By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to former Putnam High School football standout Russ Waters.  During his heyday on the gridiron, Waters was a hard charging fullback who was difficult to bring down.  Today he works out regularly to stay in shape for a variety of running events.

The Eastern Connecticut Board of Umpires held its annual end-of-year banquet Sept. 25.  As a change of pace (excuse the baseball pun) this year’s banquet was held at Dodd Stadium, home of the Connecticut Tigers.  The Tigers put the stadium lights on for the event, giving the large group of umps a great background in which to conduct its final business of the season.

The Board, which covers games in all of Eastern Connecticut from the Massachusetts border to the shoreline, had a definite northeastern Connecticut flavor.  Danielson native Sean Brennan, outgoing president served as the Master of Ceremonies.  He did his usual good job of reminding the audience that the current make-up of the Board should be thankful to those who came before them.  In particular he remembered the late Roger LaFrance, who for many years was the backbone of the organization and also his late dad, Ralph Brennan who served a President during his active days.

Brennan announced the new members of the Board of Directors that included Tom Hayden, who is the owner of Sweet Evalina’s Stand in Woodstock.  He also introduced noted retired umpires Walt Zadora of Danielson and Stan Lesniewski of Thompson.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of four very special awards that are named for former umpires.  The Richard “Dish” Marien Eastern Connecticut Conference Player Sportsmanship Award was presented by Marien to Plainfield High School graduate Mike Esposito, who pitched and hit the Panthers deep into the postseason this past spring.

The Roger LaFrance ECC Team Sportsmanship Award, which was presented by Roger LaFrancois Jr. in memory of his late father to Plainfield High School baseball coach Jason Chavairus.  Under Chavairus’ leadership the Panthers enjoyed one of the greatest seasons in the history of the program.

The Ralph Brennan American Legion Team Sportsmanship Award was presented by Sean Brennan to the Moosup American Legion team and its manager Joe Leo.  Bob Bogart accepted the award on behalf of Leo, who was unable to attend the festivities.

The Frank Slivenski American Legion Player Sportsmanship Award went to Troy Stefanski of the Ledyard-Pawcatuck team.

The guest speaker of the evening was Roger Bidwell, the 35-year coach of UConn  – Avery Point baseball team.  Bidwell reminded the gathering of the important role umpires play in the development of the young men who play baseball.  The evening concluded with the passing of the gavel from Brennan to incoming President Ed Nevins.

Hole – In – One?

Probably the greatest single achievement a golfer can accomplish in a career is to record a hole-in-one.  When the event occurs it’s usually celebrated with pats on the back and a few libations.  Pomfret resident Marc Archambault enjoyed the pleasure of recording the initial ace of his more than 35-year golf journey with hole-in-one on Saturday, September 25.

Archambault’s career shot came on the 156-yard, par-3, 3rd hole at Quinnatisset Country Club.  The signature hole plays entirely over water and is one of the most difficult holes of any Eastern Connecticut golf course.  Archambault used what he described as his “rescue” club and hit his favorite Titleist golf ball for “the shot.”  Coincidentally the hole has a memorial granite bench in memory of his late father A. Leon Archambault.  The bench is a gift to Quinnatisset CC from the friends and golfing partners of Leon Archambault.  

Unfortunately for Marc Archambault it was Saturday afternoon and there wasn’t much activity at the course.  He was playing alone, therefore he was unable to revel in the shot with anyone.  We all know he’s an honest golfer, so when you run into Archambault congratulate him and give him a reason to smile and enjoy the memory.

Jeter Weekend

The Boston Red Sox should be congratulated on the way they handled the final weekend series of the season with the New York Yankees, which of course was the final games of Derek Jeter’s 20-year hall of fame career.  In the future, much the same as with Ted Williams’s last game at Fenway Park, hundreds of thousands of people will proclaim they were present for the occasion.  We do know that only 36,000 fans were actually on hand.

Four Putnam residents can actually make the claim that they were present on Saturday to witness Jeter going 1-for-2 in a 10-4 Yankees’ loss to the Sox.  Pete and Maryann Pezanko and John and Lauren Dignam had primo seats right behind the Red Sox dugout.  According to the foursome, they and those seated in the area were entertained all game by injured Red Sox player Shane Victorino.

Carnival & Celebration

Generations Family Health Center is celebrating 30 years of caring for our community with a Carnival & Celebration at Killingly High School on Friday, October 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  The evening will include games, food and prizes and feature former UConn women’s All-American and Olympic Gold Medalist Kara Walters as the guest speaker.     

 For tickets, sponsorship or information e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit genhealth.org/30. Admission is $20 prior to the event and $25 at the door.

