By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to a truly great American Armand Jolly of Pomfret and formerly of Putnam, who turned 92 on Aug. 23.  Jolly is another member of “The Greatest Generation,” who our country owes so much to for the freedom we enjoy today.  Jolly was one of the few survivors of a 1945 kamikaze attack on the USS Emmons.  He was chosen on Thursday, August 18 to bring forward the memorial wreath for the 60 sailors who were killed that day.  The ceremony was held in the Old Judiciary Room of the State Capitol in Hartford.  RPC sends a special thanks and a very Happy Birthday wish to a great guy.

 Headed Overseas for Pro Ball

Former Marianapolis Prep basketball standout Ike Azotam, who recently completed a very successful four-year college tenure at Quinnipiac University, is headed to Spain as he extends his basketball career on the professional level.  Azotam, who scored more than 1000 points for the Bobcats and was one of the team’s outstanding rebounders, has signed to play with Marin Piexegalego for the 2014-2015- season.

A little known fact about Azotam is that prior to enrolling at Marianapolis as a postgraduate, he played his high school basketball in the Boston area, where he was a teammate of Shabazz Napier, formerly of UConn and currently of the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association.

Cody Semmelrock Update

Following up on the progress of former Woodstock Academy golfer Cody Semmelrock’s golf quest for a career as a professional, we’re happy to announce he recently tied for 16th in the New England Open PGA Championships.  He made the cut following two rounds of competition, when only 40 golfers of the 120 entries moved on to the final round of play.  He recorded rounds of 73, 72, 73 for a total of plus five.  This was his best finish in his brief career.

The Long Shot Tour-Nament to assist Semmelrock financially on his road to the pros is scheduled for Friday, October 3 with a 10 a.m. shotgun start at Quinnatisset Country Club.  The cost of the event is $125 per golfer and includes raffle, skins, special contests, hot dogs, hamburgers and soda during play.  Following play a dinner will be held at Connecticut National Golf Club, featuring a social hour at 5 p.m. and prime rib dinner at 6 p.m.  Anyone who doesn’t play golf but wishes to attend the dinner may do so at a cost of $40 per person.

Anyone wishing to play should contact Earl Semmelrock at 860 508-9525 or the Quinnatisset pro shop 860 928-7516.  Checks should be made payable to Cody Semmelrock and mailed to Earl Semmelrock, 69 Killingly Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.

Summer Hoop Camps a Huge Success

Putnam Science Academy Athletic Director Tom Espinosa reports that the youth summer camps held on the PSA campus this year were a big hit with the boys and girls ages 6 to 17 who attended.  More than 60 youngsters from South Central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut were on hand.

“The three weekend camps were very successful.  The kids in attendance not only received excellent instruction but they also realized basketball is a fun game.  Many met and made new friends at the camp,” said Espinosa.

In addition to Espinosa, the camps were led by PSA assistant coach Josh Scraba, former PSA great and University of Pacific standout 7-foot, 1-inch Rundell Mauge, and Worcester State University women’s basketball standout Ashley Espinosa.

Early High School Football Stats

Following one week of the schoolboy football season, Plainfield is the only local team with a victory to its name.  Quinebaug Pride, Woodstock Academy and Killingly all suffered losses in the initial week of competition.  The preps, Hyde-Woodstock and Pomfret School kicked off action last week.

Individually, Killingly quarterback Kyle Derosier leads the area signal callers with 132 passing yards.  Plainfield QB Steve Jankowski is the rushing leader with 126 yards, while a trio of receivers had a great first week.  Quinebaug Pride’s Steve Dakai is the receiving yardage leader with 97 yards, followed by Plainfield’s Tyler Ballard with 76 yards and Killingly’s Vasileous Politis with 74 yards.

Of local interest, Capital Prep’s quarterback Rayshawn Phillips received special recognition from the Hartford Courant for his play against Quinebaug Pride.  Phillips led his team to a 38-15 victory completing 22 of 27 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns.

High school football question of the week…Is it politically correct to continue to refer to Killingly High School athletic teams as the Redmen?  Send your suggestions for a new nickname to RPC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Your suggestions will run in future columns. 

Tidbits from a Maine Golf Sojourn

A group of 12 golfers, often referred to as the “dubbing dozen” recently returned from a three-day golf trip, which included two-days of play at Point Sebago Golf Resort in Maine and a stop at Breakfast Hill Golf Club in Greenland (not the real Greenland), New Hampshire.

The group included former school administrators, a bank executive, an accountant, a high school guidance counselor, a local restaurant owner and real estate mogul, a music teacher, a used car salesman, an Audubon expert, and a hospital administrator.  As you can imagine, agreeing on anything, especially golf scores and how to split the restaurant tab were difficult decisions to come to for this “dizzy dozen.”

