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Signs
Grace O’Gara, seated, with her parents Cynthia and Mike, and sister, Sam.


THOMPSON — Post-graduate Grace O’Gara, of Worcester, signed her National Letter of Intent to play basketball for Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) recently.
O’Gara previously attended South High in Worcester, where she was a 1,000-point scorer. During her season with Marianapolis she averaged 9.5 points to go with her team-leading 2.9 assists and 3.1 steals per game and brought intensity and focus to the team.
“I have been playing basketball ever since I could remember but started playing travel basketball in second grade on an all-boys’ team,” she said. “What I enjoy most about playing basketball is the sense of comfort it brings me. Every time I step on a court, I feel as if nothing else matters. I have dreamed about playing basketball at a high level ever since I was little, and now that time is finally here. My years of hard work and dedication to the game are paying off and I couldn’t be more grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to play.”
O’Gara said she decided to sign with AUM, “because I felt loved by all of the staff. I am ready to compete at a high level and I knew when I saw the campus that this was the right decision for me. Yes, it’s far from home, but I’m excited to make new memories at a new place.”
“Grace has been absolutely fantastic for us,” said Wes Howard, girls’ varsity basketball head coach. “She moved so quickly through the adjustment period and really found a family here at MPrep, both on and off the court. She’s put in years of work for the chance to play ball at a school and program like AUM, and we couldn’t be prouder of her. I know that Grace is just going to keep getting better and better; she’s tenacious that way. It’s going to be really exciting to watch her career unfold at the next level.”
Auburn University at Montgomery, located in Montgomery, Alabama, is a Division II school playing in the Gulf South Conference.