Statistically Speaking

Plainfield High School quarterback Steve Jankowski has proven his value in leading the Panthers to a 3-0 start to the 2014 season.  Jankowski leads the area in touchdown passes with seven after three games.  He’s followed by Killingly’s Kyle Derosier who has four TD tosses.  Holden Cote of Woodstock, who was unheralded prior to the Centaurs win over St. Bernard/Norwich Tech, leads the area in rushing touchdowns with four.  Jankowski’s teammate Tyler Ballard tops area receivers with three touchdown catches.

Major League Playoff Representation

Eastern Connecticut will have its fair share of representation in the Major League Playoff Series that started on Tuesday, September 30.  When the Detroit Tigers play look for New London product Rajai Davis in the outfield and on the base paths.  Davis has enjoyed a banner season in the Motor City batting .283 in the regular season with 36 stolen bases.

You’ll have to look in the Los Angeles Angels dugout to spot utility infielder John McDonald of East Lyme.  Late in the game you’ll see Johnny Mac as a defensive replacement for Manager Mike Sciosa.  In the San Francisco Giants dugout you’ll find Colchester product Ron Wotus if you look closely.  He’s the bench coach for the Giants.

RPC’s Closing thought For The Day: Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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Contribution

Lance Collins of Brooklyn presented a check for $10,000 to Trish Holland Caprera, director, and Dr. Mandeep Dhami, both of the Day Kimball Healthcare Oncology Department. The money was raised at the fourth annual Paddle for a Cure fund-raiser and will be used to purchase two recliners for use in the Oncology Department Infusion Suite. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

Marylee L. Hyer

BROOKLYN —  Marylee (M’Lee) Long Hyer, 87, of Vina Lane (formerly West Hartford and Columbia,  and Myrtle Beach, S.C.), died Sept. 11, 2014 in Westview Nursing Home. She was the  wife of the late Walter T. Hyer.  Born in ‘1926 Hartford, she was the daughter of the late John and Virginia (Alsworth) Long.

Marylee graduated from Dean Junior College in Franklin, Mass.. She enjoyed raising three sons, environmental activism, singing in the Connecticut Opera, gardening, cooking, crocheting and doll making, as she was a talented seamstress. She enjoyed Jeopardy, crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and Upwords (where she rarely lost!). M’Lee was a skilled choral member and soloist, inheriting her music talents from her mother, Virginia, who played piano for silent movies at Radio City Music Hall. She passed along her love and considerable talents for music to her sons and grandchildren. 

Marylee had been an active member and deaconess of the Unitarian-Universalist Churches, both in West Hartford and Myrtle Beach. She was interested in politics and world affairs, and was a supporter of the Democratic Party for most of her life.

She leaves her sons: Bruce T. Hyer, member of Parliament, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; Walter A. Hyer of Arlington, Texas, and Thomas T. Hyer of Canterbury; grandchildren Michael Hyer, Preston D. Hyer, Megan M. Hyer, Kaitlyn N. Komorowski and Lauren E. Komorowski; and a half-sister Lorraine Joyce. She was very fond of her daughters-in-law Margaret, Cherie, and Marcia, and until her passing, was close with Harriet.

Visitation is from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 12  in Creamery Brook Retirement Village, Vina Lane. Brooklyn. Donations: Your local/favorite Unitarian-Universalist Church or to the Smithsonian Institution. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Bruce Palmer Sr.

WOODSTOCK — Bruce Wayne Palmer Sr., 60, of Woodstock, died unexpectedly Sept. 28, 2014, in Day Kimball Hospital.  He is the husband of April (Englert) Palmer.  Born in Feb. 21, 1954, Allentown, Penn., he is the son of Louise Mae (Wagner) Zellner-Palmer and the late Elmer Palmer. Bruce graduated from Louis E. Dieruff High School in 1972.

Mr. Palmer was a devoted family man, business professional, avid golfer, and devoted fan of the New England Patriots. Bruce was an essential and dedicated member of the Numa Tool family for more than 25 years 

He leaves his mother Louise (Wagner) Zellner-Palmer;  wife of 34 years April L. Palmer and his five children; Bruce Palmer Jr., Paul Palmer, Christeen (Marshall) Seeley, Dwayne Marshall, and Grady Marshall; 13 grandchildren; three brothers Barry Palmer, Alan Palmer, and Wayne Palmer. 

The Funeral Service was Oct. 4 in the Thompson Congregational Church. Donations: Thompson Congregational Church, 347 Thompson Rd., Thompson, CT 06277. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes. 

