By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sports shoutout is sent along to a truly good sport, Pete Trama of Putnam. The nonagenarian is an amazing guy. A former veteran of the Merchant Marines and Navy during World War II, Trama remains active with his family and as a volunteer with Post #13 American Legion of Putnam.
It doesn’t seem possible but as the paper went to press the local high school football season is already in progress. To some the season couldn’t come fast enough but to others they’re wondering “where did the time go?” Before we know it the Thanksgiving Day games will be upon us and that means ‘Old Man Winter’ won’t be far behind.
Those words aren’t meant to be harbingers of pessimism, but it was sure nice to enjoy the warmth of summer and time on the golf links.
The local elevens, Killingly, Plainfield, Quinebaug Valley and Woodstock Academy, have put in their preseason training and it’s time to get down to brass tacks. The CIAC has done its due diligence and released its playoff divisions. Killingly, Quinebaug Valley and Woodstock are competing in Class M, while Plainfield is in Class S. For the Pride of Quinebaug Valley the move drops them to a level where they appear to be better suited, as they were in Class L last season.
Killingly under head coach Chad Neal last season, made it to the Class M semifinals before being eliminated. They were the area’s most successful team, finishing the season at 10-2. The Redmen are confident that despite some key losses they can have another successful year. Going back to the State playoffs is the goal they hope to achieve.
Killingly had its opening game of the season on September 9 against Bacon Academy. The Redmen will also face Stonington, New London, Griswold, Montville, Windham, Plainfield, East Lyme, Fitch and Quinebaug Valley. Killingly is a member of the Eastern Connecticut Conference.
Woodstock Academy, following a number of losing seasons appears ready to do football business. The Centaurs have reached into the college coaching ranks and brought on Daryl Daleen, a former Central Connecticut State University assistant in an effort to rejuvenate the interest in the program. In one of his first moves, Daleen hired Greg Alexander, a former University of Hawaii quarterback, as one of his assistants.
Woodstock played Quinebaug Valley in the first week of the season in Putnam under the lights. The remainder of the Centaurs schedule includes games against Pittsfield, MA, CREC Co-op, Woonsocket, RI, Vinal Tech/East Hampton/Goodwin Tech, Wolcott Tech/Gilbert/Northwest Regional, Griswold, Windham, and Thames River. Woodstock Academy is a member of the Eastern Connecticut Conference.
Plainfield football remains in the hands of its very capable head coach Pat Smith. The Panthers opened the season against Stonington and continue with Montville, Windham, Central Falls, R.I., Bacon Academy, Killingly, CREC Co-op, Waterford and Griswold. Plainfield plays in the Eastern Connecticut Conference.
The Quinebaug Valley Pride, composed of three schools Putnam, Tourtellotte and Ellis Tech, is under the coaching tutelage of Shane Szydlo, a first-year mentor. The Pride had its first game against Woodstock Academy. The remainder of the schedule includes Prince Tech, Capital Achievement, Bullard Havens, Thames River, Vinal Tech/East Hampton/Goodwin Tech, Cheney Tech, Wilcox Tech and Killingly. The Pride is a member of the Constitution State Conference.
Quinnatisset CC Notebook…
Although there is still a good six weeks of golf weather remaining, Quinnatisset Country Club is holding its Annual Meeting at the course on Sunday, October 2 at 4 p.m. Atty. Mark Brouillard continues as the Board President with Rich Rust serving as his vice president. Jay Johnson is the longtime treasurer and Joanne Crowley is the Board secretary.
The Board committees are led by the following individuals: Joe Bachand, Greens; Ed Czernicki, Beautification; George Tsanjoures, Planning; Paul Roy, Tournament; Kevin Makie, House; and Dave Fitzgerald, Insurance. Charles King and Dan Navarro are at-large members.
The first-year Grounds Superintendent Erik Frederick has the course in tip-top condition. His work can be attested to by the Club Champion Kevin Marcoux, Senior Champion Navarro and Women’s Champion Anne Kelly.
Mike Pizzetti and his staff, including teaching pro Rick Haldas have done a tremendous job this summer keeping members happy and assuring that all club and outside events have gone off without a hitch.
The American Way…
Colin Kaepernick, back-up quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, has created quite a stir by sitting rather than standing for the National Anthem. His claim is that he wants people to understand that there remains much work to be done in our country with racial equality.
