By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to Pomfret resident Joann Fagan.  As a mother of two girls and an industry administrator, she occasionally finds time to play golf with her husband.  Recently she’s taken up bicycling and is putting in many miles pedaling around the scenic Pomfret countryside.  “You go, girl,” as they say.

The Quinebaug Valley Junior Conference baseball season recently concluded with two local teams, Pomfret Community School and Putnam Middle School vying for the championship.  In the title game Pomfret prevailed 12-6 over the upstart Putnam team.

Ben Holden, the Pomfret pitcher, went the distance for the win, striking out 12 Putnam batters along the way.  Holden was immense in leading his mates to the QVJC Small Division championship.

Luis Miranda was the hitting star for Pomfret with a perfect day at the plate.  He was 4-for-4 including falling a home run short of hitting for the cycle.  He tallied four of the Pomfret runs.  Sean McCusker also was hot with the bat with two hits and two runs.

Putnam, which is coached by Derek Coderre, reached the title game by upsetting Parish Hill in the semifinals.  Earlier in the season Parish Hill had defeated Putnam during the regular season.  Although Putnam had a below .500 record on the year they played well down the stretch.  Sebastian Ramos was the hitting star for Putnam with a double and two runs scored.

Productive Sports Year for Woodstock Middle School

Thanks to Woodstock Middle School Athletic Director Chris Mayhew for sending along a summary of the school’s entire sports program for the past year.  The WMS teams enjoyed a successful season, piling up some championships and posting competitive records in every sport.  The Woodstock Middle School sports programs operate under the “Pay To Play” system, which is unique to our area.

The WMS girls’ cross country team opened the fall season by capturing the challenging QVJC title.  Not to be outdone, the female soccer program was crowned the regular season and postseason tournament champions.

During the winter months the girls’ basketball team was able to run the table, going undefeated during the regular season.  The WMS ladies then beat a tough Thompson team in the QVJC Tournament to capture the title for the second year in a row.  

In the spring the girls’ track program finished 4th in the QVJC, while their softball counterparts came in third in the league.  Their crowning moment was a regular season win over eventual conference champion Plainfield.

Although the boys’ programs didn’t win as many titles as the girls’ teams did, the boys’ baseball team, in the final game of the season, walked off with a 3-0 shutout victory over a tough Plainfield team to capture the QVJC Large Division regular and postseason titles.

The highlight of the fall sports season was the boys’ soccer program.  The Woodstock booters like their baseball counterparts, emerged victorious in the regular season as well as the tournament competition.  The boys’ cross country team was 7th in the QVJC.

During the winter months the boys’ basketball team finished 2nd to a very strong Plainfield team.  The boys’ track program, though competitive, finished 8th in the QVJC.

Mayhew noted that these athletes are also very good scholars in the classroom.  He also thanked the Woodstock fans for their loyal support throughout the entire 2014-2015 sports year.

Putnam Man Enjoys NHL Stanley Cup Action

Putnam resident Dick Raymond has been avid sports fan his entire life.  In retirement, he seems to be enjoying it even more as he now has the opportunity to attend his favorite sports live and in person.

On Saturday, June 6 Raymond flew south to Tampa where he took in the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning’s 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.  Raymond was the guest of his son, Jeff Raymond, who works and lives in the Tampa area.  It was a great experience, not only because the Lightning emerged victorious but in addition to his son Jeff, he was accompanied by his grandson Trevor.

Jeff Raymond is a former standout athlete at Putnam High School where he was known for his leaping ability as a member of the Putnam Clipper basketball teams.

Dick Raymond is now glued to his television set watching the Stanley Cup Finals, which was tied at two games apiece at press time.

Putnam Athletes Named

The Constitution State Conference recently named its baseball all star selections.  As reported last week in RPC three Putnam Clipper baseball players, Jacob Guertin, Nicholas Foucault and Aiden Ciquera were named to the First Team.  This week the conference released the news that Steven Dakai, an infielder and pitcher, and Josh Allard, an outfielder and pitcher were named to the All-League second team.

