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Visiting

Sam and Cathy Markley with the UConn Lady Huskies.  Mariah Jefferson, Sam’s favorite Husky is standing to his right. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to one of Putnam High School’s finest graduates, Michael Artiaco.  Today Artiaco spends the majority of his time at J. D. Cooper’s Restaurant where he is the head chef.  On February 11 “Artie,” as he’s referred to by his close friends, blew out another candle on the cake.

Around the Marianapolis Prep campus he’s respectfully referred to as “G” by the administration, faculty, students and athletes.  Eric Gustavson has earned the right to be known by a single letter for the outstanding career he’s had on Thompson Hill as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator.

In January Gustavson’s notoriety spread to the statewide level as he received long overdue recognition for his hard work and dedication to Marianapolis athletes and in particular to those who play soccer.  

In a ceremony held at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington Gustavson was honored when he received the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association most prestigious award, being named the Prep Coach of the Year.  This season, Gustavson’s 32nd as the Marianapolis soccer coach, he led the Golden Knights to a 19-5-2 record and a 9-0-1 log in the SENE.  His team captured the SENE championship and was accorded the honor of hosting a playoff contest in the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) for the first time in approximately 10 years.

But the Gustavson story on the scenic sprawling Marianapolis campus is more than simply as a soccer coach, although in his tenure of coaching the teams on the pitch he’s won almost 350 games.  Recognized at the school that was founded in 1923 as a dedicated educator, he’s a beloved history teacher that students often return to the school to thank for the impact he’s had on their lives.

He’s also doubled or tripled, if you would, as the school’s athletic director, a position that he finds time to do with great skill and a sense of humor.

For all he’s done at Marianapolis, Gustavson finally received his due when he won the statewide honor.  Although he hasn’t done everything he’s done for recognition it did bring a smile to his face and a grateful “thank you.”  Known around the campus as “G” maybe the letter should be extended to “Gee,” as one ponders how he manages to do all he does with perfection and professionalism.  

R.I.P. “Shrubs”

The news of the death of Richard “Dickie” “Shrubs” Breton slowly made its way up the East Coast and as it reached Putnam it had a rippling effect on his many friends in Putnam and surrounding communities.  “Shrubs” can best be described, for those who didn’t know him, as a character. One whom they threw the mold away when he was born to Albert and Bertha Breton from the Walnut St. section of Putnam.  He was nicknamed “Shrubs” in reference to his physical stature, which was short and rotund.

Despite his lack of tallness, “Shrubs” was a very good athlete as a young man.  One story that sticks in my mind about him occurred when he was in the Putnam Little League.  As the youngest of five Breton children, his dad died when young “Dickie” was about 12 years old.  His family insisted that he continue to play Little League prior to his dad’s funeral.  And if memory serves me correctly, a young man mourning the death of his father led his team to victory that evening as he slammed a home run.  A four bagger that had to be in honor of his father, I surmise.

Later in life Breton became known around New England as one of the region’s finest chef’s and restaurant entrepreneur’s.  Following his culinary career he retired to the Naples, Fla., area.  My last memory of “Shrubs” goes back to a Florida vacation many years ago where we dined together with his good friends from Putnam Peter and Joan LeClair.  The thing that’s most memorable about that get together is the enjoyable evening with tons of laughs, because when you were with “Shrubs” life was always upbeat and fun filled.

“Shrubs,” you’ll always be remembered as the kid who hit the home run despite the heavy heart and the guy who was always fun to be around.  God Speed, good friend.

Perfect Practice

Sam Markley of Danielson is one of northeastern Connecticut’s biggest UConn basketball fans, especially the Lady Husky hoops.  Markley and his wife Cathy were honored for their faithful support of the program when they were invited to an open practice as part of the University’s Sports Marketing Partner Services.

The Markley’s were able to sit through the entire practice at Gampel Pavilion as they marveled at the way coach Geno Auriemma puts his young ladies through their paces.  The most enjoyable part of the two-hour session came when Sam and Cathy were invited to have their photo taken with the Lady Huskies.

Sam’s comment, “Boy, these girls are tall.”

Honors for Centaur Nation

Two individuals from Woodstock Academy were recently notified of honors they received for their hard work and athletic prowess, one as a student/athlete and another as a coach.

Emily DeLuca, a member of the Centaur’s field hockey team, was honored as a High School National Academic Squad recipient as selected by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.  DeLuca was chosen based on her play on the field and her outstanding work in the classroom where she carries a GPA of 3.5 or better.

