Honored

EASTON, Mass. —  Pomfret Center native Kathryn R. Lusa, a member of the Class of 2017, was recently inducted into Stonehill College’s Lambda Epsilon Sigma Honor Society. Lusa is a Arts Administration major.

 

Inducted

WILLIMANTIC —  On April 19, Eastern Connecticut State University inducted select students into the Delta Omega chapter of Delta Mu Delta, the national honor society for business administration and related disciplines: Evan Backus ’17 of Pomfret Center, major is Business Administration; Connor Fagan ’16 of Putnam, major is Business Administration; Sean Haythe ’16 of Danielson, major is Finance; Gabrielle Reynolds ’17 of Dayville, Economics and Finance.

 

Inducted

WILLIMANTIC — Medina Hosaini, ’17 of Dayville was inducted into Eastern Connecticut State University’s Eta Omega chapter of the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society. 

 

Inducted

WILLIMANTIC —  Eastern Connecticut State University’s chapter of the international honor society for English, Sigma Tau Delta, recently welcomed new members: Jessica Forst ’16 of Pomfret Center, who majors in English; Sean Gilmartin ’16 of Eastford, who majors in English; Cherie Green ’16 of Putnam, who majors in English; Kelly Huhtanen ’16 of Pomfret Center, who majors in Elementary Education.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to U.S. Coast Guard veteran John Turner.  Since separating from the military, Turner is part of the medical staff at Backus Hospital, where he works in the Emergency Department.

Jim Siekierski is noted in Southern New England for his involvement in golf as the operator of the Webster – Dudley Golf Course, formerly known as Nichols College Golf Course.  He’s also remembered as the club champion at Raceway Golf Course and as the 1991 Willimantic Amateur golf champion.

In a ceremony scheduled for Saturday, June 25 at Ryscavage Auditorium on the campus of Tourtellotte Memorial High School Siekierski will be inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in the Class of 2016.

Siekierski enters the Hall for his exploits as a basketball and baseball player while a student at Tourtellotte in 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971.  The versatile Siekierski was also a member of the school’s cross-country and soccer teams.  He earned eight varsity letters with the Tigers.

As a pitcher and infielder for legendary coach Tom Auclair, Siekierski starred on the diamond, ending his career with a batting average over .300.  He was named a Quinebaug Valley Conference all star as a sophomore, junior and senior.  The highlight of his high school pitching career came in his senior season when he threw a no-hitter in a game against Ellis Tech.

Siekierski was equally adept on the basketball court earning QVC all-star status as a senior and being recognized by the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

Following graduation from Tourtellotte, Siekierski continued as a two-sport star at Nichols College, playing baseball for four years and basketball as a sophomore and senior.  He holds a number of baseball records for the Bison.  As a sophomore he registered a no-hitter.  As a senior he was honored by being named to Who’s Who in College Athletics.  In 2001 he was inducted in the Nichols College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Redmen One Stroke Shy At Wildcat…

Killingly High School golf coach Kevin Marcoux constantly reminds his golfers never to give up on a hole as every stroke counts when tabulating the final team scores.  His reminder could not have been more accurate than at the 44th Wildcat Invitational held recently at the Mohegan Sun Golf Club in Baltic.

The Redmen aiming to claim the championship in the 20-team event came up one stroke shy in their quest to capture the 18-hole tourney.  They were edged by Portland High School in the team event 336 to  337.  In the individual competition they fared somewhat better as senior Drew Aitken captured medalist honors, posting a four over par 76.  He beat Portland’s Nick Piersall by one stroke.  Aitken’s teammates, Connor Fillmore and Ben Lovrien tied for 9th with a score of 83.  Ryan Black of Woodstock Academy was also in the group tied for 9th. 

As a team, Killingly’s two golfers behind Aitken and Fillmore were John Aitken with an 84 and Connor Liebscher at 94.  Killingly’s second entry of Lovrien (83), Dylan Liebscher (89), Nolan Marcoux (101 ) and Tom Liebscher (105) finished in 11th place.  

Woodstock Academy with a team score of 366 placed a respectable 9th, paced by Black’s 83.  Other Woodstock finishers were Ben Harrington (86), Christian Bombara (96) and Jordan Lamothe (101).  The other local entry, Plainfield, posted a score of 459.

The female competition was a nine-hole individual match.  Woodstock Academy junior Roxanne Garceau won the crown by four strokes over her closest competitor Hannah Slocum of Norwich Free Academy.  Garceau posted a winning score of 50.  Rachel Byrne also of Woodstock finished 4th, while the Acads Eva Yu tied for 7th and Katherine Harrington tied for 9th.

