$9,000 raised

for scholarships

By Ron P. Coderre

The Congregational Church of Putnam celebrated the 15th anniversary of its golf tournament with a near perfect day of golf at the Raceway Golf Club in Thompson.  A field of 28 foursomes entered the tourney vying for the top spot on June 26.

The event, which is held in memory of former local business entrepreneur Steve Bousquet, donates a portion of its proceeds to fund four scholarships for local high school students.  Bousquet, who was the owner of Bousquet’s Appliance in Danielson and Putnam, was known for his philanthropic endeavors.  The family was represented by his wife Kate, daughter Jennifer and son Jeff. 

On the links the battle for the top spot raged between three foursomes who all finished within one stroke of each other.  Emerging as the winning foursome was the co-ed group of Paul and Leslie Roy, Joel Lafortune and Jordan Lamothe.  They posted a score of minus 12 on the par 72 Thompson layout.

Two foursomes, each with a score of minus 11 tussled for the second spot.  The foursome of Chris Cadro, Kenny Creutz, Eric Bushor and Gerry Butters were named second place finishers by virtue of matching cards.  They edged out the show place group of David, Rich and Tyler Gaudreau and Steve Kempain. 

In the closest-to-the pin competition the winners were Tim St. Onge (4th hole), Creutz (9th), Joe Sanborn (14th) and Tyler Gaudreau (17th).  Rachel Davis was crowned the women’s long drive champion, while Marc Clemens was the men’s long drive winner.  Steve Bracewell was the putting contest victor.

“Once again we’re most thankful for all those who played and volunteered at the tournament.  The best part of this entire day is being able to award the scholarships in honor of Steve Bousquet.  It really makes all the work we put into this tournament worthwhile,” said Roger Franklin, tournament co-chairman.

The 2016 scholarships were presented to Chace Wood of Killingly High School who will be attending Eastern Connecticut State University; Elyse Bergeron of Putnam High School who will attend UConn; Amanda Haines of Woodstock Academy, who will also attend UConn; and Alex Murphy of Marianapolis Preparatory School, who is headed to Holy Cross College in Worcester.

This year’s tournament netted $9,000.

“We wouldn’t be able to distribute the scholarships if it wasn’t for the support of our loyal sponsors.  We appreciate the companies and individuals who go above and beyond to assist us in this endeavor annually,” said Charlie Leach, event co-chairman.

Working with Leach and Franklin in organizing the tournament were church members Myrna Paulhus, Barbara Smith, Skip and Tori Bates, Bob and Charlotte Picard, Roberta Sharpe, Deb Leach, Teri and Bill Pearsall, Alan and JoAnn Joslin, Alan Usefore, Geri Tetreault and pastor Tom Meyers.