By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to Eric Quinn of Gerardi Insurance.  Quinn is an active supporter of youth sports in the greater Putnam region.  He’s an avid follower of the Woodstock Academy football team.

The Woodstock Academy girls’ soccer team along with coach Dennis Snelling and assistant Jennifer Bruneau traveled to Hartford for the YMCA Celebrates Champions event on Thursday, October 22.  The program featured five-time U.S. Soccer Player of the Year Mia Hamm.  The team was able to attend the program thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

Hamm, the mother of 8-year-old twin sons and another 3-year-old boy, regaled the audience of more than 500 in attendance at the Connecticut Convention Center with stories ranging from her youth through her Gold Medal Olympic success.  The head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team Tony DiCicco served as the moderator, leading Hamm through the interview process.

Hamm related stories about growing up in a caring military family that included an adopted brother.  When asked who the biggest inspiration in her life was, she answered her brother Garrett, who died from complications related to Aplastic Anemia, a bone marrow disease.  She’s established the Mia Hamm Foundation in his memory.

“Garrett was strong, brave and courageous throughout his battle with his disease.  He battled to the end and always maintained a great sense of humor.  He was such an inspiration to me and my family,” said Hamm.

The woman named the “Most Marketable Female Athlete” by Street & Smith was named to the soccer National team at the age of 15.  She was a three-time All American at the University of North Carolina and a member f the 1996 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal team.  She told the audience that hearing the National Anthem at the 1996 Olympics was one of the biggest moments in her life.  The humble Hamm closed by stating, “I was just a player on the best team in the world.”

Members of the Centaur team on hand for the evening included Makara Sorel, Kathryn McLaughlin, Regan Stuyniski, Jessica Semancik, Ciri Miller, Ivy Gelhaus, Ashleigh Angle, Serenity Bottieri, Colette Cloutier, Heather Converse, Emily Lengyel, Irene Askitis, Deana Guilani, Broklynn Saracina, Caroline Schad, Kennedy Davignon, Kiara Ballou, Teagan Lynch and Olivia Perry.

Also on hand representing the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center were Betty Hale, Paul Kelly, Laurence and Helen Hale, Marc and Grant Cerrone, and Jim and Brooke Zahansky.  Tony Gronski, executive director of the YM CA Camp Woodstock, assisted with program arrangements.

Maple St. Madness

Putnam Science Academy will unveil its 2015-2016 basketball team on Saturday, November 14 in a program scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.  The one-hour action-packed program will feature a 3-point shooting contest, dunk contest, face painting for kids, performance by a surprise dance team, music by DJ Drew and special contests for those in attendance.  The highlight of the program will feature the introduction of the latest edition of the PSA Mustangs including UConn bound Captain Mamadou Diarra.  As part of the evening Diarra will sign his National Letter of Intent, officially becoming a UConn Husky.

According to Director of Athletics and basketball coach Tom Espinosa, the honored guest of the evening will be newly appointed Headmaster Don Cushing.  Cushing, who is the former principal of Bartlett High School in Webster, was a star basketball player at Worcester State University.

The evening filled with fun activities, contests and giveaways is open to the public.  There is no admission fee.

Another Broken Record 

at Killingly

Killingly High School’s super stick handler Alyssa Rainey now stands alone in field hockey career and season scoring at the school.  In the last regular season game, a 6-0 victory over Waterford, Rainey tallied a pair of goals, giving her 30 on the season.  Her performance helped her surpass former record holder Gina Allen who had the mark with 28.

Two weeks earlier, Rainey surpassed Allen’s career goal mark when she recorded goal number 49 of her career.  As the Redgals prepare for the Eastern Connecticut Conference postseason tournament and the CIAC championships, they close the regular season at 11-3-2 and 10-2-2 in the ECC.

