley.  They followed up the victory with a solid 8-5 win over Griswold.  Travis Zurowski picked up the win.

Despite losing to Norwich Free Academy 13-2 the Woodstock Academy Centaurs were able to finish the season at 10-10 as they beat a pair of Constitution State Conference teams, Ellis Tech and Putnam.  Alden Brennan hurled a complete game win over the Techsters, white washing the Eagles 13-0.  Kolby Reggione paced the offense with a double and triple.

Will Bourgeois was the winning pitcher in a 12-4 win over Putnam.  Trent Appleton continued his hot hitting for Woodstock with a timely double.  Kyle Tyler also had a double for the Acads.  Putnam’s woes continued as they lost to Kaynor Tech in a first round game of the CSC Tournament.  The Clippers then travelled to Thompson as part of a Memorial Day doubleheader and let a 3-2 lead turn into a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Tourtellotte.  Shawn Houle was the winning pitcher outdueling losing hurler Josh Allard, who fanned nine Tiger batters.  Joe Donovan went 3-for-3 for the 6-13 Tigers as they celebrated Senior Day with the win.  Putnam closes out its season at 12-8, as it prepares for the CIAC Tournament.

Short Week of Softball Action

The highlight of the softball week was a 10-0 Plainfield victory over Tourtellotte.  The win was the eighth of the season for the Panthers, making them eligible for the CIAC Tournament.  Keri Lethonen was the winning pitcher, with offensive support from Chivon Burns who had a double and a pair of triples for the 8-12 Panthers.

Killingly lost its final game of the season to Montville 5-4.  The Redgals at 8-10 will play in the postseason. 

RPC’s Super Standings – Baseball: Plainfield 21-3; Putnam 12-8; Ellis Tech 12-7; Woodstock Academy 10-10; Marianapolis 9-7; Tourtellotte 6-13; Killingly 5-15; Pomfret School 4-2; Putnam Science Academy 1-6.

RPC’s Super Standings – Softball: Marianapolis 11-2; Ellis Tech 11-6; Putnam 11-8; Killingly 8-12; Plainfield 8-12; Pomfret School 7-4; Tourtellotte 7-12; Woodstock Academy 2-16.

 

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