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 former WINY Radio owner Mike Gerardi. One of the original “boys of summer” in the Putnam Little League in 1951, Gerardi was a hurler who threw a heavy ball for the Yankees. Today he throws beach balls at his home on Lake Alexander, which he proudly refers to as “On Golden Pond.”
As a retired member of the Eastern Connecticut Board of Umpires (ECBU) it’s always nice to receive the annual invitation to join the current members for their annual end of season wrap up and awards banquet. On Thursday, September 26, more than 50 active and retired umps got together at the renovated Moose Club in Bozrah for food, libations, frivolity and some recognition. This was the 65th banquet for the organization, which was founded in 1948.
Danielson resident Sean Brennan, a veteran arbiter and incoming president of the ECBU, did a marvelous job as the MC while also finding openings for throwing out a few barbs and jibes at some of his fellow umpires. Among the awards that Brennan presented was the Richard Marion ECC Player Sportsmanship Award to Fitch High School graduate and current UConn baseball player Aaron Hill. New London High School graduate Izzy Davila was presented the Frank Slivenski Legion Player Sportsmanship Award, while the Roger LaFrance ECC Team Sportsmanship plaque went to East Lyme High School.
The Ralph Brennan Legion Team Sportsmanship Award, in memory of the late Ralph Brennan, a longtime member of the board and father of Sean Brennan, was presented to the Danielson American Legion team, a team that the elder Brennan coached and led to a State Championship. Unfortunately the moment lost some of its luster as there wasn’t anyone present to receive the award.
A number of umpires from the greater Putnam area were on hand, including Romeo Blackmar, Joe Cooper, Tom Hayden, Paul Lajeunesse, Dana van der Swaagh, Kevin Morin and David Austin. Among the retirees present was Thompson resident Stan Lesniewski.
Roger Bidwell, the highly successful baseball coach at UConn-Avery Point delivered the keynote address. He reminded the umpires that their role in “America’s game” was crucial. He also commended the group for the professional manner in which they conduct business at all levels that they umpire.
Bucket List Item Checked Off…
The weekend of Sept. 20, 21 and 22 was memorable for two Putnam legends as they fulfilled lifelong dreams when they travelled to South Bend, Ind., to witness the football game between The Fightin’ Irish of Notre Dame and the Spartans of Michigan State. Nelson LaRose and Roland “Snook” Gardner were part of the Notre Dame Club of Worcester group that journeyed by bus for the contest to the Hoosier State.
LaRose, a 93-year old WWII veteran, proved why he was part of the “Greatest Generation” as he travelled throughout the sprawling campus taking in the sights and sounds and the pageantry of a football weekend on the campus of the country’s most storied football program. The pair, referred to by the other passengers on the bus as the Lone Ranger (LaRose) and Tonto (you figure out who that is), were part of the Friday noon “football luncheon” with Irish coach Brian Kelly, had two great seats to the game and took the time to visit the Golden Dome, the Sacred Heart Basilica, The Grotto and Hammes bookstore, where they loaded up on souvenirs. They were also guests at a reception where they met the parents of coach Kelly.
Although both gentlemen were a little stiff from the action-packed three days, they marveled at the smooth way Notre Dame runs the entire weekend. The pair became so familiar with the system and the staff that they relieved some of their walking travails by grabbing rides around campus with the ND security staff. Stepping off the bus at the end of the trip, both LaRose and Gardner took out a pen and checked off another item on their bucket lists.
Marianapolis Grad Preseason Selection…
It doesn’t seem possible that former Marianapolis basketball standout Ike Azotam is in his final season at Quinnipiac University. Last season Azotam, who’s been a starter for coach Tom Moore since his freshman season, was the Bobcats leading scorer and rebounder.
In information released recently from QU, Azotam has been named to the College Sports Madness MAAC preseason all-conference team. The Boston native spent a year in Thompson playing for Coach Dave Vitale, who predicted success for his star. According to Vitale, “Azotam was an efficient player on the court. He made every moment, every shot and every play count.”
