1983 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DULKA, JOE CHAPMAN, GENE BOSCO, LILLIAN JURY DUTY KOROPATKIN, BILL ALLEN, TOM BURKE, BRIAN LUDWIN, BOB (DR) PISATI, DON DOWD, LOIS VFWNIGHT MANDY, FRAN PLOSZAY, PETER JONES, ELMER PARKER,MARYELLEN GREATER HARTFORD OPEN MOSELSKY CHRISTIAN, KEN MCCOMB, RALPH MAZIKE, WALT VISIT TO SAINT PAT DAY AT THE RACES (Saratoga race track) FRANCIS, RON FORTIN, VITA DESROCHES,RUDY DOWD,JOHN LINCOLN GUBALA,JOE SHERIDAN, STEVE THE LAST WORD - GHO COMMENTS BIANCHI, MANDO HAMILTON, DOUG ANNIS FAMILY CALLAHAN, PAUL BUCK, EDWARD NO POLITICAL DEBATE LOVELANDS QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES ALDERMAN,FLORENCE MURDOCK, ROLAND COLLETTI, JOE THARALDSON, ROGER BEDNARZ,LARRY BEDNARZ, ZIGGY BEDNARZ, ZIGGY CAFFREY DENNIS, LEO PFAFFENBICHLERS HARRISON, JIM GATTI,JOE BRADFORD,SUZANNE GRAKOWSKI, JOE DE MOURA CASTRO, BRIDGET CHRISTMAS ANDIOR NEW YEARS WOODBURY, ANN By JACK REDMOND Joseph Eugene Dulka, Sr., a navy veteran of World War Two with duty from Italy to the island of Guam, is the com- Cabbages and Kings: man'der of the local American Legion. ' The Ansonia, Connecticut native, father of five, is mar­ ried to Stephanie Czaple Dulka. Joe, a quie~.m.an, with a .ready smile, was eag~r to talk Joe Dulka: about his family the LegIOn, but not necessarIly about himself. It~ ',"~~d nothing exciting or interesting" to say .. .like a lot of folks, but their stories usually prove them the committees (the backbone of any organization) per­ wrong. form their duties. " He said in essence, "the local American The youthful Dulka story, began when he was a navy Legion Post is dedicated to providing service to veterans, recruit, l~aving .Ansonia on a cold February morning in youth and the community and has done so for the past 63 1943, hoping to see the world and be a part of the war. He years." landed in ·Maryland for boot camp training and his hopes were under way. After finding what a navyman can do for THE LOCAL LEGION meets- at the Main and Elm Street his country,-,.Joe. was shipped to Virginia for gunnery Memorial Hall on the third Thursday of every month. school. Before he became commander, Joe served on the post When fully trained, and considered an able seaman, he finance officer and historian. His wife, "Steph" has/been became a part of the crew on a converted transport, ferry­ an active member of the ladies auxiliary for four years. ing troops across the Atlantic to the African and Italian She is the chairperson of the committee for campaigns. A landing in southern France with two battle "Americanism." The Dulkas visit the veteran hospitals stars, are among Joe's memories of duty in Europe. around the state on a regular basis, as commander and However, his naval experience in the war did not end with member of the auxiliary. this assignment. Joe has five children ... two boys and three girls. Linda is the oldest, followed by Carol, Joseph Jr., Eileen and Kevin. IN 1944, AFTER A SHORT leave at home, Joe was off to Linda is married to Richard Mikan. The Mikans live in the Pacific theater of operations. He said, "we landed in Windsor Locks with their two sons. Carol Morrissette and HawaiL.duty on the island of MauL.I would say, was not her husband Brian, have a daughter and they also live in very rough duty.'" This leisure life did not last long, leaving town. Joe, Jr., is a sergeant with the National Guard paradise by crossing the international date line (a (MPs), lives at home and is employed by the Emery Air theoretical line following approximately the 180th meri­ Freight. Eileen and her older sisters and brother all dian, the regions to the east of which are counted as being graduated from the local high school. Kevin is a junior at one day earlier in their calendar dates than the regions to the Raider School and played midget football in town. the west) in 1945, on the way to Guam. "Steph", a graduate of the University of Hartford, with a , The war ended with V:·J Day, but Joe was not discharged masters from the Central Connecticut College, is a Penn­ until January, 1946, returning to civilian life, with a host of sylvania native. Her family moved to New York City, just war, sea and island stories. in time for her to attend school in Brooklyn and then high The return of the seasoned sailor meant taking it easy for school in Manhattan. Their next move was to Hartford. a while ... with the help of the 52-20 club. It was a twenty dollar payment, every week for a year, to the returning EPILOG veterans, assuming they did not go right to a job.) He took Joseph Eu~ene Dulka, Sr., has been to many ports ... all advantage of the government pay ... but ~ot long enough, he exciting and mteresting. He saw the world from a front row recalle~ with a laugh. . seat during World War Two. He returned home and now is - ... y the leader of a veteran organization, taking his role HE WENT TO' WORK for General Electric, fo~ a six­ seriously. He found the time to enjoy and visit the halls of month trial period ... then drove a truck for a roofing com­ fame of three major sports, with Victor and Kevin and his pany in his hometown area and in Hartford. He finally dancing and dinning partner, Stephanie. I'd say, Joe is a found his niche with the Sigourney Tool Company for an very interesting guy ... especially to the people who eleven year period. In 1968, he left Sigourney, to join the count. .. his family. Windsor Manufacturing Company, where he works today. Joe has been a resident of Windsor Locks since 1958. His outside activity, in addition to raising a large family and steady employment with the tool and Windsor Manufactur­ ing, has been the involvement with the American Legion for the past twenty-seven years. - The active legionnaire IS commander of 248 members. He said, the chief fUIl:ction of the commander is to "see that

WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JANUARY 7, 1983

The American legion Commander WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JANUARY 14, 1983 Cabbages and Kings Lucille Bosco: Artistry By JACK REDMOND grandchildren. Lucille Paganelli Bosco enjoys oil pain­ Lucille's education included St. Mary's ting as a hobby because it is relaxing and and several years at night school. Her ar­ "brings me into another world," she said tistic talents did not surface until much candidly. The friendly lady's artistry came later. The past two years she has taken to light last year with the donation of her lessons at various art classes in the area. painting of the Noden-Reed House to the At the adult night classes, at the high Windsor Locks Historical Society, which school, Lucille is studying Chinese art. She she is a member. admits that she is an "oil painter," and the Born in the northern part of Italy, in a traditional Chinese art is in water colors. town called Maretto, Lucille Paganelli Lucille, one who knows her own mind, told came to the United States, with her family, the teacher, "I want to try it- in oils," and when she was only three months old. She the first Chinese art in oils may be on the was told of the family seasickness and her canvas before long. "crying all the time." However, they arriv­ Their home is filled with art work of this ed safe and sound, settling in East Wall­ talented lady, with exhibits of landscapes, ingford, Connecticut. When she was seven, portraits and all types of flowers. Lucille's the family moved to Windsor Locks in the -membership in the art colony in the area, south end of town. Her father raised corn, has included the Tobacco Valley Art Club, potatoes, tobacco, pigs, chickens and cows and currently the Pallet and Brush Club in on the family farm. She recalls walking to Windsor. It was her association with the St. Mary's School, the depression years, Historical Society that led to the painting, with the closing of banks during the from a photograph, of the well-known Roosevelt era. Noden-Reed Home on West Street. Lucille has been a resident of Windsor Locks for over sixty years. When jobs were LIFE IS NOT ALL PALLET and brush difficult during the depression she worked for Lucille. Her and Frank are charter on tobacco, moved to factory work at Mon­ members of the Senior Citizen's Club. They tgomery and finally finding a steady posi­ have taken advantage of the many trips tion with the Southern New England around the country as one of the Club's ac­ Telephone Company. In 1970, after twenty­ tivities. Foreign trips of Lucille and her three years, as an operator, Lucille retired. friends have been to Spain and parts of Europe. When she isn't traveling or pain­ THE YEAR OF RETIREMMENT also ting her time is filled with sewing, knitting meant a wedding for Lucille and Frank and crocheting. Bosco. He was born near Rome, Italy. He The active septuagenarian enjoys being worked for Bigelow's for ten years before a wife ... does not like to rush things and going into the grocery business. Frank was when asked about life in general said ... "I a fixture in the Thompsonville area for want to get all I can out of life, without hur­ over forty years. He has a son, Joseph, a ting anyone." Lucille "adored" her mother dentist in Fairfax, Virginia. His daughter and father, when asked who she most ad­ Connie Casinghino lives in Enfield. Doctor mired. She had no special admiration for Bosco has two children and one grandchild. anyone artist, just saying she admires all Connie has twin boys and two artistry.

EPILOG town. She found what William Arthur Ward Lucille Paganelli Bosco is a very proud said to be true ... " Artistry is recognizing lady. She found other thing to do with her the uniqueness in the unimpressive. It is life besides watching television and looking at a homely caterpillar, an or­ wondering what to do with the august of her dinary egg and a selfish infant, and seeing life. No, not Lucille ... she is the new artist in a butterfly, an eagle and a saint."

as a Relaxing Hobbv WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JANUARY 21, 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS Bill Koropatkin: The Dedicated Commander By JACK REDMOND over, Bill managed to stop at Hawaii before for the Marotta Real Estate firm on Spring choice. Bill was one of three sons and four Willard Anthony Koropatkin takes his going home and discharge in January of Street. daughters of Anna Koropatkin. Dot came position as commander of the Veterans of 1946. For nineteen years 09 with the V.F.W., from a family with one sister and five Foreign Wars, Smalley Brothers, Post The next seven years Bill tried his hands and 13 as a legionnaire) Bill Koropatkin brothers. 6123, very seriously and urges "all ser- at odd jobs ... but bricklaying was his trade. has been one of the cornerstones of the Bill, Dot, Mark and Allan live on vicemen to join a post," be it the V.F. W. or He got back into the bricks and mortar with local service organizations. Last June he Montermerlo Avenue. In their homey kit­ American Legion. Willard, member of both several Hartford companies in the con­ was chosen the commander of Post 6123. chen there is a plate hanging on the wall service organizations, known by his many struction business. He did not elaborate, The manner in which he visualizes his role that says ... "My Guests like my kitchen the friends as Bill, is a native of Glastonbury, but has worked on many of the big as commander of 426 members, is as "an best." I'll have to agree. The Koropatkins growing up in Wilson, a part of Windsor, buildings throughout the state. For a few overseer of everything ... things running make one feel at home. and Hartford. I years he was on his ·own ... jobbing and even smooth ... and that the club is functioning Willard Anthony Koropatkin wanted to Bill's schooling included classes in Wind- with a partner. Bricklaying has been his continually." The veterans meet the first make sure when the'article was written.:.to sor and high school in Hartford, before life work. Tuesday of the month at their Fairview include the following ... "Thank all the peo­ learning his life's trade of bricklaying at In 1953, he married a Hartford girl, Street clubrooms. His wife Dot, is a ple in defense plants _(during the war the State Trade school. Dorothy Newell. Bill and Dot met at a member of the ladies auxiliary. years) and all servicemen, men and In October, 1943, Bill had to lay down the dance in Hartford. The Koropatkins lived women ... I salute them." . bricks, so to speak, for a few years ... a war in the capital city the first few years of A PART OF BILL'S role as commander The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the was on. He joined the U.S. Navy. With their marriage. But the last nineteen years is the twice a month visits to area veteran's American Legion salute you Bill Bill's dexterity with bricks, the navy made ' have been happy ones in Windsor Locks, hospitals. For Bill, this is special. He said, Koropatkin. him a metalsmith, with training at the raising two sons ... Mark and Allan. "They (the veterans) may have something Wentworth Institute in Boston. missing ... but always something in The young sailor's first sea duty was on a MARK IS A GRADUATE of the Eastern common." . PT Tender in the port of Baltimdre. He was Coll~ge in Willimantic, as a math major Bill and Dot manage to find the time to be now ready to be off to the war. It meant the and computer programs. Allan is in the avid card players and duckpin bowlers. south Pacific. The Pacific, by way of the painting trade. Both boys graduated from Outside of the service organizations, Bill Panama Canal, straight to the hot and ac­ the local high school. As teenagers, both served two years as an auxiliary tive Solomon Islands with names like were members of a local Duckpin National policeman under the local Civil Defense Guadalcanal and New Georgia, scenes of Championship. program. some of the hardest fought battles of World, In the employment field, their mother I asked Bill who he most admired ... he War II. worked in the insurance field for thirteen hesitated for a moment, and said, with ob­ years. The past three years Dot has been a vious sincere feelings, "my mother, Anna THE NEXT STOP for Bill was the Philip­ Special Teacher's Aid in the Windsor Koropatkin, born in the Ukraine (consti­ pines and the chief island of Luzon. Battles school system. In addition, for the past tuent republic of the Soviet Union). She won and the war winding down and finally decade, Dot has been dealing in real estate taught me to 10ve," ... Dot agreeing with his WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JANUARY 28, 1983 CABBAGES AND KIN'GS Brian Burke: Both Coach and Letter Carrier Brian Anthony Burke enjoys working, the week. with baseball and hockey in the hands of meeting and associating with people of all The assistant coach, to these future boys like Mark, to drive the 48 states look­ ages ... be his duties as a letter carrier in Whalers, is Joe Marconi. To list a few of the ing for the best spots to fish.' the old neighborhood or coaching the kids players from town ... Kevin Johnson, Jim Brian feels if there is a "reward in life," in. Senior Little League or the Windsor Gilbert, John Marconi, John Zorgdrager, his is coaching hockey to the kids. In the Locks Bantams ice-hockey team. Mike Russo, Eric. Schmidt, Mike Ladden, family recreation room Brian and Mark He is a Hartford native, who has lived in Lyell Marinacio, Jim Godfrey and Walt have many trophies for their sporting Windsor Locks since he was four years old. Fitzpatrick. talents. Brian's favorite is one given to him Brian is the son of the late and respected in­ by the kids. The inscription is as surance and KofC activist, Walter Burke. NEEDLESS TO SAY, the Whalers and follows ... "To our wonderful coach ... We Before "Brian's song" can be told, as a young Ron Francis are the favorites of the thank you for all the lengthy hours and ar­ man who really "likes the kids," we should Burke family. Brian contributes the duous effort you put into our team ... we ap­ go back twenty years for some background Whalers as an important part of hockey in­ preciate it...1981-82 Bantams." on this most steady man. terest in the area, helping the young and ,After graduation from the local high the coaches, with the finer points of the game. Mark Burke has been playing for six BRIAN'S HOBBIES, employment and school in 1963, Brian joined the U.S. Navy. coaching duties cover various fields of With a year at the San Francisco's Hunter, years and as mention~d, is the Bantam Point, he was ready and off to the Vietnam goalie. • endeavor. Probably the greatest contribu­ The spring months you'll find Brian and tion to his life style was his father, who he war zone. He was part of supplying am­ admired greatly. munition, fuel and bombs for the active air­ Mark, coaching and playing Senior Little craft carriers. He did manage to take some League. Last season the local team reach­ That's the Brian Anthony Burke story time off from the war to see the beauty of ed the Connecticut State finals in District 8 with Betty and Mark at his side ... watching Australia and Japan, along with the dif­ competition. The manager of the team was -and playing baseball and hockey games ferent world of Hong Kong for rest and Gene Carroll, with Joe Marconi assisting and the "tall" fishing tales. Staying with relaxation. The three years in that un­ Brian and Gene in the baseball world of his personal hobby of fishing ... Brian might popular war came to an end, Brian receiv­ Windsor Locks. ' agree to the following ... "Fish is an animal ed his discharge from the navy in 1967. Brian Anthony Burke To say Brian Burke is involved is an that grows fastest between the time it is understatement. He admits his "second caught and the time a fisherman describes HE RETURNED HOME to Windsor as much as hockey ... you get to know the love" is fishing, with the new sport of rac­ it to his friends and a creature that goes on Locks. For the next five years he was people . . . in fact, I deliver mail on the quetball taking up some of his leisure time. vacation about the time most fishermen employed at the Dexter Company. In 1969, same streets, as I did the daily newspapers His dream is someday, after retirement, do." he married his high school sweetheart, Bet­ as a young boy." ty Swede, daughter of the East Windsor well-known jeweler, Stanley Swede. Betty THE WINTER MONTHS at the Burke served two years in her profession as a house are filled with activity, mostly nurse, at the Bickford Convalescent hockey ... practice, games, watching the Hospital in town. Currently, she is at the New England Whalers on television or at Jewelry Store and assisting her brother the Civic Center. The Burkes are just plain and father in the family business. Brian old hockey folks. Brian, admits, "as a kid, I and Betty, Bel-aire Circle residents, have a couldn't skate" In fact, he was 27 when son Mark, 13, an eight grader at the Middle Mark and father, rather nervously put on School. the skates in Enfield. According to dad, Ten years ago Brian decided he needed a "Mark did much better." , change of jobs. He took the exam for the post office, Today, he is a letter carrier, So Brian left the skating to Mark, and has delivering mail to some of his old neighbors teken the reins of coaching for the past five on Whiton, West and Grove Streets. An ad­ years. Mark is the goalie for the Windsor ded responsibility for Brian is the Locks Bantams "B" ice hockey team, per­ Presidency of the Letter Carrier Union. forming at the Enfield Twin Rinks. The When asked about the job of delivering team usually has practice sessions on mail, he said, "I can say, I enjoy it ... just Saturday mornings, with two games during CI£BAGES AND KINGS Coach Don Pisati-

By JACK REDMOND Don~ld Antho~y Pisati always ~'wanted to be mvolved m coaching." The former BEFORE HIS FIRST decade at Bloom­ local high school basketball star's ambi­ field was over, Don coached junior varsity tions have come true with the coaching of basketball, five years as varsity coach and three sports at Bloomfield since 1969. junior varsity baseball. In 1977, in addition The native son has had several years of to basketball, he took on the role of varsity glory coaching football, basketball and baseball head. Today, he remains the var­ basebal~ at the Bloomfield High School. sity baseball coach and is teaching The l!mversity o~ Bridgeport graduate is physical education at the Bloomfield Mid­ marrIed to Bonme Andrusko Pisati. Don dle School (grades 5 to 7). and Bonnie live on Copper Drive with their two children .. Christy and 'Andrew. DON'S PHILOSOPHY in coaching has Don grew, up on Church Street in town been, "give as much as you can.. give to attending the Union School and the high winning, but success is not always school, class of 1962. In Don's junior year measured by a won and lost record." He the town was cheering on the heroics of feels the players at 'Bloomfield "want to Don, Bob Fraher, Dave Lingua, Dick Meck play," and are not just interested in glory. and Pete Seaha for their personal glory on He added, "baseball is now my favorite the basketball court. sport." With a 21-0 record, the team, coached by Al Shapiro, was beaten by none other than In the professional world, the Red Sox Bloomfield in the state finals. Coaching and Boston Celtics are teams he follows; Bloomfield for a career was furthest from further proof that Don is really an "all' the mind of young Don Pisati and his team­ sports" guy. mates that night. It's true to say that Don's entire life has The next year Lingua and Don were join­ revolved around sports. When he is not at ed by Bill Devlin, Al Lee and Don Bloomfield coaching, enjoying the role of Gilbert.. but the year before was a tough spectator or watching the tube, he tries his act to follow. tal~nts on the golf links.

WHEN YOU TALK to Don Pisati you find ANOTHER DREAM that came true for a man dedicated to family and the profes­ Don. was marrying his high school sion of coaching. Don always knew he .sweetheart. Bonnie. Bonn~e was originally wanted to be a coach. The "challenge" was from the WIlson area of Wmdsor. Her fami­ there even as a high school graduate. He ly moved to Windsor -Locks when she was had, in addition to playing guard on the twelve. Their oldest child Christy, is five basketball team, been a catcher for the and' a kindergarten student at South baseball Raiders. He admitted there was a School. Her brother Andrew, four, is in "dream of big league baseb~ll," on his nursery school, with the look of a future mind. The time was right, but a broken ankle in high school had its own way of baseball or basketball star like his dad. delaying the dream for good. If I can't play, I'll coach, said the deter­ EPILOG mined boy from Windsor Locks. It's been over ten years since the great Bloomfield gave Don the chance and the basketball team of Al Shapiro with the opportunity. Linguas, Frahers, Mecks, Seaha and Donald Anthony Pisati made basketball AFTER GRADUATION from history at the local high school. Bridgeport, with a degree in Physical Don's story is the "where are they now" Education, Don's first job was with type which brings things up to date. Now children from kindergarten to the sixth we know ... he's in nearby Bloomfield doing grade, teaching the finer points of physical what he knows best...coaching baseball.' education for a start. - The dream of the Red Sox are long gone In 1969, Bloomfield showed their will­ anQ forgotten, but his other personal ingness in trying Don's coaching talents. dream of coaching is a fact. Not baseball or basketball .. no vacancy. It Don proved Leo Durocher so would be football, as freshman coach. Two wrong ... good guys do finish first. Don years later he joined the varsity football Pisati's coaching talent is Windsor Locks' crew as assisstant coach. gift to Bloomfield. Former Local Court Star

WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 4, 1983 WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 4, 1983

Chester McComb, center, was honored as Sportsman of the chairman, VFW Sportsman Night; McComb; Donald Year at last week's annual banquet at the VFW hall. From left Quagliari, chairman, Sportsman Night, presenting award to are Ron Francis, Hartford Whalers; George Scott, co· McCo~b and Mark Johnson, Hartford Whalers.

