Honored

WORCESTER — The following local students were named to the Dean’s List at Becker College for the Spring 2015 semester:

Kara Ames of Pomfret Center, Alyssa Bond of Thompson, Jennifer Boucher of N. Grosvenordale, Kiyara Brissette of Thompson, Joseph Domino of Putnam, Cody Lavallee of Pascoag, Jessica Morrissette of Dayville, Mitchell Prescott of Thompson, Emilyann Rudzinski of N. Grosvenordale, Naomi Ruggirello of Danielson, Amber Young of N. Grosvenordale.

 

Graduates

WEST HAVEN — Frances Leblanc of N. Grosvenordale graduated from the University of New Haven with a Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene.

 

Dean’s list

MEDFORD, Mass. — Tufts University recently announced the Dean’s List for the Spring 2015 semester which includes August Frechette of Woodstock, Class of 2018.

 

Graduates

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Peter Joseph Boguszewski, a resident of Putnam, graduated from the University of Rochester on May 17, 2015, at the 165th commencement with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. He graduated cum laude. He is the child of Lisa Boguszewski and Michael Boguszewski, and a graduate of Marianapolis Prep School in Thompson.

 

 

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Racing

Todd Greco raced his Lotus at the new Thompson Motor Speedway.  Courtesy photo.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s column is dedicated to six year old Jackson Meehan who’s a First Grade student at St. Louis Parochial School in Webster, Mass.   On Sunday, Aug. 23, Jackson and his dad, Brendan Meehan enjoyed a leisurely round of golf at Quinnatisset Country Club.  Jackson  is already striking the ball with authority.  By the way this was his first ever 18-holes of golf.

The end of August signals the change of seasons from summer to early fall.  The weatherman begins to grace our area with less humidity.  The shorter days signal earlier start times for golfers.  And of course, the people of northeastern Connecticut focus on the “Fair Season” especially in Brooklyn and Woodstock.

As the sun begins to lose strength it signals time for students to return to their beloved classrooms and teachers.  For some high school students it’s the beginning of football season, a time of year that athletes look forward to with anticipation but dread the long practice sessions in full pads.

It seems like only yesterday we were congratulating the graduates, making it practically impossible to imagine that the high school and prep school football season is now on our doorstep.  The 2015 season, which ends on Thanksgiving morning, officially begins on Friday evening September 11 and Saturday afternoon September 12.

Killingly, Plainfield and Quinebaug Valley Pride kick off the season under the arcs with Friday Night Lights.  Killingly once again is led by coach Chad Neal, while veteran coach Pat Smith is back to lead the Panthers.  Joe Asermelly will take the Pride through the Constitution State Conference schedule with a couple games sprinkled in against out-of-conference opponents.  Woodstock Academy returns coach Clay Killingsworth to the helm in the hope of picking up more victories this season.

Coach Neal is hoping that the Redmen will finally become a force in the Eastern Connecticut Conference.  The road won’t be easy for Killingly, which opens with local foes Griswold and Plainfield before hitting the iron.  Along the way coach Neal’s charges, without the versatile Michael Elsey, face the likes of Waterford, Bacon Academy, Windham, New London, Stonington, Fitch and Montville before closing out its season in the traditional Thanksgiving Day Classic against CSC opponent Quinebaug Valley Pride.

The Pride has a full slate of CSC games with the exception of contests against Woodstock Academy and Killingly.  QV, which lost 1000-yard gainer Raif Santerre to graduation, opens the CSC schedule with Bassick, followed by Cheney Tech, Wilcox Tech, Prince Tech, Thames River, Vinal Tech/East Hampton/Goodwin Tech and Platt Tech.

Woodstock Academy, which is still trying to figure out if it’s a football school, plays a mixed schedule of ECC and Constitution State Conference teams.  The Acads open at ECC opponent Bacon Academy, and then play Griswold, Windham, East Lyme, Montville, Waterford and Fitch in conference.  The Centaurs also have games with Quinebaug Valley Pride, Vinal Tech/East Hampton/Goodwin Tech and face Thames River of the CSC on Turkey Day.

Plainfield has probably the toughest array of teams on its schedule with nine ECC teams and Central Falls of Rhode Island to contend with.  The Panthers open with Fitch, followed by Killingly, Montville, Windham, Waterford, New London, Stonington, Ledyard prior to its season finale on Thanksgiving against archrival Griswold.

Hyde School – Woodstock coach Sean Saucier will have big shoes to fill with the departure via graduation of all-purpose back and scoring machine Jimmy Murphy.  Saucier, who has enjoyed success with the Wolfpack has the knack of drawing in outstanding post-graduate players and mixing them with his returnees.

Pomfret School, which is competitive with the prep schools of its size, continues to build a program that will be in games with schools at most levels.

Welcome to Putnam

Thanks to the cooperation of the Town of Putnam governing body and the highly successful Putnam Business Association, our community has become a destination for visitors and tourists.  On Saturday, August 22 while dining out at Bella’s outside patio with my wife Donna and my brother Moe and his wife Pam, we had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of visitors to our area from the Plainfield, N.J., area.