Killingly Golfers in Top Five

The Killingly High School golf team, which was undefeated in the regular season and captured the Eastern Connecticut Conference championship, ran into some tough luck in the CIAC Division III competition.  The Redmen, who had aspired to capturing the Division III title, only managed to finish 5th overall in the tough division.

Killingly posted a team score of 324, a full 27 strokes off the winning score of 297 posted by champion East Catholic.  Junior Drew Aitken was the lone bright spot for Killingly, registering a 3-over par 75.  His score tied him for 10th place overall in the individual competition.  His score and 10th place standing qualified him for All-State honors.  This is his third consecutive All-State selection.

Connor Fillmore, who’s been steady for Killingly all season, posted a score of 80.  John Aitken, Drew’s twin brother, carded an 84 for coach Kevin Marcoux and the Redmen.

New Golf Shoes Do the Trick

A Pomfret man, wearing a pair of golf shoes for the first time, which he received as a birthday present, recorded a hole-in-one at Vineyard Valley Golf Course on Sunday, June 7.  Bruce Wolanin, whose birthday was June 5, aced the par-3, 2nd-hole.  The hole measures 151 yards on the card and was estimated at 145 by Wolanin.

Wolanin’s shot was witnessed by his 11-year old son and one of his friends.  He recorded his ace using his 8-iron and of course wearing his new shoes that were a gift from his wife, Quinebaug Valley Community College Development Officer, Monique Wolanin.  

“Monique is already taking credit for the shot!” noted Wolanin.

This was Wolanin’s second career hole-in-one.  His first ace came when he was 12 years old and playing with his dad.  It’s interesting he was playing with his dad on Ace #1 and playing with his son on Ace #2.  Cherish the memories, Bruce.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Happy Father’s Day to all the men who are good sports and great dads.

(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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PUTNAM — The Putnam Saturday Farmers’ Market (PSFM) is holding the first Artisan Day of its 2015 season from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 20 at the Putnam Riverview Marketplace on Kennedy Drive.   The PSFM’s regular farmers and food makers will also be there to sell an increasing variety of summer produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, jams, spices, breads and pickles.

This month’s Artisan Day will feature two PSFM favorites – Aspinock Spring Pottery and Mon Chi Tree.  Aspinock Spring Pottery will be bringing its own fused glass jewelry, bowls and other pieces in addition to the hand-thrown pieces of pottery that it’s known for.  This year Mon Chi Tree is featuring feather-themed art in addition to its nature-inspired jewelry and home décor.  To see images of some of the items Aspinock Spring Pottery and Mon Chi Tree have brought to the Market in the past, please go to the Artisan Page on the PSFM’s website: http://www.putnamfarmersmarket.org/artisans.html.

The PSFM will be holding Artisan Days again on July 18, Aug. 15 and Oct. 17 and will have its Fall Fiber Fest on Sept. 19.  If you are a Connecticut-based artist or crafter who would like to participate in the PSFM, please download the application from the PSFM website or email the PSFM at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  We welcome fiber vendors and artists, jewelry makers, potters, glassblowers and fusers, woodcrafters and other artisans of all types.

 

Donald F. Gauvin Sr.,

Vietnam war vet

COCOA, Fla. — Donald F. Gauvin Sr., 68, of Fairview Ave, died March 5, 2015 at home.  He was the husband of Ann (Menard) Gauvin.  Born in 1946 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Rosiare Gauvin and Rita (Walters) Burdick.

Mr. Gauvin worked as a truck driver for many years. 

He was a veteran of the Vietnam war serving with the U.S. Navy, and was a former member of the American Legion.

He leaves his wife Ann; his son Donald Gauvin Jr. and his companion Debbie Medeiros and her daughter Riley of Dudley; a daughter Jami Perry (Daniel) of Cocoa; friends Heather Moening and Melissa Gauvin whom he thought of as his daughters; a brother Daniel Gauvin of Florida; a sister Cheryl Lemieux of Brooklyn; four grandchildren Craig Gauvin, Rebecca Gauvin, Jeffrey Gauvin, and Veronica Perry. He was predeceased by a son Jeffrey Gauvin and a brother Raymond Gauvin. 

