By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to World War II Merchant Marine veteran Peter Trama of Putnam.  Trama, who is in his 90th year, remains very active and is an avid supporter of all things positive for young people.  Stay young, Pete, you’re an inspiration to others.

In 2004, three guys with a love of baseball got together and came up with an idea that 12 years later is still as vibrant as it was in year one.  The idea was hatched by Pete Walker and his brother Andy and Roger LaFrancois.  The trio approached Paul Sturgis of the Mohegan Sun for support and assistance and together they formed a winning combination.  The Mohegan Sun World Baseball Coaches Convention became a reality.

Over the recent weekend of Jan. 21, 22 and 23 approximately 1000 coaches, players and baseball fanatics celebrated the convention, which provided sessions led by Major League players and coaches and some of the country’s top collegiate coaches.

“It’s amazing and rewarding to see the enthusiasm for baseball that’s here this year.  To think, this is the 12th year of this convention and it’s still going strong makes our effort all worthwhile,” said LaFrancois, the former Red Sox catcher and current St. Louis Cardinals minor league hitting instructor.

This year, as in the past, the convention attracted some “big name” presenters.  Featured were former Assumption College All-American and current Toronto Blue Jays first baseman/outfielder Chris Collabello.  A natural hitter, who batted over .300 this season for the Jays, Collabello shared his thoughts on swing mechanics as well as drills and exercises young hitters can use to improve their batting skills.

Former Red Sox pitcher and current member of the Oakland Athletics, Rich Hill talked pitching success in an interactive session with Connecticut Tigers pitching coach Ace Adams.  Nick Ahmed, a former UConn standout for coach Jim Penders and current shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks, shared his thoughts on infield play and game savvy.  Blue Jays first base coach Tim Leiper presented sessions on the tools necessary to being an effective coach and keys to outfield play.

“We’ve been fortunate to get great presenter every year.  The knowledge they share is what’s really important about this convention.  Now in our 12th year, were still looking to the future because the mechanics of the convention are in place,” said Pete Walker, the pitching coach for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Vendors from throughout New England and the country were also on hand displaying their wares, from uniforms and bats to specialized training items.  One of the vendors with a unique training item was former Red Sox relief pitcher Bob “Steamer” Stanley.  Along with his son Kyle Stanley, the pair teamed up to form a company called Performance PITCH.  Their product is a towel ball, which is a mini baseball with a towel attached.  Its training use is to develop correct pitching technique and avoid arm injury to young pitchers.

LaFrancois and the Walker brothers must be doing something correctly as the convention completed is 12th year.  Their love of baseball is one of the reasons they continue this venture with enthusiasm.

“The convention gets my baseball juices flowing,” said Lafrancis, who’s been playing the game for more than 50 years.

Catching Up With The Collegians

Three former Putnam Science Academy standouts were in action recently in NCAA Division I, II and III basketball play.  In Division I, Quinnipiac University fell to a disappointing 5-10 on the season when the Bobcats lost to Siena 64-52.  Big Chaise Daniels, who is coming along following some knee problems, contributed 10 points in the loss.  As a player at PSA, the 6-foot, 8-inch Daniels tallied 299 points in his one season on the Maple St. campus.

Dayshon, “Scoochie” Smith was on ESPN last week as his Dayton Flyers beat a tough St. Bonaventure team in an Atlantic-10 game played in Olean, N.Y.  Smith, the captain of the Flyers, ended up with eight points, contributing a key hoop and clutch free throws down the stretch to hold off the Bonnies.  The Flyers, who cracked the nation’s Top 25 briefly, are 13-3 on the season.  Smith left Putnam Science Academy as the school’s top career scorer with 1,010 points.  He also holds the career and single season marks in assists and steals.

At Assumption College, visiting University of New Haven beat the Greyhounds 75-71 in overtime thanks in part to the Chargers point guard Jemal Mosley who had eight points in the win.  Mosley finished his stint at PSA with 406 career points.