The other Centaur who received special recognition was golf coach Rich Garceau, who was named the 2013 Outstanding Coach of the Year for the Connecticut High School Coaches Association.  Garceau, who has turned out championship teams and golfers who have gone on to play in college, will be honored on May 8 in a ceremony at the Aqua Turf Restaurant as the Connecticut Golf of the Year.

Back in Action

It’s great to see Eastford resident Phil Willis back walking Sports Avenue.  Willis was sidelined with a serious medical condition, which he has recovered from following months of intense therapy.  The popular Willis is one of northeastern Connecticut’s real “good guys.”  For many years he was the backbone of youth soccer leagues in the area.  Most recently he was the moving force in raising fund for the new basketball floor at Woodstock Academy.  He’s also been instrumental in helping to move the Regional Community YMCA forward.  It’s nice to see you back in action, Phil.

From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History

February 1906: Putnam High School basketball team defeated Phi Alpha Pi of Southbridge, 60-20.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Getting old is when you bend down to tie your shoe and you look around to see if anything else needs to be done while you are down there.

(If you have sports items worthy of publication please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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In Mashamoquet State Park, leaves still on a tree shiver. The Brayton Grist Mill stands guard over Mashamoquet Brook, at the entrance to the state park. 

 

George P. Dumas,

Korean war vet

PUTNAM —  George Paul Dumas Jr., 83, of Sabin St., died Feb., 4, 2014, in Harrington Healthcare at Hubbard Hospital.  He is the husband of Irene (Allard) Dumas.  Born in 1930 in Burlington, Vt., he was the son of the late George and Leona (Ethier) Dumas.

Mr. Dumas worked as a crane operator and construction worker, working for AF Peasley, O&G Construction, as well as several other major construction companies.  

He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 478, Putnam VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. George was an avid NASCAR fan never missing any racing event.  He was a Jack of all trades, and could repair anything.

Mr. Dumas was awarded two Purple Hearts as he served his country in U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean war. George was in GEORGE Company, 3rd platoon, 3rd battalion, 1st Marine division.  He is the last surviving member of his platoon.   

In addition to his wife, George leaves his children, Cheryl M. Dumas of Thompson, Karen A. (Dumas) Fuss (David) of Brooklyn, Gary P. Dumas (Kathleen) of E. Granby, George P. Dumas III of Webster, Anne Marie (Dumas) Arsenault (Alan) of E. Lyme, and Steven P. Dumas and partner Lisa Madigan of Chaplin; grandchildren, Lisa Fuss, Kaleigh, Kara and Hannah Dumas,  Alexandra and Aiden Arsenault, Cassidy Strickland and great-grandchild, Laila Monet Townes.  He was the brother of the late Rene Dumas.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: National Kidney Foundation, Attn: Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St. New York, NY 10016. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Exilda P. Mathieu

N. GROSVENORDALE — Exilda P. “Babe” (Robitaille) Mathieu, 95, of Buckley Hill Rd., formerly of Webster, died Feb. 7, 2014, in Regency Heights of Danielson.  She was the wife of the late Archie Billings and Richard “Cliff” Mathieu.  Born in 1918 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Ovila and Rosanna (Latour) Robitaille.

Mrs. Mathieu was employed as a mill worker for Cotton Manufacturing Company in Dayville for 18 years retiring in 1984. 

Mrs. Mathieu was a member of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, St. Joseph Basilica in Webster, the Children of St. Mary, and Putnam Senior Citizens.  

Babe leaves a daughter Pauline Audette of N. Grosvenordale; 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter Shirley Craig; three brothers Alberic, Louis, and Arthur Robitaille and three sisters Rose Pelletier, Louise Lavalee, and Elizabeth Defilippo. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 11 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Dayville. Donations: Charity of one’s choice. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

Valeria Roireau

THOMPSON — Valeria Celia (Baczanski) Roireau Roireau, 89, artist, educator, landscaper, seamstress and model, died Feb. 1, 2014, in Westview Rehabilitation and Care Center in Dayville. 

Valeria was born Aug. 19, 1924, in Webster, the youngest child of the late John and Stasia (Ignatowicz) Baczanski. While a teen, Arthur “Ray” Roireau caught her eye while out with girlfriends.  After a wartime romance and marriage, Val followed Ray to his training in NYC where she became a model for Lerner.  After her new husband shipped out to join WWII, Val returned to Webster to await his return.  After the war they started a family. 

Besides being a model and a mom, she worked in the office of a record factory.  As a teacher’s aide at Thompson Public Schools and Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Val took great interest in witnessing children learning and tried everything, even comic books to instill a love of reading.  Ever the fashionista, Val enjoyed sewing clothes for herself and daughter Elaine from examples she found in magazines and dressing in the latest styles.  She continued her sewing expertise into a career as a mender at a woolen mill.

