Awarded degrees
WILLIMANTIC --- At Eastern Connecticut State University’s 124th Commencement May 13, 2014, the following local students received degrees: Holly Bennett received a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Bennett is a resident of Danielson. Matthew Lanzoni received a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology. Lanzoni is a resident of Danielson. Rebecca Wainacht received a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education. Wainacht is a resident of Dayville. Amy Kacerik received a Master of Science degree in Organizational Management. Kacerik is a resident of Pomfret Center. Sarah Brockmeyer received a Master of Science degree in Reading/Language Arts. Brockmeyer is a resident of Pomfret Center.
Legal Notice
Communities Served:
Ashford, CT; Brooklyn, CT; Canterbury, CT; Chaplin, CT; Columbia, CT; Coventry, CT; E. CT College; Eastford, CT; Hampton, CT; Lebanon, CT; Mansfield, CT; Pomfret, CT; Scotland, CT; Thompson, CT; UConn, CT; Willimantic/Windham, CT; Willington, CT; Woodstock, CT
On or after September 23, 2014, Charter will start encrypting the Basic Service Tier offering on your cable system. If you have a set-top box, digital transport adapter (DTA), or a retail CableCARD device connected to each of your TVs, you will be unaffected by this change. However, if you are currently receiving the Basic Service Tier offering on any TV without equipment supplied by Charter, you will lose the ability to view any channels on that TV. If you are affected, you should contact Charter to arrange for the equipment you need to continue receiving your services. In such case, you are entitled to receive equipment at no additional charge or service fee for a limited period of time. The number and type of devices you are entitled to receive and for how long will vary depending on your situation. If you are a Basic Service Tier offering customer and receive the service on your TV without Charter-supplied equipment, you are entitled to up to two devices for two years (five years if you also receive Medicaid). If you subscribe to a higher level of service and receive the Basic Service Tier offering on a secondary TV without Charter-supplied equipment, you are entitled to one device for one year. You can learn more about this equipment offer and eligibility at charter.com/digitalnow or by calling 1-866-954-3019. To qualify for any equipment at no additional charge or service fee, you must request the equipment within 120 days after the date your service is encrypted, which began September 23, 2014 and will continue through January 21, 2015 and satisfy all other eligibility requirements.
Aug. 14, 2014
Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Zoning Commission
The Town of Putnam Zoning Commission will hold a meeting on August 20, 2014, at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall located at 126 Church Street, Putnam, CT. A public hearing will be held one each of the following:
Docket # 2014-04: Putnam Taxi, LLC — Request for text amendments to the Town of Putnam Zoning Regulations Article III, Section 304, Table III-1 Schedule of Uses and Districts to amend the Transportation Table. Article VIII, Definitions to add under M - Motor Vehicle in Livery Service under T -Taxicab or Taxi. Article IV, Section 601 Table VI-1 Parking Schedule. The proposed text amendment may be viewed in it entirety at the Zoning/Land Use Office at the Putnam Town Hall, 126 Church Street, Putnam, CT, during regular Town Hall business hours.
Docket # 2014-05: Putnam Taxi, LLC — Request for a Special Permit of Exception to operate a taxi/livery dispatch office at 119 School Street, Town Assessor’s Map 015, Lot 013., Zoned R-7.
Patricia Hedenberg,
Chairperson
Aug. 7, 2014
Aug. 14, 2014
Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Zoning Board
of Appeals
The Town of Putnam Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a meeting on August 19, 2014, at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall located at 126 Church Street, Putnam, CT. A public hearing will be held on each of the following:
Appeal # 2014-005; Round The Clock Repair Services LLC — Request for a Certificate of Approval of Location. The applicant is also appealing the decision of the Zoning Enforcement Officer for the sale of vehicles. Property located at 33 Industrial Park Road, Town Assessor’s Map 038, Lot 036. Zoned Industrial.
Appeal # 2014-006: Round The Clock Auto Centre, LLC — Request for a Certificate of Approval of Location. The applicant is also appealing the decision of the Zoning Enforcement Officer for the sale of vehicles. Property located at 33 Industrial Park Road, Town Assessor’s Map 038, Lot 036. Zoned Industrial.
