By Ron P. Coderre
Drew Aitken, Killingly High School’s All-State golfer, is picking up his golf game over the summer where he left off at the end of the spring high school season. Aitken was the Eastern Connecticut Conference top golfer and finished third in the Division III state tournament.
Last week Aitken competed in the Connecticut Junior Amateur Championship at Watertown Golf Club. The Killingly junior to be in September made it all the way to the Round of 16 before being eliminated in a 19 hole match. Aitken lost to Chris Butler of Wampanoag Country Club in a match that was all tied after the regulation 18 holes.
Aitken reached the Round of 16 by eliminating another Division III golfer Jason Liu of Eclub of River Valley. The match against Liu also went 19 holes before Aitken prevailed. He qualified for the Connecticut Amateur competition by firing a 73, making him one of the top 32 golfers in the field.
Prior to the Connecticut Junior Amateur Championships, the steady Aitken played in the U.S. Junior Amateur sectional qualifying event at the Colonie Golf and Country Club in Voorheesville, New York. He qualified by firing a two under par 142 in the one-day 36-hole event. His performance in New York earned him a spot in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. The event is scheduled for July 21 through 26.
Golf tournaments such as the U.S. and Connecticut events are an opportunity for young golfers to demonstrate their skills where college coaches can see them in action.
By Ron P. Coderre
There was a time more than a half-century ago when young men would gather throughout the year but mostly during the summer months at the Smith Street “schoolyard” for pickup games of baseball, basketball or football. The popular gathering spot in Putnam’s North End is no longer there. Many of the young men who gathered there unfortunately are also no longer around.
One of the most popular players at the “schoolyard” was Donald Chenail, who acquired the nickname “Beansy” from the gang of young men who gathered daily. “Beansy” was one of the North End’s best baseball players and was liked not only for his athletic ability but also for his charming personality and sense of humor.
Those who remember the Smith Street “schoolyard” were saddened by the news of “Beansy’s” death, which occurred on June 30 in Florida. Reports indicate that at age 83 “Beansy’s” heart just gave out because it was tired but his indomitable spirit will live on.
Donald “Beansy” Chenail was a person who always found a way to see the good things in life. That’s why even to his final days he managed to play in senior softball competition in Florida two weeks before his death. Softball and “Beansy” Chenail were synonymous.
A 1950 graduate of Putnam High School, Chenail enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1951, a short six months after graduating as a Clipper. He served during the Korean Conflict and received an Honorable Discharge in December 1953.
When the softball diamond at Murphy Park was the hotbed of softball in Putnam, “Beansy” Chenail established himself as the standard among third basemen in the area. Known as the “Intimidator,” his trademark was creeping in perilously close to batters he thought might be bunting. Daring them to hit the ball by him, which they rarely did, became his trademark. The softball hot corner belonged to “Beansy.”
A community servant, Chenail devoted many years to the Putnam Little League where he served as the manager of the Giants. The young men he coached, who are adults today, still revere his memory and hang on to the baseball training he imparted in his gentle knowledgeable manner.
After retiring to Florida, following a more than 30-year career as an agent with Prudential Insurance, Chenail immersed himself into senior softball in the Sunshine state. He starred in local leagues in the south and his prowess was recognized early on. Soon he was a member of traveling teams, ages 60 to 76, which were in tournaments throughout the state. He continued to play up until the time of his death.
“Beansy” was recognized as one of Florida’s top softball playing seniors when he was inducted into the West Hernando Athletic Club Softball Hall of Fame in 2009. This was an honor that he accepted in his humble fashion and one that never publicly reached his hometown until the time of his death.
Chenail leaves his wife of 59 years, (they were wed June 25, 1955), the former Evelyn Desautels and five sons, Bruce (58), Bob (56), Tom (53), Rick (52) and Steve (51).
Donald “Beansy” Chenail, a member of the West Hernando Athletic Club Hall of Fame, who got his start at a young age as a member of the Smith Street “schoolyard” gang, is gone but not forgotten. His legend will live on in his hometown of Putnam whenever young men gather to play softball and reminisce about the area’s greats. God bless, “Beansy.”
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to World War II veteran Victor “Not Through the Iron Duke” Lippiello. An avid Detroit Tiger and University of Notre Dame fan, Lippiello spends his spare time at the Putnam Elks living up to his nickname “Champ.” On July 16 Lippiello celebrated his reverse 49th birthday.
