Applications for energy assistance for the 2016-2017 heating season are still being accepted by the Access Community Action Agency. Funding for this program is provided by The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and is housed under the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). These CEAP funds are targeted to limited income families and seniors who need them the most. The Energy Assistance program is designed to offset winter heating costs for low-income (below 60% of state median income) households in Windham and Tolland counties.  Benefits are determined by total household gross income and liquid assets. Deliverable-heated households may use benefits starting Nov. 9 and ending March 15. Utility-heated households (Eversource Energy, electric and gas) are eligible to participate in the matching payment programs and are protected from utility shut-off from Nov. 9 through April 15. 

Program eligibility is determined by total household gross income and is available for all heated households using oil, kerosene, propane, wood, coal, electric, or natural gas heat except motor homes and campers.  Residents of Windham and Tolland counties can contact Access in Willimantic at 860-450-7400 or in Danielson at 860-412-1600 to make an appointment to determine eligibility and to find out what documentation they will need to bring to their appointments. 

Appointments are currently available during the agency’s normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Households that have received energy assistance in the past must reapply and bring in updated documentation to be eligible for the new heating season.  Each applicant must bring in copies of their documentation and if there is missing documentation they will be rescheduled. To apply for assistance, applicants must schedule an appointment and provide copies of the following documents for all household members:

 

 

* Names, birth dates and proof of Social Security card numbers.

* Gross income for four consecutive weeks immediately prior to your application (paystubs, self-        

      employment worksheet, unemployment printout) for everyone in the household over 18.

* Self-employment worksheet, 1040 and Schedule C.

* SS, SSI, SSDI Cash Assistance - statement required from debit card deposits, SNAP (this information can be obtained by the Access Intake Technician), rental income (monthly)

* Pensions, VA, bank interest (CD, IRA)

* Child support and/or alimony documents

* Lease, rent receipt, mortgage statements, tax bill or lot rent receipt.

* Eversource Energy, electric and gas bill(s) in adult household member’s name.

* Landlord’s name, address and phone.

* All pages from your recent bank accounts statements showing name and account numbers 

      (checking & savings).  Name of bank and account numbers must be on the printed statements.

* Financial aid forms for everyone in the household.

 

WWII vet

N. GROSVENORDALE —  Edward “Taxi” Morin, 90, of Murolo Rd., died Jan. 12, 2017, at Westview Healthcare.  He was the husband of the late Georgette L. (Houle) Morin who died on March 23, 1989, and the late Margaret E. (DiCarli) Morin who died on Aug. 6, 2015.  

Born in 1926 in Thompson, he was the son of the late Arthur and Dorilla (Jodion) Morin Sr. and attended the St. Joseph School.

Mr. Morin was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Navy.

Prior to his retirement, Edward, along with his wife Georgette, ran the Morin’s Bottled Gas Company of N. Grosvenordale

Taxi was a member of the Community Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Company for more than 53 years; a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus St. Bernard Council; the American Legion Post 67, and communicant of St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale. He enjoyed woodworking, going to LB’s restaurant, and was an avid Boston Red Sox, New England Patriot, and UConn girls’ basketball team fan. Edward was an all-around family man and as a true Morin was born with a deck of playing cards in his hand.

He leaves his daughter Diane Dudek of N. Grosvenordale; a son  Ronald Morin of Grosvenordale; five grandchildren Jennifer Dudek, Sarah Boss, Ronald Morin Jr., Kyra Morin, and Randyn Morin; four great-grandchildren Logan Boss, Christopher Boss, Adam Boss and Joshua Boss: a sister-in-law Helen Morin of Durham. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Walter Dudek; four brothers Arthur “Cabbage” Morin, Uldric “Jim” Morin, Hector Morin, and Raymond Morin, and four sisters Flora Peloquin, Rena Sponcey, Orise Giacobbi, and Dorothy LaRose. 

Visitation is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at St. Joseph Church on Main Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Donations: Community Vol. Fire Dept., P.O. Box 874, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Sr. Marie 

Gabrielle Demars

PUTNAM —  Sr. Marie Gabrielle Demars, 95, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Jan. 14, 2017, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, where she had been a resident since June, 2016.

Born Dora Gladys Demars on Oct. 10, 1921, in Tupper Lake, N.Y., the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (LePage) Demars, Sr. Marie Gabrielle entered religious life in 1938 and made her religious profession at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam on July 1, 1943.

