By Ron P. Coderre
The TriTown American Legion Baseball Program officially closed out its 2013 season with its Post-Season Banquet that featured first-year Assumption College baseball coach Mike Rocco as the guest speaker. More than 100 players, coaches, parents, friends and American Legion veterans were on hand at Post #67 in Thompson for the evening’s festivities.
Rocco opened by speaking of his involvement with baseball as both a player and coach. He emphasized two points, bringing energy to every practice and game and being a team player, while demonstrating responsibility and leadership in every aspect of baseball and life.
“When I played at Bryant University as a freshman I won the starting first base job from a senior. That player turned out to be one of my best friends. He helped me not only on the field but in understanding that my academics were as important as baseball. He was a true team player,” said Rocco.
Rocco who played four years at Bryant University left the school as the career leader in games played and holds the NCAA Division II career and single-season records for putouts. He’s also third in hits on the career list at the Rhode Island school with 221. He comes to Assumption following a three-year stint as the head coach at Lesley University.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the post-season award winners for both the Jr. and Sr. teams. On the Jr. level Kyle Tyler was the recipient of the Louis Francis Bates Memorial Award, which was presented by Bates’ son Shawn Bates and Nicholas Foucault was recognized with the Joe Lindley Most Improved Player Award, presented by Lindley.
Sr. Team relief pitcher and outfielder Tim Cutler received the Rene “Doc” Desaulnier Award, while the Coach Tom Auclair Outstanding Player Award went to shortstop/pitcher Mike Thienel. This was the second year in a row that Thienel earned the award.
The TriTown Executive Committee presented two awards, to pitcher/first baseman Garrett Ponte and Josh Malboeuf. And for the first time the program unveiled the Stan Lesniewski 10th Player Award, which went to catcher J.P. Bergeron.
Sr. head coach Paul Faucher and Jr. head coach Dan Durand, recapped the seasons of both squads. Both coaches were complimentary of their players who played hard from the first to last pitch of each game. The Sr. Team finished with an 8-19 record good for 7th place in Zone VI, while the Jr. squad posted a 6-10 record.
The program opened with the presentation of the colors by the American Legion Post #13 Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by Melissa Dakai of Putnam. The evening features a roast beef dinner presented by the kitchen crew of Post #67.
The TriTown team is expected to return all of its players next season.
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Legal Notice -- Town of Putnam
NOTICE OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING AUGUST 6. 2013
AND NOTICE OF ADJOURNED TOWN MEETING AND REFERENDUM VOTE ON AUGUST 20, 2013
Electors and persons qualified to vote in Town Meetings of the Town of Putnam, Connecticut, are hereby notified and warned that a Special Town Meeting of said Town will be held at the Putnam Middle School Auditorium in said Town, on August 06, 2013 at 7:00 p.m for the following purposes:
A. To choose a moderator for said meeting
B. To receive communication from the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen with respect to and to consider the following entitled resolutions:
1. “RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $2,090,000 FOR TOWN DRINKING WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS (2013) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $2,090,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE”
2. “RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $4,000,000 FOR SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS (2013) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $4,000,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE”
The Board of Selectmen voted, pursuant to Chapter VIII, Section 4(f) of the Town Charter that the vote on Item B1 and Item B2 of the call of the Special Town Meeting to be held on August 06, 2013, be removed from the call of such meeting and adjourned to be submitted to Electors and Citizens qualified to vote in such meeting to a referendum vote at Adjourned Town Meeting to be held on August 20, 2013.
As a result, the Special Town Meeting will be held only to consider and discuss the bond resolutions (Item B1 and Item B2) not to vote on them. The questions to be voted on at the referendum shall be stated as follows:
Question 1:
“Shall the resolution “RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $2,090,000 FOR TOWN DRINKING WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS (2013) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $2,090,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE”, as approved by the Boards of Selectmen and Finance, be approved?” Yes/No”
The ballot label for said question shall read as follows:
“Shall the $2,090,000 appropriation and bond issuance authorization to improve the Town’s Drinking Water Quality by constructing a new water treatment system and building to reduce the amount of manganese in the drinking water, installing sentinel wells, abandoning an old well, and modifying a production well, be approved? Yes/No”
Question 2:
“Shall the resolution “RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $4,000,000 FOR SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS (2013) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $4,000,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE”, as approved by the Boards of Selectmen and Finance, be approved?” Yes/No”
The ballot label for said question shall read as follows:
“Shall the $4,000,000 appropriation and bond issuance authorization (expected to be financed by an estimated $1,030,000 Federal grant and $2,970,000 Town Bonds) to improve the Town’s sewage collection system, including the replacement and renovation of its ten pump stations and related wastewater transport mechanisms, be approved? Yes/No”
The voting will be by paper/electronic ballot. Those desiring to vote for the questions shall fill in the box in front of the question on the ballot at “YES”. Those desiring to vote against the questions shall fill in the box in front of the question on the ballot at “NO”. Absentee ballots will be made available in accordance with the law. Absentee ballots will be counted at the following central location: The Town of Putnam Town Hall, 126 Church Street, Putnam, CT.