John and Kathy Greco were in the area to watch their son Todd race at the new Thompson Motor Speedway.  Driving his Lotus, Todd reached speed of 120 to 130 miles-per-hour on the back straight-away.  In real life Todd works at Princeton University in research.

The family was also celebrating Kathy Greco’s birthday.  RPC sends along happy birthday wishes.  We hope you enjoyed your time in Putnam.

Home on Leave

Spotted at Quinnatisset Country Club enjoying a round of golf while home on leave was United States Army Sgt. Andrew Zamagni.  A graduate of Putnam High School, Zamagni was the guest of his lifelong buddy Tyler Gaudreau.  As a Clipper, Zamagni was a rugged lineman who opened some big holes for Putnam running backs.

Sgt. Zamagni is expected to deploy for the Middle East with his unit in the near future.  He’s the son of Charles and Nancy Zamagni of Putnam.

An Ace for an Ace

When you have relatives who work at local golf courses they become a welcome source of news.  My brother Marc Coderre is a ranger at Raceway Golf Course and my brother-in-law Rick Carnahan serves in the same capacity at Connecticut National Golf Club.

Thanks to Marc were happy to recognize veteran golfer Len Hast of Webster who recorded a hole-in-one at Raceway on Saturday, August 22.  Hast, who’s been on the links for 49 years, was especially overjoyed with his achievement, his first ace in his brilliant golf career.

Hast aced the par-3, 165 yard 4th hole.  He used his trusty 4-hybrid for his historic shot, which was attested by his playing partner, his wife Pat.  She vouches it really happened.  RPC sends along congratulations, Len.

Elks in the News

The annual Elks Soccer Shootout is scheduled for sometime in September according to organizer Sharon Brier.  Local Shootout winners will advance to the East District Shootout, scheduled for Sunday, October 4 at the Groton Lodge of Elks.  Winners will then advance to the Connecticut State Shootout on Sunday, October 16 in East Windsor.  The Region 1 Shootout, a two-day affair, will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7 at a site yet to be determined. Contact the Elks Club for more information at 860 928 – 3901.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the successful 21st running of the Jake and Jean Golf Tournament.  Will and Heather Hryzan coordinated the effort with an assist from Shawn Tessier, Paula Foster, Lee Konicki, Jerry Beausoleil, and Kathie and Alan Guertin.  Buster Corey and his crew handled the cooking duties, while Melissa Dakai and Judi Boulet served the libations.  Rene Deloge was in charge of the snacks.  The automobile for a hole-in-one, which didn’t happen, was donated by Putnam Ford thanks to Dan Goyette.

On the links the winning team was captained by Mark Clemens, while Tom Musumeci was captain of the runner-up foursome and Jon Trudeau led the third-place finishers.  

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”  Henry David Thoreau

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

Myra Neely,

WWII vet

WOODSTOCK — Myra Estelle Terry Neely, 98, of Woodstock died Aug. 11, 2015. She was born on May 28, 1917, in Barre, Mass., daughter of the late Arthur and Lizzie (Lindsey) Terry, the last of 10 children. 

Myra grew up on Rice Corner Rd. in Brookfield, Mass. A graduate of Brookfield High School and Becker Junior College, she worked as a secretary for American Optical before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1942 as a WAVE during WWII. Myra was stationed in Hawaii.

She married her husband, George, in 1946 and they made their home in East Woodstock. George died in 1982. She was a member of The East Woodstock Congregational Church. Myra loved to travel in her earlier years and enjoyed her flower gardens and was a great cook, especially known for her cinnamon rolls.

 Myra leaves her three children: Calvin R. Neely of East Woodstock, Patricia Mellen (Richard) of S. Killingly and Kim Neely (Patricia) of Woodstock; six grandchildren: Marvin and Stacy Neely, Brent and Seth Mellen and Erica O’Brien and Colleen Neely and 12 great-grandchildren. 

 A Memorial Service was Aug. 15 in the E. Woodstock Congregational Church. Donations: The East Woodstock Cemetery Association, PO Box 27, East Woodstock, CT 06244; or The East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Rd. East Woodstock, CT 06244. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Raymond ‘Pat’ Latour,

Korean war vet

SOUTHBRIDGE — Raymond A. “Pat”  Latour, 84, of Southbridge, died  Aug. 26, 2015, at home.  Raymond was born Jan. 10, 1931, in Webster, son of the late Aldage and the late Leosa (Benoit) Latour.    

He served in the U.S. Army stationed in France  during the  Korean war from March 27, 1952 to March 26, 1954. 

Raymond retired from the Dudley-Charlton school system he was a custodian at Shepherd Hill Regional High School. He worked many years in food sales and  as a branch manager for Cains Foods .

