caption:
Stepping Off
The American Legion Post #13 Color Guard prepare to step off and lead the Holiday Dazzle Light parade. Carrying the banner are members of the TriTown American Legion Baseball Program, Scott Davagian, left, and Coby Bates, right. Post commander Ronald P. Coderre is in front of the Color Guard. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to Putnam resident and community volunteer George Tsanjoures. In his heyday Tsanjoures was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Putnam Clippers. Today Tsanjoures remains active playing golf at Quinnatisset Country Club.
The Eastern Connecticut Conference recently released its football award winners for the recently concluded gridiron season. The Division III all star unit was dominated by Killingly and Plainfield.
Killingly First Team offensive selections included linemen Collin Byrnes and Alex Fontaine; quarterback Kyle Derosier; tight end Jake Gauthier; and runningback Spencer Lockwood. The defensive unit featured lineman Kelsy Rhines; and linebacker Zach Caffrey. Kicker Luke Desaulnier and utility player Bret Long were chosen First Team specialists. John Cacciapuoti received Honorable Mention honors and Jeff Ward was the Sportsmanship selection.
Plainfield’s First Team offensive picks were lineman Izaiah Thompson; and wide receiver Cameron Gonzales. The defensive team selections included end Nik Khaledi; linebacker Devin McHale; and defensive back Marcus Robinson. Four Panthers, Sam Zurowski, Kyle Holt, Chase Latour and Kegan Marcoux were chosen Honorable Mention, while Robinson picked up the Sportsmanship Award.
All State Mat Man…
The Ellis Tech wrestling program under coach Rafael Calixto has developed into one of the top mat programs in Connecticut. Much of the recognition received by the Golden Eagles rasslers is thanks to All-State performer Baltazar “Jojo” Gonzalez.
In a recent announcement form Ellis Tech, Gonzalez and Calixto revealed that “Jojo” signed a National Letter of Intent to attend NCAA Division II American International College in Springfield, Mass. The Yellow Jackets compete in the rugged Northeast-10 Conference.
Last year Gonzalez was a bona fide champion wrestler.
He captured championships in the CIAC Class M competition, the CIAC State Open and the New England Championships.
Flag Bearers…
The Putnam Holiday Dazzle Light Parade was another huge success this year attracting and estimated 20,000 spectators. Parade organizer Gary “O” of WINY Radio was proud to announce that once again this year the American Legion Post #13 of Putnam color guard led the parade, proudly displaying the American Flag.
This year the eight-man color guard had an added touch. Preceding the color guard was two young men proudly carrying the Post’s banner. On the banner were TriTown American Legion baseball players Scott Davagian and Kobie Bates, both of Putnam High School. The young men did an outstanding job along the 2-mile parade route.
The color guard was under the direction of Captain Marc Coderre. The remaining flag bearers included Alan Joslin, Curt Prochowski, Barney Seney, Walter LaRochelle, Russ Waters, Charlie Leach and Ron Desrochers Jr..
Moving Up To Division…
Last year Woodstock Academy softball player Rylee Hehir announced her intention to play college softball at Seton Hill, an NCAA Division II school located in Pennsylvania. Following one semester in the Keystone state Hehir will be transferring to St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y.
Hehir, who is a pitcher and infielder, played AAU summer softball and fall softball at Seton Hill. Her showing in both settings attracted the eye of the Bonnies softball program. Hehir will be eligible immediately. She’ll play for coach Mike Threehouse.
Catching Up with the Collegians…
The Norfolk State University basketball team is off to a rough start to the 2016-2017-season. In a recent game against Butler televised on FS1, local viewers had the opportunity to watch former Putnam Science Academy big man Jordan Butler in action. Although NFSU was beaten it was obvious that Butler, who is the team captain, is a main cog on offense. Norfolk State is currently 2-6 after eight games this season.
At Quinnipiac University another PSA big man, Chaisse Daniels is enjoying success for coach Tom Moore. In a recent loss to Seton Hall, Daniels contributed 14 points on a 5-9 shooting performance. QU is still in search of its first win after four games.
Florida Baseball Report…
The cold weather may be headed our way in Connecticut but in sunny Florida the “Boys of Summer” are in full swing. Word from the Sunshine State is that former Putnam High School, class of 1968, baseball great John Smutnick is enjoying another stellar year on the diamond.