In Portsmouth, Rhode Island at The Carnegie Abbey Club, Marianapolis men’s team finished 4th in the SENE Championship.  The Golden Knights Tyler Carlson carded a team best score of 78 in the 18-hole match.

Football Clinic…

The Assumption College Greyhounds football team fresh off a trip to the NCAA Division II Sweet-16 under head coach Bob Chesney is holding a one-day Hounds Football Clinic on Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Last season, Chesney in his fourth season at Assumption led the football Hounds to an 11-2 record and the Northeast-10 Conference championship.  The clinic will be held at the Assumption College state-of-the-art Multi-Sport Stadium.

The clinic is open to students entering grades 10-12.  It will focus on fundamentals and techniques for quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers and defensive backs.  Registration is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Laska Gymnasium adjacent to the Multi-Sport Stadium.

The fee is $75 per attendee, which includes a clinic tee shirt.  Participants are asked to bring their own helmet and water.  Quarterbacks should bring their own football.  The day will feature an introduction by Coach Chesney, as well as offensive and defensive drills, one-on-one and 7-on-7 sessions and other situations and techniques.    

For more information or to register call Assumption College Athletics 508.767.7279 or visit social media on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Killingly Coach Steps Down…

Mark Lowell, who guided the basketball fortunes of the Killingly High School girls’ team for the past five years, announced his resignation from the position on Wednesday, May 18.  Last season, Lowell led the team to one of its best seasons in years, when the Redgals posted a 9-13 record.

Lowell informed Killingly athletic director Gene Blain of his decision, indicating that he’ll pursue a new career path.  He’s a criminal justice major and hopes to return to his original career path in law enforcement.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: You go this way in life only once – don’t waste the trip.

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

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

A flurry of action took place last week as local teams were hoping for the victories necessary to propel them into the CIAC postseason.

Two teams, Plainfield and Ellis Tech are definitely in the postseason, as each has easily surpassed the eight victory plateau.  On the other end of the spectrum, Killingly and Putnam can collect the uniforms and equipment as they finished the regular season shy of the magic number of eight wins.  

Tourtellotte Memorial High School and Woodstock Academy are hanging on by a proverbial thread.  Woodstock is in a must win situation, having to win its final game of the season, against a competitive New London team.  Tourtellotte needs one wins in its final two games.  Both teams should be making novenas this week as their chances are slim to none.

Marianapolis reached the championship game of the SENE but lost the title in a competitive contest.  The Golden Knights are awaiting word on whether they move on in the New England’s.  Pomfret School was shutout in its only game of the week. 

Plainfield and Ellis Tech Left Standing

Plainfield solidly in the CIAC picked up a couple wins in the final week of regular season play.  The Panthers opened the week in startling fashion.  After falling behind 12-1 to a very good Montville team, Plainfield rallied to tie the game 13-13 after seven innings.  The final five innings of the game became the David Carpenter show as he pitched the final five innings, striking out six Indians.  In the bottom of the ninth, Carpenter helped his own cause by walloping a walkoff solo home run to cap the victory and pick up the win on the mound.  He had three hits in the game with three RBI while his teammate Jeff Nicolosi had a pair of hits and two runs-batted-in.

Sadly, Montville avenged the win later in the week beating the Panthers 5-4.  Plainfield is 12-7 on the season and 6-4 in the Eastern Connecticut Conference – Medium Division.  Sandwiched between the Montville games, Plainfield strolled past Tourtellotte 17-2.  The Panthers led by Dave Kumiega, Dylan Horn and Carpenter scored at least one run in every inning.

Tourtellotte, which has been finding it difficult to score runs lately lost to Lyman Memorial 8-1.  The Tigers kept their postseason hopes alive with a narrow 5-4 win over Wheeler.  Alex Angelo’s walkoff double proved to be the difference.  Logan Putnam had a two-run homer in support of winning pitcher Jake Dutcher, who went the distance.  

The Tigers continued their improbable run to the postseason with a big 23-3 offensive outburst in beating Windham Tech.  Winning pitcher Alex Angelo received offensive support from his twin brother Hunter who was 2-for-4 and Noah Putnam who was 3-for-4.  Both Angelo and Putnam had three RBI in the win.  The Tigers are 7-11 on the season and 2-8 in the ECC Small.

Ellis Tech played three games and was able to pick up the middle game of the trio of contests.  The Golden Eagles shutout Windham Tech 12-0 behind the strong arm of Chuck Innes who fanned 16 batters in tossing a three hitter.  Saige Louis and Justin Dufault had three hits apiece in support of Innes.  Brett Ravenelle drove in four runs for the winners.  

