Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Jay Byrnes of Woodstock. As a high school athlete Byrnes starred on the hardwood for the Putnam Clippers. Today, in addition to a few rounds of golf, he enjoys partaking in the activities of his three children.
Life in the Major Leagues of baseball is what you make of it. Take the plight of former East Lyme native John McDonald. At the start of this season he was seemingly secure as a backup infielder with the Arizona Diamondbacks. That all changed when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who then quickly sent him to Cleveland where he had a two-week stop before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. In late August McDonald became a member of the Boston Red Sox, where he languished on the bench, only getting into very few games in September.
When postseason playoff rosters were announced, McDonald was left off the active roster. However, the Red Sox and Manager John Farrell and GM Ben Cherington made a very sage move, keeping McDonald with the team in the dugout as insurance in the event of injury to one of the team’s infielders.
Most players today would probably pout and sulk over the situation but not the veteran McDonald, who is truly a “team player” and a 110 percent competitor. In addition to his insurance role, the Red Sox have asked Johnny Mac to take time and work with the team’s top infield prospect, Xander Bogaerts.
Travelling with the team and when they’re home at Fenway Park, Bogaerts and McDonald are on the field working on the subtleties of infield play before games during batting practice. The veteran and the rookie go through drills and discuss the finer points of fielding. McDonald, the 15-year veteran and one of baseball’s best defensive shortstops, indicates that Bogaerts has been a very apt pupil.
“It’s something fun we do - a little competition. It helps keep him (Bogaerts) sharp and maybe there are a few things I can show him in terms of positioning and how to be more efficient,” McDonald said in a Newsday report released recently.
A professional in the truest sense of the word, it’s a certainty that McDonald will be justly rewarded by the Red Sox when the time comes at the conclusion of the season, which hopefully will be with a World Series title. Although McDonald, who is 39, has indicated that he’d like to continue playing as long as possible, this may be the precursor to a professional career as a coach or manager.
HoF Inductions…
The Manchester Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 34th induction ceremony at the Manchester Country Club on Saturday, November 9. Two of the inductees are names that are very familiar to Putnam area sports fans. Scheduled to be in class of four honorees are Dave Boland and Gary Kinel.
Boland, who hailed from Manchester originally, is best remembered as a soccer and basketball official. In his officiating career he has blown the whistle in more than 3000 soccer games and 6000 basketball games. Currently he heads up his own organization of individuals who are contracted to be official timers at basketball and soccer games on the high school and college level.
As a student at Manchester High School, Boland excelled in soccer, basketball and baseball. He later went on to gain notoriety as a basketball standout at Central Connecticut State University. A longtime educator, Boland served as superintendent of schools in Canterbury and Brooklyn. He also had a distinguished career in the Connecticut National Guard, retiring at the rank of General.
Kinel is also a native of Manchester and 1968 graduate of East Catholic High School where he starred in baseball and basketball, leading the hoop team to a state championship. Kinel then went on to a two-sport career at Eastern Connecticut State University excelling on the diamond and hardwood. This is the third hall of fame induction for Kinel, who was previously inducted into the East Catholic and ECSU halls.
Kinel was the longtime highly successful basketball and baseball coach at Griswold High School, where he also served as the Wolverines athletic director. He is retired and resides in Florida.
PHSAAA On The Go Again…
The very active Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association continues to be creative as it strives to make money in support of the athletes at Putnam High School. The association’s latest venture is a “2-Person Pitch Tournament” scheduled for Friday, October 25, 2013 at Athens Pizza on School Street in Putnam.
According to organizers Willie Bousquet and Dave Vitale, check in time is 8:30 p.m. with play scheduled to begin promptly at 9 p.m. The entry fee is a reasonable $40 per two-person team and includes free pizza. Prizes, which include gift certificates, game tickets and sporting apparel, will be awarded to the top six teams in the competition.
