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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC Sporty shoutout goes to Thompson’s Shirley Houle who joined the ranks of millions of other octogenarians.  The popular Houle blew out 80 candles on her cake in front of a huge throng of friends and family on hand to help her celebrate at Valley Springs Sportsman’s Club.  Happy Birthday, Shirley!
Tom Moore, the sixth-year head coach of Quinnipiac University, was on hand Jan. 25 at the Putnam Science Academy gym for the Scientists contest against McDuffie School of Springfield.  Moore was there to scout McDuffie’s 6-foot, 8-inch Josh Wilchombe who hails from Elmont, N.Y.
Wilchombe saw limited second half action due to a recent minor knee injury.  Moore however, did not waste the trip from his home in Tolland, as he told RPC that he was very impressed with the play of another McDuffie player, 6-7 Phabian Glasco of Tulsa, Okla.  Despite losing by 10 points to PSA, Glasco was definitely a standout on the court, posting a double-double.
Moore, who won his 100th career game in a recent victory over cross-state rival Central Connecticut State University, is an amicable individual.  Prior to assuming his position at QU, Moore served as an assistant at UConn under coach Jim Calhoun.  In fact, Calhoun was on hand for Moore’s 100th win because CCSU coach Howie Dickenman was also a Calhoun assistant.
Moore’s current Bobcat unit features a pair of Marianapolis graduates, junior Ike Azotam and sophomore Ousmane Drame.  Azotam is Quinnipiac’s go-to guy and recently posted his 25th career double-double in a 58-56 win over Northeast Conference foe Fairleigh Dickinson University.  The 6-9 Drame comes off the bench for coach Moore and provides strong rebounding and steady offense.
“Ike Azotam and Ousmane Drame have become a huge part of our success here at Quinnipiac University,” said Moore.  
“Ike has become a consistent scoring and rebounding force in the Northeast Conference.  He emerged as a double/double threat last year as a sophomore and has continued his growth this season as a junior.  He is scoring with his back to the basket and facing up.  He continues to be a terrific rebounder with good instincts and great hands,” noted Moore
“Ousmane Drame continues to improve this season as a sophomore.  He is such a talented offensive player, with great hands and passing ability for a player his size.  He has made strides defensively this year as both a shot blocker and team defender.  He has already had a big impact on a lot of big wins for us in his short time here and he has the potential to be one of the best big guys to ever play here at Quinnipiac,” Moore added.
Quinnipiac is 8-12 overall and 4-4 in the NEC behind the play of Azotam and Drame.  The pair played at Marianapolis for former coach Dave Vitale and current head mentor Andrew Vitale, who was an assistant at the time.      
Proud Grandparents…
Spotted in the crowd at the Assumption College vs. Franklin Pierce University women’s basketball game were Killingly residents Bob and Charlotte Picard.  They were on hand to cheer for their granddaughter, Ashley Forand, a freshman on the Ravens team. Forand, who comes from Storrs, is a former standout at E.O. Smith High School.  Also in the stands were her parents Scott and Sandy Forand and another Putnam friend Roger Franklin.
Unfortunately for Ashley and her fellow Ravens and her rooting section, Franklin Pierce lost to the 12-5 Assumption Lady Greyhounds.
Get Well Wishes…
Two of northeastern Connecticut’s truly good sports are home recuperating from recent visits to local hospitals.  Chad Neal of Putnam and Sam Markley of Dayville were hospitalized but are happily back in the Quiet Corner.
Markley made a trip to UMass Medical Center in Worcester, where he was treated for a cardiac-related issue.  He is back at his Alexander’s Lake home and smiling after what he termed as, “professional care from a very friendly and caring staff.”  Send Sam a card of encouragement at his 102 Island Road, Dayville, CT 06241 address.
Neal, the head football coach of the Killingly Redmen, was in Boston at Dana Farber and Brigham and Women’s for a surgical procedure.  He is home and would love to hear from his friends at his address, 20 Pleasant St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Both Neal and Markley are in great spirits and are itching to be active on Sports St. in the very near future.
Proud Teacher…
Putnam resident Joe Basinet, a retired teacher and administrator of the Fessenden School in West Newton, Mass., is proud of the fact that one of his former students may soon become the Secretary of State of the United States of America.
Basinet, who was a longtime educator at Fessenden, was proud to share the news of his former student Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, who President Barack Obama has nominated to become Secretary of State to succeed Hilary Clinton.  
Fessenden is a Pre-K through 9 school for boys.  Its mission is to teach, nurture and celebrate growing boys while striving to develop balance in mind, heart and body.
As a young man growing up in Putnam, Joe Basinet, known to his friends as “Baz” was an active athletic individual.  In the days when St. Mary parish ran a very active summer camp for boys and girls in Woodstock, Joe Basinet was a main cog in its success.  There are still many local people who have fond memories of St. Mary’s Camp, either as a participant or a counselor.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: In gaining things that matter least, be certain you don’t lose the things that matter most.