Smutnick recently competed in the 2016 Roy Hobbs Baseball World Series in Fort Myers. Playing for the MidWest Nine from Springfield, Ill., in the over 65 division, Smutnick helped lead the Niners to the championship. Competition in the 28-team AA bracket witnessed the team playing eight games in seven days. Smutnick pitched a complete game in the opener of the playoffs. He batted over .600 in the eight game series.
The following week he played for the Rhode Island Rockies in the over 60 division. Although the team was eliminated in the first round, Smutnick shone at first base in Jet Blue Stadium, the spring home of the Boston Red Sox.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Here’s on for our wine connoisseurs – “I’m like old wine. They don’t bring me out very often, but I’m well preserved.” Rose Kennedy on her 100th birthday.
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Gloria L. Cutler
WOODSTOCK — Gloria Lippmann Cutler, 92, of Woodstock, died Nov. 29, 2016.
Gloria was born June 4, 1924, in Rockville, the daughter of Elizabeth Graf Lippmann and Frederick Lippmann. She graduated from Putnam High School in 1941, received her diploma from New England Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, Boston in 1945. She was an Obstetrical Nurse at Day Kimball Hospital from 1946-1954, Public Health Nurse in Putnam from 1955-1960.
In 1960, at the age of 40, she decided to change careers and enrolled full time at Annhurst College in Woodstock where she received her degree in education in 1964, all the while being a wife and raising four school-aged children, recognized at the time as a considerable achievement throughout her community. She spent her entire teaching career at Pomfret Community School from 1965-1989. She went on to receive her master’s at Eastern Connecticut College in Willimantic in 1973 and completed her Post Grad work at UConn in 1987.
Gloria was active in many educational organizations including the CEA and NEA and Association of Retired Teachers of CT, receiving numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions. Always active in her community, she served as chairperson on the Town of Woodstock educational Long-Range Planning Committee; president of the Red Cross of Greater Hartford Board of Directors; Sunday school teacher and Christian Education director at the First Congregational of Woodstock. She also was a volunteer at Roseland Cottage, a National Historic Landmark. She loved cooking, sewing and was an avid reader. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. One greatest joys was making gingerbread houses every Christmas with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She leaves her children Gail Cutler Carlisle (Mark) of Clinton, Donald J. Cutler Jr. of Windsor, Brian F. Cutler (Linda) of Dunstable, Mass.; and daughter-in-law Charlene P. Cutler of Woodstock; grandchildren Melinda Carlisle Xenelis (Dwayne), Christopher J. Carlisle (Tracy) and Timothy and James Cutler of Woodstock, and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Donald Joslin Cutler, son Douglas Munroe Cutler and her brother Frederick Ernest Lippmann.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Gloria L. Cutler will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the First Congregational Church of Woodstock on Rt. 169. Donations: Matulaitis Nursing Home, 10 Thurber Road, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Eugene LaBonte Sr.,
WWII vet
PUTNAM — Eugene LaBonte, Sr. 94, of Kennedy Dr., died Dec. 1, 2016, at home. He was the husband of Nellie (Zaklukiewicz) LaBonte. Born in 1922 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Ovila and Bella (Benoit) LaBonte.Mr. LaBonte was a U.S. Navy veteran during WWII. He worked as a machinist and tool & die maker for Belding Corticelli. He enjoyed reading, traveling and going to the beach.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons, Eugene E. LaBonte Jr. of Rochester, Mass., and Daniel LaBonte (Michelle) of Lee County, Fla.; his grandchildren, Brandon, Sarah, Garrett, Maura, and Joshua; and his great-grandchildren, Emma, Alexander, and Maxwell. A Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 5 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial with full military honors in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Charity of one’s choice. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Wilfred J. Joubert
N. GROSVENORDALE — Wilfred Joseph Joubert, 76, of Gaumond Rd, died Dec. 3, 2016, in Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of the late Jean (Purdie) Joubert and Carol (Peck) Joubert. Born in 1940 in Providence, he was the son of the late Wilfred J. Joubert Sr. and the late Marie (Lacroix) Joubert.
Wilfred was a store manager for the former Scotts Market in Putnam and numerous other supermarkets. He also worked for Coca-Cola during his younger years, and for LKQ in Webster prior to his retirement in 2005. He enjoyed painting, gardening, woodworking, traveling, and maintaining his property. He especially loved staying at Old Orchard Beach and family gatherings.