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. June 18 at St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Hospice of St. Francis, 1250 Grumman Pl., Suite B, Titusville, FL 32780.  Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. 

 

George H. Heman,

Army vet

KILLINGLY — George H. Heman, 88, died June 9, 2015, at home in Killingly. He was born Dec. 5, 1926, in Detroit, son of the late Henry and Marie (Duvall) Heman. He married Claire (McCrossin) Oct. 2, 1954, in Michigan. She died April 18, 1991.

George was a communicant of St. Anne Church in Ballouville. He volunteered for the St. Anne’s Community and was very active in the church until it closed.  George graduated from Lawrence Institute of Technology on June 12, 1951, with a degree in chemical engineering. He was employed as vice president of Operations for Warner Lambert and retired in October of 1983. George served our country in the U.S. Army after high school. He was an avid golfer and reader. He enjoyed dancing with Claire, crossword puzzles and classical music. 

He leaves his children, Paula McIlvain (Stan) of Greer, S.C., Mark Heman (Christine) of Indianapolis, John Heman (Jackie) Salt Lake City, Mary Fuller of Phoenix, Joe Heman (Pam) of Roy, Utah, Cecilia Jensen of Sandy, Utah, Mike Heman of Danielson, and Pat Heman (Michelle) of Salt Lake City; grandchildren; George (Leah), Diane (Matt), Matthew (Elizabeth), Joshua, Claire, Alex, Anthony, Brendan, Josh, Jordan, Dylan and Jon, his great grandchildren; Anthony, Caleb, Brody, Lincoln and a baby girl due soon. Besides his wife Claire Heman he was predeceased by his siblings Arthur Heman and Eva Fisher. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was June 13, at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery Dayville. Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3045. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Lucille LaFlamme

DANIELSON — Lucille D. (Hubert) LaFlamme, 84, of Danielson died June 10, 2015, at Westview Nursing Home in Dayville. She was born Aug. 30, 1930, in Danielson, daughter of the late Emile and Marie Ann (Thibeault) Hubert. She was married for over 65 years to Norman LaFlamme.

 Lucille was a communicant of St. James Church and a member of The Daughters of Isabella. She attended St. James School and later was employed by Cooper and Industries Corp for 35 years where she retired, formerly Arrow Hart and Hegeman.

Besides her husband Norman “Joe” LaFlamme, she leaves her daughter Norma Martin; granddaughter Shannon Bruce; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Joseph Hubert and William Hubert; her sisters Beatrice LeQuere and Rita Chenard. 

A Graveside Service was June 16 Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3045. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Marcella McMerriman

DANIELSON — Marcella A. McMerriman, 81, died June 13, 2015, at Pierce Memorial Baptist Nursing Home in Brooklyn. She was the wife of Lloyd J. McMerriman. They were married in St. James Church in Danielson, April 12, 1958. He died in 2009. 

Born on June 12, 1934, in Putnam daughter of the late Eugene and Isola (Soucy) Malboeuf. She was a communicant of St. James Church. In 1955 Marcella was employed as the assistant town clerk for the Town of Killingly, in 1976 she became Killingly town clerk, retiring in 1989 after 35 years of service to the Town of Killingly. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, needle point and watching golf on TV.

She leaves her children Laurie Brundson (Edward) of S. Killingly, Judith Graves (Stephan) of Danielson, Sandra Schena (Jeffrey) of Brooklyn, John McMerriman (Alma) of Danielson; sister, Docina Bourque of Preston; grandchildren Ryan, Devon, Jordan, Riley, Randy, Amanda, Avery, Max, Sarah and Dylan. 

A Memorial Mass will beat 11 a.m. June 18 at St. James Church, 12 Franklin St., Danielson. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association, 2075 Silas Deane Hwy, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067; or Pierce Memorial Baptist Nursing Home, PO Box 326, Brooklyn, CT 06234. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Fr. John Petrauskas, M.I.C.