Long drive champs for the 72-holes of play were Roger Beaudet and Peter Gaudette, who was also voted the group’s optimist.  Top point earner and money maker, according to his own calculations, was Nelson “Buzz” King, followed closely by Gene Blain, who was voted group clown.  There was a tie for the player who created the most aggravation between Henry Bennett and Bud Kettelle.  Mike Dalpe received the title of biggest tipper.  Doug Valentine and Mike Finnemore were voted quietest among the twelve.  Can you believe that?  Fran Baranski, noted for his love of the outdoors, saw the most of all the courses.  He spent time in the woods and played Army golf, left, right, left.  George Lessard was voted the easiest player to get along with.     Can you guess who the 12th golfer was?  All are planning to return for the trip next year, that is, if they’re invited.

Late Golf Tourney Notice

Should you receive the Town Crier prior to Saturday, September 27 and are looking for a golf tournament, contact Chris Mayhew.  The Masonic Lodge is sponsoring a Glow Ball Tournament at Roseland Golf Course.  The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a meal at the Lodge in Woodstock  and then on to golf around 8 p.m.  Cost is $75 per golfer.  Mayhew can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Energy is contagious…Surround yourself with positive thinkers.  You want to be around people who share your passion and commitment.

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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Gerald G. St. Jean, 

Korean war vet,

columnist

PUTNAM —  Gerald G. St. Jean, 85, formerly of Putnam, died Sept. 21, 2014, in Lanessa Extended Care, Webster.  He was the husband of the late Claire (Bessette) St. Jean.  Born in 1929 Worcester, he was the son of the late Joseph and Evelyn (St. Godard) St. Jean. 

Mr. St. Jean was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean war era. He worked as a typesetter for the Windham County Observer and the Putnam Patriot. He also worked for Loos & Company and Chase Graphics.  

He enjoyed woodworking, sports, being outdoors and was very proud of his Indian heritage. 

Gerald founded and coached the St. Mary’s Football Team for 10 years. He and his wife Claire founded Sport Light magazine, which covered local sports news.  Gerald also wrote “The Saint Sez” in the Putnam Town Crier, among others. 

He leaves his son, Kevin (Nancy) St. Jean of Brooklyn, Timothy (Victoria) St. Jean of Putnam, and James (Debra) St. Jean of East Killingly; his daughter Laurie (Michael) Sevigny of Riverside, R.I.; grandchildren, Sadie, Andrew, Seth, Nicholas, Jillian, Krista and Sarah; his great-granddaughter Ella; his brother, Russell St. Jean of Putnam; and his sister, Ann Marie St. Jean of Putnam.  He is predeceased by his brothers, Edmond “Tonto” and Francis “Pug” St. Jean. 

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin in the funeral home at 9 a.m. Sept. 26, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.  Donations: Day Kimball Homemakers and/or the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, both at P.O. Box 632 Putnam, CT 06260

 

Mary McTiernan

WOODSTOCK — Mary McTiernan, 101, of Woodstock Meadows, formerly of New York, died Sept. 15, 2014, in Regency Heights of Danielson. Born in 1913 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late John and Winifred (Dogherty) McTiernan.

Prior to her retirement she was a secretary for one of the attorneys at the Nuremburg Trials; following that she became a secretary at the New York Life Insurance Company.

Mrs. McTiernan enjoyed traveling and playing bridge 

Mary is the last survivor of her immediate family. She was predeceased by three brothers John, Patrick, and James McTiernan and two sisters Helen Meade and Winifred Egan. 

Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

W. ‘Bill’ E. Erskine

EASTFORD —  William “Bill” E. Erskine, 73, of Union Rd., Eastford formerly of Pomfret, died Sept. 13, 2014, in Windham Hospital. Born in 1941 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Reginald and Gertrude (Currier) Erskine.

Prior to his retirement Mr. Erskine was a construction worker for Phillip Wilson Construction and RM Construction as well as a machinist at the Kochek Company in Putnam.

Mr. Erskine was a race car driver at the Thompson Speedway for many years and was also an avid fisherman.

He leaves his daughter Letitia Curtis of Dayville; two brothers Richard Erskine of Dayville and Herbert Erskine of Danielson, and a sister Helen Welch of Dayville; six grandchildren Devin, Candace, Dakota, Hailey, Andrew, and Madison. He is predeceased by three brothers Reginald Erskine, Albert Erskine, and Robert Edward “Eddy” Erskine and a sister Pauline “Chicky” Erskine. 

The funeral was private. The family asks that you light a candle and think a happy thought of Bill as a memorial. Donations: Gilman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 131, Putnam, CT 06260, to help with Bill’s final expenses Gilman Funeral Home 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Salvatore Aliano Jr.

