By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to Putnam resident Carol Artiaco.  An avid sports fan and follower of local athletes, Artiaco can be found at Day Kimball Hospital where she serves as the head of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.  In her role, she’s assisted many former athletes on their way back to Sports Avenue. 

The Putnam Science Academy basketball program has had a positive influence on the lives of many young basketball players during its brief existence.  Each year the Mustangs have sent a number of players on to the college ranks, some to noted NCAA Division I schools and many to highly competitive Division II and III colleges.

Next season as the PSA Mustangs transition into the Woodstock Academy Centaurs under coach Tom Espinosa, it’s a certainty that the Centaur Field House will be filled with interested fans and a number of interested college coaches.  The Reason – Mamadou Diarra.  And Hamidou Diallo. Diarra intends to announce where he will play at a press conference on May 22 at Woodstock Academy.

Diarra, who is only 17 years old, has caught the eye of college coaches for a couple of years.  Since arriving in Putnam, a community Diarra has fallen in love with, the 6-foot, 8-inch big man has been visited by the likes of Ed Cooley of Providence College, Jay Wright of Villanova, Archie Miller of the University of Dayton and Glenn Miller from the University of Connecticut.  Recently the interest shown by UConn has been recognized by a feature story in the Hartford Courant.

According to sources close to Diarra, he’s narrowed his college choices down to the UConn Huskies and Virginia Commonwealth University.  It’s been rumored that Diarra, who carries a 3.7 GPA in the classroom, will be making his college choice known in the near future.  Diarra was a recent visitor to Storrs where he enjoyed playing pickup ball with some of the current Huskies. 

Diallo, who is a year behind Diarra in school, has also been wooed by the likes of Connecticut, Providence College, Temple University, Iowa State and Minnesota.  At 6-4, Diallo has tremendous athletic ability.  He’s one of the rising prep stars in the nation, ranked the No. 9 shooting guard in the country by ESPN.  Last season, Diallo was the leading scorer for coach Espinosa’s Mustangs.  Diallo is also a product of Queens, N.Y. 

Remember those names, Diarra and Diallo, they form the basis of next season’s Woodstock Academy Post-Graduate program and should provide some exciting basketball moments for local and area basketball junkies as well as college coaches.

CIAC Student/Athletes

The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference held its 32nd CAS-CIAC Scholar Athlete Banquet at the Aqua Turf in Southington on Sunday, May 3.  The program recognizes high school senior student-athletes, one boy and one girl, from each member high school.  The recognition is based on academic and athletic careers that have been exemplary, whose standards and achievements are a model to others, and who possess high levels of integrity, self-discipline and courage.  

A number of local boys and girls were among the honorees.  Josyln Tellier and Chicago Rogers were the Ellis Tech selections; Kailyn Marcotte and Owen Guillot, Killingly; Adrienne Lorange and Brandon Pfiefer, Plainfield; Lynsay Dashnaw and Jacob Guertin, Putnam; Julie Szamocki and Eric Magoffin, Tourtellotte; and Shaina Blain and Graysen DeLuca, Woodstock Academy.

College Baseball Coaches Making The News

As the college baseball season winds down two coaches from Southeastern Connecticut with high recognition in northeastern Connecticut have been making the headlines of the sports pages across Connecticut.

Roger Bidwell, who’s been the baseball coach and athletic director at UConn – Avery Point for 34 years, recently recorded his 1000th career victory for the Pointers.  Bidwell has a sparkling 1000-385-7 record during his tenure.  The milestone win came as Avery Point was on its way to capturing the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II New England Tournament.

The next day Bidwell didn’t waste any time in picking up win Number 1001 as he advanced his team to the NJCAA DII East District Tournament, which the Pointers were hosting in New London.  The winner will move on to the NJCAA World Series.

