Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to former Putnam Clipper great Bob Gosselin. A 1958 graduate of Putnam High School, Gosselin excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Today Gosselin splits his time between his home in Pomfret and his winter residence in Punta Gorda, Fla. In his spare time he can be found on the golf course.
As a youngster growing up in Killingly Gina Derosier was a familiar sight around the Killingly High School gymnasium during basketball season. Her dad Scott Derosier was the head coach of the Redmen hoop team, so Gina along with her brother Tommie naturally became “gym rats.”
In a recent announcement from Killingly High School athletic director Gene Blain and Principal Elise Guari, Derosier was named coach of the Killingly women’s basketball program. Although the school is different than when she was a youngster, Derosier is returning to a gym environment she frequented as a kid. She replaces Mark Lowell, who coached the Redgals for the past five seasons. Lowell left the teaching profession to pursue other professional interests.
Derosier, who works in the Putnam High School Administrative office, brings solid credentials to the position. From her early days of hanging around with her dad in the Killingly gym she made her mark when she entered high school.
During her four years of high school basketball under coach Paul Coutu, Derosier was recognized as one of the best female players in Eastern Connecticut. The 2002 Killingly grad was not only a very good three-point shooter but was also the sparkplug of the team, giving her all on offense and defense.
Following her high school graduation Derosier moved on to New London and Mitchell College where she forged a career as the leader of the Mitchell program that was transitioning from a two-year to a four-year program under coach Glenn Senecal. At Mitchell Derosier displayed the same intensity and tenacity that she did at Killingly.
Since graduating from college Derosier, who always dreamed of coaching on the high school level, bounced around a variety of coaching positions. She had a brief tenure as Killingly’s junior varsity girls’ coach under Rich Lebel and most recently served as the freshman girls’ coach at Woodstock Academy. She’s also dabbled in AAU basketball with the Connecticut Storm and Connecticut Breakers programs. Derosier even took a brief stab at coaching field hockey at Windham High School.
In accepting the position at her alma mater Derosier inherits a program that finished 9-13 last season. Despite a couple key losses the Redgals return a solid core of players headed by inside performers Ally Conde and Regan Morin. A quartet of seniors, Morgan Harriott, Megan Dion, Morgan LeSage and Brittany Bennett, will also be back, providing Derosier some veteran experience in her initial season at the helm.
Life appears to have come full cycle for Gina Derosier. From her days hanging around the gym at Killingly as a kid, she now back to familiar environs. As the new leader of the Killingly Redgal hoop fortunes Derosier’s experience, spunkiness and leadership should translate well for Killingly.
WPI Honors
Local Hoop Standout…
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which was founded in 1865 and has produced outstanding athletic teams over the years, recently held its Athletic Department banquet. A former Woodstock Academy student and basketball standout was among the athletes who were recognized.
Ian Converse, who led the Woodstock Academy Centaurs to a CIAC Class L basketball championship as a senior, was honored as a Ray Cherenzia Award winner. The Ray Cherenzia Award is presented annually to student athletes who exemplify the spirit of an “Unsung Hero.”
Converse, a member of the Engineers basketball team, was an integral component of the team’s success in the 2015-2016-season. The 6-foot, 5-inch forward was a starter and top reserve last season. He was one of the Engineers top rebounders and averaged almost 10 points per game. In a victory over Coast Guard Academy, Converse had a 20-point and 20-rebound performance.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute captured the 2016 Worcester Cup presented by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. The Cup is awarded to the Worcester-area college with the highest overall winning percentage during the academic year. WPI had an outstanding .700 winning percentage last academic year.
Running Shorts…
A pair of familiar faces often seen running the streets in the Putnam area enjoyed success in a race in Worcester recently. Scott Deslongchamps placed third in the Central Mass Striders 5K at Worcester State University. Deslongchamps posted a time of 19:44 finishing 1:12 behind winner St. Cyr Dimanche. Ageless running wonder Alan Rondeau crossed the finish line in sixth place with a time of 21:08.
New Coach on The Soccer Scene…
There’s a new face on the coaching staff at Woodstock Academy. Paul Rearden, a native of Liverpool, England, was appointed as the Centaurs boys’ soccer coach. Rearden has been in the U.S. slightly more than 10 years and resides in Woodstock. He’s a former semi-pro soccer player in his homeland.
