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Winning Foursome
The winning female foursome in the QVCC Golf Tournament with a score of four under par 68 includes, left to right: Sue Quigley, Paula Lajeunesse, Marge Townsend and Betsy Green. Courtesy photo.
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Winners
The winners of the 2015 QVCC Golf Tournament are, left to right: Biren Chokshi, Bill Poirier, Scott Green and Tom Harney. They shot a 59 on the par 72 Quinnatisset Country Club layout. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
On a mid-September day made for golf, the northeastern Connecticut community came out in full force in support of the Quinebaug Valley Community College Golf Tournament. The results, one of the most successful events ever in the history of the tourney. And more money in the scholarship fund for the student body.
The net results amounted to more than $60,000 in the QVCC scholarship fund.
“We’re proud of the fact that at QVCC students can graduate debt free. This is all possible because of the support we receive annually from the community. The golf tournament is an important aspect of this valued support,” said Monique Wolanin, the college’s Development Officer.
The competition for the winners circle was intense with three teams within a stroke of each other. In the end the winning foursome of Tom Harney, Bill Poirier, Scott Green and Biren Chokshi slipped into first place by virtue of matching cards.
The winners, sponsored by the Center for Bone & Joint Care, came home with a score of 72, which is 13 under par on the par 72 Quinnatisset Country Club layout. They bested the second place finishers Roger Noll, Dustin Haddad, Jeff Oberle and Scott Vase, who posted an identical score of 59. In third place one stroke off the pace at 60 was the team of Vinnie Carminati, Dave Fundin, Bob and Phil Willis.
The female run for the roses was won by the foursome of Marge Townsend, Beth Green, Paula Lajeunesse and Helen Poole. They came in with a very respectable score of four under par 68.
The middle of the pack winners were the foursome of Ralph Oriola, Bob Simons, Tom Sanford and Donna Lefevre, who finished even with a score of 72.
“Although the competition was very spirited for the top spot, our committee was pleased by the fact that all participants enjoyed a fun round of golf. It’s always rewarding to see the interaction of the golfers as they compete to benefit our students,” said Wolanin.
Two foursomes split the skins pot. The foursome of Steve Townsend, Dave McNally, Don St. Onge and Bob Tetreault recorded a skin with an eagle 2, on the par four 9th hole. The other skin went to the group of Bob Therrien, Jeff Pleau, Alan Kujanski and Jeremy Graves who had the only birdie of the day on the tough par-3, 15th hole, which was playing 181 yards.
In special contests, Donna Lefevre was crowned the women’s long drive champion, while Kevin Cole walked off with the prize in the men’s competition. The winners in the closest to the pin contest were Don Penman (3rd-hole), Joe Salan (7th), Dave Gaudreau (13th) and Bill Poirier (15th).
Prior to the start of play Carlee Drummer, president of QVCC thanked the players, sponsors and volunteers for their work and dedication in making the tournament a success. Paul Pikora, tournament chairman, echoed Drummer’s words. The official start of the tourney followed the singing of the National Anthem by Maurice “Moe” Coderre, a 1979 QVCC graduate.
By Ron P. Coderre
Sports giant ESPN has the knack of creating marketing blitzes by naming weeks when college teams that are matched against each other create a media sensation. The local football buzz last week was created when the four local teams were matched against each other. Putnam Town Crier Sports is labeling the week, “Rivalry Week.”
The matchups pitted the Killingly Redmen versus the Plainfield Panthers on Friday night and the Quinebaug Pride against the Woodstock Academy Centaurs in a Saturday afternoon encounter.
Killingly, which was projected to be a solid football team this fall, rebounded from a disappointing loss to Griswold during Week #1 action. The Redmen “got their act together” as the cliché goes and walked away from Panther Stadium with a convincing 34-12 victory.
In Woodstock at the Bentley Athletic Complex visiting Quinebaug Valley Pride overcame a one-point halftime deficit and pitched a second half shutout over the Centaurs and emerged a 30-15 winner.
Redmen Rebound
After falling behind Plainfield 6-0 at the end of the first quarter, Killingly responded with a vengeance in the
second stanza, scoring 21 points on its way to a confidence-building 34-12 victory in a game played in Plainfield.
