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- Category: Past Issues
Bartenders
raising funds
for baseball
By Doc Cody
PUTNAM — Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, will enjoy a different twist for Putnam area veterans this year.
Through the efforts of American Legion Post 13 Commander Norman “Barney” Seney and the members of the unit, Putnam area veterans will be celebrated with a Celebrity Bartenders Night at Someplace Special Restaurant. Seney and his members cooked up the evening as a way of thanking any veteran from northeastern Connecticut who has ever served their country. The evening will also serve as an opportunity for the Post to raise some funds in support of local youth programs.
“We were exploring ways to raise funds for the youth activities associated with the National American Legion and came up with this idea. We contacted a number of veterans and a few state and local celebrities and came up with this evening,” said Seney.
“We’re hoping that people will grasp on to the idea and drop by to salute all the veterans but especially those on hand from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and our Middle East conflicts. We also secured the volunteer services of a number of sports, radio and television celebrities to help spice up our evening,” he added.
The evening runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Miss Connecticut 2006 Heidi Voight, former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois, Channel 8 newsperson Sara Welch and WFSB Channel 3 newsman Kevin Hogan are scheduled to be on hand to greet and serve patrons. Also scheduled to take turns behind the bar are local radio personality Gary “O” of WINY Radio and Seney. Other local personalities will join in the evening’s festivities.
The Post has invited Pearl Harbor survivor Andrew Barylski, who will be joined by his son Andrew, a Vietnam vet and his grandson, Dennis, a vet of the Middle East conflict. Edward Briere, a decorated World War II prisoner of war, will also be on hand with other WWII vets Vic Lippiello, Joe Bousquet and Peter Trama. Armand LaFleur, a Vietnam veteran, is also scheduled to be in attendance as a celebrated veteran.
“Someplace Special is honored to host this event for the veterans. Having celebrities on hand will certainly add luster to the festivities. This is a special day and a special event. We’re hoping to have a good turnout in honor of the men and women who have served and defended our freedom,” said Marine Corps veteran and Someplace Special manager Mike Vassar.
Proceeds from the evening will aid in supporting local youth programs. American Legion Post 13 supports the Tri-Town American Legion baseball program, Boys and Girls State and the State Police Youth Academy. Members of the Post also go to local schools presenting Americanism programs.
Working with Seney on the organizing committee are Legionnaires, Andrew Barylski, Don Reid, Donald Steinbrick, Ron Coderre and Rick Carnahan.