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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out goes to Army veteran Ron Desrochers, who was an Airborne paratrooper during his days in the military.  Today Desrochers enjoys spending his leisure hours on the golf course, when he’s not preparing the American Legion Post #13 Color Guard for one of its many ceremonies.
Stating at his high school graduation from Tourtellotte Memorial High School, “It was the greatest day of my life,” Maurice Negip who was scheduled to receive his diploma in 1943 took to the stage in June 2010.  The reason for the delay in Negip’s graduation was the call he received from Uncle Sam during his senior year.
Negip, hailed by many as the greatest Tourtellotte athlete of the WWII era, was the first 800-point career scorer as he starred for the 1941, 1942 and 1943 Tiger basketball and baseball teams.  With Negip leading the way as the basketball team’s top scorer, the Tigers won the Quinebaug Valley Conference Championship in 1942 and 1943 and qualified for the State Tournament in 1941, 1942 and 1943.
In 1943 Tourtellotte was ranked among the top three high schools in Connecticut.  On the way to the title game they beat Glastonbury, Bloomfield and Guilfort before losing to Ellsworth in the Championship contest.  Many attribute the loss in the finals to the absence of Negip who was forced to attend his induction physical the day of the CIAC championship game.
Like many young men of his era, Negip was pulled from high school during his senior year and sent to Europe to fight the Nazis.  It took the school 67 years to realize that Negip hadn’t officially graduated, making “the greatest day of his life,” his June 2010 graduation ceremony in front of approximately 600 teary eyed spectators.  Negip will be posthumously inducted into the TMHS Athletic Hall of Fame June 22.
Golf Trip Turns Ugly…
An annual golf trip to Southern Pines, N.C.,  for eight members of the Danielson Elks turned into a near tragedy when one of the group, the well known Ernie Caron was struck by an automobile and seriously injured.  The accident occurred when the group was headed to dinner and Caron was hit as he prepared to cross a busy intersection.
As a result of the accident Caron was airlifted to Duke Medical Center in Chapel Hill, where it’s estimated he’ll be for approximately five to six weeks.  He suffered multiple broken bones and required 69 staples to his head after being thrown approximately 30 feet in the air from the automobile versus pedestrian collision.
Needless to say, the accident put a damper on the trip for the other members of the party, which included Doc Baker, Frank Hegedus, Obie Hewitt, Nelson Ladd, Tom Laird, Mark Windrow and John Holt.
Anyone interested in sending Caron get well wishes should contact the Danielson Lodge of Elks for mailing information.
Fitch High School Grad on SI Cover…
The May 20 cover photo of Sports Illustrated featured former Fitch High School and Eastern Connecticut Conference all-star pitcher Matt Harvey currently of the New York Mets.  The cover is entitled, “The DARK KNIGHT of Gotham.”  The subtitle states, “In an era dominated by the power pitcher, the Mets’ Matt Harvey has the ferocity of stuff and will to rise above them all.”  The feature story of the magazine issue, written by noted sports writer Tom Verducci, also features photos and quotes from Harvey’s dad, Ed Harvey, noted former baseball coach of the Fitch Falcons.
Although the 2013 New York Mets look very much like the 1962 first Mets team that featured “Marvelous Marv” Throneberry, an aging Don Zimmer and the like, Harvey has been the lone shining star.  As of press time, Harvey is a perfect 5-0 with a sparkling earn run average of 1.93.  New Yorkers are pulling for him to be named to the National League All-Star team.  The game is scheduled to be played in New York at Citi Field the home of the Mets.
It certainly would be a feather in Harvey’s baseball cap if he were selected and named as the starting pitcher.
Another Shot in the Offing…
Last week RPC mentioned that former Tourtellotte pitching standout Brian Chaput had been released by the Can-Am League Newark Bears.  Chaput, 28, was at last week’s Putnam versus Woodstock baseball game and reports that Newark has been in contact and wants to re-sign him for this season.
According to the left-handed hurler, should he hook on again with the Bears he’ll most likely be a starting pitcher.  He did mention, starter or reliever, he’d be happy to be back in organized baseball.
From the Annals Of Putnam
Sports History…
May 1906: In baseball, C.A.C. Club of Putnam defeated the Holy Cross College second team before 800 fans at Morse Field, 9-5.
Putnam High School defeated Killingly 14-11; and Webster High, 4-3 in baseball.  Information contributed by Willie Zamagni.)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Getting old is when it takes you longer to rest than it did to get tired.

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Memorial Day
captions from left bottom, clockwise:



Veterans' Color Guard --- combined VFW Post 1523 & American Legion Post 13, with auxiliary units.