In Worcester the Worcester State University Lancers raised their record to 10-6 overall and 2-1 in the MASCAC with a 93-81 victory over visiting Fitchburg State University.  Paul Brooks, the 6-9 former Putnam Science Academy big man, was held to three points in his lowest offensive output of the season.  Brooks had 219 points when he was a Mustang.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute picked up a 70-62 victory over Emerson College in a NEWMAC contest.  Former Woodstock Academy standout Ian Converse contributed seven points in the win as the Engineers went to 13-2 on the year and 3-1 in the NEWMAC.  Converse is a product of former Centaur coach Greg Smith.

From Baseball To The Real World

Jared Carignan who was a steady middle infielder for the TriTown American Legion baseball team and the Ellis Tech Eagles is moving on to employment in the real world.  Carignan, who graduated in 2015 with a degree in masonry from Ellis Tech, has landed a position with the State of Connecticut.  Despite having a year of American Legion baseball eligibility remaining, Carignan will have to forsake the diamond for his job, which is taking him to Madison.

Last spring and summer, Carignan was a mainstay of the Techster and the Towner teams.  He proved his versatility by playing everywhere in the infield, while seeing action on the mound.  He was also a solid hitter at the dish.

He’s the son of Michael and Cheryl Ann Carignan of Thompson.

Prep And High School 

Stats and More

Two of the area’s slickest high school forwards, Liam Jacobs of Plainfield and Dan Porcic of Putnam continue to wage a battle for the top scoring spot in northeastern Connecticut.  Jacobs, averaging 19.5 points a game, is a 10th of a point ahead of Porcic whose average is 19.4.  Ellis Tech’s Trent Raymond is third at 17.9.

In female action, Plainfield’s Julie Jordan tops the scoring parade with 15.8 points per game.  Killingly’s Meagan Bianchi, who recently turned in a 29-point game, is second at 14.7.  Two of Jordan’s teammates Zoe Beaver and Madeline Lorange are on the top of the three-point race with 22 and 21 from beyond the arc respectively.

In the prep school girls’ scoring race Pomfret’s Alyzae Davis is on top at 15.4, followed by Hyde-Woodstock’s Dairy Rojas (13.4), Olivia Batistini and Deja Ross of Pomfret are knotted, both at 12.3 and Jordan Frye of Marianapolis is at 10.4.

Batastini is way out in front in the three-point race with 32.  Two Marianapolis Lady Knights Nicole Anderson and Caroline Soucy are next, tied with 14 treys apiece.

Putnam Science Academy’s Saul Phiri leads the boys’ three-point race with 59.  He’s followed by Joe Del Ricci of Marianapolis with 33 and Collin Sawyer of PSA with 19.

Cam Winston of Pomfret leads the scoring race at 16.1 points per contest, followed by his teammate Christian Wilson (13.8), Hamidou Diallo (13.7) and Phiri (13.2) both of Putnam Science Academy.  Vincent Conn of Pomfret and Del Ricci of Marianapolis round out the scoring race at 12.5 apiece. 

Approaching the halfway point of the basketball season, Putnam Science Academy at 18-2 is the area’s top prep men’s team, while 7-3 Plainfield is the high school leader.  In the girls' high school competition, surprising Killingly at 7-5 is the top team with Plainfield right behind at 6-5.  Pomfret School at 9-2 is the top prep quintet.

Ryan Black of Woodstock with 31 points (19 goals and 12 assists) and his running mate Nathan DeLuca with 23 points (11 goals and 12 assists) are running one-two in the hockey scoring race.  Centaur Zack Burnham has 10 assists.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “You can’t think and hit at the same time,” Yogi Berra

(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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Hazel Froehlich

WOODSTOCK — Hazel Esther (Marcy) Froehlich, 86 of Senexet Rd. died Jan. 13, 2016.  She was the wife of the late Donald Charles Froehlich.  Born in Woodstock, she was the daughter of the late Wayland and Sarah Elsie (Young) Marcy.

Hazel was a 1947 graduate of Woodstock Academy where she played and was captain of the girls’ basketball team. The academy was very dear to her and as a result remained an active alumni member. 

