E. LYME — CorePlus Federal Credit Union has hired Barbara Marchini of Niantic as the branch manager for their full service location in East Lyme.
Marchini has more than seven years of retail banking experience and has extensive skills in operations, lending, compliance and customer service. She was most recently with Bank of America.
Marchini said, “I am committed to delivering world class service to our credit union Members and the community of East Lyme and Niantic. I’m honored to be part of the team.”
She and her husband Scot live in Niantic with two adult children. She is an active resident in the community.
CorePlus Federal Credit Union, founded in 1936, currently has 8 full service branches locally in Norwich, Taftville, Groton, East Lyme, Waterford, Plainfield, and within the Putnam and Brooklyn Walmart Supercenters.
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC column is dedicated to Woodstock resident Rick Dion. The April weather, which is more like February, has Dion on edge as he’s itching to get out to his favorite place Quinnatisset Country Club. Have patience, Rick, soon this chilly weather will be only a memory.
In baseball the shortstop is one of the most important cogs in the success of any team. That position is involved in so many crucial aspects of the game, making that individual an indispensable asset.
The Town of Plainfield lost its shortstop on Tuesday, April 5 with the shocking news of the death of longtime resident Albert “Bert” Brunsdon.
As a young man growing up in the Sterling, Brunsdon was recognized as one of the area’s superior athletes. Emerging on the scene at Plainfield High School he made an immediate impact on the success of the school’s athletic programs during every season of the year. Brunsdon was a four-sport athlete who was especially adept on the baseball diamond. His prowess as an infielder led to a tryout with the former Boston Braves, that’s how highly touted Brunsdon was as a player.
After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Brunsdon returned to the Plainfield area where he quickly became recognized as one of the region’s best softball players. He became a mainstay of the Melody Inn softball team that played in the vaunted Norwich Fast Pitch League. Brunsdon teamed with such notables as George Dropo, Taz Simons, Gerry “Hooker” Carroll, Wayne Irons and the Lukin brothers, George, Pete and Nick. Lifelong buddies, this group competed together on the diamond until their tired legs told them it was time to hang up the spikes.
Brunsdon’s other passion was politics, where he served as the Second Selectman for the Town of Plainfield for 24 years, until his untimely death at age 89. He also held down the positions of Registrar of Voters, Justice of the Peace and member of the Democratic Town Committee. Regardless of which party was in power, the popular and likeable Brunsdon always was a favorite to win re-election.
He was truly the town’s SHORTSTOP, covering a large amount of territory for the people of Plainfield.
Later in life, Brunsdon didn’t slow down, he simply shifted gears. He became an avid golfer and as his grandchildren grew older he became their biggest fan. He turned to umpiring and coaching in the youth leagues of the area.
“Bert” Brunsdon and I enjoyed a unique friendship dating back to the early 1960s when we played softball together. Later in life we often met at political affairs or community social events. Always a gentleman, Brunsdon was interested in where life had taken me. That’s the kind of man he was, a true friend.
Plainfield will miss its shortstop. Friends and acquaintances will always have great memories of Brunsdon when they get together to talk sports and politics. And at this very moment Albert “Bert” Brunsdon is someplace in heaven talking sports and all things Plainfield as he’s reunited with his softball buddies, Dropo, Simons, Carroll and others.
Bridgeport All Star Game
Beckons PSA Mustang…
One of the most prestigious postseason schoolboy basketball games is the Jewish Community Center (JCC) School Boy All Star Classic, held annually in Bridgeport. This year’s contest took place on Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. at Cardinal Sheehan Center. Included on the Connecticut roster was Putnam Science Academy senior Tyreek Perkins, the 6-foot, 2-inch combo guard who hails from New Haven.
Perkins, who’ll be returning to the 18 Maple St. campus in September as a postgraduate student, is deserving of his spot on the team that will square off against the Westchester New York Boys team.
Perkins enjoyed an outstanding season this year for coach Tom Espinosa’s 37-4 Mustangs. He started 37 of the team’s 41 games averaging 6.7 points per game. His value to the high-scoring offensive unit was also felt in various other categories.
The New Haven product was described by coach Espinosa as “the best on ball defender in the program.” In addition he corralled 2.7 rebounds and dished out 2.4 assists per contest, all while nabbing 45 steals.
Perkins is also a stellar performer in the classroom where he is an Honor Roll student. During the first quarter of the Academic year, he was voted Student of the Quarter by the PSA faculty.
Final Four Attendee…
Danielson attorney Nicholas Scola was one of the 70,000 plus people in attendance at the NCAA Final Four, which recently concluded in Houston. Scola came back to the area with a bagful of memories and photos thanks to the VIP package his wife presented him as a gift.