The East Putnam Fire District crew ready for the Putnam parade.

Gloria and Al Paine of Pomfret

Scout at Pomfret parade.

Ayla LaPrade's first parade.

Pomfret war veterans

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Mary Jane Kozlowski
PUTNAM —  Mary Jane Theresa Kozlowski, 76, of Church Street, died May 24, 2013.  She was the wife of Peter L. Kozlowski.  Born in 1936 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late Gerard and Cecelia (Anderson) Cazeault.
Mrs. Kozlowski worked as a stitcher for Bates Shoe for 30 years.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening, crocheting, knitting, and bingo.  She also enjoyed going to the ocean.
In addition to her husband, she leaves her sons, David P. Kozlowski (Patricia) of Thompson and Michael P. Kozlowski (Valerie) of Thompson; her daughters, Mary Ann Paglione (Jeffery) of Putnam, Deborah A. Landry (John) of N. Grosvenordale, Donna L. Russo (John) of N. Grosvenordale, and Judith M. Hebert (Joseph) of N. Grosvenordale; her sister Cecile Butler of Webster; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.  She was predeceased by her grandson, Christopher Petrunia.
The Mass of Christian Burial was May 29 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

Faith Withey
WOODSTOCK VALLEY — Faith “Jan” (Lee) Withey, 89, of Woodstock Valley, died of a battle with cancer on May 23, 2013. Born July 18, 1923, in N. Coventry, she was daughter of the late Jesse R. and Lillian (Hall) Lee.
She has made her home in Woodstock Valley for the past 56 years. She was a graduate of the University of Hartford and UConn majoring in education. She taught school for 30 years in both Coventry and Woodstock, she considered all her students her own children. She was a life member of the Teachers Retirement Association and the Good Sam Club.
She leaves her sister Virginia Charette of Manchester; two brothers Jesse R. Lee and William J. Lee of Ocala, Fla.; nephews and nieces. Faith is predeceased by three sisters, Fern Newmann, Mary Davis and Doris Lee; three brothers, Gordon Lee, Frederick Lee, and Robert Lee.
She is now reunited with her lover, best friend and husband Arthur N. Withey. Together they built a home that was comfortable, warm, and full of love.
A Memorial Service was May 29 at the Thompson Congregational Church, 347 Thompson Rd (Rt. 193), Thompson, CT. Donations: Oncology Dept., Day Kimball Hospital, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home , 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Romeo P. Frechette
THOMPSON — Romeo P. Frechette, 66, of Quaddick Town Farm Road, died  May 22, 2013, in Rhode Island Hospital.  Born in 1947 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Harry and Loretta (Joly) Frechette.
Mr. Frechette worked as a roofer and a self-employed carpenter.  He enjoyed woodworking and furniture making.
He leaves his son, Damon Frechette of Putnam; his daughter, Loretta Beal of Putnam; his sister Rita Guay (Donald) of Chicopee, Mass.; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Rose Elias.
The Mass of Christian Burial was May 28 at St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

Ruth Bourey-Healy
CHARLTON — Ruth Bourey - Healy, 79, of Masonic Home Road, formerly of Woodstock and Chaplin, died May 23, 2013, in Harrington Memorial Hospital.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph W. Bourey and her second husband, Robert Healy.  Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Helen (Bassett) Moreau.
Ruth was a stay at home mom before attending Manchester Community College and having a long career at Commerce Insurance.  She loved travelling, reading and volunteering in community activities.  She was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock serving on several committees and very active in the Chaplin Democratic Comity when she lived there.
She leaves sons, Steve Bourey (Susan Quimby) of Portland, Maine, and Michael Bourey and his partner Tina Cargene of Canterbury; sisters, Erline Reilly of New Hampshire and Maryanne Halford of St. George, Utah; grandchildren: Grace, Lily and Michaela.
The Funeral was May 28 in the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, with burial in Woodstock Hill Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Stephanie Szafarowicz
WOODSTOCK — Stephanie “Stephie” Szafarowicz, 53, of Brickyard Road, died May 22, 2013, at home. She is the wife of Michael Szafarowicz.  Born in 1960 in Worcester, she is the daughter of Stephen J. Nedoroscik of Douglas, Mass., and the late Jane (Chojnacki) Nedoroscik.
Mrs. Szafarowicz was a 1978 graduate of St. Mary High School in Worcester.  She worked as a manager at Ocean State Job Lot in Sturbridge.
Mrs. Szafarowicz enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking.
In addition to her husband and father, she leaves her son, David Szafarowicz of Auburn; a daughter Kathryn Shead (Benjamin) of Thompson; a brother John Nedoroscik of Worcester; her sisters Jane Gervais of Worcester, and Catherine Iwanoh of Oxford; grandchildren, Joshua, Isabelle, Zachary, Raya, Teagan, Samuel, Austin, Damion, and Allysha; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased her sister Christine Buckley.
The Mass of Christian Burial was May 25 in St. Stephen Church, Quinebaug. Donations:  American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

