caption:
Honored
Putnam Science Academy Headmaster Donald Cushing, right, was recently honored for his 50 years in education. At left is President Tiequang Ding. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
Donald Cushing has been the headmaster of Putnam Science Academy since October and during those brief two months he’s helped to organize the school and rejuvenate many of the efforts of its predecessor school.
Last week the school and its President Tiequang Ding honored Cushing in part for his work at the school but also for a significant milestone in his educational career. Cushing is celebrating 50 years in education, a career that’s taken him from the classroom, to administration offices in Massachusetts with a stop in the high school and college coaching ranks.
He was honored in the presence of the administration, faculty, staff and his family. The brief ceremony came as a complete surprise to the 72-year-old Cushing. In addition to a cake marking his anniversary, the members of the basketball team presented him with an autographed basketball, signed by the coaching staff and team members.
“I have a number of mementoes of my career but this basketball will hold a significant place in my office and in my heart. I’m pleased to be here at Putnam Science Academy and look forward to leading it to new heights,” said Cushing.
A graduate of Worcester State University, where he was a star on the basketball court and captain of the Lancers, Cushing began his educational journey as a teacher/coach at Bartlett High School in Webster. Over a period of years he eventually rose to become the principal of the school.
After retiring from public education he was lured from his rocking chair and assumed the position of principal of St. Joseph’s Parochial School in Webster. Just when he thought his days in education were over, he was asked to assist Putnam Science Academy in its endeavor to become a certified preparatory school.
Cushing, who one time also served as assistant basketball coach at Worcester State University, has taken the leadership role on the Putnam campus with the same vigor he approached his previous administrative roles. Although the school currently has a student population of 17, primarily basketball players, Cushing is optimistic that by next year the school population will increase. The educational emphasis will remain on science, technology and mathematics with an increased level of attention on social sciences.
The mission also includes enhanced partnership and cooperation between the school personnel, students, parents and community. In this area the students recently visited three local nursing facilities, where they shared their goodwill by singing Christmas carols to the residents. They visited The Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Putnam, Westview Health Care Center in Dayville and Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. Cushing may have 50 years of experience in education under his belt but his enthusiasm for the mission and vision of Putnam Science Academy and its success appears to be at a level equivalent to the first day he stepped into the classroom at Bartlett High School.
By Ron P. Coderre
It seems that no matter how old athletes get they still look forward to Christmas and the arrival of Santa Claus. The anticipation of that morning under the tree loaded with presents still brings butterflies to the stomach much the same as prior to a big game. So here we go with our 2015 list of gifts for the good sports of northeastern Connecticut. We hope Santa is good to everyone.
For the Hoenig family and the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, some big races and a flurry of activity on the road course.
Another successful football season and a run at another postseason playoff spot for the Killingly football team and its coach Chad Neal.
The naming of the new Marianapolis soccer field in honor of longtime Golden Knights soccer coach and premier educator Eric Gustavson.
Some voice lessons and continued success on the basketball court for the Putnam Science Academy singing Mustangs.
A long and successful whistle blowing career for first-year basketball official Matt Desaulnier.
An opportunity to play college football for a pair of Killingly Redmen standouts, Austin Caffrey and Josh Angell.
For Putnam Business Association President Earl Rosebrooks, the same type of success in leading the PBA as he had as a high school basketball player when he led Tourtellotte to a State Championship.
As many victories for the Putnam High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams under coaches Shawn Deary and Mandy Hogan in the “new” gym as former athletes and teams enjoyed in the “old” gym under Pam Childs and Tony Falzarano.
A National Prep School Championship for Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa, headmaster Don Cushing and school President Dr. Tiequang Ding.
Another successful O’Putnam Race for organizers James and Sheila Frost of Courthouse Bar & Grille.
A relaxing respite from the coaching ranks for former Woodstock Academy coaches Greg Smith and Willie Bousquet.
A successful college basketball career for Marianapolis standout Caroline Soucy when she ventures to the University of New Hampshire in September.
Another hole-in-one, this time with witnesses, for Thompson resident Rene Morin.
A large turnout of players for the TriTown American Legion team and coach John Foucault and all the members of his staff.
An appearance on the hardwood for former basketball standouts Carolyn Sanburg and Megan Carney-Bose of Bella’s Restaurant.
A head coaching position in the near future for Putnam Science Academy assistant coach Josh Scraba.
A grand opening and many years of caring for the physical needs of local residents for The Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center and its benefactors Betty and Laurence Hale and recently appointed Executive Director Amanda Kelly.
A successful season for the Frog Rock Youth Basketball League and its unofficial commissioner Jim Zahansky.
Some more races of reasonable distance and some training time for State Senator Mae Flexer of Danielson as she races around the 29th Senatorial District.
