By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to Massachusetts resident Larry Doucette. A graduate of Putnam High School, Doucette recently returned to his hometown for his 50th class reunion. Does it feel like 50 years Larry?
John and Drew Aitken, twin brothers who attend Killingly High School’s Vocational Agricultural program, have been playing golf since a very young age. Their love of golf has been nurtured by the twin’s stepfather, Jim West, the golf professional at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam. Anyone who’s played at Connecticut National has witnessed the transition that’s taken place as the twins have grown from little boys to mature and courteous young men.
As they’ve grown in maturity their golf game has also grown and flourished. The growth in their game can’t only be attributed to natural talent. Both John and Drew are golfers who put in the time on improving their game. During the summer, the twins who are also equally talented in the classroom, can be found at the golf course very early in the morning and are usually around well after the sun sets. When it’s dark they often practice under the lights and during inclement or winter weather they continue working on their indoor stuff to improve and hone their skills.
The hard work and determination along with the support of West and their mother Jenn, is now paying rich dividends as the twins are seniors at Killingly. On Thursday, November 12 the brothers fulfilled a lifelong dream when they signed National Letters of Intent to attend Central Connecticut University in New Britain on a golf scholarship.
Although those who have followed their careers thought they might end up playing college golf in warm sunny climes were perplexed by the decision, there were good reasons for the selection. Central Connecticut is close to home, which appealed to the boys and the family. The Blue Devils are an NCAA Division I program that’s made a commitment to bringing more notoriety to golf. And Central is coached by Kyle Gallo. Most importantly for the twins they’ll be together, something that they’ve cherished since they were born.
Although Drew Aitken was being pursued by other bigger name Division I schools, he wasn’t going anywhere unless his brother went with him. Coach Gallo was another incentive. He and Jim West played and traveled together for eight years when they played on some of the minor professional tours. In fact, Gallo played on the Nationwide Tour, one step below the PGA Tour, in 2005 and 2006.
Now that the college selection’s been finalized the twins want to concentrate on their senior year with the Killingly Redmen of coach Kevin Marcoux. Competing in the Eastern Connecticut Conference, Killingly led by the Aitken brothers, has captured the crown for the past three seasons. They’re looking forward to picking up conference title number four in the spring of 2016 but their biggest goal is to bring a State Championship to Killingly.
Although a long winter looms before the high school golf season begins, it’s a safe bet that John and Drew Aitken and the other members of the Killingly team will be having regular indoor sessions throughout the cold and dark days as they prepare for the spring and the quest for the State title.
College Commitments Abound
Announcements from Woodstock Academy and Pomfret School indicated that athletes from both institutions have made commitments to continue their athletic careers on the college level.
Rylee Hehir, a senior softball standout at Woodstock, made her selection recently when she signed a National Letter of Intent to attend NCAA Division II Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Penn. Hehir, who began her high school softball career at Marianapolis, has been a pitching and hitting standout for the Centaurs since arriving on the campus. In joining the Griffins of Seton Hill she’ll compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. She’s the daughter of Chris and Dawn Hehir.
Basketball standout Gerald Blount, a 6-foot, 7-inch power forward at Pomfret School signed his National Letter of Intent to attend St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Blount, who is from Bayonne, N.J., has been the Golden Griffins leading scorer since arriving on the Pomfret campus. The St. Joseph’s Hawks are coached by the popular Phil Martelli and play in the rugged Atlantic-10 Conference. The Hawks are an NCAA Division I program. According to Pomfret basketball coach Joe Kremer, Blount’s signing is an indication of the quality student/athlete that Pomfret School produces.
CSC Names Net Stars
The Constitution State Conference East Division announced its volleyball all stars for the recently concluded fall season. Putnam High School placed two players on the First Team. Selected were Gabrielle Simpson and Lindsay Roberts. Named to the second team were Monet Smith and Kirsten Light of Ellis Tech.