Ellen Weidman
DANIELSON — Ellen Jane Weidman, 94, of Danielson, formerly of Woodstock, died May 18, 2013, at the Regency Heights in Danielson. She was the wife of the late Lt. Commander U.S. Navy Retired Donald J. Weidman.
She was born July 28, 1918, daughter of the late James and Ellen Farrell. She had made her home in Woodstock for many years. She had a great love for books and was surrounded by them while working in the library at Nichols College. She traveled with her military husband, and she enjoyed playing Bridge, classical music, the theater and reading.  
She leaves a daughter Catherine Joyal of Taftville; grandchildren Geoffrey Joyal (Heide) of Norwich; Rebecca Weidman Quade (Randy) of Colorado; great-grandchildren: Anthony Joyal-Cimmino of Union, twins Allie Quade and Katie Quade of Colorado; her dog Corey a Welsh Corgi. She was predeceased by her son Thomas J. Weidman.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations: Salvation Army. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Kim J. Soltys
THOMPSON — Kim J. (Hufault) Soltys, 43, died May 22, 2013, after a battle with cancer.
She was born in Southbridge and graduated from Bay Path in 1987 and worked for 28 years as a graphic designer for MBI graphics in Southbridge. She also worked 21 years for Marie’s Catering.
She enjoyed reading, the beach, gardening and all animals.
She leaves her husband of nine years, Stephen Soltys; her kids Sam, Duke and Sable; her mother Doris (Young) Hufault; three sisters, Judy Bachand and husband Greg, Nancy Darbee and Felix Cardenas, Donna Lamey and her husband Ken; one brother, Gary Hufault and wife Lisa. She was predeceased by Father, Leopold Hufault.
She unselfishly made an Anatomical gift to the UMass Medical School.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. June 1 in St. Joseph Basilica, Webster. Donations: Second Chance Animal Shelter and UMass Medical Foundation. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.

Gregory Westerman
WEBSTER — Gregory A. Westerman, 44, died May 20, 2013, at home, after a period of declining health.
Greg was born in Webster, the son of Randal Westerman and the late Justine (Gawle). He lived all his life in Webster, but was no stranger to travel. He served a year in the Army doing his basic training in Oklahoma. Greg worked as an Apprentice Printer at Cranston Print Works and later at Stevens Linen Mill.  Greg could often be found sitting at a quiet spot at the lake while reading a favorite book or dropping a line to fish.  He was a movie buff with a collection that included all genres of film.
He leaves his father Randal Westerman of N. Grosvenordale; brother John Westerman (Cheryl) of Webster; aunt, Elinor Sullivan (Kevin); uncles, Frank Westerman (Ginny), Philip Westerman (Rose), David Westerman (Judy), Mark Hinchey (Deborah) and George Deal.  Greg was predeceased by his brother Mark and his sister Christine.
The Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. June 1 at St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster. Donations: Webster Emergency Room Fund, Office of Development, c/o Harrington Health Care Systems, 100 South St., Southbridge, MA 01550. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.

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Woodstock Elementary/Middle
Monday: Baked potatoes, broccoli. Tuesday: Ham steaks, peas. Wednesday: Chicken tenders, wax beans. Thursday: American Chop Suey, black beans. Friday: Pizza, carrot sticks, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Calzones, fruit tray. Tuesday: Hamburgers or cheeseburgers, carrot snax with dip, diced pears. Wednesday: Turkey sandwiches, veggie cups, apple slices. Thursday: Pizza, diced peaches. Friday: Beef or bean tacos, corn, fruit.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday - Elementary: Steak and cheese pockets. Middle: Shaved steak and cheese stuffed into wheat sub rolls. Tuesday: Teriyaki rice bowls with stir fry vegetables. Wednesday: Chicken Caesar salads. Thursday: Ziti, meatsauce, roasted vegetables. Friday: Seasoned chicken quesadilla, Cuban black bean salad.
Putnam High
Monday: Lasagna, roasted vegetables. Tuesday: General Tsao Chicken, spring rolls. Wednesday: BBQ chicken flat bread, corn. Thursday: - Bag Lunch Day: Turkey and cheese on Kaiser rolls, carrots. Friday: Tilapia, rice pilaf, carrots.