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POMFRET CENTER — Sgt. Joseph M Johnson, 84, of Freedley Road died unexpectedly July 1, 2023.  He was the husband of Patricia (McMorrow) Johnson for 63 years.  Born in 1938 in Lynn, Mass., he was the son of the late Joseph and Esther (Ricketts) Johnson, and predeceased by his sister Carole Ann (Johnson) DeCosta.
He married the love of his life, Patricia McMorrow in 1960 in Taunton, Mass. Together they raised their four daughters and moved to be closer to their grandchildren as they came along. He leaves his daughters Susan Johnson and her partner Tommy Cherubino of Chaplin, Karen Johnson and her partner Cindy Bishop of Dayville and Arlington, Mass., Linda Thompson (David) of Mendon, Mass., and AnneMarie Larkin (Jim) of Pomfret; five grandchildren: Jack and Owen Thompson and Mason, Cooper and Avery Rose Larkin who were the light of his life; his baby brother Robert Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colo.; nieces, nephews and extended families.
Joseph grew up in Taunton, and graduated from Msgr. James Coyle Boys High School Class of 1956. He joined the U.S. Navy in June of 1956 as a Radioman 3rd Class. He served in the Pacific on the USS Zelima AF-49, a refrigeration ship, and in the Atlantic on the USS Pawcatuck AO-108, an Oiler. He received an Honorable Discharge in December of 1959.
He was a member of the Massachusetts State Police from 1962 to 1968.  In 1968 the family moved to Connecticut and he became a member of the Connecticut State Police until 1991. He retired as a sergeant in the Eastern District Major Crime Squad in 1991. He spent most of his career at Troop D Danielson but worked all over the state.
He was a 4tn degree Black Belt in karate and ran the Danielson Karate Club in the 1980s where he enjoyed teaching and competing.  He was the security director for the Swiss Bank Corp in their USA Precious Metals Refinery for five years.  He also served as the security director for the Woodstock Fair for five years.  After retiring, each month he ran a breakfast in Putnam with other Troop D retired troopers. Once a year he ran a Southwest Florida Get Together for retired troopers and their spouses in Punta Gorda, Fla., while they lived there.
Joe was a life member in the Putnam Elks Lodge.  He enjoyed fishing and learning how to make and use his own flies.  Joe and his wife Patricia traveled in their motorhomes for a number of years up and down the East coast, and met and made many friends. They were members of the Holiday Ramblers R.V. Club.
The Mass of Christian Burial was July 7 in Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with private burial. Donations: TEEG in North Grosvenordale, CT, https://teegonline.org/giving. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Robert MacFarlane III
EASTFORD — Robert MacFarlane III, 71, of Eastford, died peacefully on June 28, 2023, at his home.
He was born on Aug. 8, 1951, in Putnam, son of the late Robert and Arline (Young) MacFarlane Jr.
Robert was owner of RM Trucking of Eastford for 40 years. He also owned and operated RM’s Diner in Eastford and RM Bar and Grill in Ashford. Robert was an avid vegetable gardener and loved to cook.
He leaves his life partner of 33 years Karyn Reiner of Eastford; his daughter Jessi MacFarlane (Daniel Dombrowski) and their sons Caleb and Lucas of Woodstock; his step children Zachary Reiner (Samantha) and their children Ilsa and Jonas of Eastford, and Jessica Lostrappo (James) and their son Alexander of Putnam; his nephew David O’Brien (Wendy) of Eastford.
A Graveside Service will be at 11 a.m. Aug.12 in Grove Cemetery, Eastford. A celebration of life will follow. Donations: Day Kimball Hospice of Northeast Connecticut PO Box 632 Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Phillip E. Willis
EASTFORD — Phillip E. Willis passed away peacefully July 8, 2023, at home.
Phil was born Dec. 8, 1959, in Putnam to Robert P. Willis Sr. and Doris “Dodie” Ayers Willis.  He grew up in Eastford, where he lived most of his life.  Phil was a graduate of The Woodstock Academy and Paul Smith’s College, where he received degrees in forestry and surveying.  He owned and operated P. Willis Construction, Inc. for 43 years, retiring in the spring of 2022.  
A lifelong coach and mentor, Phil was an inspiration for those around him.  His love for sports and providing opportunities for youth led Phil to spend decades advocating for and supporting youth organizations and youth sports, including coaching at St. Mary’s School, Eastford Elementary School, Frock Rock Youth Basketball, NECONN Soccer, Northeast United Premier Soccer and The Woodstock Academy.  He enjoyed many years of service as a member of The Woodstock Academy Foundation, the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center and the Pomfret Lions Club.  Phil was recognized for his efforts by NECASA, the Eastford Athletic Hall of Fame, The Woodstock Academy and by Frog Rock Youth Basketball, receiving the SSG Joseph E. Phaneuf II Memorial Award for Dedication.  He will be forever remembered for his ability to inspire others to be their best and to have a true sense of self-belief.  
Phil had an infectious sense of humor and   lived each day to the fullest.  He found great joy in helping others do the same.  He enjoyed spending time in Florida, traveling, and spending time with his loved ones creating wonderful memories.  
He leaves the love of his life, his soulmate and wife of 31 years, Stacey; his sons Blake Willis (Mary) of Virginia Beach, Vir., and Ryan Willis (Taylor) and his first grandchild, Hayes Phillip, of Bridgewater, Mass.; and his “Pippy,” daughter Abigail “Abby” Willis of W. Hartford; his brother Robert Willis Jr. (Kristen) of Eastford; his sister Caroline “Cally” Robbins (Edward) of Dayville; his mother- and father-in-law Vincent and Suzanne Maltese of Tinton Falls, N.J.; his sister-in-law Tina Woodward (Gary) of Holmdel, N.J., and his brother-in-law Adam Maltese (Andrea) of Bloomington, Ind.; nieces and nephews: Justin Willis and his daughters; Jordan Willis (Milka) and their sons; Angela Morelly and husband Mike and their son; Jim Robbins and wife Breanna and their son; Andrew, Max and Scott Woodward; and Juliana and Cecil Maltese.  
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. July 15 at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Road, Woodstock. Donations: the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 401 Park Dr., Suite 22 West, Boston, MA 02215; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tribute Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

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captions:

Team Photo 1978
Front row, from left: Craig Perkins, Jon Trudeau, David Bennett, Mark Tetreault. Second row: Chris Scraba, Kris Almquist, Don Furtado, Bart Ramos, Todd Morin and Mark Gerardi. Third row: Mickey Fall, David Converse, Manager Ron Coderre, coach John Farrington, Bruce Diaz, and Derek Benoit. Seated in front: bat boy Chris Coderre

Get Together
Members of the 1978 Sr. League District 10-11 Championship team proudly holding the banner they won 45 years ago. Front row, from left: David Bennett, Craig Perkins, Chris Coderre, Jon Trudeau, and Chris Scraba. Back row: Manager Ron Coderre, President Bob Larochelle, David Converse, coach John Farrington, Mark Gerardi.
 