Former Redgal Scores Big Time
Devin Hill, whose basketball career seems to have been resurrected at Rhode Island College under coach Glenn Senecal, led the Anchorwomen to an early season tournament championship. Hill, who had an up and down career at Killingly High School because of a series of knee injuries, is still not quite 100 percent but is improving quickly.
In the 18th Annual USJ Tip-Off Classic at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Hill rose to the occasion in leading her mates to the title. In the championship contest, she poured in 33 points in leading RIC to a 71-45 victory over Western New England University. Hill was named the tournament Most Valuable Player for her outstanding performance on the hardwood. Rhode Island College plays in the Little East Conference.
1000-Yard Ground Gainers
When Killingly High School squares off against the Quinebaug Valley Pride on Thanksgiving Day morning two 1,000-yard runners will be on the field. The Redmen will feature Austin Caffrey, who is almost unstoppable. He’s gained 1,538 yards in the first nine games for the 8-1 Killingly Redmen. Caffrey has 20 touchdowns rushing this season.
The Pride will feature its own 1000-yard ground gainer in the person of Jeremee “Buddha” Perez. He’s rolled up 1,001 yards for the 6-3 Pride. Perez has 11 rushing touchdowns to his credit. Both players also play the linebacker position on defense for their respective squads.
Both the Pride and Redmen also feature premier receivers. Saige Louis of the Pride leads the area with seven touchdown receptions and 379 receiving yards, while Killingly’s Vasileios Politis has six TD receptions.
Becher Watch
Throughout the fall RPC has followed the soccer fortunes of Emily Becher of Eastern Connecticut State University. Becher has been a scoring machine for the Lady Warriors. The former Woodstock Academy standout was rewarded for her outstanding play, being named to the All- Little East Conference first team. This is the second year in a row that the sophomore Becher has achieved this honor. She’s the second player in ECSU women’s soccer history to gain this distinction. She ended the season as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: When times are tough, turn the stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
..
..
Arthur Macomber,
WWII vet
PUTNAM — Arthur C. Macomber, “Mac”, 90, of Putnam, formerly of Thompson died Nov. 14, 2015, at home. He was the husband of Yvonne Lorraine (Mayer) Macomber. They were married Oct. 25, 1947, in the Danielson Baptist Church.
He was born Aug. 12, 1925, in Danielson, son of the George and Myrtice (L’heureux) Macomber.
Arthur had made his home in Thompson for many years, was a member of the Thompson Congregational Church where he sang in the choir and also was a soloist. He served as a deacon for more than 50 years. Arthur was employed at Agway for 28 years as a truck driver delivering feed. His hobbies included square dancing, restoring his home, jack of all trades, trips to the casino, playing Bingo and roller skating. He loved to entertain at the retirement home playing the organ and singing.
He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U.S. Army.
He leaves his wife Yvonne Lorraine; children Sheila Ann Arnold (Mike) of Thompson, Michael Jon Macomber (Sandra) of Webster, Stacey N. Macomber and his friend Magdalena of Webster; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his sister May Maciejewski.
Services are private. Donations: Thompson Dog Pound, Animal Rescue, 185 Pasay Road, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or to NECCOG Animal Services, PO Box 759, Dayville, CT 06241. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Evelyn F. Bourque
WEBSTER — Evelyn F. (Myette) Bourque, 91, of Pontiac Ave., formerly of Hawkins Rd., Putnam, died Nov. 17, 2015, in Brookside Rehabilitation Center. She was the wife of the late Alfred Bourque. Born in 1924 in Burrillville, R.I., she was the daughter of the late William and Eva (Green) Myette.
Mrs. Bourque worked as an instrument technician at the Day Kimball Hospital for many years. She enjoyed riding motorcycles with her late husband, bus trips, traveling, and people watching.
She leaves her daughter Judith Laundry (John) of Putnam; a sisters Muriel Bruinsma of Shrewsbury, Mass.; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son Gale R. Bourque and her brother William Myette Jr.
Visitation is from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 25 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 1. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.