He leaves his children; Dennis Joubert of Wallingford, David Joubert (Patricia) of Dundee, Fla., Deborah Machado (Renato) of Putnam; his stepchildren, David Shaw of Woodstock, Jonathan Gefvert of Brandon, Fla., Barbara Lawson of Thompson, and Susan Shenker (David) of Chaplin; his brother Daniel Joubert (Colleen) of Rhode Island; his sister Anita San Antonio (Vinny) of The Villages, Fla.; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Phillip Joubert.
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8 with a Memorial Service at 6:30 in the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Burial will be private. Donations: Hospice of NE CT Connecticut, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.
Paul Pfosi
WOODSTOCK — Paul Pfosi, 52, of Woodstock died Nov. 24, 2016, from a long illness. He has returned to the loving arms of his parents Lucy Hannah and Paul Pfosi who predeceased him when he was young.
Paul was born July 17, 1964, in Chur, Switzerland. He had an incredible mind and was a very articulate writer. A poet, artist, and athlete, he spent his early years in the White Mountains where his father was the first ski school director at Waterville Valley. He attended both Holderness School and Burke Mountain Academy and was an accomplished ski racer. During his adult life he worked as a logger and carpenter, and had a passion for working with wood. In his later years he dreamed of making the world a better place through music.
Paul was a caring and sensitive soul who suffered greatly from the deaths of his parents, and depression. He was well-read, rebellious, anti-establishment, radical thinker and often challenged people to examine their beliefs.
He leaves his sons Zachary and Isaac Pfosi; his sister Eva Merriam, and brothers Frank and Eric Pfosi; his nieces Lucy and Hannah Merriam; nephews Nick, Josh, Evan and Brent Pfosi, and many paternal and maternal aunts and uncles, and cousins, including his very special aunt Joan Hannah.
A gathering to share stories about him was Dec. 3 in Franconia, N.H. Donations: Brain Injury Alliance of CT, www.biact.org; or Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, bbrfoundation.org. Gilman-Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Cheryl Blackmer
WOODSTOCK — Cheryl L. Blackmer, 71, of Woodstock, died Nov. 30, 2016. She was born Jan. 26, 1945, in Woodstock, daughter of the late Ervin and Thelma Jones.
She married Ronald Blackmer Sr. April 2, 1967. He died in 2005.
Cheryl worked as a bus driver for the Pomfret Community School, operated her own painting and wallpapering business and was a housekeeper for Day Kimball Hospital and Chace Building over the years. Cheryl was a feisty fighter, with a quick sharp tongue, who made many laugh and left a lasting impression. She had a great love of animals especially her dog “Baby” who died in May 2016 and her many cats.
She leaves her brother Mitchell Jones (Maggie) of Buxton, Maine; her children, Diana Leonard of Woodstock, Ronald Blackmer Jr. (Debby) of Woodstock, Craig Blackmer (Nancy) of Ashford, Paul Cramer of Florida; her grandchildren Kerri, Jennifer, Danielle, Steven, Hunter, Kyle, Cassidy, Emili, and great-grandchildren Katrina, Caelum and Kaitlyn. She was predeceased by a sister, Nancy Soule and a son-in-law Joseph Leonard.
Calling hours are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, followed by a 1 p.m. Memorial Service at the funeral home. Burial in North Woodstock Cemetery. Donations: PAWS, 240 Woodstock Ave. W, Woodstock, CT 06281.
Kenneth F. Williams
E. PUTNAM — Kenneth F. Williams, 76, of Chase Rd., died Nov. 30, 2016, in Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Helen (Messier) Williams for 51 years. Born in 1940 in E. Putnam, he was the son of the late Ernest and Elsie (Smith) Williams.
Mr. Williams was self-employed tool and die maker and co-owned East Putnam Oil Company. He had also worked for Delpesco Tool & Die, Ivanhoe Tool, and Connecticut Tool. He was a member of the E. Putnam Fire Department for more than 30 years. He was also member of the Victory Sportsman’s Club, National Rifle Association and would enter black powder competitions statewide. He enjoyed fishing and riding motorcycles.