On The Heal

Putnam High School soccer player Saige Morin is healing following an unfortunate incident in a game against New London in which she broke her leg.  Morin, who is a junior, was one of the Clippers offensive weapons from her striker position prior to her misfortune.  Send her some words of encouragement c/o Putnam High School, 152 Woodstock Ave., Putnam 06260.

Veteran Runner Working With Young Harriers

Putnam’s Scott Deslongchamps is recognized as one of the area’s premier long distance runners but a little known fact is the size of Deslongchamps heart.  Whenever possible he does the little things to help others with little or no recognition.  An example of his generosity was the year he ran the Deary Memorial Road Race course throughout the night to raise extra funds for the cause.

Most recently Deslongchamps has been mentoring twin brothers Luke and Dillon Lopriore, the former Ellis Tech track and cross country standouts.  In a recent race the student surpassed the master when Luke Lopriore finished first and Deslongchamps second at the Worcester 5K run at Worcester State University.  Lopriore is currently training for the Turkey Trot that is run at the site of the West Thompson Dam.  His goal is to cross the finish line ahead of the rest of the field.

While at Ellis Tech the Lopriore twins were four-year honor students.  Luke also captured the Connecticut State title in the masonry skills challenge.

Becher Watch

Former Woodstock Academy female soccer standout Emily Becher continues to impress with her scoring for the Eastern Connecticut State University Lady Warriors.  Becher’s latest feat was a two goal, one assist performance in a 7-1 win over Rhode Island College.  Her effort helped ECSU clinch its sixth Little East Conference title in 16 seasons.  

Her latest performance helped the sophomore continue her climb in the Eastern Connecticut State University Top 10 career scoring parade.  The Lady Warriors are 12-3-1 and 6-0 in the Little East as they prepare for tourney action.       

Gridiron Stats

It doesn’t seem possible but the high school football season is in its ninth week of competition as the teams roll toward Thanksgiving Day.  Killingly’s Austin Caffrey is the area’s dominant player as he’s racked up 1,180 yards and 14 touchdowns in six games for the 5-1 Redmen.  His teammate quarterback Kyle Desrosier leads the area with seven touchdown passes.  Chuck Innes of the Quinebaug Valley Pride is second in that category with five TD tosses.  Derosier’s favorite target Vasileios Politis is the leader in touchdown receptions with five.  He’s trailed by Saige Louis of the Pride with four.

A special tip of the sports fedora to Killingly coach Chad Neal who has his team in the top spot in the Class M State rankings.  Should the Redmen continue their fine play, they will enter the postseason for the first time in many moons.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Be reliable, faithful and finish what you start.  

(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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Internship

WILLIMANTIC — Thirteen high-achieving theatre students from ECSU worked internships in theatres across New England throughout the summer 2015 semester. Ty Collige ’14, a resident of Woodstock Valley who studies theatre and communication, interned at Connecticut Repertory Theatre in Storrs. Collige’s internship involved carpentry and run crew tasks.

 

 

Dr. Gary L. Weller, DDS

Dr. Gary Lee Weller of Putnam Heights, departed this earth unexpectedly on Saturday, October 24, 2015, onto his next journey, following an accident while flying his airplane, one of his many passions. 

He was born in 1949.

Dr. Weller received his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1979 and began practicing his craft in Michigan. Thereafter, he established a thriving dental practice in the Boston area. Concurrent with his medical training and career, he rose through the ranks as an FAA certificated pilot and began flying for various airlines including Eastern and US Airways. Upon his retirement from the airlines, he moved his home and dental office, Weller Dental Associates, to Putnam.

A man of many talents and interests, Gary enjoyed flying most of all. A very accomplished and respected pilot, he never encountered a plane he couldn’t fly. Whether it be one of his vintage or antique airplanes, an ultra modern Mooney, or a passenger jet, he was equally at home behind the controls. His airline colleagues dubbed him “the flying dentist,” others referred to him as a “pilot’s pilot” as well as a teacher and a mentor. 