She earned a bachelor’s from Diocesan Sisters’ College in Putnam, followed by a master’s  from Boston College and a Ph.D. from Fordham University in New York.   She had a long and varied teaching career beginning at St. Joseph School in Waterbury in 1943 followed by All Hallows School in Moosup in 1952.  In 1955 she returned to Waterbury and taught at St. Anne School there.  Her next assignment was at Annhurst College where she taught until 1978.  In 1981 she was assigned to All Saints School in Anniston, Ala., where she served as principal.  In 1990 she went to Nigeria and served as school principal in one of our schools in Ogbomosho until her return to the USA in 1995.  At that point she lived at Bethany Community in Hartford and volunteered her services at Trust House there.  She retired at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in November of 2004.

She leaves nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grandnephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 18 with burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam. Donations: D.H.S. Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT, 06260. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Marion M. Langlois

DANIELSON — Marion M. Langlois, 93, of Danielson died, Jan. 15, 2017, in Danielson.  Marion was born in 1924 in Putnam. She was the wife of the late Theodore I. Langlois and was the daughter of the late Robert and Hazel (Marlow) King. 

Marion Langlois was a lifelong office clerk for Bugbee’s Department Store in Putnam.   Prior to retirement, she had also worked for Gil’s Shoe Barn in Danielson.

She leaves her, daughter-in-law Susan Rich; granddaughter, Tammy Hollingworth; three great-granddaughters, Katie Hollingworth, Kelly Hollingworth, Rachel Hollingworth; four nieces, Margaret Purdon, Joanne Joslin, Heidi Gregory, Judy White.  She was predeceased by her son Wayne Rich.

A funeral will be held later this spring.  Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Dennis H. McShane

WOODSTOCK — Dennis Henry McShane, 77, of Woodstock, died Jan. 8, 2017, at West Side Care Center, Manchester, after a lengthy illness. 

He was the husband of Sheila Maureen (Cassidy) McShane. They were married Oct. 6, 1962, in Chelsea, Mass. 

He was born Jan. 8, 1940, in Sterling, son of the late Henry and Gertrude (Bourque) McShane.

He was a graduate of Killingly High School, Class of 1958. 

He had a long career in retail management, including 26 years with Caldor, Inc. He was last employed at Rotman’s Furniture in Worcester. 

Dennis loved the Red Sox, the New England Patriots, golf, getting mad at golf, and reading, especially about the Civil War and the universe. He was a longtime member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, a lifelong John Wayne fan. His quick wit and unforgettable laugh will live on in our memories. 

He leaves his wife of 54 years, Sheila Maureen McShane; daughters Kimberly Ann McShane “Kim” of Norwich, Kathleen “Kate” Theresa Cleveland and her husband, Scott Michael Thigpen of Birmingham, Ala.; grandchildren Joshua Ryan Lupien of Norwich, Jeremy Marc Lupien of Norwich, Hannah Kate McShane of Norwich, Hayley Sage McShane of Norwich, Aidan James McShane of Norwich, Clara Jayne McShane of Norwich; Ethan Henry Cleveland of Birmingham, Emma Ruth Cleveland of Birmingham.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 14 at St. James Church, Danielson. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489; or a charity of your choice. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Helena M. Wiley

WOODSTOCK —  Helena (Nickerson) Wiley, 94, of Underwood Rd., died Jan. 8, 2017, at Davis Place.  

She was the wife of the late Frank L. Wiley.  Born in 1922 in Broome Center, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Grace (Barringer) Nickerson.

Mrs. Wiley worked as a secretary for Victor Central Schools in Victor, N.Y., and assisted her husband on their dairy farm.  

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. 

She enjoyed sewing, gardening, 4H Club, square dancing.

She leaves her daughters Janice M. Ross (James) of Goleta, Calif., Barbara W. Smith (Richard) of Bozeman, Mont., Deborah W. Rose of Victor, Mary Lynn Jackson of Stanley, N.Y., and Kate W. Brien (Andy) of Woodstock; her son Peter J. Wiley (Linda Manning) of Falls Church, Va.; her sister Golda Jones of Leeds, .N.Y; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by many brothers and sisters. 

Local arrangements are private.

 Donations: Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT 06489. 

Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Lorraine VanHooton

WORCESTER — Lorraine L. (Belisle) VanHooton, 83, of Worcester, formerly of Putnam and Douglas, Mass., died Jan. 7, 2017, at St. Mary Health Care Center. Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, Walter VanHooton.

Lorraine was the daughter of the late Walter and Bernadette (Morin) Belisle of East Douglas. Lorraine graduated in 1951 from Dominican Academy in Fall River. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and had been employed at various nursing homes in Connecticut and Massachusetts prior to retirement. She had also worked in the Maternity and Mental Health Units at Milford Whitinsville Regional Hospital. Lorraine was optimistic, creative, and fiercely determined in accomplishing anything she set out to do. Prior to her husband Walter’s passing, she especially enjoyed taking trips with him to visit the White Mountain region.