VFW Night: Fun ·for All By JACK REDMOND substItutes for their former boss, Larry Last week, the 22nd annual sports night Kish, who was fired as coach of the was celebrated by the Smalley Brothers - Whalers. Post No. 6123, Veterans of Foreign Wars Ii was a great night for McComb and the and it was another successful evening. sports fans of Windsor Locks. Chet McComb of Suffield was the Brian McKeown of the Park Depart­ honored guest. The night for McComb, a lit­ ment, summed it all up when he said, tle league executive, was made successful, "There has been a lot of negative things by the wit and sincerity of VFW chairm&n said tfiis evening about the Whalers ... but Don QuagliaroIi; master of ceremonies Ar­ the two young men who came to town to nold Dean, sports director of WTIC Radio; represent the Whalers are certainly a Rev. Stephen C. Foley, of St. Robert's in credit to their team." town, and Hartford Whalers' stars Ron Among the past winners of the Sport­ Francis and Mark Johnson. sman of the Year award on hand were Fran Francis, 19, and Johnson, 25 and former Aniell~, Jim Rumbold, George Hall, David Olympic and collegiate hockey star, were Farr, Dan Sullivan and Wiliam Stone. WINDSOR- LOCKS JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 11, 1983- When Pete is not interfacing, looking at the latest system or talking in the jargon CABBAGES AND KINGS only they understand, he enjoys fishing, wood carving and golf --. probably in that order. He has never let his civic respon­ sibilities escape without faithful contribu­ Pete Ploszary tion. The Boy Scouts have had eight years of Pete and the little league program six By JACK REDMOND years as coach and manager .. Peter T. Ploszary is a quiet man who has Before the activity of little league begins exhibited leadership, be it the Boy Scouts, this spring you'll find the two Petes, with Little League or as Data Processing other scouts of, Troop 257, leaving -for Manager for the Department of Transpor­ "Disneyworld" this month. for the tation since 1955. Ploszarys, it will be their second trip to see A native of Hartford, Pete attended the wonders of Disney. Pete and Joan have grammar school in the capital city and also seen the beauty of Bermuda. graduated from Hartford Public in 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan ON THE SERIOUS SIDE, Pete had a few Cullen. Pete and Joan have lived in Wind­ thoughts of impor.tance when asked who he sor Locks for over two decades. The most admired. "It would have to my pater­ Ploszary family, with three girls and one nal grandfather, Andrew Ploszary, of boy, reside on Reed Avenue, where one Rocky Hill." Pete went on to say, "he was a soon finds a cozy, comfortable and a friend­ hard-workjng farmer." .. I liked the way he ly atmosphere. To complete the all­ American family is the Ploszary dog ... lived ... it was very rewarding." "Floyd,'" named after one of the Being a strong family man, Pete said, "I characters on the equally all-family televi­ guess my philosophy of life has been to sion show, "The Muppets." raise my family with a good start in life." Two years, after graduation from high As for Windsor Locks, he said, "as a fami­ school, Pete entered the U.S. Army. The ly, we enjoy the smallness ... closeness of next twenty-four months found the new the people ... good place to raise a family engineer-draftsman mapping Nike sites and fine educational program." - ... a series of anti-aircraft or anti-missile Peter Ploszary EPILOG missiles having two or three rocket stages. Time Magazine's Man of the Year (1982) His base of operation never changed, being second year student at New Haven's Alber­ was the computer. E.T. was last year's big stationed at Fort Sheridan in the Chicago t~ Magus Colle~e. Her major is commer­ movie for all ages. Imagine, computers area on Lake Michigan. After discharge, CIal art. Home IS artfully filled with her and a small creature from other space. Pete took advantage of the GI Bill for handy work. Colleen and Pat both are Pete Ploszar-y is a man very involved, on veterans and attended Hillyer College, grads of the local high school. Pat was a a daily basis, in the world of computers. We which is now the University of Hartford, member of the field hockey team for four never discussed other space. But on the and specialized in civil engineering. years. Another hockey player is Allison 17 subject, just say IBM, or . . . How do you now a ~enior at the Raider school. Her dad like those apples? to Pete. He knows IBM, HE ALSO TOOK advantage of popping said, "she is looking for colleges to and his first reaction is not the type of ap­ the question to Joan, also a native of Hart­ attend." ple at the corner grocery store, but the Ap­ ford, and after receiving the right answer The other Peter in the Ploszary home is ple computer at the friendly computer he walked down the aisle in 1956. Their 15, and a sophomore at the high school who store. Yes, Pete is. of the world of oldest daughter is Colleen, 21,- a senior at "enjoys all sports." He is a member of the computers. the Rivier College in Nashua, New Hamp­ Boy Scouts and a veteran little leaguer of However, the beauty of his world is two shire. Colleen is majoring in education ... the majors and now senior division. sided. Computers by day, while after work special and elementary. it's the family, scouts, little league or some The artist in the family is Patricia, 19, a THE OLDER PETER and bread winner fishing, just to round off this well adjusted , talented ~an called Pete. of the clan began working with the then Connecticut Highway Department as an engineer helper. He was a member of a survey crew measuring land around the state. In 1960 the state department, now called Department of Transportation, or com­ monly called DOT, -asked for volunteers from the engineering field to learn what made computers tick. The state was in­ terest€1d in setting up engineering pro­ grams, according to Pete. He said, "the state taught us." And he was taught just right. After taking exams he was made part of the new age of computers. Today, after 25 years with DOT, Pete is Agency Data Processing Manager in charge of "systems analysts and programming."

The Adive D.O. T. Veteran WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 18, 1983 Cabbages and Kings Maryellen Parker Loves Animals, Antiques By JACK REDMOND Tim is 22 and stationed in Savannah, Ga., hung on a tree, stuffed rabbits' and Maryellen Stine Parker is the newly at the Hunter Army Air Field as a chief whatever the furry animal brings to elected president of the Windsor Locks warrant officer. He is married to a girl children, are all in full view for passers-by Historical Society. She strongly echoes the from Savannah, and they have two sons, to see and admire. sentiment of the society ... "Goal for Richard and Corey. He's been in the army At Halloween, more decorations, but of a 1983 ... make the residents of Windsor Locks for over three years and "thinking of mak­ slightly different variety. The front of the aware of the Windsor Locks Historical ing it a career," according to his mother. Parker home is transformed into a scary Society and its importance to the town." His brother Jim is 25, and works as a place with goblins, ghostly, grotesque The New Haven native·is a firm believer machinist for a company in East Granby .. figures and, as an added treat or trick, in worthy causes. She's also a volunteer for music that would make Frankenstein's "Aid to Helpless Animals," showing she CALLING THE HISTORICAL Society, monster stop with fright. And each year is . believes in deeds, not just words, by having "an important part of my life and close to different, I guess because Maryellen thinks "only six" cats and one dog at her home on my heart," Maryellen has been an active like a child when it comes to Easter and Southwest Avenue. member for' the past five years. At the an­ Halloween.

When she was five years old, Maryellen'S nual meeting in November she was elected . Another passion of this friendly and I family moved from the city to nearby president for 1983. outgoing person is love for all animals. She Shelton. For her, there are only fond She will have for her officers vice presi­ has "only six" cats and one dog at home. memories of living in the "country," where dent, Dorothy Dombrowski; treasurer" The dog's name is' "Cricket," (now you the Stine's farm was the scene of hard Ruth Balck; recording secretary, know the cats have names tqo.) Repeating: work, family fun, and as she recalled, a Wilhelmina Leary; and membership "my love" for cats several times, she reel- I "wonderful childhood." She completed her. secretary, Helen Quagliaroli. Howard ed off their. names ... Morris, Sunkiss, school with graduation from the Shelton White continues as the curator, assisted by Missy, Alfie and last but not least, ttere's High School in 1956. Paul O'Donnell and Charles Lincoln. the Duke and Duchess. . Maryellen's interest in historical anti­ Putting her love into action, Maryellen is THAT SAME YEAR, Maryellen was ques and past history began at an early age a volunteer with the organization called baby-sitting for a fellow worker of Melvin at the home of her parents in Shelton. She "Aid to Helpless Animals." ~ts main work Thomas Parker. The native of West feels it is "selfish to keep (past history) is placing stray and abandoned animals , Fairless, Vt., and the girl from Shelton met locked up .. must be shared with all from around the state. As you can see, through these circumstances and were Americans. " Maryellen has done her share of helping married the same year. - t; Her personal antiques have "found a stray cats, enjoying every hour spent on Mel had come south to work in Hartford ,. home at the Society," located at the Noden­ this worthy concern for the forgotten at 'the Sealtest Dairy. He not only got the Every year, Maryellen Parker dons her Reed House on West Street. The society animals. job, but a bride: Their first home was in meets every two months, and the house is EPILOG: Maryellen Stine Parker is a Cromwell. Easter Bunny outfit and attends the open to the public from April to December. very concerned individual. For her, the In 1958 the newlyweds decided the "price Easter Egg Hunt at the Noden Reed She added, "we must preserve (the past) past must be remembered ... helpless was right," in Windsor Locks and purchas­ House. and protect it for tomorrow." animals must be taken care of. The two ed their present home at 199· Southwest One of Maryellen's most enjoyable roles organizations of which she is a member Ave. She admitted, "we have seen many is at Easter when she is the "Town's have this woman's talent that will go a long cbanges in the town." . "Mel has been always the understanding. Easter Bunny," for the annual easter egg .way toward helping achieve their goals. Looking back to her younger days, husband," Maryellen said. He attended hunt for the children. "There's a lot of child When asked what her philosophy of life Maryellen had many kind words for her Thelford Academy in his hometown. For left in me," she said, with a smile. was ... she quickly handed me a card with parents. Their "love and what they taught over three decades Mel has been a the following words ... "I shall pass through me about kindness and sharing. " The kind­ mechanic for the Sealtest company in AND WHEN IT comes to celebrating this world but once. If therefore, there be ness and sharing, in later years, has been Hartford. holidays, a sure way of staying young at any kindness I can show ~ or any good thing the hallmark of Maryellen Parker, with . Mel and Maryellen have two sons ... Tim heart, Maryellen goes all out in decorating I can do, let me do it now. Let me not defer dedication to anImals and civic and James, both graduates of the local high the front of her home. it nor neglect it. For I shall not pass this involvement. school. At Easter, colored eggs are tenderly way again." At their large home at the end of Alma CJ\BBAGES AND KINGS Road, built, incidentally, by Ray with "all the kids pitching in," there is a small cozy "getaway" room for the master of the house to, do what he enjoys the most - The Moselskys researching history, especially history of the state of Connecticut. By JACK REDMOND The room is filled with books to make Ray and Charlotte Moselsky celebrated· Ray's hobby a joy to pursue. He admits, at their 50th wedding anniversary last Oc­ certain times of the day, history is shelved tober with a gala family party. The Hart­ temporarily, for his favorite soap operas ford natives are parents of 11 children and ... "Guiding Light" and "As the World 11 grandchildren. Turns." The couple, Alma Road residents for In the evening hours, reruns of "Barney nearly four decades, were married during Miller" and "Real People" are shows not the height of the Depression years. This to- miss. The days of Ray are filled with congenial pair have seen the "worst of reading and taking life easy. Sports has not times" and the "best of times." been neglected. . . the Red Sox in baseball For 25 years Ray drove a truck for the the Giants in football and UConn in basket: Joseph. Levine Trucking of East Hartford. ball are his favorites, on television or Charlotte Akerlind Moselsky, a youthful 69 reading the newspaper. years last month, is the "boss" of the fami­ ly, according to Ray, who will become a WE MUSTN'T overlook Charlotte's member of the septuagenarian class of working career (as if raiSing a family of 11' retired gentlemen in May. / wasn't a career). The lady in the house worked 11 years with the A.R.A. Service in RA Y GREW UP in the "northend" of the Windsor Locks, before retiring to join Ray capital city, with two sisters and four in the morning and afternoon soaps and brothers. Charlotte was the only daughter l keeping house for the children still at of the Akerlinds, having five brothers mak­ home. ing a fuss over her. One would think that Ray's admiration After grammar school, Ray did odd jobs, ,:,"'0 for others may only be confined to figures Charlotte and Ray Moselsky • and some electrical work, to help out the in-history. However, many come to mind family during those troubled years. They but when questioned, he said "an Aunt both got a kick out of my question ... time, he had been with the trucking com­ Jenny was my favorite ... th'e lady was "How did you meet?" Ray was riding his pany for a few years and the family was always there when we needed her . . . she bike down the street, near Charlotte's growing. Ray received a deferment, and it would reason things out," for our best in­ home, and he passed three girls. Charlotte was back to trucking support of the war terests. What makes Ray tick or feel good? asked him for a ride ... .that's all it took. effort. "Helpi~g the underdog .. : try to help," is Ray's only comment, 50 years later, "She's the brIef and sage phIlosophy of his been riding with me ever since." THE 25 YEARS of driving in all kinds of lifestyle. They were married in Old Wethersfield weather and the rigors of long hours have Ray has seen "all the changes" in the Oct. 29, 1932. They have made homes in all taken a toll of Ray Moselsky. The job nearly seven decades since the early days Hartford, East Hartford, Bloomfield and took him around the states of Connecticut, of his youth in Hartford. Two events stand then in Windsor Locks. Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. out.. Seeing the first "talkie" movie he Ray serv'ed in the National Guard for . Retirement came in 1965. said, at the time seemed crazy. The other seven years. He was drafted into the army, Ray and Charlotte have 11 children. The . .. he was driving a truck on the day of the at the outbreak of World War II. At the proud parents agreed, "they all have been 1944 circus fire in Hartford. When he heard good to us, especially around the about the fire, he drove home, after first holidays." Raising a large family, during checking with the authorities. They had the Depression, the war, recessions and the wanted to borrow his truck to carry victims like, can be difficult, and it was for the to the nearest hospitals, but Ray's truck Moselskys. was full at the time. As for Ray, his con- Ray said,. "there were tough times, but more happier times." He added, "years cern was his children who attended the cir­ ago, it wasn't too bad ... the hardest is fin­ cus. Fortunately, they hadn't made the cir­ ding a place to live for such a large clan." cus that day. But one remembers a day like When Ray called, Charlotte "the boss," it that. was one of a loving boss. They admit, he was on the road a great deal, it was up to­ . EPILOG mother to do. the right things; she was Raymond and Charlotte Moselsky home with the kids. ~urvivors. They have experienced .ha~~e The first child of Ray and Charlotte was J~Yful and rewarding five decades of ~ Charles, who lives in Rockville. Charles nage. (And they said it wouldn't last 'Jar has one child. Raymond of Vernon, has two !hey have 11 children and 11 g~and chzldren to carryon the.Moselsky trad't' - children. Gerald lives in Windsor Locks. R ; (lOn. Margaret Modeen lives in town, has three ay (s q. student of history He children. Patti Arnone lives in Enfield. Bil­ doub~edly, found memorable cha~act~rsuo~ ly resides in Warehouse Point. Donald has the h(story pages, but not all fit the writer's words, when he wrote "Fame is a v three children and makes his home in town. 't . apor Mickey, Judy, Bruce and Doreen all live in . .. P opu Ian y (S an accident d Windsor, making 22 family members but money tl!kes wing. . . the only thi~g t~n t no great-grandchildren yet. ' endures (S Character. " a

WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 25, 1983 Partners for 50 Years CABBAGES AND KINGS WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, MARCH 4, 1983 Ralph McComb:

By JACK REDMOND Ralph William McComb is known ,by As ~any know, Ralph McComb has many colorful names, in his hometown, establ~shed himself, in the area, as more like ... The Major, Wild Bill, the hat man, than. Just a man with the normal 9-5 and so on. workIng pattern. Ralph performed in' The likeable character has found there is several m,!sical shows, after the war, for a time to laugh and a time to be _serious. the ~merican Legion and Veterans of This most happy fellow is a man of jokes For~I~n Wars. Because, they said, he "had and constant ribbing that come fast and ~ mIlItary ~ook" Ralph was made a major furious. He is also a man with an Irish In the orIgmal Warehouse Point Fife and heritage and over the years, -has had Drum Corps. He began the role of major in several jobs and a wealth of show business 19~6, and it was not until 1975, he stopped experiences, mixed with a real dedication bemg the marching leader of the old and to, what he calls, "My Flag." respected dru~ corps. In_ 1969, he joined Ralph is a veteran of World War II. He the John MaCIOlek, Post 154 American holds membership in the American Legion Legion in Enfield, as a member of their and the Polish and Italian American Clubs ~olor guard. The color guard was the "best in town. He is a veteran of Fife and Drum In .the state ~nd has the honors to prove it," parades and musical shows for decades, Isaid the major. The title of major also fell around the area. to the capable talents of Ralph when he The McComb family of Windsor Locks Iperformed for the Warehouse Point Fire were headed by Robert J. McComb and !Department's Drum' corps. Mary Bailey McComb. They were the parents of Robert, Chester, Betty, Ken and , AMONG" HIS MANY abilities can be Ralph. The "major" was born on Turnpike fo~d the role of poet laureate of the Air Road (now Ella Grasso Turnpike) 300, NatIonal GuArd retired members. He yards south of North Street. Bradley Field performs, is a leader of men and even was "all tobacco fields" in those writes poetry. He is not the only member of days ... where according to Ralph, "my Ralph W. McComb, sans beard. the McComb family with talent. When asked who he most admired ... he said, "my father, Robert J. McComb, was the boss of daughter Nancy. all the tobacco fields." brother Ken .. .looks and acts like me" Quentin, 33, is married to Maureen Another brother, Chester, was recentiy RALPH ATTENDED THE local schools, Kennedy. They have two boys ... Michael honored by the local VFW (Smalley graduating from the high school in 1939. and Brian. Their uncle Martin, 25, is Brothers, Post 6123) as the "Sportsman of For over a year he was at the trade school employed over at Bradley Field. Nancy, 30 the Year." in Hartford, studying the art of electrical ljves and_ works in sunny Arizona. All thre~ work. In October of 1942, Uncle Sam ,McCombs graduated from -the local high . When- as~ed !f ~e would do anything' wanted him to study some war duties. For school. dIfferently In hIS l!!'e, given the chance, the next three years or so, Ralph was in the Ralph, alw~ys ~n, said, "No, why destroy army, with service at Camp Edwards, Back to the "major," and some of his the memOrIes. In 1976, he experienced Massachusetts, the Carolinas, Texas, hats. Just being himself, Ralph changed Louisiana and the beauty of the locks at hats, during the interview, as many times open heart surgery. He came out, as the Sault Sainte Marie in Michigan. He found as Zsa Zsa changed husbands. He started major he is. (Ralph's mother, Mary Bailey out how the artillery and infantry with a black derby, on come a civil war hat McComb, ninety years yound and still performed during wartime, endin~ up as (southern), a red tam, Australian hat, civil going strong, would probably agree about cadre (training new military umts) for war (north, this time), a baseball cap with the major.) "air force boys." four stars and 'egg salad to match ... and February, 1946, Ralph was back home time ran out. (There were a few more and a -civilian. He -began work with the­ ready for display ... he is certainly the hat man of town.) American District telegraph for little over EPILOG a year, moving on to Suburban Propane for Ralph William McComb ... they call him the next 16 years. AS THE HATS were changed, so were "The Major," "Wild Bill," "The Hat The next year (Oct. 17) Ralph and Irene the details of Ralph's career - of Man" ... he's easy to know, whatever hat he Flint McComb were married. His lovely employment. After leaving Suburban he is wearing. The wit can be sharp ... or wife was from Windsor. They ha'd met joine~ the ranks of state employees, funny ... all done with the best of intentions. during the war, by war of a introduction by workmg at Bradley for the Air National He does have a serious side, especially a relative. Ralph, staying with his Guard.' With over two decades' under his when it comes to his country and the flag. humerous side, and, "Irene is like Irish hat (not sure which one he wore to work) he No kidding on those two subjects. whiskey ... the older she gets, the better she r~tire~ in 1981. Today, Ralph has a part­ - My personal comment when leaving the is." The quiet Irene is a good example of tIme Job as a "bag-boy" at the Geissler'S flamboyant major ... they threw away the the old adage... opposite attracts. Main Street storp._ ' mold ... and I'm glad. THE COMPATIBLE -couple, residents of Garry Road, have three children ... two sons, Q~entin and Martin, and one

