THOMPSON — Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park concluded its annual season-opening Icebreaker weekend on April 8 with a packed crowd on hand who braved the cold New England weather to experience the season debuts of Thompson’s track divisions as well as an appearance by the Pro All Star Series and the highlight event of the weekend, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Icebreaker 150.
After opening their season at Myrtle Beach, the stars of the Whelen Modified Tour took center stage at Thompson hoping to grab momentum early in the 2018 campaign.
Justin Bonsignore who came back from an incident on the first lap claimed his sixth win at Thompson and his 13th win overall in the series after going winless in 2017.
Several big names found themselves in precarious positions over the course of the event including defending champion Doug Coby had to endure damage to his car during an incident on lap 115. Other big names like Timmy Solomito and Woody Pitkat were also involved incidents throughout the day, but the biggest crash of the race occurred less than 20 laps from the finish when a multicar incident resulted in Jimmy Blewett ending up on his roof bringing out the second red flag of the evening.
Leader mistakes made for a competitive and unpredictable 150-lap feature. Early leader Doug Coby’s situation was the result of an early race pit that put him near the back of the field and in the path of the accident that spoiled his day. Chase Dowling also led in the mid portion in the event, but was penalized for jumping a restart while Jon McKennedy, who was leading with two laps to go, ran out of fuel and sacrificed the lead after a strong race.
Bonsignore said: “I said it in Victory Lane, 2017 humbled me a lot. It was a real tough season. We won half the races in the 2016 season and almost had a shot at the championship, but last year was just really tough. To come back and have a really good car at Myrtle Beach and get a good finish and not have the best car here but have luck go our way and get a win it’s a pretty good feeling,”. Craig Lutz scored his first runner-up finish in the series and Rowan Pennink, who was involved in the lap one incident with Bonsignore, rounded out the podium in his return to the tour after recovering from back surgery earlier this year.
Another highlight event was the first north race of the season for the Pro All Star Series, or PASS, drivers who took part in a 100-lap feature. The winner was a driver who has been making waves in the southern division of the series as New Englander Derek Griffith followed up his win in the first south event of the season. Griffith took the lead on lap 29 and never looked back, surviving a restart with five laps to go to capture his first win at Thompson, a track that helped establish his love of racing.
“We’ve always been fast, and I think we were fast here last year. We just never had the win,” Griffith said. “I had to bide my time and made sure we didn’t burn it up in case we had a restart and we went from there. The guys really got me hooked up – Getting a win here is huge. It’s probably one of the first race tracks I watched a big race at. To finally get that win here is huge and we had a Teddy (Christopher) sticker on the side of the car so it makes it that much more special having watched him so many races here.”
In the Thompson track divisions the champions shined as recent series winners all took checkered flags and are now one step closer to more titles at the Big-T. After sweeping the track championships at Waterford, Stafford and Thompson in a modified in 2017 Keith Rocco picked up right where he left off in the first Sucono Modified Series race at Thompson of 2018 with a hard-fought victory. He battled head-to-head against pole sitter Todd Owen who had won the last two events at the Big-T. Rocco wrestled the lead away from Owen about halfway through the 30-lap feature and was able to hold on for the win despite a late race restart and kicked off his championship defense in style.
“It’s always good to get a jump on the season and start with a victory. It was absolutely fun,” Rocco said. “Todd (Owen) is fun to race with. He’s an old school guy who builds his own equipment. He’ll race you hard and he’ll race you clean and that’s what I want.”
Next up was the Limited Sportsman division 20-lap event which saw another reigning champion pull off a win. This Icebreaker win was extra special for defending champions Shawn Monahan as it was actually his first win at Thompson in the division since May of 2014. Monahan had to stave off a charge from Jesse Gleason in the final laps to take the checkered flag and make his return to victory lane after claiming the title without a single victory in 2017.
“This is amazing. You take victory lane for granted when you visit it often. I ran the whole season last year and no matter what I tried I always fell short. To come out here today and get the win is a good feeling. I didn’t think it was going to happen. I wasn’t on top of the speed charts coming into today. I was struggling a little bit, but where there’s a will there’s a way,” Monahan said.
In the Late Model division it wasn’t a reigning champion that won, but a former champ all the same as William Wall returned to victory lane to get his season off to a good start. Wall didn’t lead the most laps, but he led when it counted taking advantage of bad luck suffered by early leaders Rick Gentes and defending champion Ray Parent and late race restarts to charge to the win in the 25-lap feature.
“That was a real tough race and I’m glad we ended up getting a good restart in the end there and I was able to take it home,” Wall said after the race adding that despite the strong start he knows he has to fight for every position in the races to come to reclaim the title. “We’ve definitely got some good momentum going into the next race now, but I’m not going to count my chickens before they hatch. We have a long way to go and a lot of good drivers out there. We’ll take it one race at a time.”
Finally, in the Mini Stocks tempers flared early in the 15-lap feature event as contenders Jordan Hadley, Dave Trudeau and Wayne Burroughs were involved in an incident in the opening laps. After Burroughs and Hadley made contact battling for the lead, Trudeau went airborne over the top of Hadley’s car causing damage to all three frontrunners in the process. All drivers were uninjured from the incident, but only Burroughs was able to continue the race and finished third. The rest of the feature went smoothly especially for former champion Eric Bourgeois, the driver fans know as “Bonehead”, who held on to the lead to claim his first Icebreaker victory at Thompson and his first Mini Stock win since June of 2017. Bourgeois said he will be shooting for the title in 2018 with hopes of retiring to allow his son, Evan Bourgeois, to take over for him on the track.
Next up for Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park is a special military appreciation event May 20. The Big-T will host the Limited Sportsman Long Distance 30-lap feature where active military members will be admitted to the event for free. 