Meanwhile, across town at Mitchell College, former Plainfield High School standout Travis Beausoleil was leading Mitchell College to the NCAA Division III Regional playoffs in Pennsylvania.  This season the Mariners under coach Beausoleil finished the regular season at 28-6.  Beausoleil, who is only 28 years old, is quickly making a name for himself as one of the nation’s best young coaches.  He’s 85-51-2 since taking over the Mariners fortunes in 2012.

Redmen Shine at Wildcat Invitational

The Wildcat Invitational, put on annually by Norwich Free Academy and hosted at Mohegan Sun Country Club is recognized as one of Connecticut’s premiere high school golf events.  Led by Drew and John Aitken, who shot 76 and 77 respectively over the par 72 layout, Killingly missed notching the championship by one stroke.

The Redmen posted a team score of 316 and were beaten by East Catholic High School with an aggregate score of 315.  (East Catholic is coached by my Assumption College classmate Tom Malin, who earlier in the week won his 500th victory as the East Catholic golf coach.)  Connor Fillmore (80) and Connor Liebscher (83) rounded out the Killingly scoring.

Among the local teams, Woodstock Academy led by Seth Semmelrock (80) finished 10th.  Marianapolis finished 16th and Plainfield 17th.

Former Mustangs in the News

A pair of former 2013 Putnam Science Academy Mustangs, who spent two years playing on the junior college level, has signed National Letter of Intent papers to play NCAA Division I basketball next season. 

Mariega Clarke, who played at Carl Albert State College, is headed to the University of Texas-Arlington.  The 6-5 Clarke, who hails from New York, scored 226 points during his one season in Putnam.  He ranks 30th on the Mustangs’ all-time scoring list.

Ugur Hortum, who comes from Istanbul, Turkey, will be playing at Grambling State University in September.  One of PSA’s initial big men at 6-11, Hortum spent two years at Lewis and Clark Community College after leaving Putnam Science Academy.  While at PSA, Hortum recorded 145 points, placing him 35th on the all-time scoring list. 

Collabello Trending Now

You may not recognize the name Chris Collabello but to Assumption College alumni he’s creating smiles.  Collabello is the first Greyhound in the history of the school to make it to the Major Leagues.  After spending time with the Minnesota Twins two years ago, he’s emerged with the Toronto Blue Jays.  Since being called up, Collabello has been on fire, hitting .476 after five games.  He’s a former member of the Can-Am League Worcester Tornadoes, where he played for former Red Sox catchers, Rich Gedman and Roger LaFrancois.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: On Memorial Day, take a moment to remember those brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our freedom.

(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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Ongoing

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.

 

Sebastian S. Cerreto,

WWII vet

PUTNAM — Sebastian S. Cerreto, 95, of Perry St, died May 11, 2015, at Westview Health Care Center.  He was the husband of Viola (Bonneville) Cerreto.  Born in 1920 in New London, he was the son of the late Michael and Mariannina (Connata) Cerreto. 

Mr. Cerreto was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Navy.  He was also very proud of his alma mater, Purdue University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1944.  

On Sept. 13, 1947, in St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, he was united in marriage to the former Viola Bonneville.

Mr. Cerreto worked at Belding-Heminway Company for more than 40 years as a mechanical engineer and plant manager. He made many contributions and innovations to improve the thread winding and dying processes.

He felt strongly about service to the community and was a member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, the Putnam School Board for 18 years, the Democratic Town Committee and the Redevelopment Committee for the town of Putnam. He was also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Sebastian enjoyed reading, music, watching westerns, yard work and helping his wife take care of their home.  He also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Yankees and Giants.  

He leaves his wife of 67 years Viola Cerreto; his son Michael Cerreto (Patricia) of Bridgewater, Mass.; two daughters Dr. Mary Cerreto (David Coulter, MD) of Natick, Mass. and Barbara Porter (Clyde) of Dayville; three grandchildren Kenneth Cerreto (Patricia) of Harvard, Mass., Jonathan Porter (Brynn) of State College, Penn., and Craig Porter and his fiancé Beth Dubofsky of Killingly; two great grandchildren Sebastian and Holly Cerreto. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph, Louis, Benjamin, Thomas, and James Cerreto and his sisters Mary Perry, Concetta Pongetti, Phyllis Bonnano, and Rose Cerreto. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at a later date in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial following with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Norma (Keith) Burnett

MANCHESTER —  Norma M. (Keith) Burnett, 83, of Hathaway Ln., died Feb. 5, 2015, at home. Born in 1932 in Pomfret, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Ernestine (Fish) Keith.