Joseph Nash,
Chairman
Aug. 7, 2014
Aug. 14, 2014
Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Planning Commission
The Town of Putnam Planning Commission held a Special Meeting on August 6, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. at the Putnam Town Hall, located at 126 Church Street, Putnam, CT. The following action was taken:
Approval was granted for the stipulation for judgment, Unistar Properties, LLC vs. The Town of Putnam Planning Commission, on a 33-lot subdivision to include the construction of a roadway and cul-de-sac to provide access from Five Mile River Road to the proposed lots. The property, described as Assessor’s Map 39, Lots 45 and 54, is located at 71 Five Mile River Road (Lot 45) and 59 Old Moffitt Road (Lot 54). The subject property consists of 62.13 acres, be the same more or less.
Gerard Cotnoir,
Chairman
Aug. 14, 2014
Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
NOTICE
OF INTENT
TO FILE
FOR FEDERAL
FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE
The Town of Putnam, CT proposes to file an Application for Federal Financial Assistance with the USDA, Rural Development. This application for financial assistance will be for funding under the Rural Utilities Service, Part 1780, Water and Environmental Programs Loans and Grants (CFDA 10.760) and is anticipated to be submitted by August 14th, 2014. The specific elements of the project include construction of a sanitary sewer pump station, gravity sewer, sewer force main and water main. The purpose of the project is to provide utilities to a 267± acre site that is targeted for economic development. The first phase of development within the Site would be a new regional YMCA facility, surface parking, athletic fields, roads, water main, drainage and sewage pump station. The cost of this phase of the Project is anticipated to be $1,121,200.00 ($504,000 Water Project and $617,200 Sewer Project).
Any comments regarding this application should be submitted to the Town of Putnam within fifteen days of publication.
Aug. 14, 2014
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to North Grosvenordale native Charlie Archambault. Most people don’t know or remember that Archambault was an outstanding athlete in his day. He was drafted by the former St. Louis Browns of the American League and played one season in the minor leagues. Archambault enjoyed another birthday on Sunday, Aug. 10.
Just prior to the turn of the century in the late ‘90s a young lady by the name of Candace Spinelli dominated the high school soccer scene not only in the area but throughout the state. Spinelli, who graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in 1999 earned varsity letters from her freshman year on through the culmination of her senior season.
Spinelli, playing in the former Quinebaug Valley Conference, was selected all-conference her four years on the high school pitch and was also selected Connecticut All State. She was selected the Lady Tigers Most Valuable Player in 1997 and 1998. In 1998 she was honored by being named the QVC Player of the Year. The Hartford Courant also named Spinelli to the All-State Soccer Team throughout her four years in high school.
A two-sport athlete, the versatile Spinelli also played varsity basketball for four seasons. She was a member of two teams that played in the CIAC postseason tournament. As a senior she was honored as the winner of the Most Improved Player award.
An honor student, Spinelli moved on to a two- year stint as a member of the Eastern Connecticut State University soccer team. As a sophomore she was named Little East All-Conference second team. She moved on to Central Connecticut State University for her final two years of college and continued to star on the pitch. At Division I CCSU she helped the team to a Northeast Conference Championship and a berth in the prestigious NCAA Tournament. In her senior year she was honored as the NEC All-Conference First Team as a defender.
Beyond the high school and college level Spinelli played in the European Dana Cup competition in Sweden in 1996 and the Gothia Cup in Denmark. From 1995 through 1997 she was member of the World Class team and the Eagle Elite team from 1998 through 2000.
Spinelli was honored for her achievements as a scholar/athlete on Saturday, June 14 when she was inducted into the TMHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Despite the fact that our beloved Red Sox are mired in last place in the American League East Division, the local faithful continue to flock to venerable Fenway Park. The 15 games or so, out of first place and just waiting to be mathematically eliminated factor doesn’t seem to discourage people from northeastern Connecticut from taking the 60 - plus mile (more than 120 miles round trip) trek to Beantown.
Doug Cutler, Putnam town administrator, along with his son James was on hand for a rare Red Sox win in the Toronto series. The Cutlers were seated in the upper boxes along the third base side of “Friendly Fenway.” It was their first experience watching the game from that perspective and they said, “Great seats and tremendous place to watch the game.”
The younger Cutler recently completed his career with the TriTown American Legion Baseball Program where he was a utility infielder and relief pitcher. He’s headed to Quinebaug Valley Community College in September. Dad Cutler, who is really a kid at heart when it comes to baseball, loved the trip to Fenway because he loves Red Sox baseball.
