caption:
Meeting
Northeastern Connecticut foursome meets members of the Mohegan Sun women’s professional basketball team. Pictured (l to r) Bob Bernier, Father John O’Neill, Alex Bentley, Chiney Ogwumike, Mary Lou Desaulnier, Jasmine Thomas, Ed Desaulnier and Morgan Tuck. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to Putnam resident Gerry Tetreault. A Putnam native and former resident of North Fort Myers, Fla., Tetreault has returned to northeastern Connecticut. She recently blew out another candle on the cake but she’s not divulging how many candles she extinguished.
Shock waves rumbled across the Putnam community last weekend as the news of the death of Normand “Norm” Auger spread throughout the town of 9,600. Auger, who for 17 years walked the streets of Putnam as a mail carrier, was well known and loved by all who met him. And along the way that number can’t be measured.
As a young man, Auger was a standout baseball player in the Putnam Little League. Following his days in the Little League he carried his passion for the National Pastime and talent to the diamond as a member of the Putnam High School Clippers. Auger was a natural baseball talent whose dream was to play professional baseball. It was a dream that he never quite fulfilled because upon graduation he joined the United States Air Force.
Instead, when he returned home he remained on the sidelines rooting for his younger brother, Bob, who eventually signed a professional baseball contract. Norm was never envious of his brother and was his biggest fan.
In an emotional moment in July at the TriTown American Legion Baseball banquet, Bob Auger stood at the podium accepting his induction plaque into the organization’s Hall of Fame and applauded his brother.
“I accept this award but dedicate it to my older brother Norm. He was a great player who helped to make me into the player I became. If it wasn’t for the sacrifices he made, I never would have achieved the heights I did,” said Bob Auger about his brother.
A St. Louis Cardinals scout once told me that when he was scouting Bob Auger as a pitcher and a hitter, they worked him out at Murphy Park in Putnam. As Bob Auger was banging the baseball around the park, a young man was shagging the fly balls and firing them back to the infield. “This kid had a Major League arm,” the scout told me many years ago. He was talking about Norm Auger.
The relationship and mutual admiration between the brothers continued to grow as the years went on. They often played in golf tournaments together, taking home the winning trophy on many an occasion. But that was Norm. He was always there to support others.
A United States Air Force Vietnam era veteran, Auger was married for 19 years to his wife, Jo Ann a professional singer and entertainer. Wherever and whenever Jo Ann was performing, Norm was by her side watching in admiration.
The mailman of yesterday is an American institution that’s disappeared from our Norman Rockwell society. But in years to come, when people remember the mailman who always had a kind word and friendly hello, they will remember Normand Auger.
Fan of The Year…
A couple weeks ago, four avid fans of the WNBA Mohegan Sun women’s professional basketball team enjoyed a special night out thanks to a Danielson resident who was honored as the team’s ‘Fan of the Year.’
Ed Desaulnier, who has been a Sun’s season ticket holder for years, was selected as the 2016 ‘Fan of the Year.’ In recognition of the honor he and three of his guests enjoyed an evening of dining at Tuscany’s with four members of the Sun’s team compliments of the organization.
Desaulnier’s entourage included his lovely wife, Mary Lou, his best friend Bob Bernier and the pastor of St. James Church Father John O’Neill. The quartet had the pleasure of dining with another quartet composed of Chiney Ogwumike, Jasmine Thomas, Alex Bentley and Morgan Tuck of the Sun women’s basketball team. Ogwumike is a Stanford University All American, Thomas went to Duke University, Bentley graduated from Penn State and of course Tuck was an All American at UConn.
According to all reports, dinner was outstanding and the company was marvelous and entertaining. Father O’Neill dressed with his Roman collar was immediately recognized as a priest by Ogwumike, who attends Our Lady of Lourdes church in Gales Ferry. She promised to attend Mass at St. James at a future date. It’s a sure bet that when she shows up Father O’Neill will have some very special words for those in attendance about the guest in the congregation.
A Sad Farewell…
The Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center has only been officially opened since Feb. 29 but in that brief period of time the staff have had a major impact on the more than 6,000 members who workout, swim or attend programs there.
One of the staff in the Fitness Area was Woodstock Academy graduate Katie Halpern, who has a degree in physical fitness. She’s a graduate of Quinnipiac University and holds a master’s degree from Northeastern University. One of the most popular instructors and attendants, Halpern’s pleasant smile was always a welcoming sight for those coming in to workout.
Halpern recently left the employment of the Y to take an upgraded position in Westbrook, working as a trainer and with the students in the school system. Her departure was quiet but her absence is huge. RPC sends along best wishes for success.