On July 2, thanks to good friend and former Norwich Rotary Club President Barry Shead ,RPC attended the Norwich Native Son/Native Daughter luncheon at the Ensemble Room on the campus of Norwich Free Academy. The 2014 Norwich Native Son honoree was Arizona Cardinals linebacker Matt Shaughnessy, who was at the head table with his fiancée Heather Heise and Barrett their six-month old son.
The Shaughnessy story is truly one of local boy makes good. As he related in his comments following the reception of his award, it all started in the youth leagues of Norwich. Shaughnessy then became a standout tight end for the NFA Wildcats, where he was recognized by the University of Wisconsin Badgers for his fine play on the football gridiron.
After four years at Wisconsin where he was a Big Ten standout he was drafted in 2009 by the Oakland Raiders, where he played for two years before joining the Cardinals. He recently signed a substantial two-year contract for his outstanding play as an outside linebacker. His career statistics include 159 tackles 18.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Shaughnessy was recognized by the people of Norwich for his character beyond the football field. Beginning with his days in Wisconsin he’s been involved in the community, helping out at food shelters, making visits to patients in hospitals and running football camps for youth.
The Native Son luncheon is sponsored by the Norwich Rotary Club, which presented Shaughnessy with a Paul Harris Award, the highest recognition in Rotary International. He also was honored by the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, a proclamation from the City of Norwich presented by Mayor Deb Hinchey, the NFA Alumni Association, and the Norwich Women’s City Club.
Shaughnessy is one of many young men from Norwich and Southeastern Connecticut who are in professional sports. Other Norwich professional athletes include Eric Campbell (New York Mets), Dominic Leone (Seattle Mariners) and Andrew Carignan (San Francisco Giants). From Fitch High School Matt Harvey (New York Mets), Jesse Hahn (San Diego Padres), also Rajai Davis of New London High School (Detroit Tigers) and the veteran John MacDonald of East Lyme High School (Los Angeles Angels).
Harrisville Hole-in-One Haven
Mike Sosik, owner of Harrisville Golf Course, reports that the club has witnessed a rash of holes-in-one recently. Two of the fortunate golfers hailed from Thompson while one was a Massachusetts resident.
Dan Durand, the coach of the TriTown American Legion Junior Baseball team, enjoyed a round of golf on an off day from the baseball diamond with his son Jared and his neighbor Dan Bolte. It turned out that the round of golf was a blessing in disguise as Durand recorded the first hole-in-one in his career on the links. His dream shot came on the par-three 9th hole, which was playing 167 yards. Durand used an eight-iron on his ace that landed on the green right of the pin and rolled gently into the cup.
“I was having a rough day on the course. I was discouraged as I had totally messed up the short par-four 8th hole. My son said to me, ‘Forget it dad and make a good shot on the last hole.’ I guess I followed his advice. I think I’ll be back to play another day,” said Durand.
Peg Blain was the other Thompson resident who recorded an ace. Her shot also came on the 9th hole, which was playing 115 yards from the women’s tee. She used her favorite five-hybrid for her hole-in-one. The 9th hole was the place to be if you wanted a shot at a hole-in-one as David Prunier of Douglas, Mass., used a gap wedge from 130 yards to record his dream shot.
America Bids Farewell to Ex-POW and WWII Hero
As a youngster I frequented the Putnam Public Library, which was located on the top floor of the town hall. I always enjoyed reading biographies of individuals who were involved in some fashion in the world of athletics. One person I read about was a noted runner by the name of Louis Zamperini, who for some reason I always remembered although he faded from the headlines.
It wasn’t until I received the book, “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand that the memories of Louis Zamperini were revived. In “Unbroken” Hillenbrand describes in detail the running career of Zamperini and how it was interrupted by WWII. She also details his heroic effort to remain alive following the crash of the B-24 Liberator he was in went down in the Pacific, leaving him and another individual to float on the Pacific Ocean for 47 days.
The raft that Zamperini, weighing less than 100 pounds, was in finally came ashore on an island that was held by the Japanese, where he was captured and tortured by his captors. Given up for dead, he survived the living nightmare in a prison camp where he was beaten, tortured and humiliated for more than two years but never succumbed.
Following his liberation, Zamperini fell on tough time from the evils of alcohol but thanks to support of family and friends he managed to right his life. It wasn’t until Hillenbrand uncovered his story that America realized that this man was a true hero.