Early in the week, Woodstock Academy rode the pitching of Evan O’Connor who pitched a 4-0 no-hitter at the Techmen.  O’Connor helped his cause by going 2-for-4 at the plate with a pair of runs-batted-in.  Ellis Tech fell to Wheeler 8-2 in its final game of the week.  The Golden Eagles are 11-8 overall and 9-1 in the Constitution State Conference – East.

Woodstock Academy picked up an 8-7 win over Bacon Academy in a game played in Colchester.  Eric Preston who was 2-for-4 with two RBI connected on a two-out single to drive in what proved to be the winning run in the top of the seventh inning.  David Redfield who was 3-for-4 was the winning pitcher.  In its final game of the week the 7-12 overall and 3-6 ECC – Large Centaurs were trampled 21-1 by East Lyme.

Killingly, which is eliminated from the postseason and finished the regular season at 6-14, split four games in the final week of the season.  The Redmen beat Wheeler 10-1 as Ben Desaulnier and Derek Grzysiewicz powered the offense with home runs.  Drew Daley pitched a one-hitter for the win.

Killingly’s other win was a 3-1 victory over Putnam in a game played at Dodd Stadium in Norwich.  Evan Zanauskas and Nick Morin drove in the key runs.  Daley was strong in relief, striking out four Clippers in two innings.  Nick Foucault was the losing pitcher.  He struck out eight Redmen and drove in the lone Putnam run.  

In its other two contests Killingly lost to New London by scores of 7-2 and 7-6.

Putnam, which is closing out the season in dismal fashion was shutout 4-0 by Norwich Tech in a CSC – East contest and was shutout by Griswold 7-0.  The Clippers are 6-13 on the year and 4-6 in the CSC – East.

Marianapolis opened SENE league championship play by beating St. Thomas More 10-0 in the semifinals.  Dalton Bodreau no-hit the Moremen for the victory.  The Golden Knights fell in the title game losing the championship to Providence Country Day 10-6.  Peter Russo had two hits off the bench for Marianapolis.

Pomfret School was shutout 7-0 by Suffolk Academy in its only game of the week.  Andrew Brown suffered the loss for the Golden Griffins.

 

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Douglas W. Valentine

BROOKLYN — Douglas W. Valentine, 68, of Brooklyn, died May 20, 2016, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He was the beloved partner of Barbara Rasmussen. He was born May 26, 1947, in New Haven, son of Marjorie (McFarland) and the late George Valentine.

Douglas was a graduate of Quinnipiac University, an avid golfer, enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod, and most recently was a board member of the Northeastern Connecticut  Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Putnam Rotary Club. He retired as a commercial lender at Citizens National Bank in Putnam.

Douglas leaves his partner of 15 years Barbara of Brooklyn; her daughter Samantha Rasmussen and granddaughter Nova Stiles of Putnam; mother Marjorie of Wallingford; sister, Sandi Cunningham (Jack) of Mount Pleasant, S.C.; and his nephew Ross Cunningham of Mount Pleasant.

Services were private. Donations: Putnam Rotary Club, PO Box 604, Putnam, CT 06260; or Masonicare Health Center, PO Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 

 

Joseph Szarkowicz Sr.,

WWII vet

DAYVILLE — Joseph J. Szarkowicz, Sr., 91, formerly of Mason Hill Rd., Dayville, died May 17, 2016, at the Autumn Lake Facility in New Britain. He was born Dec. 7, 1924, in Killingly, son of the late Frank and Magdalena (Stojda) Szarkowicz. 

Joseph was a 1943 graduate of Killingly High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation. Joseph was assigned as a Medic with ‘L’ Company of the 63 infantry division serving in France and Germany. During action on Jan. 3, 1945, in Gros-Réderching, France, though injured himself, with disregard for his own safety crawled foxhole to foxhole under heavy fire treating the wounded. For this he was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. 

Upon his discharge in 1946 Joseph returned to Dayville and married Theresa (Lada) Szarkowicz, who predeceased him June 23, 2012, after 64 years of marriage. Joseph was a lifelong resident of Killingly, working for numerous manufacturing firms while also running the family dairy farm with his brother Raymond. Joseph loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, was an avid reader, a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. Joseph loved animals, never without a dog and never left his role as a medic, whenever anyone was hurt the response was “go find Joe.”

