Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Putnam chiropractor, Dr. Fred Barks. Involved in many aspects of community service, Dr. Barks is one of the main supporters of semi-professional football in northeastern Connecticut.
It’s been some time since someone from northeastern Connecticut has been involved with professional baseball. There was a time, many years ago, when Walter Dropo, the “Moose from Moosup” was the talk of Major League baseball. But today there are very few who recall Dropo and his exploits with the Boston Red Sox when he captured the 1950 American League Rookie of the Honors.
Then there was Bruce Boisclair from Killingly High School who became the premier pinch hitter in the National League when he played for the New York Mets. And of course there was Putnam’s Bob Auger who played minor league ball for a couple seasons before arm problems shortened his career. Later a pair of Tourtellotte diamond standouts Brian Murphy and Alan Leboeuf made their names in the minor league ranks.
Today we have to reach down to southeastern Connecticut to connect with anyone associated in Major League baseball. It was with great pleasure that we read on Bleacher Report about two local products, Pete Walker and Rajai Davis. Both are associated with the Toronto Blue Jays of the American League East Division.
Walker, who this year was elevated by the Jays from bullpen coach to pitching coach, has been retained by Toronto for next season despite the disastrous season that the Canadian franchise suffered this past season. Although some of the Toronto coaching staff was not retained for the 2014 season, Walker and Manager John Gibbons will be back in the spring as the Blue Jays aspire to correct things in the nest and once again contend for an AL East title.
Davis, who played at New London High School and UConn-Avery Point, is currently part of the Blue Jays organization but will become a free agent as soon as the World Series ends. The second leading base stealer in the American League this season behind Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury, Davis is hoping to catch on with some team that will allow him to play every day. According to Bleacher Report, he may be able to demand a salary of more than $6.5 million with the right organization. There’s still a slim chance that Davis may sign with Toronto.
It’s unfortunate that northeastern Connecticut doesn’t have a Major League player to write about but with Walker, Davis and John McDonald, currently with the Red Sox and Matt Harvey of the New York Mets we have an opportunity, albeit somewhat long distance, to associate with players from Eastern Connecticut.
More News from Southeastern Connecticut…
Owen Coderre, “Big O” to his close friends, the son of former Putnam High School baseball and basketball standout Lance Coderre and his wife Lisa of Waterford, recently enjoyed an athletic experience that very few 11-year-old young men get to experience.
Coderre, along with two of his classmates, James Hodge and Connor Elci, traveled to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., home of the Jets and Giants for a very special sports-related day. The boys, all 6th graders at Clark Lane Middle School were guest of James Hodge’s stepdad who has a friend who works for the New York Daily News.
The Daily News was sponsoring a couple of flag football games at the stadium, one for kids and one for “big kids,” adults. In the kids game Owen was the quarterback for his team, and although they lost 14- 0, he had a blast. Following the games the participants were all treated to a dinner, where they got to meet two former Jets’ players, defensive back Bobby Jackson and running back/kick returner Bruce Harper. As an aside to deeply dedicated Jets and NFL fans, if you’ve ever seen a Jets fan on television known as “Fireman Ed,” he’s the guy wearing Harper’s #42.
Despite the thrill of playing in MetLife Stadium and meeting the former Jets’ players, young Coderre remains a loyal New England Patriots fan. Owen Coderre’s paternal grandparents are Moe and Pam Coderre of Putnam.
Chugging Along…
The Putnam Science Academy Mustangs got their basketball season off running, literally, as the team bonded with a 1-mile run at the St. Marie-Greenhalgh Athletic Complex. According to coach Tom Espinosa, “This was a great way to kickoff the 2013 hoop season.”
After shaking off the early morning cobwebs, the team took the four laps around the 440 track with Jalen Terry, who’s accustomed to running fast in the frigid Alaska weather, being the first player to cross the finish line. He posted a time of 5:39 a full 46 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Anthony Durham who hails from Pennsylvania. In third place one second behind Durham at 6:06 was Danny Upchurch from Bridgeport.
World Series Lucky…
Two Thompson residents were among the more than 40,000 chilly fans at Fenway Park in Boston on Thursday, Oct. 24 for the second game of the 2013 World Series. Kirby Cunha and John Lesniewski, a pair of avid baseball fans, although it’s possible they’re not necessarily Red Sox fans, were on hand as the BoSox went down at the hand of Cardinal rookie pitching sensation Michael Wacha by a score of 4-2.