The Flamboyant "Major" WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL~ MARCH 11, 1983 CMBAGES AND KINGS

Another Visit with St. Patrick • • • looking Back By JACK REDMON,D Ireland. If truth be known, a few words ... of past So another visit to St. the only vice, he says he has "Yes, I get the' idea; Next Thursday is St. myoId friend, John Scanlon columns on or near March Patrick... "St. Patrick, left these days, "Jack, by however, St. Pat, you are Patrick's Day. has supplied me names of 17... . would you believe I haven't the way, isn't your name considered Irish even if you At least, I believe folks who are of Irish 1976 ... Blarney Spoken been able to interview John?" are only one quarter Irish, everyone knows the festive persuasion. John was true to Here ... skillful flattery. anyone for a column, before "Yes, but Jack is a that makes for a lot of Irish day of Ireland's saint of his task ... but no takers. , 1977 ... A visit with St. the big day of the wearing of nickname .. .let me continue, connections. There's a lot of saints. As I said, 1983 is different. Patrick. ' .. , the green ... so I decided to I mean, you continue, see, Irish in Windsor Locks, Each year, I attempt, to (Everyone must be afraid of 1978 ... A quiet visit with try you again.'1 "I don't see you're mixing me up, and I but...I guess I should have have something special for 1984 coming). . Tom Quinn ... we, are th~ any problem. By the way, haven't had a beer all day." talked to Father Steve St. Pa.trick's Day. I So, what did I do ... I talked music makers and the are you Irish? 0 yes, I "Well it serves you right, Foley, he's got a lot of Pat interview someone from the to myoId friend St. Patrick, dreamers of dreams. almost forgot. .. WexJord. too early to drink anyway. and Mike jokes. You should old sod or whose parents himself. (You see the Irish . 1979 ... 0ur visit to Ireland, Let's get on with your As I was saying, everyone is have heard him at the were born in Ireland. . have a way ... sorry can't retold. problem, if you have one." married to someone, I annual VFW sports night. He This year is different. Past pass on the secret. Actually 1980 ... Mike and Mae Looking straight at Jack ... mean, there has been so and Arnold Dean make a years I had no trouble any leprechaun can help .. .if Moriarty ... "sit long ... talk "I'm not surprised Jack." many mixed marriages, -the goo d p air. fin din gas u ita b I e you have a mind to find one.) tnuch." "And why do you say Iris~ marrying. the French, Jack had said enough, he interviewee in Windsor So here goes .... ' 1981 ... Dan Harrington that?" PolIsh ~nd Itahan, well ~ou felt, but one more question Locks with connections to Let. us reminisce ... just for 1982 ... Jack McKeown ·"Everyone is Irish,' or get th.e Idea. I have nothl,ng to St. Pat... "What's your they are not. Right?" a g a Ins t t hat ... but. opinion on the Irish "I'll have to agree with somewhere along' ~he .y!ay, problems in the north?" you on that," feeling that S 0 m e 0 f t ·b e 1 r~t s h "Yes Jack there is a lot maybe St. Pat was los.ing·~s eonriections are lost." He of trouble and unrest in the t~~h. , ,;' ..paus~d, "Y~u can't ,te~l who north. You know, I was ~hat ~ n;tean.' . he IS .IrIsh anymore;:,d9 you thinking .. .! saw a cartoon contmued, hghtmg hls plpe, know what I mean. recently. It showed two men sitting, all alone at the foot of a monum.ent in Belfast. .. they were the only two left.. .one a Protestant, the other a 'Catholic ... You can add your own caption, to a sad picture like that. .. a shame." "ThaRks again St. Patrick ... enjoy yourself next Thursday. " Maybe the change of pace was good for some of the readers. Next year I may not have trouble getting someone to be interviewed for St. Patrick's Day. Then again, St. Pat was right ... next Thursday, everyone is Irish ... WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, MARCH 18, 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS Ron Francis: Whaler's Catalyst By JACK REDMOND players ... Ron walked at nine months, was young players ... they can't hurt us." To paraphrase the noted sports writer, skating at two and six months. A year later Adding, "three picks that Whalers will Red Smith ... "Class is something Ron has he was scoring on the ice in the four to five have within the top 25 players in this year's no trouble recognizing. He sses it every year class. Each year was another step draft...it is a crucial year." He believes the morning when he shaves." towards the dream of all the kids ... junior "Whaler fans are, super ... good hockey . The Ron ... why Ron Francis, top scorer hockey. He said, "in high school the fans .. understand the game ... they (fans) and classy guy of the local Hartford players, not good enough for organized know we are working hard and giving a Whalers, and recently called the "Nuclear hockey, played for the hi~h school." The good effort." . of talented youth." Francis boy played orgamzed all the way. "My biggest thrill? .. .it would be the All­ He is two decades old (and shaving) and For the record, Ron was drafted in June, Star game ... great playing with Bossy (New has already proved to be the catalyst ofthe 1981, by the Hartford Whalers, as an under­ York Islanders) and all the others ... just to state's only big time professional team. age junior. (First Whaler pick, 4th overall, meet those premier players of the league, When you grow up in Canada the dreams first round .. .it was year of the -top choice especially at 19." Reflecting on age ... he and likely ambitions of most boys is not be Bobby Carpenter, by the Washington said, "at my age, you are forced to grow up be a fireman ... but a hockey player in the Capitals.) Whaler scout, Bill Dineen, had quicker ... you have to learn to adjust and National Hockey League. seen Ron in action, while playing with mature sooner .. on the ice you don't have Ronald Michael Francis, Jr. was no Bill's son Gordie. time to think about it.. .just do your best." exception. Ron attributes the understanding and The young gentleman, who many say is Ron remembers the four goals (not all in patience of I)is parents, Ron, Sr. and Lorita "destined for super star status with Ron Francis the nets) he set for himself when his mind Frances, during the growing up years, Hartford,'" knows when the cheering stops wandered and wondered about life in playing hockey, with practice sessions at and the goals are not going in ... But Ron, comfortably." The "first career" will general. He grew up inn the cold hockey five in the morning. "'They didn't push me you are only twenty ... "the average length certainly take care of a part of the dream ... town of Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario into hockey," Ron added. They were also of service is 4.5 years in the NHL," he EPILOG Canada. ' there to cheer and understand when Ron reminded the writer. The accolades lately for Ronald Michael The four aspirations were to be a was playing soccer, basketball, football He's already taking the "second career" Francis, Jr. have been. many, by the member of the National Hockey League, to and baseball ... besides the national sport. seriously ... with courses in statistics, media ... "I compare him with Bobby make the league All Stars, perform in the You don't talk to Ron without feeling the business and speech at the Lake Superior Clarke and Bryan Trottier ... Shut down Ron playoffs and eventually be on a Stanley Cup sincere love he has for his parents and State University in Michigan (right over Francis and you shut down the championship team. The first two were younger brother, Ricky. (who will be 18 in the border) during the off-season. Whalers ... May be just the man to lead the achieved before Ron's twentieth birthday. June.) Ricky had ,been ill in his younger Besides the schooling, Ron intends to Hartford Whalers out of the NHL (March 1st) On that day, he scored two years, that, at times seem insurmountalbe, relax, enjoy the sunshine this summer. And. wilderness" ... and on and on. goals, (missing the hat trick (three goals) but Ron's folks, "stuck with Rick, of course, listen to the music of his several times, but the celebration was overcoming the 'medical problems." He is generation ... especially the sounds of Bruce We can add ... he's a classy young human short-lived, when the Buffalo team won the now coming along fine," according to Ron, Springsteen. (Who?) being. We met him back in January, at the game over the Whalers. and needless to say, is Ron's biggest fan. When you speak of favorites ... Ron has a annual VFW Sports Night..:we were If California is the right place to raise lot of them .. .in baseball, the Chicago White impressed. He was gracious enough to and breed tennis, swimmers, and baseball Ron Francis is more than the current Sox, San Diego Charges in football, the grant an interview and answer a few players, then Canada is where hockey high scorer (goals and assists) of the Philadelphia and Boston in basketball and questions sport writers may not ask. players come from. Ron was raised in Whalers. He's eager, unassuming and fully what about hockey? "I'll pass on Behind this hockey player is more than hockey country. The' Esposito brothers dedicated to the team effort. The that" ... with a smile and Whaler-influence pucks, sticks and skates. (Phil and Tony) grew up setting the table team ... with their record this year needing all over. for the youth of Sault Sainte Marie. To give no further words from me ... will hopefully Do yuou have a steady girl? The answer Ron said, "as long as hockey is fun and you some idea of what makes hockey improve with, as Ron mentioned, "good was not as quick as the others. "At the does not ruin my life .. .!'ll enjoy it." present time I don't...but I have a girl at home in mind." We began the story of Ron Francis with a Asking a young man what his philosophy Red Smith quote .. .it is fitting to end the of life is, may sound rather strange ... but , story with another paraphrase ofthat great not with this man, who has his head on writer, words, we feel, Ron would agree straight. He said, "I just relax ... take each wit h ... ' , t hat s p 0 r t sis n ' t day as it comes ... see whatever happens." Armegeddon ... These are just little games He stopped for_a moment-andCldded~ "I'm that little boys can play, and it really isn't an easy-going person ... what I want out of important to the future of civilization life? ... a nice wife. family and ~o liv~ whether the Whalers or Bruins win."

WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, MARCH 25, 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS Rudy Desroches: Veteran· Fire Fighter

By JACK REDMOND Gina, 23, works in Windsor at the fireman in West Hartford, persuaded Rudy EPILOG Rudolph Maurice Desroches, father of . Thompson Associates in the graphic arts to take the exam for fire fighter. Rudy has Rudolph Maurice Desroches (as in six, is a veteran fire fighter for the town of department. Mary, 20, is currently with been a fixture in the West Hartford Fire Durocher, Leo that is) is a family man, West Hartford. Rudy, a likeable guy, with a Wendy's, while the youngest of the family, Department for the past 25 years, (in May rel.igious, steady fire fighter, joiner and ready smile and story, resides on Tom, 19, is hoping to attend Central of this year) and holds the rank of enJoys the quiet moments of fishing. Montemerlo Avenue with his wife, Lola Connecticut State University in the fall. lieutenant. - As a veteran fire fighter Rudy has seen Lavoie Desroches. Rudy recalls the first years of being a the horrors of fire to man and material. Rudy, born in Bridgeport, but raised in RUDY, BORN OF Canadian parents, fireman with the long 57-hour week. Today He's a protector for the town he serves ... as Hartford, married Lola in -1954. He met the." grew up in the "Hollow" section of their schedule calls for 42 hours for the 105 well as the kids he calls "super." He is a Grand Island, Maine, native during the Hartford. After grammar school and firemen at five stations. unique individual. Korean War, while he was on furlough Hartford High School he got his first job He was the first fireman to declare from the army. -' with Underwood Typewriter Co. Five years himself as not living in West Hartford, with The fire lieutenant and his wife lived in later, during the Korean War, Rudy had to residence in Windsor Locks. (Years ago Hartford, after their wedding day, moving give up the typewriters for the U.S. Army. one had to be a resident in order to serve on to Windsor Locks nearly 20 years ago. The Rudy's service career had its moments. the rolls of the fire department.) six Desroches children all graduated from With basic training in t,he tough rigors of Rudy and Lola "liked the area (Windsor the local high school. the infantry over, fate played its hand. Locks)" and have made their home on Sharon, 28, the oldest, with two sisters Rudy's trained outfit left for Korea, MontomerIo for nearly 20 years. I" and three brothers, is married to Bill without him. He was transferred to the Moore. The Moores live in New Britain. artillery. He later heard the sad news ... "of As a father, he said, "the kids have been Steve Desroches, 26, the little leaguer in the 3,-000 soldiers, who saw action in Korea, super.;." giving one example of the family, is employed at Hamilton­ from his original outfit,' only five consideration ... "the kids worked on special Standard. Paul, the second oldest son, is 24. survived. " projects in order to provide my wife and I The artillery arm of the army sent Rudy with a trip to Bermuda on our 25th wedding to San Francisco. After eight months near anniversary.' , the Golden Gate he was off again. This time overseas ... but to Germany, a long way He added, in his quiet proud manner, from the 'gate and Korea. He saw the "We're a close family ... all I wanted was to beauty of Holland, France and Germany. give them a head start in life." When Another highlight of the European visit asked, he said, "I guess Lola is the boss in was meeting his brother, Morris, now of the family ... you could call me the West Hartford, also in the army. Rudy, preacher. " ' now looking back, and not to mince words, said, "I consider myself lucky ... not going DURING THE TWO decade~in Windsor to Korea." He was discharged from the Locks, Rudy has been a member of the service in March of 1953. ' Italian and Polish American clubs, the American Legion for 15 years and the V.F.W. for the past three years. He admits NOT SURE OF his future, Rudy returned enjoying the camaraderie of such to Underwood for six months. He left, organizations. However, because of trying his hand in the laundry delivery different shifts as a fireman, he was unable business. Another delivery opportunity to participate in the activities , came up ... providing milk to schools in the Rudy, who spent many years in the Boy Hartfora area. It lasted only a few weeks. Scout movement in Hartford, spends He was married, the family was leisure time at his favorite hobby .. .fishing growing, he wanted something different. in the Granby and Barkhamsted rivers and This came about when his brother,' a lakes. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, APRIL 1, 1983 CPSBAGES AND KINGS The Lincolns are 'Involved Jointly' in Life By JACK REDMOND more interested in hunting and fishing, "is an acolyte (an altar attendant) at St. take an active role in restoring the barn as Charles and Joyce Lincoln are currently then the sport scene. To this day, his John's. His brother, Bruce, 9, a North a museum, cataloging the tools and involved in a new endeavor ... the Windsor favorite hobby is still fishing, 'especially in Street student, has begun the scout seeking donations for the barn on the Locks Historical Society. To them, it is nearby lakes and rivers. ' program as a Cub. property. It hadn't been used for 20 years ,another example of togetherness, which is After graduation from Suffield High Joining Charles and her sons, Joyce is an and needed a lot of work. Paul knew of already exhibited with the boy scout School in 1961, Charles entered the­ active individual at St. John's as secretary, Charles' experiences on the farm as a program and activity at their church. in University of Hartford. Four years later, the past 11 years. She is also an assistant in young boy, and called him for assi~tance. Warehouse Point, St. John's Episcopal with cap and gown, he received a liberal the Christian Education Program ... as Church. arts degree. An earnest try at employment "overseer in the church education Charles and Joyce, not ones to do things Charles, also known as "Chuck" was' lasted only 'six months at the Hartford program ... nursery'to adulthood." in a small way, accomplished what they set born in Stafford Spring's Johnson Hospital, Federal Savings. He switched from Charles and Joyce were married in 1966. out for ... with over -200 farm instruments, growing up in Suffield. Joyce Hall Lincoln, banking to insurance, only a few blocks "Two years before, while Joyce was still in from hand tools to rolling stock (any a native of Walthem, Mass., was an "army away ·at Travelers, to make it his life's high school, they had met at a teenage livestock drawn vehicle) for a catalog. brat." Her father, a career sergeant in the work. Last December, Charles completed dance at the KofC hall. The dancing led to Charles said, it was only done with the army, was stationed all over the world. 17 years with one of the giants of the marriage and their first home on Spring cooperation of many with good ideas and Joyce not only saw the beauty of Hawaii, insurance world. He frankly admits, if he Street. They left Windsor Locks for Suffield donations of farm equipment. They are but the camp life of Fort Dix, New Jersey, had a choice ... "I'd rather work outdoors," (ten years), returning to town. Settling -now active members in the society. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort Knox, but knows it wasn't to be. His baptism at down the last eight summers on North Kentucky and far off Okinawa. Travelers consisted of writing instructions Main Street. With the name of Lincoln ... just maybe a When it came time for Joyce to enter for policies and designing forms. Today, relation to another Lincoln, of some fame. The association of Charles Lincoln with Yes, Charles said, from "word of mouth of high school, her dad was settled as the his main position is design forms and is the Windsor Locks Historical Society army recruitor in Hartford. He choose to "very content," in what he does.,', several relatives, but with no definite indirectly, began back in 1957. He was at proof, due to a'loss of family records in a live in Windsor Locks, giving Joyce the Charles and Joyce have two the Boy Scout "National Jamboree" in opportunity to attend and graduate from fire, we are distant cousins of the famous sons ... Matthew and Bruce. "Both boys are Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Because of Mr. Lincoln'." the local high school, class of 1965. . 4-H enthusiasts, with two rabbits (at the Paul O'Donnell's concern and kindness for The other partner in this friendly time of the interview), four box turtles, one Charles during illness, Charles promised, EPILOG twosome, experienced life in the farm area dog and one cat. Their interests J are if he could ever repay the favor, he would Cparles Lincoln, not a very complicated of Suffield. His parents, William Lincoln heartily supported by their parents. " be available. person, with an outgoing friendly down and Ruth Drake Lincoln, still live in the Matthew, 12, a Middle School That time came last year. home manner, greatly admires his parents town north of Charles and Joyce's home on student, has been a boy scout the past two Howard White and Paul, both active in for their "sense of values, complete North Main Street. As a boy, Charles was years. Rounding out his activity, Mattnew the society, were looking for a person to honesty and deeply religious feelings." WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, APRIL 8, 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS Steve Sheridan -Credit Union's Young Manager

