The Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse League began play this past week, and the Pomfret Senior “A” team chalked up two wins to open the season. The senior “A” squad is comprised of local 7th and 8th grade boys from the surrounding community. In the first game April 23, the team took on Tolland and finessed its way to a 12-4 victory. Pomfret took at 6-0 first quarter lead and never looked back. Nathan Gentile led the way with four goals over the ten minute span with Peyton Durand chipping in two of his own. Assists went to Tucker Sheehan with three and Evan Cunningham and Isaiah Price each with one. All but one of the six goals was assisted, accentuating the good passing and unselfish play of the team. In the second quarter, Pomfret dominated. Cal Wilcox would score a nice goal off a Durand assist, Evan Cunningham would record an unassisted goal, and then Ryan Black would find the back of the net off a William Liscomb assist. Tolland would finally get one goal at the end of the stanzas, and Pomfret went into the half leading 9-1. The second half saw both teams score three goals each. Durand and Sheehan would record unassisted goals for Pomfret, and Wilcox would get the other when Tucker Sheehan found him all alone in front of the net. Strong defensive play and good ball movement by Sam Paul, Bruce Dexter and Devon Lannan contributed to the fine overall play of the Pomfret squad. Besides the explosive offensive start to the season, a lot of credit goes to the defensive unit of Lex Bosio, Josh Bernier, Christian Santangini and Connor Quinn. These four long-poles did a great job keeping Tolland at bay, allowing goalie Carson Hadley to record his first victory of the season. Carson had ten saves on the day and showed a lot of composure under fire. On April 28, the team hosted RHAM (Regional Hebron Andover Marlborough) on a fantastic, warm, sunny afternoon. RHAM sported a strong defensive team that gave Pomfret trouble in the early going, but slowly the offense began to get on track and was able to out-gun RHAM by the score of 10-2. Pomfret took at 2-0 first quarter lead when William Liscomb notched a man-up goal off a pretty assist from Tucker Sheehan four minutes into the game. Then later in the period, Peyton Durand would find the back of the net on a nice dodge and shoot. The second quarter was when the offence really started to click. Evan Cunningham would make it 3-0 off an assist from Josh McFadden, but then RAHM would get that one back on a man-up goal of its own with under four minutes left on the first half clock. In that remaining time, Pomfret would score three goals, one by Ryan Black (assist to Sheehan) and two by Sheehan (the second assisted by Sam Paul) to make the score 6-1 at the intermission. The Pomfret defense was the story of the second half. Close defensemen Lex Bosio, Josh Bernier and Connor Quinn dominated play and held RHAM at bay until the midway point of the 4th quarter. Meanwhile, Pomfret scored four unanswered goals: Max Paro and Sam Paul each had one, and Corbin Schneider had two. Liscomb would get credit for the assist on Schneider’s first goal. Standouts on the team’s transition game were attackman Nathan Gentile and midfielders Isaiah Price and Cal Wilcox. All three played solid team lacrosse and created numerous turnovers. First star of the game, though, goes to goalie Carson Hadley. Carson had another tremendous outing, making a dozen saves and clearing the ball flawlessly all afternoon.
The team took its 2-0 record and host Granby on April 30 on the Pomfret School turf fields at 6:15 p.m.