WHELEN MODIFIED SERIES TOUR ICEBREAKER 150 TOP-10: 1. Justin Bonsignore; 2. Craig Lutz; 3. Rowan Pennink; 4. Ryan Preece; 5. Matt Swanson; 6. Doug Coby; 7. Rob Summers; 8. Chase Dowling; 9. Bobby Santos, III; 10. Timmy Solomito   PASS FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Derek Griffith; 2. DJ Shaw; 3. Jared Irvan; 4. Reid Lanpher; 5. Todd Stone; 6. Eddie MacDonald; 7. Ray Christian, III; 8. Wayne Helliswell; 9. Tracy Gordon; 10. Garrett Hall
SUNOCO MODIFIED FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Keith Rocco (Berlin, CT); 2. Todd Owen (Somers, CT); 3. Troy Talman (Oxford, MA); 4. Kyle James (Ashaway. R.I.); 5. Joey Gada (Bozrah, CT); 6. Nick Salva (Cheshire, CT); 7. Ronnie Williams (Tolland, CT); 8. John Studley (Framingham, MA); 9. Steve Masse (Bellingham, MA); 10. Josh Wood (Palmer, MA) 
LIMITED SPORTSMAN FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Shawn Monahan (Waterford, CT); 2. Jesse Gleason (Lisbon, CT); 3. Scott Sundeen (Sutton, MA); 4. Zachery Robinson (Putnam, CT); 5. Brent Gleason (Griswold, CT); 6. Chris Meyer (Norwich, CT); 7. Kevin Mason (West Warwick, RI); 8. Mike Palin; 9. Troy Waterman (East Killingly, CT); 10. Tommy Shea (New London, CT)
LATE MODEL FEATURE TOP-10: 1. William Wall (Shrewsbury, MA); 2. Woody Pitkat (Sturbridge, MA); 3. Nick Johnson (Rehoboth, MA); 4. Paul Charette (Woodstock, CT); 5. Mark Jenison (Warwick, RI); 6. Glenn Boss (Danielson, CT); 7. Ryan Morgan (Gales Ferry, CT); 8. Tom Carey, Jr. (Orange, MA); 9. Ray Parent (Tiverton, RI); 10. Chad Baxter Pascoag, RI)
 MINI STOCK FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Eric Bourgeois (East Haddam, CT); 2. Jared Roy (Sterling, CT); 3. Wayne Burroughs (Oakdale, CT); 4. Dave Trudeau, Jr. (Mansfield, CT); 5. Doug Curry (Norwich, CT); 6. Keith Ballou (Pascoag, RI); 7. Tommy Silva (Groton, CT); 8. Steve Michalski (Brooklyn, CT); 9. Chris Taylor; 10. Mike Anzalone.