While at the weekend festivities, Scola had the opportunity to meet and have his photo taken with many of the past heroes of the Final Four, including the likes of Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwan, Ed Pinckney and Shaquille O’Neal.
One of Scola’s most treasured moments was meeting and spending time with former St. Bernard High School star and Mystic native Harold Pressley. The current resident of Sacramento, Calif., was one of the stars in the 1986 NCAA Championship victory pulled off when the underdog Villanova Wildcats, coached by the legendary Rollie Massimino, upset favored Georgetown University. Needless to say Pressley was all smiles as Villanova once again won the NCAA Championship on a last second shot.
Calling All Co-Ed
Softball Players…
Putnam Recreation Director Willie Bousquet is putting out the call for a team of 12 co-ed softball players for the 2016 season that is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 4. The season runs through early August.
The Co-Ed League, which consists of teams composed of six men and six women, plays using ASA rules. Games are played every Wednesday evening at Tarr Park on the corner of Providence and School streets in Putnam. Games are scheduled for 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. The entry fee is $420 per team. Anyone interested in entering a team should contact Bousquet at the Putnam Recreation Department in the Putnam Town Hall at 126 Church St. or by calling 860-963-6811.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “It’s still god sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.” Mark Twain
(If you have news worthy sports info email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
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Lillian Bennett
EASTFORD — Lillian Blanche (Erskin) Bennett, 82, of Eastford, died April 7, 2016.
She was born Oct. 13, 1933, in Eastford, the daughter of the late George R. Bennett and Blanche Dora (Richard) Bennett.
Lillian was employed as a Transfer Station attendant in Eastford for many years.
She leaves two sisters, Shirley M. Douglas of Pascoag, Louise Boutin of N. Providence; one brother Francis Bennett of Chaplin; nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great- nephews.
She was predeceased by her three brothers Fredderick Bennett, Alvin Bennett and Richard Bennett.
Visitation will be from 5 to 6 p.m. April 15 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with Memorial Service at 6.
Burial will be at 11 a.m. April 16 in Munyan Cemetery at East Putnam and Munyan Road.
Susan Nieminen Aucoin
N. GROSVENORDALE — Susan Nieminen Aucoin, 67, of Main St., died April 4, 2016, in Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She was the wife of the late Frank H. Nieminen. Born in 1948 in Palmer, Mass., she was the daughter of Raymond and Florence (Squarcia) Aucoin of Putnam.
Mrs. Aucoin worked as a teacher’s aide at the Mary R. Fisher Elementary School and also worked as a medical transcription secretary for many years.
Mrs. Aucoin loved her family and was affectionately known as “Grandma Sue” to her Mary R. Fisher Elementary School family.
In addition to her parents, she leaves her son Jacob Nieminen of Cape Coral, Fla.; a brother Peter Aucoin (Betty) of Putnam; nieces and nephews.
The Funeral was private. Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Gertrude I. Leite
N. GROSVENORDALE — Gertrude I. Leite, 96, formerly of 500 Riverside Drive, died April 8, 2016, at Westview Health Care Center. She was born Sept. 16, 1919, in Westerly, R.I., to the late William and Bernice O’Keefe.
Devout in her faith, Gertrude was a member of Sacred Heart Church, W. Thompson and St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. For many years, she worked for the Bates Shoe Company, was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of West Thompson and North Grosvenordale fire departments, and was Resident Member of the Thompson Housing Commission. She also volunteered at St. Joseph Church Thrift Shop and was a member of Thompson Senior Center where she enjoyed eating lunch and socializing. Other interests included trips to Foxwoods, reading and watching golf.
She leaves a daughter Patricia Leite James (David) of Newark, Del.; son James M. Leite (Cheryl) of N. Grosvenordale; five adult grandchildren: Jarod, Josiah, Scott, Kenneth and Kelly Leite; a brother William O’Keefe (Jeanette) of Grosvenordale. She was predeceased by her husband Manuel Leite, her sister Bernice Rivers and brother John O’Keefe.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 12 at St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in West Thompson Cemetery. Donations: Thompson Public Library, PO Box 855, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Susan Duquette
DAYVILLE — Susan P. (Picard) Duquette, 60, died April 7, 2016, at Hartford Hospital.
She was born in Putnam daughter of Ann and the late Leonard R. Picard and lived in Dayville for the past five years prior to that living in Thompson. Susan did work for Belding Heminway in Grosvenordale and Putnam, Crabtree and Evelyn and Gentex in Dudley. She enjoyed bingo and activities at Valley Springs Sportsmen Club in Thompson. She had a wonderful smile and loved camping and social events.