She was married on July 12, 1952 to Donald at the home of Warner and Eileen Gardner of Woodstock.  She worked for American Optical, Linemaster Switch, and as a ward clerk for Windham Hospital retiring in 1986.  She also worked part time for Day Kimball Hospital Homemakers after her retirement.  She was a lifelong member of the South Woodstock Baptist Church where she served as treasurer for 47 years.  She was also an active member of the overseas mission group.  

Hazel leaves her children, Rhonda Righenzi (Robert) of Florida, Donia Froehlich of Killingly, and Paul Froehlich (Lisa) of Woodstock; four grandchildren, Matthew Benzie, Philip Benzie, Sarah Froehlich, Kevin Froehlich; and several great-grandchildren.

The funeral was private. Donations: South Woodstock Baptist Church or to Woodstock Academy.  Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, Putnam.

 

Wendy-Jo Brennan

DANIELSON — Wendy-Jo Brennan, 56, of Danielson died suddenly Jan. 15, 2016. Born Sept. 23, 1959, in Worcester, daughter of the late Harry and Helen (Connors) Brennan. 

Wendy-Jo spent her life giving back to others. She spent her last years working at Rite-Aid Distribution in Dayville but her heart was totally given to the VFW. Wendy-Jo was a bartender and a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She created, organized and fundraised for the Children’s Christmas party for local children who have had their only Christmas there. 

She leaves her sons Thomas Brennan and James Wishart; sister Jamie Zeveska; brothers Scott Brennan and Bruce Brennan; six grandkids Zachary Brennan, Paige Brennan, Mary Wishart, Aubrey Wishart, Addison Wishart and Chloe Wishart. She was predeceased by her sister Linda Bakerlis.

A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to close Feb. 6 at the Danielson VFW Post 2650, 29 Mechanic St.. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Evelyn Bates

THOMPSON — Evelyn Bates, 84, of Thompson, died Dec. 30, 2015, at Brookdale Senior Living Community in Auburn.  

Evelyn was born on May 3, 1931, to Antoinette (Latour) and Walter Carpenter.  She was the wife of the late William Bates, who died in September 2015.  She and William celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in July 2015.  Evelyn took great pride in her home and family, and was a wonderful cook and talented cake decorator.  

She leaves her daughter Nanci and her husband Russ; sisters Joyce Bomba and Marilyn Van Dyke; nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sisters, Phyllis Spurgeon and Eileen Fougere, and her brother Bernard Carpenter.  

A Memorial Service will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 6 at St. Joseph’s Church in N. Grosvenordale.   Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 

 

Winifred E. Carlson

N. GROSVENORDALE — Winifred E. (Adams) Carlson, 94, of N. Grosvenordale, died Jan. 22, 2016, in Matulaitis Nursing Home.  She was the wife of the late Victor Dennett and Alfred Carlson.  Born in 1921 in Brookfield, Mass., she was the daughter of the late John Q. Adams and Emma (Deon) Adams Stedman.

Mrs. Carlson worked for many years as a machine operator at Belding Heminway. 

Mrs. Carlson enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing bingo, and doing word search puzzles.

Mrs. Carlson was a member of the N. Grosvenordale Senior Citizens. 

She leaves five sons Robert Dennett of Worcester, Steven Dennett of Auburn, Neil Dennett of Worcester, Edward Carlson of Florida, and Richard Carlson of Thompson; a daughter whom she lived with for the past seven years Anita Brosious of N. Grosvenordale; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by six sons Tom Dennett, Donald Dennett, David Dennett, Terry Dennett, John Dennett, and Victor Dennett, Jr.; a daughter Ann Carlson; and a sister Bernice Couture. 

The Funeral Service was Jan. 27 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with burial in West Thompson Cemetery. 

 

Barbara Herre

WOODSTOCK — Barbara E. Herre, 87, of Woodstock, died Jan. 25, 2016, Davis Place in Danielson.

 She was born Dec. 9, 1928, in New Britain, daughter of the late Harold and Alice (Cofran) Herre Sr.  She worked as a health care aide for Community Home and Health Care and also private home care.  She was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in W. Woodstock and made her home in Woodstock most of her life.