Lucilia Leandro
WAUREGAN — Lucilia M. Leandro, 80, of Wauregan died Nov. 15, 2015, at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester. She was married April 8, 1957, to the love of her life, David S. Leandro. He died March 14, 2014. She was born June 18, 1935, in Sao Miguel, Portugal (Azores Islands), daughter of the late Manuel and Arina (Cabral) Aguiar.
Lucilia was a maid in Azores before immigrating to Canada in 1964. She moved to Wauregan in 1969, where she has been a Communicant of Sacred Heart Church. Lucilia was a packer at Anchor Glass Container in Killingly. She was a member of the Grupo Amigos da Terceira. She loved cooking, baking, feeding her birds in the yard. She was known throughout the community for her famous Portuguese sweet bread.
She leaves her children: Manuel Leandro of Jacksonville, Fla., Maria Ponciano (Jose) of Brooklyn, Robert Leandro (Julie) of Moosup; grandchildren: Derek Ponciano, Jessica Leandro, Kali Leandro, Amanda Ponciano, Nadia Ponciano, Paige Leandro, Erika Malito and Marina Medeiros; brothers: Henrique Aguiar and Manuel Aguiar; sisters: Odett Bernardo, Jorgina Lima and Graca Pereira; her grand-dog Rosie, grand-cat Scooby, great grand-pup and great grand-kitty. She was predeceased by her husband David S. Leandro, her brothers Eduardo Aguiar, Jose Aguiar and Amancio Aguiar.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 21 in Sacred Heart Church, Wauregan, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations: American Diabetes Association, 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Beatrice Jackson
PUTNAM — Beatrice L. (Hazzard) Jackson of Putnam died Nov. 20, 2015, at Matulaitis Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late Robert H. Jackson Sr., who died May 9, 2005. They married Feb. 10, 1940.
Beatrice or Beady as she was called by siblings, nieces, nephews and friends, was born May 5, 1923, in Woodstock, daughter of George and Maude (Brown) Hazzard. Beady was a Native American and proud member of the Nipmuc Tribe. She made her home the majority of her life in Putnam and was a longtime member of the Putnam Congregational Church. She loved to read, do word puzzles, knit, crochet and quilting, making beautiful items for home and family. She was a longtime employee of Hale Manufacturing Co. from where she retired. She was a hard worker, dependable and extremely honest. She loved to tell you what she thought. She loved to laugh and would often eat her dessert before her meal.
She leaves her children: Anna Jackson of Bloomfield, Kay Foster of Southborough, Mass.; Robert H. Jackson Jr. of Cape Coral, Fla.; Francis Jackson of Putnam, Deborah Mounds of Hartford, and Cheryl Jackson-Morris of Windsor; her sisters: Clara Greene of E. Killingly, Gladys Kilgore of Richmond, Calif.; eight grandchildren: Robin Jackson, Scott Foster, Diana Jackson, Sonja Foster, Tracy Jackson, Wayne Jackson, Matthew Mounds and Christopher Morris; 15 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service was held Nov. 24 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, followed by burial in Grove Street Cemetery in Putnam.
Teresa E. Muraco
GROSVENORDALE — Teresa E. Muraco, 93, the “Sweetheart of Grosvenordale,” of Klondike Street, died Nov. 17, 2015, at Westview Health Care in Danielson. Born in 1922 in Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Carmine and Mary (Molinaro) Muraco.
Miss Muraco was a 1940 graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School. She was employed by the Cargill Trust and Putnam Savings Banks and as a waitress for Duffy’s Catering and Bakery. She then went on to work as a clerk for the family services office at the Superior Court in Putnam for 15 years until her retirement in 1984.