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Helping Hands
Rectory Headmaster Fred Williams, and Scott Greene, director of Individualized Instruction Program (IIP), led students in cleaning a barn at a nearby farm for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Courtesy photo.

POMFRET — On Martin Luther King Jr. Day the middle school students and faculty at The Rectory School devoted the time for reflection and action based on Dr. King’s message to serve others.
At Assembly two students, Sebega and Qing Qing each shared personal stories of service projects they participated in during the summer. Afterwards, 200 students were involved in a variety of activities on campus and in the area. Organized by parent, Anne Guevremont and Headmaster Fred Williams, the volunteer offerings included playing basketball with sailors visiting from the Groton Naval base, playing board games and reading poetry to people in retirement facilities, performing instrumental music at nursing homes, collecting canned goods for the homeless, clearing horse trails, and cleaning barns. It was a day to give back by working willingly for the benefit of others.
Rectory’s guest speaker in the afternoon session was Grace Akallo who talked about her experiences as a child abducted at the age of 15 in Uganda, Africa. Akallo, author of Girl Soldier, shared her courageous story about her escape from her abductors in the (LRA) Lord’s Resistance Army of Joseph Kony, who severely mistreated her along with many other children. She spoke of the destruction that Kony has brought to Uganda and the power that one person has to stop the violence by telling her story. Akallo is founder and executive director of United Africans for Women and Children Rights whose mission is to raise awareness of the need to safeguard the rights of vulnerable women and children subject to abuse and neglect.

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Alexis Lynn Marie
Ava Nicole Marie Auger
PUTNAM --- Alexis Lynn Marie Auger, 3, and Ava Nicole Marie Auger, infant daughter of Lauren Auger and John Newsome of Putnam, went home to be with the angels on Jan. 22, 2013.
Alexis and Ava also leave their cousin, Kayce Edwards of Putnam; grandparents Charles R. and Tracy M. Welch of Danielson; aunts Amanda Auger of Putnam, Danielle Larsen (Charles) of Leicester, Mass.; uncles Trevor Auger of Danielson, and Stan Dashnaw of Putnam; and Alexis’ father Jeffery Carney of Danielson.  The funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Jane Fehr, RN
BROOKLYN — Jane Anne Thompson Fehr, formerly of Brooklyn, died Jan. 27, 2013, in Spring Hill, Fla.
She was born Feb. 1, 1947, in the Bronx, N.Y.
Jane was a 1967 graduate of St. Clare’s Nursing School in NYC. After working many years as a surgical RN, she retired from Day Kimball Hospital in 2010. Upon retiring to Spring Hill, Jane became an active member of the Timber Pines Garden Club and volunteer at the Oak Hill Hospital Emergency Room. She was a passionate gardener, lover of birds and a crossword puzzle enthusiast. Jane was a life-long New York Yankee fan with a special affection for her #20. Jane was a 40-year communicant of the Our Lady of LaSalette parish family in Brooklyn.
She leaves her husband Richard E. Fehr; son, William Fehr (Melissa) of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter Lizabeth Hensley (Joel) of Chelmsford, Mass.; three grandchildren, Karsen Fehr, Ethan Hensley and Maya Hensley. Jane is predeceased by her parents John and Stella Thompson.
Calling hours are from 6 to 9 a.m. Feb. 1 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. The Funeral will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 2 from the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of LaSalette Church, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Wauregan. Donations: Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.

Gary A. Apley,
father of one
N. GROSVENORDALE — Gary A. Apley, 58, of Riverside Drive, died Jan. 20, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital.  Born in 1954 in Putnam, he was the son of Evelyn (Morgan) of Marathon, Fla., and the late Stewart Apley.
Mr. Apley worked in the shipping department for the Kochek Company of Putnam.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of the Pomfret Rod and Gun Club.
He leaves his daughter, Angela Szeredy of Grand Rapids, Mich.; brothers, Mark Apley of Pomfret Center, Lorrian Apley of Thompson, Fred Apley of Chepachet, and Neil Apley of Marathon; sister, Lisa Bianchi of Milford, N.H.; and granddaughter, Juliana Szeredy.  He was predeceased by his sister, Claire Apley.
Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 2 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.  