By JACK REDMOND Washington and California. . amazed at the vastness of the" West, the Rockies and the Steven John Sheridan is following in the footsteps and The eight-week journey was highlighted by visits to wild life." (You get the feeling ... Steve Sheridan knows his ledgers of Uncle Joe Raccone ... as the St. Mary's Credit friends and relatives. Needless to say, Steve and Jack had heart is in Windsor Locks.) . Union Treasurer-Manager. "a great time:" On the trip home, Steve made up his EPILOG The story of Steve, age 30 and a native of Windsor Locks, mind ... as great as the west was to visit...Connecticut was Steven John Sheridan is a' sincere and direct young begins with attending the local schools; meeting his future the place to make it! ! executive providing a service to the community .. .the wife in high school; college; and a eight-week safari - not With the traveling bug out of his system, Steve became a community he knows and where he wants to live. to Africa - but an exploration of the western states of the car salesman. Looking back, he said, "it was a good When asked, what is your philosophy of life? ... he quickly United States. experience and great trainjng for meeting the public." He said, "Live by the Golden Rule.'~ A sincere and direct These events and experiences played an important role finally settled down ... the adventurous young son of John young man. in developing Steve's future and career. Marriage to "Bud" Sheridan and Carman Raccone Sheridan. When it was time to ask the final question ... who have you Nancy Hijeck, a local girl and high school sweetheart, was. In January, 1977, he married his high school sweetheart most admired in your life? he said, "both of my a very good reason to live and settle down in New England, Nancy' (class of 1971). Nancy worked at Combusion grandparents ... the Sheri dans and Racocones ... the difficult especially in Connecticut and Windsor Locks. Education Engineering Inc. for 10 years until little Amy Noelle times they endured, the struggling; I have only admiration got him a position of trust in his own community. Sheridan was born in December of 1981. Two months after for them.'" " .. the wedding, Steve joined the St. Mary's Credit Union as a Steve learned the credit union business from Uncle Joe, STEVE WAS A S1. Mary's grammar school student and trainee. In 1979, with the retirement of Mr. Raconne, Steve and great human lessons from his grandparents. graduate of the Raider School (Class of 1970), He received took over the role of treasurer-manager. a degree (business administration-minor in economics) from the'Connecticut (Central) State University in 1974. THE ST. MARY'S CREDIT Union, chartered in 1940 by During the college days (it was called a college then) he two Catholic priests, has grown over the years to 4,000 worked part-time in Windsor at the Palmer Sheet Metal Co. members. Steve said, "one of the union's goals is to be the Around Labor Day, 1975, Steve and his cousin, Jack Basile, primary financial institution of its members." He added, decided to explore some states west of New England. Their "the newsletter, published quarterly, for the members, is camping trip included stops in Colorado, the Grand to keep them fully informed of the union's community Canyon, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, parts of activities in the financial world." Canada and the three most western states of Oregon, Steve, as member of the Windsor Locks Rotary Club, is not all credits, debits, loans, and ledgers. He's really an outdoor person. He enjoys the quiet life of fishing, the thrill of hunting, the skill it takes to cross the country snows of Vermont and Maine skiing. He admits ttl-being a "fair weather" jogger: Come the summer months, you'll find Steve, Nancy and now Amy, enjoying the shores of Rhode Island. He's one resident of Windsor Locks who is not a Yankee or Red Sox fan. He feels the real excitement in sports is the time of the World Series and Super Bowl action. - Thinking back on the trip he and Jack made in 1975: "I guess you'd say, I liked the trip west, but you have to remember it was my first- trip away from home ... I was, WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL. APRIL 15. 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS 'Mando' Bianchi -Versatility and Dedication -By JACK REDMOND hunting, fishing and a family garden for Armando Ernest Bianchi, known to his 'live the clean lile... help anyone you can .•. and don't do any harm to Armando, when he and Rose are not many friends and former business playing bridge ... their one tru~ passion. associates as "Mando,'" was born in anyone. ' northern Italy, coming to Windsor Locks Looking back, Armando said, when when he was only a year old. asked who he most admired ... "the man who did so much for all of us during the , The Elm Street resident has had a state Knights of Columbus organization. ' community ... Boy Scout Troop 155" from depression ... Franklin D. Roosevelt." Rose versatile career ... working in the tobacco His parepts, both admirers. friends and the Windsor Locks Rotary Club. admires another individual, ,who is still fields of now-Bradley Field, factory past -neighbors of .the late Gov. Ella T. THE BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT has doing things for others ... "Mother" Theresa employment, ins~rance, po~icem~n and Grasso said Mrs. Grasso had been the of India. finally as, restaurateur, wIth hIS late guest speaker, a few years back, at their. always been close to the hearts of Armando brother,'Joseph Bianchi, at the Main Street son's testimon~a). and Rose. He served over two decades as a eatery, "Bianchi Midway Restaurant." EPILOG' committee chairman and treasurer, while Armando Ernest Bianchi has a very The restaurant, a landmark for 27 years, B a c k i 0 Ron's dad and his Rose did her duty as den mother. and Armando's career, went into career... August and Carmelita Bianchi For the tow n 0 f Win d s 0 r simple, but profound philosophy ... "live the retirement with the redevelopment project 'were married in St. Mary's Church; On a Locks ... Armando was president of the local clean life ... help anyone you can ... and don't in'late 1973. ' return trip to Italy, to their native land, Chamber of Commerce, also serving on do any harm to anyone." Armando was born. The family, with three their board of directors for many years. He This quiet, kind man with his handsome Retirement has kept Armando busy sons, (Armando, Joe ,and Sye) finally was chairman of the Parking Authority these days; especially when his wife~ Rose smile, has lived by this philosophy. He has settled in Windsor Locks, first living on and served on the Industrial Development helped neighbors, with Rose at his side, he Santamaria Bianchi, his bride since 1936, Spring Street. Armando grew up in their Commission. finds a room that may need painting or and Joe served the town in the restaurant something else to be fixed at their home., new home on Suffield Street, attending St. Rose and Armando are members of the business, and community life, civic and Mary's and Union Schools. As a young boy Senior Citizens Club. Hobbies include scouting ~~e benefitted by his talents. Rose was eight when she came from her he worked on tobacco. ' native Italy. Her family lived on Maple Avenue and Armando's family lived on HIS FIRST BIG JOB was in a Hartford Suffield Street. However, their paths did factory, and that lasted over a decade. The not cross until years later; a few chance role of salesman for Prudential Insurance meetings on the trip from Hartford, -when was something different, ending with they both' worked in the capital city. Rose World War II, when he went into defense said the friendship blossomed at a few local work for the war effort. All this time, dances. . Armando was serving as a supernumary policeman. He graduated to a regular for ARMANDO AND ROSE have one only a six-month period. His brother, son ... Ronald J. Bianchi. The proud parents Joseph, decided Main Street needed a stated their son is presently the Vice­ family restaurant. So for twenty years, President of St. Vincent's Hospital in plus seven, the town had a family Bridgeport, Connecticut. Ronald resides in restaurant, until Main Street had its face nearby Trumbull with his wife Lynn. lifted. Armando regrettted the drastic Before assuming the position at St. changes, and said, "they didn't do what Vincent's, he served as vice principal of they said they would for the businessmen." Stamford Catholic High School and prior to that was the assistant dean of student He retired, and the only cooking he does services at Fairfield University. ' now is for local volunteer firemen at their "game" dinners and picnics. In 1978 he A graduate of Suffield Academy, Ronald received his first plaque for helping in the received an AB degree in phychology from comunity ... "in appreciation for service to Fairfield and a Master's in Counseling the Windsor Locks Fire Department." The from the same institution. In 1970, he was seond, four years later, read "For selected as "Knight of the Year" by the distingUished service to the youth of the WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL. APRIL 22. 1983 CPBBAGES AND KINGS Dick & Linda Annis With· Our Three Sons By JACK REDMOND time was right for some post grad work at Dick and Linda Annis, the All-American Baylor University in Texas. For the past active couple, have three sons in Little eight years Linda has been a fixture at the League, Midget football, \basketball and Windsor Hall Nursing Home. \ scouting. Throw in some of her apple pie When Richard came marching home he and the flag and you'll have what the Annis returned to Dexters. This June it will be family is all about. sixteen years service for the Research The Vietnam veteran, Dexter employee Technicians in New Products for the local and duck hunter ... par excellence and his company . . wife of thirteen years, are both natives of Now to their three sons ... Bret, 12, Bristol, Connecticut. The friendly and (named after his dad's favorite cowboy eager advocates of a full and happy life- western on TV ... "Maverick") a student style, met while in high school. When at the Middle School: According to dad and Vaughn Richard Annis went off to war. .. mom, he is "sports-minded, you name it, Richard Annis and sons Linda Fowler went off to school, to wait for midget football, little league, ~ketball Chet, Bret and Todd, pay her man. . and of course, scouting." allegiance to the American After graduation from high school, in Chad, 10, and Todd, mne, both South flag during a scout 1965, Dick entered the Waterbury State Street School students, are following in c~remony. Tech: College, where he received an Bret's athletic endeavors and the scouting associates degree in' chemistry. Dick life of young boys. Their grandfather, C. V.. accepted an offer from Dexter in their Annis, of Bristol, is still active in scouting Research and Development Department. as scoutmaster witti twenty-seven years Nine months later Uncle Sam wanted the being prepared. The boy's father has been new employee for a different type of in the scouting movement for the past five position. The pay was low,~but the traveling years ... and yes, Dick was a boy scout in great. The Vietnam War was on, and in his younger days. Dick is holding down two typical \ government fashion Dick went to jobs .. '. cub master and scoutmaster with New Haven thinking he was going into the Linda as den mother, making for a family army. But the good uncle had other plans affair. ~ .. the U.S. Marines and Parris Island. In summing up- Dick's activity . . . "I Dick served in Vietnam for thirteen love the outdoord, I firmly believe in­ months. The platoon sergeant (infantry) conservation ... and feel scouting ... "saw a lot of action ... found out what develops character in all these young life really meant." In analyzing the time men." However, he added, "there should spent in the marines, he felt, "it was an be a balance of outdoor involvement, as to camping, the entire family gets up early "the man put life in balance ... I'm proud experience I wouldn't trade for anything well as social contact and a sense of feeling for trips to far-of~ Io~a and Missouri. to be his grandson." Linda agreed with his ... it changed my personality, I grew up, I towards the community and, for example When its not duck' hunting season, no choice. realized I could accomplish something with the senior citizens." Recently, the scouts camping trips planned, or no meetings to EPILOG my life ... it turned my life around." - put words into action with their assistance attend, Dick will probably be found "Few people during their lifetime come While Dick was in the jungles of in helping with the bingo ~al!les at the examining and viewing a prized collection anywhere' near exhausting the resources Vietnam, Li.nda, with ~er Bristol ~ospital Senior Citizen Center. . of antique bottles. The older the better, dwelling within them. There are deep wells . and a practical nurse lIcense, deCIded the Dick, the Elm Street resident (12 years in treasures found in some strange places .. .­ of strength that are never used." (R. E. Windsor Locks) is a past president of the buried for many years and unearthed by Byrd) local Jaycees. Another group that receives real true collectors like Dick Annis. With Vaughn Richard Annis there are his attention is "Ducks Unlimited." Admiration beyond duck hunting, themes aplenty ... family oriented, (Wasn't Bing Crosby active in that cheering for the Yankees, scouting and service to country and community and Jack Redmond Visits· organization?) For example ... its four in collector's items for this young father of personal desires for bottles and ducks. He The Annis Family ...... page 3 the morning, Dick Annis leaves the warm three boys ... was for his grandfather, in has tried to exhaust-the resources in his life and cozy home for some cold waiting Iowa, Mr. Hollis Saar. The reasons were style and doing a good job. He will fill those games of duck hunting. But when it comes many, but the following came to light ... deep wells ... he too has his life in balance. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, APRIL 29, 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS Inside the OHice of Edward Buck _By JACK REDMOND boss and Ed's compatriot for a quieter Vietnam and Joining his brother was his SOME WORDS ON Ed's personal iife ... It was a late afternoon "', a rainy office, where as a kid, I never was called reason for joining up. he married Karen Shemansky in 1980. They Monday ... when I went to interview Ed - down to, as the saying goes. At least it gave Ed a trip at government live in Enfield. Karen and Ed met when he Buck at the high school. The students, I assumed, the meeting of the school expense, to places in the Caribbean like was at South Street School and she was one except for a few baseball and tennis hierarchy was over, when I made my Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad and of the teachers. Today, Karen is' a 3rd players hurrying to the dryness of their presence known, and Ed and I were ready the locks at Panama. grade teacher at the North Street School. school, had all gone. to find out, and tell the town, what really Discharged, after over two years, with Ed has two children ... Johahan, six and a "I'm looking for Ed Buck," I said to makes Edward Allan Buck tick. the rank of sergeant, he found no teaching half, and Melanie, five. three scholarly gentlemen looking at me as Ed was born in a Springfield hospital. jobs open in East Granby. How about As a former Jaycee member in Suffield, though they were wondering if I were a For the first three years of his life be called nearby Windsor Locks? He was accepted in Ed was involved in the Special OIYlllpic salesman or looking for the adult classes. Agawam home. After his father was September, 1970, for a sixth grade teaching program. In his personal spare time Ed "Mr. ·O'Brien knows me," I said with a discharged from the service (World War position at Union School. enjoys fly fishing and jogging, and he just smile (figuring confidence is good when II), the Bucks moved to Windsor Locks. Five years later Ed was appointed recently took up the game of golf. one talks to .a principal.) Another move, this time to Enfield, where principal of South Street School. Last The late John L. Burke, plumber by I figured I had interrupted a meeting of Ed received his grammar school education September Ed was picked for the role of trade, and former First Selectman of sorts between John O'Brien, principal of and was graduated from Enfield High assistant principal of the high school, Agawam, - Mass.,' (elected seven the Windsor Locks High School, and his two' School in 1963. working with Mr. O'Brien and Mr. consecutive times) was Ed's grandfather, assistants, Edward Buck and George He decided to be a teacher. In 1968, Ed Anastasia., , and according to Ed, "always gave the Anastasia. -received a BS degree in elementary (Ed is in for another change ... because example of honesty and a genuine interest Ed didn't know me, he just knew that the education from Central Connecticut State of budget cuts, it was announced (in the in people," and gained his grandson's love fellow who writes "Cabbages and Kings" College. It didn't take long after graduation Journal two week ago) that Ed would be and admiration. was coming for an interview. We left the . .. he taught in East Granby for six r~assigned to a teaching pOSition. The What makes Edward Allan But!k tick? months ...to go from teacher to U.S._ administrative assistant position, held by Obviously, the life of teacher in the Marine. He - enlisted .-.. his brother Robert Sanatamaria, has been eliminated. classroom or in adminstration. It doesn't Richard was fighting in the Vietnam War. Mr. Sana tarmaria is to be reassigned to . take long to find Ed is a low-key and easy­ INSIDE:---- As all young men find, the marine boot Ed's current position.) going individual. With him, "there's no camp at Parris Island, S.C., can be a rough The roles of teacher~ assistant principal value in shouting." Town Beautifies with Trees • page 6 time of their life. Ed was no exception. and principal have been learning plateaus To prove the point and get Ed's blessing' A Visit with Ed Buck .••• page 15 He found it, "a good experience ... for the young educator. He emphasized . .. "A high school teacher who had an actually having fond memories ... it quite honestly, "I was never dissatisfied as unruly class and also a sense of humor Secretaries Get More- Than a Coffee taught me discipline and a direction in life.' a teacher. The big difference between came in one morning and found bedlam . ,- Break •••••• '. . . • . • . . page 19 He was "gung ho" for action in Vietnam. teaching and administration is the amount had broken loose. He slapped his palm on Also: However, the war was winding down. of time spent ... working with students in the desk and lifted his voice. "I demand Viewpoints .•...•.••.••...... page 4 Orders were cut for the trained marine for disciplinary action, and less time in pandemonium," he said. Obituaries • • • ...... • • page 20 the Far East. dealing with the general student body." A hush fell on the class as though he'd- Sports .. ~ ••••••••.•..... pages 27,28 Fate stepped in ... a telegram was However, he added, "As principal, one is demanded quiet. - received in Camp Lejeune, N.C., changing effecting change and assisting on new , uJu~t {>roves," this teacher declared, the orders for Ed and his company. It was a programs, where a teacher does not '''that It am't what you say but how you say bum rap, he felt at the time. Going to always have that type of opportunity." it. "

Speaking of celebrations, Cabbagges and Kings columnist Jack Redmond is celebrating his eighth anniversary at the typewriter. For the past eight years Jack has interviewed various residents and published these orofjles in the Journal. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, MAY 6, 1983 CPBBAGES AND KINGS T-he lovelandsand the Governor's Foot Guard

By JACK REDMOND ceremonial, drills, encampments, parades Timothy ~ 18, and Keith, 15, carrying on the Organized Militia of the- State of If Anna Garvey Loveland is our special and shows, and Don added, "all that, and Lovelana tradition. Tim is a semor and Connecticut.' , Mother's Day interviewee ... then her the comradeship of the other members." Keith a freshman. Tim played baseball, One of the highlights of Don's career with husband, of over thirty years, Donald Louis Sons, Thomas and Matthew, are following but Keith, not like his brothers, is a track the guard has been his participation in the Loveland, is our town's dedicated member in the bootstraps of their father. and cross country enthusiast. presidential inaugurations of Presidents of the First Company Governor's Foot WHEN "SON" IS called upon to do When asked "What role does a wife play Nixon and Reagan. He said, the Foot Guards. . . something in the Loveland household, five when her husband is so active in the foot Guards first appearance in an . That's the beauty of meetmg people, as -. heads may turn towards the speaker. guards?" Don said, "I'm very lucky, Anna inauguration was 1929, at the ceremony for 10 the ca.se of the Lovelan~, you may h~ve Donald, 27, heads the list. He is a grad of is a very understanding wife." Don's first President Hoover. So the next time a two st~rIes of equal ~entIon. . the local high school and received an military experience was during World War parade goes by and the guards are part of . Anna and Don, qUl~t and u!lassum1O~, associate degree from the Manchester II, as a soldier of over a year, serving the show .. .look for Windsor Locks man in dId not seek ~ny specIal mentIon of theIr Community College. Don served four years mostly in Italy. the nattily dressed uniform, on horseback, talents, but It was easy to. sP.ot for a in the U.S. Air Force, is a member of the he'll be Anna's handsome husband ... Don . stranger and newcomer to theIr hves. Air National Guard at Westover and is TALKING TO DON Loveland is chiefly Loveland . Both were born and. br

