- Details
- Category: Past Issues
By Ron P. Coderre
Today’s sporty hello goes out to Mike Vassar, manager of Someplace Special Restaurant in Putnam. Vassar, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, was a hard charging fullback in high school in the days when Putnam actually fielded its own football team. He now employs his athletic mentality in assuring the success of his business.
A former parish priest from St. Mary of the Visitation in Putnam returned to our community recently to speak about “Experiences of a Pastor and Patient.” Father Michael Gill, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Norwich, was the guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Day Kimball Healthcare Chaplaincy Program.
When he was a young priest in Putnam, the Irish born Fr. Gill, was often spotted jogging around town. In later life he maintained his exercise routine by walking 5 mile treks in the communities where he was serving. In his talk, he related how during his walks he began experiencing severe pain in one of his legs. It was at that point when he learned he had a life threatening sarcoma, which was eventually successfully surgically removed.
Father Gill, who still possesses his native brogue, went on to tell the story of his experiences as a patient. His honest remarks included some words about treatments he received from individuals who were harsh and cold and others who were warm and healing. Being able to look at himself realistically, he also related some instances that were hilariously humorous.
Fortunately for Father Gill, although his hair color is grayer than the black hair he sported when in Putnam, he appears to have survived his medical situation, thanks to the support and prayers of his legions of friends past and present.
Maybe it’s the atmosphere in Putnam that promotes running by the St. Mary’s clergy but the current pastor at the church, Father David Choquette is a runner. Just recently he competed in the initial running of the O’Putnam 5K.
Volunteers Make Rotary All Star Game Special…
The recent Putnam Rotary Club Ray Brousseau Senior All Star games were a huge success thanks to the hard work of club President Cindy Dunne and numerous Rotary Club members. There were also many others from the community who contributed to a great evening for the young men and women who played in the contests.
Referees Chad Neal, John Drake, Cory Pothier, Steve Martel and Bill Bartholic all worked the games for free, as did scorekeeper Ryan Rumrill, a senior at Putnam High School and timekeeper Moe “Father Time” Coderre. Coaches Shawn Deary of Putnam, Greg Smith of Woodstock, Carla Faucher of Tourtellotte and Willie Bousquet of Putnam all volunteered for the evening. The games were also broadcast live on WINY Radio thanks to play-by-play man John Wilbur and color commentator Paul Coutu.
The combination of all these individuals and the many sponsors is what continues to make this a successful annual event.
Sports Street & Old Friends…
It’s great to see old friend Ed Bielik once again walking Sports Street. Bielik was a staple as an umpire for local high school softball games as well as Rec League and Jack Benny League softball contests. Always in control and never flustered, Bielik was one of the best. He’s now up and around, albeit a bit slower, following some recent surgery. RPC is happy to see him on the mend.
Another good friend and former Putnam High School sports standout from the decade of the ‘40s, Winnie Hall is recuperating at Westview Health Care Center in Dayville. Always in great spirits and ready with a one-liner, Hall could use some cheering up. Send him a get well note at Westview. Winnie, RPC sends his best and looks forward to seeing you soon at Victoria Station and The Chickering.
PSA Hoopster Smith Making Headlines…
New England Recruiting Report, a website devoted to reporting on the happenings and progress of New England’s top high school and prep basketball players, recently had nice words to report on Putnam Science Academy guard Dayshon Smith. They note that Smith was a standout at the recent Hoop Group Top 100 Tour, where he’s known by the nickname Scoochie.
During the recent event they report that, “Smith ran the break all afternoon, shaking defenders out of their boots before dropping times to teammates for easy bunnies.” The report continues, “It’s a joy to watch Scoochie play, as he is an artist out on the court, and there is no doubt that he is a D1 guard and great kid.”
Smith was one of coach Tom Espinosa’s top players this past season and is expected to lead the Mustangs again next year.
Eyed in the Stands…
Heather Baribeault, assistant women’s basketball coach at Killingly High School, was spotted in the stands at the Putnam Rotary Club Senior All Star games. Baribeault was on hand to watch two of her players, Alicia Giambattista and Renee Lawlor perform on the court.
Baribeault is a graduate of Rhode Island College and is a teacher in the Killingly special education department in addition to carrying out her coaching duties. She’s happy to be working back in the area and among her friends. Previously she taught and coached at Liberty High School in Youngstown, Ohio.
One final note worth mentioning…
It was with great sadness that RPC read of the death of former Boston Red Sox ace lefthander Mel Parnell. He died in New Orleans at age 89 following many health problems and a courageous battle with cancer. As a kid growing up in Putnam and as a left-handed pitcher, we idolized Parnell to the point of even wearing the Red Sox cap the same way he did.
During the ‘40s and ‘50s Parnell was the standard not only for the Red Sox but for years of the American League. In his 10 seasons in Boston he posted a career mark of 123-75 and was an outstanding 70-30 at Fenway Park with the Green Monster constantly in his rear view mirror. His illustrious career also included an unheard of 113 complete games and 20 shutouts. In 1956, toward the end of his career, he threw a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox.
In 1949 he had his best season and led the American League in almost every pitching category. He was 25-7 with a 2.77 ERA and 27 complete games in 35 starts as he pitched 295.1 innings.
Parnell is a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. Melvin L. Parnell, gone but not forgotten, especially by a kid lefthander from Putnam who still idolizes him.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Announcement from a church bulletin – Thursday at 5 p.m. there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be Little Mothers please meet the Pastor in his study.