Gary loved to travel. He and Sharon had many adventures by air to so many wonderful places along with very dear friends. He also owned a BMW motorcycle and would ride frequently with his dearest friend Bill. The two would take weeklong trips over thousands of miles to many interesting places. An accomplished woodworker, craftsman and journeyman electrician, he possessed an uncanny “MacGyver” like talent to fix almost anything and considered it a personal failure to call in a professional!

He truly was a Renaissance man in every sense of the word. He taught himself how to play guitar and enjoyed (in his words) “massacring a song” every now and then and joking with friends and family to “cover their ears” when he picked up his guitar.

A great man with a sharp wit, keen intellect, and a unique sense of humor, Gary made us all laugh. A soft and giving heart, he never said no to a favor or turned away a patient in need. He had the ability to take away pain and make us healthy and whole. He had a zest for life and had the ability to make anyone laugh. 

 Gary leaves his wife, soul mate and best friend Sharon Weller; mother Elsie Weller; his sisters, Jana (Tom) Papke, Jean Weller, and Lori (Dan) Strickler; his stepdaughters Haley Trenholm and Calista (Cody) Thompson; grandson Colgan Thompson; black labs, Lucy and Desi. He was predeceased by his father Duke in 2013..

The Memorial Service was Oct. 31 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach, 835 West Queen St., Southington, CT 06489.

 

R. ‘Bob’ Hanley Sr.

POMFRET CENTER —  Robert “Bob” P. Hanley Sr., 80, of Bosworth Rd., died Oct. 31, 2015.  He was the husband of Laura (Bourbeau) Hanley.  Born in 1935 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Martina Hanley.

Mr. Hanley worked for many years as shop foreman for the Mathieu Ford Garage in Putnam.

His talents were many and varied, including his ability to fix anything. He enjoyed many years of snowmobiling, snowplowing, and mowing. One of his favorite past times was caring for his many animals.

He leaves his wife Laura Hanley; two sons Robert P. Hanley Jr. of Pomfret and Jeffrey Hanley (Christine) of Putnam; and three grandchildren Kelly Hanley, Thomas Hanley, and Nicholas Hanley. He was predeceased by a daughter Charlene Hanley. 

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Burial will be private. Donations: American Humane Association at 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 360, Washington, DC 20036  or on their website at www.americanhumane.org. 

 

Tammy J. Meseck

PUTNAM — Tammy J. (Elie) Meseck, 49, of Putnam died unexpectedly Oct. 18, 2015, at home. 

She was born July 2, 1966, in Putnam, daughter of the late Martin and Agnus (Bergon) Elie. She worked for Stop & Shop as a cashier for 17 years. Tammy loved country music, dancing and Elvis and her grandchildren. 

She leaves four children, Ginny Benoit (Jacob) of Dayville, Ronald Meseck III (Rachel) of Thompson, Charles Meseck of Dayville, Tad Elie of Putnam; sisters, Denise Corey of New York, Frances Elie of Moosup; brother Walter Elie of Dayville; grandchildren, Angel, Lucas, Taylor, Madison. She was predeceased by a sister Melinda Elie. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Noah B. Desilet

THOMPSON — Noah B. Desilet, 15, of Thompson Rd., died Oct. 28, 2015, in UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester, from injuries sustained in a four-wheeler accident on Oct. 17.  He was born in 2000 in Putnam, son of Kenneth G. Desilet and Kathleen M. (Lundergan) Desilet.  

In addition to his parents, Noah leaves his sister, Elisabeth N. Zawada (Mark) of Putnam; his maternal grandmother, Barbara A. Meisner of Hopkinton, Mass.; his paternal grandfather, Robert G. Desilet and his companion, Rita S. Bourcier of E. Hartford; aunts, uncles, and cousins; his birth mother, Beth L. Acquarulo of Rogers, as well as his “second family,” the Martiniks of Thompson.

Noah graduated eighth grade from St. Joseph School in Webster in 2015 and was a freshman at Quinebaug Valley Middle College High School.  He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed being outdoors, riding his four-wheeler, kayaking.  Noah also held a brown belt in martial arts.