Maurice J. Cloutier,
Korean  war vet
WEBSTER — Maurice J. Cloutier, 82, of Colonial Road, formerly of Putnam, died Jan. 20, 2013.  He was the husband of Pauline V. (Lavallee) Cloutier for 57 years.  Born in 1930 in Webster, he was the son of the late Leon C. and Eliza M. (Bernier) Cloutier.
Mr. Cloutier served his country during the Korean war. He was a graduate of Assumption Preparatory School, Assumption College, and went on to earn his master’s degree from Middlebury College.  
He was a French teacher for Putnam High School for 35 years.  After he retired he worked as a substitute teacher for 15 years for both Putnam High and Woodstock Academy culminating his 50-year teaching career.  He was a member of the National Education Association, the Putnam Education Association, and life member of the American Association of Teachers of French and the Connecticut Education Association;   he was the Putnam High School Year Book Advisor for 25 years and served on the Board of Trustees for Annhurst School of Music.  
A communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation, he was an active member of the church including singing in the choir, volunteering for Nocturnal Adoration and serving on the St Mary School Board of Education.  He was a member of the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 529, and of L’Union Ste Jean Baptiste.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons, Maurice L. Cloutier (Denise) of Hamden,  and Paul Cloutier (Kathy) of Quinebaug; daughters, Deborah Babcock, her partner Todd Lee of Newton, Mass., and Gloria Prunier (Raymond) of Merrimack, N.H.; sister, Shirley Armendo of Worcester; 10 grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 26 in St. Mary Church, Putnam, with burial with military honors in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Webster. Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Roland Plante,
WWII vet
DAYVILLE — Roland Plante, 90, of Normandie Park, died Jan. 26, 2013, at the Regency Heights Nursing Home in Danielson. He was the husband of Marilyn Genevieve (Walters) Plante. She died in 1997.
He was born April 22, 1922, in Woonsocket, R.I., son of the late Eugene and Malvina (Beaudion) Plante.
He was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Army.
He was honorably discharged.
He was employed for 12 years at the U.S. Post Office in Manchester as the assistant building supervisor.
He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking. Roland had a great appreciation of nature and spent many hours watching wildlife.
He was a born again Christian.
He leaves his sons: Michael Plante of Vassalboro, Maine, James Tays of Danielson, Jeffrey Tays and Alan Tays, both of Oklahoma; daughters: Sharon Fransen (Howard) of Canton, Penn., Diane Campbell (Brian) of Danielson; eight  grandchildren: Holly,  Alaina, Zachary, Chelsea, Amber, Casey, Kirsten, Nathan, six great-grandchildren, Johnny, Lila, Riley, Reese, Bethany, Aiden, and his second family and dear friends  John and Judy Rucki of Abington. Predeceased by his siblings Leo Plante and Lauretta Trottier.
Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 30 at the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in Abington Cemetery, Pomfret, in the spring.

John G. Prihoda Jr.,
Korean war vet
PUTNAM — John G. Prihoda Jr., 82, of Church Street, died Jan. 24, 2013, in Day Kimball Hospital.  He was the husband of Anna (Leo) Prihoda.  Born in 1930 in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late John G. Prihoda, Sr. and Theresa (Skovira) Prihoda.
Mr. Prihoda served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.  He worked as a realtor for Tedeschi Real Estate as well as a police officer for Bridgeport’s
first canine office. He was a member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks and the Benevolent Police Association.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sister, Margaret Prihoda of Bridgeport. He was predeceased by his son, John G. Prihoda III; his sister, Mary Prihoda.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Donations: St. Mary Church, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Lisa A. Ramsdell,
enjoyed photography
PUTNAM — Lisa A. Ramsdell, 47, of Sabin Street, died Jan. 21, 2013, at home.
Born in 1965 in Worcester, she was the daughter of Marie (Mayo) Ramsdell of Putnam and the late Joseph Ramsdell Sr.
Lisa graduated from Putnam High School.  She went on to work as a dishwasher and kitchen help for the Rectory School in Pomfret.  She enjoyed photography, playing keno, and especially loved her kitties, “Flake,” and “Smokey.”  
In addition to her mother, she leaves brothers, Joseph P. Ramsdell Jr. of Gautier, Miss., Carl F. Ramsdell of Westbrook, Stewart B. Ramsdell of Georgia, and David L. Ramsdell of Valdosta, Ga.; sisters, Rebecca L. Wilson of New Jersey, and Donna M. Miller of Tennessee. She was predeceased by her brother, Scott H. Ramsdell.
The Funeral was Jan. 24 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, with burial in South Cemetery, Pomfret in the spring. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or the ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St., NY, NY 10128.

