By Ron P. Coderre

Every aspect of the 35th Marianapolis Golf Tournament was a huge success, according to a news release from the school’s public relations office.  The tourney raised a record number of dollars, as the event netted $55,000.  The tournament also witnessed a record number of golfers as more than 36 foursomes participated in the dual shotgun starts at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

“This is the largest sum raised in the history of our tournament.  The proceeds will benefit local students through scholarships awarded annually.  We’re extremely pleased with the entire day and thank all those who sponsored and played,” said Susan Andersen, Marianapolis director of Development.

“We are thrilled with the continued growth of the tournament.  For the first time in many years we opened a morning shotgun due to the overwhelming response of golfers participating,” she added.

The winning men’s foursome was Tim Edwards, Adam Regnere, Justin Cyr and Guy Lehaie, who posted a score of 14 under par 58.  The team of Laurelynn Martin, Ellie Mahoney, Pat Babcock and Laura Smith captured the women’s competition with a score of 69.  In the co-ed competition the LaFramboise foursome of Paul, Nancy, Jeffrey and Eric walked away with the trophy.  They posted a score of 63, easily outdistancing the co-ed field.

In special contests, Bruce Lavallee won the men’s closest-to-the-pin competition, while Cathy Church was the women’s winner.  In the long drive contest, Ann Gustavson cleaned house in the women’s division and Joe Trotsky was the men’s winner.  Nelson “Buzz” King of Lake Alexander in Dayville was the lucky winner of a 39-inch Vizio television.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to another former Putnam High School standout athlete Richard “Dick” Blake.  During his heyday as a Clipper, Blake was one of the toughest competitors ever seen on the Putnam fields and courts.  In real life he enjoyed a distinguished career as a Connecticut State trooper.  Blake celebrated another year of life on September 19.

In the past 15 or so years Northeastern Connecticut has produced its fair share of outstanding golfers.  Initially Tourtellotte Memorial High School produced Matt Smith and most recently has witnessed some great golf from the sticks of Mike Jezierski.  Putnam under the guidance of veteran coach Jim Bartolomei had it share of championship teams and stellar club swingers.

Coach Rich Garceau at Woodstock Academy has been the beneficiary of a litany of talented linksters who have passed through the ranks of the Centaur golf teams.  Among the most talented golfers under Garceau’s tutelage was Cody Semmelrock.

During his years at Woodstock Semmelrock was a better than average basketball player who possessed deadly accuracy from three-point range.  Semmelrock who possessed good golf genes, inherited from his dad, Earl made bigger headlines however, with his play on the links.  Fortunately for Semmelrock he was also an outstanding student in the classroom, which earned him admission to prestigious Williams College.

As a student at Williams College, Semmelrock continued to shine in the classroom, while playing basketball and becoming one of the best golfers ever produced by the Ephs.

Semmelrock received his degree from Williams College this spring and following a careful year of deliberation has decided to follow a dream he’s had since he was a youngster.  He’s on a journey to become a professional golfer, although he realizes the odds are great and the grind ahead will be physically and mentally exhausting.  He recognizes that every young golfer who contemplates attempting this dream faces the same challenges.

In making this journey a little less excruciating, Semmelrock has teamed up with his good friend, college teammate and golf author Dylan Dethier.  The pair will be traveling together, while playing golf and caddying for each other.  The spirit they possess is the intangible they’re hoping will encourage them on their road toward the PGA Tour.

The start of the trek has taken them north of the border into Canada where Semmelrock has encountered success by qualifying to play in the first two qualifiers on the Canada PGA Tournament.  He recently played in the Cape Breton Celtic Classic presented by PC Financial.

In support of Semmelrock’s and Dethier’s venture, Semmelrock’s aunt and uncle, Kyle and Mary Ann Dostaler of MAD Communications have donated their services.  MAD has designed a website, www.thelongshottour.com, which recently went live.  The site will chronicle the pair’s life on the road as well as the people they meet along the way.

