By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout goes to Bob Trudeau of Putnam.  It’s hard to believe that it’s more than 50 years ago, when Trudeau was a senior at Putnam High School where he was a standout quarterback for the Clippers.  Enjoy the memories, Bob.
On April 27 northeastern Connecticut will be part of the YMCA of the USA initiative, “Healthy Kids Day.”  Thanks to the efforts of individuals and volunteers working to establish a Regional Community YMCA, to be located in Putnam, a free community event is scheduled for the Putnam Middle School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Regional Community YMCA team is partnering with local organizations that will engage families in a variety of activities throughout the three-hour event.  The offerings are geared to getting families moving, learning and living healthier lives.  The program at the Putnam Middle School is one of 1,900 planned around the country and will feature fun activities as well as providing educational information on nutrition, exercise and health.
Currently there is a campaign throughout the area to raise $2.5 million in support of the proposed $13 million Regional Community YMCA project.  The campaign is being led by Dr. Garfield and Sylvia Danenhower, who are the General Chairpersons and Honorary Chairpersons, former UConn men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun and his wife Pat Calhoun.
“Our Regional Community YMCA “Healthy Kids Day” will focus on health and education to ensure fewer children are at an increased risk for childhood obesity.  We also want all children to have the opportunity to succeed in school,” said Sylvia Danenhower.
“Healthy Kids Day” will feature a variety of activities and sessions provided by more than 30 local agencies and organizations that are partnering with The Y in presenting the program.  Some of the groups on hand include Northeast Opportunity for Wellness (NOW), which will feature clinics on football, volleyball and basketball; Anytime Fitness; Body By Design; Complex Performing Arts Center; Danielson Martial Arts Academy; Girl Scouts; Putnam Leos; Putnam Science Academy; Rectory Summer Camp; TEEG; Thompson Recreation Department; and YMCA Camp Woodstock.
“This isn’t just a single day of fun, active play and learning.  It’s our way of helping parents get a jump on creating a healthier summer full of activities.  We’re encouraging families to join us for a great day that will benefit everyone,” Danenhower added.
Everyone attending “Healthy Kids Day” will be eligible to enter a free door prize drawing for a child’s bicycle donated by Walmart-Putnam.  For more information regarding the program go to: regionalcommunityymca.org or contact Christine.rivers@ghymca or 860-466-0634.
Hyde Gridder Headed To College…
Sean Saucier, director of Athletics at Hyde School-Woodstock, recently announced that football standout Greg Munetz, a three-year senior at the Woodstock-based school, will enter Tabor College after signing a letter of intent April 8.
Munetz, who is originally from New York, was a mainstay of the Wolfpack’s football team that went to the New England Prep School Championship this past fall.  Munetz is the son of Sue Vereline.
“Not many students get the opportunity to sign a letter of intent to play college sports.  We’re really excited to share this with Greg and to support him as he heads off to play college football,’ said Assistant Athletic Director Jon Mellinger.
Tabor College is a Mennonite school located in Hillsboro, Kan.  The school was founded in 1908 and has an enrollment of 669 students.  The Bluejays feature a full complement of men’s and women’s sports.
“I am really proud to add another student to the list of athletes who will play at the college level this fall.  I am incredibly proud of the progress Greg made (while at Hyde) and of the man he’s become,” said AD Saucier.
On The Mend…
If you have an opportunity, drop a ‘get well’ note to Phil Willis who is at home recuperating from a recent surgery.  The popular Willis reports that the post-surgical reports from his doctors are positive and that he’s itching to get back walking “Sports Street.”
Willis, who along with his wife Stacey lives in Eastford, is a big booster of Woodstock Academy athletics.  His two sons, who are now in college, are former Centaur athletes and his daughter is currently a student at the Academy.  Recently, Willis was the driving force behind raising the necessary funds to purchase the wood floor that now graces the Academy Alumni Fieldhouse.
RPC sends along wishes for a speedy recovery.  Drop Willis a note of encouragement at his home, 57 Chaplin Road, Eastford, CT 06242.
National Football Foundation Hall of Fame…
The Southeastern Connecticut chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame has scheduled its awards dinner for Sunday, April 28 at Mohegan Sun.  The organization honors student-athletes from high schools throughout Eastern Connecticut.  Three local players will be recognized this year.
Named were Michael Stringer of Woodstock Academy, Dane Grauer of Killingly and Colby Cyrus of Plainfield.  The three young men were standouts on the gridiron while also excelling in the classroom.
Anyone interested in more information or tickets should contact Ledyard Director of Athletics Jim Buonocore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
April 1907: Putnam High School beats Killingly in baseball 9-6.  Putnam lineup: Gagne, SS; Lizotte, 3B; Wheaton, P; Kinney, C; Franklin, 1B; Allard, CF; Grosvenor, LF; Seward, RF; Peterson, 2B; Wilson, RF; Rich, P.
Killingly lineup: Brunsden, 3B; Rainville, 2B; Brooks, SS; Topliff, RF; Byles, C; Blake, LF; Marlor, 1B; Bailey, CF; Marland, P; Keech, P.  As was the tradition of the times, only last names were included in stories.  If you have information on whom some of the players were, please share it.  Send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s ClosingThought For The Day: Plant a tree on your birthday.

