Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to David Vitale, the former Marianapolis basketball coach and long time Putnam assistant. Today, Vitale enjoys working on the basketball courts developing young players. He’s also known for cruising the streets of Putnam harassing his many erstwhile friends. He celebrated another birthday on Monday, August 4.
The official end of the Zone VI American Legion Baseball season for 2014 came to a close with the naming of the Zone All-Stars and winners of the Sportsmanship Award. Moosup Post #91 stole the show with the naming of Mike Esposito as the season’s Outstanding Pitcher. Espo, who was the ace of the Moosup staff finished with a perfect 9-0 record, while also leading his team in many offensive categories. He’s rumored to be headed to NCAA Division II Franklin Pierce University, which plays in the rugged Northeast-10 Conference.
Joe Leo, head coach of the Moosup contingent ,was named the Zone Coach of the Year. Although the team got a late start because the Plainfield High School Panthers went deep into the CIAC Tournament, Leo nonetheless guided Post #91 to a 22-10 record, good for a fourth-place finish in the Zone. They also captured an opening round game in the Legion State Tournament before being eliminated.
Leo and Esposito are both most deserving of the honors. Esposito’s teammate shortstop Garet Griffin was also a First Team selection. He’s also rumored to be heading to New Hampshire to play for Franklin Pierce University.
Danielson placed three players on the First Team. Named were Woodstock Academy product, catcher Kolby Reggione, infielder Ben Rumrill and standout centerfielder Tre Belanger. TriTown’s middle infielder Ben Brissette was named to the reserve unit. His teammate Sean Falvey was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award as were J.P. Dufault of Danielson and Dylan Horn of Moosup.
Amazing Recovery
It was less than two months ago that northeastern Connecticut’s most avid runner Jimi Gothreau underwent a hip replacement. Following surgery Gothreau could be seen around town wrapped in post-surgical paraphernalia and walking with a cane. Gothreau is now rid of all assistive devices and although he’s not running, he’s getting in his miles by walking whenever he is able.
As a high schooler, Gothreau was a standout long distance runner for coach George St. Marie and the Putnam Clippers. He later was a member of the track team at UConn. He’s also the individual who’s partially responsible for the Wednesday evening “Fun Runs” at West Thompson Lake as well as being one of the originators of the long standing Deary Memorial Race.
He Loves Baseball
A 2011 graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School is currently enjoying every minute of his summer college internship. David Santerre, who in May received his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University, which he completed in three years, is working with the Connecticut Tigers at Dodd Stadium. From all indications, he loves what he’s doing and the Tigers apparently love this young man who now resides in Putnam.
Santerre is listed in the Tigers’ program as part of the Front Office Operations staff. He’s enjoying working closely with the entire front office staff and speaks highly of Vice President and General Manager Eric Knighton and Group Sales Manager Jack Kasten.
In the latest game program, Santerre is credited with writing two articles. One piece is an interview with Ed Weyant, the public address announcer of the Tigers and the other is a look back at how the City of Norwich secured a minor league franchise and the work done by Norwich Attorney Glenn Carberry.
Santerre, who played baseball at Tourtellotte and for two seasons with the TriTown American Legion team, is the son of Michael and Anita Santerre of Putnam.
Putnam’s Version of Famed Ronan Tynan
Moe Coderre, who’s known locally as the gentleman who sings the National Anthem at all Putnam High School girls’ and boys’ basketball games, is sprouting his singing wings. On Sunday, July 27 Coderre performed the National Anthem at Dodd Stadium prior to the Connecticut Tigers game against the Staten Island Yankees. Earlier in the season he sang the Anthem at Dodd Stadium for the TriTown American Legion contests against Jewett City.
Chance Meeting Turns to Friendship
Danielson resident and former Killingly High School standout athlete Charlie Lee now spends his summers on the links. Of course, during the winter Lee devotes much of his time officiating college basketball games and an occasional high school contest.
Last week while spending time at Foster Country Club Lee had a chance encounter with a noted Boston athlete. He made the acquaintance of Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Bartkowski, who was at the course as part of an organized two-day tournament. Lee and Bartkowski began chatting and despite the fact that both had already played 18 holes they went out for a 9-hole match. According to Lee, Bartkowski is a great young man with a positive disposition.
Bartkowski, who has been a Bruin since 2010 when he was traded to Beantown from Florida, is a 26-year old defenseman who wears number 43, in case you’re watching the Bruins on TV later this year. Lee and Bartkowski are planning to get together later this summer for golf in Pittsburgh, which is Bartkowski’s hometown.
We Had a Trivia Winner
The question: Name the three Major League players from Eastern Connecticut who played in the All Star game?
The answer: Walt Dropo of Moosup and Plainfield High School and UConn who played 1st base in the 1950 game when he was with the Red Sox.
Bill Dawley of Norwich and Griswold High School who pitched in the 1983 contest when he was with the Houston Astros.
Matt Harvey of New London and Fitch High School who pitched in the 2013 game as a member of the New York Mets.
The winner: Lance Coderre, formerly of Putnam and a resident of Waterford, who graduated from Putnam High School and Stonehill College in 1983.
We’ll see if you’re reading the column closely. What is the one commonality that Dropo, Dawley and Harvey have rather than the obvious? Winner will get a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant. E-mail answers to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Only one winner.
RPC’s closing Thought For The Day: Nothing is really lost – it’s just where it doesn’t belong.
(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Barbara Barrett
WOODSTOCK — Barbara Barrett, 91, of Woodstock died July 25, 2014, at home. She was born Aug. 31, 1922, in Woodstock in the home she grew up in, daughter of Ethal and Estella (Frink) Barrett.