Miss Muraco was a member of the Connecticut State Retirees Association, the Daughters of Isabella, St. Bernard’s Columbiettes, the Democratic Town Committee, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #67, the Friends of St. Joseph and Sacred Heart, Community Fire Auxiliary, Thompson Hill Fire Auxiliary and the West Thompson Fire Auxiliary feeding firefighters at the site of many a blaze during all kinds of weather conditions, handing out hot chocolate at the towns annual bonfire, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Quinebaug #1088, Thompson Together, and the Thompson Historical Society. She volunteered at St. Joseph Thrift Store, the American Red Cross for 20 years, worked the Thompson Voting Polls for many years, and Volunteered in 2011 for the Worcester “First Night.” She was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale and was a volunteer for many of the church suppers. Miss Muraco received the Emergency Services Award, VFW Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011, Thompson Lions “Sweetheart of the Year” Award, Thompson Volunteer of the year Award in 2011. She enjoyed watching the 4th of July fireworks in Boston and was an avid fan of the UConn girls’ basketball and the New York Yankees.
She leaves her extended family and caregivers, Shirley Houle of N. Grosvenordale, Ray Houle of N. Grosvenordale, and Phillip Houle of N. Grosvenordale; her brother in-law Paul Olson; nieces; nephews; many friends and neighbors, especially the Johnson family: Pat, Linda, Ed and Joe. She was predeceased by her sisters, Palma Muraco, Jean Olson, Rose Muraco, Vincentina Muraco; and her brothers, the late Anthony, Samuel, and Frank Muraco.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 23 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: St. Joseph Church, P.O. Box 897, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or to the Community Fire Company, P.O. Box 874, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Maryann D. McCrory
WEBSTER — Maryann D. (Desjourdy) McCrory, 78, formerly of Northbridge, Mass., died Nov. 20, 2015, in UMass/Memorial University Campus, Worcester after an illness.
She was born and raised in the Whitinsville section of Northbridge, the daughter of Alfred and Rose (Duso) Desjourdy. She lived there most of her life before moving to Webster in 2005. She attended Northbridge High School. Mrs. McCrory was an assembler for 30 years at Fenwall, Inc. in Ashland before retiring in 2000. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Whitinsville.
She leaves her husband of 60 years, Thomas A. McCrory; two sons, Michael T. McCrory and his fiancée Barbara Peters of Northbridge, and Dennis M. McCrory and his fiancée Nancy Shelsky of Medway; two daughters-in-law, Doreen McCrory of Putnam, and Sandra McCrory of Woonsocket, R.I.; five grandchildren, Michael, Misty, Kevin, Aaron and Cassie McCrory; three great-grandchildren, Seth, Althea and Hunter Thomas McCrory; a brother, Michael Desjourdy of Charlton. She was predeceased by two sons, Patrick J. McCrory and David J. McCrory.
The funeral was private. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.
Raymond Williams,
U.S. Army vet
WEBSTER — Raymond A. Williams, 78, died Nov. 22, 2015, with his family by his side. He was the husband of the late Nancy (Washburn) Williams and the late Janet (McCarthy) Williams.
He was born in St. Albins, Vt., son of the late Armand and Hortence (St. Pierre) Williams and lived her for the past 35 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was retired from Webco Chemical in Dudley. He enjoyed gardening and fishing.
He leaves three sons; Mark A. Williams of Woodstock, Mike (Bonnie) Chickering of Southbridge and Glenn (Helen) Chickering of Webster; two daughters, Peggy Totman (Owen) of Webster and Cindy Chickering of Dudley; two brothers, Kenneth Williams and Loni Bingham; three sisters Peggy, Sylvia and Betty Williams; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Butch Bingham The Funeral was Nov. 24 from Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery, Webster, with military honors. Donations: Webster-Dudley Veterans Council.
..
caption:
Donation
The Putnam Business Association donated 150 turkeys to the Handcuff Hunger food Drive last week. Left to right: Putnam Police Dog Aron, Officer Mike Termini, PBA President Earl Rosebrooks, PR and Marketing chair Jennifer Beckett, Putnam Police Deputy Chief Lee Konicki, Putnam Public Works maintainer Alan Guertin and Bhavesh Patel (owner of Putnam Supermarket). Courtesy photo.