She leaves her nephews, Albert Lyon Jr. and his companion Deborah; Bruce Lyon (Patricia), all of Woodstock; Ricky Lyon (Julie) of Wisconsin, Harold Herre III of Maine; her niece, Donna Perry of Uncasville; her cousin Eileen Fritz of Tolland and her close friend Rose Bilow of Florida. She was predeceased by her brother Harold Herre Jr. and sisters Loretta Lyon and Eleanor Herre, and nephew Robert Lyon.  

A Calling Hour will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 2 followed by a Memorial Service at 7 at the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in Barlow Cemetery, Woodstock, in the spring. Donations: Church of the Good Shepherd, 12 Bradford Corner Rd., Woodstock Valley, CT 06282. 

 

Elsie Jolly

POMFRET CENTER — Elsie Louise Murray Jolly, 92, of Pomfret Center, died Jan. 22, 2016.

In a devoted partnership that spanned over 68 years, Elsie and Armand Jolly raised a loving family. Elsie was born July 17, 1923, in Pomfret, the daughter of Edward and Addie (Bryden) Murray. Elsie graduated from Putnam High School in 1941, and having caught the attention of a local superintendent, she was chosen to receive a scholarship to Willimantic State Teachers College (now Eastern CT State University). While there, she was elected to the Epsilon-Nu Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. Graduating in 1945, she went on to teach elementary school in Manchester for two years and then first and second grade at Brooklyn Elementary School for 33 years. Upon her retirement in 1980, the community came together to honor her on “Elsie L. Jolly Day.” And even years afterward, former students would stop her on the street or call her to tell her how much she meant to them.

Even with a busy career and family, Elsie made time to lead and serve numerous organizations, especially the Putnam Emblem Club #209. She served as corresponding secretary and president, and as assistant chaplin of the Supreme Emblem Club. She was also a member of Pomfret Seniors, Pomfret and Killingly Historical Associations, and AARP (national and Putnam). Elsie was a life member of the State and Windham Tolland Teachers Association and, along with Armand and her family members, was active with the USS Emmons Association. She was a communicant of Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret. 

Elsie was admired, loved and respected for her intelligence, common sense, honesty, and warmth. She generously shared these traits with her close-knit family, many friends, her young students, and fellow community volunteers. Elsie exuded leadership in a quiet and powerful way. She also made some mean bread and butter pickles, highly prized at every family gathering, from summer picnics at Quaddick Lake to celebrations at her children’s homes.

She leaves her daughter Wendy Ciparelli (Peter) of Colchester; son Dennis Jolly (Donna) of Hebron; her brother Frank Murray of Putnam; six grandchildren:  Jessica, Christopher (Katie), Gregory, Angela, Stephen (Zahra) and Amanda; seven great-grandchildren: Tyler, Abigail, Beckett, Thea, Nahla, and newborn twins Arlo and Rhys (born Jan. 22, 2016). She was predeceased by her great-grandson Oliver; her sister Margaret Erskine; and her brothers, Prescott and Tom Baker, and Walter (Butch), John (Jack) and Harley Murray.

A Mass of Christian Burial  was Jan. 27 at Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Burial will take place in the spring in Abington Cemetery. Donations: Pomfret Seniors; or Brooklyn Education Association (scholarships). Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St, Putnam.

 

Louise Raymond

WEBSTER — Louise (Perrotta)  Raymond, 80, of Webster died Jan. 16, 2016, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester . Louise was born  in Thompson, the daughter of the late Fredrick and the late Lucy (Aquila) Perrotta.

Louise worked as a mail clerk for Commerce Insurance. She was a communicant of St. Louis Church in Webster . 

She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Raymond  in 1985.  

She leaves five children: one daughter: Lisa Gatzke of Thompson; four sons: Richard Raymond of Dudley, Kevin Raymond of Haverill, Mass.,, Glen Raymond of Webster, Brian Raymond of South Grafton, Mass.; three sisters: Florence Martel of Dudley, Violet Duff of Webster, and Jenny Duquette of N. Grosvenordale; 14 grandchildren,  20 great-grandchildren. 