Zamperini died following a 40-day bout with pneumonia on July 3 at the age of 97. At the time of his death he was working with Angelina Jolie on a Universal Studio movie detailing his ordeal and his recognition as a true American hero.
From the young man in the Putnam Public Library to the adult who was touched by “Unbroken” we take a moment to remember Louis Zamperini. The people of his generation are dying off at a dizzying rate but as their stories are told they will never be forgotten.
Don’t Give Up
Remember Taquan Zimmerman who was a high scoring guard at Putnam Science Academy? After finishing his postgraduate year at PSA he bounced around at a number of small colleges and junior colleges. He finally settled in at Thompson River University in Canada and now he’s looking for an opportunity to play professional basketball.
Although he entered the NBA draft he was not selected but has had brief workouts with some teams as a free agent. He continues hold on to his dream of getting to the NBA but if that doesn’t occur he’s prepared to travel. His options are in Europe or Turkey, where his ability to shoot and drive to the hoop may open some eyes and some doors as he continues to pursue the dream.
RPC’s Closing Thought For the Day: “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” Jean De la Bruyere
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Charles 'Herb' Guile,
WWII vet
THOMPSON — Charles H. Guile, 89, of Thompson, died July 12, 2014, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam after an illness. He was the husband of the late Florence (Vose) Guile. She died in 1994.
He was born Nov. 2, 1924, in Thompson, son of Charles W. and Lizzie (Maynard) Guile. He had made his home in Thompson all his life, a 1942 graduate of the Tourtellotte Memorial High School, former member of the West Thompson United Methodist Church. Herb was an assistant Scout Master for Troop 25 in Putnam.
He was a WWII Veteran serving with the U.S. Navy.
Herb was a construction supervisor for AGWAY; he retired in 1991. After retiring he was a volunteer at Day Kimball Hospital. Herb enjoyed playing tennis and flying with his son. He was a member of the VFW, Thompson and American Legion, Putnam.
He leaves his son Michael C. Guile of Thompson. He was predeceased by his brother Rodney Guile.
The Funeral was private. Donations: Day Kimball HomeMakers or Day Kimball Home Care, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Harley Hill Sr.
POMFRET CENTER — Harley J. Hill Sr., 73, of Pomfret Center, died July 8, 2014 at Day Kimball Hospital. The husband of 46 years to Bernadette (Asselin) Hill, they were married in 1968.
He was born May 16, 1941, in St. Albans, Vt., son of Carl C. and Pearl F. (Levis) Hill.
He attended Pomfret Community School and was a 1961 graduate of Putnam High School. Harley worked as a machinist and R & D at Pratt and Whitney for more than 34 years. He was a member of the Pomfret Fire Department for 53 years and served as chief for 16 years, served as a member of the Pomfret Fire District for 38 years, a constable for the Town of Pomfret for 25 years and a member of the Putnam Elks Lodge BPOE 574.
In addition to his wife Bernadette, he leaves his sons Michael E. Hill (Charlene) of Moosup, Harley J. Hill Jr. (Kirstin) of Woodstock, James L. Hill (Justine) of Rockford, Minn., Jeffrey A. Hill (Beth) of Wakefield, R.I.; grandchildren Amanda Dasi and (Bhavin), Patrick Hill, Ashley Hill, Allison Hill, Thomas Hill, Jonathan Hill, Jeffrey A.V. Hill, Stephanie Walters, Melissa Spasato, Brendan Gervais and great-grandson Dav Dasi. He was predeceased by his siblings Kenneth Hill, Gwendolyn Grant and Elizabeth Decker.
The Funeral was July 12 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in Abington Cemetery. Donations: St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.
John Languth
DAYVILLE — John “Jack” W. Languth of Dayville, born Oct. 30, 1951, died July 10, 2014, at home.
Jack was an engineer at C&M Corporation and retired in 2003.
He leaves his children; Michael, Alyssa, and Tim; siblings Sheila and Andre Albert of Simsbury, Peter and Arlene Languth of Wantaugh, N.Y., Eileen and Joseph DeGeorge of Southbury, and Jim Languth of Delmar, N.Y.; his former wife Christine Languth, of Brooklyn. He is predeceased by his parents John W. and Eileen J. (O’Brien) Languth
The Mass of Christian Burial was July 15 at Our Lady of LaSallette Church, Brooklyn. Donations to where he volunteered, the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, 730 State Pier Road, New London, CT 06230. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Roger Hubert,
Navy vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Roger Donald Hubert, 77, of N. Grosvenordale died July 1, 2014 at home.