PBA donates 150
turkeys to
Handcuff Hunger
Food Drive
PUTNAM — Held annually on the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Handcuff Hunger Food Drive received a helping hand from the Putnam Business Association (PBA) during the 2015 event when representatives from the PBA presented a donation of 150 turkeys to the Putnam Police Department. The turkeys were purchased at Putnam Supermarket with funds donated by a number of PBA members and will go to support the Daily Bread Food Pantry.
“With Thanksgiving coming up next week, it was important for us to show our support of Daily Bread, which does a fantastic job helping to feed those in need in our community during the holiday season and all year round,” said PBA President Earl Rosebrooks. “We are very pleased with the results of the turkey drive and thank our members for their generous donations to this worthy cause,” Rosebrooks added.
PBA members who donated to the turkey drive included: CNB a Division of BankESB, The Congregational Church of Putnam, The Courthouse Bar and Grille, Fluid Coating Technology, G7 Catering, Gerardi Insurance, Linemaster Switch, Putnam Bank, Rawson Materials, WINY Radio, Bucknam, Masseur and Associates, Advanced Back & Wellness Center, Byrnes Agency, Putnam Supermarket, Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club, Woodstock Line, Attorney Aleman, Carlee & Michael Drummer, Flying Carpet Studio, FUSION Interactive Marketing, GET Interactive Media, Holiday Inn Express, Putnam Farmers Co-Op, RPC Associates, Victoria Station Café, Benpe Sales and Consulting, Ben’s Beans, Donna Breton, Peter Lange, and Roberta Rocchetti.
Located at the United Methodist Church in Putnam, Daily Bread is a full service food pantry serving residents of the greater Putnam area. Kathi Peterson, IHSP-Daily Bread Program Coordinator, extended her appreciation to the PBA and noted that Daily Bread expects to serve 400 families during the 2015 Thanksgiving holiday. Along with the Putnam Police Department, Handcuff Hunger was supported by the Plainfield Police Department and CT State Police Troop D. In addition to benefitting Daily Bread, other donations from the 2015 Handcuff Hunger Food Drive will also go to support TEEG, Friends of Assisi, and Project Pin. The Putnam Business Association is a group of 189 businesses and individuals from Putnam and surrounding area.
The common goal of the group to promote its business community and the Town of Putnam, CT as a premier New England destination. For more information on the PBA, visit www.discoverputnam.com.
caption:
Wonderful Life
Actors get ready to present “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Bradley, starting Dec. 4: Left to right: Walter Wright (Uncle Billy), Val Cooke (Aunt Tilly), Marian Marchesseault (Mrs. Martini), Jim Weigel (Mr. Martini), Lacey Melanson (Mary) and Mark Scribner (George). Courtesy photo.
'Wonderful
Life' on tap
PUTNAM — “I suppose it would have been better if I had never been born at all,” laments George Bailey in the American Christmas classic production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” opening Dec. 4 at The Bradley Playhouse downtown and running through Dec. 20.
Performances for this timeless and magical production are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Tickets are $19 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. All seats are reserved and reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887. Tickets may be purchased at the theatre box office, either before the performance or at the door.
Donate to the “mitten tree” in the Bradley’s annual holiday drive to collect hats, scarves, mittens and gloves, or by bringing a non-perishable food item for TEEG’s food pantry. Lastly, take a chance to win a gift certificate from 85 Main, and dedicate an angel or bell ornament to hang in our lobby.
This quintessential Christmas story tells the saga of George Bailey, “the everyman from small town Bedford Falls” whose dreams of escape and adventure are repeatedly quashed by his family obligations and civic duty.
We find George on Christmas Eve, in serious trouble, and with the whole town praying for him, Clarence Oddbody, AS2, his guardian angel, is sent down from the heavens to save him. Clarence, who still needs to earn his wings, must save George and sets out to show him what the world would be like “had he never been born.”
Directed by Carol Alderson and Carole Hayes, It’s A Wonderful Life celebrates not only the season, but also the American philosophy of life: that hard work, fair play, and the love and support of family and community will be rewarded. A cast of 28, newcomers and veterans alike join together to fill the stage in this heartwarming tale for the holidays.