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Norman G. Fellows,
WWII vet
WOODSTOCK — Norman G. Fellows, 90, of Laurel Drive, Woodstock, died March 30, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital.
Norman was born Jan. 14, 1928, in Flushing, Queens, N.Y., son of Kenneth and Rosalie (Benisch) Fellows. He was the husband of Janet (Leschke) Fellows. They were married 66 years.
He was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Army. Norman was a resident of Woodstock since 1951, a graduate of Putnam High School and UConn. He held management and engineering positions with American Optical Corp., Norton Company, Brand-Rex and American-Standard. He retired in 1990 as a principal engineer for Digital Equipment Corp. (Hewlett-Packard). He was a member of the Pomfret Congregational Church, a Life Member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality, past chairman Worcester Section, a member of American Legion  Post 111, Woodstock and the U.S. Naval Institute.
In addition to his wife Janet, he leaves his daughters, Susan E. Kozey (Michael) of Eastford, Katherine G. Fellows (Daniel Southall) of Pomfret Center; grandchildren  Nicholas Kozey (Jody), David Kozey (Karrin), Brian Kozey, Collin Sumera and Kristiana Sumera; great-grandchildren Evan, Alex, Andrew and Jillian Kozey; his sister-in-law Bernice Fellows of Bolton.  He was predeceased by his brother Donald C. Fellows; sister Elaine A. Fahle and brother-in-law Robert Fahle.
Private burial was in Woodstock Hill Cemetery. Donations: Congregational Church of Pomfret, PO Box 297, Pomfret Center, CT 06256. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Curt D. Heath
PUTNAM — Curt D. Heath, 58, died April 4, 2018, at UMass Memorial Health Care, University Campus, Worcester, after a brief illness.
Born Aug. 21, 1959, in Putnam, Curt was the son of the late Allard J. “Red” Heath of Lisbon, N.H., who died in 1998, and Alma “Elsie” (Lannaville) Bennett of Putnam, who died in 1997. He lived here all his life.   Curt was last employed at Marianapolis Preparatory School, where he worked in the cafeteria.  He was previously employed at U.S. Button in Putnam and Linemaster Switch in Woodstock.  Amongst his favorite past times where spending time with Kacey, Kelsey and Benjamin - going to the park, Lake Compounce and collecting rocks along the River Trail.  He enjoyed helping Kacey with Partylite, writing recipes in his recipe book, publishing the dinner menu on Facebook, cooking and baking with Mel, making dog treats for Diego and Chevy.  He was an avid reader and would often times read an entire book in just one day while sitting by the river or the lake.  He was passionate about cleaning his house and enjoyed watching HGTV, Food Network.
He leaves his cousin and lifelong friend, Melzer Heath of Putnam, with whom he lived for the past 18 years; his father, Harvey Bennett of Putnam; his brothers, Steven Heath (Rose) of Thompson, Jamie Heath (Debra) of Putnam; Scott Bennett (Misty) of Putnam; his sisters, Joyce Cote and her companion Hugh McLaughlin III of Putnam, Brenda Heath of Putnam and Heidi Bennett of Putnam; nieces and nephews, including his godson, Adam T. Heath of Colchester; a special niece, Kacey Terranova of Putnam; and a very special great-niece, Kelsey Terranova; special great-nephew, Benjamin Johnson, whom he thought of as his own.  He was predeceased by his wife, Rose Marie (Jason) Heath in 2011, and by his brothers, Eugene “Huey” Heath in 1974 and Allard J. “Tyke” Heath Jr. in 2014.
A Prayer Service was April 9 in Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Stasia Rzepa
BROOKLYN — Stasia Rzepa, 97, of Brooklyn died March 28, 2018, at Westview Health Care Center in Dayville. She was born July 1, 1920, in New Bedford, Mass., daughter of the late Stanislaw and Katherine (Palys) Tomczewski. She was the wife of the late Frank Rzepa who died Jan. 29, 1979. They were married June 10, 1944, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Bedford.
Stasia was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson and considered herself a prayer warrior. She volunteered at the St. James Bazaar, bingo, craft group and was an excellent knitter. She worked at John I. Paulding Co. as an assembler.
In 1979 she worked for the Brooklyn Golf Course and worked at QVCC serving meals. In 1984 Stasia worked at the Brooklyn/Killingly Early Childhood Learning Center as a kitchen aide until she was 90, where the children lovingly referred to her as Grandma.  
She leaves her children, John Rzepa, Diane Barrette, Theresa Rzepa, all of Danielson, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 2 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: St. James School, 120 Water St. Danielson, CT 06239. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Claire R. Bartolomei
PUTNAM — Claire (Robitaille) Bartolomei, 89, of Thurber Rd, formerly of Vandale St., died April 1, 2018, in Day Kimball Hospital.  She was the wife of the late James H. Bartolomei Sr.  Born in 1929 in Ballouville, she was the daughter of the late Armand J. and Albina (Cusson) Robitaille.
Claire worked as a school lunch director for the Putnam school system.  She was a member of St. Mary Church of the Visitation, The League of Catholic Women, Daughters of Isabella, Widows Support Group, and was a literacy volunteer and mentor where she was recognized for her contributions to the programs.  She enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, cooking, baking, ceramics, golfing, bowling and traveling.
She spent most of her summers on Long Sands Beach in York Beach, Maine; and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and UConn women’s basketball teams.  
She leaves sons, James H. Bartolomei Jr. (Donna) of Brooklyn, John A. Bartolomei (Pamela) of Woodstock, Jeffrey F. Bartolomei (Laura Burke) of Woodstock, and Jay R. Bartolomei and Karen Minette Weinstein of W. Hartford; daughters; Jo-Ann B. Dean of Vernon, Joyce D. Adams (Michael D.) of Killingly; and Dr. Jill M. Espelin (Gary) of W. Hartford; grandchildren, Wendy O’Brien (David), James H, Bartolomei III (Suzanne), Lesley Young (Douglas), Benjamin Bartolomei (Melissa), Ian Bartolomei (Paul), Tyla Cielinski (Brian), Misty Baff, Marc Espelin, Michael Espelin, Zack Bartolomei, Darius and Delina Bartolomei, Laura Laidley (Larry), Justin Loura and Jenn Conely, and Kayla Simpson; and great-grandchildren Nick O’Brien, Grace and James Henry IV Bartolomei, Alexa and Drew Young, Eli and Elena Bartolomei, Reagan, Kennedy, McKinley and Maddie Cielinski and Mason and Hunter LaRoche. Claire was predeceased by her younger sister Theresa O’Connell.
Visitation is from 9 to 11:30 a.m. May 3 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial be at noon in St. Mary Church of the Visitation Church, Providence St., with burial in Calvary Cemetery, Webster. Donations: Matulaitis Nursing Home for the Residents Activities Fund, 10 Thurber Road, Putnam, CT 06260.