She leaves a sister Phyllis and her husband Gerald Carlson of Webster; four children: Linda Stiller (Jay) of Worcester, Glenn Janssen of California, Brett Wigby of Florida, and Jon Wigby of Texas; her grandchildren: Ethan, Jessica, Julia, Rafael, Sam, and Zachary; and her great-granddaughter Zoe. Services will be private. Donations: St. Mary Health Care Center, attn.: Michelle Flamand. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

..

 

 

By Ryan Rumrill

Town Crier Sportswriter

Jan. 15 the Mustangs took their game to the HoopHall Classic invitational game against Vermont Academy in the contest that premiered the Prep school matchup that included numerous top ranked players. The Mustangs came away with an 81 to 79 win over Vermont Academy.

The Mustangs faced off against a tough interior and shooters on the perimeter and a top-ranked team in Vermont, which plays good defense and knocks down three-pointers.  In the game, Vermont hit 13 field goals from downtown and the Mustangs only hit four three-pointers but won the rebounding advantage and controlled the glass.  Eric Ayala led the Mustangs in all aspects and really stepped up his game as the role changes to more of a leader. He scored 20 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out five assists, and had three steals. Jaheam Cornwall was huge for the Mustangs when he took control of the game and put the team on his back when they were trailing by eight he scored or assisted on every play to square up the score down the stretch.  

Cornwall scored 15 points and had four assists. Malik Ondigo was next in scoring with 13 points, four rebounds, and solidified the victory by blocking the game-tying bucket. Issac Kante scored 10 points and four rebounds, Brandon Hurst scored eight points, two three-pointers that were part of a comeback in the fourth quarter, and Alexis Yetna scored six points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Mustangs (14-4). Simi Shittu was the leading scorer for Vermont Academy with 21 points and five rebounds, and Louisville commit Jordan Nwora scored 17 points, while Marcus Santos-Silvia scored 11 points. Vermont Academy is now 7-7.

Jan. 14

Millbrook 54

Marianapolis 51

Tyler Burton posted 19 points, 11 rebounds, and had two steals but the three game-winning streak that the Golden Knights were riding came to an end in this event. The Knights got a great contribution from Joe Del Ricci who scored 11 points and Stephon Baxter added 10 points, and Marianapolis is now 4-7 on the season.

Kingswood-Oxford 80

Pomfret 79

The Griffins were in the game the entire way behind the scoring coming from Christian Wilson who scored 27 points and Shannon Denny who also chipped in 17 points for Pomfret now 3-6.  The Griffins battled back down six points, and made a good run to almost tie up the score in the final seconds, but missed crucial free throws that decided the game.  The Griffins are now 3-6 on the year.

Killingly 45 

East Lyme 57

Luke Desaulnier leads the Killingly Redman in scoring with 18 points and five rebounds, but was outlasted by the 23 points from Dev Ostrowski and the Vikings of East Lyme.  Killingly Dommoy Ennis scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds and teammate Josh Robichaud added seven points for the Redman (3-5).  JR Ganderberger scored 12 points for the Vikings who moved to 6-2 on the season. 

Putnam 53

Grasso Tech 66

Lucas Bastilio was the senior player to lead the team in scoring and rebounding as he was battling with the win-hungry Grasso Tech Eagles, and Kariath Wiggins was the leading scorer with 19 points to earn their first victory of the season. Sebasian Ramos continued to be a leader to the Clippers (5-4, 3-1) and scored 12 points and had six assists. David Georges scored 14 points for the Eagles enroute of the 66-53 game.   

Tourtellotte 28

Lyman 45

The Tigers fell to the Bulldogs to lose the contest 45-28, where Thompson Evan Ware was the team’s leading score of the game when he put up eight points for the Tigers, and had help from Jackson Padula who scored seven points, and Devin Barbour who scored six points for Thompson (4-5).  Fitch looked to David Lopez to score the ball for them as he put up 19 points, while Hunter Hayman scored eight points, and Logan Lussier scored seven points for the Falcons (2-4)

Woodstock Academy 38

Fitch 45

The Centaurs were led by three players in their 38-45 defeat against Fitch.  Cole Hackett was the team leader in scoring with 13 points, while Jared Bouten scores nine points and three assists, and Chase Anderson scored eight points for Woodstock (4-5). Kiev Lucas was the team leader in scoring with 13 points, while Hendrick Khoury added nine points and five rebounds for the Falcons (2-4).  