Encouraging News…
In the face of adversity it’s nice to be able to share good news about one of Thompson’s most popular residents Stan Lesniewski. Hospitalized a couple months back, Lesniewski had his right leg surgically amputated above the knee due to complications from diabetes. Following surgery, he was transferred to Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford for rehabilitation and training with his prosthesis.
Last week, Lesniewski, in great spirits, was brought to his Thompson home where he continues to recuperate and rehabilitate. Thanks to the generosity and industriousness of the Thompson Lions Club, Lesniewski’s home has a sturdy ramp to its entrance, which accommodates him while he still navigates in his wheelchair.
He’d love to hear from his friends. Send Stan a note of encouragement at his home - 16 Elliot Hill Road, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255.
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
1894: Putnam’s polo (or is it pool?) team plays at the “Opera House” in the Union Block. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” Theodore Geisel – Dr. Seuss
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Eva M. Blain
PUTNAM — Eva (Vaillant) Blain, 86, of Ballou St., passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord Sept. 27, 2013, in Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of the late Romeo L. Blain Sr.
Born in 1927 in Woonsocket, she was the daughter of the late Desirè and Malvina (Morrisseau) Vaillant.
Mrs. Blain was a stitcher for Bates Shoe and Putnam Manufacturing, retiring in 1981. Eva loved to crochet, eat Chinese food on Wednesdays, play cards, bingo, and go to the casino. She was a member of the Putnam VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Ladies of Saint Anne, and the Columbiettes.
She leaves her sons, Romeo L. Blain Jr. (Joanne) of N. Grosvenordale and Donald Blain (Cheryl) of N. Grosvenordale; her daughter Claire Dahl (Robin) of Peaks Island, Maine; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter; Lorraine (LaPorte) St. Denis.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 2 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Madeline J. Mignault
PUTNAM --- Madeline J. Mignault, 96, of Putnam, died Sept. 24, 2013 at Regency Heights in Danielson. She was the wife of the late Eugene J. Mignault Jr. They were married Nov. 15, 1937, in St. James Church, Danielson. He died Feb. 28, 2003.
Madeline was born July 15, 1917, in Brooklyn, daughter of the late Albert and Anna (Menard) Chenail. She made her home in Putnam most of her life and was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation. She was a member of the Aspinock Historical Society and the Putnam Senior Citizens. Madeline was an avid Scrabble player, an experienced knitter, a great cook, and enjoyed crossword puzzles. She worked at the W.T. Grant Co. as a clerk for many years.
She leaves her children Susan Davis (Bob) of Dudley, Joyce Kuusela (Bill) of Lisbon, Richard Mignault of Putnam; her grandchildren: Brian Davis, Jeffrey Davis, Christopher Kuusela, Kimberly Kuusela and Sarah Mignault; also nephew, Raymond Morin and niece, Marlene Adams. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Eugene J. Mignault; her siblings: Rose Deforges; Laura Morin; Marion Morin; Martha Reeves; Florence Chenail; twins Leo and Antonio Chenail; and three nephews.
Graveside services were private in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Rose Viola Gould
Rose Viola (Hazzard) Gould died Sept. 22, 2013.
She was born on April 25, 1920, in Woodstock to Maude Lillian (Brown) Hazzard and George Hazzard. Rose was an elder of the Nipmuc Tribe.
In 1940, Rose married Joseph Bates Gould who died Sept. 16, 2000. Together they raised a family of nine children.
Rose loved to cook for her family, was a lover of animals and enjoyed a good laugh. She also enjoyed dancing and guacamole.
