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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Putnam resident Jane Flynn.  The mother of  a number of former Putnam High School athletes, she’s been around playing fields and running tracks for many years.  It’s so nice to know we have an avid follower in Putnam’s North End.
Most golf tournaments that benefit charitable causes are usually put on by civic or social organizations with large memberships.  On Sunday, August 18 Connecticut Golf Club hosted the US Challenge Cup 3rd Annual Charity Golf Classic.  The major difference between this tournament and the many others is that it was organized by one young lady with a great future, either as a golfer or a professional in the career of her choosing.
Nicole Scola, formerly of Putnam and a current resident of Watch Hill, organized the event for the benefit of the US Challenge Cup Junior Golf program and juvenile diabetes research.  The dual purpose benefit is close to Miss Scola’s heart and it’s for that reason that she’s embraced this endeavor.
The daughter of Atty. Nick and Jill Scola, Nicole has been a member of the United States Challenge Junior Golf Program for almost a decade.  The goal of US Challenge Golf is to perpetuate the growth of junior golf and provide young people with opportunities to further themselves through the game of golf, under the direction of a well organized and administered program.
Through the program, young male and female golfers not only improve their game on the links but are the beneficiaries of opportunities to grow as young adults.  They’re encouraged to understand fair play and sportsmanship as well as the importance of being good students.  Many of the participants have gone on to further their education because of the program.
In the summer of 2008, during a US Challenge Golf event, Nicole Scola became ill and had to withdraw from the tournament.  Later that day she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  She was 13 years old, when this happened without warning.  No one in the Scola family ever had a history of diabetes, so the news came as a total shock.
Through the support of her family and the people of the US Challenge Golf, Nicole was able to mange her diabetes, which required 24-hour attention, seven days per week.  Today with constant monitoring and careful attention to diet, she’s healthy and her golf game is also in great condition.
Her gratitude was evident on Sunday as she stood before the golfers and gracefully thanked everyone for their support of her causes.  When the final numbers were announced there were two stunning surprises.  The first announce was that the tournament raised $20,000 for the beneficiaries.  The second was that the winning score of 12 under par 59 was produced by the foursome captained by the person who organized the tournament, Nicole Scola.  The members of the foursome were her friends Spencer Salvas of Putnam and Colin Corey Zegarzewski.
Scola, who graduated in June from Prout School, is headed to Quinnipiac University on a golf scholarship, where she will study in the honors program.  The adage, “good things happen to good people” was evident on Sunday.
High Jumper Recuperating…
Woodstock Academy high jumper Jake Almquist, who graduated in June and is headed to the University of Connecticut, encountered a snag this summer when he broke an ankle.  Almquist, who was heavily recruited by UConn admitted that he was a little careless when his mishap occurred.  According to his latest prognosis, the ankle is healing fine and ahead of schedule.  He’s confident that he’ll be ready for the upcoming collegiate season.       
 Almquist enjoyed a stellar senior season advancing through the regular season, the conference and class championships and moved on to the State Open and New England Championships.  He was also a member of the Woodstock Academy Class L State Championship basketball team.
Trivia Question – Who Won PHSAAA Trivia Event?...
A full house of trivia players ranging in age from recent grads to some old-timers filled Athens Pizza for the initial Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association trivia night.  According to organizers Willie Bousquet and Dave Vitale the evening was a financial success realizing more than $1000 for the Association.
Although the competition was heated there was one team that stood head and shoulders above the noisy crowd, walking away with the championship trophy.  Baptizing themselves with the moniker, T – Ferguson, the group of Dan and Casey Collins, Rob Loomis and Derek Coderre proved they were worthy champions as they breezed through every category including sports music songs.
The major sponsor of the evening was Bob Breault of Cargill Chevrolet.  Posing the questions was the sometimes humorous often edgy and risqué Trivia master Peter “Bud” Hayes.
Old Friends Visit Home…
Spotted around Putnam this summer were former residents Donald “Beansie” Chenail and his wife Evelyn, who are in the area for a couple months from their home in Florida.  The Chenails, who produced a number of standout athletes for Putnam High School, say that the warm weather of the Sunshine State agrees with their lifestyle.
“Beansie” who grew up in the North End when that area of town produced Putnam’s great athletes, is remembered as a top notch softball player.  He was one of the best third basemen that Putnam softball leagues ever produced.  He continues to play in Senior softball leagues in the Sunshine State and still dazzles with the leather.  Evelyn was a long time employee at Day Kimball Hospital.
Return Of The Headmaster…
If you visit the Woodstock Academy campus and think you’re seeing ghosts from school years past, you’re not.  That is former headmaster Rich Foye who is currently serving as head of school while the Academy searches for someone to fill the seat permanently.  Foye, who retired after five years at the helm, was asked to serve once again and because he enjoyed his initial experience he was happy to fill in temporarily.
Foye, as a young man, was an all-state football lineman at New London High School.  He later went on to an outstanding four-year career at the University of Connecticut.  Rested and ready for action, Foye is eager for the return of students in a few days.
From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History…
October 15, 1915: After two defeats by Moosup, Putnam defeated Moosup 5-3 in Putnam before 2000 fans.  Putnam had three New York Giants on the team – Pol Perritt on the mound, Lew Wendell catching, and Ben Dyer at third.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

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Visitors
Two contestants in the Miss Connecticut pageant visited Westview Health Care Center recently. Courtesy photo.