More time to spend coaching his kids for Keith Barnes of the Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub.
For the newly christened IAABO Board of Basketball Officials #35 and its leadership, Christian Sarantopolous, Bob Bernier and Peter Gerardi enough members to meet the demands of local high schools, prep schools and middle schools.
Continued success with the World Baseball Coaches Convention for Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker and former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois.
Some football victories for Woodstock Academy coach Clay Killingsworth and headmaster Chris Sandford.
A winning season at Rhode Island College for women’s basketball coach Glenn Senecal and his captain, Killingly High School graduate Devin Hill.
For Mike Sosik of Harrisville Golf Course, Eric Sarette of Vineyard Valley Golf Club and Jim West of Connecticut National Golf Club, some great golfing weather in 2016.
A great season on the links for local pros, Matt Smith and Cody Semmelrock.
A nomination and selection into the Assumption College Athletics Hall of Fame for former Putnam High School three-sport star and Greyhound record-breaking receiver Eric Mauer.
A bright future in sports broadcasting for WINY Radio 1350 Sports Director Josh Sanchas.
A spot on the gym naming committee for the “new” Putnam High School gym for Dr. David Gaudreau and Sue Johnston.
A position as golf course superintendent at a new location for former Quinnatisset Country Club super Mike Coty.
Continued exposure and success for the American Legion Post #13 Honor Guard under the direction of two former Putnam High School athletes, Marc J. Coderre Sr. and Alan Joslin.
A college that will meet the athletic and academic needs of Killingly High School’s super field hockey player Alyssa Rainey.
Longevity and more races for long distance runners Scott Deslongchamps and Alan Rondeau.
For Paul Brooks of Worcester State University, recognition as an NCAA Division III All-American.
To Putnam’s Maurice “Moe” Coderre continued fine voice as you regale audiences with you singing of our National Anthem.
To the lovely ladies who waited on us at J.D. Cooper’s for so many years. Best wishes to Tori, Chelsea, Danielle, Taylor, Erin S., Erin C., Bailey and Michelle and of course we can’t forget Keith the chef, Charlie the dishwasher and the affable G. David Landry.
A place in the hearts of those who are capable of assisting those in need, not only on Christmas Day but every day of the year.
To all of our loyal readers a very Merry Christmas.
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By Ron P. Coderre
Putnam Science Academy, after falling to South Kent, is on another win streak entering the holiday break. The Mustangs picked up three encouraging victories after falling for the first time this season. They now stand at 11-1.
Pomfret School enjoyed a perfect 2-0 week with one win coming over Hyde School-Woodstock. Hyde bounced back winning two-of-three after losing to the Golden Griffins. Marianapolis lost its only game of the week.
Plainfield under coach Bob Arremony, entering his 36th season, opened the boys’ high school season with a convincing win over outmatched Ellis Tech.
Mustangs Close Out First Half of Season
on Winning Note
The Putnam Science Academy Mustangs, who gained notoriety over the Christmas season with their caroling, remained in tune closing out the early portion of the schedule on a winning note. The Mustangs posted wins over Cheshire Academy (82-58), Believe Prep (88-66) and Wilbraham and Monson (81-59).
In the win over Cheshire at the Basketball Hoopfest at Western New England College, 13 players hit the scoring column led by Mamadou Diarra and Saul Phiri with 15 points apiece, while Hamidou Diallo (13) was also in double digits.
The Mustangs continued their torrid scoring against Believe Prep placing a dozen players in the scorebook. Phiri with 17 points led a parade of four players in double figures, including Diallo (14), Tyere Marshall (12) and Diarra (11).
Coach Tom Espinosa’s troops closed out the 2015 portion of the schedule with another solid team effort as 13 players scored in the win over Wilbraham and Monson. The Mustangs jumped on W & M early, bolting to a 42-22 halftime advantage. Eric Ayala led the PSA scorers with 13 points, while also grabbing five rebounds. Marshall was also in double figures with 11 points. The Mustangs defense held University of Kentucky-bound 6-foot, 10-inch Wenyen Gabriel to 10 points.
Pomfret School and Hyde School-Woodstock, two preps separated physically by about five miles, clashed in Pomfret with the Golden Griffin coming out on top 64-53. Christian Wilson with 21 points led a trio of double figure scorers in the win. Cam Winston and John Long each contributed 17 points for the winners. The Hyde Wolfpack also had three players in double figures as Rodney Ray had 11, Jordan Burney 13 and Eamon Joyce 17.
Pomfret School at 4-1 went to the break with a 76-54 victory over Governors Academy and 64-41 win over Kingswood-Oxford. The Griffs hit 8-of-11 from three-point range in the Paul “Frosty” Francis Kingswood-Oxford Invitational against Governors Academy. Vincent Conn had 23 points for the winners, while Wilson chipped in 21.