Victor J. Royer,
worked at Rogers
DANIELSON — Victor J. Royer, 71, of Danielson, died Jan. 23, 2013, at Regency Heights.. He was born Feb. 11, 194,1 in Winsted, son of the late Eugene and Alice (Arnold) Royer.
Victor was employed as a chemical mixer at Rogers Corporation for over 40 years. He served with the U.S. Marines for four years.
After his retirement, his son in-law Troy built him his own log cabin home where he happily resided with his daughter and granddaughters. He loved doing crossword puzzles and playing checkers with Tara.  He was so proud when Melinda took him for a ride around town in her new car and when Heather enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became an intelligence specialist.
He leaves his children: Michael Royer (Natasa) of  Pawling, N.Y., Deborah Malboeuf (Troy) of Danielson; a sister Joyce Briere (Donald) of Danielson; seven granddaughters: Amanda, Michelle, Natalie and Faith Royer,  Heather, Melinda and Tara Malboeuf. He was predeceased by a brother Thomas Royer.
The funeral was private with burial with military honors in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Gary R. Walker,
church member
BROOKLYN — Gary R. Walker, 59, of Westview Drive, Brooklyn, died unexpectedly Jan. 21, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. Gary was the husband of Jane (Meyers) Walker.
They were married on July 4, 1983, in Las Vegas. Gary was born Aug. 17, 1953, in Fall River, Mass., son of the late Kenneth and Rose (Durfee) Walker. Gary was raised in Westport, Mass. He was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson. He was a very active member of the Teamsters Union Local 493. He worked for Frito Lay for over 30 years.. Gary was a devoted Red Sox fan. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, and his work ethic.
He leaves his wife Jane Walker of Brooklyn; children Caitlin Adams (Ross) of Brooklyn, Amy Walker of Brooklyn, Zachary Walker of Brooklyn, Allison Burkart (Thomas) of Twentynine Palms, Calif.;  grandchildren Elizabeth, Makenzie, Nathan, Madelynn, and a future grandchild to be born any day;  siblings Ronald Walker of Florida, Joyce Walker of Florida, Kenneth Walker of Westport.
The Funeral Mass was Jan. 25 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: St. James School Endowment Fund, 12 Franklin St., Danielson, CT 06239. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Orrin Sandness,
Korean war vet
EASTFORD — Orrin A. Sandness, 82, of Eastford, went home to be with the Lord Jan.  21, 2013 at home. He was the husband of Barbara (Buell) Sandness. They were married Feb. 19, 1955.
He was born Feb. 15, 1930, in LaMoure, N.D., son of the late Arthur and Erna (Lane) Sandness.
Orrin was an active member of the Eastford Baptist Church and had served on many boards and committees over the years. Orrin was a member of the Gideons, active for over 45 years.  He was an apple grower for most of his life. After his marriage to Barbara, he joined Buell’s Orchard, the family farm, working hard to expand and modernize it, and passing it down to his sons.  He was a founding member of the CT Apple Marketing Board, a member and past president of the Connecticut Pomological Society, and a member of the Quinebaug Valley Fruit Growers Association.  He was a veteran of the Korean war serving with the U.S. Army. He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida for over 25 years.
He leaves his wife Barbara; children: Carol Fooks, Jeffrey Sandness (Patty); Jonathan Sandness (Sharlene),  all of Eastford; grandchildren: Matthew Sandness, Gregory Sandness, Alison Sandness, Mark Sandness, Ethan Sandness, Danielle Benoit, and Justin Benoit. He was predeceased by brothers: Leroy Sandness and Donald Sandness.
A Memorial Service was Jan. 24 at the Eastford Baptist Church. Donations: The Gideon Northeast Camp, 86 Crystal Pond Road, Eastford, CT 06242; or Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Andreas G. Yakis,
chemist
PUTNAM — Andreas G. Yakis, 85, of Liberty Highway, died Jan. 25, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Estelle (Lavallee) Yakis. They were married Sept. 25, 1954.
He was born July 11, 1927, in Norwich, son of the late George A. and Lena (Gendron) Yakis.
He was a chemist for over 35 years working for Belding-Heminway in Putnam. Andreas spent his youth in Greece with his extended family. He was a communicant of St Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam and made his home in Putnam for 65 years. He was an avid stamp collector and model train collector. He enjoyed watching UConn Huskies women’s basketball and loved reading.
He leaves his wife Estelle; son Steve Yakis and his fiancée Donna of Eastford;  grandchildren: Ryan  Yakis, Matthew Yakis, Nathan Yakis, all of Eastford; sister Elizabeth Lechner of Phoenix; sister-in-law Theresa Lavallee of Putnam. He was predeceased by his brother Angelo Yakis in 2012.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. The Funeral will be at 8:15 a.m. Jan. 31 from the funeral home, followed by a 9 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St Mary Church of the Visitation, and burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam.