In the summer of 1978, a group of 15-year-old young men captured the baseball fancy of Putnam becoming the first Putnam Little League – Sr. Division All Star team to capture the Division 10-11 championship and move on to State competition.  Now 45 years later and most approaching 60 years of age, the team came together July 1 for a reunion that all will remember forever.
The event organized by Chris Coderre, who was the 8-year-old bat boy in 1978, the team gathered along with then League President Robert “Bob Larochelle, Coach John Farrington and team Manager Ron Coderre.  Known for its closeness as a team in 1978, that same spirit was present in 2023 at the Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub as the memories of 1978 gradually filtered back through their minds.
Chris Coderre opened the program with pertinent remarks and reminiscences of the intense three weeks the team spent together on its way to the coveted title.  Larochelle provided a moment of silence for the team’s only deceased member Donald Furtado.  He also touched on the spirit and camaraderie that the team brought to the community of Putnam that summer.
Coach Farrington then spoke of the hard work and drive these young men had in preparing for each contest.  He also alluded to the fact that it was an honor to have been involved with these young players.
Manager Ron Coderre, in an emotional presentation, spoke highly of the character of the individual players and the pride they brought to the league and town, not only for their play on the field but off the field as true champions.
“This group of young men was destined to become champions not only on the diamond but in life.  As a unit they listened learned and competed together.  They understood how to act like champions but also how to be humble in defeat.  It was an honor to work with them.  One I’ll never forget.,” said Ron Coderre.
The pride of the team was the infield, which Coderre noted was probably “the best ever in Putnam baseball history.”  The 1978 infield was composed of Bart Ramos at 1st base (currently a Detective in the Putnam Police Department); Christopher Scraba 2nd base (a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and career Coast Guard Officer); Craig Perkins shortstop (UConn grad where he played football, later successful businessman and recent author); and Jon Trudeau 3rd base (successful local businessman).
The team boasted four solid pitchers, Mickey Fall (successful physical therapist and entrepreneur); Furtado; David Bennett (successful industry manager); and Mark Gerardi (a successful food store chain manager).  The catchers were Kris Almquist (current Arizona resident) and Mark Tetreault (current Minnesota resident).
The remaining players, all who filled special roles, were Todd Morin (current Woodstock resident); David Converse (current Woodstock resident); Bruce Diaz; and Derek Benoit.  The team alternates were Mark Pacheco and Mark Concato.
Gerardi, who resides on Nantucket Island, MA best summed up the importance of the team and reunion.  “I have never been back to a high school reunion but when I received word of this team getting together, I vowed I would definitely attend.  It was so great to see the guys I played with in 1978.  They were special then and they’re even more special today.”
Manager Ron Coderre said, “It was a privilege to coach these young men in 1978.  Seeing them today and hearing of the successes they’ve had in life not only makes me very proud but I always knew even 45 years ago that they would impact the world during their lifetimes.”
The team reached the championship by edging the Quinebaug Valley All Stars in the opening game 3-2 with Mickey Fall picking up the win.  They moved on with a stirring victory over Norwich, which was a two-day, eight-inning contest won by reliever Mark Gerardi.  The highlight of the contest was the words of Bart Ramos.  As the team exited Norwich on night one, the Norwich players stood outside the Putnam team bus taunting them.  At that point, Ramos calmly stood up in the bus and announced, ala General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines, “We will be back.”  The team returned on day-two and quickly secured the win.
The District 10-11 championship clinching win was a 7-3 victory over Pawcatuck, highlighted by home runs off the bats of Don Furtado and Bart Ramos.  Fall picked up the pitching victory, his second of the championship run.  The team lost in the opening round of the State Tournament 9-6 to Guilford.
The Reunion players received copies of the original team photo, newspaper clippings of their heroics from the Windham County Observer and a replica hat from the 1978 season.
“Seeing the reaction of the players was heartwarming.  Everyone was excited and suggested we continue this tradition.  I’m so pleased I moved forward in putting the reunion together,” said the bat boy, Chris Coderre.

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Wed. July 12
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- “A Cacophony of Greys” Exhibit and Reception by Steve Veilleux  will be on display in The Corridor Gallery at the Putnam Municipal Complex through Sept. 30. The reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. July 13.

Sat.  July 15
al Fresco
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam and the Putnam Recreation Department will present an al Fresco concert featuring Helene “Almost Cher’” Masiko with the Putnam Festival Orchestra at 7 p.m. in Rotary Park. River Fire follows at 8:30 p.m. Rain date: July 16. Free. Bring your lawn chairs. Brought to you by Centreville Bank, WIN Waste Innovations and the Town of Putnam Recreation Department.

Fri.  July 21
Movie Night
HAMPTON --- The James L. Goodwin Conservation Center will have an outdoor movie night with popcorn and snacks from 7 to 8 p.m. The film will be a short hour-long educational documentary called ”Fox Tales.” Feel free to bring your own snack and drinks. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with movie requests.

Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage and the Woodstock Recreation Department will present Patty Tuite & Bank in a free Twilight Lawn Concert at 7 p.m. at Roseland Cottage. Rain date Aug. 4.

Sat.  July 22
Summer Fun
EASTFORD --- The Congregational Church of Eastford will present frog jumping, a band concert and a cookout, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Crystal Pond Park. Free.

Fri.  July 28
Nature ‘Games’
HAMPTON --- Come on down to the James L. Goodwin Conservation Center for a fun afternoon of playing nature-themed board and card games, hosted by naturalist Robin Chandler from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Adults and kids alike welcome. There will be 5 games with varying difficulties available to play; Cardline, Ecologies, Ecos: The First Continent, Evolution, and Wingspan. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sat.  July 29
Hazardous Waste Collection
PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam will hold a household hazardous waste and confidential paper shredding collection day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Middle School. Putnam residents only – bring proof of residency. 860-963-6800 ext. 3 option 6.

Sat.  Aug. 5
Grange Fair
WOODSTOCK --- The Senexet Grange Fair will be held from 8 to noon at the grange on Rt. 169. Open to all.

Fri. Aug. 11
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage and the Woodstock Recreation Department will present The Flamingos in a free Twilight Lawn Concert at 6:30 p.m. at Roseland Cottage.

Sat.  Aug. 12
Concert
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Commission will present the Wooden Horse Band at 5:30 at the Recreation Park. Free. Bring chairs. Light refreshments will be available for sale.

Country Fest
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam Parks and Recreation Department will present Country Fest Concert with River Fire at Rotary Park. Hillbilly Graham Crackers will play from 2:30 to 4 p.m.; Whiskey Boulevard from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and Midnight Anthem from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and then River Fire will be lit soon after on the Quinebaug River. River Fire music by WINY Radio.

Sat.  Aug. 19
Murder Mystery Dinner
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Commission will present A Murder Mystery Show & Dinner starting with cocktail hour at 6 at Grill 37. Following dinner the murder mystery show is, “The Best Laid Plans”, an old Hollywood whodunnit. Dress in your best evening wear and suits-this is a refined party after all! $69. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sun.  Aug. 20
Main Street Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present Putnam’s Main Street Car Cruise from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. around downtown and in Rotary Park. There will be more than 1,000 classic cars, live music and more, including the Kids Zone in Rotary Park with Bounce Houses, Photo Booth, Bella The Clown, Arts & Crafts Tent, and Face Painting. New this year is the Celebrity Dunk Tank --- donate $5 to take a shot at dunking local celebs (benefits the Putnam Business Association).

Sun.  Aug. 27
Cruise Fund-raiser
THOMPSON --- DKH will hold its Cruise, BBQ & Brew - Motorcycle & Car Cruise at 10 a.m. at the Thompson Speedway and The Black Dog Bar & Grille in Putnam. Benefits the NECT Cancer Fund of Day Kimball Healthcare. $35 registration. daykimball.org/cruising.

Fri.  Sept. 8
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- The Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic will set off at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Country Club. For info: daykimball.org/golfclassic.

Sun.  Sept. 10
Jazz Fund-raiser
WINDHAM --- The Windham Free Library will hold a fund-raiser, the 21st Annual Jazz in the Garden, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 80 Windham Center Road. $60 Pre-sale/$65 at event. Benefits The Windham Free Library. For more info; visit: https://thewindhamfreelibrary.org/jazz/

Sat.  Sept. 23
Celebrating Agriculture
BROOKLYN --- 2023 Celebrating Agriculture will begin at 9 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds.

Sat.  Sept. 30
BBQ
WOODSTOCK --- The Bungay Fire Brigade will host its fall 2023 Chicken BBQ from 4 to 6 p.m. www.bungay.com.

Sat.  Nov. 11
Dueling Pianos
THOMPSON --- The DKH Dueling Pianos fund-raiser will be held at 6 p.m. at the Raceway Restaurant and Banquet Hall. Benefits Day Kimball Healthcare At Home services of HomeCare, HomeMakers, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. Food, drawings and more. Tickets $45, must be purchased in advance. daykimball.org/pianos.

Sun.  Dec. 3
Tree of Life
The DKH 34th Annual Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies will be held at 5 p.m. in 11 towns throughout northeastern Connecticut. The purchase of memorial lights on each community's Tree of Life benefits Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. For info: daykimball.org/treeoflife.

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