An avid churchgoer, she remained faithful to her original church, St. Joseph’s of Webster, even after moving to Connecticut.  Val was supportive of the church and took an active part in the St. Joseph Women’s Club.  

Val had the ability to get anyone talking and would strike up a conversation, be it in be in the middle of a busy city street or an empty parking lot, Val would be found making a new friend, often to her children’s great embarrassment whenever they went out. 

Val was a passionate lover of a good cup of coffee, which she drank black; a point of pride.  She was an accomplished artist, studying with noted artist Foster Caddell of Northlight Studio, and filled her home with the oils and pastels that she created.

She and her husband Ray built their own house and she landscaped the yard herself, building stone walls that still stand to this day. Planting and enjoying what grew around her, she would have a cup of coffee and survey her efforts.

Her first husband, Ray, died leaving Val alone in the house they built and yard she created.  Surprising herself at age 75, Val married long-time friend and Ray’s cousin, Albert, another Roireau.  Always practical, she didn’t even have to change her name.

Val was artistic and had a vivid imagination which became quite elaborate in her later years, but, unfortunately, Val contracted Alzheimer’s.  Ever cheerful, she never noticed a problem.  

She leaves three children: Elaine Mosley (Lanny) of Jacksonville, Fla., Arthur Roireau (Gwen) of Putnam, and Alan Roireau (Beth)  of Aroda, Va.; grandchildren Amanda, Arthur Edward, and Cooper and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings Anthony, John and Frances.

The Mass of Christian burial was Feb. 10 at St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Brendan L. Smith

POMFRET — Brendan L. Smith, 56, of Paine Rd. Abington died unexpectedly Feb. 5, 2014, at Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam. He was born March 28, 195,7 in Hartford a son of Thomas and Mary Lou (King) Smith and had resided in Abington since 1995.

Brendan was self employed as a remodeling contractor. 

He leaves his partner in life Patricia Miller; a son and daughter-in-law Brendan and Alicia Smith and their daughter Tara of Waterford. Pat’s children Kristen Miller-Callaghan and her husband Terrance and their children Sidney and Ronna of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Robert W. Miller (Jobina) of Canterbury; two brothers Russell Smith of Central Village and John Smith of Wauregan; one sister Susan York of Moosup. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations: Your local animal shelter. Dougherty Brothers Funeral Home, Plainfield.

 

Constance Bachand

DUDLEY — Constance (Pikora) Bachand, 88, died Feb. 5, 2014, in Lanessa Extended Care in Webster after a period of declining health.  

She was born in Dudley, one of 16 children of the late John and the late Ann (Patrowicz ) Pikora.  She enjoyed traveling  to Amish Country in Pennsylvania and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  She worked many years at Stevens Linen. 

She leaves her husband of 65 years, Edward Bachand; two sons: Thomas Bachand (Patricia) of Woodstock,  Dan Bachand  (Debra) of Dudley; a granddaughter, Marissa Farbo (Aaron) of Marlborough and a  grandson Kevin Bachand of Woodstock ; one sister: Helen Rukat  (Carol) of Dudley . She is predeceased by brothers, Adolph Suchocki, Joseph, Stanley, John, Francis, Walter and Peter; sisters, Frances ,Mary, Anna, Bernice, Anastasia “Pearl,” Rose and Teresa .

 The funeral Mass was Feb. 7 in St. Andrew Bobola Church, Dudley, with burial  in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster.   Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel,  Dudley . 

 

Antoinette Paglione

WEBSTER—  Antoinette E. (Grondolski) Paglione, 91, died Feb. 4, 2014, in Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge, after an illness. Her husband of 52 years, Carl J. Paglione, died in 2001.

She was born in Indian Orchard, a daughter of Peter and Victoria (Piasniak) Grondolski and lived in Webster most of her life.

Mrs. Paglione was a homemaker. She was also the head cook at the counter in F. W. Woolworth Company for 10 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of St. Louis Church.

She leaves two sons, Carl A. Paglione and his companion Michelle Cove of N. Grosvenordale and Jeffrey P. Paglione  (Mary Ann) of Putnam; two grandchildren, Michael Anthony Paglione (Jacqueline), and Elizabeth Ashley Paglione; a brother, Ralph Grondolski of California; a sister, Helen Igelski of Newington. 

The Funeral was Feb. 10 in St. Louis Church, Webster, with burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, Mass. Donations: St. Louis Church, 15 Lake St., Webster, MA 01570. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Clifford D. Stark,

Navy vet

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Clifford D. Stark of Brooksville died Jan. 29, 2014, at Oak Hill Hospital. Born in Hartford, Cliff spent most of his early life in Bloomfield, where he graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1945.  He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and graduated from Trinity College in 1951. 