Barbara graduated from Woodstock Academy and the Elizabeth A. Ollis School of Cosmetology. She was owner and operator of Barbara’s Beauty Salon in Southbridge, for 33 years.
She was an active member of the East Woodstock Congregational Church and its Ladies Benevolent Society. One of the originators of the annual East Woodstock Fourth of July Jamboree-circa 1957. A life member of the Woodstock Fair Agricultural Society, Woodstock Historical Society and the Woodstock Theft Detecting Society.
She leaves her sister Doris Barrett of Woodstock; a niece Diane B. Morin of Woodstock, a niece Constance B. Kent of Foster, a nephew David E. Barrett of Sheldon, Wisc.; nine grandnieces and nephews and five great-grandnieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother George E. Barrett who died in 1988 and a sister-in-law Cecelia A. Barrett who died in 2003.
Services are private. Donations: East Woodstock Congregational Church “Maintenance Fund”, PO Box 156, East Woodstock, CT 06244. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Lorraine Beausoleil
WOODSTOCK — Lorraine G. Beausoleil, 91, of Woodstock, formerly of Putnam, died Aug. 3, 2014, at Villa Maria in Plainfield. She was the wife of the late Jean Paul Beausoleil. He died in 1991.
She was born Feb. 1, 1923, in Dudley, daughter of Elzear and Malvina (Morgan) Belleville.
She attended Sacred Heart School and Bartlett High School in Webster. Lorraine was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 1523 in Putnam. She loved trips to the beach and family cookouts. She was a waitress at Someplace Special in Putnam for 23 years, where she enjoyed meeting the patrons. She retired at the age of 82. Lorraine was an avid Red Sox fan.
She leaves her children James Beausoleil (Kathy) of Danielson, Mark (Sandra) of Moosup, Diane Davis (Everett) of Woodstock, grandchildren Melissa, Ryan, Jamie, Steven, Amy, Jodie, Christopher, Jason, six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her five brothers and two sisters.
The Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 from Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Calling Hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 7 at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: P.A.W.S.- CT, PO Box 191, Eastford, CT 06242.
Norman A. Crete,
Korean war vet
E. KILLINGLY — Norman A. Crete, 82, died Aug. 2, 2014, at home in E. Killingly, after a battle with illness.
He was born April 3, 1932, in Pawtucket, R.I., son of the late Leo Crete and the late Leone (Benoit) Crete.
Norman was a Korean war veteran, having served on the USS John R Pierce DD-753, and was a Life Member of VFW Post 10284 in Moosup. He was a retired electrician and his hobbies included hunting, fishing, and tinkering with antique vehicles. He was also a frequent volunteer for various organizations, a proud blood donor through his 70s, and spent many hours visiting the sick and elderly.
He leaves his children Normand Crete Jr., Catherine (Crete) Pereira, Debra (Crete) Rastelli and Clinton Crete, and his grandchildren Angelina Rastelli, David Pereira and Daniel Pereira. He was the brother of the late Laurent Crete and the late Leona (Crete) Paradis and grandfather of the late Kevin Michael Rastelli
Per his wishes, he will be buried at sea. Donations: Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam.
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
caption:
Mr. and Mrs. David B. Mayo Sr. in 1964 and in 2014.
Mayos celebrate
50th anniversary
POMFRET CENTER — Mr. and Mrs. David B. Mayo Sr. of Pomfret Center celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple married June 27, 1964, at Our Lady of LaSallette Church in Brooklyn. Their wedding reception was followed by a wonderful honeymoon to Niagra Falls in New York.
An anniversary celebration was given by their nine children on June 28 in Thompson. This beautiful summer evening included dinner, dancing, lots of laughter and sharing of many precious memories from over the years. In addition to their children and their spouses, the Mayos’ 19 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, many relatives and family friends were present for this most wonderful occasion sharing this special moment with David and Molly.
David and Molly are retired and are enjoying each other’s companionship, gardening and most importantly, spending valuable time with their family.
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Recognized
Above: Recognizing Senior Vice Commander Ron Coderre for his many years of service as a member of Post 13. Right: Pat Steinbrick was honored for her dedication to bringing Americanism to local youth. Photos by Sarah L. Hamby.
PUTNAM — American Legion Post 13 recently held its first annual induction of officers and awards.
Honored were: Participants in the American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State programs: Cole Anderson, Conor Hanlon, Jacob Guertin, and Mikayla Van Dam. In addition more than 15 officers were recognized for continuous membership in the American Legion. Ronald P. Coderre, for example, was thanked for his 30 years of service to the Legion. Coderre works closely with Everett G. Shepard III, State Adjutant, American Legion Department of Connecticut, and many others, to ensure the success of TriTown American Legion Baseball. In addition, former Post Commander and Adjutant Norman “Barney” Seney received the post’s first ever presented Legionnaire of the Year Award for his continued commitment to serving the post, through times both lean and prosperous.
Ten-year member Patricia Steinbrick received not just a Certificate of Achievement from the post, but also a Department Award: the Richard W. Anderson Plaque. The plaque is awarded annually to the Legionnaire in the department who actively supports, promotes, and participates in The Americanism Program as sponsored by the Post.
Installed were: Commander Rick Carnahan, Senior Vice Commander; Ronald P. Coderre, Junior Vice Commander Alan Joslin, Finance Officer David Smutnick, Adjutant; Sarah L. Hamby, Historian Marc Coderre, Chaplain Donald Steinbrick, Service Officer Roger Franklin, Judge Advocate Albert L. Cormier, Sergeant-At-Arms Ronald Desrochers.
American Legion Post 13 was chartered on July 7, 1919.
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Farmers Market
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Farmers Market is held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Grill 37 on Rt. 44. New vendors always welcome. Call Sarah Green at 860-792-1104.