Mrs. Burnett worked for Orion Capital in Farmington for 30 years retiring in 1997. She was a lifelong member of the Manchester Grange #31. 

She leaves two cousins Harriet Chartier of Bainbridge, N.Y., and Sylvia Perkins of Pomfret Center; step grandson Robert Briere of Danielson; Niece Dawn Chartier (Gerald) of Woodstock; longtime friends James Stiller (Lisa) of Amston, Melissa Stiller, Amber Stiller, and Katrina Stiller; as well as her Sheltie “Mandy”.

The graveside service was May 15 in Abington Cemetery. Donations: Abington Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 5, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Paul Butler Kerr,

WWII vet

PUTNAM — Paul Butler Kerr, 95, of Five Mile River Road, died unexpectedly May 16, 2015, at UMass Medical Center, Worcester. He was the husband of Jean (MacDonald) Kerr. 

Paul served with the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII.  He retired from Hale Manufacturing in 1985 as an accountant. An avid golfer, he became a member of the Quinnatisset Country Club in 1967 and served as past 

He leaves, in addition to his wife Jean, his children, Karleen Gedney (Charles), Robert Kerr (Linda), all of Moosup, William H. Ross (Rose) of Southington, David A. Ross of Putnam; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his stepson Robert Ross in 2002 and his sister Barbara Calder.

The Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. May 20 at Smith &Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. Donations: Day Kimball Hospital Cardiac Rehab, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Burial will be private. 

 

Joseph E.R. Fortin,

Air Force vet

DANIELSON — Joseph E. R. Fortin, 77, of Cook Hill Road died May 16, 2015, at home, after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Marcia (Mailhot) Fortin. They were married June 20, 1959, in St. James Church. 

He was born Dec. 30, 1937, in Danielson, son of the late Oliver J. and Marie Martha (Sylvain) Fortin. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1978 after 20 years of service. He was a member of the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) community and served in both the Strategic and Tactical Air Command (SAC / TAC) Groups.

Following active duty, he was employed as a machinist for 22 years at Kaman Aerospace in Moosup. In his youth he had worked for Wells Mobil in Danielson and the Willimantic Thread Company.

 He was a communicant of Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret, a member of the Putnam American Legion and a life member of the Danielson VFW. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed bird watching, fishing, cooking, canning, and working in his vegetable gardens 

He leaves his wife Marcia; children Gary Fortin of Virginia, Renee McCoy (David) of Hanover, Scott Fortin of Danielson, Joe Fortin (Joyce) of Woodstock Valley; his sister Doris LaPrade of Danielson; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. May 27 at Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with burial with military honors in Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Constance Dessert

PLAINFIELD — Constance “Connie” Dessert (Levesque), died on May 13, 2015,  of natural causes. She was 90. Ms. Dessert was born Jan. 8, 1925, in W. Warwick, R.I., to Adrian and Irene (Hebert) Levesque. 

She completed her education at the Sacred Heart School and Plainfield High School. She married Dona Dessert at the Sacred Heart Church in 1943. The Desserts lived in Wauregan, where Dona worked as a painter at EB, and Connie worked at Wauregan Mills until they closed in 1959. Through the years following she worked at Novelty Textiles, Larosa, Kaman Aerospace and Idlewild Farms. 

She loved athletics in her younger years; she was an avid basketball player, loved ice skating and roller skating, swimming and tennis. In her later years she enjoyed sewing and making crafts. She became a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Church in 1994 where she assisted with Masses, visited hospital patients and the sick in local nursing homes. 