Always active in sports, he played varsity soccer, baseball, and basketball in high school, and varsity soccer at Rensselaer and Trinity, as well as semi-professional soccer in Connecticut, New York and Ohio.  He held an NCAA National Coaching Diploma in soccer, and he briefly successfully coached a college soccer team upon his retirement from business.  He is a former member of both the Roseland Park Tennis Club, and Quinnatisset CC.   When in Florida, he spent considerable time playing Marina golf course and Burnt Store in Punta Gorda.  He loved table tennis, square dancing, and singing in a mixed chorus as well as a barbershop quartet.

Mr. Stark started his business career as a Management Trainee with GE in Schenectady, later moving to Cincinnati, as an Accounting Analyst for the same company.  In 1953 he joined Jack’s Tasty Snack Corp., Oneida, NY as a Staff Assistant to the owners.  In 1955 he entered the specialty food brokerage business, and he owned a New England specialty food brokerage business known as M.A.R. Associates.  Its headquarters was in Woodstock, with branches in several other New England towns.

He was a Charter Member of the National Association of Specialty Food & Confection Brokers, serving as its Secretary and President, as well as in other offices.

Cliff joined the Woodstock Lions Club in 1958, and filled various roles including President in 1962.  He also served on the District 23-C Cabinet of CT Lionism holding several offices before becoming District Governor in 1965-66.  In 1967 he was the Chairman for International Convention Activities for Lions from CT.

He was a Past Master of Cornerstone-Quinebaug Masonic Lodge #122 in Thompson,  and an affiliated member of Putnam 46 Lodge in Woodstock.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Knight Templar, having been a member of both the Scottish Rite and the York Rite bodies.  He was also a Shriner, and was a Past President of the Sphinx Moslem Shrine Club, now known as the Northeast CT Shrine Club.  He transferred his membership in the Shriners from Sphinx Temple to Tampa Egypt Temple.

Cliff was a U.S. Navy veteran, a member of Benson-Flugel American Legion Post for over 50 years, and favored the Evangelical Covenant Church of Woodstock.  He had been instrumental in the formation of the Woodstock Seniors’ Club, and he also contributed considerable time to The Elmvale Cemetery Association.  

Clifford leaves his wife Beverly (Beverly J. Holmes of Fall River, Mass.); sons – Jeffrey (Valerie), Douglas (Amy), and Philip; five grandchildren. Clifford was predeceased by his parents Percival and Norma Stark, his step mother Beulah Merriman Stark, his two sisters Helen and Dorothy, and his youngest of four sons Steven. 

 

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'Odd Couple'

"The Odd Couple - Female Version" starts Feb. 21. At rehearsal, the players: Front: Debra Leigh Siegel, Carol Bachman, Jolene Cardoza, Valerie Coleman. Back: Kathy Radel, Jennifer Briere. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

PUTNAM — The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse is very excited to announce that its ceiling has been replaced and the playhouse is ready to start the 2014 season with Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple-Female Version. The show opens Feb. 21.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 28, March 1, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 23, March 2 and 9. Tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for seniors and students.

Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887. Tickets may be purchased at the theater box office, either before the performance or at the door. As always, purchasing your tickets ahead of time is recommended.

In September of 2013 a large piece of the auditorium plaster ceiling fell into the balcony. Fortunately, no one was injured. After extensive research and testing by licensed engineers, it was determined that all of the plaster needed to be removed and replaced.  The Bradley and building owners Tom and Kathy Borner worked together with Hilltop Construction to install the new ceiling. The community donated funds, goods and services as well as holding fund-raisers for which the Bradley is extremely grateful. The Borners , however, decided not to stop with just replacing the ceiling, instead going on to completely renovate the entire playhouse.  

In The Odd Couple-Female Version, the ladies reinvent the tale of the world’s two most famous roommates who are undeniably wrong for each other. Oscar and Felix become Olive and Florence, and instead of poker they play Trivial Pursuit with a quirky quartet of zany friends. The Pidgeon sisters are replaced by the sexy Costazuela brothers, but the hilarity remains the same.

The TNECT production is directed by Carol Alderson with Nigel Alderson as Technical Director. Kathy Radel appears as Olive Madison and Jennifer Briere is Florence Unger.  Their friends are played by Carol Bachman, Jolene Cardoza, Valerie Coleman and Debra Leigh Siegel. Derek Broszeit and Derek Corriveau appear as the Costazuela brothers.

 

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