DAYVILLE --- Westview Health Care Center hosted two Miss Connecticut pageant contestants- Miss Litchfield County Valerie Voccio and Miss Shoreline Ashley Hamel.
The dynamic duo smiled from ear to ear as they visited and entertained the residents and patients with their vocal and instrumental talents. Audience members were delighted as they sang along to specially written creative arrangements of favorites such as “Love You I Do,” “Moon River,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “I Dreamed a Dream.”
Miss Litchfield County is Brooklyn resident Valerie Voccio, who graduated from Woodstock Academy in 2011 and is in the midst of pursuing her nursing degree at University of St. Joseph in West Hartford. Throughout her life Valerie appeared in multiple northeastern Connecticut theatrical performances and contests, which highlighted her strong vocal capabilities. Her dream of competing in pageants and using the opportunity to make a difference in peoples lives was realized when she was crowned Miss Litchfield County in January 2013.
When asked about the honor Miss Voccio said, “The symbol of the crown is not about what I have accomplished but rather what I can do for the good of others within our community.”
Berlin resident Ashley Hamel was crowned Miss Shoreline in March 2013. She is the lead singer in the local cover band “Juice Box” where her vocal and instrumental talents are showcased. In 2006, Ashley graduated from Berlin High School and attended the University of Connecticut and graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She is presently working as a Drama Teacher at Washington Elementary School and Verplanck Elementary School.
Ashley is proud to represent the Shoreline and said, “Having the crown opens up opportunities such as networking and organizing fund-raising performances for Literacy Volunteers that otherwise I would not have experienced.
Both young ladies competed among 20 contestants in the Miss Connecticut 2013 pageant held in June where Miss Valerie Voccio received 2nd Runner Up and The Spirit of Miss America distinction; and Miss Ashley Hamel was within the top-10 finalists.
“We are truly honored to have hosted these talented and motivated young ladies here at Westview,” said Administrator David T. Panteleakos.  “The residents and patients really enjoyed their performance and these ladies certainly represent the best of their generation.”

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L. ‘Luke’ Richard,
WWII vet
PUTNAM/NAPLES, Fla. —  Lucien “Luke” Joseph Richard, 91, of Putnam and Naples, died Aug. 23, 2013, in Matulaitis Nursing Home.  He is the husband of Rollande (Audette) Richard.  Born in 1922 in Mont Joli, PQ, Canada, he was the son of the late Adelard and Pharailde (Morrisette) Richard.
Mr. Richard served his country as a radioman in the Navy stationed on a destroyer Chester T. O’Brien in the Mediterranean and the South Pacific during WWII. Upon returning home from the war Lucien attended the Putnam Technical School where he majored in electricity.
Mr. Richard was the owner and operator of Richard Electric.
Mr. Richard enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow man; hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing cards. He also enjoyed traveling to Canada and Europe with his wife; his winter residence in Naples, reading mystery novels, and having home projects underway at all times.
Mr. Richard was a member of the Putnam Board of Education for 12 years, Knights of Columbus Cargill Council, Putnam Elks, and the VFW.
He leaves his wife of 63 years; two sons Neil Richard (Susan) of Putnam and Mark Richard of Putnam; a granddaughter Lauren Richard of Salem, Mass; nieces and nephews. Luke was predeceased by two brothers Gerard Richard and Rene Richard and two sisters Michelle McCoy and Jeannine Martino.
Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 31 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 at the church. Burial will be held later in St. Mary Cemetery Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Rene R. Lajeunesse Jr.
PLAINFIELD — Rene R. Lajeunesse, Jr.  35, of Erin Drive, died suddenly Aug. 21, 2013, in Backus Plainfield Emergency Care Ctr.  He is the husband of Aimee (Williams) Lajeunesse.  Born in 1978 in Putnam, he is the son of Mary (Carpenter) Long and her husband Clayton and the late Rene Lajeunesse Sr.
Rene attended Putnam High School.  Mr. Lajeunesse worked as a machine operator for Quickcrete up until and injury in 2004.  He loved fishing, motorcycles, and picnicking with family.  Rene was a fan of NASCAR and especially Jeff Gordan, the Atlanta Braves, and the Buffalo Bills.   
In addition to his wife and mother, Rene leaves sons; Rene III, Caleb, Antonio, Shane, and Dakota; his daughters, Aryana, Sabrina, Raneigh, Raleigh, and Desireigh; his brother, Michael Lajuenesse; and his sister Melissa Evens.
The burial was private. Donations: Family of Rene R. Lajeunesse, Jr. P.O. Box 131, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Rene Dauphinais
DAYVILLE — Rene M. Dauphinais, 80, of Dayville died Aug. 16, 2013,. He was the husband of Ruth (Bransfield) Dauphinais. They were married in 1954, at Our Lady of Peace in East Killingly and were married for 59 years.  
Rene was born July 18, 1933, in Danielson, son of the late Elephege and Jermaine (Barret) Dauphinais.
Rene worked for 23 as a supervisor at Wyckoff Steel in Putnam. He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Dayville and St. Ignatius in Rogers. He was a member of the Williamsville Fire Engine Co. in Rogers. Rene worked for the Pomfret and Hyde schools as the equipment manager. He also owned Rene’s Lawn Mowing Services for 15 years. Rene took pride in his yard work. He liked to golf and many called him “Duffy”.
He leaves his wife Ruth (Bransfield) Dauphinais of Dayville, his two daughters Michelle Dauphinais (Ricky Miller) of Putnam, Darlene Dauphinais of Rogers; siblings John Dauphinais of Norwich, Roger Dauphinais (Eleanora) of Cromwell, Phillip Dauphinais (Nancy) of Thompson, Loretta LeBlanc (Gerard) of Norwich; grandchildren Lisa Renard of Canterbury, Chester Phillips of Danielson, Krystal Phillips of Putnam, Rene Mullen of New Mexico, John Mullen of Colchester and his seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Irene Trayan and brother Lucien Dauphinais.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 24 at St. Joseph Church, Dayville, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Charles Fague Sr.
DANIELSON — Charles Fague Sr., 68, of Palmer Street, died Aug. 19, 2013 at home. He was the husband of the late Kathleen (Challinor) Fague.  Born in 1945 in Providence, he was the son of the late Charles and Celia (Colman) Fague.
Mr. Fague worked as a press worker for U.S. Button. Charles could fix anything.  He enjoyed fishing and going to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.
Charles leaves his sons, Charles Fague Jr. and his husband Luis Thomas of Danielson and Michael Fague of Danielson; his niece Dawn Krajewski of Thompson; sisters, Christine Stockwell of East Putnam, Claudette Hebert of New Hampshire and Lisa Vickers of Nasonville, R.I.  He was predeceased by his brother Richard Fague and his sister Leslie Krajewski.  The funeral will be held later. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