Communicating for Dexter

WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, MAY 20~ 1983 By JACK REDMOND STEVEN, 25, ALSO A little leaguer was Bednarzs love to travel WIth stops in San -During -the hockey season, if you look a player on the soccer field and Diego, St.' Louis, Florida and sunny close enough, while at the Hartford Civic bas~ball Center, in the section just behind the di~mond of the high school. He and his Bermuda. WIfe, Brenda Koehler, live in Warehouse ' visitor's goal (Whalers shoot twice, defend Point. Steve is employed by United Silk . That's the story of Larry and Betty Bed­ once ... hockey talk) you are apt to find Screens. _ narz, the true-blue hockey fans and what Larry and Betty Bednarz, -Windsor Locks' own true-blue Hartford Whaler fans. Laura, 26, like her brothers is a grad of they were doing before they selected those The Elm Street residents have cheered the high school and has been a student at seats behind the goal at the Civic Center. defended and supported Connecticut's onli t~e ~snuntuck Community College. She - hves- m Enfield with her husband Joe and For the record~ we ran across some major sport team... their Whalers. And to their two sons. ' , -- hockey history that they may ap- hear these congenial fans tell it...if matters are not straightened out in the front office Bryan, the Bednarz's oldest grandchild preciate ... "There is doubt as to the exact this fall, things could be as bad as the past has already been exposed to the hockey origin of the modern game of hockey, some season, when their Whalers did not make bug by watching the Whalers at the Civic contending that its name comes from the the playoffs. For Larry and Betty, it seems Center, accompanied by you-know-who French "hoquet," meaning "a shepherd's And speaking of the Whalers ... here's a sub~ crook," others -leaning toward the view their team sells alI the star players, like ject most discussed at the Bednarz home. ltha,t it.is an adaption of field hockey, a Mike Rogers and oh yes, the Howe boys. game But let's find out what Larry and Betty The Bednarzs are season ticket i based upon knocking an object were doing before the hockey bug made holders ... through the good (a few) and the Ithrough a goal. Ice hockey gained populari­ them so true-blue. bad years. Admitting to being old fans of ,~y among the students of McGill University the Springfie~d In~ians, the game of hockey m Montreal during the 1870s and by 1885 an LARRY WAS BORN in Broad Brook has oeen their chief spectator sport since their wedding day. . amateur league had been formed in (~ast Windsor) moving with his family to Wmdsor at the age of two. Schooling includ-, . Taking their role as real fans, strong opi­ Cana~a. T~e Natio~al Hockey League was ed grammar and high school in Windsor­ mons were showed, even on the super orgamzed m 1908 WIth all Canadian teams before another move to Wethersfield by the­ player ~f all times ... Gordie Howe. Mr. Boston, in 1924, became the first United Howe s Influence -on his sons and how Mr. States city to obtain a franchise." family. From high school to the U.S. Army I (1947), and before Larry knew it, Germany: Hockey was there overlooking their sticks would be his address until 1952. Larry saw and wouldn't let them "go," so to speak. the beauty and sights of France, The Whaler management let them Switzerland, England and said he most en­ go ... Mark to the Boston Bruins and Marty joyed the country of Austria. Soon after to the Philadelphia Flyers. that trip Uncle Sam discharged Larry for a Larry and Betty have never been Larry more convenient civilian status. Pleau fans, the current general manager He tried his hand at carpentry work for a and ~oach, un~il the new "czar" is picked. few years. His next step would be a perma­ ~Em.lle FranCIS being named for the top nent one. He joined Hamilton-Standard and Job, Just after this interview). for the next 28 years Larry would be a On a recent summer pleasure trip to steady worker, currently in jet fuel Montreal, the Bednarzs got to see the controls. _ - marvel at the old "Forum", home of the His better half ... Elizabeth Sulik Bednarz famed MO.ntreal Canadiens hockey team. is-a Windsor girl. They knew each other in They received the "royal treatment," as grammar school. Betty's parents ... Joe and soon as they announced they were fans of Vickie Sulik ... ran a popular restaurant in "those W~alers." Larry and Betty intend Windsor and Larry's folks broke bread at to stay WIth the Whalers, during the good the Sulik e~tery many times and everyone and bad years .. .for a while at least. got to know each other. It meant a joining During another interview' with the Jour­ of the Bednarz and Sulik families for a wed­ nal Inquirer, at the Civic' Center.:.Betty ding in 1954. ~old the writer ... "We're just average work­ Larry and Betty have three children - a mg people ... we don't have corporate spon­ sors ... we love hockey and we love the daughter Laura, and two sons Michael and Whalers but they make it very difficult for Steven. Both admit they are' also "happy us." grandparents" with Laura and Joe Scalia's Larry did say, we are not all hockey ... he sons ... Bryan and-Derek. Bryan is a little follows the St. Louis Cards the baseball ove~ two~and Derek is just nine months. team .of his idol Stan Musi~l, the Miami . MIchael, 27! is a graduate of the local Dolphms of football - and we didn't have hIgh school (hiS folks have lived in Windsor . to ask what hockey team. L~~ks !or. nea~ly 30 years) and St. Speaking of organizations .... LarrY is a MIch~el s m Wmnooski, Vt. He is now member of the Knights of Columbus the teachmg at the Granby Middle School. He Am~ric~n Legion and a few years back, an als,o coaches the girls' high school softball adVIser m the S~a Scout program and as a team and the b_oys' Middle School basket-' Little League cdach_ for ~he _~ofC team. The ball team. Our paths Crossed in 1970 when Mike was one of the stars of the Senior League (Little WINDSOR LOC~S JOURNAL, MAY 2~, 1983 League) Villa Rose team, under Coach George Hall. Young Mike also played high school baseball and basketball. CPSBAGES AND KINGS The Bednarzs True- Blue Whaler Fans By JACK REDMOND Leo Ernest Dennis possesses well-earned credentials of much traveled Educator, Sports Fan educator .. .teaching and as principal. Other credentials pertain to spectator sports of WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JUNE 3, 1983 baseball and hockey, and in fact, all sports. The loyalty to the teaching cabbages and profession has been enhanc- Leo Dennl~c.:3 ed by his two sons, with kings careers as teachers. To Leo, tive in sports ... Mark as a Manor Terrace in Windsor GRANDFATHER... Leo is a this was a "matter of pride," premier baseball player and Locks). He was theq offered, former member of the Lions and spoken sincerely by a Gary as a swimmer and and accepted, the job of prin­ Club and now has two quite quiet, friendly individual track star. cipal at the East Windsor different hobbies, when. not with the slight, but still audi­ Behind the educators (dad Middle School. Two years watching and listening to ble, Boston accent. and sons) is Anne Grasso later he finally made Wind­ sports... "tinkering' with Loyalty to sports means Dennis, herself a teacher's sor Locks with a teaching cars ... anyone's cars," is trips to Fenway Park and aid, for,a decade or so, com­ job at Union School, sixth Anne's version, and climb­ Yankee Stadium, with many pleting the Dennis dynasty, grade. For a time, Leo was ing mountains, especially in of his town friends, and as a with Leo's personal view of acting principal of South New Hampshire. Last sum­ season ticket holder of the teaching as "more satisfy­ Street SchooL.as Work Ex­ mer Leo achieved the im­ Hartford Whalers, new ing," when asked of teacher perience teacher ... and since possible dream, for begin­ "czar" and all. If Fenway or versus principal. 1974, all at the high school, ners, he climbed Mount the place that "Ruth built" the Curriculum Coordinator, Washington and found 90 were closer, the season LEO WAS BORN in Gard­ just before taking on the role mile wind currents and was tickets would probably be ner, Massachusetts (located of Multi-Media teacher. This "pleased and ready to go confined to his love of in the north Central part of entails, assisting students back." Anne, just sits home baseball. . the Bay State ... and Chair ci­ and teachers in the use of and worries, she said, with a Before the sons, Mark and ty of the World), growing up various types of equipment slight smile, there will be no Gary, took on the role of in a small community called for presenting lessons or mountain climbing for her. teaching, they both were ac- Otter River, near Gardner. materials in the educational Schooling began in field. 'EPILOG Templeton (a. regional With Leo Ernest Dennis it school), graduation from LOOKING BACK ON the is diffic'uIt to separate high school in 1948 and on to years in those fields of education, of this learned the Fitchburg State education ... Leo said, person, and the Gus Fan Teacher's College. Leo's BS "teaching was more satisfy- label, be it baseball or in education was awarded in ing ... enjoyed it most of hockey. He has been involv .. 1953, and a Master's in all ... as principal (however), ed in education all of his Education from the Boston one can effect a greater adult life and has followed University in 1957. A few number of people in ad­ the sports career of Mark years before the honors and ministration ... " (of school and Gary and Red Sox star, degrees, while at Fitchburg, activities) . Ted Williams. Speaking of ,Leo met Anne Grasso at a When you talk to Anne and Ted ... when he was elected to 'bowling match. Leo knew Leo, their sons are always on the Hall of Fame in Anne's cousin and after in­ their minds and the pride is Cooperstown, New troductions and a few bowl­ showing ... and rightfully so. York ... Leo, Mark and Gary ing matches, Leo scored a Mark, 29, a teacher at the were there. A big moment strike by popping the ques­ Enfield High School, left his for Mr. Williams and tion, marrying the mark as a member of the needless to say, the Dennis Leominster, Massachusetts town's Little League State boys. girl in 1952. Champs of 1966. At the high school he played baseball, How do you end an article BOTH OF THEIR sons soccer and basketball. He on Leo Dennis? Education or were born in Nashua, 'New moved south (to Florida) for sports? I picked educa­ Hampshire. The young mar­ higher education, at the tion ... "Stephen Leacock, the' ried couple had moved to Eckerd College at St. Canadian professor and "Live Free or Die" state for Petersburg. With college out humorist, once wrote an Leo's first teaching position of the way, he turned to anecdote about the elective' in Hudson, For four years, more serious baseball in the system at its -extreme. He classes in social studies and Cape Cod League. Accor­ had, he reported, met an math were his contribution ding to proud dad, Mark did American student during the to the youth of Hudson. The have "big, league aspira­ summer vacation. He asked Dennis family was then on tions." Gary, the swimmer him what he was going to the move ... Leo became prin­ and track son in the family, take in the way of courses cipal of a grammar school is a graduate of Boston that autumn. "Turkish, (K-8 grade) in NeWburyport, University (Magna cum music and architecture," Massachusetts. Mter three laude) and is now teaching. the student promptly years, another move and in Windsor. He is married to replied. "Do you expect to another state (Connecticut) Donna Starr. The young cou­ be choirmaster in a Turkish and role of principal, this ple live in Windsor Locks cathedral?" Mr. Leacock time close to Windsor Locks with Anne and Leo's two asked. "No," said the stu­ in the Warehouse Point grandsons ... Bobby and dent, "those courses come at grammar school. (The year Tommy. 9, 10 and 11 o'clock." I'm was 1960 ... the year the Den­ sure Leo has met that stu­ nis family moved to Green BACK TO THEIR dent along the way. By JACK REDMOND Jim's workday is divided between the J. Ronald Harrison ... that's what it says Middle AND High Schools. With the Adult in the Adult Education brochure, but it is Education program, "every day is' dif­ just plain Jim. to his friends and fellow ferent." He has been director since Oct. teachers at the Windsor Locks Middle and 1979. For Jim and his staff, some days are High Schools. hectic, with planning the over 50 courses The very uncomplicated and friendly and providing for the 800 to 900 who par­ teacher speaks in many tongues ... Russian, ticipate in the nightly classes: One of the EPILOG French, German and Spanish. - classes, and one he is proud of, is 401. .. High J. Ronald Harrison ... with him, life is This formidable talent has provided Jim School Review. This leads to a Connecticut always fantastic ... each day is different. He with a slight edge in his many' travels, in­ High School-Equivalency Diploma for peo-' said, to prove his point... "life ie a one-shot cluding two visits to Russia, the Scandina­ pIe who, for one reason or another, could deaL.do and see as much as you can." And vian countries and all of Europe. not attend or -finish high school in their Jim Harrison does. Despite his youthful appearance, he has younger days. Summing up, he said, "The For this well-traveled educator we found led an interesting, fulfilling and highly suc­ program is to serve the many needs of the two thoughts, one each for him to ponder cessful career, at times secret, with the ar­ community," which has tripled in size over ... Educa tion ... "Is not to reform my intelligence units, teaching and now as since its inception. He added, "the Board of students or amuse them or to make them an advocate and devotee of the adult Education and Dr. Peter D'Arrigo have expert technicians. It is to unsettle their education program. been helpful and supportive." minds, widen their horizons, inflame their Jim, a product of the old south, was born talents, teach them to think straight, if in Montgomery, Alabama, and raised in ONE OF THE SPECIAL programs, possible. " Mobile (on the coast in this old spanish ci­ , listed in the Adult Education booklet, was TraveL. "All travel has its advantages. ty). He has lost the southern accent, but not not at the high school. Far from Windsor If the passenger visits better countries, he the charm of his heritage. Locks ... a Trip to Russia, back in April, may learn to improve his own; and if for­ After grammar and high school, Jim at­ when Jim and 13 hearty and eager tune carries him to worse, he may learn to tended the University of Alabama in 1961 travelers, set out for New York city on the enjoy his own." and --after nearly two years was "not sure first leg of their journey. Quick stops in what" he really wanted in a career. So in Montreal and Helsinki, capital of Finland, 1964 he felt the military could be the and the Windsor Locks group landed in answer. With basic training over at Fort Moscow. They visited the famed city of Jackson, South Carolina, a new beginning Russia, with side trips to Leningrad (by with the Army Security Division. The first train) and two smaller towns ... Vladimir assignment was the beautiful part oj and Suzdel, during the 10 day tour of the INSIDE:--- California ... Monterey and Pebble Beach. Soviet Union. Jim said, "the group learned He spent a year there, at the army institute a different perspective of Russia," He said for languages, with Russian as his mair the_ weather was sunny most of the time, subject. Addition~l security training w~~ and as for the food, "it was graciously plen­ -Local lions Welcome ty" (they ate three meals a day), ending Distance Runner ..... Goodtimes back east, in Virginia, just outside with a large banquet (on the final night), Kite Flying Contest ...... '. page 8 Washington, D.C. complete with vodka. During their visit, a Russian tourist Noden-Reed House Open NEXT STOP, BERLIN, Germany. for Business .. , ~ . . . . • . page 3 guide who spoke English accompanied the Assignment. .. a three year' position a~ Journey through the Past .. page 16 translator of Russian. His base of opera· travelers who saw many signs of '~our tion, West Berlin, at a place called Western culture," while in Russia. Events Redmond Visits Jim Teufelsberg, known as "Devil's they took in included the circus, folk Harrison ...... page 13 Mountain. " dances, ballet, and according to Jim, ,With the Berlin adventure over, and "there's a lot to see in the evenings." The Also: discharge from the army in January, 1968, American drink, Pepsi Cola, and the use of Viewpoints •...••.•••.••.••• page 4. his plans were completion of college and the American Express cards were in Scout News • . • . . . . . • . . • . • • • page 15. evidence. Obituaries . . • • . . . • . . . . • • . • . page 15. additional language courses. The new Sports • . . . • . . . • • ...... • •• page 20 • veteran wanted to go to Yale. But the pocketbook said UConn. Jim graduated AS MENTIONED, JIM is an opera per­ from the state university in 1970, with a BA son, enjoying the sounds on his records at in English and a minor in Russian. home in Manchester. He also buys antiques Later Jim would earn two Master's and fashions himself as a gourmet, when it Degrees .. .in Education and Adult Educa­ comes ,to cooking foods. With trips to tion and a teaching certificate from Cen­ Europe among his past travels, his next tral Connecticut. adventure would be to "eat my way across Admitting, "I just wanted to teach," he China." Next year tQe Adult Education got his wish. The first position was at St.! program will include a trip to Italy. Mary's in Windsor Locks. When the school closed, Jim was moved to the Middle School, where he's been teaching English CMBAGES AND KINGS to eighth graders ever since. AS ~N EXTRA. ~nd enjoyable to this, outgoing bachelor, Jim has been involved, Jim Harrison in the :drama club activities at the Middle Schoo~. Another extra in his life and rather special, is the opera. He calls himself an "Opera Buff." In the Adult Education booklet, under -General Interest, is class 303 ... Two nights at the Opera ... naturally the teacher is Mr. Harrison. It all began Linguist Educator with a class called, appropriately, "Who's Mraid of Opera?" Jim called it satisfying to him and the 35 others in attendance. and Traveler WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JUNE 10, 1983 WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL. JUNE 17. 1983 CJ\BBAGES AND KINGS Suzanne Bradford This Year's Valedidorian

By JACK REDMOND Ken met Linda (introduced by Linda's When asked who she most admired ... Suzanne Lynn Bradford ... a quiet, sister, a nurse) on a blind date. Their first Suzanne did not hesitate too long ... "Mi'. unassuming young lady is this year's Wind­ home was on Leslie Street ... now they Alfred Kausch, the Earth-Science teacher sor Locks High School's valedictorian ... "a reside in the newer portion of Sutton Drive. at the high school." She went on to say ... student, usually of the highest scholastic Suzanne and Brian Hanson "When -you talk to Mr. Kausch, he standing ... " (salutatorian) were told of their high understands, and always trys to make you Her parents, Kenneth and Linda Brad­ honors by the high school principal, John learn things ... along with him." ford of Sutton Drive, are "very happy ... F. O'Brien, in April. Suzanne, who plans to and quite proud" of their daughter's ac­ attend the University of Connecticut in the FOR THE HIGH RANK"ING Suzanne and complishments in her senior year, with fall, will pursue a liberal arts course, with Brian (and six others with a 90 or above Mrs. Bradford adding, "Suzanne has work­ science in her future ... concentrating on mark) a beautiful silver bowl was the high ed very hard." biology and chemistry. Not sure of her school's gift of remembrance for their Miss Bradford has received many honors life's work ... only to say, she'd like to work "High Academic Achievement." the past few years. She has taken part in in a laboratory. EPILOG many activities at the high school. Suzanne Her counterpart, Brian Hanson, has been . For Suzanne Lynn Brdford, the role of is a National Merit Commended Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, a valedictorian, Class of 1983, Windsor Locks has attended the Yale Frontier of Science National Merit Commended Scholar, the High School, is a high honor. There is a cer­ in New Haven and the Talcott Mountain state winner in the Veterans of Foreign tain shyness to Suzanne, probably her Science Center. She belongs to the National Wars Voice of Democracy contest, a par­ greatest charm. She, along with her Honor Society and is a member of the high ticipant in "As Schools Match Wits," and classmates, faces an uncertain· world of school mathematics team. other honors for a worthy salutatorian. He high technology with computers, hopefully, Pittsfield Hospital in Massachusetts was is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hanson of supplying the answers. The young people of the scene of Suzanne's birth. Within the 127 Bel-Aire Circle. Mr. Hanson was a her class will face these answers with their first year of her arrival, the Bradford fami­ "Cabbages and Kings" interviewee in Ju­ own ideas and concepts of how events and ly moved from the western part of the Suzanne lynn Bradford ly,1979. life should be handled. state, north of the Mass Pike, to Hazard­ For Suzanne and Brian and their class ... ville, with yet another move to Windsor Bradford, had just accepted a position with THE HIGH SCHOOL graduation is two "Never seem wiser or more learned than Locks. It was their best choicE', especially --Hamilton-Standard. days before Father's Day (June 19), and the company you are with. Treat your lear­ when the breadwinner in the family, Mr. Suzanne said ... "this honor was indeed a ning like.a watch and keep it hidden. Do not ------....- - - + _ ... ------~ ~ ----- A FEW NOTES on the parents of our happy Father's Day gift, especially since pull it out to count the hours, but give the ,valedictorian ... Ken Bradford, native of the 19th is my father's birthday." time when you are asked." (Lord Middletown, N. Y., served a short time in More on Suzanne, a pretty young lady, Chesterfield) ·INSIDE:--- the army, and has been with the Windsor with a quiet charm ... said her favorite Locks aircraft firm for the past 17 years. television program was "Fame," and for Linda, a graduate of State College in the movies, it would be the musical "Sound No Deal on Police North Adams (with honors, setting the of Music." She enjoys bike riding and hik­ Contract •...... •.. page 3 stage for Suzanne), growing up in Pitt­ ing, when not hitting the books. She added, Mystery Proposal sfield. She was a grammar school teacher "also helping her dad in the family for Main Street· ....' ... page 5 in her hometown, and recalls, with pride ... garden." Suzanne's brother, Kenneth An­ "in the last one-room schoolroom in that drew, 12, a sixth grader at the Middle Redmond Talks with area." Today, Linda substitutes in the School, "hopes to follow" in his sister's Valedictorian .. :-...... page 6 lower grades of Windsor Locks. path of honors in the schoQlroom. Main Street Ground- breaking Planned . . . . . page 17 Bloodmobile Huge Success ...... page 8 By JACK REDMOND THE 'THREESOME LEFT Brazil Music ... "the speech of,angels ... " for Continued from page 6 Texas, U.S.A. They left the land of the ing ... for her personal The de Moura Castro mime has had the "Girl from musical likes and angel touch in Ipanema" for the "Yellow Rose dislikes ... Jazz, "enjoy," Hard Rock the music world and known of Texas." Luiz had been "no" from Texas to Rio de Janeiro to Budapest. offered and ac- Country, "entertaining," PopuJar,' "The Bridget cepted the position of associate professor Brazilian popular is. different and Luiz de Moura Castro haye at the Texas ,Christian than yours, thrilled music lovers in several University in Fort and more to my liking," ending with a "not countrIes Worth, ·Texas. Teaching wouJd not since their musical union at the piano and be the familiar with the big band sounds of Miller only activity for this busy professor. He and Dorsey." altar of marriage. would ' Bridget, also perform with the Fort Worth Probably inheriting a love of the musical, director of ~t. Symp~ony Orchestra. the opera Mary's Church in During the decade from her father, Bridget's favorite at Windsor ~cks, and ~Ulz, spent m the Texas sun, Bridget the associate professor of mUSIC at the Umver-, and Luiz Met, so to speak, is "La Boheme." On the sity were blessed with a set of twin girls ... Bia, television screen, she of Hartford, live in Bloomfield with and Cerna, now 11. watches "some their four daughters. public television with its opera and ballet." Another change of positions and Their mother, a dedicated music area for ~hen not in a musical mood,' Bridget en­ Luiz, ~ridget and th~ir growing family JOYs reading, . de~ot.ee, is at home, be it the piano or organ came swimming and strange to at St. m 1979. The Umversity of Hartford say, traveling. Mary's, the concerts or teaching the and Bloomfield, ,- art of the keyboard Ct., was to be the next stop Admiration comes in many ways to students. The pr~tty in the musical careers for this lady was born Bridget Unna (a Scandma- of the Castros., talented mother and teacher. In peo- . Vian name) in , ple ... she said her Yorkshire County, England. B~idget "grandmother on her Three generatiOns of her ~aid, ".It. was a ~ect~c year or .so, mother's side and for her father and family had lived wIth a tnal perIOd, resuJtmg m there. Bridget's mother and father were commutmg mother-in-law ... they were all exceptional ~etween T~xas and Connecticut," until people:" both musically inclined ... her ~~t~er fmally Not to leave anything taught music settlmg for the nutmeg state and the ouL.BrIdget thinks Connecticut and father was a violImst. University in the capital city. is a Two older sisters attended the Royal beautiful area. - Academy of Music, so it was EPILOG only natural THE YOUNGEST DAUGHTER of Lui~ -that Bridget wouJd pursue the And speaking of exceptional people ... (l same and Bridget...Helena, three, was born i~ musical path of life. Rio, on a return visit to her father's bir­ ~ I thplace. Bridget, then asked about can't resist writing SCHOOLING FOR BRIDGET began her ... Bridget Unna de in, daughter's musical talents, said, "I'm' not Moura Castro~ .. "say the Manchester, England, area. But music it slowly and it almost trying to push them" into the world of like praying," (a line from S'West Side was not the only subject or enj!>~ment s~e : music. 'exPerienced She added, "Helena does sing Story.") 'since she partIcIpated Ill, rather well for her age." At the The musical gymnastics,' played a recent St. lady at St. Mary's gave her ~am~ called "net I Mary's Variety Show, directed by feelings on play" and did some sWlmmmg. Bridget, music ... "Music is a way of Bia, Cerna and Helena all sang with the St. reaching people .. .it is very interna­ Sh~ chose the Reading University for ad­ Mary's Girls vanced Chorus. . tional... there are no barriers." musical training. It was located Bridget has been the musical Luiz just 40 miles from London. director at and Bridget may appreciate the One of the ad­ St. Mary's Church for the past three years. following musical appreciation vantages, she said with a s!llile,. was ... "Jascha that Her role consists of organist and director Heifetz gave a violin concert in Boston dur­ her 'piano teacher at the um~t:rsIty, ha~ a for three rather masses over the weekend, for ing the dead of winter. It was a miserable formal part-time posItIon ... playmg weddings and other services night, the organ at the and working with snow, sleet, and hail. As a Westminster Abbey. with the chorus. The variety show was result, the big concert Bridget's college classes. included, a hall, which normally the "once a year good time for all of us,,' she seats 2,500 people, had 12 in the audience. piano, organ and clarinet. said. Heifetz came out on stage and said, . Bridget "I'm Graduation from Reading came in 1963, mentioned "being happy" with deeply appreciative that you folks turned, 'with a BA in music. However, she was not the new organ at St. Mary's., She firmly out, but under the circumstances, we're qualified to teach. Next stop, the Institute believes in the musical side of church ser· canceling the show . Your money will be of Education in London. With vices and feels "there's a.need in the como, refunded at the box office." Eleven her teaching munity of the credentials on the piano stool, she was ... the church being the vocal point." twelve started to get their money. The lone ready to tackle the musical world with her She smiled when asked about vacations. man stood and said, "Just a minute Mr. talent and ability to pass on to other eager This is a family where summers are spent Heifetz, I'm a music lover. I drove 20 miles students. on concert tours of Europe. They do, she through the snow. I even put chains on my said, try to bring the children on tour, when car to come here and see you tonight. Won't possible. THEN A DRAMATIC CHANGE in her However, . one place they are all you sing just one song?" young life ... she was recipient of a British together is for a "one week a year.. .in the Government- Musical Scholarship.. .loca­ Berkshires. " tion: Budapest, Hungary. STAYING WITH THE format of other in­ At the Franz Liszt (Academy of Music) terviews ... Bridget was asked the folIow- School, Bridget not only found moments of Please turn to page 7 appreciation; for more music, but found love when sqe met Luiz de Moura Castro. A ------..... native of RIo de Janeiro, Luiz had served two years! in the Brazilian Marines. He WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JUNE 24, 1983 began playing the piano at four and was als~ in~ited to the AN KI NGS school after winning i CP£8AGES varIOUS scholarships. After the wedding, in D _ _ ,1965, Budepest would be their home for the next. 18 months. Their' first daughter, ManIa, now 16, was born in the Hungarian Sf M. ' capital City., • ary. s Bridget, Luiz and young Marila would leave' Europe for his birthplace in the ~eautifuJ Brazilian city of Rio. They lived m the northern part of the city for three years. -Luiz was teaching and performing Musical at numerous concerts. Bridget did some radio, orchestra and small group perfor­ mances in addition to teaching English and taking care of Marila. Diredor BridQet de Moura Castro WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JULY 1, 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS Ann Woodbury: Little League Auxiliary Leader By JACK REDMOND Suffield, attending the local school, be in 1972. Paui, 12, is the oldest of; the. Hobbies include reading,: classfcal Ann Grabowski Woodbury, a pretty lady graduating from the high school in 1963. children, and according to his proud music, the family's new computer game of with plenty of energy and eagerness, -They must have written in her class book mother, Paul is "all boy, a helluva kid ... "pac man", on the Atari, and .most of all manages, she said, with a smile, "two ... most like to achieve in the big world, good academically (sixth grader at the· the family garden in Suffield. The garden children, a husband, two cats and one outside of Suffield. For example . . . Ann Middle schooD ... always willing' to help, work is from May to October. Tbe role of dog." , was in the orcnestra, the violin and drums, especially younger kids and animals." gardener is one she loves . . . "I just like The native of Suffield has now tackled an class secretary, girl's basketball and soft- The altar boy at St. Mary's plays little the outdoors ... I guess its because my additional role as President of the Windsor . ball, class photographer and Editor of the league and has added football and basket­ father, was a farmer." . Locks Little League Auxiliary. Year Book. Even in high school Ann was ball to his sports activity . When you talk to Ann over a cup of coffee full of energy and eagerness. When you talk about farmers ... you're at the Woodbury home on Grove Street­ Morse Business School would provide the Michelle, eleven, a fifth grader at North, talking about her favorite subject, the one with a front porch view of Pesci Park - accounting and what makes an office run is sports-minded like Paul, participating in person Ann has great admiration for ... you soon find out she is all family ... for for Ann. She continued her schedule as co­ softball and basketball. She is musically in­ her dad, the late and respected Fire her husband Perry, son Paul and daughter editor of the school newspaper. She was clined, with the flute her instrument of Department Lieutenant (Suffield) for Michelle. The little league and midget foot­ given an award for "outstanding ability sounds. Ann was quite frank in evaluating twenty-five years, Wally Grabowski. ~'He ball involvement is a way of life, where and achievement." - her children, saying "Michelle is a gave so much to his family . . . and to Paul is an active player in football and lit­ daughter, everyone would like to have ... everyone" were· Ann's choice words of tle league, in the true Windsor Locks man­ THE WORKING WORLD offered her a you can also say we're friends ... ", ad­ tribute to her father. ding, "she is very helpful around the ner, as a member of the Standard Auto position" in Suffield, (not the outside house." . EPILOG team. world), at the H.B. Hood & Sons, the , Ann Grabowski Woodbury, needed no Ann came from the Boston Neck Road of famous ice cream makers. She worked in Alll1 is in her first year as president of the prompting ... "live life to the fullest, their accounting department for six years auxiliary. tomorrow may never come," when she was until marriage and raising of a family was asked how she feels about life. Ann is a liv­ more important. HER ROLE includes membership on the ing example of women, you'll find all over The wedding of Ann and Perry (Grand­ Board of Directors. Her husband -is very America, working hard to make certain the mother's name) 'Adams (Mother's name) receptive to her involvement. He coached kids have what they need. She realizes, full Woodbury, took place in 1970. Perry, also a little league in Suffield, when she . lived well, planting the seed of love and caring, native of Suffield, met Ann at another wed­ there. Ann said she 'enjoys "the closeness each in' their own way, is a legacy to pass ding, by way of introduction by a friend. He with the kids in little league." Some of her on to the future generatio~. is a veteran of the U.S. Army with a duties include fund raising, candy sales distinguished record for four years, with and the banquet at the end of the season. eighteen months in Germany. Perry has Baseball has not been her only sports been a tool designer, his entire adult life. connection in town ... the midget .football Today, his art takes him all over the state program has been Ann's effort the past two as a job-shopper. years, working on the concession portion and this year, Ann is the finance The Woodbury's first home was in chairperson. Southwick, Massachusetts. After a short For the past four years Ann has been stay in the Bay State, and even in their employed at A.B. Dick. ' .. saying, "seems hometown, Ann and Perry decided Grove I always take jobs in Suffiel<;l" (the outside Street in Windsor Locks was their place to world can wait). WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JULY ~, 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS Gene Chapman: Soccer's 'Country Boy'

