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Visiting

From left to right:  Ron Coderre, campaign counsel; Amanda Kelly, executive director of the Hale YMCA; Trustees Laurence and Betty Hale; Pat and Jim Calhoun, Honorary Chairmen. Kaden Murphy,. 11, of Woodstock, with Calhoun. Courtesy photo.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC shoutout is sent long to the folks at Putnam’s newest eatery, “de la Terre” on South Main Street.  The official ribbon cutting for the business will take place on First Friday, July 1 as Putnam celebrates Boston.  In honor of Boston, “de la Terre” will be offering Fenway Franks and Boston Baked Beans as a special.

A very special visitor stopped by the new Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center on June 20 for a tour of the sparkling 46,000-square foot facility.  Former UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun and his wife Pat were the guests of Betty and Laurence Hale and Y Executive Director Amanda Kelly.

When plans for the Y were unveiled along with an ambitious $15 million fund-raising effort, the Calhoun’s were asked to serve as the Honorary Chairpersons, a position they embraced willingly and with enthusiasm.  Thanks in part to their support the people of northeastern Connecticut are the beneficiaries of the facility, which features two pools, an expansive fitness area, teen center, child watch area and a sparkling full size gymnasium.

Because of the time and energy Jim and Pat Calhoun provided to the fund-raising campaign, the gymnasium has been appropriately named Coach Calhoun Court.  And on their visit to the Y the couple enjoyed the opportunity to see the facility for the very first time.

From the very first moment they stepped foot on the shiny new gym surface, which features six baskets that are capable of being lowered for youngsters, the expression on their faces indicated their approval.  Immediately coach Calhoun began to talk basketball with Executive Director Kelly.   

“I’m truly impressed and can see this gym hosting basketball programs and leagues for people of all ages.  As a kid in Boston the Y was the gathering place for me and my friends.  The same thing can occur here in Putnam,” said Calhoun.

Watching adults and youngsters dribbling and shooting hoops with basketballs donated by the Coach Calhoun Basketball Camp, brought a smile to his eyes.  Speaking to those who approached him, Calhoun was cordial, engaging and warm with everyone, while his wife stood by acknowledging her approval.

According to Executive Director Kelly, “Coach Calhoun was enthusiastic.  He offered some really great ideas for programs and even noted that he’d be willing to help in some way in his spare time.”

Since officially opening its doors on Feb. 29, the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center has been bustling with activity.  Early statistical numbers indicate that all areas of the facility are exceeding expectations.

The presence of coach Calhoun and his wife certainly is meaningful to the success of the facility.  But an even more important indicator of the success is the reaction the Hales and Kelly received with the thumbs up unequivocal approval of Jim and Pat Calhoun.

Local Female Golfer Spreading 

Her Wings…

The Hartford Women’s Open was held in Hartford over a two-day period last week.  The event was historic because it was the first pro/amateur open tournament in Hartford for women.  It was played on two Hartford public courses, Goodwin Park Golf Course and Keney Park Golf Course, which have been significantly upgraded with renovations.  PGA secretary Suzy Whaley oversaw the entire two-day event.

A full field of professional and amateurs from throughout the Northeast challenged the Par 70, 5,694-yard layout Keney layout on the final day of play.  The winner of the event was Dani Mullin who fired a seven under par 133.  She posted rounds of 65-68.

Woodstock Academy senior to be Roxanne Garceau was among the field of approximately 60 entrants.  Garceau, who was the area’s top female high school golfer and Eastern Connecticut Conference champion this spring, acquitted herself very well.  She posted scores of 80-82 for a two-round total of 162, placing her in a tie for 15th in the field.

Later in the week, Garceau participated in the 36-Hole Ryan Lee Memorial Junior Open at Timberlin Golf Club in Berlin.  She was in a field of 10 young female golfer on the par-72 layout.  Garceau struggled a bit on the opening day with a score of 96 but came back the following day with a very respectable score of 86.

The two events were probably her initial attempt at competing on a high level above high school competition.   Garceau has much to be proud of in her performances.

Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund Run…

Michael Stadolnik of Plainfield, a veteran of the Boston Marathon, was the winner of the first 5K Run for the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund.  The race was formerly the Deary Memorial Five-Mile Race Walk.  

Stadolnik toured the 5K layout in a time of 17:06 a full 45 seconds ahead of second -lace finisher Maxwell Chace of Brooklyn.  Luke Lopriore of Danielson was third in a time of 18:22.  Cindy Ouillette of Moosup, who finished 12th overall, was the first female to cross the finish line.  She posted a time of 20:32.  Kristine Rigney of Woodstock was the second-place female finisher in a time of 22:09.

This year’s race started at the Black Dog Bar and Grill, formerly J.D. Cooper’s.  The direction of the race was toward Dayville rather than the former route that wound its way through scenic downtown Putnam.  The original organizers of the Deary Memorial, Martin Fey and Jim Gothreau returned to assist with this new venture.  Fey also ran in the race and finished a respectable 13th overall in a time of 20.41.  He was the first Putnam resident to cross the finish line.

Super 100…

The Super 100 isn’t a NASCAR event.  It’s a high school all star football game for Connecticut high school graduates and an opportunity for them to showcase their talents.  Players are divided into two teams, Team Constitution and Team Nutmeg.  The game is organized by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association.

Three local players were among the 100 participants selected to play in the contest.  Austin Caffrey of Killingly, who is headed to the University of New Haven and his Redman teammate Josh Angel-James were members of Team Constitution.  Angel may spend at season next year at a prep school, which most likely could be Hyde School –Woodstock.  Jeremee Perez of the Quinebaug Valley Pride was part of the Team Nutmeg squad.

The game was played on Saturday, July 2 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

Former Clipper Passes Away…

Norman “Zeke” Jodoin of Newburgh, N.Y., passed away recently.  Jodoin, who was originally from Pomfret, played football for the Putnam Clippers under legendary coach Jim Greenhalgh.  He was a rugged lineman and part of the Pomfret connection in the days when students from Pomfret attended Putnam High School.

Jodoin moved to Newburgh with his wife the former Rosemary Desantis to join the family construction company.  He was involved with his brothers-in-law Bob, Tito and Phil Desantis, all who also starred on the gridiron at Putnam High School.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” Morrie Schwartz, from “Tuesday’s With Morrie”

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