Plainfield quarterback Marcus Robinson gave the home folks something to cheer about in the beginning of the game when he ran around end for a 13-yard touchdown tally in the initial period. The Plainfield elation wouldn’t last very long.
Spurred on by a bone-jarring tackle by Austin Caffrey on Plainfield running back Tyler Ballard, Killingly used the hit as a momentum builder and raced away to the win. Caffrey, who is Killingly’s primary running back and linebacker on defense, then scored the first of his three touchdowns on the evening when he raced in from eight yards out for the score. Freshman Luke Desaulnier’s point after kick knotted the score at 7-7.
The next time the Redmen got their hands on the football they tallied on a 25-yard aerial hookup from signal caller Kyle Derosier to Bret Long. Another Desaulnier point after kick put the Redmen up 14-7 and on their way to their first victory of the season.
Caffrey closed out the first half scoring with an 18-yard run and opened the second half scoring with a 10-yard touchdown. On the evening Caffrey toted the pigskin 22 times for 113 yards and three touchdowns.
Killingly closed out the scoring in the final period when junior quarterback Derosier ran to paydirt for a five-yard score. Derosier acquitted himself well on the evening, running for 12 yards on seven carries and completing 4-of-12 passes for 59 yards. He was responsible for one touchdown through the air and one on the ground.
Sandwiched between Caffrey’s final score and Derosier’s game closing tally, Plainfield’s Devinn McGale scored on a 70-yard pass interception. Plainfield’s Robinson had seven completions in 25 attempts for 81 yards and was the Panthers leading ground gainer with 19 yards on three carries.
Long was Killingly’s top receiver with a pair of catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. Plainfield’s Isaiah Fort also had a pair of receptions, good for 64 yards. Frosh Desaulnier was responsible for four-point after kicks.
The win lifts Killingly to 1-1 on the season and 1-1 in the Eastern Connecticut Conference Small Division. The Panthers also stand at 1-1 in the early going and 0-1 in the ECC Small Division.
On Friday, the Redmen resume the ECC competition when they host the visiting Waterford Lancers in a 6:30 p.m. contest. The Panthers hit the road on Friday when they travel to Montville for a 6:30 engagement with the Indians.
Pride Remains Undefeated with Win Over Centaurs
Woodstock Academy did all of its scoring in the second quarter and it was enough to give them something they haven’t enjoyed in many moons, a 15-14 halftime edge over the Quinebaug Valley Pride. Unfortunately for the 0-2 Centaurs they couldn’t sustain the momentum and went down at the hands of the Pride 30-15.
The Pride of coach Joe Asermelly, with Charlie Innes back under center after missing the opening win over Bassick, stormed out in the second half outscoring the hosts 16-0 down the stretch when it mattered most.
Much to the elation of the Woodstock fandom the Centaurs took an early second-period lead when Jared Bouten ran over from 8-yards out and Alden Brennan successfully converted the point-after kick, giving the home team a 7-0 advantge.
Innes, who’s a proven quarterback, responded by going to an aerial attack that produced two consecutive touchdowns. Saige Louis was on the receiving end of both bombs, the first for 34 yards and the second for 56 yards.
Woodstock closed out the first half scoring and went to the locker room ahead thanks to Kam Janice who scored on a 6-yard run and bulled his way into the end zone for the two-point conversion.
After deciding to get more physical in the second half and following offensive lineman Logan Putnam on the ground, the Pride used rugged running back Jeremee Perez to its advantage. Perez, who toted the pigskin 23 times for 165 yards, scored behind a big Putnam hole on a 2-yard burst, putting the Pride on top for good 22-15.
Jacob Anderson’s fourth period nine-yard TD run was the icing on the cake for the 2-0 Pride. Anderson had 29 yards on six carries for the afternoon.
Innes, happy to be back on the gridiron, was 4-for-7 and 121yards through the air good for a pair of touchdowns. Woodstock’s Bouten was 7-for-13 and 81 yards. The Acads top ground gainer was Janice, who had 62 yards on 12 carries. The Prides Louis was the game’s top receiver with three receptions for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Woodstock, which was without the services of co-capt Cahan Quinn also lost its top receiver Mason Defocy, Bouten and Janice to injuries that kept them off the field as the game was winding down.