 

Walter Liessner

WOODSTOCK —  Walter Liessner, 79, of County Rd., died Oct. 3, 2014, in Day Kimball Hospital.  He is the husband of Martha “Janet” (Gohl) Liessner.  Born in 1934 in Monticello, N.Y., he was the son of the late Albert Walter and Theresa (Bonk) Liessner. 

Mr. Liessner was a Principal Mechanical Engineer for Raytheon Company.  He was a member of the Carlisle Minuteman in Massachusetts, and an active member of Most Holy Trinity Church, as he was a devout catholic.  He co-founded the Carlisle Bakery in 1970.

Walter enjoyed working with his hands, doing activities like, gardening, landscaping, carpentry, home repair, was a master stone wall builder, and always carried tools in his pockets.  Walter loved Christmas, and always knew how many days until the next Christmas.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons, Christopher Liessner, PhD. (Patricia) of Georgetown, Mass., and Greg Liessner (Elina) of Orlando, Fla.; his daughters, Alinda Zawierucha (Marek) of Littleton, Mass., Karen Lamoreaux (Paul) of Carlisle, Dr. Patricia Kalil (Dr. Andre Kalil) of Omaha, Neb., and Cindy Maher (Dennis) of Upton, Mass.; his grandchildren, Janusz Zawierucha, Thomas Kalil, Vanessa Kalil, and Julianna Kalil; his step-grandchildren, Sarah Nicherson, Daniel Harrison, and Christi Maher; and his sisters, Theresa Seibert of Newton, Eileen McCullough of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Elsie Riley of Duncannon, Penn.  He is predeceased by his sister, Margie Glaab. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 7 at Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Donations:  UMass Medical Center, Cancer Research Office, 55 Lake Ave North, ACC 7th Floor, Worcester, MA 01655; or Project Northeast, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Eugene L. Roy,

Korean war vet

BROOKLYN —  Eugene “Ripper” “Mickey” L. Roy, 80, of Hartford Rd., formerly of Moosup, died Sept. 29,2014, in Regency Heights Nursing Home.  Born in 1934 in E. Providence, he was the son of the late Adelard and Viola (Murray) Spalding.

Ripper was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving with the U.S. Marines. Ripper worked as a mason for the Brick Layers Union and Grendell and Dexter. 

He enjoyed watching his grandchildren at sporting events and loved his dog Lila.  He was a member of the American Legion, the Thompson Rod and Gun Club, and was an avid New York Giants and Boston Red Sox fan. 

He leaves his sons, Gary E. Roy of Thompson and Jeffrey Roy of Putnam; his daughters, Debbie Barrette of Brooklyn, Karen Roy of Woodstock, and Marie Sheldon of Woodstock; his sisters, Joyce Tine of Cranston, R.I., Rosemary Roy of Putnam, and June Poulin of Israel; seven grandchildren, and a great grandchild. Eugene was predeceased by three brothers Robert Roy, Sonny Roy, and Donald Roy and a sister Shirley Trent  

The Graveside Service was Oct. 7 in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Ruth E. Slye

ABINGTON — Ruth E. Slye, 80 of Abington, died Oct. 2, 2014, at the Westview Nursing Home in Dayville. She was the wife of Thomas C. Slye Sr. They were married for 63 years. She was born Dec. 13, 1933, in Providence, daughter of the late William and Florence (Bonds) Jarrett. 

Ruth had worked at Crabtree and Evelyn in Woodstock for more than 20 years, before retiring. 

She leaves her husband Thomas C. Slye Sr.; daughter Donna Leplat (Marc); Thomas C Slye Jr. of Florida; grandsons Marc Leplat Jr., Michael Leplat and a great granddaughter Alexis Leplat, all of Rhode Island; a brother William Jarrett of Florida.

The funeral was private.  Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Victoria Z. St. Jean

PUTNAM — Victoria (Zaklukiewicz) St. Jean, 91, of Myers St., died Oct. 1, 2014, in Day Kimball Hospital. Born in 1922 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late John and Sophia (Ukleja) Zaklukiewicz.

Mrs. St. Jean was a graduate of the St. Vincent School of Nursing in Worcester, class of 1944. Upon graduating, she worked as a registered nurse for Dr. Morton Chapnick. She then worked for Day Kimball OBGYN for 35 years, retiring in 2008. Mrs. St. Jean enjoyed volunteering for many years with the Red Cross at the Putnam Congregational Church. Victoria enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, riding in the car, going out to lunch, and watching birds at the bird feeder. She was an avid piano player while she was in grade school, playing at St. Mary Church in Putnam.  Victoria received the Elementary Certificate of Great Honors from the National Conservatory of Music, Montreal University, in 1938. 