Get Well Soon…
A rehab patient at Westview Health Care Center is former Plainfield businessman, all-around good guy and community servant Bob Quintal. The former owner of Quintal Insurance and ex-president of the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, is in the rehab unit following surgery. Send Quintal a note and wish him a speedy recovery at Westview HCC, 150 Ware Road, Dayville, CT 06241. RPC is rooting for a quick recovery, Bob.
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
October 1903: Putnam has a pro basketball team and has joined the Connecticut Eastern League, which consists of teams from Mystic, Norwich, New London, Danielson and Willimantic. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “When I’m on the road, my greatest ambition is to get a standing boo.” Al Hrabosky, Major League relief pitcher.
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Jane Danielson
E. WOODSTOCK — Jane Alton Danielson, 91, died Oct. 21, 2013, in the Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam.
Ms. Danielson was born in Hartford but spent her summers in East Woodstock, to which she moved permanently at age 8. The daughter of Flora and Carl Danielson, a school teacher and carpenter-turned store keeper, respectively, she was predeceased by James, her younger brother.
A graduate of Woodstock Academy, Ms. Danielson trained at a lab school in Boston before returning to Woodstock to work with Dr. David Bates. With seemingly limitless energy, she ran the office with a high degree of professionalism and compassion, admixed with spirited debates over politics. When Dr. Bates retired, Ms. Danielson served in the offices of the Woodstock Medical Group until her retirement at age 80.
She leaves cousins in the Gifford, Child, and Morse families, as well as the Bates family, of which she was effectively a member.
A Memorial Service was Oct. 26 at the East Woodstock Congregational Church. Donations: E. Woodstock Congregational Church, PO Box 156, E. Woodstock, CT 06244; or the Muddy Brook Fire Department, P.O. Box 222, East Woodstock, CT 06244-0222. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Rolande L. Magnan
WOODSTOCK — Rolande L. (Hubert) Magnan, 77, of Harrisville Road, died Oct. 24, 2013. She was the wife of Raymond N. Magnan for 57 years. Born in 1936 in Killingly, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Yvonne (Houle) Hubert.
Rolande worked as a pharmacy technician for Vien’s Pharmacy for 40 years. She was a communicant of Most Holy Trinity Church.
In addition to her husband, Rolande leaves her brother, Maurice Hubert of Putnam; her sister, Lillian Perreault of Seattle; nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Oct. 31 in Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret St. Pomfret. Private burial. Donations: Most Holy Trinity Church. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Virginia Lee
WOODSTOCK — Virginia R. (Shinn) Lee, 78, of Woodstock, died Oct. 22, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam.
She was the wife of the late Herald L. Lee Jr., who died Nov. 10, 1996.
She was born in Butler, Penn., daughter of the late Byron H. and Bertha I. (Tone) Shinn and lived in Woodstock since 1967. She was a retired school teacher having taught for many years at Rockville High School and Vernon Middle School.
She leaves two sons, Glenn M. Lee and James L. Lee, both of Woodstock; two granddaughters, Jacquelyn Nicole Lee and Rebecca Ruth Lee. She was predeceased by two brothers, Jeffrey N. Shinn and Joseph E. Shinn.
Donations: Bungee Fire and Rescue, 1256 Route 171, Woodstock, CT 06181. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Steven DuBois
EASTFORD — Steven “Steve” A. DuBois, 53, of Eastford, born March 3, 1960, died unexpectedly at home Oct. 1, 2013.
Dedicated to being a helping professional, Steve worked for the Department of Developmental Services as a case manager for 19 years. Known for his immense warmth, kindness, selflessness, and compassion, Steve worked relentlessly to improve the lives of others.
In addition to being a helping professional, Steve was passionate about coaching and working with young people. He served as the head boys basketball coach at Eastford Elementary School for two years and coached the Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball team at Woodstock Academy from 2001 until 2004.
He leaves three sons, Jeremy, Matthew, and Brandon.
A Celebration of his Life was Oct. 6 at Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. Donations: The Friends of Camp Quinebaug.
Paige Coombs
POMFRET --- Paige Streit Coombs, 58, wife of Charlie Coombs, died of melanoma on Oct. 14, 2013, at home.
The daughter of Mackey Metcalfe Dutton of Chestertown and the late Donald L. Streit of Cincinnati, Ohio Paige was born in Hartford and grew up in Cincinnati. She always considered Chestertown as her second home and loved spending time with her late grandmother, Frances Perry Metcalfe.
A graduate of Hillsdale School, Cincinnati and Washington College, Chestertown, Paige pursued a career in theater in New York City for several years. When she returned to Chestertown, she was employed by the Kent County Board of Education and also worked as an Innkeeper for the White Swan Tavern.
