caption, page 11:

 

Honored

Woodstock resident Everett Shepard, American Legion State of Connecticut Adjutant, was honored as the recipient of the 2015 Contributor Award.  Left to right: John Foucault, Ronald P. Coderre, Shepard, Joe Lindley and Alan Joslin. Courtesy photo.

 

 

Shepard honored

at state ‘Hot 

Stove Banquet’

Special to the Putnam Town Crier

American Legion members gathered at The Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville Jan. 8 for the 15th Connecticut American Legion Baseball “Hot Stove Banquet.”  More than 400 legionnaires, players, coaches, friends and dignitaries were on hand for the festivities.  Rich Coppola of WTIC –Fox 61 Connecticut served as Master of Ceremonies.

Woodstock resident Everett Shepard, American Legion State of Connecticut Adjutant, was honored as the recipient of the 2015 Contributor Award.  Shepard has served as the State Adjutant since early 2000, following his term as the State American Legion Commander.  Shepard is retiring from the Adjutant position in June.

In addition to being the State Adjutant, Shepard was honored for his role in the success of the TriTown American Legion Baseball Program.  He’s served as the team’s treasurer and financial officer for approximately 15 seasons.  During that time he’s maintained the finances of the organization as well as being instrumental in the team’s fund-raising efforts.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the TriTown program and its executive committee, which is one of the best organized teams in the State.  Supporting the program in the small way that I do has been very rewarding,” said Shepard.

The “Hot Stove Banquet” evening included recognition of individuals in the categories of Alumni of the Year, Friend of the Game, Minor League and College Player of the Year, College and High School Coach of the Year, Baseball Committee Leadership Award, Media Award and Umpire of the Year.  The State Championship 19-U and 17-U teams, RCP (Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Portland) were honored as well as the 15-U champion Stamford.

The 2016 Hall of Fame class inducted three individuals.  Paul LaFleur of the State Baseball Committee recognized Lou Ernst (posthumously) of Niantic, former State Baseball Commissioner Phil Anger also of Niantic and Fran Slattery.  Paul Spendaliere, Commander American Legion Department of Connecticut addressed the gathering as did Craig Zimmerman, State Baseball Committee Chairman.   

“It was an honor to be at the head table with all the notables and dignitaries who were recognized.  I’m humbled by this award.  The years that I’ve devoted to the American Legion and its baseball program has meant so much to me,” said Shepard.  

“The relationships I’ve developed over the years are memories I’ll have for a long time.  It’s been a great run” concluded Shepard.

 Shepard was joined at the event by his wife, Pat and his son Matt.  Also on hand were TriTown Baseball Executive Committee chairman Ronald P. Coderre, secretary Joseph Lindley, committee member Alan Joslin and Senior team head coach John Foucault.