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Coming to PSA

Tim Quashie, who play at Putnam Science Academy in September, fires from long range in a game last season for Long Island Lutheran. Courtesy photo.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Following a successful season that led it to the National Prep School Championships, Putnam Science Academy is reloading it program in preparation for the upcoming season.  The Mustangs recently announced the signing of its fourth recruit in the past month.

Tim Quashie a left-handed guard from New York indicated last week he’ll be attending Putnam Science Academy in September.  Quashie, who played his high school ball at Long Island Lutheran, missed his senior season due to a torn ACL, which disabled him for the entire season.

Quashie transferred to Long Island Lutheran, the same school that sent former Mustang Shawn Lawton to PSA, as a sophomore.  As a 10th grader he averaged eight points a game as the first man off the bench for Lutheran, which captured the New York Class A Championship in 2012.  The next year Quashie’s average jumped to 14 points a contest as he led Lutheran to the Class AA tournament where they lost in the title game.

Prior to playing for Lutheran, Quashie attended Westbury High School, where as a 9th grader he was the Nassau County A1 conference player of the year.  At Westbury he led the team to the conference championship, averaging 23 points per game.  In three years of varsity competition Quashie scored more than 850 points.

“We’re looking forward to having Tim Quashie join our program.  All reports indicate he’s a team player who can shoot, handle and distribute the ball.  He not only helps to complete our backcourt, he adds much needed versatility to our program,” said coach Tom Espinosa of his latest recruit.

Quashie joins recruits Kealen Ives and the Robinson twins, Andrew and Aaron, and will team with returning players, juniors Mamadou Diarra and Ruslan Badalov and seniors Hacibey Catalbasoglu and Burak Eraslan.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to John Mancini of Putnam.  In his younger days Mancini was a standout Little League player in Putnam.  Today he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and playing cards at the Elks club.

It’s always nice to hear about former residents of Putnam who have gone on to become successful individuals in life.  It makes longtime residents stand up and say “we knew that individual when.”

In 1986 Todd Clark, the son of Edeo Clark and Susan McLane, graduated from Putnam High School.  Much the same as many other students, Clark by his own admission, was an average student who didn’t put his heart into his education.

Now at the age of 45 Clark is making a name for himself in the field of education in the Atlanta area.  According to Clark, he only became serious about education when he was approximately 30 years old.  Since then he’s taken off faster than a NASA rocket to outer space.

The former Putnam four-year football player received the Peter Caplette Award for his dedication to the Clipper gridiron squad as a senior.  He also starred as an indoor and outdoor track performer for the Clippers.  Clark started his college education when he attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., where he received a degree in music education.  His interest in music started when he was a trumpet player in the Putnam High School marching band and jazz band and as a member of the school’s chorus.

Since receiving his bachelor’s degree he’s gone on to receive a master’s degree in school administration and a specialist’s degree in teaching and learning.  In February he completed his studies for his PhD, which he’ll officially receive in May. 

Currently, Clark is an elementary music teacher in grades K through five at Hopkins Elementary School.  He’s also working on some very interesting and ambitious plans to open his own education program titled Sovereign Learning Institute.  The concept is to offer an opportunity for a child to receive home schooling away from home.

According to Clark, his goal for his non-profit is to offer parents an alternative in education in which they have for more choice in the education decisions for their children.  In his program parents are involved in selecting the curriculum for their children, where they learn in a safe environment that’s relatively inexpensive.

Clark has been married to his wife, Kyong for 20 years.  They have two children, Allison 19 and Philip.    

Woodstock Academy Student 

Honored by YMCA

The YMCA of Greater Hartford held its 161st Annual Meeting April 23 at the Wallace Stevens Theater of The Hartford Financial Services Group.  In addition to the usual corporate reports and financial updates, the evening also included the presentation of the United Technologies Corporation/YMCA Wesley A. Kuhrt Youth Citizenship Awards to four high school students.

One of the individuals who received an award was Brittany LaFleur of Woodstock Academy.  LaFleur was nominated by one of her teachers, Michelle Raucliffe, who was on hand for the ceremony along with Academy assistant head of school Holly Singleton.

LaFleur was selected based on her participation in numerous helping activities that she volunteers for at the school.  According to the presentation, LaFleur is a student who is always available to assist other students in need as well as being a student leader in a variety of school sponsored activities.  She’s also very active in her church assisting with fund-raising and volunteer efforts to help people in the local area as well as on an international level.