THOMPSON —  Fr. John Christopher Petrauskas M.I.C., 99, of Chase Rd., died June 11, 2015, in Matulaitis Nursing Home.  Born in 1916 in Gardner, Mass., he was the son of the late Michael Patrofsky Petrauskas and Apolonia Grekardunis.

A graduate of Marianapolis College, Fr. John made his First Profession on July 16, 1940. He then made his Final Vows on July 16, 1943, and was ordained on Aug. 9, 1943. 

Fr. John first joined the Marianapolis Preparatory School faculty in 1944 and served as headmaster from 1950-1969 and then again from 1975-1987.  Fr. John influenced generations of students and faculty. During his time at Marianapolis, he wrote “The History of Marianapolis,” an extensive work on the school’s past.  From 1989 to 1994 and again from 1997 to 2008, Fr. John served as an assistant the pastor of St. Casmir’s Church in Worcester.

The Mass of Christian Burial was June 16 in the Chapel at Marianapolis Preparatory School, with burial in the National Shrine of Divine Mercy Cemetery, Stockbridge, Mass. Donations: Marian Fathers, 26 Chase Rd., Thompson, CT 06277.  Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Nancy (Cloutier) Turenne

DANIELSON — Nancy (Cloutier) Turenne, 90, went home to be with the Lord, June 11, 2015, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. Born on Sept. 2, 1924, in Montmagny, Canada. She was the youngest of 16 children born to the late Onesime and Angeline (Ouellette) Cloutier.

 Nancy married her high school sweetheart Normand L. Turenne on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 1946, at St. James Church, with Fr. Nadeau officiating. They celebrated 58 years together, before he died in 2004. 

She attended St. James School and Killingly High School, before spending 35 years at the American Thread Co. in Willimantic, retiring in 1983. Nancy thoroughly enjoyed traveling with her husband on numerous trips to Canada, Cape Cod and Florida. Nancy was a marvelous homemaker, known for her fashion sense, immaculate housekeeping, good cooking, especially her pork pies and desserts, which she would generously share with family and friends. One of many of Nancy’s past times was knitting colorful afghans for everyone in the family, and the sound of music made her get up and dance wherever she was. Nancy was never at a loss for words and enjoyed meeting and talking to strangers as well as family. She never tired and worked long hours, and enjoyed playing bingo and her trips to Foxwoods playing the slot machines. Nancy was a devout Catholic and was a communicant of St. James Parish.

She leaves her daughters, Francine Lee of Danielson, Cynthia Casavant (Victor) of Thompson; five grandchildren Ashley Ambukewicz (Erica Generous), Crystal Roy (Mark), Heather Ambukewicz (Ryan Foisey), Courtney Peltz (David), Christopher Lee (Elizabeth) and four great-grandchildren Nathan, Cameron, Luke, Charlotte and a fifth on the way. Nancy was predeceased by her 15 siblings: Audna Cloutier, Annette Fortin, Father Henri Cloutier, Germaine Blais, Armand Cloutier, Simone Gileau, Evelyn Gamache, Cecile Lemoine, Sr. Jeanne-Aimee Cloutier of the Sisters of Presentation, Sr. Charlotte Cloutier of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Lucien Cloutier, Monica Marchesseault, Albert Cloutier, Armand Jules Cloutier, Pierre-Julian Cloutier. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was June 15 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations: James School Fund, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson, CT 06239; or Matulaitis Nursing Home, 10 Thurber Road, Putnam, CT 06260. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Lucille Robertson

DANIELSON — Lucille C. (Bonneville) Robertson, 93, of Danielson died June 8, 2015, at Davis Place in Danielson. Born Oct. 22, 1921, in Danielson, she was the daughter of the late Andre Avellino and Marie Antoinette (Desautels) Bonneville.

She leaves her husband George “Methven” Robertson to whom she was married for 72 years. They were married at St. James Church in Danielson by Rev. Armand Nadeau on Nov. 30, 1942. She attended St. James School and graduated from Putnam Catholic Academy, Class of 1939. She worked for Pratt & Whitney as a tool crib supervisor in the early 194os. Her favorite saying to her children and grandchildren was “with all your faults I love you still”. She loved to do decorative painting and gave many beautiful items to family and friends.