John M. Chzaszcz
PUTNAM —John “Cha-Cha” Chzaszcz, 65, of Oak St, died April 1, 2018. Born in 1952 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Stanley and Theresa (Adamczyk) Chzaszcz.
John began working for American Optical in Putnam and later transferred to their Southbridge location.  He then went to work for Crabtree & Evelyn and then the former Guido Murphy’s nightclub where he was the light technician for the different bands and DJs who performed there. John owned and operated the former Horse Feathers Café and worked at several other local bars and taverns including the Lake Tavern.
 He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64 and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1523 in Putnam. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Yankee and Dolphin fan.
He leaves his son, Joseph Chzaszcz (April) of Wauregan; his two brothers Gary J. Chzaszcz of Thompson and Steve Chzaszcz (Lucy) of Putnam; his granddaughter Jasmine Chzaszcz; his step grandchildren Amber Hawkins and James Hawkins; his niece Magdalena Chzaszcz and his nephew and Godson, Mathew Chzaszcz.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was April 6 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64, 68 Providence St. Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Sonia J. Jones
THOMPSON — Sonia J. (Gawle) Jones, 80, of Ballard Rd., died April 4, 2018, in Davis Place.  She was the wife of 61 years to William W. Jones Jr.
Born in 1937 in  Dudley, she was the daughter of the late Peter Gawle and Catherine (Laskowski) Gawle.
Mrs. Jones worked as a group home supervisor for the John Dempsey Center. She enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting and playing bingo. She enjoyed watching UConn women’s basketball and the Red Sox.
In addition to her husband, she leaves her son, William A. Jones (Judi) of Danielson; daughters, Donna Sullivan (Jack) of Stafford Springs, Laura Papia (David) of Thompson, Lynn Byberg of Pomfret, and Sharon Belliveau (Scott) of Putnam; brother, Edwin Gawle (Lorraine) of Chicago; sisters, Frances Fournier (Hugh) of Thompson, and Sylvia Klejna (Frank) of Ellington; grandchildren, Frank & Brianna; Sabrina & Matthew; Rebecca & Andrea; and Farrah, Stacey & Hayden, and her great-grandchildren, Quinn & Cassidy. She was predeceased by her siblings,  Henry, Theodore, Louis, and Mary.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 21 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, with a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster. Donations: Friends of Autistic People (www.autisticadults.com)

