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By Ron P. Coderre
Today’s sporty hello goes out Jason and Amy St. Onge of G-Seven Caterers of Mechanicsville. The St. Onges enjoy an occasional round of golf when business allows. They are avid sports fans, following their sons as they participate in their sports endeavors. Jason and Amy, enjoy RPC.
St. James pastor Father John O’Neill has had quite the ride as he celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. On Pentecost Sunday, he concelebrated his Jubilee Mass with 11 of his fellow priests. Later he was treated to a reception by his parishioners. He’s been traveling to a variety of locations as people from his past are offering their congratulations.
The students and faculty of St. James School recently held a day for Father John at school, where State Representative Mae Flexer of the 44th Assembly District presented the pastor with proclamations from the State including one from Governor Dannel Malloy, proclaiming the day, Father John O’Neill Day in Connecticut.
He was lauded and applauded at the 15th St. James Golf Tournament. It was at the tourney that Father John confided that he’s received a special invitation from his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox.
In a letter on official Red Sox stationary from Fenway Ambassador Kimberly A. Miner, Father John was surprised with a very special package from the Sox. Congratulating him on his 50 years in the priesthood, the Red Sox have invited Father John and a guest to the game on June 7 with a pair of complimentary tickets. Included with the billets is a pregame batting practice visit onto the field and a tour of the 100 year old ballpark.
The letter concluded with congratulations to his long tenure as a priest. They also noted they’re very proud to count him as a member of Red Sox Nation. The Sox also thanked him for his contributions to young people in his half century of serving as a priest.
In his own inimitable fashion, Father John has accepted all the accolades with humility, while thanking God for having given him the ability to do all he’s done and accomplished in life.
Manhattan to West Point on Bicycle…
The Grand Fondo may not be the Tour de France and Doug Porter of Woodstock certainly isn’t Lance Armstrong but what Porter accomplished on Sunday, May 20 is something that the majority of people his age or younger could do.
Porter and his 26 year old son, Seth Porter, participated in the Grand Fondo along with approximately 5000 other bicyclists from 70 countries. The 110 mile event places bicyclists in categories based on four strenuous uphill trials. The riders pedal over some rugged territory from midtown Manhattan to Bear Mountain near West Point. Porter was able to ride with his son and friends, however, the competition was measured individually when the riders encountered hills during this seven hour event.
In order to prepare for the Grand Fondo and other bicycling events Porter can be spotted pedaling around northeastern Connecticut with other area bicycling enthusiasts most every day, in good weather and not so good conditions.
From the Golf Course to Law School…
Former Woodstock Academy golf standout Trevor Ruff recently graduated from Assumption College in Worcester. Ruff, who was a member of the Greyhounds golf team, when his back wasn’t ailing, will soon be giving his golf clubs secondary attention as he moves forward to his next career goal.
Since graduating from Assumption, Ruff has been accepted at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he will enter law school. Some day in the not so very distant future, Ruff may seriously be able to get back to golf, after establishing himself as an attorney. Prior to leaving for FSU, Ruff can be found at Quinnatisset Country Club working in the pro shop for Mike Pizzetti, a position he’s held for the past four summers.
How Much Is Enough?...
Putnam resident Vic Lippiello is a proud 92 year old who maintains his health and vitality by walking four miles per day, an amazing feat for a person his age. The former United States Army parachutist, who had 29 jumps during World War II, is also known as the area’s biggest Detroit Tigers and University of Notre Dame fan. He also has another claim to fame.
Recently, Lippiello, who has been donating blood for many years, achieved a personal milestone when he reached the 22 gallon level, unheard of in Red Cross annals. Lippiello says that walking and giving blood keep him sharp for his competitive “catch five” games at the Putnam Elks. He’s famous at the Club for saying to his opponents, “Bid’em high and sleep in the streets,” or “Down went McGinty to the bottom of the sea.”
Putnam Duo Captures Two-Man…
RPC extends a tip of the sports fedora to a pair of Putnam High School golfers for capturing the CSC 2-Man Tournament at Tunxis Plantation Golf Club in Farmington. Spencer Salvas and Alec Foucault were on fire in Farmington shooting 73 and 75 respectively. The combined 158 was good for a first place finish in the 18-hole event. The Clippers finished second in the team championship, falling to Platt Tech 325 to 352. Salvas and Foucault were honored for their effort by being named to the All-CSC team. The Clippers are coached by longtime golfer Jim Bartolomei.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: If you are going to climb, you have to grab the branches not the blossoms.