By Ron P. Coderre

The Fourth of July holiday is usually the signal for teams in the Major Leagues to begin their runs to the playoffs if they’re going to reach the postseason.  It’s not much different for American Legion teams in Zone VI.

It’s time for teams to look in the mirror and assess their preseason goals. 

The American Legion season is at the point of no return.  All 10 teams in Zone VI have hit the mid-point of the schedule or beyond.  Danielson, Moosup and TriTown are all mired below the .500 mark and occupy three of the four bottom places in the standings.

It’s a fact, the top five teams in the Zone qualify for the postseason tournament.  There’s very little wiggle room remaining if the trio from the Northeast hopes to qualify.  It’s time to pull up the boot straps or in this case the laces on the cleats if they hope to make the postseason dance.

Danielson Striving to Break Losing Streak

The Danielson Recs faced a hot Niantic team, which has compiled a six game winning streak, in a three-game series and came away winless.  Niantic proved to be a tough hurdle for Post #21 as it was shutout in the opening game of the set 9-0.  Niantic then came back to sweep a doubleheader by scores of 7-3 in the opener and 6-5 in extra frames in the nightcap.

Danielson finally broke its five-game losing streak with a 12-3 win over Ledyard-Pawcatuck.  Hurler Travis Zurowski settled down after a shaky first inning and held L-P at bay the remainder of the way.  Tre Belanger, Kolby Reggione and Derek Grzysiewicz provided the offensive firepower, each with three runs-batted-in.  Belanger and Reggione had three hits apiece and Grzysiewicz two.  

In the middle game of the series, Ledyard-Pawcatuck squeezed out a 5-4victory over visiting Danielson.  Danielson is 6-11 and three games out of contention for the fifth spot in the Zone with 10 games remaining on the schedule.

Moosup Swept by Archrival Jewett City

The rivalry between Moosup and Jewettt City goes back a long way in all sports.  When these two rivals square off, it’s usually a fight to the finish.  This week the Jewett City nine threw some fuel on the fire by taking three games from Moosup in impressive fashion.

In the opening game of a three-game series the JC pitching shutdown the Moosup bats completely, walking away with a 10-0 victory.  Jewett City followed the shutout with a twinbill sweep of Post #91.  In the opener of the doubleheader Jewett City pitching tossed another shutout, winning 5-0.  The second game had more offense but Moosup still came in on the short end of the scoreboard, losing 14-5.

Moosup continued its dismal play losing the opening game of a three game series to Waterford 8-0.  Post #91 managed only one hit in the loss.  This was the third time in the last four games that the Moosup bats have been shutout.  The teams engaged in a Sunday doubleheader with Waterford walking off with a pair of wins.  They won the first game 9-2 and the second 15-5.  Moosup is 6-13 and mired in the cellar of the 10-team Zone with eight games remaining. 

TriTown Searching for Elusive Wins

TriTown faced Niantic, the hottest team in Zone VI and was schooled 14-3.  The Towners were their own worst enemy, committing both physical and mental errors in the loss.  As each error occurred the frustrations mounted.

The Towners then went from the frying pan to the fire, facing Waterford the first place team in Zone VI.  The results weren’t pretty, as TriTown went down 9-4 despite posting eight hits.

Opening a series with Norwich on the road, TriTown dropped a heart breaker, losing 5-4.  TriTown rallied for three runs in the top half of the seventh inning only to give up the winning run in the bottom half of the frame.  

TriTown concluded the three-game series with Norwich by sweeping a doubleheader from the visitors.  The first game went nine innings before the Towners were able to push across the winning run.  Jared Durand pitched seven strong innings before being relieved by Kyle Tyler who picked up the win.  Benny Brissette had two RBIs.

In the nightcap TriTown scored a run in the opening inning and Josh Allard made it stand up as the Towners picked up a 1-0 victory.  Alex Angelo had two hits and drove in the only run of the game.  Jacob Guertin also had a two hit game.  The Towners are currently 5-11 with 11 games remaining.   

 

Margaret C. Bibek

N. GROSVENORDALE — Margaret C. Bibek, 86, formerly of Buckley Hill Rd., died June 29, 2015, in Westview Nursing Home.  She was the wife of the late John Bibek.  Born in 1928 in Phoenix City, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Francis and Ferol (Smith) Cunha. 