Sr. Yvonne Martell, DHS
Sr. Yvonne Martell, 95, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died  April 5, 2018, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, a Diocesan facility, where she had been in residence since June of 2016.
She was born Yvonne Martell on Jan.  3, 1923, in Swanton, Vt., the daughter of Adelard and Yvonne (l’Espérance) Martell.  Sr. Yvonne entered religious life at Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam in 1943 and made her religious profession there in 1947.  She was then known as Sr. Jean Marie.
She taught on the elementary level in various schools staffed by Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Waterbury, Jewett City and Putnam; all in Connecticut, as well as in Pittsfield, Mass., and Tupper Lake, N.Y., from 1947-1961.  In 1962 she served as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph Villa in Putnam and took an LPN course at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford in 1963.  Following this she served as a nurse in Putnam, Bridgeport and Providence, as well as Swanton, Burlington and St. Albans, Vt.  In 1992 she was assigned to her hometown of Swanton where she did domestic services and part-time nursing.  In 2001 she served in Essex Junction, where she did Pastoral Ministry out of Holy Family Parish there.  She retired to the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam in 2010 and was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in 2011.  The Health Care Center closed in October of 2016 and she was transferred together to St. Joseph Living Center in Windham.  
She leaves her sisters in community, the consecrated Seculars and the DHS Associates; nieces.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 10 with burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam. Donations: DHS Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.  Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Grace E. Vanasse
DAYVILLE — Grace E. Vanasse, 92, of Pineville Road, Dayville, died April 5, 2018, at the Day Kimball Hospital. Grace was the wife of Harry A. Vanasse. They were married 68 years. He died Feb. 2, 2010. She was born Aug. 3, 1925, in Putnam, daughter of Byron and Susan (Mason) Larkin.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, going on cruises and dancing with her husband Harry.
She leaves seven children Ronald Vanasse of Dayville, Carole Harwood of Putnam, Dennis Vanasse of Putnam, Lee Marquis of Thompson, David Vanasse of Putnam, Gary Vanasse of Killingly and Stephen Vanasse of Dayville; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by brothers Harry Larkin, Melvin Larkin; twins John and James (Whit) Larkin; her sister Elsie Skinner; granddaughter Grace Sliva. She was predeceased by her pet and friend Taco.
Visitation is from noon to 1 p.m. April 14 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Rose McDavitt
PUTNAM — Rose McDavitt, 96, of Putnam, died April 2, 2018, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She was the wife of Daniel McDavitt. He died in 1959.
She was born Sept. 29, 1921, in Providence, daughter of the late Frank and Evelyn (Greco) Gammardella. Rose worked as a bookkeeper for many years.  She had made her home in Putnam for more than 50 years and attended St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam.  She enjoyed oil painting, classical music and reading.
She leaves her brother Ralph Gammardella of Putnam; nieces and nephews.
There was a private graveside service in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston, R.I., Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

