Five given home

buying assistance

WATERFORD — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has announced that five of its members have received a total of $55,000 in housing assistance to help ease the costs associated with buying their first homes.

Each of the five first-time homebuyers has received $11,000 in funds through the Equity Builder Program from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. The Equity Builder Program offers Home Loan Bank members such as Charter Oak grants to provide households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income with down-payment, closing-cost, home-buyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

It seems that no matter how old athletes get they still look forward to Christmas and the arrival of Santa Claus.  The anticipation of that morning under the tree loaded with presents still brings butterflies to the stomach much the same as prior to a big game.  So here we go with our 2015 list of gifts for the good sports of northeastern Connecticut.  We hope Santa is good to everyone.

For the Hoenig family and the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, some big races and a flurry of activity on the road course.

Another successful football season and a run at another postseason playoff spot for the Killingly football team and its coach Chad Neal.

The naming of the new Marianapolis soccer field in honor of longtime Golden Knights soccer coach and premier educator Eric Gustavson.

Some voice lessons and continued success on the basketball court for the Putnam Science Academy singing Mustangs.

A long and successful whistle blowing career for first-year basketball official Matt Desaulnier. 

An opportunity to play college football for a pair of Killingly Redmen standouts, Austin Caffrey and Josh Angell.

For Putnam Business Association President Earl Rosebrooks, the same type of success in leading the PBA as he had as a high school basketball player when he led Tourtellotte to a State Championship.

As many victories for the Putnam High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams under coaches Shawn Deary and Mandy Hogan in the “new” gym as former athletes and teams enjoyed in the “old” gym under Pam Childs and Tony Falzarano.

A National Prep School Championship for Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa, headmaster Don Cushing and school President Dr. Tiequang Ding.

Another successful O’Putnam Race for organizers James and Sheila Frost of Courthouse Bar & Grille.

A relaxing respite from the coaching ranks for former Woodstock Academy coaches Greg Smith and Willie Bousquet.

A successful college basketball career for Marianapolis standout Caroline Soucy when she ventures to the University of New Hampshire in September.

Another hole-in-one, this time with witnesses, for Thompson resident Rene Morin.

A large turnout of players for the TriTown American Legion team and coach John Foucault and all the members of his staff.

An appearance on the hardwood for former basketball standouts Carolyn Sanburg and Megan Carney-Bose of Bella’s Restaurant.

A head coaching position in the near future for Putnam Science Academy assistant coach Josh Scraba.

A grand opening and many years of caring for the physical needs of local residents for The Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center and its benefactors Betty and Laurence Hale and recently appointed Executive Director Amanda Kelly.

A successful season for the Frog Rock Youth Basketball League and its unofficial commissioner Jim Zahansky.

Some more races of reasonable distance and some training time for State Senator Mae Flexer of Danielson as she races around the 29th Senatorial District. 

More time to spend coaching his kids for Keith Barnes of the Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub.

For the newly christened IAABO Board of Basketball Officials #35 and its leadership, Christian Sarantopolous, Bob Bernier and Peter Gerardi enough members to meet the demands of local high schools, prep schools and middle schools.

Continued success with the World Baseball Coaches Convention for Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker and former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois.

Some football victories for Woodstock Academy coach Clay Killingsworth and headmaster Chris Sandford.

A winning season at Rhode Island College for women’s basketball coach Glenn Senecal and his captain, Killingly High School graduate Devin Hill.

For Mike Sosik of Harrisville Golf Course, Eric Sarette of Vineyard Valley Golf Club and Jim West of Connecticut National Golf Club, some great golfing weather in 2016.

A great season on the links for local pros, Matt Smith and Cody Semmelrock.

A nomination and selection into the Assumption College Athletics Hall of Fame for former Putnam High School three-sport star and Greyhound record-breaking receiver Eric Mauer.

A bright future in sports broadcasting for WINY Radio 1350 Sports Director Josh Sanchas.

A spot on the gym naming committee for the “new” Putnam High School gym for Dr. David Gaudreau and Sue Johnston.

