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By Doc Cody
Doc sends a sporty hello today to Putnam native George Tsanjoures. You’re recognized more as a golfer these days, George, but what many fail to realize is that you were a helluva basketball player in your day.
It’s Bernie Gilbert time. The winter season is, as opposed to most creatures, when Gilbert comes out of hibernation promoting the Putnam Lions Club Volleyball Challenge. The event is once again scheduled at the Strong Fieldhouse on the campus of Pomfret School on the weekend of March 17 and 18.
Promoting quality vision throughout the world is the mission of Lions International, which is accomplished through the collection of eyeglasses by its local clubs. The Putnam Lions Club has taken up this mantra through its “Sightmobile” that they move throughout the area’s shopping centers collecting used but good eyeglasses. The club also demonstrated it foresight when it initiated its annual Putnam Lions Volleyball Challenge a number of years ago, an event that someone in the club had the vision to bring to reality.
Last year, despite a change of date caused by the outrageous snows affecting our area, the Club had its most successful event; raising $16,500. The funds help to support the organization’s philanthropic efforts and to raise community awareness about its mission. Today, thanks to the vision of its membership, the event is a staggering success. And the club is preparing for its upcoming Volleyball Challenge.
Cheryl Guillot, president of the Putnam Lions Club, and Gilbert recently announced that plans are well underway for the Putnam Lions Volleyball Challenge 2012, barring any unforeseen freakish snow storm. The two-day event is set for Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18.
“The event slots fill quickly, that’s why we begin early in getting the word out. Early contact with the organizers from the club ensures entry into the Challenge,” said President Guillot.
The Challenge follows the same format as it has in the past. Teams compete in three divisions, with “A” and “B” skill level teams competing for $250 and $150 cash prizes and the corporate teams playing for the vaunted travelling trophy, which remains with the winning team until next year. All competition is co-ed with three men and three women on the court at the same time and a maximum of 12 players on a roster. PLVC 2012 uses modified/high school volleyball co-ed rules, with officials coming from the local ranks.
The entry fee remains $350 per team and can be secured through sponsorship or pledges by individual team members. There are gifts for individuals securing pledges of $75 or more. Special prizes will be awarded to individuals whose pledges exceed $300. All participants will receive a complimentary tee shirt. Food, beverages and snack will be available at no charge throughout the two-day competition.
Gold sponsorships, which include company or team logo imprinted on the PLVC 2012 tee shirts, entry into the tourney and recognition at the Lions Night of Giving, are $500. There are two Silver levels available. A $350 Silver sponsorship includes registration fee for the team and the $250 Silver will be recognized at the Putnam Lions Night of Giving. There are also Bronze sponsorships at $150 and Net sponsors at $50.
Any group, team or organization interested in more information should contact Gilbert at 860 928-9682, Stu Neal 860 928-4960 or Ed Briere 860 928-2520. Mail inquiries or registrations should be sent to Putnam Lions Club, P.O. Box 535, Putnam, CT 06260-0535 or by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The PLVC 2012 event is one way for the Putnam Lions to promote its world vision mission but it’s also the major way the club supports local not-profit organizations. Working with Gilbert on the organizing committee are Kerry and Barbara Chubbuck, Neal, Joe Vacciarello, Briere, Mel Cassio, Greg King, Rich and Karen DiBonaventura, Joe Ptaszynski, Amy Franklin and Deb Barbour.
Spaghetti and Meatball Reminder…
A friendly reminder that tickets are currently available for a spaghetti and meatball dinner to benefit the Coach Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship Fund. The event is organized by the Coach Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship Committee, which is in its final year of fund-raising toward a $30,000 goal to establish a perpetual scholarship in memory of Greenhalgh.
The dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 at the VFW Post #1523 on Providence St., Putnam. The menu, prepared by Chef Buster Corey and his staff, includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, dessert and coffee. Gluten-free pasta and meat sauce will be available upon request. The cost is $15 per person. Take-out orders will be accommodated.
Committee members Kevin Shaw, Stu Neal and Roger Franklin are organizing the evening. Tickets are available from committee members, at the VFW and WINY Radio, Russ’ Motorcycle Shop or by calling 860 928-6772 or 860 928-6615.
Jim Greenhalgh coached football, basketball and baseball at Putnam High School for more than 30 years. He also served many years as physical education teacher and guidance counselor. He was a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II and with the occupation forces in Japan following the war.
The committee has awarded three scholarships since its inception. Awardees include Kelsey Rybacki, Brittany Bousquet and Austin Dodd. Anyone wishing to support the scholarship may do so by mailing donations to CGMSF, P.O. Box 304, Putnam, CT 06260-0304.
Member of the scholarship committee include, Stan Sheldon, Bill Kelleher, Steve Peluso, Paul Nelson, Ed Perron, Nelson “Buzz” King, Peter Aucoin, Gerry Vaillant, Russ Burgess, Russ Waters and Jim Phaiah. Tickets are also available with these individuals.
Sports Archive Memories…
The year and month was June 1976 and the Raceway Golf Club in Thompson was the venue. The event was the Webster Lions Invitational Amateur Tournament. The names being heralded were Bill Cosgrove of Worcester, Bob Caprera of Southbridge and Bruce Ziemski from Nichols Golf Club. Even Putnam blind golfer Jeff Jankot and National Blind Golf Champion Joe Lazaro were on hand. It was a day that was being looked forward to by the big names.
The honors of the day, however, were stolen by a red headed underdog from Putnam. The trio of Cosgrove, Caprera and Ziemski had to stand behind Putnam’s John McCormac as he collected the top prize of $250 after firing a two-under par 70. The heralded trio, probably all more concerned with each other carded scores of 71 to finish in a tie for second place.
The field of the day was spotted with many names of local celebrities, including George Dropo, Chico Panu, Ted Babcock and Robert Ingraham, just to name a few. But the day belonged to the man they refer to today as, “The Legend,” John McCormac. It would be one among many days when his name was called to the podium to receive the top honors in a golf tournament throughout his illustrious career on the links.
Doc’s Sports Medicine Advice: “I lost that round in a bar.” Roger Maltbie, on shooting a record 92 at a tournament after going out drinking the night before.