Although no one would dispute that, isn’t there a better, more positive way to bring that fact to light? It seems from this perspective that his approach is a negative one.
Someone who has had a much bigger impact in a positive manner on the issue of racism is Florida State University football player Travis Rudolph. His story has brought human kindness to light. When the FSU team was visiting a local school, Rudolph, a man of color, witnessed a young white student, Bo Paske, sitting by himself at lunch. Rudolph, without any prompting, immediately went and sat with young Paske, who by the way is autistic, and reached out and became his friend. Now at school everyone wants to sit with Paske, who has become a very popular student.
The story continues, Rudolph invited Paske and his mother to the FSU first game of the season where the team presented the young man with an FSU jersey with his name on the back. The icing on the cake was a touchdown reception made by Paske’s hero Rudolph. Photos of Paske, an autistic little white kid, hugging his hero Travis Rudolph, a man of color is the true American Way.
This sincere and honest story seems to be a more positive way of bringing light to racial equality than sitting down for the National Anthem.
By the way, on Father’s Day this past June my brother, Moe Coderre, a U.S. Air Force veteran, sang the National Anthem at Fenway Park in Boston. Everyone was standing, including his proud American brother, RPC, with a tear and pride on that day and every day, when we can say, “I’m proud to be an American.”
Greyhound Nation…
On Saturday, September 3, my wife Donna and I traveled to Worcester for the Assumption College football game against Kutztown State University of Pennsylvania. The Hounds under head coach Bob Chesney walked away with a satisfying 45-21 victory.
Chesney, who is in his fourth season at Assumption, has brought Assumption football to life. His players play hard and play by the rules. Following the Chesney way, Assumption posted an 11-2 record and won the Northeast-10 Championship last season. The team went all the way to the National semifinals before falling in a two-point loss.
Off to a good start this season, Assumption football is well worth the trip to the beautiful campus in Worcester. Try it some Saturday.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion.” Thomas Jefferson
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Mary W. O’Leary
WOODSTOCK — Mary (Walsh) O’Leary, 75 of Senexet Village Rd., died Sept. 5, 2016, in her home. She was the wife of Brian L. O’Leary. Born in 1941 in Salem, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sophie (Karzmarek) Walsh.
Mrs. O’Leary graduated from St. James High School in Salem. She went to work at the telephone company while taking classes at Salem State College and Boston College. After marrying, she settled in Marblehead, Mass., before moving to Wakefield, Mass., to raise her family.
Mary worked as a clerk in the Assessor’s Office for the Town of Wakefield. She became involved in many community organizations, helping to found Friends of Lake Quannapowitt. She worked diligently with this group to not only beautify the lake, but make the lake accessible to all and to ensure the health of the lake. Her tireless work was recognized when she was awarded the Gertrude Spaulding Award in 2010. Mary recognized the importance of local libraries, joining and helping lead Friends of the Library groups in Wakefield and in Putnam, as well as book groups, often being in the middle of three or more books at a time. Mary was an avid and accomplished quilter.
In addition to her husband, Mary leaves her son, John O’Leary (April) of Tewksbury, Mass.; daughters, Gail Klanchesser (John) of Newington, N.H., Joanne Listro (Anthony) of Woodstock; brothers, William Walsh of Newington, and Jack Walsh (Jean) of Salem; sister, Margaret Penney (John) of Hanover, Mass.; and grandchildren, Joseph, Matthew, Nicholas, Rebecca, Linnea, Micaela, Ryan, Samuel, Benjamin, Jacob, Anthony, and Sophia.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 9 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Donations: Friends of the Lake Quannapowitt, FOLQ, P.O. Box 517, Wakefield, MA 01880; or to the Putnam Public Library, 225 Kennedy Dr., Putnam, CT 06260; or to the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Museum, 1-49 S. Main St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Shauna Julian Trombley
N. GROSVENORDALE — Shauna Ann Julian Trombley, 20, of Central Street, died Sept. 9, 2016, in an automobile accident. Born in 1996 in Southbridge, she was the daughter of Lori Julian of N. Grosvenordale and the late Terry Trombley.
Shauna was a dietary aide at Webster Manor. She had a vibrant personality, a heartwarming smile, and the desire to live life to the fullest. She had a huge heart and was willing to help anyone at any time. She enjoyed listening to music with her brother and having long talks with him. She especially enjoyed spending time with her mother — her “Queen,” her rock.