Among the recent activities of the PHSAAA, the group has sponsored a trivia night, a Glo-ball Tournament and Sunday Football FunFest. In addition, members staff the concession stand at all Quinebaug Pride football games at the St. Marie-Greenhalgh Athletic Complex. For more information or to register for the “Pitch Tournament” contact Bousquet at 860 617-4282 or Vitale at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
History Made At Marianapolis…
Marianapolis Prep in Thompson, which has been in existence since 1926, recently recorded a first in the illustrious annals of it sports history. The Golden Knights, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor now feature two four-person rowing crews as part of the school’s athletic offerings.
The male and female crews are coached by Shawn Murphy, a graduate of St. John’s Prep in Shrewsbury and Holy Cross College in Worcester. Murphy is a veteran of crew having participated on both the prep school and collegiate levels.
The teams, which practice at West Thompson Lake, put their oars in the water competitively for the first time in a regatta on the Merrimack River. They are scheduled for three more meets in the fall culminating with competition in the Head of Quinsigamond regatta in Worcester. Marianapolis athletics booster Charlie Baron and head-of-school Joe Hanrahan were on hand for the historic first event in Merrimack.
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
November 1895: Putnam’s football team lost to Nichols 6-0 on Tatem Field. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “When they operated, I told them to put in a Koufax fastball. They did – but it was Mrs. Koufax.” Tommy John, New York Yankees pitcher recalling his 1974 arm surgery.
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By Ron P. Coderre
The Marianapolis Golden Knights coming off a season where they closed out the year with a loss in the quarterfinals of the NEPSAC Class AA Tournament, are looking forward to 2013-2014 hoping to improve on last season. Andrew Vitale last season’s NEPSAC Class AA Coach of the Year has to figure out a way to fill the shoes of Mike Mallory and Greg Senat, gone from last season’s team and playing at Southern Connecticut State University and Wagner College respectively.
Three players are back from last season’s squad but Vitale has done a great job in bringing in six players as the Golden Knights attempt to reload. Although the staff is evaluating the players, it appears there will be plenty of competition for playing time.
Beginning with the point guard spot the Knights are looking at 6-foot senior Eric Murdock Jr. from Bridgewater, N.J., and another senior Ryan Bernstein, from New York City. Murdock, the son of former National Basketball Association and Providence College guard Eric Murdock Sr., is still maturing physically but has demonstrated some long range shooting skills. The slightly built Bernstein is a tough competitor who can also shoot.
Off the ball the Golden Knights will look to 6-foot senior Travis Descoteaux from Manchester, NH, who is capable of shooting off the catch and moves well without the ball. Syracuse native Chiamaka Browne, who scales in at 6-foot, 3-inches is another intriguing prospect on the wing. Browne is a solid defender, who has shown glimpses of brilliance on offense.
The team also features three players with size who can play the front court as well as the backcourt. Sophomore Eric D’Aguanno at 6-4 can shoot from long range and should provide rebounding strength. Joining him is another 6-4 performer senior Devin Springfield from Jaffrey, N.H. He’s a lefthander who can also fill the net. Isiah King, a 6-5 senior from Carmichael, Calif., a three-point threat, adds versatility to the swing position.
The two players who give the Golden Knights some height up front or in the middle are returnee Bobby Ahearn from Marshfield, Mass., and newcomer Eric Long a 6-6 senior from Bronx, N.Y. The 6-6 Ahearn, who’s committed to Division I Binghamton University, has the tools to be the leader of the team. He’s rugged, plays with intensity and can shoot. Long looks like a good pick up for Vitale and should help with his strong inside game.
Vitale has once again secured a highly competitive schedule for his charges.
The Knights will make appearances in the Hoop Mountain Prep Classic, the BABC Prep Classic in Boston and the National Prep School Invitational. The schedule also includes powerhouse prep contingents Notre Dame Prep, Mount Zion, New Hampton Prep, Northfield-Mt. Hermon and South Kent School.
The road to success in Class AA is paved with potholes and IED’s but the Golden Knights have the latent talent to surprise their opponents.
The competition for playing time has started in the school’s newly refurbished gymnasium.