Mrs. Bibek worked as a secretary for Tourtellotte Memorial High School for 30 years. 

Mrs. Bibek’s greatest joy were her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, going to the casino with her sisters, and was an avid reader. Margaret was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale. 

She leaves her sons; John “Jack” Bibek (Jeannette) of N. Grosvenordale, Stephen Bibek of Thompson and Frank Bibek his companion Debra Fuhrmann of Simsonville, S.C.; daughters, Pam LaPalme of Putnam, Marlene Kilborn of New Jersey and Brenda Bibek-Roy of Thompson; sisters, Madeline Welch of Putnam and Agnes Howard of Columbus, Ga.; 12 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was July 3 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: St. Joseph Church, P.O. Box 897, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

Richard Charron Sr.,

U.S. Navy vet

QUINEBAUG — Richard “Red” F. Charron Sr., 86, of Parkway Drive, died June 28, 2015, after a brief illness.

Richard was the son of the late Frank and Noella (Girouard) Charron.       Richard served in the U.S. Navy.  He worked at Pratt and Whitney for 17 years and then at Belding Heminway.

He enjoyed working with his hands and was a skilled carpenter and woodworker.  He was a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus as well as a member of the American Legion.  His drink of choice was always Pepsi.

He leaves his wife, Jean (DuBois) Charron; four children, Richard Jr (Annette) of Scotland, Patricia Charron of Southbridge, Cathy Marcoux (Michael) of Putnam and David (Lisa) of N. Grosvenordale, a step daughter, Beverly Houle (Lawrence) of N. Grosvenordale; grandchildren Criss, Karen, Jessica, Nicholas, Andrew and Nicole and great-grandchildren Kayla, Megan and Jacob. He is predeceased by his sisters Lillian Sinchak, Irene Pepin, Gertrude Blanchette, and Doris Cunha, also his step daughter Holly Tarr.

After cremation, a graveside service was July 3 in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

John Mogul,

WWII vet

WOODSTOCK — John Mogul, 101, of Lake View Drive, died June 29, 2015, in Pierce Memorial Baptist Home. He was the husband of the late Rose (Nielsen) Mogul and Edith (Ferber) Mogul. Born in 1914 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, he was the son of the late Michael and Rose (Cohen) Mogul.

Mr. Mogul worked for 18 years at Monsanto.  He also worked for the Norton Company as a machinist and as a dairy farmer.  He was a graduate of the Delaware College of Science and Agriculture.  He was a WWII Army veteran where he served as a paratrooper. 

He leaves his son, John D. Mogul (Dianne); his daughters, Ann M. Castaldini (Richard) and Joan S. Da Via (David); his foster daughter, Cheryl L Keddie (Edward) Edward; his brother, David Mogul; his sister, Ruth Mogul-Bialick; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.  John is predeceased by his brothers, Samuel Mogil, Jack Magill, and his sister, Sylvia Mogul-Gomberg.

Donations: Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.  Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam.

 

Lorraine M. Cote

BALLOUVILLE — Lorraine M. Cote, 62 of Ballouville, died July 2, 2015, after a long illness. She was the spouse of Patricia A. Gonzales. They were married July 26, 201,4 in Killingly. 

She was born Nov. 25, 1952, in West Warwick, R.I., daughter of the late Edgar M. and Lydia (Cabral) Lemoi. Lorraine was employed at the Rite Aid Distribution in Dayville for more than 15 years. She had a great love for animals especially her dogs. She enjoyed gardening, flowers and vegetables, and took great care in working in her yard. She was an avid bowler and bowled on many leagues. She also enjoyed her trips to the casino.

She leaves in addition to her spouse Patricia, her son Roger Cote of Connecticut; siblings, Edgar Lemoi Jr. of Rhode Island, Dorothy Sampaio of Rhode Island, Ronald Lemoi of Connecticut; devoted friends, Mary Jane Grimshaw and Sue Carroll; and all her furry friends. She was predeceased by her siblings Barbara Carlow and Kenneth Lemoi. 

The Funeral Service was July 6 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, with burial in St Joseph Cemetery, W. Warwick. Donations: Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, DKH, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. 

 

Sheila M. Kennett

PUTNAM — Sheila M. Kennett, 58, of Putnam, died unexpectedly July 1, 2015, at home. 