PUTNAM — The results of the middle school track meet on April 25 include:
Boys
1st place Putnam 37; 2nd place Eastford 37; 3rd place Brooklyn 31
Long Jump 1st place E J. Owens 15.11 2nd place PMS Z. Lavoie 14.8 3rd place F. Tucker 14.5 4th place PMS D. Key 13.8 ; Shot Put 1st place B C. Carr 31.7 2nd place PMS M. DeCosta 30.10 3rd place E B. Lewis 27.9 4th place B Z. Canning 26.8; Discus 1st place E L. Dyer 94 2nd place B C. Carr 84.3 3rd place B D. Turchetta 72.5 4th place B L. Canning 71.7; 1600 1st place PMS C. Holloman 5.55.9 2nd place B D. Turchetta 55.6.5 3rd place K. Carlson 5.56.9 4th place PMS Z. Lavoie 6.07.3; 400 1st place PMS M. DeCosta 1.13.0 2nd place B I. Bard 1.15.0 3rd place E C. Grube 1.15.9 4th place E E. Drisco 1.17.8; 100 1st place E J. Owen 13.1 2nd place PMS D. Key 13.1 3rd place PMS N. Miller 13.9 4th place E L. Dyer 14.1
800 1st place B C. Carlson 2.45.5 2nd place B E. Ruiz 2.47.3 3rd place E C. Singleton 2.49.8 4th place PMS V. Krivosheev 2.51.5 ; 200 1st place E J. Owens 27.6 2nd place PMS D. Key 27.6 3rd place PMS F. Tucker 28.0 4th place PMS H. Belliveau 31.9 4th place SJS O. Kelly 30.92; 4 x 4 A: 1st place E Dyer, Singleton, Grube, Grube 5.00.6; 2nd place B Carlson, Capuano, Turchetta, Wetherall 5.04.5; 3rd place PMS DiColella, Krivosheev, Belliveau, DeCosta 5.32.3; 4 x 1 A: 1st place PMS Lavoie, Miller, Tucker, Holloman 56.9; 2nd place E Dyer, Owens, Singleton, Grube 58.2; 3rd place B Patten, Canning, Ruiz,Chase 1.03.1; 4 x 1 B: 1st place PMS Belliveau, Kustov, Davis, Krivosheev 1.07.1; 1st place B Peterson, McGovern, Kelly, Williams 1.07.1; 2nd place E Beausoleil, Mathewson, Driscoll, Roberts 1.09.5
Girls
1st place Brooklyn 66; 2nd Eastford 20; 3rd place Putnam 18
Long Jump 1st place PMS R. Hultzman 12.2 2nd place B K. Chic 11.6 3rd place PMS A. Tracey 11.2 4th place B P. S. Rob 10.11; Shot Put 1st place E C. Bechaw 26.11 2nd
place B A. Cressau 25.5 3rd place B B. Brovill 24.8 4th place PMS L. Blackmar 23.4; Discus 1st place B J. Sullivan 53.9 2nd place B C. Rice 51.2 3rd place B E. Keiltyka 48.1 4th place E C. Beshaw 45.6 ; 1600 1st place B B. Brouillard 6.11 2nd place PMS R. Hultzman 7.05.3 3rd place B S. Latour 7.19.3 4th place B E. Bulmer 7.43.2 ; 400 1st place B J. Sullivan 1.13.9 2nd place B G. Keith 1.16.3 3rd place B S. Robbinson 1.26.0 4th place E O. Dunkin 1.29.1; 100 1st place B A. Greene 14.7 2nd place PMS R. Hultzman 15.5 3rd place E M. Grube 15.7 4th place PMS A. Tracey 15.8; 800 1st place B B. Brouillard 2.52.7 2nd place B S. Latour 3.18.6 3rd place E. Beshaw 3.24.2 4th place B E. Bulmer 3.24.2; 200 1st place E A. Lefemine 30.9 2nd place B A. Grayson 32.7 3rd place B A. Greene 32.7 4th place E M. Grube 33.8; 4 x 1 A: 1st place B Kieltyka, Grayson, Sullivan, Crescimanno 1.02.9; 2nd place E Buell, Hermann, Ducan, Grube 1.09.2; 3rd place PMS Golbranson, Tracey, LeDuc, Hultzman 1.06 *** (DQ); 4x1 B: 1st place B Chin, Bobinson, Wetnicka, Strandson 1.11.1; 2nd place E D’Alessandro, Jones, Nolan, Barrett 1.11.7; 3rd place PMS Vongvirath, Marynova, Dias, Orvos 1.18.1; 4 x 4 A: 1st place TMS Sheehan, Morin, Boisvert, Roy 5.39.66; 2nd place SJS Russo, Russo, Petterson Gothreu 6.06.44; 4 x 4 B : 1st place B Sullivan, Kieltyka, Grayson, Brouillard 5.37.0; 2nd place PMS Tracey, LeDuc, Dias, Rumsey 6.22.6;
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout goes to the man who’s all about youth soccer Allan Rawson. For more than two decades Rawson has been instrumental in the growth of youth soccer in Putnam and Northeastern Connecticut. His name adorns the youth soccer field on Recreation Park Road.