The full text of the aforesaid resolutions is on file, open to public inspection, in the office of the Town Clerk. The vote on the aforesaid Resolution is taken under the authority of Chapter VIII, Section 4(f) of the Town Charter.
The polls will be open during the hours between 12:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and electors shall cast their votes at their regular polling places.
Property owners who are not electors but are Qualified Voters pursuant to Section 7-6 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, shall cast their votes at District One, the Blue Building in Murphy Park, Recreation Park Road, Putnam, CT.
In accordance with Section 7-6 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, as amended, persons eligible to vote at Town Meetings are (i) any person who is an elector of the Town of Putnam and (ii) any citizen eighteen years of age or more who, jointly or severally, is liable to the Town of Putnam for taxes assessed against him or her on an assessment of not less than One Thousand Dollars on the last completed grand list of the Town, or who would be so liable if not entitled to an exemption under subdivision (17), (19), (22), (25) or (26) of Section 12-81 of the General Statutes.
Such Town Meeting may consider and act upon any other business which may lawfully come before the meeting.
Dated at Putnam, Connecticut this 24th day of July 2013.
TOWN OF PUTNAM
Richard C. Place, Mayor
Alma D. Morey, Deputy Mayor
Renee C. Lasko
Norman B. Seney
Owen A. Tarr
John Smith Jr.
Richard A. Loomis
ITS BOARD OF SELECTMEN
ATTEST: Sara J. Seney, Town Clerk
July 31, 2013
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to former Quinnatisset Country Club Pro Shop assistant Ryan Salvas. Since graduating from college Salvas doesn’t have as much time on the links but his game is still pretty special. Belated Happy Birthday wishes, Ryan.
The Norwich Invitational took place July 20 and 21 at the Norwich Golf Club. This was the 87th year that this venerable event has taken place. It’s one of Connecticut’s most cherished and respected tournaments with players entering from throughout the region. Every year there are also many former area golfers who return from throughout the country.
Northeastern Connecticut was well represented in the qualifying field with more than 20 golfers from local courses dotting every flight from the Championship through the fifth flight. Aaron Vargas and Joey Derrico qualified for the Championship Flight as did defending champion Kevin Marcoux, who was an automatic second seed based on last year’s performance.
The 1st Flight was represented by A.J. Siekierski and last year’s defending Quinnatisset Club Champion Bill Poirier. Spencer Salvas, Brian Bardier (a former Norwich Invite champ), Cody Semmelrock, Bret Siekierski and Mike Papuga also qualified in the first. The 2nd Flight had some familiar names including Fletcher Babcock, Ryan Willis, Greg Pike, George Dumas and Matt Papuga.
The 3rd Flight featured the Aitken brothers, Drew and John, Mike Danielson, Rocky Bedard and Bill Hanley. Andrew Senecal, Jeff Clang, Jr., Andrew Bardier and Dave Bellisle competed in the 5th Flight.
When the dust settled on Sunday Babcock, who plays out of Connecticut National Golf Club, was the lone local to come home with a title. He captured the crown by besting his friend Willis in a match that went 19 holes. Babcock beat Chris Healy and Willis defeated Matt Papuga to get to the finals.
Semmelrock, the former Woodstock Academy and current Williams College golfer, reached the finals by beating Bret Siekierski, while Siekierski’s brother A.J. lost at the hands of John Jackopsic. In the final, Semmelrock fell 4 and 2 to Jackopsic. Dave Bellisle made it to the semifinals of the 5th Flight, where he was beaten 1 up by eventual flight winner Ryan Lefevre.
Dan Hendrickson, a former Norwich Free Academy golfer who lives in North Carolina, came home to win the overall championship 2 and 1 over Adam Vaccari.
Connecticut Open…
The 79th Connecticut Open featuring the pedigree amateurs and pros in the state was contested last week at Torrington Country Club. Listed in the field was Thompson’s Matt Smith, last year’s Connecticut Amateur Champion and former member and captain of the University of Hartford Hawks golf team. Smith, who played out of Quinnatisset Country Club, currently spends his winters in Florida honing his game as he attempts to go to Q School and hopefully qualify for the web.com Tour.
In the opening round of the Open, Smith was slotted with Cody Paladino and Tom McDonough. Among the noted names in the event were former tennis great Ivan Lendl and ex-PGA player Ken Green, who now plays with a prosthesis after losing his leg in a tragic automobile accident.
Walkers and Runners Take Note…
It’s hard to believe but true, the 24th Deary Memorial 5-Mile Road Race is scheduled for Aug. 10. The event, which features something healthy for everyone, sets off at 6 a.m. with the 5-Mile Early Bird Walk followed by the 5-Mile Fun Walk at 8 a.m. At 8:15 a.m. the Cycling Time Trials/Recreational Ride will spin out of the J.D. Cooper’s starting blocks. The feature of the morning, the 5-Mile Road Race is fired off at 9:05 a.m. with a live broadcast by WINY Radio Sports. While the big boys are making their way through the streets of Putnam, the Kid’s Fun Run will take place at 9:15 a.m.