She was born Feb. 16, 1957, in Worcester, daughter of the late James and Marvis (Vayo) Troy. She worked as a medical secretary at Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Providence House of Worcester for a combined 32 years.

Sheila married Bryan Kennett on Sept. 12, 1998. She enjoyed traveling, spending time in her home, swimming in her pool, planting her garden and entertaining family and friends. She gave all of her time and energy towards the happiness and well-being of others, while always putting her needs last. 

She leaves behind her husband Bryan P. Kennett of Putnam; two sons Michael P. Shea of Maryville, Tenn., Zachary C. Kennett of Putnam; grandchildren Lacey, Alia and Aiden Shea of Maryville; siblings Cheryl Curll of Worcester, and the late Kevin and Michael Troy; nieces and nephews Lynn Gervais (Peter), Mathew and Michael Curll, Joseph and Daniel Forand of Worcester, Megan, Hailey and Layla Kennett of eastern Connecticut; grandnieces and grandnephew; mother-in-law Carol Kennett, sister-in-Law Robin (Daniel) Noren; brother-in-law Jason Kennett. 

A Graveside Service was July 7 in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, Mass. Donations: Abby’s House, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA, 01609. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Anthony R. Rice

WEBSTER — Webster-Anthony R. Rice, 52, died July 2, 2015. 

He was born in Webster son of the late Clark L. and Sheila M. (Bessete) Rice and lived here most of his life and also living in London, England for two years. He enjoyed computer games, World of Warcraft and tattooing. He ran and managed City Cab in Webster. Tony was also known in the area as Father Tyme.

He leaves a son Jack Anthony Rice of London, England; four brothers; Richard Rice of Ohio, James L. Rice of Webster, Edward E. Hryzan and his wife and care giver for Anthony, Kelley Clark of Webster, and Peter aka Robert Russell Hryzan of Rhode Island; sister Naomi Hryzan of Putnam. 

A celebration of life will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 10 at Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster. Donations: Beacon Hospice, 38 William St., Leominster, MA 01453.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to former Putnam High School standout athlete Rob Wagner.  Today Wagner spends his spare time on the golf course, when not on the job at Natchaug Hospital where he’s employed as a mental health worker.

The golf tournament season is in full swing and the golf committee for the Gardner Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament is hard at work finalizing plans for the tourney, which is now in its 28th year.  In memory of the late Mr. Johnson, who devoted uncounted hours on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, the tourney benefits programs at the Arc Quinebaug Valley.  The Arc has been serving the 15 towns in Windham County for more than 60 years.

Once again this year the tournament will be held at Foster Country Club in Rhode Island.  The tourney is scheduled for Friday, July 10 with the scramble event scheduled for a shotgun start at 9 a.m.  

The cost per golfer is $125 and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, continental breakfast during registration, the famous Foster-foot long hot dogs at the turn, registration gift and a steak dinner following play prior to the awards program.  The tournament is once again headed by Chairman Gene Michael Deary.

“We’re looking forward to great tournament again this year.  Our committee has gone all out to ensure that every golfer will have an enjoyable day.  This is one of our major fund-raisers of the year and provides much needed support for programs and those individuals who are the core of our mission,” said Deary.

Sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from Tournament Sponsor at $3000 to tee sponsors at $125.  Platinum sponsorship is available at $2000, Diamond ($1500), Gold ($1000), Silver ($750) and Bronze ($500).  The top four sponsorship levels also include foursomes as well as recognition in all advertising.

Anyone interested in registering to play or seeking more information should contact Crystal Simonson or Sandi Reimann at 860 774-2827.  Checks may be mailed to The Arc Quinebaug Valley, Inc., 687 Cook Hill Road, Danielson, CT 06239.

Working with Deary on the Golf Committee are Jeff Rawson, Kristine Durocher, Eric Quinn, Earl Rosebrooks, Pam Brown, David Stuyniski, Julie Ann Dupont, Susan Desrosiers, Simonson, Linda Lamoureux and Reimann. 

Killingly Redman Shines 

in All Star Game

Last week in RPC we noted that Killingly High School football player Michael Elsey was selected to play in the Super - 100 All Star Game at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.  Elsey was the first Killingly player to play in this prestigious contest.