In addition to her mother, Shauna leaves her brother, Jesse Julian Trombley of N. Grosvenordale; her maternal grandmother, Doris Julian of Thompson; her paternal grandfather, Mike Trombley of Malone, N.Y.; her aunts and uncles, Ellen Packard (Mike) of Charlton, Paul Julian (Jessica) Jessica of Holland, Mass., Scott Trombley of Malone, Michelle Trombley of M; cousins. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Jean Julian, and grandmother, Dorothy Trombley
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Valade Funeral Home, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Shauna A. Julian Trombley Fund, PO Box 131, Putnam, CT 06260. Make checks payable to Ellen Packard.
Margaret Auger
WAUREGAN — Margaret Theresa (Cusson) Auger, 81 of Wauregan, died Sept. 9, 2016, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She was the wife of 63 years to Gerald Auger.
She was born April 7, 1935, in Danielson, daughter of the late Ida (Beaudoin) (Blais) and Major Cusson.
She attended St. James School in Danielson and Putnam Catholic Academy in Putnam. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Wauregan. Margaret worked for 32 years for Novelty Textile in Wauregan and 10 years in the Plainfield High School cafeteria.
Besides her Husband Gerald, she leaves her eight children: Steven Auger (Polly) of Moosup, Richard Auger (Linda) of Woodstock, Sandra LaBelle and Mario Palumbo of Brooklyn, Jeanne Wintrow (Phillip) of Dayville, Laurie Ducat (Peter) of Sterling, Ronald Auger of Brooklyn, Robert Auger of Moosup, Kenneth Auger (Susan) of Sterling; 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; siblings Sr. Cecile Cusson, DHS, of Putnam, Robert Cusson Sr., of Waterford, Theodore Cusson of Manchester, N.H. She was predeceased by her siblings Leonard Cusson, Victor Cusson, Anita Ducat.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 15 Sacred Heart Church, Wauregan, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations: Daughters of the Holy Spirit retirement fund, Development Office, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Raymond N. Magnan
WOODSTOCK — Raymond Magnan, 81, of Harrisville Road, died Sept. 11, 2016, at home after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Rolande (Hebert) Magnan for 57 years. Born in 1935 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Beatrice (Robitaille) Gay and step-son of George Gay.
Ray worked for American Optical as the warehouse manager for more than 40 years.
He enjoyed hiking, archery and playing the organ. He was an avid NASCAR fan and was a member of the Putnam Fish and Game Club.
He leaves his brother, Richard Magnan (Priscilla) of Putnam; his niece, Sharon Tyrrell (Brandon) of Stafford Springs; his nephews, Michael Magnan of Woodstock, and Maurice Savoie (Renate) of Vancouver, Wash.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 16 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Burial will be private. Donations: Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Stella A. Campbell
THOMPSON — Stella A. Campbell, 77, of Thompson, died Sept. 10, 2016, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, after a brief battle with lung cancer. She was the wife of the late Charles Campbell. He died June 21, 2015.
She was born April 2, 1939, in Putnam, daughter of the late Jeannette (Lacasse) and Ferdinand Parent.
She worked as an office assistant for Windham Container and Waters Brothers Oil Co. Stella enjoyed her retirement at her home on the lake.
She leaves her son Thomas Campbell (Donna) of Thompson; grandchildren, Allyson Vandi, Lauren Ramos, Michaella Vandi; sisters Monica Gonet (Charles) of Pinehurst, N.C., Lucille Bernier (Robert) of Brooklyn; nieces and nephews and her dog “Buddy”.
There are no services. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Nancy Charpentier
POMFRET — Nancy (Lucchesi) Charpentier, 81, died Sept. 7, 2016, in her home. She was the wife of Thomas A. Charpentier for 57 years. Born in 1935 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Elside and Domenica (Prosperi) Lucchesi.
Mrs. Charpentier was a graduate of Putnam High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the former Annhurst College in Woodstock and taught fifth grade for Killingly Central School prior to getting married. She taught CCD Class at Holy Trinity and volunteered at the annual church bazaars. Throughout her life, she reminisced of joyful times spent with family at the Lucchesi Fruit and Gourmet Store.