Next up for the Pride is high scoring Cheney Tech on Friday evening for a 6:30 p.m. contest at the St. Marie-Greenhalgh Field. The Techsters are coming off a Constitution State Conference 66-38 victory over Thames River. Woodstock is on the road on Friday for a 6:30 p.m. game under the arcs at Griswold.
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC column is dedicated to former Putnam High School basketball standout Bryan Smith. The 2004 Putnam graduate enjoyed a four-year varsity career for the Clippers, ending his playing time with 610 points. Today he’s the mainstay of Gentleman’s Choice barbershop in Putnam, where he’s known as the “Clipping Clipper.”
Killingly High School recently announced the latest group of inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame. The group of 10 includes seven former male athletes and three females as well as six teams. A review of the names not only brings back fond memories but also makes one realize just how good these athletes were in their day.
The group includes former National League umpire Frank Dascoli who was an all-league baseball player at Killingly in 1930 and 1931 as well as a highly respected basketball player. During his 17-year Major League umpiring career Dascoli was one of the most colorful and competent arbiters in blue in the history of the game.
Three players were selected from the era of the early ‘50s, which produced undefeated Redmen football teams. Named were James “Jimmy” Burns, Walt Kozlow and Ray Balick. Burns was a strong running back who led the State in scoring. He also played baseball. Later in life, Burns was one of the area’s top golfers. Kozlow was a big lineman for the ’52 and ’53 gridiron teams, who later went on to a corporate career with Kaman Aerospace. Balick was a three-sport athlete who was a two-way starter in football. In 1952 he set the State record with a javelin throw of 179 yards.
A trio of well known individuals from the era of the ‘60s received the word of their well deserved selection. Charlie Panteleakos was one of the top pitchers to ever toe the rubber for the Redmen. The three-sport performer was All- Eastern Connecticut Conference in football and baseball. The UConn grad was a standout pitcher for Wonder Bar in the Norwich City League for many years. Ed Desaulnier was also a three-sport athlete, who was the captain of the basketball team. He later went on to a successful career in insurance. Norm Chartier was one of the best receivers to ever grace the gridiron in Killingly. He had a standout college career at UConn. He’s a noted artist whose works are known throughout the country.
The three females who were selected are Gale Suomi, Nancy Dion Cole and Maryrose Roach. Suomi was a three-sport athlete who led the Redgals basketball team in scoring in her junior and senior seasons. Cole was an All-ECC selection in softball and basketball. Today she’s the head of finance for the Putnam School system. Roach who once played women’s professional football was a two-time All-State athlete in girl’s track.
Among the honorees the evening will feature six teams, the 2003 wrestling squad, the 1994 girls track team, the 1981 football team, the 1976 softball team, the 1953 football team and the 1931 boys basketball team. The 1953 and 1981 football teams were undefeated, while the other four teams were State champions.
Wedding Bells and Dancing
A wedding reception of more than 200 people from throughout the northeast was on hand for the nuptial of Joe Markley and Chloe Schulze at the Inn at Woodstock Hill on Saturday, September 12. In addition to a sumptuous repast the large group danced late into the night to the music of DJ John Don Francisco.
Markley, who was a solid baseball and basketball player at Killingly High School, was attended by his brother Tom Markley and two of his lifelong friends, Kevin Cole and Bill Bartholic. Father John O’Neill of St. James Church welcomed the guests prior to the ceremony and bestowed his blessing on the couple. Sam Markley, father of the groom, regaled the large gathering as he took a walk down memory lane highlighting his son’s achievements in life.
Former Acad Booter
Leading ECSU
Last season former Woodstock Academy female soccer star Emily Becher burst on to the college scene leading the Eastern Connecticut State University Lady Warriors to success on the pitch. Becher, who is a sophomore, has once again been providing the scoring punch for ECSU this year.
In a recent game Becher scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Westfield State University. The goal was her fourth of the season for the 3-1-1 Lady Warriors. It was also the 22nd of her brief career for the Willimantic based school. In only her second season, Becher is already ranked in the Top 10 female soccer scorers in Eastern’s history.