Elsey was a key component of the Nutmeg team, helping the Nutmeggers to a 44-22 victory over the Constitution team.  Playing on the defensive unit as a cornerback, Elsey was solid.  He had an interception, which was called back when a lineman was penalized for roughing the quarterback.  Elsey came home with the “Coaches Award” for his effort in leading his defensive unit.

Cooperstown Hall of Fame 

Performer???

Tom Borner, president and CEO of Putnam Bank, isn’t recognized in northeastern Connecticut as one of the area’s more prominent athletes.  Recently Borner had something to crow about regarding an athletic event he was involved in.

This year the Connecticut Community Banks annual get together was held in Cooperstown, N.Y., the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Borner and his colleagues engaged in a softball game on the hallowed grounds of Abner Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.  The icing on the cake for the bankers is their host was former New York Yankee great Rich “Goose” Gossage.

Gossage pitched in the Major Leagues from 1972 to 1994, primarily with the Yankees but also for a short while with the San Diego Padres.  He finished with a 124-107 record, 310 saves and 1502 strikeouts.  In 2008 he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.  The nine-time all star selection was noted for his Fu Manchu facial hair.  According to Borner the Fu Manchu still adorns Gossage’s chin area.  By all reports Gossage is a very eloquent speaker and very friendly individual.

Good Bye To Two Good Friends

In our area of the State when we lose an individual who is a valuable asset to the community it’s a feeling that is difficult to overcome.  Last week northeastern Connecticut buried not one but two outstanding men who for years had a tremendous record of community service.

On Thursday, June 25 at the Westfield Congregational Church a large gathering of family and friends of Ron Robinson gathered to say a final farewell to a man who was always there to help those in need.

Robinson was an executive with Rogers Corporation for many years but his service to the communities of northeastern Connecticut more than filled his hours away from the office and desk.  Name it and Robinson was first in line when it came to volunteering.  He was the backbone of the Exchange Club of Northeastern Connecticut, a member of the Board of United Services, chairman of the Board of the Westcott-Wilcox Home, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and a member of the Day Kimball Hospital Development Committee to name a few of the organizations he was instrumental in assisting.  It will be many years before someone of Robinson’s caliber comes along.

On Friday, June 26 an overflow gathering assembled at Grille 37 in Pomfret to celebrate the life of Ashford resident and Putnam businessman Donald King.  A graduate of UConn, King was taken from his family and friends much too early in life by the dreaded cancer.

King was remembered by long time friends as a man with a great sense of humor who loved life.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and hiking with friends and family.  But when he wasn’t relaxing he was serving.  King was a member of the Putnam Rotary Club, a director of Citizens National Bank and the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.

In recent years the Putnam area community was only beginning to realize what a public servant King was, until his untimely death took him from us.  In Robinson, the greater Northeastern Connecticut community had a person who gave his all for many years.  King and Robinson two men whose value of their lives and service will never be able to be truly measured in all that they brought to their fellow man.  Never doing things for recognition but serving humbly.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Be faithful and prompt about thanking people for gifts, gestures and acts of kindness.

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

 

 

Inducted

WILLIMANTIC — One local student from Eastern Connecticut State University was recognized by the national organization, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Out of almost 100 applicants, Sarah Froehlich ’14 of Woodstock, was one of the students recognized. Froehlich’s major is pre-elementary education.

 

Honored

WORCESTER — The following local residents from Worcester Polytechnic Institute were named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the spring 2015 semester: 

Edward Graff of Danielson, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering.

John McGinn of Pomfret Center, a first year student majoring in actuarial mathematics.

Shivam Mehta of Chepachet,  a first year student majoring in biomedical engineering.

Michael Paquette of Woodstock,a first year student majoring in electrical and computer engineering.

Edward Partlow of Putnam, a senior majoring in biochemistry.

Deanna Souza of Danielson, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering.

Yu-sen Wu of Danielson, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering.

 

 

Earn degrees

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Three local students were among graduating during the University of Vermont’s 214th commencement ceremonies on May 17, 2015:  Heidi Charles, of Danielson, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences; Benjamin Morrisette, of Woodstock, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English; Samantha Humes, of Pomfret, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry.

 

Graduates

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Paige Merrow of Woodstock, graduated from Champlain College on May 9, 2015.

 

Gets degree

STANDISH, Maine — Janel Noren of Woodstock graduated from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine with a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Pre-Vet. Medicine.