She leaves her husband of 44 years, Ronald A. Duquette; her son Kevin R. Duquette (Misty), all of Dayville; two grandchildren Emmalena and Bentley; brother Michael Picard of Thompson; mother Ann (LaFontaine) Picard Gendron of Dayville.
There will be a celebration of life at 1 p.m. April 17 at the Valley Springs Sportsmen Club on Valley Rd, Thompson. Donations: Dane Picard Scholarship Fund, c/o Valley Springs Sportsmen Club, 65 Valley Rd., N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or American Diabetes Assoc. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Robert H. Johnson
U.S. Army vet
GLASTONBURY — Robert H. Johnson, 84, of Glastonbury, died April 3, 2016, at Hartford Hospital.
Born Aug. 29, 1931, in Putnam, he was the son of the late Henry G. and Edna (Andrews) Johnson. He had lived in Glastonbury since 1959. Prior to his retirement he was an underwriter for Travelers Insurance Co. for more than 30 years. Bob was a graduate of Woodstock Academy and UConn.
Bob served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, in Fort Lewis, Wash., as a medical technician. He was an active and longtime member of the First Church of Christ, Congregational, serving as a deacon and on many service committees, and was an active member of the Glastonbury International Club. Among Bob’s many and varied interests, he enjoyed Cajun dancing, gardening, playing tennis and the Rhode Island beaches.
He leaves his son Paul D. Johnson (Jean) of Mansfield; daughter Teri E. Johnson of Portland; three grandchildren, Taylor, Andrew and Shelby Johnson. He was predeceased by his son Mark R. Johnson and his brother Donald Johnson.
The Funeral was April 9 at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, Glastonbury. Donations: Memorial Garden Fund, First Church of Christ, 2183 Main St., Glastonbury, CT. 06033; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 Mulryan Funeral Home, Glastonbury.
Terence F. Mahoney,
Army Guard vet
WEBSTER — Terence F. ”Terry” Mahoney, 74, died March 29, 2016, in Harrington Healthcare at Hubbard after being stricken ill at home.
He was born in Brookline and raised in Worcester, son of James and Mary (Martel) Mahoney. He graduated from South High School in 1961. He lived in Thompson for 30 years before moving to Webster.
He served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam conflict.
Mr. Mahoney first worked as a mechanic at York Trucking Company in Boston. He was a delivery man for Bond Bread in Worcester and then for Bunny Bread in Putnam for several years. He was a stock person for Dugas Vending Company in Webster. He also worked as a die grinder at Russell Harrington Company in Southbridge before retiring in 2000. In his retirement, he worked part-time as a sampler at Price Chopper in Webster.
He was an avid fisherman. He still played tennis on the courts on a regular basis and also enjoyed table tennis. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage.
He leaves a son, Michael F. Mahoney (Paula) of Ludlow, Mass.; a daughter, Kristine A. Remy of Webster; a granddaughter, Gabrielle Remy of Webster; a nephew, Mark Mahoney (Jennifer) and their daughter Lily, all of Bethel; a niece, Michelle Mahoney (Fred Salkind) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and his companion of several years, Rose Mayotte. He was predeceased by his brother Stephen.
A celebration of his life will be held from noon to 5 p.m. April 24 in the Community Room at Golden Heights, Slater Street, Webster. Donations: Charity of donor’s choice. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.
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WOODSTOCK — Hike the awakening fields, woods and wetlands of the 154-acres to see what is springing up on the Wyndham Land Trust Spalding/Rapoport Preserve from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 23.
As part of The Last Green Valley’s new Spring Outdoors program, Wyndham Land Trust offers you this chance to connect with this scenic area of Woodstock, a combination of two contiguous preserves—the Linda J. Rapoport Memorial Preserve and the Paul and Avis Spalding Preserve.
An abandoned town road—Calkins Road—runs from Pulpit Rock Road alongside the east edge of the pond and takes visitors past the Spalding Preserve. The preserve is a former corn field and is being converted to grass pasture.
With frontage on Pulpit Rock Road, the Rapoport Preserve is divided by the Taylor Brook beaver pond. The northern section of the preserve includes three active hayfields off Joy Road which will remain as farm land.
Join Wyndham Land Trust for this moderate walk by meeting at 10 a.m. at the end of Calkins Road, off Joy Road, and follow it to the end. Street parking is available near #129. Leashed dogs are welcome on this walk.
The mission of the Wyndham Land Trust is to conserve the natural resources of Northeast Connecticut - the water courses, swamps, woodlands, and open spaces, the plant and animal life therein, and the scenic natural and historic sites - all of which are very much a part of the unique character and beauty of all communities in northeast Connecticut.
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