caption, page 9:


'GO'!
Middle school girls take off from the starting line for the 100 yard dash in last week's track meet. Courtesy photos.

caption, page 11:

Lining Up
The boys line up for the mile competition last week.


PUTNAM — Here are the results of the track and field meet April 11. Putnam Middle School competed against St. Joseph’s and Thompson.
In the boys contest, Putnam was first with 57; Thompson was second with 25 and St. Joseph’s was third with a tally of 22.
Long Jump 1st place  PMS  F. Tucker 14.9   2nd place PMS  D. Key 14.3   3rd place  PMS  Z. Lavoie 13.8   4th place  SJS  O.Kelly  13.3; Shot Put   1st place PMS  M. DeCosta 30.10   2nd place PMS  Z. Davis 22.5    3rd place  TMS  F. Borski  21.11    4th place  SJS  J. Sousy  20.1; Discus  1st place SJS  C. Morency 63.6  2nd place PMS  M. DeCosta  63.4  3rd place  SJS  J. Soucy  54.8  4th place  TMS  Z. TMS  E. Borski 54.4; 1600   1st place PMS  C. Holloman  6.02  2nd place  TMS  C. St. Onge  6.11  3rd place PMS        Z. Lavoie  6.12  4th place TMS  R. French  6.21; 400  1st place  SJS  M. Kelly  1.05.4   2nd place  PMS  M. DeCosta  1.14.8  3rd place  TMS  P. Boisvert  1.17.6  4th place  SJS  C. Morency  1.17.9; 100   1st place PMS  D. Key  13.39  2nd place  PMS  N. Miller 13.42  3rd place  TMS  S. Fulone 14.84  4th place  TMS  D. Langlois  14.92; 800   1st  place  PMS  V. Krivosheev  2.55.95  2nd place  TMS  M. Underhill  2.57.16  3rd place TMS  C. St. Onge  2.59.76  4th place SJS  C. Morency  3.04.45  200  1st place  PMS  D. Key 29.03   2nd place PMS  F. Tucker  30.07  3rd place  TMS  S. Fulone  30.92  4th place  SJS  O. Kelly  30.92; 4 x 4  A  1st place  SJS  Kelly, Kelly, Morency,   5.17.83; 2nd place TMS  Underhill, Patterson, Dodd, St. Onge  5.32.15; 3rd place  PMS  Kustov, Krivosheev, Belliveau, DeCosta  5.32.53; 4 x 4 B: 1st place  TMS  Boisvert, Chase, Strong, Paton  5.57.08; 2nd place  PMS  Bernier, Nicol, Carpenter, Prunier   6.15.50; 4 x 1 A: 1st place  PMS  Lavoie, Miller, Tucker, Holloman  56.11; 2nd place  TMS  Underhill, Dodd, Fulone, Langlois  1.00; 3rd place  SJS  Kelly, Kelly, Morency, Sousay 1.00.4; 4 x 1 B: 1st place  SJS  Peterson, McGovern, Kelly, Williams  1.00.32; 2nd place PMS  Belliveau, Kustov, Davis, Krivosheev  1.00.33; 3rd place  TMS  Kolodziejezak, Boyd, Patterson, Chase  1.05.9.
In the girls’ contest, Thompson was first with 57.5; St. Joseph’s was second with 27 and Putnam was third with 19.5.
Long Jump PMS  R. Hultzman  13.1  2nd place  SJS  S. Gothreau 12.2    3rd place TMS  M. Roy   12.2    4th place  TMS  P. Boisvert  11.6; Shot Put  1st place  TMS  L. Jackson  23.3   2nd place  PMS  L. Blackmar  21.6   3rd place  PMS       S. LeDuc  20.4   4th place  Tie  PMS  E. Rumsey, TMS  A. Morin  18.3; Discus  1st place TMS  L. Jackson 43.11   2nd place TMS  A. Morin  3rd place  TMS  M. Stealitz  37.2 4th place  TMS  C. Heath  36.2 ; 1600  1st place  TMS  K. Hefferman  7.18   2nd place  TMS  P. Boisvert  7.19   3rd place  TMS  M. Minarik  7.22   4th place TMS  A. Silvia  7.25; 400   1st place  SJS  S. Gothreau  1.14.  2nd place  SJS  Russo  1.18.55  3rd place  TMS  S. Allen  1.19.35   4th place  TMS  Gould  1.24; 100  1st place PMS  R. Hultzman 14.80   2nd place  SJS  Russo  15.30  3rd place  SJS  Peterson  16.02  4th place  PMS  LeDuc  16.29; 200  1st place  TMS  M. Roy  2.50.23  2nd place  SJS  S. Weslowski 3.21.95  3rd place  TMS   K. Heffman  3.26.83   4th place  TMS  A. Silvia  3.31.23 ; 200 1st place TMS  M. Minarik  34.92  2nd place  TMS  A. Silvia  36.32  3rd place  PMS   O. Golbranson  37.0  4th place  PMS  E. Olsen  37.41; 4 x 1 A : 1st place SJS  Gothreau, Wesoldowski, Russo,  1.01; 2nd place  TMS  Lesiarbeau, Sheehan, Heffernon, Roy   1.04; 3rd place  PMS  Golbranson, Tracey, LeDuc, Hultzman  1.06; 4x1 B : 1st place TMS  Allen, Ladson, Morin, Jackson 1.08.3; 4 x 4 A: 1st place TMS  Sheehan, Morin, Boisvert, Roy  5.39.66; 2nd place  SJS  Russo, Russo, Petterson Gothreau  6.06.44; 4 x 4 B: 1st  place TMS Heath, Morales, LeBlanc, Jackson