He leaves his children: Joseph Szarkowicz Jr. (Cheryl) of Brooklyn, his twin daughters Joanne Laflamme of Bristol and Jackie Nair of W. Hartford; grandchildren Alex Szarkowicz, Robyne Joslyn (Steve) and Christopher Laflamme; great-grandchildren Grady and Kinley Joslyn and Jacob Laflamme. Joseph was predeceased by his brothers Frank, John, Stephen, Raymond; sisters Frances Luczak, Victoria Samborski, Anne Rzeznikiewicz and Mary Chrabaszcz and his son-in-law Robert Nair. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was May 20 at St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial with military honors in Holy Cross Cemetery. Danielson. Donations: Your local VFW. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Kevin A. Moyer,

Army vet

DANIELSON — Kevin A. Moyer, 59, of Danielson, died May 19, 2016, at home. 

He was born Nov. 29, 1956 in Sunbury, Penn., son of the late Melvin and Violet Moyer. He enjoyed golfing with his sons, Penn State football, the Philadelphia Eagles. He would offer a helping hand to anyone that asked because he enjoyed helping others in need. He loved family vacations, and Virginia Beach was his favorite location, especially with his extensive family of origin that lives in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Kevin served in the U.S. Army as a civil engineer and then as an explosives ordinance disposal specialist. He worked for the U.S. Secret Service during the 1980 Presidential campaign. He provided protection detail to VIP dignitaries during his military career, received the Soldier of the Year award, an Army Commendation medal and a Humanitarian Service Medal. After his military career he moved his family from Pennsylvania to Connecticut in 1985, continuing his career in the explosives industry. He eventually opened his own computer consultation business, Computer Age, and was also employed at ECSU as an IT Technician until he left his position in late 2015.

He leaves his wife Debora Moyer of Danielson; two sons Nathaniel Moyer and Joshua Moyer of Brooklyn; his daughter-in-law Amber Moyer of Brooklyn; three grandchildren , Logan Moyer, Ella Moyer and Ava Moyer of Brooklyn; brothers Larry Moyer of Virginia and Melvin Moyer of Pennsylvania; sisters Sheri Spickler, Sharon Landis, Julie Ranck, Melanie Moore, Melinda Wieand and Tammy Gallo of Pennsylvania.

The funeral was May 23 with burial with military honors at the New South Killingly Cemetery, Killingly. Donations: UMass Memorial Medical Center, Cancer Care Center, Clinical Trials Research Department, 55 Lake Ave. North, Worcester, MA 01655. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Christopher S. Collins

PUTNAM —  Christopher “Chrispy” Collins, 41, of Woodside St., died May 19, 2016, in Hartford Hospital. He was the husband of Kristin (Preble) Collins.  Born in 1974 in Norwich, he was the son of Charles G. Collins and his wife Barbara of Taftville, and Joyce (Santerre) Postovoit of Moosup.   

Chris was a mechanic for 12 years for King Cadillac in Putnam.  He was a member of the Putnam Fire Department where he rose to the rank of captain engineer.  He was a member of the Putnam Fish & Game Club and the Ronin Wheelers Jeep Club.  He participated in Tony’s Track Days in Louden, NH and was an avid motorcyclist who also enjoyed off-roading and four wheeling. 

He was a part of “Off Camber Produkshuns” where he filmed many drone videos in the local area.  

Chris also enjoyed vacationing in Maine with his family.  

In addition to his wife Kristin and his parents, he leaves his daughter Grace Collins; his sister Marie Dupre (Kevin) of Putnam; his brother Charles J. “Chuck” Collins of Middletown; his sister in-law Debi Collins of Middletown; his father in-law Richard Preble of Putnam; his brother in-law, Jon Preble of Putnam; his nieces Lexi, Kylie, and Erin; and his nephews, Colin, Devin, and Dominic. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Ruth Holly Preble.  

Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. May 28 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

Donations: Chris’ Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/24epgvw

 

Kathleen Champagne

DUDLEY — Kathleen M. (Borski) Champagne, 65, died May 17, 2016, in Harrington Hospital, Southbridge.  

She was born in Webster daughter of the late Joseph A. Borski Sr. and Alice (LaPlante) Borski and lived in Southbridge most of her life.  

She leaves two brothers, Joseph Borski Jr. of Webster and William Borski of Charlton; and two sisters, Shirley Rekowski of Webster and Jacqueline Arpin of N. Grosvenordale. She was predeceased by five brothers and two sisters.

There will be a private celebration of life for the family and burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace.  Donations: Charity of donor’s choice.  The Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Gagne Service

POMFRET  --- The Memorial Service for Simonne Morissette Gagne will be held at 11 a.m. on June 4 at the Holy Trinity Church.

 

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