A position as golf course superintendent at a new location for former Quinnatisset Country Club super Mike Coty.

Continued exposure and success for the American Legion Post #13 Honor Guard under the direction of two former Putnam High School athletes, Marc J. Coderre Sr. and Alan Joslin.

A college that will meet the athletic and academic needs of Killingly High School’s super field hockey player Alyssa Rainey.

Longevity and more races for long distance runners Scott Deslongchamps and Alan Rondeau. 

For Paul Brooks of Worcester State University, recognition as an NCAA Division III All-American.

To Putnam’s Maurice “Moe” Coderre continued fine voice as you regale audiences with you singing of our National Anthem.

To the lovely ladies who waited on us at J.D. Cooper’s for so many years.  Best wishes to Tori, Chelsea, Danielle, Taylor, Erin S., Erin C., Bailey and Michelle and of course we can’t forget Keith the chef, Charlie the dishwasher and the affable G. David Landry.

A place in the hearts of those who are capable of assisting those in need, not only on Christmas Day but every day of the year.

To all of our loyal readers a very Merry Christmas.

 

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Honored

Putnam Science Academy Headmaster Donald Cushing, right, was recently honored for his 50 years in education. At left is President Tiequang Ding. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Donald Cushing has been the headmaster of Putnam Science Academy since October and during those brief two months he’s helped to organize the school and rejuvenate many of the efforts of its predecessor school.

Last week the school and its President Tiequang Ding honored Cushing in part for his work at the school but also for a significant milestone in his educational career.  Cushing is celebrating 50 years in education, a career that’s taken him from the classroom, to administration offices in Massachusetts with a stop in the high school and college coaching ranks.

He was honored in the presence of the administration, faculty, staff and his family.  The brief ceremony came as a complete surprise to the 72-year-old Cushing.  In addition to a cake marking his anniversary, the members of the basketball team presented him with an autographed basketball, signed by the coaching staff and team members.

“I have a number of mementoes of my career but this basketball will hold a significant place in my office and in my heart.  I’m pleased to be here at Putnam Science Academy and look forward to leading it to new heights,” said Cushing. 

A graduate of Worcester State University, where he was a star on the basketball court and captain of the Lancers, Cushing began his educational journey as a teacher/coach at Bartlett High School in Webster.  Over a period of years he eventually rose to become the principal of the school.

After retiring from public education he was lured from his rocking chair and assumed the position of principal of St. Joseph’s Parochial School in Webster.  Just when he thought his days in education were over, he was asked to assist Putnam Science Academy in its endeavor to become a certified preparatory school.

Cushing, who one time also served as assistant basketball coach at Worcester State University, has taken the leadership role on the Putnam campus with the same vigor he approached his previous administrative roles.  Although the school currently has a student population of 17, primarily basketball players, Cushing is optimistic that by next year the school population will increase. The educational emphasis will remain on science, technology and mathematics with an increased level of attention on social sciences.

The mission also includes enhanced partnership and cooperation between the school personnel, students, parents and community.  In this area the students recently visited three local nursing facilities, where they shared their goodwill by singing Christmas carols to the residents.  They visited The Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Putnam, Westview Health Care Center in Dayville and Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. Cushing may have 50 years of experience in education under his belt but his enthusiasm for the mission and vision of Putnam Science Academy and its success appears to be at a level equivalent to the first day he stepped into the classroom at Bartlett High School.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Putnam Science Academy, after falling to South Kent, is on another win streak entering the holiday break.  The Mustangs picked up three encouraging victories after falling for the first time this season.  They now stand at 11-1.

Pomfret School enjoyed a perfect 2-0 week with one win coming over Hyde School-Woodstock.  Hyde bounced back winning two-of-three after losing to the Golden Griffins.  Marianapolis lost its only game of the week.

Plainfield under coach Bob Arremony, entering his 36th season, opened the boys’ high school season with a convincing win over outmatched Ellis Tech.