Visitors in Town…
Two former residents of Putnam returned to the area to visit with family and friends. Michael “Mickey” Fall and his wife, the former Michelle Gerardi, spent the weekend enjoying the beautiful weather and catching up with acquaintances. They were spotted out to dinner with Michelle’s dad, Mike Gerardi the former owner of WINY Radio, as well as with her uncle and aunt Bob and Mary Gerardi. They also visited with Mickey’s mom, Joyce Fall.
Michelle Gerardi-Fall was a former Intensive Care Unit nurse at Day Kimball Hospital. She’s currently employed at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Mickey Fall was a standout athlete at Putnam High School where he starred in basketball and baseball. He’s currently “semi-retired” from his physical therapy business. He’s now hoping to find more time to hit the links.
One More Tourney
Before School Opens…
Putnam Science Academy is preparing to open for its second year under the leadership of Dr. Tieqiang Ding on September 6. According to Dr. Ding, the school expects 36 students for the opening bell, 25 which are members of the basketball program.
The leading member of coach Tom Espinosa’s Mustangs, Hamidou Diallo of Queens, N.Y., is preparing to showcase his talents in front of his hometown folks before returning to the Maple Street campus for his final year.
Diallo, who’s enjoyed a great summer on the court playing for the New York Rens, was selected to play in Under Amour’s 11th Annual Elite 24 Basketball Showcase. The game was played on the iconic outdoor stadium on Pier 2 of the Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday, August 20. The stadium court overlooks the majestic lower Manhattan skyline and is in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty.
Among Diallo’s other achievements this summer he was a member of USA Basketball’s U 18 gold medal winning team. On Saturday he played in front of National Basketball Association scouts representing all 30 of the league’s teams. On Friday evening, Diallo who played with “Team Drive” against “Team Clutch,” participated in the three-point shootout and dunk contest. He was considered among the favorites in the dunk competition.
The game was televised live on ESPNU.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” Charles Swindoll
(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
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Paul D. Stransky,
Korean war vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Paul David Stransky, 85, of N. Grosvenordale, died Aug. 16, 2016, at the Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. He was the husband of Joanne (Petzold) Stransky. They were married Aug. 29, 1953, in Patuxant, Md.
He was born June 6, 1931, in New York City, son of the late Benjamin and Mina (Levitt) Stransky. He earned a master’s degree in engineering. He worked as a chemical engineer for The Rogers Corporation for 20 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and reading. He was a volunteer firefighter in Thompson, and had taught college sciences.
He leaves in addition to his wife Joanne, his children Susan Lynn Buttermark, Cathy A. Alderman, David Stransky; his grandchildren Heather Bonin; Courtney Hoffman; Joanne Patterson; Kelly Pearl; Gabrielle Cimino; Christy Vetter; Paul Stransky; and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sons, Brian Stransky and Paul David Stransky.
Funeral service are private. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Lawrence Ledogar Sr.
DANIELSON — Lawrence R. Ledogar Sr., 82, of Danielson, died Aug. 19, 2016, at Day Kimball Hospital.
He was born Nov. 13, 1933, in the Bronx, N.Y., to the late Edwin and Zylphia (Zwirz) Ledogar. He was married for 57 years to the late Marie (Andrews) Ledogar. Their family moved to Moosup to raise the six children.
He graduated from Killingly High in 1951, then worked at Pratt & Whitney for 35 years before retiring in 1992.
He was an avid gardener, golfer, along with a passion for raising his chickens.
Larry leaves his two sons Lawrence (Melissa) Ledogar, and Andrew (Sharon) Ledogar; two grandchildren Gregory and Ashley; sister Gail Aubin; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Marie, brothers Edwin, William, Frank and sister Ann.
The Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 24 from the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Joseph Church, Dayville, with burial with military honors in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson.
Gerard E. Caron
PUTNAM — Gerard E. Caron, 69, died Aug. 15, 2016, at home. Born Aug. 24, 1946, in Putnam, he was the son of the late Gerard J. and Marie A. (Dumont) Caron.
Gerard was valedictorian of St. Mary Parochial School in 1960 and valedictorian of Marianapolis Preparatory School in 1964. He then graduated with honors from Worcester Poly Technical School with a bachelor’s in mathematics. He was an avid Red Sox fan, bridge player and a was a Grand Master bridge player and enjoyed playing and watching tennis matches.
He leaves two sisters, Jeanne Huhtala of Putnam and Pauline LaRocque of Wharton, N.J.; nephews David A. LaRocque of Warwick, R.I., Erik H. Huhtala of Putnam; grandniece Hayleigh Huhtala and grandnephew Brian J. LaRocque.