The Regional Community YMCA which comes closer to reality every day conducted its annual Healthy Kids Day on April 27 at the Putnam Middle School. This was the third year the organization has staged the event as part of a nationwide program being sponsored by The Y. Despite the beautiful weather and the numerous activities taking place on Saturday, organizers estimate that upwards of 300 families passed through the portals.
The day included demonstrations and activities geared toward children but there were a number of organizations present that benefited adults as well. Northeast Opportunities for Wellness was on hand with Quiet Corner Football. There were opportunities for youngsters to try their skills at tossing a football through a canvas target, testing their passing accuracy. Members of the Putnam Science Academy basketball coaching staff were on hand in the Middle School gym to work with boys and girls on shooting and dribbling drills.
Members of the Woodstock Academy freshman baseball team were available to toss a baseball with youngsters, while their counterpart National Honor Society students roamed the area volunteering wherever needed.
A team of dancers from The Complex Performing Arts Centre performed a modified rendition of a dance choreographed for their upcoming performance of Silent War. The dance rendition is a full length movement work exposing the emotional effects of human trafficking. The Danielson Martial Arts Academy II also took the stage under the direction of Academy owner and instructor Darryl LaPerle for an invigorating karate demonstration.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to offer this day free of cost to the members of the northeastern Connecticut community,” said Dr. Garfield “Woodie” Danenhower. “It’s exciting to think that in the foreseeable future our area will have a full-service Y. It will provide our residents an opportunity not only to swim but to indulge in a variety of programs aimed at healthy life styles.”
Other groups on hand included Blueberry Hill Organic Farms, Dr. Burns Discover Chiropractic, Day Kimball Health Care, Girls Scouts, The Last Green Valley, Panther Winterguard, Lori McDermott- Healthy Shakes, Quiet Heirloom Food Company, Quiet Corner Tai Chi, Rectory Summer Camp, Thompson Rec Department, YMCA Camp Woodstock, Adept Bodywork of Putnam and the Putnam Police Department K-9 Unit, Officer Mike Termini and his dog Aron.
The day’s activities were coordinated by Christine Rivers, The Y’s local coordinator of programs. She was assisted by Betty Hale, Sylvia Danenhower and members of the Greater Hartford YMCA program staff, represented by Vice President for Development Susan Joyse.
“This is such a fun activity to coordinate. The ultimate satisfaction comes from seeing the kids and families availing themselves of all the opportunities we have throughout the building. It will be such a great day when we have our Regional Community YMCA up and running,” said Rivers.
The day’s activities culminated with the drawing of the door prize, a bicycle donated by Walmart-Putnam and store manager Michael Douglas. The winner of the bicycle was Bruce Egan of Moosup.
Play Ball in Danielson…
The Town of Killingly and the borough of Danielson came together in outstanding fashion April 27 for the opening of the Killingly Little League season. The league was celebrating the 55th anniversary of its inception.
The morning started with a parade featuring all players and teams, from the T-ball leagues through Little League. The march, supervised by the Connecticut State Police and the various Killingly Fire Departments, wound its way from Davis Park to the Little League Fields off Route 12.
Norm Thibeault, president of the league, welcomed the hundreds of players and coaches and the crowd of parents, friends and well-wishers, estimated at more than 2000 people. Music prior to the ceremony was provided by Big Daddy Entertainment. Following the games the management and staff of Ninety-Nine Restaurant sold ¼-pound burgers and hot dogs for $2 with all proceeds going to the Killingly Little League.
Following a moment of silence and an invocation by a priest from St. James Church, President Thibeault presented a check for $500 to the Regional Community YMCA. Accepting the check on behalf of The Y was Betty Hale, a local Y trustee and Susan Joyse of the Greater Hartford YMCA.