He leaves his wife of 63 years  Betty  (Balta ) Latour , one daughter: Pamela Belanger of Webster; two sons: Robert Raymond Latour of Dudley, and Paul Latour  (Melissa) of Webster; one sister: Marie St. Martin of Putnam; seven grandchildren, Michael Belanger;, Steven Belanger;, Joseph Belanger;, Rachel Didonato;, Jessica Latour; Sydney Latour; and Sage Latour; eight great-grandchildren. Lynn, Jeffrey ,Katelyn, Grace, Jared, Justin ,Jacob and Luca .

The funeral was Aug. 30 from Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley, with burial with military honors in Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery  Webster. Donations:  Overlook Hospice, 88 Masonic Home Rd., Charlton, MA 01507

 

Linda (Roy) Simmons

PUTNAM — Linda M. (Roy) Simmons, 62, of Senexet Rd., died Aug. 24, 2015, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer at home.  She was the companion of James Genest for 15 years.

Linda was born May 31, 1953, in Putnam, daughter of the late Albert and Mary (Nobrega) Roy. A graduate of Killingly High School and Youville School of Nursing, Linda worked as an LPN at Matulaitis Nursing Home and previously at Village Manor.  

In addition to her companion Jim, she leaves her daughters, Kelly Gazzola (Chris), Erin Simmons (Matthew Thornton) all of Putnam, and her sister, Brenda Fournier (Don) of Plainfield; three granddaughters Chloe and Mae Gazzola and Avery Thornton; niece Kathryn Fournier; her dear friend Mai-Lis Day of New York; her dog, Ralphie.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 29 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation with burial  in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Simmons Educational Fund, c/o Bank CNB, P.O. Box 6002, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

 

Rita D. Tappenden

POMFRET CENTER — Rita D. (Biello) Tappenden, 89, of Wrights Crossing Rd., died Aug. 24, 2015, at Day Kimball Hospital.  She was the wife of the late William F. Tappenden.  Born in 1926 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Marianna (Marcella) Biello.

Mrs. Tappenden worked for many years as a retail clerk.

She enjoyed dancing, reading, watching “Murder She Wrote” on television, visiting the Casinos and playing pinochle.

She leaves her son William Tappenden (Magda) of Pomfret Center; close friend and niece Cheryl McCartney of Annville, Penn.; a sister Antoinette Fiore of Secane, Penn.; three grandchildren Olivia Tappenden, Aida Mateo, and Felix Alicea, a great grandson Isaac Parada.

The Graveside Service was Aug. 31 in Holy Cross Cemetery, Philadelphia. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

 

Pamela Daniels

DUDLEY — Sergeant Pamela Daniels ,58,  died Aug. 26, 2015, at Harrington Hospital-Hubbard  of Webster  after being stricken ill during a training exercise at Nichols College . Daniels was born  in Southbridge, the daughter of Robert Daniels and the late Teresa (Matteau) Daniels.  

Pamela was the first and only female member of the Dudley Police Dept. she served as DARE officer and liaison officer for the court system and obtained the rank sergeant in 2002. After 34 years of dedicated service to the Town of Dudley she retired in August of 2012. She was currently employed by Nichols College in the public safety dept.  She graduated with her bachelor’s from Western New England College and  received her master’s degree in criminal justice from Western New England College in 1999. Pam lived in Dudley all her life.

She leaves her father Robert Daniels of Dudley  two brothers: Ret. Officer Gregory Daniels (Janice) of Webster and their daughter Tara; Geary Daniels (Mary) of Dudley and their children Megan, Ryan ,Maura, Justin and Taylor; her grand nephew Grayson ; her  brother-in-law, Joseph Gadory and  his son Brian. She was predeceased by her sister, Deborah Daniels in 2013 and her mother Teresa (Matteau) Daniels in 2006.

A Mass of Christian burial was Sept. 1 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, with burial of her ashes at Sacred Heart Cemetery .Donations: Compassionate Care ALS PO Box 1052 West Falmouth Mass. 02574 www.ccals.org. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.

 

Eugene Gaucher Jr.

THOMPSON — Eugene J. Gaucher Jr.,  47, died Aug. 22, 2015. 

He was born in Putnam, son of the late Eugene J. Gaucher Sr. and Lily R. (Koff) Gaucher and lived in the area all his life.

He leaves three daughters; Cassandra L. Gaucher of Palm Coast, Fla., Chelsea N. Gaucher of Thompson and Camryn M. Gaucher of Putnam; the mother of his children Cheryl Lefevre Reenstra of Putnam; brother Kenneth Carpenter of N. Grosvenordale; a sister Jennifer Evans of Sterling; grandmother Lily Koff of Delaware; two nieces Heather and Hayley and a nephew Matthew.

There will be a celebration of life will be private. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Morin Service

N. GROSVENORDALE — Margaret “Marge” E. Morin, 92, of Murollo Rd., died Aug. 6, 2015 in Westview Rehabilitation and Care Center.  She was the wife of Edward “Taxi” Morin.

Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 4 at St. Joseph Church, Main Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Gilman-Valade Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.