Rearden currently works with Liverpool (U.S.) youth soccer club in Massachusetts. He’s hoping to build the soccer program at the Academy, which has been known over the years for its great soccer teams. He replaces Jared Morse who resigned in April to return to the family business. The Centaurs were 11-10 on the pitch last season.
Star on The Rise…
Darnell Brodie is entering his senior year at Putnam Science Academy and the 6-9, 220-pound big man is beginning to attract the attention of some solid NCAA Division I schools. The rugged performer from Orange, N.J., came to PSA last year and developed as a player as the season progressed.
Last season his play on the court and his size and rugged physique captured the attention of two Division I schools, Quinnipiac University and East Carolina University. Playing behind the likes of two current Division I players, Mamadou Diarra and Tyere Marshall and practicing with them every day, helped Brodie to finish the season at a higher level than anticipated.
This spring Brodie joined the New England Playaz where he’s established himself as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2018. Recently he took his first unofficial visit of the spring when he visited Temple University, just prior to attending the St. John’s Elite Camp. A few days later Brodie was on his second unofficial visit, this time to Monmouth University in his home state of New Jersey. A few days later Seton Hall, which is in South Orange, N.J., made an offer and then the flood gates opened with Towson State, Iona and UMass also making overtures.
Brodie’s stock is definitely on the rise as coaches are recognizing his massive size, physicality and soft hands. All this bodes well, not only for the young man, but for Coach Tom Espinosa and the 2016-2017 PSA Mustangs.
Return from McElroy Country…
Northeastern Connecticut residents Bill Chvirko and Charlie King were among a contingent of Southern New England golfer who was part of a seven-day excursion to Northern Ireland. The sojourn included golf every day as well as visits to some of the Ireland’s finest eating and drinking establishments.
Also on the trip was Judge Tim Bibeau of the Dudley court and Brandon Parker the men’s and women’s golf coach at Assumption College. Judge Bibeau is the son of legendary Worcester basketball coach, the late Charlie Bibeau. The judge currently serves as the golf coach at Holy Cross College in his spare time. Previously he was the head golf coach at Assumption College.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” Peace Pilgrim
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By Ron P. Coderre
Most teams in American Legion Zone VI have reached the three quarter mark in their 27-game schedule. The next two weeks of action are pivotal for TriTown, Danielson and Moosup as they vie for the fifth and final qualifying spot in the American Legion postseason tournament.
Niantic and New London appear to have a strangle hold on the top two spots in the Zone standings. Waterford, which is much more vulnerable, currently occupies the third slot and a determined Jewett City squad is just behind Waterford.
Currently, TriTown, Danielson and Willimantic are sitting just off the qualifying spot. Moosup, which started the season at 1-7, has been coming on strongly. Although Post #91 is 6-12 they recently took two-of-three from both TriTown and Danielson.
TriTown, which is 8-10, appears to have the horses to make a run but the Towners must learn how to finish off games they should be winning. Confidence appears to be a missing ingredient with this club. Danielson, which has been competitive, is a young team. This factor may work against them. Moosup is a dark horse although Post #91 is still facing some tough games down the stretch.
In addition to losing two to Moosup, Danielson was in a tough three-game series with Niantic. TriTown had a light week, winning one of three from Waterford. Moosup was looking forward to more wins following the Danielson series as they prepped for three games against Willimantic.
TriTown Falls Twice to Waterford
In a week in which it played only three games, TriTown dropped two-of-three to Waterford in a series that could have seen the Towners win two of the games. The opener of the series went to Waterford 3-2 despite a Herculean pitching effort by the Towners Jake Dutcher, who went the distance in the loss. Waterford came from two runs down in the bottom of the sixth inning to squeeze by TriTown. Ryan Gadoury had two hits and an RBI in the loss.
The next evening at home TriTown was still reeling from the previous contest and fell big 10-0 to Waterford. Thanks to a complete game shutout by Zach Cutler, TriTown was able to salvage the finale of the series 3-0. Cutler was masterful in limiting Waterford to only one hit. TriTown is 8-10 with nine games remaining and a shot at the postseason still on the horizon.
In the opening game of the Danielson-Moosup three-game series Drew Daley of Danielson outdueled Dylan Horn as the Recs edged Post #91 2-1. The winning run came home on a squeeze play that was perfectly executed by Harrison Basley, scoring Eli Majek with the winner.