A  Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 25 at St. Louis Church, Webster.

Graveside service  will be held in the spring  at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Webster. 

Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.

 

Tina Perrin

SOUTHBRIDGE — Tina L. (Michael)  Perrin,  48, died Jan. 6, 2016, after being stricken ill at home.

Tina graduated from Putnam High School in 1985  and attended some college. 

She was employed as case worker for  Commonwealth of Massachusetts at DTA in Southbridge 

She loved fishing and camping with her family. 

She enjoyed bingo and shopping trips for shoes, hand bags and jewelry.

She leaves her husband: Ervin” Mario” Perrin;  one daughter: Tanya Regimbal of Southbridge; two sons: Jonathan Sarty of Charlton and Rick Sarty of Southbridge; her father Nekolas Michael of Putnam;  two sisters: Mary Ann Regimbal  and Donna Michael, both of Webster; two brothers: Kevin Michael of Dudley and Lee Michael of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; five grandchildren Tinaya, Brooke ,Kylee ,Halle and Jonathan Jr.  She was predeceased by her mother  Janice (St. Germain) Klebart.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 11 Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Webster, with burial in Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Webster . 

Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.

 

Richard W. Feige

DECATUR, Ga./ THOMPSON — Richard W. Feige, 74, formerly Decatur, died Jan. 15, 2016, at the Brookside Convalescent Home, Webster. 

He was born in Putnam, son of the late Richard S. Feige and Stella (Wojcik) Feige and lived some years in St. Augustine, Fla., Georgia and Thompson.

He leaves a sister Janice E. Dahl of N. Grosvenordale; an aunt and uncle, Freddie and Rachel Wojcik; and cousins. Burial was private. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

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caption:

 

Bridge Celebration

Above, those attending the rededication of the Rt 44 bridge. At left, local veterans helped rededicate the veterans bridge last week. Left to right: Victor Lippiello – Army (WWII); William Zamagni Sr. – Navy (WWII); Michael Vassar – USMC (Desert Storm); Michael Coderre – U.S. Air Force (Vietnam); John Turner – U.S. Coast Guard (Iraq); Peter Trama – U.S. Merchant Marines (WWII). Linda Lemmon photo.

 

 

 

Memorial bridge

rededicated

By Linda Lemmon

Town Crier Editor

PUTNAM ---  The Route 44 bridge stood strong against the Hurricanes of 1938 and 1939, the Flood of 1955 and other onslaughts . And persevered. Dedicated in 1925, the Veterans Memorial Bridge commemorated veterans of WWI. Veterans from the next wars, WWII and forward, were on hand Jan. 20 to help rededicate the bridge. 

A bright and frigid day greeted veterans, town officials and residents gathered to rededicate the bridge.  Economic and Community Development Director Delpha Very said the 70-foot long bridge was on the state's rehabilitation list because it is a memorial bridge. "They wanted to bring it back to its original luster," she said. The state Department of Transportation project also assured that the bridge is still sound.  Northern Construction of Palmer, Mass., started the bridge work in April and the bridge reopened Thanksgiving weekend, on schedule, according to Director of Public Works Gerard Beausoleil.

According to Historic Highway Bridges records, the state originally planned to build a much plainer bridge and residents thought, since it' was dedicated to war veterans, a more stylish bridge was called for. One resident said, "That bridge may be there for the next century. Why should it not have lines of grace, as well as strength?" So the town raised $11,000 to reimburse the state for the extra expense of sidewalks, a wider roadway and attractive brass lamps, plus memorial bronzes. When it was dedicated on Armistice Day, 1925, the celebration included a parade that attracted 15,000.

Beausoleil said the cost, borne by the state, was $3.6 to $3.7 million. The only item missing are the four lights. Beausoleil said he gave Northern Construction one of the lamps to copy; however, the lamp produced did not pass muster with the state historian and they are being done again.  The lights may be ready for installation by the end of January, he said.