By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to Thompson resident Albert “Pete” Marcoux.  Known to his real close friends as “The Straw,” Marcoux is an avid baseball fan.  During the summer months he takes in minor league games in Norwich and Pawtucket.  In his past life prior to retirement he enjoyed caring for the baseball diamond at Eastern Connecticut State University.

A few short years ago primarily through the effort and determination of a single individual, Mike Lajeunesse of Thompson, an idea was borne to raise funds to provide for less fortunate families during the Thanksgiving season.  In what originated as a ‘one man show’ Lajeunesse initiated the Turkey Trot and Wobble as a way to raise funds.

The initial effort netted only $350 but with a dose of patience and perseverance and the help of others the event appears to be taking hold in northeastern Connecticut.  Last year the Turkey Trot & Wobble raised approximately $15,000.  The net result was three Thompson organizations were financially better off because of Lajeunesse and his committee.

The beneficiaries of the event were the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG), the Town of Thompson’s Trails Committee and the Thompson Rec Department’s parks and playground program.

What exactly is this event called the Turkey Trot & Wobble?  The event is something that meets the needs of many people.  Primarily it’s a 5K road race for the serious and recreational runner.  It’s also a fun walk for the person who enjoys the outdoors.

This year’s event, which is sponsored by CNB, a Division of ESB, is scheduled for Sunday, November 8 at West Thompson Lake.  The race and walk takes place over terrain that is primarily paved, while remaining within eyeshot of the scenic autumn beauty of one of Northeastern Connecticut’s most beautiful spots, West Thompson Lake and dam.

The fun walk kicks of the morning at 9 a.m.  Last year a total of 129 walkers took advantage of the day.  The race, which is broadcast live on WINY Radio, steps off promptly at 10:05 a.m.  Last year a record number of 276 runners participated.  The entry fee is a reasonable $20 for those who register prior to October 24.  Beginning on October 25 and on race day the fee is $25.  Participants who preregister receive a T-shirt commemorating the day.

“I’m pleased with the way the event has grown.  What I’m most happy about is the fact that the TEEG food bank will have funds to feed local families during the Thanksgiving season.  This is truly what this race/walk is all about, helping others,” said Lajeunesse.

There are a variety of ways to register.  By mail send a check payable to the Town of Thompson to P.O. Box 899, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255.  To register for the race online, go to www.racewire.com.  For the walk, go to www.thompsonrec.org.  Or the old fashion way, by telephone, call 860 923-9440. 

The race is professionally timed.  Awards are presented to the top overall male and female , top three male and female runners in each category and for the top team in the race.  A walking award is presented to the group with the most walkers.  Fund-raising awards are given to the walker, runner and group with the highest amount of pledges.  The goal this year is to equal last year’s fund-raising level or surpass it.

Businesses and organization who wish to sponsor are offered options from under $100 to the title sponsor level of $2500.  Between those levels are the Platinum ($1000), Fun Run/Wobble Sponsor ($750), Gold ($500), Silver ($250) and Bronze ($100).

“I’m working diligently to secure additional sponsors.  I’m pleased that many others have stepped up to assist in assuring our success.  I’m so thankful for our sponsors, walkers, runners, volunteers and committee members,” concluded Lajeunesse.

Assisting Lajeunesse with the preliminary work and putting the details together are Bob LaChance, Rene Morin, Aileen Witkowski and Thompson Rec Director Renee Waldron.

Pulling Up Anchor

As the 2015-2016 college basketball season is preparing to get underway the Rhode Island College Anchorwomen are pulling up the anchor as they ready for the upcoming schedule under the direction of skipper Glenn Senecal.

Senecal, a graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School and Putnam resident, enters his second season at the helm of the Anchorwomen program.  In his first season his team went 7-19 in a rebuilding season.  They were 5-9 in the Little East Conference.  

In getting the season underway Senecal and the Anchorwomen are throwing a Tip-Off Party on Sunday, November 8 at the school’s Providence campus recreation center.  The party, which is open to parents, alumni and friends, begins at 3 p.m.  The cost is $40 per person with the proceeds going directly to the women’s program to offset expenses related to gear, travel and team activities.  Tickets are available by making checks payable to RIC Athletics and mailing to Glenn Senecal, Women’s Basketball, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI 02908.

A mainstay of Senecal’s team is Devin Hill, a Killingly High School graduate.  Hill, a junior, is captain of the Anchorwomen.  Last season the inside performer led the team in scoring and rebounding with 12.8 points and 6.5 caroms per game.

Becher Watch Continued

Emily Becher the Eastern Connecticut State University sophomore soccer standout continued her torrid scoring pace last week.  She tallied her fifth and sixth game winning goals in a pair of 1-0 wins over Connecticut College and Keene State University.  The former Woodstock Academy athlete was named the Women’s Soccer Player of the Week by the Little East Conference for her outstanding play on the pitch.

Last week, Becher had two goals in a 4-3 loss to Endicott College.  The two scores, the 26th and 27th of her career, moved her into 8th place in the all-time ECSU women’s soccer scoring parade.

Gridiron Stat Leaders

Killingly High School running back Austin Caffrey has become the talk of the Eastern Connecticut Conference.  In the Redmen’s first four games of the season, Caffrey leads the region in rushing touchdowns with 13, while amassing 873 yards on the ground.

Three local quarterbacks are enjoying success in the passing game.  The Quinebaug Valley Pride signal caller Chuck Innes has thrown the most touchdowns in the early going.  He has four in four games, followed closely by Killingly’s Kyle Derosier and Plainfield’s Marcus Robinson with three apiece.  Saige Louis of the Pride is the touchdown reception leader with four and a total of 249 receiving yards.

St. Joe Comes Through for Students

The Julie Marcoux Memorial Golf Tournament was held on Thursday, October 1 at Connecticut National Golf Club.  The tourney held in memory of the former nurse who volunteered many hours at St. Joseph School and many other non-profits, benefits the students and programs at the North Grosvenordale School according to Principal Sharon Brier.

A full field of 144 golfers turned out for the annual event, which raised more than $20,000.  “We’re ecstatic about the results of the tournament and the atmosphere it creates.  Everyone is so generous and our students are the beneficiaries,” said Brier.

On the course, the winners with the preposterous score of minus 19 were the foursome of John Kingston, Jordan Dean, Joe Legendre and Jeff Ide.  Second place two strokes off the pace at 17 under par was the group of Jeff Bond, Greg Abrams, Chris Checksfield and Brian Hanify.  The show place team was captained by Phil Pichie.  Closest to the pin winner for the men on the 7th hole was Trevor Smith, while Pat O’Brien and Darlene Boligan were the winners of the long drive competition on the 18th hole.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Nobody is sicker than a person who is sick on a day off.

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