DAYVILLE — Salvatore Aliano Jr., 64, of Upper Maple St., formerly of Church St., Putnam, died Sept. 16, 2014, in Dayville. Born in 1950 in Torrington, he was the son of Salvatore and Mary (Fedore) Aliano Sr.

Although Sal faced some daunting challenges in life, he met them with his own brand of self-will, determination and humor.  He loved people, and loved to have fun.  He had a mischievous sense of humor and would play tricks on family members and staff whenever he could manage it.  His laugh was infectious and the joy he gave to others was immeasurable.  He was a valued member of the Henrichon family.

Salvatore leaves members of his CTH family, Earl, Angie, Earl, Jr. and Beth Henrichon, along with many friends he made throughout the years. 

A memorial celebration of Salvatore’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 16 at the Cornerstone Baptist Church (former Danielson Baptist) on Broad St. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Richard Champ,

Army vet

Rich was born in 1945 Hartford and grew up mostly in East Hartford.  He died Sept. 13, 2014. He was an Army veteran, and served in Bamberg Germany from 1965 to 1968.  He was an avid fisherman and a lover of all things auto racing.  He cared about the environment and was a big NY Yankees fan and a NY Giants fan.  

He is remembered: capture a recollection of a laugh, remember some help coming your way, recall some advice that did not seem meaningful  until later, try and think of a full smile directed at only you, picture a fishing rod fully bent over in the setting sun, remember a seriously ice coated ride home late at night, try and feel the love coming from someone who did not get a lot of love to give......and had a hard time expressing it, remember the fierce independence, the basic competence, the Rock and Roll set on 11.......the loyalty to family.......and forget the shortcomings.

Rich leaves his brother Steve Champ and his sister in law Cheryl K Champ, and his brother Frank Champ, and his nephews Tyler, Zachary, and Mike Champ; a niece, Jennifer Champ.  

Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

 

Lorraine L. Durand

N. GROSVENORDALE —  Lorraine L. (Coderre) Durand, 83, died Sept. 17, 2014, in Day Kimball Hospital.  Married on Sep. 2, 1950, in St. Joseph Church, she was the wife of the late Lionel Durand.  Born in 1931 in Thompson, she was the daughter of the late Roger and Laura (Hebert) Coderre.

Mrs. Durand graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1949. She worked as an office manager for Dura Tool Company, until her retirement in 1997. Lorraine was a member of the Thompson Senior Citizens and a former member of the Ladies of St. Anne. She enjoyed candlepin bowling, gardening, reading.

She leaves her son, Roger Durand (Phyllis) of N. Grosvenordale; her daughter, Linda Dry (Randall) of Burlington, N.J..; her grandchildren, Matthew Durand, Rose Durand, Diana Rice, Alan Rousseau, Brian Dry, and Nicholas Dry; her great-grandchildren, Patrick and Alex Rice; and her cousin, Dolly Hebert of Grosvenordale.  She is predeceased by her daughter, Laura Rousseau.

The Mass of Christian burial was Sept. 20 in St. Joseph Church , N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202; or Relay for Life c/o American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Antoinette Hayward

POMFRET — Antoinette “Toni” C. Hayward, 82, longtime resident of Sunny Hills, Fla., died Sept. 16, 2014, after an extended illness. 

She was born Feb. 8, 1932, in New Haven, daughter of the late Anthony and Lena Centrone. 

She was a retired X-ray technician from Hartford and Windham hospitals, sharing her love and compassion with others. 

She was an avid golfer, woodworker, and cook of delicious Italian cuisine. 

Antoinette was predeceased by her husband, Edward William Hayward; her brother John Centrone, her sister Mary-Anne Centrone and her best friend Lollipop, her Chihuahua. 

She leaves her son Damon William Hayward of Florida, and son David Scott Hayward (Irene Albee Hayward) of Pomfret  with whom she lived; granddaughters Jacqueline Hayward, Samantha Jo Hayward, Jennifer Albee, Megan Sullivan-Albee, Cindy Benoit, Rene Albee-Comeau (Brad Comeau); her great-granddaughter Madalynn Albee Comeau.

Also, niece, Denise Centrone; nephew, Wayne Centrone; and sister-in-law, Lynn Centrone; extended family: Hazel and Leonard Albee, Tabitha (Trixie) Albee, Kim Valade and Ron DuBreuil, Lori and Hal Malstrom, and Donna Wojtcuk; friends Joyce Brelsford, Shelly and John Elhert, Zel and Zane Spitzer, Vicky Peel, and Sue Anderson. 

Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3045. 

Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Paul Rosenlund

BELFAST, Maine — Paul Edward Victor Rosenlund, 72, died Sept. 14, 2014, at home. 

He was born on Aug. 12, 1942, in Massachusetts, son of Constance and Warren Rosenlund. 

Outside of his career in publishing at KMWorld, Paul loved weekend “yard saling,” Florida evenings sipping a good dry martini, and cooking delicious food for friends and family.