Tourtellotte Hall of Famer Dies
Northeastern Connecticut was saddened by the news of the death of 87 year old William “Bill” Bates. In 2014 Bates was inducted into the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1944 championship basketball team. The team enjoyed an 18-6 record including winning its final 15 games of the season. They produced a pair of last minute victories on their way to the championship. The ’44 Tigers beat Ellsworth 29-27 in the State semifinals and edged Bloomfield 28-27 in the title contest.
In addition to Bates the members of the championship team included Walt Modilszewski, Ted Fatsi, Ed Babula, Burt Elliot, Don Maitland, Van Tanacea, Don Gleason, Bob Willett, Paul Azud, Swede Constantine, Leo Courtemanche, Leo Beaulac and Leo Mead. The team was coached by the legendary Jim Canty.
UConn – Putnam Connection
The UConn men’s soccer team recently picked up its first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Harvard. One of the Huskies goals was tallied by former Montville High School athlete Tyler Leeman. Leeman is the son of former Putnam High School basketball great Kyle Leeman, who’s the leading scoring in the history of Clippers basketball with 1,854 points.
Local Man Meets El Senor
While vacationing at Poland Springs in Maine this summer Putnam resident Mike Santerre, his wife Anita and son David met a former Boston Red Sox pitching great. As Santerre tells the story, the family took a trip to a nearby casino for a little diversion from Poland Springs. As he was engrossed in a poker machine an individual sat down at the machine next to him. The gentleman then asked for some assistance with selecting a game on his machine. It wasn’t until sometime later that the gentleman was recognized as the one and only El Senor Luis Tiant.
According to Santerre, Tiant was very friendly and outgoing. David Santerre received the thrill of his lifetime when he met his boyhood idol Tiant.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: In life, read the small print and see the big picture.
(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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Armur ‘Buster’ Houle,
WWII vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Armur “Buster” Houle, 92, a lifelong resident of N. Grosvenordale, died Sept. 16, 2015, at Southbridge Rehabilitation and Care Center. He was the husband of the late Laurette (Dumont) Houle. Born in 1923 in N. Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Thomas and Sylvia (Hamel) Houle.
Mr. Houle attended St. Joseph School in N. Grosvenordale and worked at the cotton mill in N. Grosvenordale. In 1943 Buster enlisted in the Army and did his basic training at Ft. Dix, N.J. He was assigned to the ambulance corps as a driver picking up wounded soldiers at the aid station and bringing them to the field hospital. After being wounded he was sent back to the U.S. where he met his wife Laurette Dumont who was in the Navy. They soon were married both wearing their uniforms. They were married for 51 years. She died in 1996.
Buster worked for the State of Connecticut Highway Department for more than 25 years before retiring and opening his own tool sharpening shop. He was also a part-time school bus driver and runner for Putnam Ford.
He was very active in the American Legion Oscar Swanson Post#67 where he held all the offices and was also a fourth district post commander.
He leaves a grandson Michael Plotczyk of Queensbury, N.Y.; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, a daughter Lorraine (Houle) Plotczyk; three brothers George, Albert, and Gerald Houle, and six sisters Alberta Therien, Cicele Noiseux, Noelle Beaudry, Adeline Lamare, Alphonsine St. Germaine, and Georgette Morin.
Visitation is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 23 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Burial follows in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Robert ‘Bob’ Lepire,
Army vet
DAYVILLE — Robert “Bob” L. Lepire, 76, of Country Club Rd., died Sept. 14, 2015, at St. Joseph Living Center in Willimantic after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Madeleine (Labonte) Lepire for 49 years. Born in 1939 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Edward and Lillian (Vaillant) Lepire.
Mr. Lepire attended St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale before entering the U.S. Army. Upon being honorably discharged he went to work in the woodworking field until his retirement. Bob enjoyed playing golf.
In addition to his wife, he leaves a son Shawn Lepire (Jessica) of Dayville; a sister Pauline Menoche of Thompson; and his two grandchildren Jonathan Lepire of Dayville and Cassandra Lepire of Sterling.