Lafleur is headed to Keene State University in New Hampshire in September where she’ll study education.  Her goal is to someday be an elementary school teacher.  In addition to her academic and helping services activities at the Academy she’s a member of the Centaurs women’s tennis team and a former soccer player.

She was accompanied to the ceremony by her mother Diane Peterson and he older sister Rose.  A number of local individuals involved in establishing the Regional Community YMCA in northeastern Connecticut were also in attendance.  On hand were Betty and Laurence Hale, Dr. Woody Danenhower, Dr. Marc Cerrone and Woodstock Academy trustee Paul Kelly.

Honors

The Connecticut High School Coaches Association will honor 26 coaches from throughout the state at its annual recognition dinner May 8 at the Aqua Turf in Southington.  This is the golden anniversary of the event.  Among the outstanding coaches who will be recognized is Woodstock Academy men’s golf coach Rich Garceau.  Since assuming the reins of the Centaurs’ golf team Garceau has produced conference and state championship teams as well as developing a number of all-state golfers and players who went on to compete on the collegiate level.

Putnam Rotary Club Guest Speaker

Putnam High School athletic director Rick Konieczny was the guest speaker at the Putnam Rotary Club April 29.  Konieczny, who has been in his position for three years, has also served as the girls’ soccer and softball coach during his tenure in Putnam.

Konieczny’s message included explanation on the methods he’s employed over the years as a coach in motivating his players and getting them involved in the team concept.  Although Putnam is small in comparison to many of the schools they compete against, Konieczny assured the Rotarians that Putnam athletes are well prepared to compete when they step on to the field or court.  He also related how he often receives compliments from opposing coaches or fans on the sportsmanship displayed by Putnam athletes.  He was the guest of Putnam Rotarian Atty. Steve Adams.

Pomfret Lions Hit The Links

Jimi Gothreau of the Pomfret Lions Club passes along the word that the group is holding its 2nd Spring Golf Outing on May 17 at Harrisville Golf Course.  The 18-hole scramble event is scheduled to tee off with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m.  The cost is a very reasonable $75 per golfer or $300 per foursome.  The tourney includes cash prizes for the top three teams, closest to the pin contest and most accurate drive.  Golfers will be treated to grinders on the course during play and a post-tournament BBQ.  Proceeds will benefit Pomfret Lions Club charities.

Mayhew Remains Hot at UCAP

Chris Mayhew, the former Woodstock Academy Centaur, is putting the finishing touches on his career at UConn-Avery Point in sterling fashion.  The Pointers, who concluded the regular season at 34-7, are preparing to face Community College of Rhode Island for the right to move on the NJCAA Regional competition.

In a doubleheader split against CCRI Mayhew had four hits, scored three runs and had three runs-batted-in as he led his team to a 12-4 first game victory.  Two of Mayhew’s hits were two-baggers.  In the nightcap, CCRI jumped out in front early and held off UCAP 7-5 despite a home run by Mayhew.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”  Thomas A. Edison

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Raymond Berube,

WWII vet

DAYVILLE —— Raymond Berube, 92, of Pineville Road died April 29, 2014, at the Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. He was the husband of Marie (LaBonte) Berube. They were married on Feb. 22, 1941, at Sacred Heart Church in Webster. She died June 5, 2004.

Born May 30, 1921, in Cumberland, R.I., son of Edgar and Albina (Roberts) Berube.

He lived in Dayville most of his life. He was a former communicant of St. Anne Church in Ballouville. He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Raymond worked at Anchor Glass Container for more than 20 years, retiring in 1977. He was a school bus driver for the Town of Killingly for over 20 years. He loved driving school bus, especially the cheerleaders and sports teams and working in his yard.

He leaves two sons, Richard P. Berube of Killingly and Ronald D. Berube (Louise) of Aiken, S.C.; a daughter Debra L. Burton (William) of Killingly; brother Carl Berube; sister Marie Sullivane; grandchildren, Nichole Berube, Randy Berube, Lynne Berube, Mark Berube, Brandon Burton, Shannon Haney; great-grandchildren Carter Berube, Haley Berube, Austin Haney. He was predeceased by a son, Dennis J. Berube; brother Albert Berube and Edgar Berube.

The burial with military honors was May 2 in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: American Heart Association, PO 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Robert Coderre,

Korean war vet

N. GROSVENORDALE — Robert N. Coderre, 85, of N. Grosvenordale, died May 2, 2014, in Webster Manor Nursing Home after a lengthy illness.  He was the husband of 61  years of Constance (Lambert) Coderre.  Born in 1928 in N. Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Ulderic and Adrienne (Audet) Coderre.