Quinnatisset Country Club, Semmelrock’s home course has joined in to assist financially.  The membership has volunteered the course for a day and will host a fund-raising tournament on his behalf as he heads south as the cold weather heads to New England.

The Long Shot Tour-Nament is scheduled for Friday, October 3 with a 10 a.m. shotgun start.  The cost of the event is $125 per golfer and includes raffle, skins, special contests, hot dogs, hamburgers and soda during play.  Following play a dinner will be held at Connecticut National Golf Club, featuring a social hour at 5 p.m. and prime rib dinner at 6 p.m.  Anyone who doesn’t play golf but wishes to attend the dinner may do so at a cost of $40 per person.

Anyone wishing to play should contact Earl Semmelrock at 860 508-9525 or the Quinnatisset pro shop 860 928-7516.  Checks should be made payable to Cody Semmelrock and mailed to Earl Semmelrock, 69 Killingly Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.

Woodstock Grads Getting A Kick From College Soccer

A pair of former Woodstock Academy female soccer players, Andrea Plucenik and Emily Becher, enjoyed a banner week on the pitch recently on the college level.  Both Becher and Plucenik are residents of Brooklyn.

Plucenik, a UConn junior, tallied a goal in the Lady Huskies 4-0 victory over Stonybrook University of Long Island.  UConn is 4-1-1 in early season play.  Plucenik was one of the Centaurs most talented soccer players despite losing an entire season to a knee injury.

Becher, a freshman at Eastern Connecticut State University, netted the first two goals of her young collegiate career in a 2-1 victory over Albertus Magnus University.  She tallied the game winner for the Lady Warriors four minutes into sudden death overtime.  She was named the Little East Conference Rookie of the Week for her outstanding effort.

From The Where 

Are They Now Files

The Putnam High School Class of 1959 celebrated its 55th Reunion over the weekend of September 5, 6 and 7.  On hand for the weekend festivities was Peter LaBeck, who currently lives in Hilton Head, S.C.  This was LaBeck’s first trip back to his former hometown in 51 years.

The Class of ’59 had many good athletes, however LaBeck was not among the group during his high school days.  The Clippers have never had a tennis program, which was LaBeck’s sport.  He picked up his court skills from one of his junior high school teachers, the late Richard Brodeur.  As a high school student, LaBeck would be spotted on the clay courts at Roseland Park in Woodstock with his mentor.

Today LaBeck is a certified USTA professional who plays on a semi-professional doubles circuit, which travels in competition in the Carolina and Georgia area.  He’s traveled as far as California to play in doubles tournaments.  LaBeck plays out of Springlake Tennis Club.  He’s enjoyed workouts and lessons with former tennis great Stan Smith who also lives on the island.     

In his professional career LaBeck was an author’s agent working in New York City and traveling the world.  He was the youngest vice president in his company’s history and retired 18 years ago at age 55.  During his professional career he worked for such authors as Edward Albee, Neil Simon and the estate of Agatha Christie.

While in Putnam, LaBeck noted that he recently ran into Pomfret resident Dan Blackmore, who was in Hilton Head for some tennis and relaxation.

RPC’s Closing thought For The Day: “Elizabeth Taylor Fat?  Her favorite food is seconds.” The late Joan Rivers.

(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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Harry M. Arters

BROOKLYN — Harry M. Arters, 76, attorney at law, of Brooklyn, died Sept. 8, 2014, at Vibra Hospital, Leicester, Mass. He was the husband of Elaine (Caron) Arters. They were married Aug. 14, 1965, in St. James Church in Danielson.

He was born July 31, 1938, in Brooklyn, son of the late Cassius Ben and Bernice (Horner) Arters. He was a graduate of Killingly High School, UConn and UConn School of Law. He was a prominent attorney in Willimantic, Killingly and Brooklyn area for 44 years, having served as a Windham County prosecutor and in private practice for the remainder of his career. He was a member and a past president of the Danielson Exchange Club and the Windham County Bar Association. He was a life member of the Danielson Lodge of Elks 1706 and the NRA, and a member of the committee that formed the Killingly Brooklyn Midget Football League. Harry enjoyed gardening, golfing, and was a NASCAR and an INDY car racing enthusiast. He loved his summers on Alexander’s Lake, boating and entertaining residents, family and friends with his Fourth of July firework displays. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Green Bay Packers, and UConn basketball. 