In addition to his wife Helen, he leaves his son, John K. Williams and his companion Sandra Brisco and her children, Danny and Matthew Brisco; and his brother, Dave Williams (Donna), all of E. Putnam.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 6 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Doris L. Boutin
N. GROSVENORDALE — Doris (Durand) Boutin, 89, of Plum Rd., died Nov. 29, 2016, at home.
She was the wife of the late Robert A. Boutin Sr. Born in 1927 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Rose Alma (Mandeville) Durand.
Mrs. Boutin worked in custodial services for the Immaculate Conception Convent for 35 years, not retiring until the age of 78. She was a member of the Putnam and Thompson Seniors and enjoyed their organized bus trips. She spent her time hiking, gardening, playing cards and traveling. She was always there to lend friends and family a helping hand. In her own words, she lived a full and happy life.
She leaves her son, Robert A. Boutin Jr. of The Villages, Fla.; her daughters, Dodie Devine of The Villages, Jeanne Carita of N. Grosvenordale, and Doreen Boutin Hryzan of Pomfret Center; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes, 104 Church St. Putnam.
Lois E. Cournoyer
PUTNAM — Lois E. (Hines) Cournoyer, 70, of Myers St., died Nov. 29, 2016, at UMass Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of the late Alfred B. Cournoyer. Born in 1946 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Ruth (Killian) Hines.
Mrs. Cournoyer was a homemaker, a real estate agent and worked at Linemaster Switch. She enjoyed collecting antique furniture and shopping.
She leaves her sons, Christopher Cournoyer (Lena) of N. Grosvenordale and Stephen Cournoyer (Karen Savage) of Windham, Maine; her brother Calvin and her sisters Elizabeth (Betsy) and Roberta (Bobbie). She was predeceased by her sisters Deborah and Catherine (Lovey).
Private burial to be held at St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman-Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Tammy L. Clark
DAYVILLE — Tammy L. Clark, 33, of North Rd., died Nov. 30, 2016, at home.
Born in 1983 in Putnam, she was the daughter of Michael A. Clark, Sr. of Conroe, Texas, and Leslie (Pasay) Clark of Dayville.
She held various jobs in retail, restaurant service, and landscaping. She enjoyed cooking, writing, music, watching movies, playing pool and hiking.
In addition to her parents, she leaves sons, Caleb and Trevor Remillard of Putnam; her best friend, Jesse Remillard of Putnam; her sister, Olivia M. Neal of Dayville; her stepdad, David B. Neal of Dayville; her maternal grandparents, Stanley and Dorothy Pasay Sr. of Dayville; her uncle, Howard Clark of Dayville; her aunts, Barbara Poulin of Florida, Carol Cesario of Florida, and Linda Chaput of Florida. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Leroy “Tex” and Cecilia Clark; and her uncles Stanley Pasay Jr., Gary Pasay, and Leroy Clark II.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: To her children
Peter N. Nilsen
DANIELSON — Peter N. Nilsen, 72, of Westfield Village, died Nov. 29, 2016, at the UMass Medical Center in Worcester. Born in 1944 in Providence, he was the son of the late Martin and Hope (Nelson) Nilsen.
Peter was employed for more than 30 years by the former Anchor Glass Co. in Dayville until their closing in 1997.
He then worked for Superwinch in Putnam for the last few years until his retirement.
He leaves his four sisters, Gladys Brayton of Foster, R.I., Sally Hicks of Scituate, R.I., Mary Pacheco of Fall River, Mass., and Margaret Sasse; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Kenneth M. Nilsen, and Roland D. Nilsen and one sister, Theresa Wilcox.
Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Burial will take place in the Spring.
Donations: Day Kimball Hospital Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.
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Clockwise from top left:
In front of Artique
In front of Someplace Special
In front of Antiques Marketplace
Corner of Main and Rt. 44
WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Town Hall is sponsoring its annual Giving Tree to benefit approximately 65 Woodstock senior citizens and veterans in need this holiday season.
Citizens interested in helping out their neighbors should stop by the Town Hall lobby and select a tag or two. Items requested include women’s socks, knit hats, bath towels, washcloths, hand or body lotions, liquid or bar soap, laundry detergent, coffee and tea, puzzle books, toothpaste, shampoo, dish detergent, $10 Walmart Gift cards, books of stamps, small flashlights, batteries, blankets and other personal care and household items. The deadline for these unwrapped contributions is Dec. 16 so that items can be packaged and delivered in time for the holidays.