Mustangs Close Out First Half of Season

 on Winning Note

The Putnam Science Academy Mustangs, who gained notoriety over the Christmas season with their caroling, remained in tune closing out the early portion of the schedule on a winning note.  The Mustangs posted wins over Cheshire Academy (82-58), Believe Prep (88-66) and Wilbraham and Monson (81-59).

In the win over Cheshire at the Basketball Hoopfest at Western New England College, 13 players hit the scoring column led by Mamadou Diarra and Saul Phiri with 15 points apiece, while Hamidou Diallo (13) was also in double digits.     

The Mustangs continued their torrid scoring against Believe Prep placing a dozen players in the scorebook.  Phiri with 17 points led a parade of four players in double figures, including Diallo (14), Tyere Marshall (12) and Diarra (11).

Coach Tom Espinosa’s troops closed out the 2015 portion of the schedule with another solid team effort as 13 players scored in the win over Wilbraham and Monson.  The Mustangs jumped on W & M early, bolting to a 42-22 halftime advantage.  Eric Ayala led the PSA scorers with 13 points, while also grabbing five rebounds.  Marshall was also in double figures with 11 points.  The Mustangs defense held University of Kentucky-bound 6-foot, 10-inch Wenyen Gabriel to 10 points.

Pomfret School and Hyde School-Woodstock, two preps separated physically by about five miles, clashed in Pomfret with the Golden Griffin coming out on top 64-53.  Christian Wilson with 21 points led a trio of double figure scorers in the win.  Cam Winston and John Long each contributed 17 points for the winners.  The Hyde Wolfpack also had three players in double figures as Rodney Ray had 11, Jordan Burney 13 and Eamon Joyce 17.

Pomfret School at 4-1 went to the break with a 76-54 victory over Governors Academy and 64-41 win over Kingswood-Oxford.  The Griffs hit 8-of-11 from three-point range in the Paul “Frosty” Francis Kingswood-Oxford Invitational against Governors Academy.  Vincent Conn had 23 points for the winners, while Wilson chipped in 21.

In the win over Kingswood-Oxford the Griffs were paced once again by Conn who poured in a team-high 18 points.  Cam Winston added 16 markers to the winning cause, while Gerald Blount was immense on the boards with seven rebounds and five blocked shots.

Hyde- Woodstock picked up a pair of victories, beating Gunnery School 64-56 and Salisbury School 54-53.  Ray had 18 points and 11 caroms in the win over Salisbury in the consolation game of the Bob Southall Classic.  

Joyce was Hyde’s high scorer in the victory over Gunnery as he poured in a team-high 23 points.  Ray and Burney also hit double digits with 15 points apiece.  In its only other contest, Hyde was dropped by Kimball Union 63-56, as Ray (15), Joyce (14) and Chris Carroll (10) led the way in the loss, which put Hyde-Woodstock at 3-4 entering the holiday.

Marianapolis at 1-6 closed out its 2015 portion of the schedule with a 59-37 loss at the hands of Suffield Academy.  

Plainfield & Ellis Tech Tap Off High 

School Season

Plainfield and Ellis Tech, a pair of unlikely opponents, were the first high school teams to play in the 2015-2016 basketball season.  The Panthers were easy victors, posting an 82-29 victory.  Lanky Liam Jacobs was the show for Plainfield as he hit for a game-high 24 points, as 13 Panthers got into the scoring column.

Holiday Tournaments on Tap

The Centaur Classic Holiday Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Dec. 28 (Monday), 29 (Tuesday), and 30 (Wednesday).  On Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. the Centaurs will take on Cheney Tech.  The following day Cheney Tech plays Greenwich High School at 5 p.m. and on Dec. 30 the Centaurs and Greenwich square off at 3 p.m.

The CNB a Division of ESB Clipper Classic is scheduled for Dec. 26 and 28 with games at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  The teams include the host Clippers along with Killingly, Tourtellotte and Ellis Tech.  All games are scheduled for the “new” Putnam High School gym.