Participants are urged to preregister now at www.daykimball.org/deary or by mailing a registration form to Day Kimball Hospital/Development Office, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260-0632. Beginning Aug. 1 the entry fee is $30. All runners or walkers who raise more than $50 in pledges will receive a free Race/Walk entry.
Calling Centaur Golfers…
Quinnatisset Country Club will host the initial Centaur Classic Golf Tournament Aug. 12. The tourney benefits Woodstock Academy Athletics for improvement to athletic facilities.
Entry fee is $125 per golfer or $500 per foursome. It includes the usual amenities golf with cart, food and beverage all day, a gift for each golfer and prizes and raffles. Special contests will feature long drive, closest to the pin, and hole-in-one automobile. Registration is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. with a shot gun start at 10 a.m. Anyone interested in registering or looking for more information should visit woodstockacademy.org or e-mail
From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History…
September 1915: Cannonball Redding, famous black pitcher, pitched a few games in Putnam. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing thought For The Day: Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.
caption, page 9:
Winners at Quinny
Winners at Quinnatisset, left to right: Bill Poirier, Rene Morin, Don St. Onge and Tom Harney. Courtesy photos.
caption, page 10:
Winners at CT National
Winners at Connecticut National, left to right: Ryan Dandeneau, Brad Rabitor, Jim Dandeneau and Angelo Cinami.
By Ron P. Coderre
The Day Kimball Hospital Golf Classic, celebrating its 29th year, returned home after being played at the Tunxis Plantation Golf Club for more than a dozen years. Hosted by Connecticut National Golf Club and Quinnatisset Country Club July 15, the event boasted full fields at both courses.
According to Pam Watts the Day Kimball Hospital director of Development, the tournament netted approximately $65,000 for programs and equipment at the hospital.
Golfers were greeted with a sunny day and scorching temperatures on tourney day, which gave way to limber bodies, fluid golf swings and some low scores. Gross and net winners were crowned at both courses with post-golf festivities taking place at the area’s other premier golf location, The Raceway Golf Course in Thompson.
Playing on their home course, Connecticut National, the foursome of Brad Rabitor, Jim and Ryan Dandeneau and Angelo Cinami, representing Putnam Plastics Corp., outshot the field by a comfortable two strokes, posting a 16 under par 56. The winners bested the second-place finishers Nate Trythall, Dr. Scott Green, Dr. Paul Matty and John Smutnick, representing The Center for Bone and Joint Care, who had a 58. Rounding out the top three teams was the group sponsored by ABM Health of Tom Chenail, Greg Harubin, Gary Alves and Tom Dziki with a score of 59.
The net winners at Connecticut National were the foursome of Kevin Ploufe, Derrick Brown, Jason Ellis and Jeff Mouris. They were followed by the team of Roger Noll, Jake Matot, Jeff Oberle and Dustin Haddad in second place. The show spot went to the foursome of Andy Ziotnick, Kevin McCarthy, Gerard Georges and Charlie Taylor.
Five miles away at Quinnatisset Country Club the Northeast Connecticut Healthcare Credit Union team of Rene Morin, Don St. Onge, Tom Harney and Bill Poirier was squeaking out a one stroke victory over the foursome of Paul Archer, Ted and George Tsanjoures and Tim Whitecross. The winners posted a score of minus 15 for a 57. Third place with a score of 61 was the group of Steve Townsend, Todd Poirier, Alan Parsons and Keith Olsen with a score of 61.
Finishing first in the net category was the foursome of Brian Rice, Roger Engle, Hartley Field and Paul Little. They were followed by the American Medical Response team of Chris Chaplin, Ray Sanchez, Charles Babson and Mike Hooper. Third place was the group of Ann Bazinet, Jim Paganetti, Lou Rogulski and Bob Perras.
The “Middle of the Pack” winners at Quinnatisset were Mike Denis, Peter Deary, Peter LeClair and Doug Valentine representing Citizens National Bank. At Connecticut National the winners were Brian Cuttleback, Eric LaPlaca and Skip and Tori Bates.
Closest-to-the-Pin winners at Quinnatisset were Charlie Lee (3er Hole), Mike Geer (7th), Peter Olshewski (13th) and Bill Poirier (15th). There were three skins at Quinny. The Northeast Connecticut Healthcare Credit Union team were rewarded for an eagle two on the par four 9th hole; The Citizens National Bank team had an eagle three on the par five 15th hole; and the Marianapolis foursome of Joe Hanrahan, Eric Gustavson, Charlie (Brown) Baron, and John Androlewitz recorded an eagle three on the 18th hole.
Connecticut National closest-to-the-pin winners were James Porter (4th), Gary Alves (7th and 11th) and Tom Riley (9th). In the skins game the Putnam Plastics team had an eagle two on the par four 2nd hole and the Downes Construction foursome of Joe Desautel, Bill Wall, Jason Adams and Richard Powers recorded an eagle two on the par four 3rd hole.