He was born in Danielson, son of the late Rosario and Omarthea (Paquin) Hubert and lived in N. Grosvenordale most of his life. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. He loved watching golf and the New England Patriots.
He leaves his wife of 53 years, Dolores E. (Gaumond) Hubert; two daughters, Cynthia Gatineau of N. Grosvenordale, Nancy Rexford and her husband Allen of Dalton, N.H.; a brother, Normand Hubert of Putnam; four grandchildren.
Donations: Hospice of NE CT, Pomfret Street, Putnam, CT 06260. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Paul D. Stransky Jr.
SOUTHBRIDGE — Paul David Stransky Jr., 57 of Southbridge, formerly of Thompson and Putnam, died July 12, 2014, at UMass Medical Center in Worcester.
He was born April 9, 1957, in Bay Shore, Long Island, N.Y., son of Paul D. and Joanne Stransky of N. Grosvenordale.
Paul was a sales representative working in building products.
In addition to his mother and father he leaves his children, Christie Vetter of Groton, Paul D. Stransky III of W. Warwick, R.I., Amber Sproul of Danielson; siblings, Cathy Alderman of Putnam, Susan McKernan of Cape Cod, David Joseph Stransky of Indianapolis.
The funeral was private. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Gary E. Wrubleski
QUINEBAUG — Gary E. Wrubleski, 56, died July 5, 2014 at home.
Born in Webster and raised in Dudley, he was the son of Bronislaus P. “Ben” Wrubleski and Dorothy R. “Dolly” (Sledrick) Wrubleski. He graduated from Shepherd Hill Regional High School in 1976, where he played on the varsity football team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from UMass Amherst in 1980. He later completed the courses to become a registered nurse at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester. He moved to Quinebaug when he married in 1989.
Mr. Wrubleski first worked as an arborist in Reno and in Hawaii. For several years, he was a paramedic for the Webster EMS and then a nurse at Harrington Memorial, Hubbard Regional and Day Kimball Hospitals. He was employed at a group home in Charlton by the DMR. He also taught CPR courses to firefighters and to professionals in the medical field.
Gary belonged to the the Dudley Fire Department in his youth and then to the Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department for the last 25 years. He was a member of the Valley Springs Sportsman’s Club in N. Grosvenordale: he enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Dudley
He leaves his wife of 25 years, Ella Ruth M. (Hutton) Wrubleski; two daughters, Ariella M. Wrubleski and Briana C. Wrubleski, both of Quinebaug; a brother, Brian P. Wrubleski of Cooperstown, N.Y.; twin sisters, Denise T. Wrubleski of Cooperstown, and Debra A. DePaul of Jaffrey, N.H.; his mother-in-law, Pearl E. (Chapin) Hutton of Dudley; an aunt, Theresa M. Brodeur of Putnam.
The funeral was July 16, in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Dudley and interment was in the columbarium at St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Donations: Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 144, Quinebaug, CT 06262; or Dudley Conservation Land Trust, PO Box 17, Dudley, MA 01571. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.
Gladys Sendrowski
DUDLEY — Gladys (Filipski) Sendrowski, 95, died June 29,2014, in Lanessa Extended Care, Webster. Her husband of 61 years, Edmund Gabriel “Sam” Sendrowski died in 2001
She was born in Dudley, one of eight children, daughter of the late Wladislaw and Josephine (Backowska) Filipski. Gladys was a graduate of Bartlett High School and had the leading role in the school musical in 1936.
She was communicant of St. Andrew Bobola and was a founding member of the church. A member of the Holy Rosary Sodality and proud of her Polish heritage .
She leaves three sons: Peter Sendrowski of Scarborough Maine, John Sendrowski of N. Grosvenordale, and Joseph E. Sendrowski of Dudley; five daughters: June Sendrowski of Brooklin, Maine,, Alicia Flynn of Webster, Regina Fish of Dudley, Christine Sendrowski of Oxford and Elizabeth Vickery of Surry Maine; a sister Lorretta Hoenig of California; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
The Memorial Mass was July 10 in St. Andrew Bobola Church, Dudley, with burial in the St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Donations: St. Andrew Bobola Church, PO Box 98, Dudley, MA. 01571; or to the Salvation Army at salvationarmyusa.org. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.
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