T. Erik Piecyk
T. Erik Piecyk unexpectedly passed on to his eternal reward on April 3, 2018, in his sleep at his Squaw Rock Group Home.
He had an infectious grin and a greeting to all who knew him. His smiling face lit up the whole room.
He leaves his parents Theodore and Rosemarie Piecyk; his sister Taramarie and her husband Jeremy and their children Calvin, Mason and Aliya Rose; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was April 6 in St. Philip the Apostle Church, Ashford, with burial in St. Philip Cemetery, Ashford.  Donations: The Erik Piecyk Memorial Fund, c/o Rosemarie and Theodore Piecyk, 161 Searles Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. This fund will help support and fund recreation programs for adults with developmental and intellectual delays in the Quinebaug Valley area of Connecticut. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Carol O. Regis
DAYVILLE — Carol O. Regis, 79, of Dayville, died March 31, 2018, at home. She was the wife of Raymond Regis. They were married Feb. 10, 1962, at St. James Church.
She was born on Dec. 4, 1938, in Putnam, daughter of Edeo and Irene (Emond) Clark Sr.
She was a 1958 graduate of Putnam High School, communicant of St. Joseph Church in Dayville. She had worked at American Optical in Southbridge, Parizek Button for 11 years and later at Preferred Plastics. Carol cared for many families, babysitting their children and cleaning their homes.
She was devoted care and time to the love of her family and home at Alexander’s Lake where she lived for 46 years. Carol loved animals and over the years cared for and took in many stray cats. She enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening and swimming.
She leaves her daughter and caregiver Karen Greene (Mark); grandchildren Connor Greene, Courtney Greene, all of Danielson; siblings Naomi Regis (Richard) of Brooklyn, Edeo Clark Jr. of Putnam, Gerald Clark (Joyce) of Pomfret Center, James Clark Sr. (Daryle) of Woodstock; nieces and nephews; her cat Tom. She was predeceased by a brother Dwain Clark Sr.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 5 at St. James Church, Danielson with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson.  Donations: NECCOG Animal Services, 125 Putnam Pike, Dayville, CT 06241; or to any charity of your choice. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Sheila McDowell
WEBSTER — Sheila M. (Ciabaszewski) McDowell, 75, died April 4, 2018.  
She was born in Webster, the daughter of Dorothy (Volker) Ciabaszewski and the late William Ciabaszewski. She lived in Webster her whole life.  Sheila was very devoted to her faith, attending High Pointe Church in Thompson.
She leaves a son, Keith McDowell of Woodstock; two daughters, Cheryl A. McDowell and Lisa McDowell of California; her mother, Dorothy (Volker) Ciabaszewski; two brothers, Bobby Ciabaszewski of Dudley and Wayne Ciabaszewski of Webster; two sisters, Linda Gabler of Brimfield, Mass., and Wendy Ciabaszewski of Charlton; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.   
Visitation was April 8 at Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster. Donations: High Pointe Church, 1208 Thompson Road, Thompson, CT 06277.
Visitation was April 5 at Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster. Burial will be private in North Woodstock Cemetery.  Donations: Allagash Widerness Waterway Foundation, PO Box 1211, Bath, Maine 04530.

John C. Jones
QUINEBAUG — John C. Jones, 83, died March 31, 2018, after a short illness. His wife of 50 years, Carolyn A. Jones, died in 2009.  John was the owner of Hilltop Archery in Webster. He was an accomplished archer and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing at Allagash Lake in Maine. He leaves his daughter Sarah Plantinga (David), grandson David Mainville (Veronica); granddaughters Emily Tice (Will), and Hannah Plantinga; brothers and sisters. He was predeceased by a great-grandson, Nolan John. Shaw Majercik Funeral Home, Wester.