Anna Cierpich,
mother of 8
DUDLEY — Anna E. (Witkowski) Cierpich, 94, of Dudley died Jan. 18, 2013, in Webster Manor. Her husband of 27 years, Aloysius C. Cierpich, died in 1966.
She was born in Webster and raised on the family farm on Linehouse Road in N. Grosvenordale, one of the 10 children of Dominic and Anna (Suchocki) Witkowski. She moved to Webster when she married in 1939 and then to Dudley in 1952.
Mrs. Cierpich was a weaver at Cluett-Peabody in N. Grosvenordale, at Stevens Linen Associates, and at Anglo Fabrics in Webster. She was also an assembler at Webster Spring Company in Oxford. After she retired in 1969, she worked as a clerk at Mammoth Mart in Dudley. She was a member of St. Andrew Bobola Church. She enjoyed her annual vegetable and flower gardens, completing crossword puzzles, and reading.
She leaves seven children: Robert M. Cierpich (Irene) of Oxford, Elizabeth A. Simmons  and Maryann T. Duncan, both of Brooklyn, Charles A. Cierpich (Alice) and Anne E. Bembenek (Kenneth), all of Dudley, Sharon A. Marchan (Jorge) of Las Vegas, and Frederick J. Cierpich of Dudley; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond Witkowski of Florida and Martin Witkowski of N. Grosvenordale; two  sisters, Genevieve Lebeau of Danielson, and Julia Veltheim of Shalimar, Fla.She was predeceased by her daughter Charlotte in 1946, by four brothers, John, Joseph, Edward and Fredrick Witkowski; and by a sister, Mary Chlapowski.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 8, in St. Andrew Bobola Church. Donations: St. Andrew Bobola Church, 54 West Main St., PO Box 98, Dudley, MA 01571-0098; or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.

Eileen Kopas
THOMPSON — Eileen M. (Johnson) Kopas, 59, died Jan. 23, 2013, at Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge. Her husband, Russell C. Kopas died June 4, 2012.  
She was the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Jane (Freiermuth) Johnson.  She was an artist, having worked many years at Atlas Screen Printing.
She leaves a son, David R. Kopas (Monique) of Thompson; a granddaughter, Ariel Kopas.
The funeral was private. Donations: American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

Muriel Paquette
THOMPSON — Muriel O. (Trudeau) Paquette, 79, died Jan. 25, 2013, at the Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence in Worcester.
She was born in Putnam, daughter of the late Jerome and Emma (Gautreau) Trudeau and lived in Putnam before moving to Thompson in 1974. She was formerly employed at Colts Plastics in Dayville.
She leaves her husband of 39 years, Jean Peter Paquette of Thompson; a son, George Baker of Putnam; two daughters, Robin Piette of Dudley and Heidi Dobson of Pennsylvania; two granddaughters.
The Funeral was private with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Thompson Dog Pound, 185 Pasay Rd. N. Grosvenordale. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

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Donation
The Putnam Rotary Club, during its  monthly campaign in January, collected a dozen jars of peanut butter, three to four dozen cans of tuna and cash, which it donated to Daily Bread. David Dunham, left, IHSP treasurer, receives the donations from Paul Pikora, Putnam Rotary Club president. Daily Bread was running low on tuna and peanut butter and asked for those items. Linda Lemmon photo.