In the win over Kingswood-Oxford the Griffs were paced once again by Conn who poured in a team-high 18 points. Cam Winston added 16 markers to the winning cause, while Gerald Blount was immense on the boards with seven rebounds and five blocked shots.
Hyde- Woodstock picked up a pair of victories, beating Gunnery School 64-56 and Salisbury School 54-53. Ray had 18 points and 11 caroms in the win over Salisbury in the consolation game of the Bob Southall Classic.
Joyce was Hyde’s high scorer in the victory over Gunnery as he poured in a team-high 23 points. Ray and Burney also hit double digits with 15 points apiece. In its only other contest, Hyde was dropped by Kimball Union 63-56, as Ray (15), Joyce (14) and Chris Carroll (10) led the way in the loss, which put Hyde-Woodstock at 3-4 entering the holiday.
Marianapolis at 1-6 closed out its 2015 portion of the schedule with a 59-37 loss at the hands of Suffield Academy.
Plainfield & Ellis Tech Tap Off High
School Season
Plainfield and Ellis Tech, a pair of unlikely opponents, were the first high school teams to play in the 2015-2016 basketball season. The Panthers were easy victors, posting an 82-29 victory. Lanky Liam Jacobs was the show for Plainfield as he hit for a game-high 24 points, as 13 Panthers got into the scoring column.
Holiday Tournaments on Tap
The Centaur Classic Holiday Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Dec. 28 (Monday), 29 (Tuesday), and 30 (Wednesday). On Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. the Centaurs will take on Cheney Tech. The following day Cheney Tech plays Greenwich High School at 5 p.m. and on Dec. 30 the Centaurs and Greenwich square off at 3 p.m.
The CNB a Division of ESB Clipper Classic is scheduled for Dec. 26 and 28 with games at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The teams include the host Clippers along with Killingly, Tourtellotte and Ellis Tech. All games are scheduled for the “new” Putnam High School gym.
Thomas Fitzmaurice,
Navy vet
POMFRET CENTER — Thomas C. Fitzmaurice, 75, of Deerfield Rd., died Dec. 16, 2015, in his home. He was the husband of the late Barbara (Meyer) Fitzmaurice. Born in 1940 in Erie, Penn., he was the son of the late Thomas and Ivell (Neiner) Fitzmaurice.
Mr. Fitzmaurice served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Valley Forge (CV45) and enjoyed attending several Happy Valley reunions. He was a former building superintendent for the Hartford Courant. Tom had a passion for fixing things and operated a lawn mower rental and repair shop out of his home in Plainville. He also enjoyed woodworking and was particularly proud of his wooden fences and ducks. A proud
Democrat, Tom was a member of many boards throughout his life including the PTO, the Town Council and the Zoning Board of Appeals. In his younger years, he worked on the railroad and always had a passion for trains. Tom was a lover of animals, always feeding the birds and squirrels. He enjoyed spending time with his cats Sandy & Taffy.
He leaves his sons, Sean Fitzmaurice (Gwenn Gaumond) of Woodstock, Timothy Fitzmaurice of Amherst, Ohio; his daughters, Laura Arrington (Boyd) of Perrysburg, Ohio; Michelle Byram (Mark) of Madison, Ohio; Kathy Fancher and her fiancé John Flick of Ashtabula, Ohio; and Kelly Fitzmaurice and her boyfriend Ivan Martin of Bradford, R.I.; his sister Linda Wilks (Timothy) of Mobile, Ala.; his brother William Fitzmaurice of Willowick, Ohio; his cousin Jeanne Heintzel; grandchildren; great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas Fitzmaurice and brothers, Charles and Matthew Fitzmaurice.
Donations: Protectors of Animals, 144 Main St., Unit O, East Hartford, CT 06118 or can be made online at poainc.org . Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, Putnam.
Arthur J. Jaffre,
WWII vet
DAYVILLE — Arthur J. Jaffre, 93, died Dec. 13, 2015.
Arthur, son of the late Emil and Rose (Dube) Jaffre, was born on Sept. 6, 1922, in Putnam, and lived locally for most of his life.
He served in WWII with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment.
He was among thousands of American soldiers dropped behind enemy lines during the early morning hours of the invasion of Normandy on D-Day in June 1944. Arthur was a WWII prisoner of war, who twice escaped his captors. He left the service with a rank of corporal and received many decorations including the Bronze Star Medal, French Liberation Medal and Victory Medal.
He was a life member of the 101st Airborne Division Association and the Disabled American Veterans.