She leaves three sons, John R. St. Jean (Christine) of Brooklyn, Carl E. St. Jean (Karen) of Woodstock, and Bruce E. St. Jean (Ellen) of Woodstock; her daughter, Kathleen A. Roach (Donald) of Ludington, Mich.; her sister Angela “Nellie” LaBonte of Putnam; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sisters, Pauline Witkowski, Cecilia Zaklukiewicz, Helen Pempek, and Catherine Zaklukiewicz.   

The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 6 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

John Perry Swenson,

WWII vet

WOODSTOCK VALLEY —  John P. Swenson, 98, of Bradford Corner Rd., died Oct. 2, 2014, while a resident at Regency Heights of Danielson.  He was the husband of both the late Mary (Kohlsaat) Swenson and Mary (Nelson) Kohlsaat-Swenson. Born in 1916 in St. Paul, Minn., he was the son of the late Perry A. and Agnes (Bjork) Swenson.

John served as a captain in the Army during WWII.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota as a civil engineer and was a member of Theta Tau Engineering fraternity.  John, along with his brother Sidney, were partners in their father’s building company, the Perry A. Swenson Co. based out of St. Paul. John moved to Connecticut in 1994 to be near his daughters and granddaughters. He was a lifelong student and an avid reader. He enjoyed participating in Learning in Retirement programs at Quinebaug Valley Community College and attending programs at UConn.  In his earlier years he enjoyed photography and curling.   He was also a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.  

He leaves his daughters, Cathy (Swenson) Lewis of Woodstock, and Barbara J. Swenson of Wethersfield; his brothers, Sidney A. Swenson of St. Paul, Dr. Donald B. Swenson of Minnetonka, Minn.; his grandchildren, Chelsea (Lewis) Nettleton of Windsor, and Peri J. Lewis, of Woodstock.  He is predeceased by his son, John B. Swenson and his brother, Carl A. Swenson.

Burial with military honors will follow at a later date at Acacia Park Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minn. Donations: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. South, St. Paul, MN 55116. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Eileen M. Babbitt

DERRY, N.H. — Eileen M. Babbitt, 71, of Derry, formerly of Blaine, Maine, died Oct. 3, 2014, at Parkland Medical Center in Derry.  She was born March 28, 1943, in Worcester and was the daughter of the late Alfred W. and Emma R. (King) Dumaine.  She was raised and educated in Worcester and Thompson and had been a resident of Derry for the past year. Mrs. Babbitt was a homemaker and wife of an Army officer and spent many years traveling in support of his service.  After retirement, they lived in Connecticut and Florida prior to settling in Owl’s Head and Blaine.  She loved dogs and cats and was a long- time supporter of the Disable American Veteran’s organization. She leaves three daughters, Linda Prince (William) of Derry, Sharon Downer (Eric) of E. Berlin, Penn., and Christine Earle of New Sweden, Maine; five grandchildren, Andrew Prince, Hannah Prince, Burke Downer, Julia Downer and Alison Earle, three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donald Dumaine of Whiteville, Maine, and Robert Dumaine of Putnam.  She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Ray Clifton Babbitt in 2001 and by a grandson, K.C. Prince in 1989.

After cremation, services will be set. Donations: Disabled American Veterans Association, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250-0301; and/or, The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry.

 

 

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vigil is

set for Oct. 23

PUTNAM — Members of the American Legion Post 13 will host its second annual 31st Anniversary Remembrance: A Candlelight Vigil to honor the memory, service and sacrifice of the service members who lost their lives in the Beirut barracks bombing. 

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 at Rotary Park.  The event will be held rain or shine. All are welcome. Come to the bandstand in Rotary Park. The group will then go to Veterans Memorial Park where there will be a brief ceremony of remembrance and wreath laying.

In the early morning hours of October 23, 1983, 241 U.S. service personnel, 220 Marines and 21 other service personnel were killed when a truck loaded with explosives was driven through the gate and into the barracks of the Marine compound in Beirut Lebanon. This was the most deadly attack against U.S. Marines since the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

Last year the local vigil was organized by Kat Voght of Dayville who, as a Marine Mother was inspired by the efforts of “Doc” Paul Doolittle, USMC Retired, who in an effort to raise awareness walked 273 miles in and around Jacksonville, N.C., where the official Memorial stands. The Putnam candlelight vigil attracted many, including at least one local veteran who was serving in Beirut at the time. The gentleman, a Marine Veteran, was overcome with emotion and said, “I didn’t think anyone remembered.”

 “The purpose of our vigil is to honor the memory of those who lost their lives and to offer support to those who carry the scars with them still. Not enough people know that this took place, and it’s a very important part of our Nation’s history. We are hopeful that the community will come out and join us in remembering those who so bravely served and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. ” said Voght.