The following evening Moosup went to its ace, David Carpenter, and he didn’t disappoint. Carpenter, the beneficiary of some strong defense by his mates, threw a complete game shutout at Danielson winning 3-0. Jeff Nicolosi had an RBI for Moosup.
The finale of the series went to Moosup 5-3 thanks to the bat of Colby Greenhalgh. He walloped a bases clearing double to secure the win for Moosup.
In a game that had been postponed earlier, Danielson was shut down completely by Waterford 14-0. The young Danielson team continued its struggles dropping a holiday weekend doubleheader to Niantic by scores of 4-0 and 5-3.
After being shutout in the lid lifter, Danielson was able to come alive somewhat with the bats thanks to Majek who contributed a pair of RBI in the loss. Danielson is 5-10 on the season.
Moosup continued its steady but shaky rise, splitting a twinbill with Willimantic. Post #91 prevailed in the opener 5-1, receiving run producing hits from Sage Louis, Carpenter, Jordan Federer and Steve Jankowski. In the nightcap, Willimantic eked out a 7-6 victory. Jankowski and Nicolosi each had two RBI in the loss. The finale of the series went to Willimantic 6-5 in a 10 inning affair. The loss dropped Moosup to 6-12 on the season with less than two weeks remaining.
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Honored
WORCESTER — Several local students were named to the Assumption College dean’s list for the spring 2016 semester: “Rachael Hickey of Woodstock, a member of the Class of 2016; Caroline Kenney of Woodstock, a member of the Class of 2016; Lauren Bretanha of Chepachet, a member of the Class of 2017; David Gazzola of Putnam, a member of the Class of 2017.
On dean’s list
NEWTON, Mass. — Lasell College in Newton ecently named Emma Boisvert of Thompson to the Lasell College Dean’s List for the Spring 2016 semester. Boisvert, whose major is marketing, is a member of the class of 2019.
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Viola Cerreto
KILLINGLY — Viola (Bonneville) Cerreto, 91, of Pettingill Road, formerly of Putnam, died June 29, 2016, at the Westview Healthcare Center after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Sebastian S. Cerreto. Viola and Sibi were married for 68 years.
Born in 1925 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Eugene A. and Georgianna (MacIvor) Bonneville.
Viola was the valedictorian of her Putnam High School class. She worked at Belding Heminway Company, and then in the finance department of Rogers Corporation for 20 years.
She was an avid knitter and one of her proudest accomplishments was creating a wedding gown for her daughter. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and especially spending time with her family and her much loved miniature Australian Shepherd, Pixie. Viola was an avid reader of The New York Times every day. Notably, she learned how to use an iPad in her later years and would frequently stay in contact with family members by email. Viola was known for her kind heart, always putting others first and her unwavering support for her family.
She leaves Michael Cerreto (Patricia) of Bridgewater, Mass.; her daughters, Dr. Mary Cerreto (Dr. David Coulter, MD) of Natick, Mass., and Barbara Porter (Clyde) of Dayville; her sister, Barbara Vadnais (John) of Ravena, N.Y.; her grandchildren, Jonathan Porter (Brynn) of State College, Penn., Craig Porter (Beth Dubofsky-Porter) of Killingly, and Kenneth Cerreto (Patricia) of Harvard, Mass.; and her great grandchildren, Sebastian Cerreto and Holly Cerreto. She was predeceased by her brothers Norman Bonneville, Robert Bonneville and sister Pauline Snelgrove.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon July 30 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Providence St, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Violet E. Thayer
PLAINFIELD — Violet E. Thayer, 81 of Windsor Ave., died June 30, 2016, in Colonial Health & Rehab Center of Plainfield, LLC. Born in April 29, 1935, in Waterbury, the daughter of the late Wilfred and Albany (Turcotte) Thayer.
Violet enjoyed collecting “Toddler Sized Baby Dolls,” reading and was a lover of all animals. Her other interests were coloring, playing bingo, crafts, dancing, walking, music!
She leaves her sisters, Shirley Smith Ron) of Amherst, N.Y., Jean Spaven of Chatham, N.J., and Patty Martins (Joe) of Swansea, Mass.; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Wilfred Thayer, Leon Savoie, and Henry Wheeler; and her sisters, Joyce Thayer, Gloria Thayer, and Pearl Kenney.
