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By Ron P. Coderre
A sporty hello today goes to one of northeastern Connecticut’s truly good guys, Danny Goyette. The general manager of Putnam Ford, Goyette is remembered by many as a one of Putnam’s toughest and gutsiest football players. He recently celebrated a milestone birthday when he hit the magical 50 marker.
Way back in the 1920s, nearly 100 years ago Tourtellotte Memorial High School boasted a baseball, basketball and track standout that resembled the legendary Charles Atlas. Dan Chubbuck, a 2012 posthumous inductee in the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, starred in baseball, basketball and track in 1925, ’26, and ’27 for the Tigers. Chubbuck found time to participate in these sports, while being an integral member of the Chubbuck family that cared for the huge Chubbuck Farm in West Thompson.
His exploits as a high school athlete were legendary. He was captain of the baseball and basketball teams in his senior year, the season the Tigers captured the State hoop title and posted a 20-0 record. In January 1926 it’s reported that he scored 59 points in a victory over St. Louis of Webster. When he left Tourtellotte he had scored more than 400 points in basketball and held the State record in the 100 yard dash, which he accomplished on May 22, 1926.
Chubbuck moved on to UConn where he starred in basketball, football and track. He set records at the time in the shot put, 100 yard dash, broad jump and 220 yard low hurdles. His accomplishment resulted in his being named “Best Athlete in UCONN History” in 1932.
Chubbuck went on to a notable career in education and coaching, while continuing to play semi-professional basketball and baseball.
Ace In The Hole…
Congratulations to 65-year-old Bob Brown of Putnam who recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3, 7th hole at Quinnatisset Country Club on July 19. Brown, who’s been golfing for more than a half-century, used his trusty nine iron to conquer the 134-yard hole. He was playing his favorite ball, a Titleist 3. Brown’s historic shot was witnessed by his playing partners Paul Durand, Ed Langway and George Lakatzis. His shot helped him fire a round of 34-43 for a 77 on the par 71 Quinny layout.
Brown, a native Pennsylvanian, came to Connecticut for a career with Yellow Freight. When he arrived in the Nutmeg State he brought his golf clubs with him. A high school and collegiate golfer, this was his second career ace. He recorded his first hole-in-one at the young age of 13.
RPC’s hoping there are more aces in your future, Bob.
Look Alikes…
Next time you’re watching the Boston Red Sox on TV (if it’s not too excruciating) take a close look at catcher Kelly Shoppach when the cameras zoom in on him. The bearded receiver bears a strong resemblance to Putnam native Peter Neal.
Neal a UConn graduate and therapist in the Behavioral Unit at Day Kimball Hospital, enjoys the comments he receives from friends when they chide him about his “look alike.”
Taking Care of Aching Bones and More…
If you have an aching body from exercise or lack of it, or you’re looking to relieve some stress in your life with relaxing therapy, why not call Heart of the Sole. The business operated by Master Reflexologist Pauline Tetreault is at Muscle Max Gym, 109 Connecticut Mills Ave., Danielson.
Tetreault, a January 2012 graduate of Acusage Academy in Oxford, Mass., is certified in Reflexology but also Lymphatic Drainage and Massage Therapy. According to Tetreault, reflexology is the art of applying pressure/stimulation to specific reflex points that correspond to all body systems, structures, organs, glands and lymphs. The process is aimed at promoting a state of well being or health.
Lymphatic Drainage is a hands-on technique focusing on the lymph nodes and points of the body, which helps the fluids move through the body and it’s been found to be very relaxing by many individuals.
“After being in the corporate world for many years I wanted to do something to help people directly. I find that this work helps people relax and gives them a balanced state of health,” said Tetreault.
Tetreault, who is on Facebook, can be reached also by phone – 860 774-2400 or 860 481-2192 or by e-mail – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Jake & Jean…
Last-minute notice of the 18th Jake & Jean Golf Tournament in memory of two deceased members of the Putnam Elks, Jake Goyette and Jean Guertin, is scheduled for Aug. 4 at Harrisville Golf Course. The shotgun start, scramble format event begins at 7 a.m. Cost is $320 per foursome and includes golf with cart, registration gift, prizes, skins and dinner at the Elks at approximately 1 p.m.
Proceeds from the tournament go to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Sponsorships are available for $50. Contact Roger Guertin, Mike Goyette or Alan Guertin at the Putnam Elks for more information or write Roger Guertin, 96 Sabin St., Putnam, CT 06260. It’s late notice, but it’s never too late to support a great cause.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Shared goals build unity.