By JACK REDMOND joined another airline ... the the job with United ... she~ ~graduated last month from addition to coaching, Gene ty is more his style. He took Eugene Curtis Chapman is U.S. Air Force. would get her wish, and be the Raider school, played was registrar of the league up the reins of coaching father of four soccer playing near New Jersey to see the varsity soccer and following for six ,years. Although because it was a way of be­ children. HIS TOUR OF DUTY, folks. In looking back, Gene his brother and sister, a never a player himself, he ing with his children during The coach of the Tobacco which began in early 19~7, said, "I didn't mind the diver with All-State honors. related, "as long as I enjoy the important years before Valley Soccer Club and the ending in March of 1961, in­ move ... I was always a coun­ The youngest in the Chap- it.. .1'11 continue to coach." adulthood. high school girl's varsity cluded the state of Texas, try boy ... Bradley and Wind­ man clan is Tammy, 15, a From all appearances, the Recently a headline in the soccer team wouldn't qave it two years at the Andrews sor Locks were fine and we junior in the fall, the only Chapman name will be in Hartford Courant must have any other way. Gene is a Air Force Base in weren't in some large city." non-diver in the family, soccer circles for a long pleased the old coach ... "In strong advocate of the game, Washington, D.C., and 18 Gene became a familiar plays soccer, basketball and ·time. November, Hartford will that he said, "continues to months at McGuire AFB in man behind the counter at is on the track team. It ap- What about spare time .. .if become Soccer City ... Hart­ grow" in participation and New Jersey. McGuire, just United's Bradley Field for 17 pears soccer and diving run any? Gene is a fisherman ford will host a major soccer popularity in this country. outside Trenton, N. J., was years. He decided a year ago in the family. As for soccer, and hunter and follows the convention Nov. 18 to 20, Ever since he was tapped by an easy ride to the local YM­ to transfer to Operations, Lori was 11 when she Detroit Tigers in the when the National Soccer Mike Heneghan, over a CA on weekends to attend and is quite pleased with the started, Tammy 8, Kevin baseball world. He smiled Coaches Association con­ decade ago, for coaching dances. At one of the dances, change. was 7 and John only 6. when asked how it felt for his ducts its third' annual duties on the soccer field, he met Teresa Kennedy, Gene the non-playing Tigers to beat the -beloved regional session at the Hotel he's been hooked on the now known to her many TERRY AND GENE have coach df the Chapmans, as . Red Sox last month, four in a Summi t. .. Represen ta ti ves sport made famous by Pele. friends as Terry Chapman. two boys and two girls. The mentioned, began when row. from the Connecticut Junior Gene, born and raised in After discharge from the two oldest, Kevin and Lori, Kevin took up the sport. He Gene was quite firm in Soccer Association and the the Flint, Mich., area, never Air Force, Gene r.ejoined the w ere b 0 r n' i n is coach of the Tobacco telling his personal schoolboys were on hand for was involved in the game of Capital Airlines

By JACK REDMOND WHEN JURY DUTY was Three times in my liCe I've AFTEfl A SHORT over, I felt a certain per­ received greetings from my BREAK, we were liven sonal letdown. At 95 government. Washington St., you hear The first time was in 1942. more of the arne...• film on many comments .. ."a great when Uncle Sam wanted me : )'OUT duty .nd .nother pep experience ...a change of for World War II. talk of inlonnalion from ·one paee ... h.te the waiting The second was in 1957, the of the judges. He expl.ined .round... I wonder if we'n State of Connecticut wanted the jury selection.• ,the "Voir Jet out early" ...•nd on and me 85 8 juror in Middletown. Dire:' CFn!nch and LaUn on. One oC the true benefits, In April of this year, the origIn meaning to speak the besides a learning ex­ State of Connecticut re­ 'tnJth ...the purpose was to perience of the law and the quested my presence again determine if a juror, for any court system, is meeting as a juror. However, this reason, might be prejudiced people from all walks of liCe time in the capital <:ity at or biased toward or against On one case, I served with "Superior Court, 95 the .party on trial.) He went seven friendly, dedicated in­ Washington St., Rm. 103:' on ... to be patient in the dividuals. (Two men and On June the fll'St, "by waiting period:.. the kinds of five women) MyselC, the two order of the court.·· I drove cases we may be on .•• civil or men. three of the women down Route 91 to the "exit at criminal, and what is were on the jury panel, the Capitol Avepye... (!rom the evidence and compensation other two women were alter­ information received the . for jury duty ("you'lJ never nates. It 'Was a mix of eight first day) proceeded to traf­ let rich"). aver.ge residents from fic circle (Pulaskil, take se­ We were now fully inform­ Hartford County. cond right towards the ed, indoctrinated, .nd ready We were led. so to speak, Capitol Building; at the traf­ for the duty, the judges. by a retired school teacher, fic light take a left and a left cases to be Jle.ard, .nd of­ who never lost her at the next light. 1be Cour­ course, lunch ... not midwestern ~harm or wit; a thouse is directly ahead, necessarily in that order. young girl who loved playing parking is to the right of the Lunch c.me first.,.we cards; a handsome guy, who courthouse on LaF.yette were dismissed and told to drove a truck in his three­ Street." return by 2 p.m. piece suit; a pretty lady with My concern was for future After a quick lunch .nd a 15-year-old daughter; a jurors ... one of the new w.lk around the cour­ fellow in the construction jurors, parked on thouse ... a little reading business who left in aU that Washington Street..•• t 3:30 before two in the afternoon, hot weather to play softball, pm. that afternoon, the we were ready. Next, the after being dismissed; a Hartford Police Depart­ familiar call of Mr. grandmother of six, a state ment, with the assistance of Short..."Roll Call!!" That's employee... and yours truly. a local garage took the when everyone comes a­ The eight, not resembling juror's car off to some running' to two rooms set "twelve angry men," bul downtown location ... it costs aside for the waiting jurors, eight happy-ge-Jucky folks, a little over $40 to get back complete with tables and knowing when it was time to the family vehicle. chairs, newspapers, some . laugh, and when it was time At 9: 25 a.m. the new card playing and women to be serious. They were ~urors, resembling draftees with their knitting. 'always ready when Mr. mto the army, were ushered into a nearby court room. Its Short. yeJled .. "ROLL • MR. SHORT INFORMED CALL!'" appearance was stately .. us of a case ready lor jurors... calling 19 names'. EPJU){. dark, and the kind of room of My name was called. If the Slate 01 Connecticut justice we have all seen on Another clerk said to follow requires your sen Ices 10, teleVIsion or in the movies. her, up two flights of stairs jury duty ... ser\'e \\ Ilh Ihl to a large lobby in front Of a right aUitude . .it's really not AFTER ROLL CALL. bv court room. During the that bad. the Assistan! CJerk of the afternoon we beard the . Remember vou'll be serv­ Court. Mr. Eli Short, we judge, lawyers for both ing the state and are an im· were put at ease by this aides, telling us of what to ~rtant part of our system 01 frlendJ) and cheerfuJ guy, 'expect and other leg.l terms Justice ... be it slow or not who, you find out m the next and conditions. At 4:30 we Another rem I nder ... the few mmutes and hours, is were dismissed by the judge. words of G.K. Chesler­ both nanny and surrogate to and told to report the next ton ... "Our civilization has everyone's problems during morning... same time, main decided, and very justly the stay at the "busiest cour­ lobby. decided, that determining thouse in the state." Tbursday, tbe .econd the guilt or innocence of men A pep talk followed with day.. .long day... dismissed at such news as ... "you're going 3:50, told to return on Fri­ is a thing-ioo importanl to bt­ to be busy... IO judges- are day, Did just that. .. to select entrustt>d to trained m('n waiting lor you ... proper jurors... lOtne made it. some When it wishes 10J: hghl UPOll dress code (jacket and tie didn't. that a "'fu I matteI, II ac;~... for men) and to lislen to the men ,,'ho kilO" no more 1<1\\ radio for any cancellation of Friday ... nice day ... the than J kno\\ . but who CHn 1t'c.'1 court. He asked the question, wheels of justice wind very the thmgs I fell In tht' jury we were a1l asking :slowly, someone once box. When II wants a hbran ourselves..... Why me?" ((or said ... and it was true for catalogued. or the sola'l jury duty). He said, with his us ... that cross section of system dIscovered. or any cOnstant smile, you learn to young, old. men and trine of that kind. at US~ up accept as a part of his per­ women ... aU with the same the specIalists. But wh('n II sonality, "you were sum­ fears, hopes to be picked or Wishes anylhing done which moned by a computer... you not, at least I had that feci· is really serious. it collects have won the lottery." Our lng about everyone. in­ tweJve of the ordinary men names were picked from cluding myself. We had been standmg around The same town voting lists.' (Next toJd not to take It personal, if thing was done, if I year, names will also be not picked. Some len "'ith a remember righl. by the drawn from the Molor Vehi­ smile, others, no . smiles. lounder of Christianily." cJe Jlsling of just.. ...see you on Monday." drivers ... there', no way the or "see you on the -." state is ,oing to bliss you in Al II quarter to 12 my performang your duly.) In number was caJJed .. .in I the room was a cross section walked. J was picked. of Connecticut voters ... from WlND.OR LOCK. JOURNAL. JULY 11,lt1' Avon to Windsor Locks. We were to serve for a four-week ,.,eriod. unless we ·cabbages a~.d ~_~ •• were &ervang on a case at . Wit" "'ack Reel ••ad that lime. ,", '., '. r. .. ."'-":" ,,; .. ·'f·. ' . lt ", ' .. , ~

, 'I I' "~I

, ,( <, , "- -- r- , . ".>, Coach Tom Allen (third from left) stands with students John Getz, Kevin Chapman, Michael DuPont and John Chapman.,