Rose leaves her children Janet (Norman) Cote of Killingly, Donald (Louise) Gould of Putnam, James (Patricia) Gould, of Putnam, Kenneth (Joni) Gould of Putnam, Annette (Robert) Butler of Newberry, FL. Rose Figueroa of Danielson, William Gould of Killingly; sisters who affectionately called her “Lady” Clara (Hazzard) Henries of Killingly, Gladys (Hazzard) Kilgore of Richmond, Calif., Beatrice Jackson of Putnam and a brother George Hazzard of Napa Valley, Calif. She was predeceased by sons Raymond Gould and Joseph Gould. In addition, Rose had 19 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
A Graveside Service was Sept. 27 in the Grove Street Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Marie L. Strzelewicz
THOMPSON — Marie “Leona” (Martin) Strzelewicz, 91, formerly of Thompson, died Sept. 28, 2013, in Kindred Crossings East, New London. She was the wife of the late Joseph J. Strzelewicz. Born in 1921 in Thompson, she was the daughter of the late Ferdinand and Marie (Aubin) Martin.
Mrs. Strzelewicz worked in quality control at Steven’s Linen. She enjoyed dining out and going to yard sales.
She leaves her daughter; Janice and her husband John Garosshen of Canterbury; her granddaughter Cheryl and her husband Roger Gregoire of Uncasville; great grandchildren, Donna and Andrew; great-great-grandchildren, Michele and Giuliana. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3 in Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. A gathering will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 4 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery in Webster.
Mark Carpenter
PUTNAM — Mark W. Carpenter, 53, of School St., died Sept. 28, 2013, in Day Kimball Hospital. Born in 1960 in Southbridge, he was the son of Jane (Brierley) Carpenter and the late Robert W. Carpenter.
Mr. Carpenter worked as a machine operator for Danco Manufacturing for 10 years. He enjoyed fishing and watching NASCAR.
Mark leaves his son, John Carpenter and his girlfriend Ashley of Putnam; his brother, Scott Carpenter of Putnam; and his sister Michelle Aubin of Pomfret Center. He is predeceased by his brother, Shawn Carpenter.
Visitation is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 3 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam followed by a graveside service at 10 a.m. in Calvary Cemetery, Webster.
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Clockwise from top left: Members of the Yankee Dogs Trio entertain (Louise Muller, Bill Reid and John DeBossu). The winner of the first Diaper Derby, Reagan Bachman with her crown. She is the daughter of Jon and Maria Bachman of Woodstock (Photo courtesy of Maureen Nicholson). Neil Muckenhoupt, of the Society of 17th Century, portrays a cooper. Libby Fischkelta, 7 months, of Putnam, is held by her father Chris Fischkelta.
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Carousel Program
The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam will present a program by Louis Rhyner of Narragansett about a hand carved working carousel carved by Marshall Whittemore of Putnam at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Putnam Public Library. Marshall born 1883 in Putnam and died in 1958. A Putnam resident, he was a carpenter/painter by trade. The mini carousel was carved by Whittemore for his son, Howard (born 1916). It’s 26 by 27 by 15 inches tall. Rhyner found this treasure at a Rhode Island auction. It was all in pieces when he found it. It’s been put back together and will be displayed and in running condition at the library presentation. Some Whittemore family members who still live in Putnam have been invited to attend the program. Courtesy photo.
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Woodstock Elementary/Middle
Monday: Hamburgers, fruit. Tuesday: Fish sandwiches, fruit. Wednesday: Bosco cheese sticks, marinara sauce, fruit. Thursday: Hot turkey sandwiches, squash, fruit. Friday: Pizza, cucumber cups, fruit.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Putnam Special Pizza. Tuesday - Wolf Meal: Burgers, fruit sherbet. Wednesday - half day: Chicken quesadilla, Cuban black bean salad. Thursday: Baked ziti, veggies. Friday - Elementary: BBQ chicken dippers; Middle: Honey BBQ rib sandwiches.
Putnam High
Monday: Clipper wraps. Tuesday: Baked ziti, meatsauce. Wednesday - half day: Honey crisp chicken salad. Thursday: Foot-long chili dogs,, carrot slaw. Friday: Pizza.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Hamburgers or cheeseburgers, apple slices. Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese, broccoli, rainbow fruit/veggie tray. Wednesday: Chicken patties, whole wheat rolls, carrot sticks/dip, applesauce. Thursday: Mr. Fox's pizza, pears, cookies. Friday: Deli turkey on whole wheel rolls, fruit/veggie cups.