obit pg 6 6-9-22
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PUTNAM — Paul W. Martell Sr., 90, of Church St., died May 26, 2022, at Westview Healthcare. He was the husband of 63 years to Norma B. (Bourgeois) Martell.
Born in 1931 in Greece, N.Y., he was the son of the late Melvin and Barbara (Smith) Martell.
Paul was a Korean war veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Honor Guard in Washington D.C. before being sent to combat with the 23rd infantry regiment of the famed second division. He was honorably discharged at Camp Pickett, Va., Dec. 19, 1952.
After initially coming to Connecticut with the phone company to rebuild following the Flood of ‘55, Paul permanently relocated to Putnam.
He worked for several manufacturing companies as a mechanic, eventually settling at Wyckoff Steel in Putnam until its closing after which he became a licensed journeyman electrician.
In addition, he served as a deputy sheriff in Windham County for many years.
He was a life member, service officer and past Post Commander of the VFW 1523 as well as a member of the American Legion. He was also an active member in the community for many years serving on the Putnam Democratic Town Committee, as a communicant at St. Mary Church and as a member of the St. Mary Circle of Fun committee. He enjoyed travel, camping, motorcycle riding, golfing.
He leaves his wife, Norma (Bourgeois) Martell of Putnam; his children, Paul W. Martell Jr. (Ann) of Manchester, Kevin M. Martell (Susan) of New Hampton, N.Y., David A. Martell (Higia) of San Diego, Calif., Patricia J. Fondelheit (Bruce) of Putnam, Sandra M. Martell (wife Karen Winchester) of Manchester, and Jennifer M. Gadue (Michael) of Brooklyn; his sister, Margaret McNaughton of Glens Falls, N.Y.; seven grandchildren, Paul III, Sarah, Benjamin, Nicholas, Emily, Zachary, and Olivia; three great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Brianna, and Joshua. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Melvin, and Donald Martell.
The Mass of Christian Burial was June 3 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Providence St., Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery.
Donations: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Suite 22 W., Park Dr., Boston, MA 02215. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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psa pg 7 6-9-22
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If you think about it, there are not many Halls of Fame that a person could realistically be inducted into. Maybe high school, if they have one. College? Professional? Those are reserved for the best of the best.
With that in mind, the recurring message at Putnam Science Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame induction was one of complete gratitude, whether toward PSA and its faculty and staff, or to former teammates, former coaches, or to the town of Putnam itself.
“Putnam Science Academy gave me, a kid from Queens, N.Y., a chance to change his life for the better,” said Hamidou Diallo, a member of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and one of seven new members welcomed into the Mustangs’ exclusive club June 4. “From the first day that I came to Putnam, it was all work. They taught me my whole work ethic and made sure I understood that school was just as important as being on the court.
“I remember the first day being picked up and coming up to that suburban area. It was a culture shock, something new. But I wanted the change, and I was dedicated to being in life and becoming a better person. And they gave me that chance. I have nothing but love and passionate spirits about Putnam Science, and the Putnam neighborhood and community and what it’s done for me.”
Joining Diallo as inductees of this Hall of Fame class were former players Jaheam Cornwall, Mamadou Diarra, Aaron Robinson and Andrew Robinson, coaches Ken Chauvin and Josh Scraba, as well as the 2015-16 team.
“We had an amazing night,” said PSA basketball coach and athletic director Tom Espinosa. “This will be a night that I will always remember, reliving and making so many great memories with this great group.
“These individuals are not just Hall of Fame athletes but Hall of Fame people. I can’t begin to tell you how special each one of these individuals are.”
Diarra, PSA’s first high-major college recruit and first real “superstar,” recounted some of the times that he and head coach Tom Espinosa didn’t see eye-to-eye, then with a laugh thanked Scraba for intervening and “keeping Espo from killing me.”
The Robinson twins, inducted as Contributors because of their long-standing ties to the school since their graduation, both recalled what a special place Putnam was for them and how it helped them grow.
“It’s amazing to think about how being in this town for just one year was one of the most important experiences of my life,” Aaron said.
Chauvin made sure to emphasize the role that Espinosa played in bringing him into the program, while in a touching moment, had everyone in attendance wave to his daughter on FaceTime because she was unable to attend.
Scraba, the associate head coach who has been part of three national championships, nearly 400 wins, and has helped develop more than 120 players who have gone on to play college basketball, held back tears as he thanked his family, particularly his brother Travis, whom he called “my first recruit.”
Brandon Hurst, a member of the 2015-16 team which went 37-4 and put PSA on the national stage for the first time, also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be at PSA.
“I think my life would look very different if I hadn’t come here,” he said. “That was a great team to be a part of, and those guys are my friends for life. I was blessed to learn so much about life in my time here.”
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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finance pg 7 6-9-22
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Finance Department Accounts Receivable
and Finance Assistant
The Town of Putnam is seeking an Accounts Receivable and Finance Assistant. This position will report to the Finance Office Department Head, and will coordinate with the Town Administrator, the Revenue Office, and other Town Departments. This position requires electronic financial management (including Infinite Visions) and requires attention to detail and skilled ability to work with financial management software programs.
This part-time position is a 16 hour per week position. The expected hourly rate range is between $22 and $25 per hour, with some room for negotiation depending on experience. There are no health, dental or other benefits with this position. There is no vacation accrual; however personal leave and sick leave accruals are applicable.
Full Job Posting, including salary range, requirements, and submittal details, can be found on the Town of Putnam’s website here: https://www.putnamct.us/departments/human-resources/job-postings
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police pg 8 6-9-22
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The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs. The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 860-963-0000.
May 31
Tanya Broughton, 44, Vandale Street, Putnam; failure to display marker plate, operating under suspension (license/registration), insufficient insurance, operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
Gary H. Evans, 56, Powhattan Street, Putnam; breach of peace, third-degree assault.
June 2
Joshua Theriault, 29, Van den Noort Street, Putnam; third-degree criminal mischief.
June 6
Shayne Rood, 35, Cross Street, S. Grafton, Mass.; third-degree assault.