Mr. Coderre was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving with the U.S. Navy from 1948 until being honorably discharged in 1952 serving aboard the USS Salerno Bay.

Mr. Coderre worked as a pipefitter for AO.  He enjoyed fishing, long walks, the ocean, family cook outs, and studying the history of WWII.  He was a member of the American Legion of N. Grosvenordale, VFW Post 10088 of Thompson, a Deacon for Faith Baptist Church in Southbridge for many years devoting his time to visiting and ministering to many people in several area nursing homes, a member of the fire brigade at American Optical, a member of the Community volunteer fire department in N. Grosvenordale. 

In addition to his wife, he leaves his son, Richard Coderre (Sheila) of Danielson; his daughters, Suzanne Shultz (Edward) of Oxford, Mass., and Brenda Beland (John) of Webster; his brothers, Normand Coderre of Sturbridge, and John Coderre of Danielson; his sisters, Harriett Blanchette of Grosvenordale, and Florette LaVallee of Webster; six grandchildren Jonathan, Hillary, Sheena, Joshua, Bruce, and Spencer; and seven great-grandchildren Jonah, Brielle, Dominique, Jade, Aden, Kane, and Audry. He was predeceased by his son Thomas Coderre, and a brother Gerard Coderre.

The Funeral Service was May 7 with burial with military honors in W. Thompson Cemetery. Donations: Webster Manor, Nursing Home, 745 School St., Webster, MA 01570.  Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

Kenneth Marshall

BROOKLYN — Kenneth A. Marshall, 84, formerly of Brooklyn and Pomfret, died May 1, 2014, at his son Kent’s home. He was the husband of Marilyn (Seaberg) Marshall. They were married in 1951. 

Born April 14, 1930, in Providence, he was the son of the late William C. Marshall and Bertha (Kumph) Marshall. He grew up in Warwick, and was a graduate of Moses Brown Prep School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta.

He was part owner, Vice President and Plant Manager of Case & Risley Press Paper Company, Oneco, until the plant was sold to Boise Cascade. He worked for Boise Cascade until his retirement. A Member of TAPPI Association and PIMA. He was a long time member and Past President of the Pomfret Lions Club and founder of Pomfret Lion’s Club Charity Ball and was chairman for several years.

He enjoyed water sports, boating on Lake Sunapee, N.H., and the Narragansett Bay. He loved water skiing and teaching others to ski. He enjoyed and was an exceptional ballroom dancer (especially with his wife as his partner).

In addition to his wife Marilyn, he leaves his six children: Lynda M. Johnson of Parsonsburg, Md., Christine M. Parquette (Lawrence) of Putnam, Kent A. Marshall (Gail) of Chepachet, Nancy L. Mullaly Woodis (Bruce) of Dayville, Scott D. Marshall (Rosemary) of Dayville, and Judith A. Munger of Plainfield; 17 grandchildren and 22, (almost 24) great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers D. Cameron Marshall and Philip W. Marshall. 

A Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. May 10 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. Calling hours will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Donations: Gentiva Hospice, 2374 Post Road, Suite 206, Warwick, RI. 02886; or to NECCOG Animal Services, PO Box 750, Dayville, CT 06241.

 

Mary A. Hibbard

WOODSTOCK — Mary A. Hibbard, 98, a native of Woodstock, died April 27, 2014. Born July 10, 1915, to Harold C. Hibbard and Florence Cobleigh Hibbard of Woodstock.

A lifelong resident of Woodstock, she graduated from the Woodstock Academy then went to work at the Stillwater Worsted Mill in East Woodstock and later at

Linemaster Switch. She was past president of the East Woodstock Cornet Band; her specialty was playing trumpet solos. For a time she was a vocal soloist for the Church of Christ Scientist in Hartford, and part of several choral groups in local churches. Along with her brother Ray and sister Von they entertained as the group known as the Harmoniers. Mary was an original member of the local farmer’s market where she and her sister were known for their pies and fresh produce. During the Christmas season she could be found at her Christmas Shop in East Woodstock where she produced wreaths, ropes, arrangements of greens and other crafts. She enjoyed doing her preserves and relishes and of course, Popcorn Balls.