Julia K. Artiaco,
mother of 4
PUTNAM — Julia K. Artiaco, 86, of Sabin Street, died April 11, 2013, in Matulaitis Nursing Home.  She was the wife of the late Progulo Artiaco.  
Born in 1926 in  Moosup and raised in Killingly,  she was the daughter of the late Adam and Julia (Pietras) Krajewski.
Mrs. Artiaco started working on her parents’ farm in Killingly, and then worked for Acme Cotton, W.T. Grant, Bates Shoe and retired as a packer for Glass Container.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards, puzzle making, feeding the birds, reading poetry and keeping up with the news.  
She leaves her sons, William Artiaco of Putnam, and Edward Artiaco (Carol) of Putnam;  daughters, Geraldine Peyton of Woodstock, and Michaela Davis (Jim) of Danielson; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  She was the youngest of 10 children and was the sister of the late Mary, Benny, Stephen, Helen, Adam, Jennie, Henry, Alice and William.
The Funeral was April 16 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Eli Spink
EASTFORD — Eli N. Spink, 35, of John Perry Road, died April 10, 2013, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. He was born Dec. 9, 1977, in Putnam, son of Ellsworth Jr. and the late Peggy (Newth) Spink.
He was a 1996 graduate of the Carpentry Program at H.H. Ellis Technical School in Danielson. Eli was a hard worker and he lived every day to the fullest. He enjoyed mowing the lawn and loved his dog very much.
He leaves his father Ellsworth Jr., of Eastford; daughter Kaitlyn Spink of Killingly; brothers David Lewis Jr., William Spink; grandmother Helen Spink, all of Eastford.
A Graveside Service was April 13 in Grove Cemetery, Eastford. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Glenn A. Gavis
DANIELSON — Glenn A. Gavis, 38, of Hubbard Hill Road died suddenly, April 9, 2013, in Plainfield. He was born on Sept. 29, 1974, son of Rosae (Lynn) Zak. His father, Richard Gavis Sr., died in 2006.
G-Dog loved spending his time with Mr. G and Jeffro. Glenn’s entire world was his son Miles. His passions in life were cooking, biking, playing basketball, fishing, hiking and staying physically fit with Miles and his best friend Jeffro. He previously worked at local casinos and most recently at Zip’s Diner.
He leaves his son Miles R. Gavis; mother Rosae Zak; grandmother Catherine Bugbee; aunt Janet Lynn; siblings Cleve Blankenship, Jeffrey Blankenship (Sheila), Rosae Marie (Blankenship) (Steve Watrous), Catherine (Blankenship) Nadeau, James Gavis, Richard Gavis Jr., Matthew Gavis, Lisa Marie Gavis, Leland Zak, his wife Nicole and Keirre Leigh Zak; best friend Jeffrey M. Davis. He predeceased by a brother J. Scott Blankenship in 2007.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. in St John The Apostle Parish, 10 Railroad Ave., Plainfield with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery Danielson, CT. Donations: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Gloria Jones
WOODSTOCK —  Gloria Jones, 87, of Woodstock, died April 8, 2013, at the Westview Health Care Center in Dayville. She was the wife of Lawrence E. Jones. She was born May 22, 1925, in E. Hartford, daughter of Herbert and Gladys Johnson.
Gloria had made her home in Woodstock most of her life, a member of the Woodstock Hill Congregational Church. She was a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack #27 Woodstock, was a former Sunday School teacher and handled the cradle roll at the church. In her youth she raised chickens and enjoyed horseback riding. From 1967 to 1981 she was a historical interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village.
She leaves in addition to her husband Lawrence; three sons: Gary M. Jones of Woodstock, Stanley E. Jones of Pembroke, N.H., Steven A. Jones of Bethlehem, N.H.; three grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be at noon April 20 at the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, 543 Rt. 169, Woodstock, CT 06281.  Burial was in Storrs Cemetery. Donations: Charity of donor’s choice. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