Putnam residents Dick and Kathy Raymond made their annual trek to Fenway recently. The Raymonds attended a Yankee versus Red Sox game, which the Sox won 4-2.
Maybe the Cutlers and Raymonds should have gone to Boston more often this season. It appears that the Red sox enjoy winning when they’re present.
Amateur Golf News
The 27th Connecticut Mid-Amateur Championship is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, August 19 and 20 at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury. There are a number of Eastern Connecticut golfers who’ll be on hand to represent our part of the state. The Northeastern Connecticut Corner will be represented by Will Machnicki who plays out of Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug. Machnicki, a Putnam resident, is a familiar face around local golf courses. In real life he can be found in the kitchen at Someplace Special Restaurant where he is a chef.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “In every person who comes near you look for what is good and strong.” John Ruskin.
(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
Matthew M. Regula
KILLINGLY — Matthew M. Regula, 16, of Killingly, died tragically Aug. 5, 2014, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. He was born July 2, 1998, in Putnam, son of Francis T. Regula Jr. and Renee Dion Reppy.
He was going into his junior year of high school and he couldn’t have been more excited. His happy and energetic presence will never be forgotten. Matthew was kind hearted and always had a smile. Matthew loved to do things that made his father proud. He enjoyed playing video games with his older brother, music and spending time with people he loved the most.
He leaves his father, Francis Regula Jr.; his mother, Renee Reppy; his brother, Frank R. Regula; step father, John Reppy; grandparents Brian and LeLa (Dion) Bissonnette, Mark Dion Sr.; uncles, Mark Dion Jr., Brian Bissonnette Jr. and Scott Bissonnette. Donations: “Matthew Regula Memorial Fund” at Putnam Bank, PO Box 151, Putnam, CT 06260.
Visitation was Aug. 12 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Elaine Greene
QUINEBAUG — Elaine T. Greene, 74, of Quinebaug, died Aug. 1, 2014, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She was born March 27, 1940, in Danielson, daughter of the late Liberato and Yvonne (Thomas) Barber.
Elaine was married 56 years to the love of her life Daniel Greene. They were married April 19, 1958, in St. James Church Danielson.
Elaine was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. She enjoyed watching her grandkids play sports, The Boston Red Sox and loved watching figure skating. She loved family gatherings and cooking.
She leaves her husband, Daniel Greene of Quinebaug; children, Jeffrey (Michelle) Greene, Stephen Greene, Brian (Michele) Greene, Daniel W. Greene, Jo-Ann (Craig) Bond, a brother, Anthony (Harriet) Barber, a sister, Carol (Roger) Nadeau; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a grandson Jeffrey D.M. Greene and two great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 7 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: Jeffrey D.M. Greene Scholarship Fund at People’s United Bank, 60 Providence Pike, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Mary Szruba
PUTNAM — Mary A. Szruba, 78, of Putnam died Aug. 4, 2014, at Regency Heights Nursing Home in Danielson.
She was born Aug. 8, 1935, in Putnam, daughter of the late Wilfred Gilbert Sr. and Annabelle (Harrington) Gilbert.
She worked at Danielson Curtain prior to providing daycare services to several family member.
Besides her husband of 56 years, Peter P. Szruba Sr., she leaves her son, Peter P. Szruba Jr. of Putnam; daughter, Jenny Lynn Chapman (Dana) of Woodstock; grandchildren, Shane and Jesse Davis of Putnam, Chris, Connor and Chace Chapman of Woodstock, Kristen (Briere) Ramdhor of Germany, Faith Briere of Putnam, Aubrey-Lynn (Briere) Girdwood of Hawaii; twin sister, Leonie Dauphinais of Putnam; sisters, Pauline Terwilliger of Killingly and Katherine Lyons of Belchertown, Mass.; brothers, Robert and Henry Gilbert of Putnam. She was predeceased by her daughter, Linda Marie Briere; brothers, James, Bernard (Cookie) and Wilfred Gilbert Jr.
The Graveside Service was Aug. 9 in St. Mary Cemetery.
Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
John P. Gifford Sr.,
WWII vet
E. WOODSTOCK — John P. Gifford Sr., 91, of Woodstock Rd., died Aug. 9, 2014, at home. He is the husband of Viola (Merolli) Gifford, whom he married on Aug. 31, 1957, in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Worcester. Born in 1922 Dudley, he was the son of the late Paul M. and Pearl (Alton) Gifford.
