Poppy Queen
Hailey Shippee, the 2016 VFW Poppy Queen presents the first Buddy Poppy to Putnam Mayor Anthony Falzarano. Traditionally the mayor purchases the first poppy of the designated “Poppy Week,” when the canvassing effort for the donations is conducted annually prior to Memorial Day. Proceeds received are deposited into the VFW Relief Fund which is instituted to provide assistance to needy and homeless veterans and their families. The Poppy Queen will ride in the Memorial Day parade with the VFW marching contingent. Left to right: Jahala Beaupre, Auxiliary Poppy chairman, Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 1523; Falzarano; Shippee; and Chuck Mahoney, post adjutant, VFW Post 1523. Courtesy photo.
Inducted
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Michael Belinski of Quinebaug was welcomed into Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society on April 19, at the Western New England University. Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society that recognizes achievement in scholarship, athletics, campus or community service, social and religious activities, as well as campus government, journalism, speech and the mass media, and creative and performing arts.
Credit union
receives award
WATERFORD — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has received the Corporate Citizen of the Year Award from The Chamber of Commerce, Windham Region for its contributions during the past year that benefitted local communities throughout the Windham region.
Thee Chamber’s Corporate Citizen of the Year Award is bestowed upon an individual or institution that has made very measurable contributions to community betterment over a period of time and whose efforts will continue to significantly benefit the community and the region in the future.
Since 2009 when it was established, Charter Oak’s Community Giving Program has awarded more than $1.3 million in New London and Windham counties through grants, sponsorships, scholarships and community outreach.
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Dedication
The Marianapolis multi-purpose field and track was dedicated to longtime coach and athletic director Eric Gustavson. Photos courtesy of Cos Quercia.
By Ron P. Coderre
Marianapolis Prep in Thompson used its 90th Anniversary Alumni weekend to honor a longtime coach and athletic director for his dedication to students and athletes by naming the recently completed $2 million multi-purpose field and track in his honor.
Surrounded by more than 300 friends, family, school administration and Board, as well as returning alumni Eric Gustavson cut the ribbon officially naming the facility, Gustavson Track and Field Complex.
In 1982 fresh out of Ohio Wesleyan University, Gustavson arrived on the Marianapolis campus and immediately made his mark at the private Roman Catholic prep school. Hired to teach history, he was asked to also coach the soccer team and shortly thereafter to head up the athletic programs as the Golden Knights Director of Athletics.
During his 34 year tenure he’s become a beloved teacher to all the students who have passed through his classroom. On the soccer field he amassed 347 victories, while losing only 200 games and tying 75. In 1986 when he was promoted to director of Athletics the school had 200 students and offered about a dozen athletic programs. Today the school boasts 400 students and approximately 50 athletic offerings to its student athletes.
In announcing the naming of the complex, Marianapolis Head-of-School Joseph Hanrahan referred to Gustavson as, “a bona fide Marianapolis icon.”
“Eric isn’t retiring. He’ll continue in the classroom and move into our Institutional Advancement and Development department. He is so well known and loved by our alumni we know he’ll be a positive addition and success,” said Hanrahan.
Overcome with emotion as Assistant Head-of-School Karen Tata and Director of Institutional Advancement Susan Andersen unveiled the dedicatory plaque Gustavson, upon composing himself said, “This is a glorious day.”
“ ‘To whom much is given, much is expected’ and I’ve tried to live up to that saying in all that I’ve done at Marianapolis,” said Gustavson.
After thanking many people and recognizing his wife and family, Gustavson concluded by saying, “The ride has been fun.”
The dedication concluded with prayers and a blessing by Gustavson’s close friend and associate Father Tim Roth, a member of the faculty and a Marian priest. As Gustavson cut the ceremonial ribbon, Father Roth sprinkled the track and field and the beloved son of Marianapolis, Eric Gustavson with holy water.