Robert F. Gould
DAYVILLE — Robert F. Gould Sr., 66, of Dayville, died March 22, 2018.
He was born on April 11,1951, to Robert and Mary Gould. He grew up in southern New England where he attended college, and later started a highly successful business which still thrives 30-plus years later as Gateway Hearing. He was Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. While he was immensely successful in his secular career, his most rewarding job was educating his family and others in the community about his Bible-based faith. 
He leaves his wife of nearly 40 years, Jacqueline; and two sons, Robert Jr., and Trevor (Jennifer); two brothers Richard (Susan), and David; as well as a great number spiritual brothers and sisters.
A Celebration of his Life was April 7 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 200 Tracy Rd., Danielson.
Donations: Charity of one’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

Michael J. Williams
SPENCER, Mass. — Michael J. Williams, 77, died April 2, 2018, at Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge.  
He was the husband of the late Bette J. (Christy) Williams who died December of 2016.  
He was born in Washburn, Maine, son of the late Arnold Williams and Edna (Lavine) Williams and lived in Spencer since 1975, prior to that living in Worcester.
 He was a mechanic and specialized in truck repair.  He enjoyed old movies, fishing and reading.
He leaves two sons, Michael Williams (Mary) of Woodstock, and Scott Williams and his companion Lori Derosier of Warren, Mass.; two grandchildren, Tyler and Stephanie; two brothers Joseph and Allen Porter.
Donations: Second Chance Animal Shelter, East Brookfield, Mass.. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

Kerry L. Field
PUTNAM — Kerry L. Field, 60, died April 4, 2018.
He was born in Putnam, son of Jeanne Carter Springfield Burlingham of Putnam and the late Charles P. Field.  He was a heavy equipment mechanic. He enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical.  
He leaves his wife of 30 years, Lisa J. (Shields) Field; three sons, Justin Field, Jaime Field of Putnam and Shane Field of Attawaugan; a daughter Katie Field  of Putnam;  brother Michael Field of Putnam; sister Debra Alarie of Ontario, Canada; five grandchildren.  
Donations: Charity of donor’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

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Wed. April 11
Meeting/Program
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will hold their annual meeting and election of officers at 6:30 p.m.  in the Library Conference Room. They will also welcome local author Joseph Lindley, who will make a presentation on the history of the "Swamp Yankee" at 7 p.m. in the Library Meeting Room. Free. All welcome.

Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon at Pomfret Center will present “Focus on Birds: Featuring David Stumpo & Nancy Barrett” through May 31 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.

Art Exhibit
N. GROSVENORDALE ---  The Friends of the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present the 15th Annual Thompson Community Art Show “The World Around Us,” through April 27. A reception will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 4. 860-923-9779.

Thur. April 12
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “EGGS-cellent Experiments” at 4:30. Register at 860-928-3451.

Fri. April 13
Blood Drive
DANIELSON --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Water Street. 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Blood Drive
S. WOODSTOCK --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Woodstock Fire Bungay Brigade, on Rt. 171. 1-800-RED-CROSS.

History Program
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will present Michael Limberg with "Over There And Over Here:  Connecticut's Great War" following the 7 p.m. business meeting at the Community Room at the town Hall. Free. All welcome.

Sat. April 14
Tag Sale
KILLINGLY --- A tag sale to benefit PAWS Cat Shelter will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Community Room at the Killingly Library, rain/snow/or shine.

Tag Sale
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will host an Indoor Tag Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Canterbury Town Community Room on Rt. 14. www.canterburyhistorical.org

Hike
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Last Green Valley Spring Outdoors Program and the Wyndham Land Trust will offer a free hike to the trust’s Bull Hill property from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at 401 Ravenelle Road. 6 miles. Difficult. Leashed dogs welcome. Bring water, lunch or snack.  860 923-2920.

Spring Program
CHAPLIN --- The Last Green Valley will present “Wildflower Walk” from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Joshua’s Trust Hubbard Sanctuary/Agnes’ Pasture. No dogs or kids under 12. 2 miles. Register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ”

Sun. April 15
Healing Service
PUTNAM --- A Christian Healing Service will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Philip’s Church on Grove Street. Prayer teams will be available. Service includes praise and worship music and a celebration of the Eucharist. 860-928-3510.

Mon. April 16
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Woodstock Town Hall large meeting room on the lower. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. Please check the town website www.woodstockCT.gov for current schedule or call 860-928-6595.

Tues. April 17
Gypsy Moth Program
WOODSTOCK --- The Thames River Basin Partnership will present a free presentation on gypsy moths from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The speaker is the experienced forester and educator, Tom Worthly  from the Ct. Cooperative Extension System. He’ll explain what works and what doesn’t and why. Co-sponsored by the Woodstock Conservation Commission and The New Roxbury Land Trust, Inc. Park behind the town hall and enter through the back door.