The Funeral was private with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: St Mary Church, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Anne G. Johnson
PUTNAM — Anne G. Johnson, 101, of Putnam, died Aug. 19, 2016, in Putnam. Born on Sept. 19, 1914, in Warren, R.I., daughter of the late Lawrence and Sophie (Winierski) Goloski. She was married to Donald H. Johnson. He died in 1985.
Anne was a Charter Member of the Thompson Hill Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary. She was a nurse in Rhode Island and worked for 21 years at Putnam Manufacturing as a stitcher, retiring in 1980.
She leaves a daughter-in-law Patricia Johnson; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; nieces and nephews. Besides her husband she is predeceased by three sons Ronald (Skippy) Johnson, Raymond Johnson, William (Mike) Johnson and a brother Frank Goloski.
The Funeral was private. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Barbara Vonderheide
S. WOODSTOCK — Barbara Vonderheide, 86, of South Woodstock died Aug. 11, 2016.
She was born in 1930. Barbara graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in education and received a master’s in education from Castleton University in Vermont.
She served in the United Methodist Church. The family spent time each summer at their lakeside camp in St. Albans, Maine, where Barbara’s parents also had a camp.
She leaves her husband of 64 years, Reverend Edwin A. Vonderheide (Ret.); four children: Mark, Peter, Susan, and Stephen Vonderheide; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service was Aug. 20 at Living Faith United Methodist Church, Putnam. Smith and Walker Funeral, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
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Woodstock bus
routes are
online
WOODSTOCK — The first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 31, for Woodstock Elementary School and Woodstock Middle School. At Woodstock Academy new students begin Aug. 31 (11:32 dismissal), ALL students Sept. 1, full day.
Change in transportation requests allowing for consistent daycare must be submitted to the appropriate school as soon as possible. Transportation forms are available on the school website (www.woodstockschools.net) or in both school offices.
Woodstock Public Schools’ bus routes may be accessed by parents through the following process:
Go to dattco.com
Select: School Bus - my child’s route
Select: Connecticut
Click on Woodstock then Public
Enter your street number in the first box
Enter your street address AND zip code in the second box
i.e. Frog Pond Road, Prospect Street, CT-198, CT-197, CT-171, CT-169
If you have any questions regarding the bus schedule or need assistance, please contact Jerilyn Brunelle, Bus Manager at 860-928-7453, Ext. 319.
PUTNAM — The Quiet Corner’s Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus are looking back on a successful fraternal year of service just completed, while looking forward to a great year already under way.
“We’re very pleased with what we’ve done for veterans,” said Faithful Navigator Matthew R. Frederick, of Brooklyn, taking a break from cooking at the Aug. 14 annual Fourth Degree assembly picnic. Having begun his one-year term on July 1, Frederick is the elected leader of the Right Rev. Monsignor Jean C. Mathieu Fourth Degree Assembly 114, based in Putnam, with 170 members from Ashford to Moosup.
“Over the past year several of our members made four trips on Sundays to the veteran’s hospital in West Haven,” Frederick said, talking about the assembly’s continuing support of the patients at the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital at the other end of the state. “They drove over 180 miles round-trip every three months to bring Catholic patients to and from Mass in the chapel at the hospital. They’re needed because hospital orderlies don’t work on Sundays.”
Also, in the last year the assembly bought and personally delivered 50 new Catholic missals for patients and visitors. At the same time, the Knights collected and delivered new toiletries and used cell phones for all patients at the hospital.
“The books have helped our people live their faith in a very special way,” said Rev. Christopher Opara, one of the hospital’s two Catholic chaplains. The priests had asked for the missals last fall. “The books have all the music and the readings the people need to celebrate Mass here throughout the year. We’re very grateful, because this allows them all to fully participate.
The Fourth Degree, also known as the Patriotic Degree, is part of the worldwide Knights of Columbus organization, a fraternal benefit society made up of Catholic men and their families. Many people have seen Fourth Degree Knights at a parade, funeral or other event, wearing their black tuxedos and colorful knee-length silk capes and ostrich-plumed hats.
What is not generally known, however, is that fewer than one out of five of the world’s 1.9 million Knights of Columbus have taken on the optional, extra commitment of joining the Fourth Degree. Every Fourth Degree Knight is also a member of a local K of C council. Nearly all of the members of Mathieu Assembly 114 are also members of a local council in northern Windham County, with a few participating in local councils elsewhere.
“We’re very proud of what our state’s 5,500 Fourth Degree Knights do to support our veterans and our country,” said Connecticut District Master of the Fourth Degree Charles H. Sullivan, of Southington, who oversees operations statewide. “The Knights of Columbus is in 13 countries throughout the world. The Fourth Degree is there to support patriotism and the Catholic Church in each of those countries. It’s wonderful to see that Mathieu Assembly 114 is setting such a great example of patriotism in northeastern Connecticut.”