James Smith Jr.
company VP
WOODSTOCK — James Edward Smith Jr., 62 of Woodstock,  died unexpectedly on April 13, 2013. He was born on March 30, 1951, in Norwalk, to Jean Smith and James Edward Smith Sr.
James graduated from Wilton High School and Southern Connecticut State University. He worked 40 years in the fastener/seals industry and was the V.P. of manufacturing for Seals It in Ellington, CT. Jim was an avid NASCAR member and fan and he enjoyed passing along his knowledge of race car mechanics to anyone interested in learning. He had a passion for automobiles, history and dogs, especially his Boxers Tina and Peanut. He was excited about his new grandson Taylor James and often said he was going to get him a quarter midget.
He leaves his wife and best friend of 35 years Debra T. Smith; daughter and son-in-law Jenna and Jason Seymour and grandson Taylor James; daughter Jessica Smith; sister and brother-in-law Lebris (Lee) Quinn Gamble and Travis Gamble; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Pamela and Thomas Bannon; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Matthew and Tracey Tedone; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Thomas and Joyce Tedone; racing buddies Ernie Dupont and Damon O’Palick and mentor and friend of 30 years Stanley Matzak; pets Mya, Harper, Jack and Jezebel.
Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. April 17 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. Funeral is at 10 a.m. April 18 at the funeral home. Donations: PAWS – CT, P.O. Box 191, Eastford, CT, 06242; or Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd. PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA. James generously gave the gift of life through organ/tissue donation.