She was a proud first generation American and always felt eternally grateful to be an American. She enjoyed lighthouses and spending time at the ocean.
She was an avid Red Sox fan and was a lover of cats.
In addition to her husband Thomas, she leaves her son, Christopher E. Charpentier; and her daughter, Melanie C. Charpentier.
The Funeral was private. Donations: P.A.W.S. P.O. Box 248, Eastford CT, 06242; or to Hospice of NE CT, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Michael W. Madden
WOODSTOCK — Michael W. Madden, 50, died Sept. 2016, in Harrington Hospital in Southbridge. He was the husband of Heather (Lynch) Madden. Born in 1965 in Marlborough, Mass., he was the son of William F. Madden of Marlborough and the late Frances (Gaucher) Madden.
Mr. Madden was the owner of Oak Knoll Builders.
Michael was a member of the National Riflemen Association, Putnam Business Association, Eight Point Sportsman Club in Sterling, Sigma Chi Fraternity at Bridgewater State University Theta Zeta Chapter, and was on the advisory board at Ellis Technical High School for the Carpentry Department. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf, and spending time with his family.
He leaves his wife Heather Madden of Woodstock; father William F. Madden of Marlborough; a son Michael E. Madden of Woodstock; a daughter Jessica M. Madden of Woodstock; a sister Donna M. Higgins (Steven) of Northborough, Mass.; a brother James R. Madden of Woodstock; and nieces and nephews Mallory, Stacey, William, Bryan, Branden, Bailey, Gracie and Shane; and great-nephew William. He was predeceased by his mother Frances Madden and a brother William Madden.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 12 at Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with burial at St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: H. H. Ellis Technical School, Carpentry Department, 613 Upper Maple St., Danielson, CT 06239. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Louis E. Rock Jr.
WEBSTER — Louis E. Rock Jr., 64, died Sept. 5, 2016, at home.
He was born and raised in Webster, the son of Louis E. Rock Sr. and Sophia (Sysco) Rock, both lifelong residents, and was a lifelong resident himself.
Mr. Rock was a carpenter and jack of all trades. He worked in maintenance for many years. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He liked to work on cars and to build models.
He leaves two sons, Louis E. Rock III and his longtime companion Tammy of Webster, and Shawn Rock of Worcester; two daughters, Melissa L. Rock and her fiancé Thomas Walker of Pemaquid, Maine, and Jessica A. Rock of Putnam; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Johnny and Russell Rock, both of Maine. He was predeceased by his sister Audrey Young.
Mr. Rock donated his body to Harvard Medical School for anatomical and biological research. Donations: Webster-Dudley Food Share, c/o United Church of Christ, Federated, 4 Church St., Webster, MA 01570. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.
Barbara McGrath
POMFRET — Barbara McGrath of Pomfret died Aug. 25, 2016, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham. Barbara was born in 1933 in Bridgeport a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary Mizak and attended Green Mountain Junior College and Toby Coburn School before becoming one of the youngest retail buyers in the U.S. Her career was cut short when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She was Multiple Sclerosis Mother of the Year in 1972 and was honored at the White House by Pat Nixon. She has lived at St. Joseph’s Living Center since 2009.
She leaves two sons: George E. McGrath III (Ana Mayer) of Silver Spring, Md., John L. McGrath (Kim) of Winston-Salem, N.C.; a granddaughter Maryanne Byrd and great-granddaughter Vera Byrd; two brothers Albert Mizak (Patricia) of Brooklyn and Raymond Mizak (Phyllis) of Chandler, Ariz.
Dougherty Bros. Funeral Home, Plainfield.
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Shiny Face
Sunflowers are blooming. This one was hanging out at the Putnam Saturday Farmer's Market. Linda Lemmon photo.
caption:
Winner
Allen Granberg of Bella's Bistro in downtown Putnam won several awards at the first-ever Willie's Chili Cookoff. Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Bolte of Clarus Studios.
Chili
Cookoff
winners
PUTNAM — The People’s Choice winners of the First annual Willie’s Chili Cookoff, held at Rotary Park Sept. 10 include:
First Place: Bella’s; runner up: Courthouse
Best Aroma: Bell’s, Courthouse, Jessica Tuesdays.
Most Creative: Connecticut National, Stomping Ground, Bella’s
Chili Chili Bang Bang Heat: Bella’s, Courthouse, Main Street Grille.