Mr. Gifford was a proud WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Army as a Tech Sergeant. He was a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and worked in the textile industry as a wool buyer and purchasing agent.
John was a history buff and especially liked studying WWII. He loved wooden sail boats, jazz music, reading and summering at Watch Hill.
In addition to his wife, he leaves sons; John P. “Jack” Gifford Jr. (Patricia) of Woodstock and Peter R. Gifford of Thompson; daughters, Ann A. Donovan of Woodstock and Christine Gifford of Putnam; grandchildren, Valerie, Seth, Noah, Shea, Matthew, Emily, and the late Carolyn; and great grandchildren, Maizie, Parker, Esther, and Nora. John is predeceased by his first wife, Juliette (Perron) Gifford; and siblings Dudley, Elizabeth and Barbara Gifford.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, closing with Military Honors at 1.
Robert B. Heath
PUTNAM — Robert B. “Bobby” Heath, 63, of Putnam, died Aug. 8, 2014, at home.
Bobby was born in Putnam, son of the late Albert and Elizabeth (Somers) Heath, and lived in Putnam all his life. He was a fork lift operator at Staples for 12 years and had previously worked at John M. Dean in Putnam for 25 years. He was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He enjoyed fishing.
He leaves his wife of 45 years, Terry M. (Taylor) Heath of Putnam; two daughters, Betty Ellen Heath of Trinity, N.C., Melissa Charbonneau (Harold) of Putnam; two brothers, Philip Heath of Putnam, Albert Heath (Sheila) of Putnam; three sisters, Barbara Messier (Jerry) of Putnam, Ethel Mae Heath of Putnam, Dorothy Vannase (James) of Putnam; four grandchildren, Joshua Heath, Brandi Serrano, Jonathan Thompson and Robyn Charbonneau; one great-grandson, Easton James Thompson; three sisters-in-law, Cheryl Goulette and her companion Loretta Hayes of Putnam, Louise DiZazzo (Chris) of Putnam, Deborah Davis of York, S.C.. He was predeceased by two sisters, Martha Richie and Beverly Benoit.
Donations: American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Stella ‘Chris’ Ricard
GRISWOLD — Stella M. “Chris” (Banasiewicz) Ricard, 82, of Griswold, died Aug. 8, 2014. She was the wife of Roland Ricard for 63 years.
She was born Jan. 12, 1932, in Norwich to Paul Banasiewicz and Sophia Bohara.
She had a passion for helping others. She was a volunteer for many years at Uncas and Summit Nursing Home.
Besides her husband, she leaves two sons, Paul Ricard (Diane) of Voluntown, Peter Ricard (Ann) of Thompson; daughter Reneé Jowett of Griswold; six grandchildren, Nathan Lazourack, Richard Ricard, Jennifer Lazourack, Jeanette Giattino, Krystle Breault and Chelsea Tucker; and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers, Joseph Banas and Michael Wilczek; and sisters, Anna Mizera, Mary D’Elia and Sophia Papineau.
The family will receive family and friends at 1 p.m. Aug. 16 in their home, 1588 Voluntown Rd. Griswold. Donations: Your local animal shelter. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.
Daniel R. Strelczuk
THOMPSON — Daniel R. Strelczuk, 62, of Brandy Hill Rd., died at sea May 17, 2014. Married in 1976, he is the husband of Danuta (Pluta) Strelczuk.
Born in 1952 in Grudziadz, Poland, he was the son of the late Jerzy and Lidia (Lewandowska) Strelczuk. Raised in Gdansk, Poland, he and his wife immigrated to the U.S. in 1982.
Daniel worked as a machinist for Morgan Construction/Siemens of Worcester for 26 years.
In addition to his passion for sailing, Daniel enjoyed spending time with his family, skiing, reading, traveling, and was also known to be an exceptional handy man. His intensity and desire to always be on the move and explore new things was infectious to those around him. His legacy is to be a standup family man and to pursue the things in life we love. He was the kind of man that always found the way and carved new paths everywhere he went.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his son, Adam Strelczuk (Tracey) of Mystic; daughters, Malgorzata “Meg” Strelczuk and her fiancé Jay Chojnowski of Warwick, R.I.; and Aleksandra Strelczuk of Killingly; grandchildren Lucas and Lydia; sisters, Barbara Mezinski of Canada, Zdzislawa Hryniewicz of Poland, and Mariola Putynkowska of Poland.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 11 in St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery in Webster. Donations: St. Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 01570. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Marjorie H. Chapman
BETHANY, Penn. — Marjorie Harrington Chapman, 103, of Bethany, died Aug. 5, 2014.