Though it’s difficult at this juncture to say if Vitale’s team is loaded with talent, the competition for playing time will certainly bring out the best in everyone and eventually prove to be the formula for success.
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PUTNAM — There are big pumpkins, and then there are GREAT BIG pumpkins. That’s exactly what’s coming to Putnam for the annual Great Pumpkin Festival, to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 in downtown Putnam.
The Great Pumpkin Festival will showcase a number of big pumpkins, all grown by local residents of northeast Connecticut.
But the real show stopper this year will be a 1,766.5-pound pumpkin grown by Rocky Hill resident, Matt Debacco. Matt’s pumpkin holds the new 2013 Connecticut State Record. Fellow grower Gene Lariviere, said, “This pumpkin is amazing. It’s as big as a car and I’m thrilled that Matt is coming to Putnam.” Although not as big, the honor of the Official Great Pumpkin still goes to Putnam resident Gene Lariviere, who has been growing the Official Great Pumpkin for the festival since the beginning. Festival Chairperson, Karen Osbrey said, “Gene is the first phone call I make when planning begins.”
Events for the Great Pumpkin Festival are planned for Union Square, Main Street and Riverfront Commons. The Blackstone Valley Excursion train brings over 300 guests to Union Square at 11am. They will be welcomed with live music by “Just Two” and a huge arts and crafts show. Main Street from Front Street to Lee Street will be blocked to traffic to make room for even more arts and crafts. You’ll find the Official Great Pumpkin, grown by Putnam resident, Gene Lariviere, at the Putnam Congregational Church. The church will also hold their annual Harvest Fair and luncheon and “Relative Sound” will play from 12 to 3 on the church lawn.
There will be scarecrow displays throughout the downtown area, plus many children’s activities, including Clarity the Clown and a free Bouncy House at the Putnam Public Library, pumpkin decorating at The Citizen’s National Bank, the ARC Puppet Show in Union Square, face painting, crafts, a pumpkin carving contest and more. A 90-minute excursion train departs from Union Station at 11:30.
Advance tickets are just $25 each and are available at WINY Radio and Victoria Station Café.
Tickets will be sold the day of if available. Putnam’s many restaurants will feature special pumpkin menus and drink specials.
But your first stop should be the Information Booth located at Putnam Bank for a complete list of activities.
The Great Pumpkin Festival is produced by the Putnam Business Association and the Putnam Recreation Department.
For more information go to putnambusiness.org
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Garry Lutsky
DAYVILLE — Garry J. Lutsky, of Dayville, took God’s hand Oct. 6, 2013, after a short battle with cancer. Garry was born June 3, 1962, in Willimantic to Peter and Marie (Rouette) Lutsky.
He graduated from Windham Technical High School in 1980 and worked at Pratt & Whitney, Windham Automated Machine, Kaman Aerospace and returned to Windham Technical High School where he worked as an instructor in Machine Tool. Garry was an avid muscle car enthusiast, attending car shows around the states and proudly showing his 1967 Pro-Street Camaro and his 1975 Chevy El Camino.
Besides his parents, Garry leaves his wife, Dee (Rossi) Lutsky; three stepchildren, Adam S. Knight, Amanda M. Knight and Alexis J. Knight; grandmother, Leotine Rouette; brother, Peter Lutsky Jr.; sister, Tina Vertefeuille; two nephews, Ryan and Zachary; niece Mallory and “brother by choice” Joe Carrito Sr. He was predeceased by both paternal grandparents, his maternal grandfather, his cousins Michael Kuryan and Aaron Ezis.
The service was Oct. 11 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Beverly Fontaine
WOODSTOCK — Beverly Mae (Parker) Fontaine, 85, died Oct. 12, 2013, at the Westview Nursing Home, Dayville, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born March 30, 1928, in Boston, and grew up in Brownsville, Vt., the daughter of Dean and Eliza (Best) Parker.