In 1986, Paige married Charlie Coombs and moved to Rappahannock County, Virginia where they lived for 20 years. The Coombses extensively restored The Cabin on Mill Run, a two hundred year old log cabin at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She loved her work in the Special Education Department of Rappahannock County High School, and she was the Executive Director of Headwaters, a nonprofit educational foundation. A tireless volunteer, Paige was President of the Rappahannock County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, President of the Board for Child Care and Learning Center of Rappahannock, President of the Board of the Rappahannock County Library and Volunteer Coordinator for Hospice of the Rapidan.
Six years ago, the Coombses moved to Pomfret, where Paige worked, until she became ill, as an Associate Editor for Early American Life Magazine. Her volunteer work included membership on the Women’s Board of Day-Kimball Hospital and the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret.
Paige was an excellent cook and an exceptional hostess. She enjoyed gardening and was quite knowledgeable about antiques.
She leaves her husband, Charlie, her mother, a brother, Stuart Streit of Cincinnati; a sister, Molly Streit of Chestertown, a stepsister, Kristin Korkunis of La Canada, Calif.; two stepchildren, David Coombs of Williamsburg, Va., and Susan Imperati of Old Saybrook; three nieces, Katie and Kelsey Streit and Grace Korkunis and four stepgrandchildren, Amanda and Ed Coombs, Sadie Gross and Joe Imperati.
A Memorial Service was Oct. 26 in Chestertown, Md., with burial in St. Paul’s, Kent. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date in Pomfret. Donations: Headwaters Foundation, PO Box 114, Sperryville, VA 22704. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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caption:
Auction Award
Putnam Business Association President Jeff Rawson, right, and auction chairman Ronald P. Coderre, back, presented an MVP plaque to Joe Voccio for all his help on the auction. Courtesy photo.
PBA auction
financial success
Special to the Putnam Town Crier
PUTNAM — Despite a sparse turnout of approximately 70 people, the “Progressive Putnam” Sports Memorabilia & Arts Auction, held recently at J.D. Cooper’s, was a financial success. According to Jeff Rawson, PBA president, and Ron Coderre, auction organizer, the event netted the association $4000.
“We were hoping to draw more people but those in attendance were enthusiastic in their bidding. We’re grateful to those who attended. The money will be used as part of our effort to market Putnam as a destination for visitors, diners and those who enjoy the arts,” said Rawson.
Auctioneer Gene Michael Deary and MC Josh Walsh of ESPN teamed up on stage to form a dynamic duo. The pair played off each other with their knowledge of sports, while providing an entertaining format for those in attendance.
The auction provided a variety of items from virtually every sport from baseball, football, basketball and hockey to golf, tennis and motor sports. There were also pieces of art with framing provided by artists Tom Menard and Carroll “Big Bird” Spinney and Sherri Sochor, owner of Arts & Framing in Putnam.
The Menard and Spinney pieces drew spirited bidding action, as did three packages provided by former Boston Red Sox catcher and current St. Louis Cardinals minor league hitting instructor Roger LaFrancois.
LaFrancois provided and authentic Cardinals warm-up jacket and cap with a Major League bat, which drew considerable action as did his personal package of a catcher’s mitt he used while playing for Boston, a Major League bat and ball and a LaFrancois Topps
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Alyssa Espinosa, left, and Saige Morin, both of Putnam, are Minons.
Amber Gregory, 3, of Hampton is portraying Cinderella Bride, top. Below, Kailyn Smith, 1 of Putnam, sports an elephant costume.
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Woodstock Elementary/Middle
Monday: Grilled chicken patties, fruit. Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese, peas, fruit. Wednesday: General Tsao Chicken, snow peas, fruit. Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit. Friday: Pizza, fruit.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday - Brunch at Lunch: Eggs, bacon and cheese on English muffins, hash browns. Tuesday: Honey BBQ grilled chicken sandwiches. Wednesday: Sloppy Joes. Thursday: Chef salad. Friday - half day: Macaroni and cheese, broccoli and cauliflower.
Putnam High
Monday: Melted ham and cheese croissants. Tuesday: Chicken teriyaki rice bowls. Wednesday: "Philly Style" steak and cheese subs. Thursday: Taco salad, Mexicali corn. Friday: Homemade chili.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, apple slices, banana loafs. Tuesday: No school - Professional Development. Wednesday: French toast sticks, turkey sausage links, oranges. Thursday: Mr. Fox's pizza, pineapple cups, Kids Snax Mix. Friday: Totally taco snax, refried beans, fruit.