Arthur leaves his son, Arthur Jaffre Jr. of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughter, Rose Annette Baker (Richard) of Lafayette, Ind; a grandson, Richard; granddaughter, Samona; great-grandchildren; two sisters, Irene Devillez of Plainfield and Blanche Briere of Danielson; extended family, Arthur and Gerri Rickey and family of Dayville and Rene and Roz Provost and family. He was predeceased by his brother Henry.
Graveside Services were held in Grove Street Cemetery with military honors. Donations: Disabled American Veterans, 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Sr. Constance
Charette, DHS
PUTNAM — Sr. Constance Charette, 75, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Dec. 15, 2015, at the Holy Spirit Provincial House.
Constance Madeleine Charette was born April 20, 1940, in Leominster, Mass., the daughter of the late Camille and Alice (Meunier) Charette. She entered religious life in Putnam at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in September 1958, and made her religious profession on July 2, 1960. She was then known as Sr. Stephen of the Sacred Heart.
Connie earned a bachelor’s in education from Diocesan Sisters’ College and a master’s in religious studies from the University of Detroit. From 1962-67 she taught in elementary schools in Connecticut and Vermont. In 1967 she became directress of Postulants in Putnam, and from 1969-74 she taught religion at Putnam Catholic Academy. She was missioned to California in 1974, and served in the Campus Ministry Team of the University of California at Davis. In 1979 she returned to the east coast and served as Directress of Formation for the province, while also working in ministry with single adults and widowed persons in the Bridgeport diocese. In 1983 she was named Provincial Councilor, with residence in Putnam. In 1989 she enjoyed a Sabbatical Chaplaincy Program at Miriam Hospital in Providence, and then began a new ministry as Coordinator of Volunteers at Dorcas Place, a women’s literacy center in Providence. In 1995 she was appointed Provincial of the U.S. Daughters of the Holy Spirit, and within the next year was elected as a General Councilor in the international administration of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, and she served in that capacity for 12 years, with a main residence in Rennes, France.
She returned to the U.S. in 2008 and began her much-loved ministry as a Community Organizer at Pernet Family Services in Worcester. In 2009, she was named Directress of Associates in addition to her work at Pernet, and these two combined ministries brought special joy to Connie and to those involved. In August 2013, Sr. Connie again lived her full availability to Mission by going to Burkina Faso in Africa in order to live among and serve our younger Sisters there, but she unexpectedly had to return to the U.S. in October because of health issues. Though cancer now had become part of her life, she continued to be active in her new ministry as coordinator of the Provincial House Community and in the continuation of her position as adviser to the DHS east coast Associates.
She leaves one sister, JoAnn Sampson of Beverly, Mass.; and two brothers, William Charette of Lynn, Mass., and Mikel Carter of Shirley, Mass.; uncles and aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Father Daniel Charette, a LaSalette priest, and Gerard Charette.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 19 at the Provincial House, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery.
Donations: Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT, 06260.
Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Shirley Maciejewski
WEBSTER — Shirley M. (Bandlow) Maciejewski, 91, died Dec. 19, 2015, at the Southbridge Rehabilitation and Health Center.
She was born in Dudley, daughter of the late Frank and Lena (Burlingame) Bandlow and lived here all her life.
She was retired from Stevens Linen Co., retiring in 1990 and worked as a stitcher for 21 years.
She leaves two sons, Thomas Maciejewski of Thompson and John P. Maciejewski Jr. of Webster; a daughter Sharon Morales of Southbridge; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She also had a sister that predeceased her, Dorothy Breault.
Donations: Charity of donor’s choice.
Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Jane Racicot
BROOKLYN — Jane G. (Bissonnette) Racicot, 84, died Dec. 17, 2015, at the Westview Nursing and Convalescent Center, in Dayville.
She was born in Danielson, daughter of the late Albert and Aldea (Bissonnette) Bissonnette and lived in Brooklyn for the past 10 years, prior to that living in Danielson.
She leaves her husband of 63 years, Wilfred O. Racicot of Brooklyn; four sons; Glenn (Stella) of Queensbury, N.Y., Bruce of Georgetown, Maine, James (Sandra) of Danielson and Brian of Eastford; a daughter, Celeste Clinkenbeard (Donald) of St. Louis; a brother, Leonard Bissonnette (Aida) of Brooklyn; a sister Claire Mondor of Danielson; four grandchildren: Nicholas, and Christopher Racicot, and Kathryn, and Elizabeth Clinkenbeard; She was predeceased by two brothers: Roland, and Theodore Bissonnette, and a brother-in-law Maurice Mondor. She also leaves a close family friend, Christophe Garet.
A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 29 at St. James Church in Danielson with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date. Donations: St. James School in Danielson. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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