Adelard Lemay,
Navy vet
BROOKLYN — Adelard “Chief” Lemay, 91, died April 13, 2013. Born Dec. 8, 1921, son of the late Adelard and Mary (Lofland) Lemay.
Chief served his country in U.S. Navy as a gunner’s mate; he also worked as a plumber, mechanic, auto body mechanic, steeple jack, painter and most loved as a janitor at Enosburg Falls High School, Vt., and Brooklyn Elementary School. He was a master of all trades. There was nothing he could not fix.
Chief was also very involved with the American Legion. He was commander several times in Manchaug, Mass., Enosburg Falls, and Putnam. He loved a good game of cribbage with all.
Chief as he would always put it, “began my life” with Rachel Manosh, 71 years together. Son Robert Lemay, granddaughter Kimberly, grandson William Lemay, several great-grandchildren, sister Albertine Putnam and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by a brother Jean Lemay and daughter-in-law Linda Lemay.
There will be no services. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Blaga Naum,
seamstress
N. GROSVENORDALE — Blaga Naum, 99 of Thurber Road, formerly of Carriage Square Apartments, died  April 13, 2013, in Matulaitis Nursing Home.  She was the wife of the late Anastasios Naum who she married on June 15, 1930.
Born in 1914 in Bitolia, Macedonia, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Vasilikia Naum.
Mrs. Naum was a self-employed seamstress.  She had also worked as a weaver for Cluett Peabody and an upholsterer for Risom Furniture.  She was a member of the Thompson Senior Citizens and enjoyed cooking, baking and her photographs of her family.
She leaves her sons, James Naum (Anna) of N. Grosvenordale, and Victor Naum and his fiancée Dorothy Whitney of Webster; sister, Zorka Georgiavic of Worcester; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her son, John Naum and her grandson, Michael Naum.  
The Funeral Mass was April 16 at St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Webster, with burial in Mount Zion Cemetery, Webster. Donations: Day Kimball Homemakers, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or to St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, PO Box 713, Webster, MA 01570. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

Fred LaChance
N. GROSVENORDALE — Fred W. LaChance, 69, of N. Grosvenordale, died April 10, 2013, at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge.
Fred was born in Putnam, son of the late Xavier and Emily (Botteri) LaChance and lived in N. Grosvenordale most of his life.  He was a retired factory worker having worked many years at Hyde Manufacturing.
He leaves his cousin, Cynthia M. Bourbeau of Webster; two nephews, Corey LaChance of Brooklyn, and Justin LaChance of Webster.  He was predeceased by a brother, Eugene T. LaChance and by a nephew, Ernest LaChance.
The funeral was private. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

Helen Wojciechowski
QUINEBAUG — Helen A. (Noga) Wojciechowski, 89, of Quinebaug, died April 9, 2013, in Regency Heights, Killingly. Her husband of 60 years, Edward J. Wojciechowski, died in 200
She was born and raised in Southbridge, a daughter of William and Josephine (Olearczyk) Noga. She lived in Webster, and N. Grosvenordale before moving to Quinebaug in 1950.
Mrs. Wojciechowski worked at the AO in Southbridge for many years. She was a member of St. Stephen’s Church and a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality, Sacred Heart Society and St. Anne Society of St. Joseph Basilica in Webster. She also belonged to the American Optical Quarter Century Club and to the Golden Harvest Senior Club of Thompson. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and listening to polka music.
She leaves two sons, Robert Wojciechowski (Susan) of Port Orange, Fla., and David Wojciechowski (Mary) of Quinebaug; a daughter, Nancy Murray (Ken) of Farmington; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeannette Curboy of Sturbridge. A sister, Leocadia “Loda” Lewandowski, died Sunday, April 7.  She was predeceased by three brothers, Alec, Frederick and Emile Noga.
The funeral Mass was April 12, in St. Stephen’s Church. Donations: Quinebaug Valley Fire Dept., PO Box 144, Quinebaug, CT 06262-0144. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home,  Webster.

Joseph Smoolca
DUDLEY — Joseph Smoolca, 85, of Dudley died April 8, 2013, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, Worcester.
He was born and raised in Eastford, the son of Michael and Eva (Humenczuk) Smoolca. He graduated from Putnam Technical School. He worked on his parents’ farm for many years. He moved here in 1959, into a home he had built. Mr. Smoolca was a building contractor for over 40 years, building many custom homes in the area. He also built cabinets and furniture for family members. He retired in 1990.
He was a member of St. Stephen’s Church in Quinebaug.
He was a former member of the Dudley Planning Board, a Dudley assessor and building inspector.
He leaves his wife of over 56 years, Rose M. (Gulczynski) Smoolca; one son, Joseph P. Smoolca (Mary) of Windsor; three daughters, Susan R. Brown (James) of Plano, Texas, Dr. Mary Ellen Smoolca (Daniel Northrup) of Ithaca, N.Y., and Carol A. Walsh (Peter) of Katonah, N.Y.; seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Paul and Alexander Smoolca and by one sister, Tessie Tishon.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 12 in St. Stephen’s Church, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Donaqtionbs: St. Stephen’s Church, PO Box 222, Quinebaug, CT 06262; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, MA 02472-2407. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.