Though he made his home in Boca Raton, Fla., and “summered in Maine,” Paul was a true New Englander, as evidenced by his salty but jovial demeanor, and his trademark beard. 

That memorable demeanor granted Paul the uncanny ability to relate to people in a way that was thoroughly honest yet surprisingly reassuring. 

He displayed unconditional support and an irreverent sense of humor.

He leaves his partner Kathy; her children, Alex and wife Louise, currently residing in Yokohama, Japan; Miles and wife Sara of Belfast; and Lillian and husband Adam of Salem, N.H.; his daughter Kristen.

Also,  grandchildren Vera and Juliet; his sister Pamela and his mother Constance of Putnam.

Interment was at Gordon Cemetery. 

Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast, handled arrangements.

 

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caption:

 

Boys and girls cross country teams take off. Courtesy photos

 

 

 

THOMPSON — At the Sept. 15 Cross Country Meet held at Thompson Middle School four teams took part: host team, Thompson, Putnam, Plainfield, and Rectory.  Here are the top 7 runners of each town:

Boys – total runners, 52

Thompson:

6th Tom Poirier 13:57, 14th Stephen Scrapchorsky 15:15, 16th Joseph Pezzano 15:35, 19th Lance Groh 16:05, 20th Jimmy DiNoi 16:08, 23rd Eric Parafinowicz 16:38, and 24th Michael Merrial 16:45

Putnam:

11th John Carita 14:43, 12th Mark Caswell 14:44, 28th Ezra George 17:15, 32nd Jack Lomaz 18:40, 36th Michael, Ionkin 20:00, 41st Michael Dicolella 21:22, and 42nd Alex Kilgore 21:38

Plainfield: 

2nd Jame Talbet 13:22, 8th Jermaine Lockholm 14:33, 9th Elijah Brady 14:41, 15th Connor Abram 15:28, 17th Caleb Bettencourt 15:56, 21st Ian Martin 16:18, and 22nd Riley Martin 16:18

Rectory:

1st Ben Wong 13:14, 3rd Hayden McGuiness 13:30, 4th Hudson McGuiness 13:46, 5th Matt Roethlein 13:53 7th Jake Weiss 14:18, 10th Mahiio 14:42 and 13th David Giancio 15:05

Girls – total runners, 54

Thompson:

8th Elizabeth Denaroas 16:51, 9th Hope Kripes-higans 16:57. 10th Kathrin Poirier 16:59, 11th Kiera O’Brien 17:13, 17th Kate Heffernan 18:13, 22nd Rebecca Walker 19:05 and 23rd Sierra Allen 19:16

Putnam:

2nd Victoria Dias 15:24, 12th Katy Maryanov 17:16, 16th Anna Farland 18:11, 18th Mackenzie Saucier 18:24, 21st Anna Ionkin 19:05, 30th Hayley Kuhn 20:07 and 33rd Jane Vonguirath 20:21

Plainfield:

1st Emily Moran 14:53, 5th Aliyahlacombe 16:18, 6th Hailey Cassidy 16:24, 13th Jordan Dolbey 17:23, 14th Ashley Leroux 17:44, 20th Emilie Demarco 18:44, and 24th Drew Rivard 19:22 

Rectory:

4th Bailey Sheehan 16:00, 7th Meg Ritzau 16:44, 15th Stella Park 18:05, 19th Gabrielb Kwon 18:41, 37th Caroline Labbe 21:01, and 38th Sarah Gordon 21:05

 

 

Woodstock Public Schools

Monday: Turkey hot dogs, fruit. Tuesday: Baked chicken, butternut squash, fruit. Wednesday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce, fruit. Thursday: Beef and bean burritos, fruit. Friday: Pizza, zucchini, fruit.

Pomfret Community

Monday: Meatball subs, green beans, veggie cups, peach cups. Tuesday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, minestrone soup, bean and corn salad, watermelon. Wednesday: Country-style beef patties, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, apple slices. Thursday: Mr. Fox's stromboli, spinach salad, carrots with dip, pears. Friday: Deli turkey sandwiches, tomato soup, apple slices, Teddy Grahams.

Putnam Elementary/Middle

Monday - Elementary: Steak-N-Cheese pockets. Middle: "Philly-style" steak and cheese subs. Tuesday: Rainbow salad with mozzarella sticks. Wednesday - early release PMS: Grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, Goldfish crackers. Thursday: Cheeseburger mashed potato bowl, cucumber and tomato salad. Friday: Chicken Caesar salad.

Putnam High

Monday: Santa Fe steak wraps, vegetable salad. Tuesday: American Harvest Salad. Wednesday: BBQ chicken quesadilla, Mexicali corn. Thursday: General Tsao Chicken, stir fry vegetables, spring rolls. Friday: pizza.