Services are private. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Donald L. LeBeau
PUTNAM — Donald Lionel LeBeau, 78, of School St, died June 18, 2016. He was born in Putnam, and was the son of Lionel and Simone (Bourque) LeBeau.
Mr. LeBeau was a machinist and sheet metal specialist for Kaman Aerospace Corporation for 40 years. He was a member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks and also served with them for many years. Don enjoyed golfing, playing pool, family cookouts, vacationing in Cape Cod Mass, Florida, and Texas with family and friends. Those who knew him can attest to his consummate “good guy” attitude towards everyone. He loved to dance, sing off key and generally entertain with his good humor. He especially loved his family and all of his dogs; Rusty, Chucky, and Maggie.
He leaves his longtime companion of 18 years Mary Ethier; two sisters: Shirley Jewell of Norwich, Barbara Gendreau of Putnam; and his five daughters and their spouses: Deborah and Walter Wilson of Danielson, Sandra and Daniel Del Sonno of Eustis, Fla., Denise and Scott Williams of Frisco, Texas, Sharon LeBeau of Frisco, Danielle and Steven Stafinski of Millbury, Mass.; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Mass was June 25 in St. Mary Church. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Charles T. Sheppard,
Vietnam era vet
DANIELSON — Charles T. Sheppard, 74, died June 28, 2016, at home.
He was born in Oakmont, W.Va., son of the late Charles N. Sheppard and Phyllis L. (Rhodes) Sheppard and lived in Virginia before moving to Danielson 56 years ago. He was a Vietnam era U.S. Army veteran. He was a maintenance worker at Walmart in Putnam. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and Solitaire.
He leaves his wife of 45 years, Thelma L. (Cline) Sheppard; two sons, Charles J. Sheppard of California and William N. Sheppard of Brooklyn; one daughter, Tracy and her husband Steven Caron of Inverness, Fla.; two brothers, Oliver and Joseph Sheppard; a sister, Phyllis Arbogast, all of West Virginia; four grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. July 14 in the First Apostolic Church, 6 Academy St., Danielson. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster. Donations: American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
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caption, page 6:
Welcome
Town representatives receive their new plaques welcoming residents and visitors to our Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor Communities. Courtesy photo.
TLGV looks
to future
At the recent The Last Green Valley, Inc. annual meeting TLGV Executive Director Lois Bruinooge highlighted last year’s accomplishments but focused most of her remarks on the future.
She announced that TLGV is partnering with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut to establish two agency endowment funds specifically designed for nonprofits. These funds are an important step towards the sustainability of the organization and the region.
By establishing these funds, TLGV hopes to increase its visibility and capacity to secure major gifts, and to obtain high quality investment management services. These funds will make it easier for donors to feel confident in the long-term stability of the organization, and to ensure that legacy gifts such as bequests will benefit this region into the future.
Bruinooge and Chairman of the Board Bill Jobbagy also thanked all of TLGV’s members, donors, partners, and volunteers for their support, and presented TLGV’s annual awards. Alix McNitt from the Chamber of Central Mass South was recognized for her service on the TLGV Board from 2012-2016. Roland Beland was recognized for his support of the water trails program, going above and beyond in supervising carpentry students from Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School during construction and installation of 16 information kiosks at public canoe and kayak launches on the Quinebaug, Willimantic and Shetucket Rivers.
Mike Nelson, Community Service supervisor for Charter Communications, was presented with the “Voice of the Valley” award for providing innovative, outstanding, and in-depth coverage of issues that matter in The Last Green Valley, and for guiding or directing thousands of local programs.
The final award was the announcement of “Team Walktober 2016,” bestowed upon Dianne Brown & Regan Miner from Norwich, for their leadership in creating so much Walktober excitement in the city and for inspiring so many other communities to follow their lead.
Representatives from many of The Last Green Valley’s communities were also on hand to receive new welcome plaques suitable for hanging outside their town halls, to let residents and visitors know that they are within a Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor Community.
The following Board members were re-elected to 3-year terms: Bill Jobbagy from Coventry; Mike Nelson, Norwich; Myra Ambrogi, Plainfield; Donna Baron, Lebanon; and Mark Winne, Charlton. The following TLGV members were newly elected to the Board for 3-year terms: Debra Burns from Eastford and Jimi Gothreau from Putnam.