Richard T. Howard
N. GROSVENORDALE — Richard T. Howard, 56, of Holmes Street, died Aug. 21, 2013, in Hartford Hospital.  Born in 1957 in Washoe, Nev., he was the son of the late Melvin and Marion (Recki) Howard.
Mr. Howard worked as a Trailer Mechanic for Century Trailer.  He was a lifetime member of the NRA.
He leaves his sons; Eric Lieberman of Dorchester, Mass., Christopher Lieberman of Marlboro, Mass., and Michael Kolb of Waltham, Mass.; daughter, Elizabeth Kolb of Framingham, Mass.; two grandchildren Olivia and Estelle.  Richard is predeceased by his sister Leslie Killiam.
The funeral was private. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

Helen Kimball Gates
Helen May (Kimball) Gates, widow of Denton H.B. Gates, died on Saturday, August 18, 2013. She was born May 20, 1922 and went to Killingly High School in Danielson, graduating in 1940. She loved dancing, reading, knitting, traveling and socializing. She raised her family in Putnam. She also worked at Grants Department Store for 17 years and in the accounting department at Danielson Federal. She was a long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was their treasurer.
Helen was interested in family history and was a member of the Danielson Historical Society. She spent over 20 years as a volunteer for Day Kimball Hospital. She was the rock of her family - patient, non-judgmental, generous, fun loving and wise.
She leaves her children, Douglas Gates (Linda); son Lance Gates and Cheryl Von Deck; her daughter-in-law Louise Gates; grandchildren, Donna McCormac (George Sottile), Craig Gates and Elke Carlson, Brian Gates (Ulrika), Cheri Anderson (Dean), Paula Russo (Joe), Angela Hutchins (Thayne), Douglas Gates, Nicole McLean (James), Gregory Gates (Jessica), Joshua Gates (Leanne); good friends, Herb and Michael Gile, Lorraine Breault, Dawn Deary. She was predeceased by her father, Everett Kimball and her mother, Nora (Dougherty) Kimball; sons, Dennis A. Gates, her daughter, Sandra A. (Gates) Galletti, and her son Gary Gates and her granddaughter Natalie Frettoloso..
A Celebration of Life was Aug. 25. Burial was private. Donations: Windham County 4-H Foundation, Inc., 326 Taft Pond Road, Pomfret, CT 06259; or Day Kimball Hospital Volunteers, 320 Pomfret St., Putnam, CT 06260. Tillinghast Funeral Home, Danielson.

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Presentation
Left: Fred Brown, director of Marketing from Northeast Family Federal Credit Union, presented a check for $300 to former campers and Foundation members to support the Lodge renovation project.  The funds were raised during dress down days at the credit union in the month of April.  This presentation was made during an “Alumni in Action – Return of the Decades Day” held at the camp.  Participants had the opportunity to catch up with old friends and learn about the lodge renovation project that is expected to begin at the close of camp this year.   Those who were interested had an opportunity to ride the zip line which was new to camp last year, and to check out the Gates Getaway renovated horse barn, also completed last year.  Courtesy photo.