A graveside service was Sept. 21 in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Kasia M. Jurczyk
POMFRET CENTER — Kasia M. Jurczyk, 27, died Sept. 12, 2015, in Georgia. Born in 1988 in Putnam, she was the daughter of Craig and Brigitte (Boisvert) Jurczyk.
Kasia was a graduate of Woodstock Academy where she was a member of the track and field, and soccer teams. She was last employed as a waitress for Prime 82 in Norwich. She enjoyed dancing, music and especially spending quality time with her daughter. She had an infectious laugh and a smile that could light up any room. She touched many with her love of life and her adventurous spirit.
In addition to her parents, she leaves her daughter, Caedence Estel Jurczyk of Pomfret; her brother, Stone Alexander Jurczyk of Pomfret Center, and attending URI School of Engineering; her maternal grandparents, Armand and Muriel (Morris) Boisvert of Woodstock; her paternal grandmother, Carol Burzycki of Danielson; godparents/uncle and aunt, Brian and Johanne Bates of Pomfret Center; aunts and uncles, Marc Boisvert of New Haven, Roger and Paula Boisvert of Thompson, Mariel Boisvert Njuguna of Worcester; Jean-Louis and Jamie Boisvert of Woodstock, Jim Kondratowicz of Danielson, and Arlene Jurczyk of Danielson. She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Alexander Jurczyk.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 22 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret with burial in Quasset Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Help Bring Kasia Home, For: Brigitte and Craig Jurczyk on the Go Fund Me Page: https://www.youcaring.com/brigitte-and-craig-jurczyk-432912#.VfaS9eutofy.facebook Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Marshall B. Kronholm
WOODSTOCK — On Oct. 4, 1931, Marshall Brown Kronholm was born to Mary Madeline and Conrad John Kronholm in New Britain. Also present was his only sibling, Conrad, two years and three months old at that time. They were to become close and best friends for life.
Marshall died Sept. 15, 2015.
Due to the Depression, his father lost his job, and the family was forced to move often, about a dozen times over the years. They lived with their aunt Anna Daley on her abandoned farm and their grandmother Charlotte in New Britain. Their mother suggested that their father go to hairdresser school in West Hartford. He did and he eventually opened two salons in West Hartford. They bought a home and the boys were able to get good educations. Marshall went to Kingswood and received a bachelor’s from Trinity College and then a few years later returned to earn a master’s in mathematics from Wesleyan University.
In the Air Force, Marshall flew a single engine jet and a refueling KC97 in SAC. A few years later he flew both fixed wing and helicopters in the CT National Guard. Marshall worked for United Air Craft but went on to start his own manufacturing company.
At 69 he met, fell in love with and married the very best person he ever knew, Dr. Christine Madaski. She brought an awareness of an appreciation for many things missing in his life. He never loved anyone so completely.
The Funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Mary C. Roberts
WOODSTOCK — Mary C. Roberts, 88 of Woodstock, died Sept. 12, 2015, at the Westview Nursing Home in Dayville. She was the wife of Preston T. Roberts, who died in 2006. She was born July 1, 1927, in New York City, daughter of the late William and Marie J. (Gumber) Cuff. She attended public schools in New York and graduated from Riverhead High School in 1944. She worked in the executive offices of AT&T for several years before her marriage.
She has made her home in Woodstock for the last 60 years. Mary was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Woodstock, where she served on many committees and boards. She was a former president of the Woodstock Garden Club, and a member of the Woodstock Historical Society, the Woodstock Young Homemakers and the Woodstock Theft Detection Society. She had also served as treasurer of the Bracken Memorial Library. Mary was a great supporter of the Woodstock Academy’s Music Program for many years.
She leaves her son, Richard Roberts (Melissa) of Wethersfield; grandchildren Amelia Roberts and Thomas Roberts; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son David Roberts in 1981, and her siblings Emil Weichand, Ethel Moffitt, and William Cuff Jr.
A Memorial Service will be at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, Rt. 169, Woodstock. Donations: David Roberts Memorial Fund, Woodstock Academy, Woodstock, CT 06281; or Preston Roberts Scholarship Fund, Woodstock Agricultural Society, Woodstock, CT 06281. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
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