She leaves her sister F. Veronica Hibbard; a nephew John E. Hibbard (Bernice) of Hebron; great-nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers J. Eugene Hibbard and Raymond F. Hibbard, also her niece Anne Hibbard Redman.

A Memorial Service was May 3 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Str., Putnam, with burial at a later date in Center Cemetery. Donations: Muddy Brook Fire Department P.O. Box 222 East Woodstock, CT 06244; or East Woodstock Cornet Band, PO Box 664, Woodstock, CT 06281. 

 

Richard Santerre Sr.,

WWII vet

N. GROSVENORDALE —  Richard D. Santerre Sr., 76, of Ravenelle Rd., died April 25, 2014, at home.  He was the husband of Arline (Gatineau) Santerre.  Born in 1938 in Thompson, he was the son of the late Eugene and Alberta (Grenier) Santerre.

Mr. Santerre was a veteran serving with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Boston and USS Wisconsin from 1956 until being honorably discharged in 1959 and worked for many years at the Rogers Corporation and previous to that at Baystate Abrasives.

Richard loved working outdoors and enjoyed hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. He was an active member of St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale and will always be remembered for his generosity in helping anyone in need. Please kindly consider doing a good deed in his memory

He leaves his wife of 15 years Arline Santerre; two sons Richard D. Santerre Jr. of Putnam, and Charles E. Santerre of Danielson; three brothers Leon Santerre of Grosvenordale, Maurice Santerre (Arlene) of N. Grosvenordale, and Norbert “Mets” Santerre of Quinebaug; a sister Irene Harvanek of Webster; a sister-in-law Mary Santerre of N. Grosvenordale; and four grandchildren Dillon Santerre, Matthew Santerre, Rosalie Santerre, and Maxwell Santerre; dear friends Dan and Linda Sasur. He was predeceased by two brothers Rene Santerre and Gerry Santerre and two sisters Cecile Santerre and Theresa Auger.  The funeral was private. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

Samuel H. Alvord

PUTNAM —  Samuel H. Alvord, 72, of Woodstock Ave, died May 3, 2014, in Regency Heights of Danielson.  Born in 1941 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Frederick and Freda (Bonneville) Alvord.

Prior to his retirement Mr. Alvord was employed as a truck driver for Staples.  Mr. Alvord was a member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus Cargill Council, and a member of the Teamster and Steelworks Unions. He enjoyed the outdoors. 

He leaves two sons Keith A. Alvord (Elissa) of N. Grosvenordale and Justin M. Alvord (Angela) of Killingly; two daughters Colleen Godino (Michael) of Mansfield and Nicole Durand (Neil) of Dayville; two brothers James Alvord of Killingly and Millard Alvord of Plainfield; two sisters Nancy Boucher of Putnam and Lillian Dodgson of Missouri; eight grandchildren Michael, Morgan, Jasmine, Gavin, Cameron, Logan, Alaina, and Dillon.. He was predeceased by a son John Alvord, his twin brother Eugene Alvord, and two sisters Colleen Smith and Rose Rice.  

Visitation is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 10 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11:30 am. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery.  Donations: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

 

R. ‘Bob’ Froehlich,

WWII vet

WOODSTOCK VALLEY — Robert A. “Bob” Froehlich, 88, of Rt. 198, Woodstock Valley, died April 27, 2014, at home.

Bob was born in 1925 in New York; he was the son of the late Herman and Barbara (Colling) Froehlich.   Bob served in the Navy as a Machinist Mate 1st Class, stationed in the Pacific Corridor during WWII.  Bob was employed by Athbro Precision Engineering for many years and Whitcraft, LLC, retiring in 1993.  Bob was a humble man who enjoyed spending time playing golf, gardening, cutting wood and working in his yard. Bob leaves his wife of 63 years, Arlene (Barie) Froehlich of Woodstock Valley; a son, Robert E. Froehlich (Lori Lynn) of Lake City, Fla..; three daughters, Joanne Jacobson (Lee) of Webster, Diane Froehlich and her companion Nick of Brimfield, Mass., Christine Lepine and her companion Bruce of Woodstock Valley; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Bob was predeceased by two brothers, Alfred and Donald of Woodstock Valley.

The Graveside Service, with military honors, will be held at 10 a.m. May 10 in Grove Cemetery, Rt. 198, Eastford. Donations: DKH Hospice and Pallative Care of Northeastern CT, 320 Pomfret St.,  Putnam, CT 06260; or Bungay Fire Department, 1256 Rt. 171, S. Woodstock, CT 06267.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

 

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