She was preceded in death in 2005 by her husband of 57 years, Norman Henry Fontaine. Bev leaves three children, Nancy (Bill) Pritchard of Woodstock, Gary (Lee) Fontaine of Woodstock and Wendy (Ed) Lary of Naples, Fla.; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services will be private. Burial will be in Brownsville. Donations: Caring Families Services, PO Box 449, Danielson, CT 06239-0449. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Ronnie Tomlinson
PUTNAM — Ronnie Doyle Tomlinson, 70, of Putnam, died after a brief illness on Oct. 3, 2013, in Worcester.
Born Aug. 24, 1943, in Long Beach, Calif., son of the late Hubert and Lillian (Davis) Tomlinson.
He loved surfing, fishing, gardening and was a kind and generous person. He leaves his loving family and friends.
A memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. Donations: P.A.W.S. CT, PO Box 191, Eastford, CT, 06242.
Barry W. Nash
DANIELSON — Barry Winslow Nash died Oct. 9, 2013.
He was born Aug. 24, 1933, son of the late Frank Winslow Nash and Philomene Caron Nash. A lifelong resident of the Killingly-Brooklyn area, Mr. Nash graduated from St. James School and Killingly High School. From September 1947 through June 1951 Mr. Nash was the Norwich Bulletin correspondent for all Killingly High athletic events.
He began a supermarket career with First National Stores in Danielson before entering the U.S. Air Force in 1952. Following basic training, attended Air Force Supply School at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo., where he became an instructor at the school until his discharge in 1956.
Mr. Nash then attended UConn before returning to the supermarket industry. Worked for Stop & Shop in Willimantic before purchasing Longo’s Fruit Store in Danielson which he operated as Nash’s Fruit Store.
Sold the business and returned to First National Stores in Brooklyn, eventually selected for store manager training and becoming the Brooklyn Store Manager. Transferred to the Putnam First National where he won a company sales contest for a vacation in Switzerland in 1977.
As a result, in 1979 Mr. Nash began a second career as a Tour Operator to the Alpine countries founding Nash Travel Tours, Inc.Mr. Nash also represented Harp & Shamrock Tours of Waterford, Ireland for many years.
In his younger years, Mr. Nash played basketball for Killingly High School followed by semi-pro basketball with the Danielson Towners. Later, during his military service and locally after his discharge, Barry was a member of a number of championship teams in the Cheyenne, Wyo., area and Killingly and Plainfield basketball leagues.
He also played for several champion teams in the Killingly softball league.
Later he became an avid golfer (fanatic!) before setting his love for the game aside to concentrate on his travel business.
Mr. Nash was predeceased by his wife Georgette (Butts) Nash in August 2005. He leaves three children – Gary Nash of Englewood, Fla., Deborah Barta (Michael) of E. Killingly, and Michael (Mary Lou) of Methuen, Mass.; three stepchildren; grandchildren, Ashley and Mathieu Baker, Phillip, Ian and Nicholas Nash, Jason and Justin Weaver, Heather Truitt, Kyle Barta, Steven and Sonja Integlia and great grandchildren.
Barry was a lifelong active member of St. James Parish in Danielson. He was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2883 of Danielson and in January 2003 became a member of the Danielson Lodge of Elks #1706. The family would like to express their appreciation to special friend Joe Allard for all of his support over the years.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 2 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial with military honors in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: St. James School Scholarship Fund, 12 Franklin St., Danielson, CT 06239; or The Danielson Lodge of Elks Building Fund, 13 Center St. , Danielson, CT 06239. Tillinghast Funeral Home, Danielson.
Suzanne Munroe
WOODSTOCK — Suzanne (Gaffney) Munroe, 80, died Oct. 9, 2013.
She leaves her husband of 55 years, Arthur Munroe of Woodstock; two sons, Philip Munroe of Wethersfield and Daniel Munroe of Woodstock; two daughters, Leslie Lavallee of Thompson and Louise Davis of Woodstock; a brother, Morgan Gaffney of California; one grandson, Nicholas Munroe of Wethersfield.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. Donations: Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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Clockwise from above: Jellies from Hundred Acre Farm. Tomatoes from Woodstock Farms. Canned vegetables.