She leaves, in addition to her husband George; one daughter and her husband Carol and David Cournoyer of E. Killingly; three sons and their wives, Mark and Connie (Magrey) Robertson of Acworth, Ga., Lee and Debbie (Luther) Robertson of Snellville, Ga., and Shawn and Tammy (Duff) Robertson of Spring Hill, Tenn.; nine grandchildren: Marc, Michelle, Laurie, Diane, Jeffrey, James, Heather, Matthew and Christopher; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; her dog Suzette who spent many days with her at Davis Place. She was predeceased by three brothers, Rene, Richard and Robert Bonneville.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. June 28 at Davis Place, 111 Westcott Rd. Danielson. Donations: Friends of LaSalette, c/o St. James Church, 12 Franklin St., Danielson, CT 06239. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. 

 

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Particle Accelerator scenes. Linda Lemmon photos.

 

Hundreds of local residents and families came out to Rotary Park June 13 for the 9th Annual Particle Accelerator: A Day of Music and Hope, and raised a record $7,500 for United Services.

The free, all-day music festival raises awareness for suicide and depression and this year featured 20 bands playing music of all genres and for all ages. The festival started in 2007 by family and friends of Putnam resident Jack Young Jr., who died by suicide on his 27th birthday that year.

Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano said he was honored to serve as this year’s honorary chairman. He said the event brings people together to focus on an important issue.

 “People look at suicide as tragic, and it is tragic; however, we don’t put enough money or enough work into mental health, and that’s a tragedy,” Falzarano said.

Estimated crowds of more than 600 people attended throughout the day.

The annual benefit concert has two main goals, organizers said. The first is to raise funds and awareness to support United Services, Inc., one of Connecticut’s most comprehensive private, non-profit behavioral health centers, providing mental and behavioral health education, prevention, treatment and social services to the children, adults and families of northeastern Connecticut since 1964.

 “We are grateful to event organizers Jack and Grace Young and Eric and Sandy Gould, who work with United Services throughout the year to make Particle Accelerator happen,” said United Services President/CEO Diane L. Manning. “This year we saw a record amount of people come out for the music and the efforts to raise awareness that mental health and suicide are serious public health issues that can affect anyone.”

The second event goal is to provide information and support for depression and suicide prevention, while promoting music and civic engagement as a healthy alternative to drug and alcohol abuse among young adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41,419 suicides were reported in 2013 – one every 12.8 minutes – making suicide the 10th leading cause of death for Americans.

Locally, United Services has seen a 248 percent increase in its adult outpatient mental health services since 2007. John Goodman, director of Development and Communications for United Services, said the agency attributes that increase partially to the awareness raised by Particle Accelerator.

“Although the demand for quality mental health care has never been more pressing, state and federal decision makers have yet to make this health care crisis a priority,” said Goodman. “Here in northeast Connecticut local businesses and individuals are taking action themselves, joining in this effort to reach out to friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to help save lives and prevent suicide.”

Performers Saturday included: White Rose Confession, Lllama Tsunami, Kala Farnham, Adam Trudel, Dragonfly Diversion, Synergy, The Papa Joe Show, Jason Bleau, No Shame, Nothing Left to Give, Promise of Fire and more.

In addition to the music, the event also featured information on local resources from United Services, Putnam PRIDE (Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone), the Norwich Vet Center, Natchaug Hospital, the Windham County chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the Greater Hartford chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Representatives from the transsexual support group, Transitioning and Loving Life (TaLL) as well as SeizeTheFacts.com and Preventing Teen Tragedy also provided information and resources at the event.

Particle Accelerator’s Wall of Angels, a moving tribute to friends and family members lost the suicide, honored 210 people this year with photos on the wall and the lighting of luminaria at dusk.

Funds raised will sponsor United Services Mental Health First Aid Training, a public education initiative that helps the public identify people in the midst of a mental health crisis more readily and get them the resources and professional help they need before they harm themselves or others.

Since 2007, the Particle Accelerator concerts have raised more than $30,000 for local mental health services.