“It’s an honor for the Killingly Little League to support this YMCA effort that will serve all of the kids and families of Northeastern Connecticut. In our own way we say thank you from our players, coaches and administrators,” said President Thibeault.
The league recognized the 2012 All-Star team and individuals who were on hand from the inaugural 1958 season. Some of the more noted individuals from the first season included Dick Veilleux, Dave Allen, Ron Joly, Bob Oatley, Norm Chartier, Roger Lemery and Sam Markley. Some of the members of the initial season threw out the first pitch to begin the season. The Killingly High School choir was on hand for the singing of the National Anthem.
The mornings activities were coordinated by longtime Killingly Little League administrator Joseph Cacciapouti.
Happy Birthday Big Stan…
The popular Stan Lesniewski of Thompson celebrated his 70th birthday last weekend. Lesniewski, who was one of the leaders in the Thompson Little League for many years, spent a quiet evening with his lovely bride Barbara and his family. He’s a noted Eastern Board umpire who in his prime officiated numerous CIAC State high school tournament games as well as American Legion contests. He currently serves as a member of the TriTown American Legion Baseball program executive committee. Lesniewski is a veteran of the Vietnam War.
From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History…
A large crowd was on Memorial Day at the Putnam Fair Grounds on Park Street, as Killingly defeats Putnam High School and Holy Cross defeats Brown University. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Be there when people need you.
Scott A. Spalding
WOODSTOCK — Scott A. Spalding, 20, of Woodstock, died April 22, 2013, at home. He spent over six years living life to its fullest as he lived with cancer.
Scott was born April 28, 1992, in Putnam, son of Annette Martel of Woodstock and Wayne Spalding of Woodstock. He also leaves his stepmother Eva Spalding and stepfather Roger Martel; brother Kyle Spalding (Emily) of Woodstock; stepbrother Daniel Boylan of Danielson; grandparents Alfred and Gloria Tremblay of Woodstock; and of course Bandit.
Scott was a 2010 graduate of the Woodstock Academy and later attended QVCC. He loved his friends, soccer and any activity that life offered him. The Mass of Christian Burial was April 26 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in Quasset Cemetery in Woodstock. Donations: Sunshine Kids, 146 Wyllys St., Suite 2-210, Hartford, CT 06106. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Robert E. Berube Sr.
DAYVILLE — Robert E. Berube Sr., 76, of Tucker District Rd, died April 23, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Pauline (Reali) Berube. Born in 1937 in Killingly, he was the son of the late Joseph and Doris (Cook) Berube.
Mr. Berube worked as a printer for Standard Register for many years.
Mr. Berube was a devout Methodist and enjoyed gardening, fishing, singing, dancing, playing the guitar and harmonica, keeping his lawn in pristine condition, and listening to classical country music. He was an accomplished “Jack of all trades” and enjoyed being able to renovate and maintain his colonial home on his own. Robert was also an avid New York Yankees Fan.
He leaves his wife; three sons Robert E. Berube Jr. of Dayville, Joseph E. Berube of Putnam, and Michael W. Berube of Moosup; two daughters Judy Grondin and Renee Berube. both of Dayville; two half-brothers Richard Berube of Texas and David Berube of Danielson; a half-sister Joann Neeley of Webster; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother George Berube
A Celebration of Robert’s life was April 28, at his home. Donations: American Lung Association National Headquarters, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.
Athena G. Pappajion
BROOKLYN – Athena G. Pappajion, age 94, of Brooklyn died April 22, 2013, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam.
She was born Jan. 7, 1919, in Brooklyn, daughter of the late George and Anastasia (Ecomakos) Pappajion. Miss Pappajion worked for many years for The Windham County Transcript in the advertising department. She was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Danielson.
She leaves her sister Alexandra G. Pappajion of Brooklyn; brother James G. Pappajion (Norma) of Spetses, Greece; niece Alexis Pappajion.
A Funeral Service was April 26 at The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Danielson, with burial in Westfield Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 80 Water St., Danielson, CT 06239. Tillinghast Funeral Home, Danielson.
