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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC Sporty shout out is sent along to the affable Richard Blake, a former Putnam High School Clipper standout athlete. Blake, one of the most reliable teammates ever in PHS athletic history, went on to distinguish himself as an officer in the Connecticut State Police. Now retired, Blake enjoys spending time with friends and family. He celebrates another candle on the birthday cake today.
On Monday, September 9 the community of Putnam lost a good friend with the passing of Stanley Ozog. He died following a most courageous battle with cancer.
Among Ozog’s numerous accomplishments in life were his leadership abilities, most notably the two years he spent in office from 1982 through 1984 as Putnam’s last mayor of the city just prior to the establishment of the town form of government and the Special Services District. He also distinguished himself as the Exalted Ruler of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, chairman of the St. Mary’s Circle of Fun and chairman of the John Dempsey Center State of Connecticut Advisory Council.
A graduate of Assumption College, undergraduate 1972 and graduate school 1976, Ozog was proud of his 6th year degree in Professional Education from the University of Connecticut. He distinguished himself in education, which spanned a 27 year career as a teacher and crisis counselor in the Brooklyn School system. A proud American, Ozog served 20 years in the Connecticut National Guard, honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
His community service included work as a supernumerary Putnam police officer, member of the Board of Finance, Police Commissioner, and member of the Knights of Columbus and Sons of the American Legion.
A little known fact about Ozog was his athletic background, which included playing in the Putnam and Killingly Little League and his exploits on the golf course. His golf interest was passed on to his son Michael, who later served as a golf pro in Vermont for a number of years. He is lovingly remembered as a staunch New York Yankee and Dallas Cowboy fan, who was always ready to rub in the good fortune of his teams on his friends who rooted for the Red Sox, Patriots or other teams.
To some he had a hard side, however beneath Ozog’s frank demeanor was a person with a heart of gold. He was always available whenever charitable endeavors were concerned or when there were people in need. It’s a side of him that probably will be better understood in death than it was in life.
He leaves his wife Barbara and his children Michael and Anne Marie as well as five grand children to carry on his legacy. Rest-In-Peace, Stanley Ozog.
A New Athlete
Enters The World…
On Tuesday, September 3 the community of Putnam and the Mauer family welcomed its latest addition Jack Charles Mauer who came into the world weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches. The proud parents are Eric and Rachelle (LeBlanc) Mauer. Jack’s grandparents are Gordie and Jeanine Mauer and Kathy and Doug Taylor.
If Jack inherits his dad’s genes he’ll be “ready to play three sports for the Assumption College Greyhounds in about 18 years,” according to his dad Eric. Jack’s dad was a football, basketball and baseball standout athlete at Putnam High School. He went on to distinguish himself as a football receiver at Assumption College, where he established and still holds some of the school’s pass catching records.
Running Toward A Teaching/Coaching Career…
A former Marianapolis cross country runner, Liam Adams is now a member of the Gordon College X-country team. Adams, who graduated with honors from MPS in June of 2013, is majoring in history and education at Gordon. His career goal is to become a history teacher and to coach on the secondary level.
In a recent meet with his Gordon College team, Adams posted a personal best time. According to reports he ran a 5K in under 19 minutes. Adams, who also plans on running indoor and outdoor track in college is the son of Atty. Steve Adams, his mother is Annie (Hoar) Adams.
Sunday Afternoon Social…
The Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association (PHSAAA) fresh off a successful Trivia Nite fund-raiser, is hosting another interesting event on Sunday, September 22 at the Knights of Columbus home on Providence Street in Putnam. The afternoon will feature enjoying the 1 p.m. televised football contests between the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Bucs and the New York Giants versus the Carolina Panthers.
Your donation of $25 gets you admission to the doubleheader, all you can eat football food and your choice of two quality cigars or two beers. The event with outdoor seating and viewing is limited to the first 75 people and organizers David Vitale and Willie Bousquet caution that all tickets must be pre-paid. There are no sales at the door! For tickets contact Vitale at 860 428-4768 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Family Golf And Fun…
On Saturday, September 7 the Coderre clan and extended family and friends, 51 people in all to be exact, gathered for golf, food, libations and fun. Seven threesomes teed off at Harrisville Golf Course for bragging rights until next year. The winning threesome was composed of Chris Coderre, Mike “The Mailman” Coderre and Jacki Zommers, posting a two under par 34 for the nine-hole tourney. The “Wait Til Next Year” Award went to the group of Marc and Jason Coderre and Steve Pomroy.
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
September 1893: A total of 77 pupils entered Putnam High School. Putnam’s football team defeated Southbridge 16-6; they also defeated Woodstock Academy, Nichols Academy, a team from Pomfret and on Thanksgiving Day, they defeated Willimantic 6-0. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: When you get to thinking you’re really important, try giving orders to your cat.