She was predeceased by her son SSTG James Dessert. She leaves her daughter Donna Weaver of Vero Beach, Fla.,; her son and daughter-in-law David and Robin Dessert of Central Village; six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. 

A Memorial Mass was May 18 at Sacred Heart Church, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Theresa M. Dulude

PUTNAM — Theresa M. Dulude, 84, formerly of Wicker St where she lived since 1952, died May 15, 2015, at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester where she has lived for the last five years. 

Born in 1930 in Central Falls, R.I., she was the daughter of the late Delphis and Valeria (Millard) Dulude.

Ms. Dulude worked for many years as a packager at Cabot Safety. Prior to that she was employed at Bentley Shoe, B&D Shoe, and Bates Shoe all of Webster. Theresa enjoyed cooking, old movies, and being part of the vocal and bell choir at Notre Dame. She was a former member of the Daughters of Isabella. 

She leaves two nephews David Dulude of Dudley, and Kevin Dulude of Sylmar, Calif.; a niece Kathleen Dulude of Worcester. She was predeceased by her brothers Delphis Dulude Jr. and George Dulude 

A Mass of Christian Burial was May 19 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Notre Dame Long Term Care Center Activity Fund, 599 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605; or St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Marion services

PUTNAM — Lorraine Marion of Putnam, died March 12, 2015. Wife of the late Norman Marion. A Calling Hour will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. May 30 at the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, Dayville, with burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations:  Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. 

 

Jared K. Pechie

MOOSUP — Jared K. Pechie, 32, of Moosup, died unexpectedly May 8, 2015 in Brooklyn. He was born June 20, 1982, in Putnam, son of John Dolegiewicz and Brenda (Pechie) Voorhees. 

Jared was a truck driver working for Willimantic Waste; he was also employed by Sterling Superior Services and Security at Foxwoods Casino. He was a 2001 graduate of Ellis Technical School. Jared was a life time member of the Moosup Fire Department and was an EMR with the American Legion Ambulance Company, a dedicated volunteer for many years. Jared was also involved in many fund-raising activities with the Fire Department. He had a great passion for trucks, cars and heavy equipment, and enjoyed driving, and held a class B license. 

He leaves his son Carter Joseph Pechie; his life partner Jennifer Ducharme of Oneco; his father John Dolegiewicz of Sutton, Mass.; his mother Brenda Voorhees and stepfather Christopher of Danielson; his brother Jamie Pechie of Danielson; paternal grandmother Irene Dolegiewicz of Sutton; maternal grandmother Johanna Daigle of Dayville; aunts and uncles Kevin Pechie Sr, Susan M. Dolegiewicz, Paul Dolegiewicz; Diane Melanson; his nieces Sophia Pechie-Caban, Victoria Caban-Diaz. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather Louis Dolegiewicz, his maternal grandfather George Pechie and his uncle William Pechie.

The Mass of Christian Burial was May 16 at St. Joseph Church, Dayville, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: go fund me account, Care For Carter at http://www.gofundme.com/cartertrust. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

 

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Award

Five representatives from the Windham County 4-H Foundation attended a grant recipient awards program called “A Celebration of Women Helping Women” at Eastern Connecticut University recently.  The 4-H Foundation was awarded $4,000 to continue a program of reaching out to Latino girls from Windham and Willimantic in order to provide them with a week of camping this summer at the camp in Pomfret.  Sponsored by the Windham Area Women and Girls Fund of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut,  the 4-H Foundation was one of 15 nonprofit agencies to receive a total of $48,575.00 from the Fund.  A challenge grant from the Eileen Ossen and the Jeffrey P. Ossen Foundation was instrumental in making this amount of grant support available in 2015.    The camp season starts on June 21 this year.  Bottom row, left to right: Carol Hagan, Elaine Nelson, Sandra Ahola (WC 4-H Foundation Board Members). Top row, left to right: Eileen Fritz (Board member) and Heather Logee, Youth Programs Coordinator. Courtesy photo.