Wed. April 18
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Lionheart Puppets: Jack Tuesday” at 12:30. For ages 4-11. Sponsored by Friends of Pomfret public Library. 860-928-3451.

Thur. April 19
Program
DANIELSON --- Quinebaug Valley Community College’s Visions in Leadership program will present Stephen M. Harney, a security expert, at 5:30 p.m. in the Robert Miller Auditorium. $50 per person in advance, includes dinner and silent auction. 860-932-4174.

Fri. April 20
‘Rock of Ages’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Rock of Ages”  at 7:30 p.m. April 20, 21, 27, 28 and May 4 and 5 and at 2 p.m. April 22, 29 and May 6.  $24 for adults; $21 for seniors and students. Call 860-928-7887 or go to www.thebradleyplayhouse.org.

Sat. April 21
Steak Supper
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Independent Fire Company No. 1 Inc. will hold an all-you-can-eat steak supper at 6:30 p.m. at the firehouse. $20. No tickets at the door. 860-974-0256.

4-H Race-Walk
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Scamper 5k Race/Walk and 1-Mile Kid Run will be held at the camp on Taft Pond Road. Registration at 8 a.m. Kids’ race at 9:30 and adult race starts at 10 and walker start after runners. www.4hcampct.org.

Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Spring Cleaning – Trail Wood Work Day” at 9 a.m. at Trail Wood Sanctuary on Kenyon Road. Bring work gloves and rakes, etc. 860-928-4948.

Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. April 21 and 22. From 1:30 to 2 p.m. April 21 a parent panel will be presented.

NOW ‘Taste’
DANIELSON --- Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. will hold its 7th Annual A Taste for NOW, A Taste for Life fund-raiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at Quinebaug Valley Community College. $60 per person Benefits NOW’s youth scholarships and wellness programs.  www.NOWinMotion.org or at Chase Graphics, Friendly Spirits, Putnam Bank and WINY Radio.

Low-cost Rabies  Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, is holding a low cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12 on the Danielson/Plainfield town line, $12 cash per animal. All animals must be on a leash or in a secured carrier.  If available, bring prior proof of rabies vaccination.  860-317-1720.

Earth Day
PUTNAM --- Gpic's Annual Earth Day Project will be held at 10 a.m.  A clean out of the empty lot behind Dunkin’ Donuts (on the left) on Kennedy Drive, Putnam.  Funded in part by the Last Green Valley. 860-455-8144.

Sun. April 22
Salamander Walk
POMFRET --- A Spring Outdoors Salamander Story Walk led by LGV Ranger Marcy Dawley will be held from 1 to 2:30 at the Windham-Tolland County 4-H Outdoor Center on Taft Pond Road. Dress for weather. Free. All welcome (no dogs). 860-377-5652.

Mon. April 23
Jane Doe Forum
DANIELSON --- On Cue: Culture and Conversations at QV will present “Jane Doe No More: Sexual Assault Survivors Fighting for Change,” an exploration of the challenges faced by sexual assault survivors who speak up about their experiences at 6 p.m. at the Robert E. Miller Auditorium at QVCC. Seating is limited, so attendees are urged to arrive before the event, which is free and open to the public. Donations for Jane Doe No More, an organization that supports survivors of sexual abuse, will be accepted. Audience members should be aware of the potential for emotionally difficult content.

Wed. April 25
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Screenwriting 101 Workshops” at 2 p.m. Register at 860-928-3451.

Thur. April 26
Blood Drive
DAYVILLE --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at United Services Inc. on Rt. 12. 1-800-RED CROSS.

Trivia Challenge
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Lions Club will present Trivia Challenge fund-raiser at 7 p.m. at the Crossings Restaurant downtown. Benefits DKH – Oncology.

Fri. April 27
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Virginia Rail Bird Walk” at 6 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Sat. April 28
Volunteer Day
WOODSTOCK --- A volunteer cleanup day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crystal Pond Park (formerly Nahaco Park)  Tools supplied. Please bring proper footwear, safety glasses and gloves. http://www.crystalpondpark.com/

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