Jan. 12

Putnam Science Varsity 127

Isaiah Christopher 107

Manny Warren leads the fast-paced mustangs in scoring with 30 points in another game scoring in triple digits.  The Mustangs had six players scoring double-digit points, with Amir Paul scoring 25 points, hitting three three-pointers, Isiah Laurent scored 22 points to go along with 10 rebounds in the game.  Jordan Pettway scored 19 points for the Mustangs, and Plainfield alum Liam Jacobs scored 13 points.  Dan Porcic scored 12 points, hitting three three-pointers in the game for Putnam Science (13-2).   Nate Nikovic lead the way for Isaiah Christopher with 17 points and five assists. Drew Briggins had 11 points, and Hoggs finished with 10 points.

Jan. 11

Putnam 66

Wheeler 72

Lucas Bastilio came to play against the Wheeler Lions when he scored 28 points for the Clippers, but they were outlasted by the 25 points that Ryan Dussault scored for Wheeler.  The game was back and forth and was a great defensive game from Scott Davagian forcing turnovers and scoring 10 points for the Clippers (5-4). Zack Cutler scored 16 points and six rebounds in the game.  Wheeler had help from Michael Anderson who hit five three-pointers in the game and finished with 23 points for the Lions, who now have their first win of the season. Roger Watrous added 11 points for Wheeler (1-6). 

Tourtellotte 42

Parish Hill 27

Simon Silvia was the leading scorer for the Tigers with 15 points, which came off of three three-pointers.  Evan Ware and Jackson Padula each scored 10 points for Tourtellotte (4-4). Jonah Dupuis was the leading scorer for the Pirates with 15 points, hitting four three-pointers.  Tommy Lehoux had six points and 13 rebounds for Parish Hill (5-4). 

 Putnam Science Academy 49

Cushing Academy 56

The Mustangs traveled to the brand new arena of the Cushing Bulldogs where the number sixth-ranked PSA took on #8 Cushing.  Alexis Yetna led the Mustangs in a cold shooting night for Putnam with 10 points to go along with five rebounds.  Eric Ayala added nine points and five assists, while Jaheam Cornwall contributed eight points, two of the baskets coming off three-pointers that where during runs of their own which led to timeouts.  The score at halftime was 30-22, and the defensive effort to keep the game in hand, Cushing Academy was led by Francis Uzorh who had 17 points, and Greg Kuakumensah had 11 points.  Wabissa Bede leads his team as the floor general, scored seven points, and set up passes to David Duke who had three crowd-pleasing dunks and finished with six points for Cushing Academy (9-0). The Mustangs are now 13-4. 

Jan. 10

Woodstock Academy 41

Plainfield 34

Nick Short led the Centaurs with 11 points in the victory against the unbeaten Panthers coming into the game. Cole Hackett had 10 points, where eight of those points came late in the first half to give them the 16-9 lead at the break.  Patrick Houlihan ran the point, played great defense, and finished with seven points for the Centaurs.  Markeith Conyers lead the way for the Panthers with 13 points, where he struggled in the first half, converting on 10 of which that came in the fourth quarter.  Woodstock Academy once again played great defense and outrebounded their opponents to battle out against the unbeaten panthers. Connor Davis, Eli Malboeuf, and Chris Beasley all pitched in six points for the Panthers.  This is Plainfield’s first loss of the season, and the Centaurs move back even at (4-4) and have won the last three games. 

Putnam 72

Ellis Tech 58

Lucas Bastilio sets headline numbers scoring 27 points for the Clippers and grabbed 32 rebounds in the match against Ellis Tech, leading the Clippers to stay undefeated in conference play (5-2, 3-0). Scott Davagian scored 13 points, and Zack Cutler scored 20 points and brought down six rebounds for Putnam. Darius Deveny scored a team-high 21 points for the Golden Eagles and Brennan Young adds 13 points. Nicolas Cummings scored eight points for Ellis (1-8, 0-4).  

Putnam Science Varsity 92

Commonwealth Varsity 87

Local Putnam High School transfer, Dan Porcic leads the Mustangs in their high-scoring battle with the Commonwealth Regional Varsity hitting on six three-pointers and finishing with 24 points and six rebounds. Manny Warren scored 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, getting the ball to Isiah Laurent, who scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds. Jordan Pettway had 14 points and dished out five assists.  Kasey Walker scored 10 points for the Mustangs, moving to 12-2.