Noah had a heart of gold, always wanting to help animals and those in need.  He made the most of his short time on this earth, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Donations: NECCOG Medical Assistance Fund, 125 Putnam Pike, Dayville, CT 06241.  

 

Evelyn Ehrlich

Evelyn Ehrlich, 86, formerly of Syracuse, died Oct. 29, 2015. 

She was born Feb. 13, 1929, in Detroit, to Matthew Talvitie and Eva Talvitie (Seppala). She graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit majoring in chemistry. She was an instructor in chemistry at Hobart College where she met her husband and love of her life Robert Ehrlich. While raising four children and helping her husband run a dairy farm she went back to school and earned a Masters of Library Science. She held positions as head cataloger at Alfred University’s Herrick Memorial Library and was chief scientific librarian at NASA’s Wallops Island facility in Maryland.  Following the death of her husband she moved to Syracuse in 1986 where she worked as a computer specialist at SUNY Upstate’s Heme/Onc Research Unit until she retired in 1995.

Evelyn was an avid classical musician and played piano, organ, and clarinet. She was very active in the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse in later years serving as a leader of a Chalice Circle. She was very active in philanthropies and spent untold hours volunteering for Literacy Volunteers, the Red Cross, 4H and other community organizations.  

She was predeceased by her husband and son Miles. She leaves her daughters Karen Ehrlich and Susan Stern; and her son Garth; brother Carl Talvitie; six grandchildren.

Services are private. Donations: Heifer International at www.heifer.org. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Evelyn Trevelin Reiss

SARASOTA, Fla. — Evelyn Trevelin Reiss died Sept. 7, 2015, in her sleep.

She was born Nov. 4, 1928.

She was the former owner of Charlie Brown Campground in Eastford and a nurse in Milford.

She was the wife of the late Robert L. Reiss. She leaves five children, eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren (with another one on the way) and nine nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life was held Sept. 27 in Villa Del Sol mobile park in Sarasota Another celebration will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 7 at Charlie Brown Campground in Eastford. Donations: The Alzheimer’s Association or walk for them in your hometown.

 

Rita C. Merchant

PUTNAM — Rita C. Merchant, 69, of Putnam, died unexpectedly Oct. 27, 2015, at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

She was born Sept. 17, 1946, in Putnam, daughter of the late Lional and Esther (Richards) Gaucher. She was the wife of Lockllyn G. Merchant who died in 2008.

Rita lived most her life in Putnam. She enjoyed crocheting, making blankets, hats and slippers for family and friends.

She leaves her two sons; James Merchant (Kim) of Putnam, Randy Merchant and his fiancé Rebecca Dauphinais of Danielson; stepchildren; Scott Merchant and fiancé Rose Gray of Seal Cove, Maine, Greg Merchant and his fiancé Mel Ann Szynal of Jewett City; adopted daughter Kim Preston of Moosup; sister Irene Michaud (Russel) of Putnam; brother Leo and his wife Cindy of Woodstock; grandchildren; Christian Merchant, Jonathan Develder, Savannah Merchant, Justice Merchant, James Merchant Jr., Nicholas Merchant, Elizabeth Merchant, Mariah Travisano and Jordan Travisano; great-grandchild Nikolai Develder.  Services will be at a later date. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

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PUTNAM —  There will be a food drive for northeastern Connecticut’s many needy people from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at the Cargill Council 64 Knights of Columbus Hall, on Providence Street.

It is sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 21 and the Knights of Columbus. All proceeds will benefit the non-profit, non-denominational Project Northeast, to assist anyone in need throughout all of northeastern Connecticut. Please bring your non-perishable food items and tax-deductible monetary donations, to help your neighbors in need. If you can’t get there in person, then please mail a check now, made out to “Project Northeast,” to Fr. Richard Archambault, Director, Project Northeast, 81 Church Street, Putnam, CT 06260.