Harold J. Dowe
PUTNAM — Harold J. Dowe, 84, of Edmond St., died April 25, 2013, in Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation Oakwood in Webster. He was the husband of Margaret (Boux) Dowe. Born in 1928 in Danforth, Maine, he was the son of the late Bradbury and Anne (Hayes) Dowe.
Mr. Dowe held a master’s degree in Reading from Eastern Connecticut State University. He worked as a teacher for the towns of Pomfret, Sterling, Danielson, and Southbridge. He was the past president of the Worcester Chapter of Retired Teachers Association of Massachusetts and served on the State executive board of Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts. Harold was a baseball “fanatic” He coached Putnam Little League and his favorite major league team was the St. Louis Cardinals. Another passion was basketball, which he coached for St. Mary’s School.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons, Gregory Dowe of Dallas, Texas, and Michael Dowe of Nevada; daughters Elizabeth Sankow of Old Lyme, and Catherine Dowe of Tucson, Ariz.; grandchildren, Chad, Stacey, and Sarah. He is predeceased by his brother, Gilbert Dowe, and his sister, Gertrude Dowe.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. May 2 in St. Mary Church, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067; Alzheimer’s Assoc. CT Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway. #100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, St. Mary Church of the Visitation 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260, or the Day Kimball Homemakers P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam
Caleb W. Kwasek
NORWICH — Baby Caleb Walter Kwasek was born April 19, 2013, at 3:41 a.m. and became an angel and daddy’s little spy in Heaven at 4:45 a.m..
He leaves his parents Marie Key and Christopher Kwasek of Norwich; sister Sophia Kwasek; maternal grandmother and grandfather Kim Harvey and Eugene Key Sr.; paternal grandmother Andrea Kwasek. He was predeceased by paternal grandfather Stanley W. Kwasek.
Burial was April 27 at Grove Street Cemetery, Putnam, with the Rev. William Pearl officiating. Smith & Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
T. 'Ted' Briere Sr.
PUTNAM — Theodore “Ted” C. Briere, Sr., 88, of Smith St, died April 24, 2013, in Colonial Healthcare and Rehab of Plainfield. He was the husband of the late Violette (Duquette) Briere. Born in 1924 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Alfred and Albina (LaPointe) Briere. On July 1, 1946, at St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale married Violette (Duquette) Briere who died in 1971. Mr. Briere was the former owner and operator of the Briere Inc. Oil, Plumbing, Electrical, & Heating of Putnam. Mr. Briere was a member of the Knight of Columbus Cargill Council 64 of Putnam, a former member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, and the Past President of the Northeast Adequate Wiring Assoc. Ted was a United States Veteran serving with the Navy during WWII. He leaves his son Theodore Briere Jr and his companion JoAnn Martel; daughter Anne Woodman, all of Putnam; a sister Beatrice Sehorn of Phoenix; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers Alfred and Leo Briere. Gilman Funeral Home, Putnam.
Beatrice J. Langlois
N. GROSVENORDALE — Beatrice (Duquette) Langlois, 86, died April 22, 2013, after a short illness. She was the wife of 43 years to the late Maurice A. Langlois who died in 1993. Born in 1926 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Arsene and Lovina (Laflamme) Duquette. Prior to her retirement, Beatrice worked for Colt’s Plastics Co. in Dayville. After her retirement, she enjoyed working for several Woodstock residents as a caregiver and doing house cleaning and ironing. She enjoyed spending time at Foxwoods.
Beatrice leaves her daughters, Claudette Guimond (Roy) of Shrewsbury, Mass., and Claire Berube (Bertrand) of N. Grosvenordale.; four grandchildren, Keith Berube of N. Grosvenordale, Jeremy Berube of N. Grosvenordale, Jessica O’Neill of Douglas, Mass., and Sarah Sullivan of Douglas; great-grandson, Bela Sullivan; three sisters, Lorraine LaBonte of N. Grosvenordale, Alice Danis of N. Grosvenordale, and Evelyn Hicks of Putnam. She was predeceased by her brothers, Normand Duquette, Maurice Duquette, and Jean Duquette. The Mass of Christian Burial was April 26 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.