Killingly 53

Griswold 55

The Redman and the Wolverines battled in a 55-53 instant classic.  These little competitive rivalry was again another great game. Luke Desaulnier leads Killingly with 16 points, hitting on four three-pointers, while Jared Gosper who ran the point guard controlling his team effectively throughout the game, puts up 15 points himself and facilitated the ball to Sean Jandrow who scored nine points, and Gavin Turner who score six points and Dommoy Ennis was the leading rebounder for Killingly.  Max Gregory was effective shooting scoring 23 points for Griswold, while Nate Tedeschi scores 12 points and Jared Strmiska scored 10 points. 

Jan. 9

Tourtellotte 63 

Grasso Tech 51

Simon Silvia scored 22 points for the Tigers in route to a 63-51 victory over the Grasso Tech Eagles. Evan Ware scored scored 14 points for Tourtellotte (3-4) and Spencer Fulone contributes with 12 points and Jackson Padula scored eight points. Kariath Wiggins scored a game-high 24 points for the Eagles and David Georges had 11 points for Grasso Tech(0-5).

Hyde-Woodstock 69

Williams 30

Khalil Johnson scored 11 points in route to a victory that put the Wolfpack to an even record. Mehki McCray added 10 points for Hyde (4-4). Garrett Matson led the Blues (0-3) with 11 points and August Chapman added seven points and 13 rebounds.

 

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captions:

 

Holidays

Top: Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, widow Theresa M. Brodeur holds the poinsettia that was just presented to her by Cargill Council Brother Knight Casey M. Dundon. Photo by John D. Ryan. Above: Santa Claus reads a story at the Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, annual children’s Christmas party, held for the young children and grandchildren of Cargill’s Knights . Photo: Brian J. Martineau

 

 

Knights lend

helping hand

all year long

PUTNAM — Cargill Council 64 makes a point of supporting widows, children, the local needy and each other. Putnam’s Knights of Columbus did just that in December, holding events for people all along the spectrum.

“That’s what I’m most proud of,” said Cargill Council 64 Grand Knight David G. Lamontagne Sr., the council’s elected leader. “We help a wide range of people in the community. That’s why we’re here.”

It all started with Cargill Council’s 32nd Annual Joe Bousquet Christmas Giving Appeal, when a total of almost 100 council members and others donated over $4,500 to help local, needy people at Christmas time. Named for one of the program’s founders, the late Brother Knight Joe Bousquet, Knights gave out grocery cards to 72 needy families, plus giving another $700 to local food pantries and $200 to a local family with a child being treated for cancer.

The council also made a special gift from its general fund of $375 to a local family in particular need at Christmas.

Meanwhile, the council’s 24 local widows received a red poinsettia, as part of a personal home visit from the Knights.  This was the culmination of Cargill Council’s program to visit and assist the council’s 28 widows. Year-round, the council maintains a dedicated fund to help its widows when requested. Begun in 1995, it’s one of the best K of C programs of its type in the state. For the last two years running, this effort to support the council’s widows has won the Connecticut Knights of Columbus State Council’s Annual Family Service Award.

Cargill Council Past Grand Knight Herman F. Bishop founded the widow’s program when he was grand knight in the mid-1990s.

“Helping the widows of deceased members was one of the main reasons the Knights of Columbus was founded over a hundred years ago,” Bishop said, from his current home in Melbourne, Fla. “We wanted to do something tangible for our widows that was in that spirit. The poinsettias are important, but it’s the visit to each widow that really matters. We wanted our widows to know that we remember them and their husbands and that we care about them as people,” he said.

At the other end of the age range, Cargill Council 64 hosted its annual Christmas party for the young children and grandchildren of its knights. The event included a Christmas tree, pizza, cookies and candy, songs, games, a new toy for every child and a visit from Santa Claus.

Not forgetting themselves, the council held its annual “Tom & Jerry” Christmas party for members. Named for the traditional Christmas eggnog cocktail, Past Grand Knight Robert E. Desrosiers said they’ve held the “Tom & Jerry” party every year since Council 64 moved into its current home, at the former Putnam Polish Club building on Providence Street, in 1976.

“The funny thing is,” Desrosiers said, “nobody drank a ‘Tom & Jerry’ at the party.”

Although December was particularly busy, Cargill Council always has something fun and productive going on. Cargill’s knights raised and donated over $16,000 in the last fraternal year, as part of conducting literally dozens of positive, local programs and events. In addition to its Christmas programs, the council co-sponsored the annual “Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip” at Quaddick Pond in Thompson to raise funds for muscular dystrophy research and treatment and for Camp Quinebaug in Killingly, which helps local people with disabilities, held food drives for the local poor, provided free, new winter coats for needy local children, held annual Easter egg hunts for children at its two parishes, as well as holding an annual council golf tournament and continuing work to end abortion and assisted suicide and to otherwise support the “Culture of Life.”