He leaves, in addition to his wife Elaine, his two sons Dr. Harry M. Arters III (Melissa) of Brooklyn, Jason B. Arters (Shelby) of Marietta, Ga.; his brother Jack M. Arters (Olive) Seekonk, Mass.;  brother-in-law Ernest Caron of Danielson; grandchildren, Hunter, Emily, Zoe, Ben, Riley, Brady. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Helen, Rena Rae, and his brother James. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 15 St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Brooklyn South Cemetery, Brooklyn. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Florence Magrey

DAYVILLE — Florence M. Magrey, 75, of Gendreau Drive died unexpectedly Sept. 11, 2014, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, due to complications after surgery. She was the wife of Donald A. Magrey. They were married July 7, 1956. He died July 31, 1999.  

She was born Feb. 15, 1939, in Goodyear, daughter of Arthur and Bella (St. Onge) Briere. She was a talented seamstress and worked for the Trink-et Shoppe in Danielson.  She was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale. She had made her home in Dayville most of her life, was an avid reader, enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, knitting and crocheting, and a fan of the Boston Red Sox. 

She leaves her children: Donald P. Magrey (Jennifer) of Sterling, Gary D. Magrey (Arlene) of Dayville, Jeanne Provost (Denis) of Putnam, Lee Ann Perugini (Louis Sr.) of Thomaston, Lynne Gravell (Kenneth) of Putnam; siblings: Leo Briere of Danielson, Lorraine Parkhurst of Brooklyn, Raymond Rickey, David Rickey and Robert Rickey, all of Jewett City; grandchildren: Nicholas Magrey, Paul Magrey; Heather Magrey, Elizabeth Magrey, Christopher Magrey (Joselyn), Samantha Provost, Benjamin Provost, Ashley Lafortune, Allison Lafortune, Erin Gravell, Ethan Gravell, Louis Perugini Jr., Grace Perugini, Sofia Perugini; close friends Maurice Briere, Judy Payne and Rosalie Briere, her surrogate daughter Heidi Barriere and her daughter Alyssa Kruger of Putnam. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Annamarie Provost Jan. 7, 1988; her brother Norman Briere and her sisters Dorothy Hyland and Germaine Goudreau.

Calling hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.  Funeral service will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 18 from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. St. Joseph Church, Main Street, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Dayville. Donations: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 372 Danbury Road, Suite 200, Wilton, CT 06897. 

 

Ronald E. L’Etoile,

Air Force vet

CENTRAL VILLAGE — Ronald E. L’Etoile, 77, of Central Village, died unexpectedly Sept. 6, 2014. Ronald was born Oct. 21, 1936, in Putnam. 

He graduated from Killingly High School in 1955 and served in the United States Air Force from July 1955 through July 1959. Ronald was married to Vivian Chabot on April 15, 1961. They were married 53 years.

Ronald worked for American - Standard in various positions for 16 years and worked in security at Kaman Aerospace for nearly 50 years until he retired. Ronald was an avid sports fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and UConn Huskies, and loved spending time outdoors. He often could be found watching one of his beloved sports teams on the TV he had in his outdoor shed.

He leaves his wife Vivian; sons Gary (Lenore) L’Etoile of Sterling and David L’Etoile of Voluntown; daughters, Judy L’Etoile of Putnam and Karen (Ron) Deschamps of Moosup; sister Muriel (Norman) Roy of New Fairfield; grandchildren, Andrew, Harley, Bryan and Hannah L’Etoile, and Danielle and Shelby Deschamps; beloved dog, Molly. Ronald is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Clara L’Etoile and brother Maurice L’Etoile. 