She was born March 7, 1911, in Ashford, She was valedictorian of Stoughton (Mass.) High School, Class of 1928. She graduated in 1933 from Bridgewater (Mass.) State Teachers College and in 1939 earned a master’s degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder. She married in June 1940 and raised her family in Thompson. While living in Thompson, she participated in Grange, was an active member of the Thompson Congregational Church, and attended Thimble Club.
She taught for 30 years, initially in Southbridge, then in Thompson, and lastly in Dayville, at Killingly Central School. Her favorite grades were 4 through 6, because the children were old enough to tie their shoes, but young enough not to sass back when corrected. Mrs. Chapman’s favorite subjects to teach were English, especially the derivation of words, phrases and colloquialisms, and history. She was an avid reader throughout her lifetime, and inspired others to be lifelong learners. She also had a wry sense of humor and always enjoyed a well-told joke.
During retirement, Mrs. Chapman “Airstreamed” with her husband throughout the U.S., attending Wally Byam Caravan rallies, and traveling to New Zealand and Australia. While on caravans, she taught classes and quilted cathedral window bedspreads and home goods for family and friends. Always active, she enjoyed sewing and handcrafts, including braided rugs, clown dolls, and wall hangings, and, in her later years, quilled ornaments, notecards, and wedding announcements
She moved from Thompson, to Deland, Fla., and then to Bethany Village, an assisted living residence in Bethany. Throughout the years, Mrs. Chapman continually added new names to her address book and maintained on-going relationships through her hand-written notes and phone calls. She had countless special people in her life, and was thankful for each and every one.
She leaves her three daughters and their spouses: Jane Jackson (Paul) of Scottsdale, Ariz., Ruth Mroczka (Frank) of Starrucca, Penn. and Lee Cavanaugh (Jim) of Walnut, Calif.; five grandchildren: Carla Jackson of Claremont, Calif., Dan Jackson of Denver, Ellen Kohler of Morrisville, Penn., Barbara Lopez of Fullerton, Calif., and David Cavanaugh of San Francisco; five great-grandchildren in California. Her husband, John Hussey Chapman died June 16, 2004.
Interment will be in Springfield (Mass.) Cemetery at the family’s convenience. Lanterman & Allen Funeral Home, Inc., E. Stroudsburg, Penn.
Charles Heidelberger,
WWII vet
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Charles Harold (Killian) Heidelberger, 89, of Gainesville, and Pomfret, died Aug. 6, 2014 in Gainesville.
Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Heidelberger had been in declining health for several years.
Mr. Heidelberger, known lovingly as “Coach,” had three loves in his life: his family, his country, and the U.S. Marine Corps.
He joined the USMC after Pearl Harbor was attacked in December 1941. Because he was only 16 at the time, the Marines would not take him until he turned 17 in June of 1942. Coach served bravely and fought in the Pacific in the “island hopping” campaign in the Mariana, Gilbert, and Solomon Islands, including at Saipan, Tinian, and Tarawa.
He exemplified the Marine Corps’ values of ‘Honor, Courage, and Commitment,’ and by his example, he instilled these values in his children and grandchildren.
After the war was over, Mr. Heidelberger returned to New York City, met the love of his life, and chose to attend the University of Mississippi because they had the best married student housing.
That New York City boy and his bride had the experience of a lifetime in the South.
He majored in health, physical education and recreation, and served as the recreation director in Fairport, N.Y., before beginning his teaching career at a vocational high school in Connecticut.
His professional legacy is the impact he made in the lives of many young people as a PE teacher, athletic director, and coach.
The life lessons he taught those kids remained with many of them throughout their lives.
For years, any time one of his former students would see him, they would greet him enthusiastically, tell him how much he meant to them, and introduce him to their children and grandchildren.
He and Geraldine shared a lifetime of love, celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary in April.
He leaves four children: Jody (Tami), Missy (Jay), Lori (Sandra), and Chris (Diane); 11 grandchildren: Jason, Michael, Lauren, Austin, Kiersten, Victoria, Christian, Katherine, Owen, Michael and Shannon, and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at a later date at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville, and in Christ Episcopal Church in Pomfret. Donations: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Williams-Thomas Funeral Home. Gainesville.