The Funeral Service was Sept. 11 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Brooklyn.

 

Eva M. Loubier

DAYVILLE —  Eva M. Loubier, 67, of Bear Hill Rd., died Sept. 10, 2014, in UMass Memorial Hospital. She is the wife of George L. Loubier for 31 years.  

Born in 1947 in Plainfield, she was the daughter of the late Armand and Maud J. (Parker) Cote.

Mrs. Loubier worked as a machine operator for Pall Corporation. She also worked for Staples, and Acme Cotton.  Eva enjoyed camping, cooking, and playing bingo. 

In addition to her husband George, she leaves her sons, Timmy Loubier of Wolcott, Vt., and Danny Loubier of Sterling; grandchildren, DJ, Brooke, and Delaney Loubier; brothers, Raymond Cote of Danielson, George Cote of Sterling, and Richard Cote of Maine.

Donations: UMMF Bone Marrow Transplant Program, UMass Medicine Development Office, 33 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

 

Florina Weaver

N. GROSVENORDALE — Florina B. Weaver, of Fabyan Road, formerly of Brooklyn, died Sept. 3, 2014, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She was born Aug. 11, 1924, in Brooklyn, daughter of the late Eugene and Rose (Renaud) De Villez. She was the wife of Robert L. Weaver. He died in 2010. They were married Aug. 12, 1944, in St. James Church. 

Florina was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson. She worked for WM. Prym Company for 44 years. She enjoyed knitting and was an avid gardener. She leaves her daughters: Jo-Anne Bryer (Douglas) of N. Grosvenordale, Diane Sorel (Raymond) of Dayville; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandsons and one great-great-granddaughter; her sisters; Theresa Davis, Loraine Collins, Nancy Bernier and Claire Sabourin. She was predeceased by five sisters; Ida Blair, Dora Petecki, Alice Lafontaine, Pauline Nicholas and Mary Dixon and three brothers; Leon De Villez, Eugene De Villez and Theodore De Villez.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 8 at St. James Church, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: St. James Church or St. James School. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. 

 

Pratt service set

WOODSTOCK — A Celebration of Life for Deborah L. (Sheldon) Pratt will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Woodstock Fairgrounds Agricultural Building.

Pratt, 62, of Woodstock, died Aug. 21, 2014, at UMass Memorial Health Care - University Campus, Worcester. 

She leaves her son, Joshua Pratt of Woodstock; her companion James Pratt of Woodstock, a sister, Susan J. Fallenius (Eric) of Woodstock; two brothers, Wayland N. Sheldon Jr (Nancy) of Woodstock and Ronald Sheldon (Dianne) of Pomfret.

Donations: Deborah L. Pratt Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizen National Bank, PO Box 119, Woodstock, CT 06281. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Doris L. Robillard

N. GROSVENORDALE — Doris (Tellier) Robillard, 85, of Riverside Drive, died Aug. 27, 2014, in Regency Heights of Danielson.  She was the wife of the late Raymond M. Robillard.  Born in 1929 in Thompson, she was the daughter of the late Adolph and Marie Rose (Dubeau) Tellier.

Mrs. Robillard worked as a teacher’s aide for Tourtellotte Memorial High School. She also worked for Belding Corticelli, Ethan Allen, and The Webster Times. She enjoyed going to the Casino and was a fan of the New England Patriots. 

She leaves her son, Michael J. Robillard of N. Grosvenordale; her daughter Susan-Raye Eklund of N. Grosvenordale; grandchildren, John Eklund of N. Grosvenordale, and Kristen L. Robillard of Southbridge; nieces, Joyce Sledzick of Dudley and Linda Manso of N. Grosvenordale.  She was the sister of the late Theresa Vaillant, Jeannette Tellier, Anita Cournoyer and Evelyn Galinski and the aunt of the late Nancy Oleszewski.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 2 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: Christopher Heights Activity Fund, 338 Thompson Rd., Webster, MA 01570. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

 

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