dABBAGES AND KINGS Tom Allen: Premier Diving Coach By JACK REDMOND A Far East tour of duty included the island ALONG WITH THE KIDS, credit goes to Thomas James Allen, a fixture for more of Guam, the Philippines and sunny Tom's wife, Diane Domler Allen, a "very than a decade in Windsor Locks diving Hawaii. ' understanding wife," Tom said, when it circles, is one dedicated man who does the comes to his time in coaching. coaching to be "close to the kids." Civilian life found him back'in Windsor Diane, an East Hartford girl, married And the kids ... the swim team's diving Locks as a member of the town police Tom in 1977. They met at the hospital, when stars, over the years, with names department. Looking back, his short stay she was working as a secretary. They are l~e ... Chapman, DuPont and Getz. on the force, where he gave a helping hand pround to say, a son, Michael John Allen, to people, especially medically, was the born only 17 months ago, has already taken Like his counterparts in the Little start of a medical career and coaching swimming lessons at the Oak Hill School in League program, Tom Allen coaches duties. Hartford, under the watchful eye of because the need is there. He attributes his mother. Michael John was named after , start in coaching to Dan Sullivan and Jim WHEN TOM LEFT the police depart­ Michael DuPont and John Chap­ McKenna, familiar names in the Windsor ment, he chose the St. Francis Hospital in man ... "two of the best divers I have Locks High School coaching fraternity. Hartford for training as a radiology techni­ ever coached," Tom added. cian. For the laymen. . radiology is the Tom and Diane's married life has been a Tom, a native of Manchester, came to "science dealing with x-rays or rays from series of moves, first in East Hartford, a Windsor Locks when only two years old, at­ radioactive substances, esp. for medical short stay in New Hampshire, back to East tending grammar school and the high uses." At the same time his decision to Hartford and finally to Windsor Locks in school, until his sophomore year. He left coach diving at the high school was realiz­ January of this year. The New Hampshire school for the wide blue yonder of the D.S. ed. Another note ... diver ... "a ,person experience was a fruitless one, the Air Force. Tom served from 1965 to who'makes a business of diving in ~aters, weekend trips back to Connecticut were December of 1968 in Texas, the Panama as for pearl oysters, to examine sunken just too much, as he couldn't give up the Canal Zone, and some time at an Air Force vessels, etc." It's the "etc." we will be in­ coaching love. Base in New Hampshire, where he com­ terested in, as for Tom and his kids . . . in pleted and earned his high school diploma~ Windsor Locks, Windsor, Enfield, and TOM, A MEMBER of the American Newington, no oysters or vessels, just a few Legion, finds time to bowl at Bradley's diving records from an expert, who learned lanes (with a 187 average), is a "dedicated to swim and dive from his own father. fisherman," and loyal Yankee and Giant Today, after 13 years at St. Francis, Tom fan. Before he met Diane, and settled is nationally registered in radiology and down, he drove cross-country, with some has the title of special procedure techni­ friends, seeing the beauty of Yellowstone cian. And to his kids, after 13 years, he is National Park, Alaska, California, the WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JULY 22, 1983 indeed registered as a dedicated coach, be Dakotas and Mexico. it days, nights, weekends at some pool in When it was time for a honeymoon, the newlyweds went on another travelogue, this area. Tom~s tour of duty has included all the aforementioned towns. viewing the wonders of some western states. Their favorite spot, however, is Tom always gives credit to the kids, in­ north to Bar Harbor, Maine. cluding both boys and girls, as all hard - Admiration is a word Tom Allen is working students, who perform and prac­ familiar with ... especially for his dad, tice after their normal school day, George A!len, whose philosophy~is the sometimes a two-hour diving session. One same as Tom's ... "assist others ... trust of his pupils, John Chapman, is a Class S people." state champion, two years running or as Tom's kids are a special they say, diving. His brother Kevin Chap­ group ... where there is a pool to man and sister Lori were members of dive ... Tom will be there coaching the Tom's team as was John Getz, now a kids, which makes him th~ town's premier DConn student, who is a story in himseH. diving coach. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, JULY 29, 1983 CABBAGES AND KINGS Dr. Bob Ludwin: A New Redevelopment Member By JACK REDMOND with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen association and as a member 'of both the ing"with wood, a fan of the football Min­ Dr. Robert Stephen Ludwin, well-known Ludwin, proved him right. . American Legion and Knights of nesota Vikings and when "we want to get podiatrist in town, was recently appointed Columbus. far away," travels to New Hampshire. to the Redevelopment Agency. ANOTHER CHANGE, PERSONAL in nature, during Bob's first year at Temple, EPILOG The quiet, gentle doctor was born in Suf- . THE CHURCH STREET RESIDENT That's the story of Dr. Robert Stephen field. His family moved to Windsor Locks was his meeting Carol Beeman, an Enfield native, on a blind date, introduction by a said, "Windsor Locks is a friendly li~tle , Ludwin, one of the recent appointed when Bob was only two years old. . town," he experienced as a youth growmg members of the town's downtown Bob attended the St. Mary's grammar college roommate, who was a friend of the future Mrs. Ludwin. up and now as a doctor, adding, "a place "redevelopment area. A quiet man, who is a school and graduated from the high school where I enjoy living and for a practice." true example of the "land of steady (then located at Union School) in 1943. For They were married in 1951. The college Bob has a calm philosophy of life ... "try to habits." He may agree with the following a short period of time he worked at Bradley student and his new bride lived in an apart­ -be fair to one another." He is grateful to his quote of Max 1. Dimont... "Those people Field in a civil service position, until Uncle ment close to the school. Graduation and a parents ... Stephen Ludwin, a native of who left only monuments behind as a Sam called him for duty with the U.S. degree meant back to Connecticut, to set Windsor Locks, now 81, and his mother, record of their existence have vanished Navy. \- up a practice and a normal life. Last Nellie Sliwa Ludwin, 78, living in Suffield, with time, whereas those who left ideas A lengthy and distinguished career December Dr. Bob Ludwin celebrated his for his outlook on life. have survived. A society without ideas has began in early 1944, lasting until the war 28th year treating the disorders of the feet, Bob Ludwin is a fisherman, enjoys work- no history." was over and eventually discharge in May at the same old stand ... 16 Church St. If you of 1946. Like many of the young naval per­ hop the fence you'll land right on one of the sonnel, Bob's boot camp was in Sampson, parcels of the redevelopment area on Main New York. From there he spent many mon­ Street. ths at sea in the Mediterranean area. Ac­ Bob and Carol have two daugh­ tion came from an LST (an ocean-going ters ... Carol , 24, and Lauren, 21. The military vessel, ~sed by amphibi~us forces younger Carol, married to Anthony for landing troops and heavy eqUIpment on Brzozowski, is a dental hydienist. Her hus­ beaches) with the invasion of southern band is employed at United Airlines. They While getting ready for the move I talked France. live in Enfield. with Cabbages and Kings columnist Jack Keeping up with the family medical Redmond to inform him of situation. Jack AFTER 'SEVERAL MONTHS· in the background, Lauren is a physical therapist works at Combustion Engineering and he North African area Bob was given a leave assistant in the Springfield area,. happened to meet Charlie Rader's new back to the states. Additional duty for the -' . wife, Delores, the othe~ day, since she also young sailor was nearer to home this DOCTOR BOB HAS developed a good works at Combustion. I would think Charlie' _time ... seeing the beauty of Cuba, Puerto practice in town, a medical family and now must be miSSing the political action that's Rico and islands in the Caribbean with the will be a part of the Redevelopment Agen­ beginning to unfold in town. war winding down and training exercises cy. He and Douglas C. Glazier, a Hamilton­ the order of the day. Standard design engineer, were recently JACK ALSO MENTIONED that he had Admitting, when growing up, not being selected to the eight-member agency. interviewed Ed Ferrari - the Democratic too interested in a career as a doctor. \ Glazier will serve out former Chairman candidate for first selectman - several However, his future plans changed when: Charles Rader's term, which ends Sept. 20 years ago. He found Ed to be a nice guy, Bob attended UConn for a few semesters and Doctor Bob will finish former vice although at that time not too involved in and the transferring to the Temple School chairman, Richard C. Blackburn's term, politics. Most people in town, such as Taft of Podiatry in Philadelphia. which ends in September, 1985. The con­ Lane resident Mary Howarth and Town At­ He recalled, as a youth, the small popula­ genial doctor said, "I'm glad to be on the torney Paul Smith - remember him when tion in town, and at Temple, feeling there, board," but could not elaborate, waiting he had his own used car business. was no need for another doctor. But as each for more service on the board. vacation time was spent at home, just Bob has other civic and fraternal posi­ maybe, with the town's growth, it could tions in town ... as a past president of the handle his new skill of podiatry. Those days Rotary Club, a member of the local nurses WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, AUGUST 5, 1983 lois Dowd: A Successful Self-Made Woman Lois Claire Dowd has never found, being THIS SERIOUS LADY of the business a woman, a hindrance to a successful cabbages and kings world, has a real lighter side, and with a career in the business world. The native constant smiling face, said, "I'm an avid born Windsor-Locks lady said, "you can do By JACK REDMOND Red Sox and New York Giant football fan what you want, if you make the effort ... I ... enjoy the sports on television ...... listen have never had a problem because of my to records at home, am a theater goer ... sex. " be it Goodspeed or the Hartford Stage." The Cherry Street resident has made the decades, and also living in Florida. Vacations, "visit my mother and brother in effort and is successful as the Vice Presi­ _Our future executive attended the St. Florida ... and trips to the Cape." When dent of Human Resources for the J .M. Ney Mary's grammar school, and graduated not traveling to the cape or to the south, .Company, a Bloomfield based company. from the local high school in 1947. She went Lois has made business trips to the west Recently her, firm was chosen the on to St. Joseph's College for Women for coast and to Europe. "Employer of the Year" for the State of two years, transferring to DConn, receiv­ Connecticut. ing a degree in sociology in 1952. EPILOG Lois was born and raised at Eleven Lois Claire Dowd is a fine example for Cherry Street, off Spring, the daught~er of LOIS BEGAN HER employment career other women, if they so desire, to pursue ,the late John Dowd, a native son, and at Kaman' Aircraft in Bloomfield, with the role of executive in the business world. Florence Maher Dowd, who was orignally their personnel department for seven She would be the first to agree ... if that is from Warehouse Point, and is now living in years. She, switched to insurance at Con­ their choice in life. This decade needs both Florida. According to Lois, her mother is necticut General for only a year before men and women, like Lois, doing what they very active and a "very young, very young, joining the Ney Company. The twenty-two want and some for the common good, as 80 years old." Lois has one brother, Robert year veteran is now responsible for Safety, did Lois and the Ney Company. Dowd, a former high school teacher for two Security, Personnel, Purchasing, Plant We could list several successful women, Engineering, General Administrative Ser­ but one stands out, and we feel Lois would vices, Receiving and Warehouse at their agree with . . . Television Anchorwoman main office in Bloomfield. ~essica Savitch, who said, at Columbia Col­ The Ney Company, with 300 employees in lege in Columbia, S.C .... "I very often Bloomfield, in the precious metal business, receive letters from young women wanted deal~ng chiefly with dental and electronic a job in broadcasting. The job that they industries. Lois, with her role in the com­ want is mine. Many of the young women pany and dedication, has been involved in who write want to make a million dollars. the Work Study Program at Bloomfield lois C. Dowd These women don't want to be broadcast High School for twenty years and at the journalists; these women want to be rich. Windsor High School the past five years. "because of the women movement." As a reporter, I have had a chance to Because of this dedication, the State of (ERA) In addition to her role at Ney, Lois observe people at the top of just about Connecticut Department of Education has has taken prominent action in serving every field. And it makes no difference if awarded the Ney Company the honor of several personnel associations in the Hart­ they are male or female, black or white, "Ou~tanding Employer of the Year." Both ford County, is a member of the Easter old or young, the people I observed suc- high schools nominated Lois' company for Seal Rehabilitation Board in Hartford, and , ceeding are those who have been taught or the award, not knowing they were voting has served on advisory boards of the Con­ who teach themselves to strive for ex­ for the same company. Obviously, both necticut Business and Industry and cellence. The pleasure comes from know­ high schools recognized Lois's work and Hospital Insurance. ing you have done a job the best way you her company's share in the important pro­ She admitted, when asked, "I wouldn't know how. - gram. The Ney Company was chosen from do anything different (in her life style or It seems to me, however, in our modern more than 3000 employers who provide business role) ... I enjoy what I do," ad­ society that there is very little done these vocational education through on-the-job ding, "be what you are ... be the best ... days in pursuit of excellence. But whatever training to students. and don't put on airs." Asked, who she there is, it stands out for its rarity." most admired, "My Mother ... she's from Lois Claire Dowd is one of those rare Lois is a firm beliver that women in the old school . . . went to work when my persons. business is here to stay. She feels "more brother and I were young and rose to an ex­ women with aspirations" have gained, ecutive position at G. Fox." WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, AUGUST 12,1983 Fran Mandy: Dedicated Little League Official

Francis Joseph Mandy feels there is only "family oriented," the Mandys have one way to go ... "dedication to our traveled to Virginia, Florida, Washington, children. " cabbages and kings D.C., Nova Scotia and visited the Grand This honest feeling for the family has By JACK REDMOND Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. flowed over to a personal involvement as the Vice-President of the town's Little Admiration of Fran and Rose, beyond the League, as well as in s~outing, s?ccer, family home on Alicia Terrace, goes to two lady, with a constant smile, said it all: mers and the girls were also into dancing different worlds: politics and singing. Fran swimming, or wherever hIS three chIldren "We're family oriented." and horseback riding. participate. greatly admired the late president, Teddy The Hartford native is married to Rose Roosevelt, and Rose, the great singer, Butchyk Mandy, who shared her husband's THE FATHER OF THE clan has had a HOW DID FRAN MANDY get involved Mario Lanza. well rounded education, spaced from the in Little League? When his son, Ken, was feelings. They were residents of Hart~ord EPILOG after the wedding in 1962, moving to Wmd­ early '50s to the '60s. He graduated from nine it was the right time for baseball and Francis Joseph Mandy is a man of many Hartford Public (was a member of the Littl~ League. It meant dad was going to be sor Locks 16 years ago next month. ~ose; sides and talents. However, the sides and swimming team), and earned a degree in close to the action. Fran's theory is, "if the talents are always working for the family born in Chicago, lived in New York CIty a Electrical Engineering (Class of 1964) , while, before the family moved to kids are involved, we (the parents) should and the people who they come in contact from Northeastern in Boston. Additional be, too." - with. Fran said it all: I'When children par­ Hartford. education was at Western New England, The Mandy family is one unit. If you talk The Mandy trend was set when the girls ticipate, you (the parents) should help. about Fran, Rose or their three children, were Fran wore the robes of a master's were active in swimming and later with Programs (Little League, scouting, etc.) recipient. . Ken interested in soccer. Fran has been in don't run themselves." Melissa Ann, Lisa Ann or Kenneth, This quiet and dedicated man's working the program (Little League) for nearly five everyone becomes involved. Rose, a pretty career has been solely with Pratt and years, starting with coaching duties in the Whitney in East Hartford, for well over two minors and majors. He is currently the decades. Today Fran is a part of the vice-president of the town's .program. Manufacturing.. Engineering Department, He said, when questioned, there are "no of the giant aircraft company. problems," as to girls playing in the Fran and Rose became parents with the league. He feels, however, the girls, in birth of Melissa Ann, 19, a 1982 grad of the most cases, switch over to softball, during local high school, attended Merrimack Col­ their high school years. As for an overview leg ein North Andover, Mass. this past of the program, he said, "the little league semester, in the business administration gives the kids a lot to do. Any kid can classes. play . .- .and that's what is important." While in high school Melissa was a member of the track team and a loyal IN ANOTHER FIELD, both Fran and cheerleader. Her sister, Lisa Ann, is 15 and Rose have contributed their time and a junior at the Raider School, and the gym­ talent to the G1rl and Boy scouting pro­ nast in the family. Another of her talents is gram in town. In scho~l activity Rose was.a in the field of artistic painting. PTO contributor whIch rounds out theIr Their brother, Kenneth, 13, is an eighth­ civic involvement. grader ?t the Middle School. Ken co~d In fraternal circles, Fran was active in easily be called a four-letter athlete, In­ the Knights of Columbus, as the Fourth cluding baseball (Little League. and Degree Faithful Navigator, and as a Seniors), basketball, soccer and mIdget member for 14 years. In the business football. The Mandy children are all swim- world, Fran is associated with the Society of Manufacturing Engineering. - KEEPING WITH THEIR theme of sports s No Bobby, He's Happy as Elmer Jones Elmer Edward Jones is a man of many for Elmer. A second move was'out to Long try, and wondering if baseball was in his talents: bowler, a three-letter athlete in his Island in 1955 and a ride on the famous future plans, young Elmer, along with high school days, a dedicated employee cabbages and kings Long Island Railroad. . another future C-E employee, Jack Tully, with Combustion Engineering for over four By JACK REDMOND The game of golf, a hobby he mastered now, one of their vice-presidents, took their decades, but probably would rather talk during the past 40 years, played a part in bats and gloves to tryout for the Brooklyn about his love of the game of golf. the switching to living in Connecticut. In Dodgers. (The Yankees didn't need any On this Friday of the Sammy Davis Jr. wedding bells to ring. 1960, Combustion decided to leave the big new players in those days.) Jack was quite Greater Hartford Golf Tournament, at the Elmer's life changed the day after city for the more rural countryside of the a pitcher and hitter, according to Elmer. Wethersfield Country Club, it is fitting a graduation from high school. On June 22, Nutmeg State. The Jones boy was familiar with the golfer receive top billing in this weekly col­ 1942, he received his diploma and the very Elmer and other golf enthusiasts were shortstop position. Jack and Elmer did not umn of interesting people in' Windsor next . day, he joined the Combustion "familiar with the territory." On many become a part of the "boys of summer," Locks, a town of many exceptional golfers. Engineering Co., at its Manhattan office. weekends the players would travel to the but the thrill will always be remembered Elmer is a three-times-a-week golfer (Lillian must have known she had met a middle of Connecticut, just to play golf. when they reminisce of the good old days (with a very understanding wife), and is a steady guy>. The waiting at New York courses for tee as kids. most happy fellow when putting for an Less than a year later, Elmer joined times just was impossible for these So if he couldn't be Pee Wee Reese, how eagle or birdie. He has played the game, another company, the V.S. Army. The new diehards. about Arnolq Palmer, his favorite in golf? made famous by another man named soldier served in England and Germany, With their furniture, clothes,- children, Every week, Elmer plays two golf courses Jones, in 'Florida, Hawaii and the under famed General George Patton. In and of course, his golf equipment, the locally; Milbrook in Windsor and Bahamas. He recalled a course in Montana March of 1946 Elmer was discharged from Joneses moved to Windsor Locks (Reed Edgewood in Southwick. The "best, as to where golfers, in order to get to the next the army and returned to Combustion, Avenue ... been there since day one). The conditions," according to Elmer, is "Twin tee, must take an elevator. where he has been since, working in pro­ family had increased by three: two Hills in Longmeadow." The girl behind the man named Jones is duction planning for the giant of the boiler daughters, Claudia and Priscilla, and one He recently shot a 78 in the C-E Open, pretty Lillian Radcliffe Jones, also 'an trade. son, Robert. . slightly below the mid 80s he normally employee of the Windsor-based company shoots. He'll be watching the GHO this for the past 13 years. DURING THE WAR YEARS com­ CLAUDIA, a certified public accountant, weekend, seeing where he can improve the munication between Lillian and GI Jones, and her husband John Condon, both work in game he loves. Oh yes, we mustn't forget to LILLIAN AND ELMER were born and was confined to the V-Mail system, "a mail the Boston area, living in Reading, Mass. mention - Elmer shot a hole-in-one at raised in Mamaroneck (near the Big Ap­ system, used by V.S. armed forces during Priscilla, also a C-E employee, is married Twin Hills in 1978. (No wonder he thinks it's pIe), New York. Their meeting was a World War II, in which a microfilm of a let­ to William Serafin, living in nearby Tariff­ the best.) classic; truly childhood sweethearts. Ninth ter was forwarded for printing in full size ville. Robert, a tool designer, is married EPILOGUE grader tryouts for girls' basketball team. on photographic paper before delivery." and lives in Danbury with his wife, Karon, Elmer Edward Jones is a golfer's golfer Coach is a junior jock of the high school. When GI Jones came home the com­ and their son, Brian, six months over four. - dedica ted to the game. This Girl makes the team: Coach falls for girl munication was more personal and they As mentioned, Elmer was quite the high transplanted New Yorker would rather be and she becomes his steady girl and on the were married. school performer. This sport activity con­ playing the hills of Connecticut and firs,t team. Seven years later, he finally is Their first home was in Mamaroneck. tinued in later years as a semi-pro softball Massachusetts than riding the Long Island forward enough to pop the question for the Commuting to work was a daily train ride player, some basketball time and the art of Railroad. He is no Bobby Jones .. ,.but who bowling big pins. Lillian and Elmer have is? He is just one of the Jones boys playing' played in a mixed bowling league for 20 their game of summer hitting a nine iron years. His average is 180; Lillian sports a instead of a baseball. 140 average. Elmer's high game was a Elmer knows golfers are placed in two WINDSOR LOCKS, JOURNAL, AUGUST 19, 1983 great 10 strikes in a row, then a nine pin fill categories. There are the "worries" and for a 289 game. there are the "positives." The worries have more failure than success. ,The BASEBALL, AS A PLAYER and spec- positives seem to have more success tator, has been one of Elmer's loves. He because, however they play, they can han- grew up a short way from the famed dIe it emotionally and not worry about it Yankee Stadium. Your favorite team day and night. Elmer? "The .!-Yankees .. ' I'm :::from~New...-:-"---'Someone-once said ,"Basically only. two York. I~ there ~lnother tea~?'" things make a great golfer: tale~t and the Back In 1946"fresh from hIS duty to coun- desire to excel.~' That's Elmer Jones. -THE FINISH Curtis 'Strange. $54,000 69 .. 62·69 .. 6\8~,' .. '... 268 'P~lay~(frock st~ady al~ day,> ~Ittrr:tg ~ 6 greens in reguta~ .

ttOn whtle,making four bird- < !es and, only ot:16 bogey. an . Inconsequential one on the, 18th hole.:' -

Jay Haas.. .. • ..... $26,400 69.. 66-69.. 65 ... ' .... ' 269' Registered seven birdies ' iJ)cluding'" three stra'jgnt starting 00' the seyenth hole, anti a 15-footer on the 17th gLving him a share of second place. '

,Jack ftenner~ .... $26,400 6.6 .. 68 .. 64 .. 71 •• '", .. 26p Never. apJe 10 'overcome s?rambling starty , with missed 4-foot putt for par at the 15th hole proving to be his undoing., '

Rerin?f and vStrange rest on' their bags at No~ 11.

WE WERE ALL THERE ...Bill Linn, By-JACK REDMOND Tom Watson, Paul Burton'and the guy with For Curtis Strange the last blast at the "A Fuzzy Fan" badge, in addition to Wethersfield was his first victory on the the press identification. Read on .. .it's just PGA tour since the 1980 Westchester my version of the GHO ... Classic. Before a record single-day tournament TUESDAY, AUG. 16 ...PAST CHAM·· crowd of 47,000 on a pleasant Sunday after­ PIONS DAY noon, Strange shot a 3-under-par 68 to win The' first blast. .. of the last blast at the Sammy Davis Jr. Greater Hartford W~thersfield, w~s made by Ted Kroll (1952' Open. The week's attendance was a record wInner). TakIng a cue from Bing 150,500 golfing enthusiasts. Crosby ...Ted hit one "right down the mid­ It was a see-saw week of leaders for the dle." The 1983 Sammy Davis Jr. Greater last tourney at the Wethersfield course Hartford Open was on its way. ' after 32 years of some of the lowest scores . It would be an understatement to say the on the tour. Strange led after Friday's fIrst day of GHO Week was not filled with round, gave in to friend Jack Renner for !Demories and past glories of some of golf­ Saturday, but on Sunday, even with a mg greats, from Kroll to last year's win­ bogey on the 18th, ended one stroke ahead ner, youngster Tim Norris. of Jay Haas and Renner. Good golf, with many sharp shots -by A lot has been written about the last blast some players who have seen their best at Wethersfield and next year's move to y~ars on the links. Names like Sam Snead, Cromwell, down the road a piece. I, for one, BIlly Casper, Ken Venturi, Charlie Sifford will miss the GHO at Wethersfield. I have an~ Tommy ~olt. The fans came out to a witnessed the event for the past 10 years qUIet day, unhke the Pro-Am, where a dif­ and since 1978, have covered the GHO for ferent ~tmosphere is usually in the air. But the Windsor Locks Journal. they dId see some of the "legends of golf." I spent six d'ays at Wethersfield last-week and enjoyed the rain, fog and sun; it had I HAD A CHANCE to talk to one of those become a part of my annual vacation plans legends ...Sam Snead: He was signing and a very understanding spouse. As in the autographs near the fIrst tee showing a past, I have written a few words for each band.aged ~ight thumb, that ~e were told day, the golf, the folks I meet, and even if reqUIred eIght surgical stitches. No ex­ some words seem a little weatherbeaten, cuses not to play from this old pro ...win­ it's for the record. ner of 84, count them, 84 tournaments.

WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAl, AUGUST 26. 1983 Last Blast Has a Strange Ending SATURDAY, AUG. 20 ...THIRD DA Y OF My quick question ...do you remember, cabbages and kings ACTION' Jack Redmonq? (no, not me, 1 was referr­ Another great crowd on hand ...32,000. ing to my first cousin, the famous trick­ ,By JACK REDMOND In the press tent checking for next week's shot golfer from the early '30s and '40s.) edition were Bill Linn, Tom Watson (the "Yes, I remember Jack... how's he do­ writer, not the golfer) and sports editor ing?" I assured Sam, despite Jack's 95 I WAS STANDING on the right side, fac­ Paul Burton. \ - - years, he was doing just fine at the Actor's ing the golfers' shots, near the trap. Saturday was a hot one ...98 degrees. Home in New Jersey. It's nice to pe Sammy's ball landed near the edge of the Jack Renner was also hot. ..with a 64, giv­ remembered. By the way, Jack is the trap. 1 spotted the ball when it landed near ing him the lead with 198. Bob Murphy, one oldest member of the Professional Golf me. It was half white qnd half yellow ...on­ of the former Champions, was a stroke Association (PGA). ly Sammy would have a ball with two col­ behind with 199, and Friday's leader, ors. He hit it over the trap, but missed the Strange, at an even 200. SEEN AND HEARD AR'OUND THE par... 1 was different, too. I asked Mrs. The scene was now set for the final blast COURSE , Sammy Davis for her autograph, as she sat at Wethersfield. Forecast was good ...for The local golf fans from Windsor Locks in the golf cart waiting for Sammy. She the ·80s and sunny. Would it be Renner, are usually in view at Wethersfield. Charlie graciously signed the program, right over .Murphy, Strange or Fuzzy, the real crowd Woodhouse was seen talking to-1964 winner Sammy's picture. pleaser, who was close behind at 202. Ken Venturi, on the second hole, telling him what a great job he does for CBS golf S~EN AND HEARD AROUND THE SUNDAY, AUG. 21. •.FINAL DAY AT during the season. Ed Olisky, a fine golfer COURSE . WETHERSFIELD in his own right, watching the past cham­ Charlie Bagley, TV's "Fair Weather" Weather perfect. As usual, we parked 'pions at play at the fifth. person, who lives in Windsor, wanted to be our two chairs on the 18th, for the action Jack Foster, his son, Tim Foster, and remembered .to a mutual friend, Russ later that afternoon. Over to the fifth and daughter-in-law, Mary McCabe Foster, Lose of Windsor Locks. The town was also catch the last 10 groups of golfers play the also watching the action at the fifth. Mary repr~sented by the one and only NIck Rug­ par-three. I counted only six birdies for the managed autographs from Bob Murphy, giero, out at the GHO snapping pictures of 30 golfers, and birdies are what wins tour­ George Archer and Lee Trevino. Archer the stars and golfers. Even got" to meet naments. Curtis Strange got one on the and Murphy both shot 65s to win the past television's PM twosome ...Mike and fifth, to go 17 under. He never relinquished champs day. Just for the record ...Murp~y Diana, whom we all see on Ch. 3. the lead after that. won in '70, Archer in '71 and popular Lee m As one of the Hartford writers '72. said ..."fuse is lit for last blast," and the BACK TO THE 18TH and the final few Pro-Am was a fitting match for things to hours to watch each threesome come in to AS BIG GEORGE left the fifth hole, I ask come .. .from Thursday to Sunday. -..and 1 the eyes of thousands and the national of the whereabouts of his teenage was there. coverage on television. daughter, as she had caddied for him last Paul Burton hit it on the head ... "the year. "I got her workhlg 9 to 5," he said, crowd at the 18th was overwhelming." with serious face, but knowing George, he THURSDAY, AUG. 18 ...FIRST DAY OF ACTION Goodbye Wethersfield ... Hello was only kidding. Lee was caught say­ Cromwe_ll! ing ..."don't worry about my score .. .I'm "Rain, rain ...go away,- come back just out here for the fun of it." another day," so the saying goes. As Ar­ Lee will not play in this year's GHO, due nold Dean entered the press tent about to the contract with NBC, which prevents 9:45, on the first day of action for the 1983 him from doing so in any tournament being tournament, he said, "when we needed the telecast by the Peacock Netwo'rk. (That's rain.. .it would rain today." Janet Wylie, who handles press creden­ too bad for the fans, work apparently Sammy Davis, Jr. comes first. ..always said golf wasn't tials, only said, when asked, "we're work­ ing on .it," getting rid of the rain, that is. work!) --- The ram-delay from 9:36 until 11:15 a.m. The tournament chairman" Edwin H. May III, son of Ed May Jr., chairman at did not affect the final scores of the day. the first tourney in 1952, opened the day, by Four golfers ...Couples, Regalado saying, "the last blast will be the best." Steward (Payne) and DeWitt Weaver ali shot 64s. There were 20 golfers in the 64 to The past champions got the blast off to a 66 range for a good start, despite the great start - now for the star.studded Pro­ weather. One matchup worth watching was Am on Wednesday. the Tim Norris and Ray Floyd twosome p.laying for the first time since last year'~ WEDNESDAY,"AUG.17 ...CELEBRITY , fll~al days when young Norris won the top PRO-AM prIze. If the first day was a quiet affair, the Among the fans there were Ellsworth Pro-Am was its usual fun day for the 34,000 in attendance on an August "dog" day. Case, Tom Johnson and his son Kevin (Tuesday's crowd was counted at 7,500) . Johnson from Windsor Locks .. .included The stars were there ...Sammy DaVIS with the other 9,000. Jr Bob Hope Scatman Crothers, Leslie Ni~lsen, Bryant Gumbel of NBC's "Today" FRIDA Y, AUG. 19 ...SECOND DAY OF show ....and hockey greats Wayne Gretz­ ACTION sky and Gordie Howe, to name a few. who Another delay of an hour... this time due played with a pro and selected bus mess to fog. But when the sun came out so did executives. ' the scores. By the time the sun had set Fuzzy Zoeller, always a favorite at rather late, Curtis Strange was on the top Wethersfield was his usually good-natured of the leaderboard ...with 131 (He shot a 62 self and fun' guy on th'e course, be it the for the day),- followed by Tim Kite, 132, and Masters (which he won in 1979) or in Hart­ Fuzzy Zoeller, Hale Irwin, Steve Melnyk ford. Fuzzy and Scatman C~others, a Payne Stewart and Isao Aoki of Japan, ali television actor, exchanged Jokes and at 133. Attendance on Friday numbered gestures along the 18 holes of play. 21,000. As for Windsor Locks, there is The fifth hole, my favorite to watch the always someone there to watch the action, was completely sur~ounded. by fans pros ...Friday saw Tom Cooney and Jim when last year's winner, TIm NorrIS, Sam­ McKenna. my Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Ed Ma~ III an,d United 'Iechnologies head and thIS .year.s honorary chairman, Harry Gray, hIt theIr tee shots. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, SEPTEMBER 2, 1983 Ken Christian: He's Part of a Tobacco Dynasty The story- of Kenneth Lucien Christian all four worked "on tobacco." Ken and revolves around his own immediate fami­ cabbages and kings Chet are now employed at the Christian ly, the tobacco-growing family of ~ eight farm. brothers and four sisters and a family of By JACK REDMOND "kids," who have worked "on tobacco" at WORKING "ON TOBACCO," is now the well-known farm in West Suffield. I Ken's daily ritual. Some of his comments, There probably never was a more down­ next on his agenda. He had visions and are as follows ... "grew broadleaf until 1947 , to-earth individual than this native born plans to be a physical education teacher but since then, our farm only grows shade tobacco farmer. It was not always that way and coach. tobacco" ... "tobacco workers are a special with Ken Christian. 'He was class president The visions and plans meant attending breed" ... they are all special (to of his high school class (950), captain of Springfield 'College+ but only until his him) ... "dirt on your hands, you get a little the high school basketball team, and a star junior year.. .it would be his last year of, so­ cleaner" ... "(yes)·there is a future to tobac­ in prep school; in other words, in today's called, formal education. The future would co growing" ... "we employ over 200 terms, a jock. be his educational field ... the service and a workers," which adds up to thousands of He admitted, "I thought I had the world full time job on the family farm. young people whom Ken has come in con­ by the tail." The analogy was given with a tact with on the farm. genuine smile. Time, hard work and enjoy­ FORT DIX, N .J:, was Ken's indoctrina­ To him, they are "all special." In ing life, as it comes, has changed Ken tion into the U.S. Army. From January, reminiscing of the "kids" over the years, Christian. 1954 to January, 1956, GI Ken Christian he remembers the ones who have gone on Ken grew up on Turnpike Road, across served his country from Fort Benning, Ga., to college and have been successful in the road from where he lives now, and on to Fort Lewis, Wash. Although it was the several fields of endeavor .. .feeling they the farm of his folks ... Daniel K. Christian Korean War period, Ken did not reach the (may have) learned a few basic lessons of and Estelle Kulas Christian. Mr. Christian, battle zone, as the conflict was winding life, on the farm. " born in Poland, was the founder of the down. Ken the man ... not all tobacco. He cheers family tobacco dynasty, with its beginning Halfway through his service time, he was for the Boston Celtics, in basketball, the st. prior to the Depression years. Mrs. Chris­ granted a furlough and a trip back to Wind­ Louis Cards in baseball, as his friend, Lou tian, born in Connecticut, was the mother sor"Locks. It meant a reunion with his high Nai does, the the Green Bay Packers in of 12 children. school sweetheart, Joan O'Leary. football for spectator sports. Bowling at the Kenneth Christian as a young man grow­ Both of Ken's parents are now deceased. "I always knew her," he said in a bashful Villa Rose (duck pins), with a creditable ing up in Windsor Locks . Ken was working "on tobacco" at the age reference as to how-they met. Adding, "the . 130 average, is his main diversion from the of seven, as were his brothers ... Daniel, An­ town was small." They were married Feb. life of a tobacco farmer. thony, Francis, Eugene, Richard and 5, 1955 at St. Mary's Church. Roland, and sisters, Ann, Bernice, Dorothy The newlyweds spent their first year ONE MEMORY KEN, Joan and children and Mildred. The Christian "fmaily af­ 3,000 miles away from home. On returning would rather forget, is the 1979 tornado that With Ken, life should be simple ... work fair," has been the life's work for over 50 to Windsor Locks, after Ken's discharge, hit the town of Windsor and Windsor Locks. and love of family. In essence, he said, one dedicated members of the clan. their future was clear ... raise a family and Due to the extensive damage to their home doesn't have to turn to the community or work in the family tobacco business. Ken on Turnpike Road they did live at home for the national government with pro­ BACK TO THE STORY of Ken ... his first said, "I always enjoyed working with the four months. Ken recalled that Joan was at blems ... there is always the family. For schooling was at Union School. High schoo] kids," so when the opportunity was home at the time, and he had a tough time Ken Christian, the real down-to-earth man, meant involvement and playing center (on­ presented, he made the decision. The con­ getting there from Suffield. Time has fixed it's the Christians ... all of them. ly 5'10", small by today's standard) on the tinuation of college and a career in up the house. Their lives are back to some Windsor Locks I court team. Familiar physical education was over. Looking normalcy ... the memories were not names, were his teammates ... Bill Whitten, back, Ken "had no regrets." forgotten. Ray Ermellini, Dave Ultisch, Peter Tenero Joan and Ken have four children ... sons, EPILOG and Ellsworth Case. The coach was Ernie Kenneth II, Chester and Daniel, and Kenneth Lucien Christian, father, Weeks. daughter, Estelle. Ken, 26, is a graduate of farmer and a strong part of the family Prep school was just up the road for Ken, Avon Old Farms; Chet, 23, the Windsor tobacco dynasty. He has "no special at the Suffield Academy. He continued to Locks High School; Dan, 21, is a senior at heroes ... no special admiration for anyone excel in sports, playing soccer and basket­ Eastern Connecticut and Estelle, 19, both person ... only "the silent man ... the man ball. The school basketball team reached were graduated from the local high school. who goes day by day (with hard work, the New England finals, at Boston, the year Estelle is employed at the Standard dedication and love) ... that's the man who Ken was on the team. College would be Bellows Co., near her home. Growing up, adds to society." "Mr. Mazike ... how about an interview?" ALONG THE WAY, schooling was made "What's tliis all about? ... " he answered a part of Walt's career, studying the la!est with a smile, clutching a big black cigar. in military police tactics, the mechamsm That's how the conversation went until of an army truck and traffic regulations. we got down-to specifics. I had seen Walt's When the Japanese hit Pearl Harbor, Walt picture in the ~ournal, the new vice presi­ was in San Francisco. Dia be go back to the dent of the RetIred State Employees figur­ Pacific? No ... to England on the Queen ing he'd be a good story. He agreed to the Mary. interview, and after an hour or so, the good World War II meant time in London and story would be an understatement. Paris (not bad duty) and a promotion to Walter John Mazike has led an in­ the r~nk of captain, serving in traffic, teresting and- eventful career beginning military police and intelligence work. Dur· ~i~ the U.S. Army from 1927 to 1958, serv-' ing the war in Europe, Walt served undeI mg In two wars and employment with the three famous men... Eisenhower, BradIe~ State of Connecticut until retirement in and Patton. .. 1970. In 1945 war over, Walt returned to more ~oday, he.is "semi-retired," but keeps [Juiet sw!roundings in Virginia as a com­ active as resIdent manager of the Windsor pany commander of a military police out~ Locks Funeral Horne. fit. Two years later, the army decided to When a year old, Walt's folks moved send the captain to the Far East... Korea. from Elizabeth, N.J., to Enfield, Ct. Early The war had not started, but the pot was schooling for the young lad was with the boiling in that part of the world. He was, Enfield grammar schools. Early working would be on the family farm of tobacco and given some time in the states (1950), so he cows. purchased a new car. A few miles down the road, he. h~ard the news .. .fighting in IN 1927 WALT "just got tired of hoeing Korea. ThIS bme the army sent him to the tobacco and milking cows," and joined the fighting for three years. - U.S. Army. He wanted duty in China and the army said, "sure... but it means the in­ HIS NEXT BASE of operations after the fantry." He settled for the field artillery in war, was in Brooklyn. He had seen , sunny Hawaii. enough .. .from WaUdki to Flat Bush ... he Walter J. Mazike . The trip to the islands began in Boston, had seryed his time. In 1956, 28 years meant dIscharge and the rank of lieutenant member), Senior CitizenS of Windsor VIa the Panama Canal. San Francisco and Locks, Retired Officers Association ... on eventually arrival in Honolulu. colonel. What does a man do now? He tried selling cars in his old friend's and on ... the wallet is filled with cards. He remembered the Royal Hawaiian _ EPILOG' Hotel as the only building on Waikiki place in East Windsor, John Balch's for a year. It didn't work. He joined the'state Walter John Mazike ... the above is what Beach, at the time, surrounded by marshes you are all about. You would be the first to on three sides, with the ocean in front and Motor Vehicle Department. After a year or so, he went into the Tax Department. In say... now don't make it corny. But corn or neal,"by Diamond Head. not, you have served country and state. The hula girls and the beauty of Hawaii 1970 Walt was retired and given credit for the army duty along with the state years. Your ready smile and ready stories are lasted three yearS. The year was 1930 no what life is all about. war clouds, just time to be in the reg{uar When he left, Walt Mazike earned the title of senior tax examiner. Forget what General MacArthur army, no worry about the Depression, just said ... "old soldiers never die they J'ust 1927 to 1970 ... a life's work, for most peo­ " ' ple. Years of travel, seeing the best and f a d e away ... the readers and I have worst of cities, towns, countries and two shared in your.memories of travel and they wars. What cities most impressed this will never fade away. cabbages and kings ~~de!n day Marco Polo? He said, four By JACK REDMOND CItIes came to mind ... echoing other world travele~ ... San Francisco, Honolulu, Lon­ don and Paris. traveL However, Walt settled for Windsor wal~ did just that. .. returning to the Loc~s. He and his late wife, Vera Squires Mazlke, were married in 1958. Vera was Service To stat~s 10r duty in Nebraska, Kansas and from Stafford Springs. They had lived in two y~ars guarding the Panama Canal. A.nother change to see the hula girls ... spen­ town for over two decades. dmg t~o summers back at Pearl Harbor. Thenifrom Waikiki to the wild country of WHEN WALT WAS YOUNG, education cowboy;s and some rodeo fun in Wyoming was limited to grammar schools in Enfield In addition to the army schools mentioned' wa~ tqe ,?ext assignment. With three strIPes as buck sergeant," Walt was given Walt at~ended Morse Business College fo; Country accountmg, the Golden Gate College in San the rol~ of rec~ter in Salt Lake City. In Francisco for traffic management and ad­ 1~0! wl,th over eIght years service, he was ditional accounting in the City College of ~hglble to become an officer. He made first New York. h~ut~mant, with time in California-, MIchIgan and Georgia. He had no time as a boy growing up to play sports; however, he has followed the ~ed Sox for years: He played golf and did WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, SEPTEMBER 9, 1983 hIS share of bowlIng. But he said, rather reluctantly, "gave away the golf clubs-and and State bowling ban, a few years back." Never having enough of travel, he's been back to Hawaii three times. Vera and Walt saw the beauty of St. Thomas and the sunny- spots of Cape Cod on a regular basis. For memberships in clubs, the list would fin a full page, but here are a few ... the new chapter of Retired State Employees with Walt the vice president (looking out f~r the benefits of the retired workers), AM VETS Rotary, Elks, American Le~ion, VFW (lif~ WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, SEPTEMBER 16,1983 A Day at the Races ... With the Senior Citizens When the Windsor Locks Senior Citizens ting on some horses. There was plenty of So our day at the races was most en­ go anywhere, it's usually a first-class time between races to' observe the sights joyable. Thanks to all the senior citizens, event. Last month was no exception. In cabbages and kings and sounds of over 33,000 fans. Of course, Evelyn Williams, Frankie Allen, Roland early August, 45 members, plus two, left By JACK REDMOND the time between races was used to bet and the weatherman ... town for the beautiful country of New York more eat and drink more, and just enjoy Some of us lost a few dollars ... some won State and the Saratoga Race Track. the atmosphere of big time racing. Our bus a few dollars, but I hope none of us were The weather was ideal, track was fast was parked near several large CBS like Lady Godiva ... "she was the world's First stop was at McDonald's for coffee. trucks ... ready for that coming Saturday's greatest gambler because she put and the $2 bettors were ready for action. After the break, next stop, Saratoga Spr­ :Maybe it was the weather, or the six­ show on the Travers, with $200,000 added. everything on a horse." ings; time: about quarte~ t~ 12. We were furlong Sanford Stakes for 2-year-olds~ the greeted by a giant traffIc Jam, but pro­ crowd, that day, was the largest in bably nothing to com'p~re when we le~ve, AS WE WALKED AROUND admiring Saratoga history: 33,721. People, betting ~ according to Mrs. WIllIams. (At the tIme the old track, we realized it is a place window to betting window. The next day, we didn't know the record crowd at the the Courant printed the dollars steeped in history. Saratoga'rwhere famo~s track.) people famous horses and even a mOVIe bet. .. $3,103,098. The 1983 season at Saratoga was their As for the trip ... the congenial group of with H~llywood's best, were part of its dai­ 116th year, providing thrills, winnings and ly routine providing the thrills up to the townspeople left Dexter, at 8:10 a.m. after losses to many thousands of fans. July 27 roll call by a veteran of many trips, Evelyn present day. was the first day, with Monday, Aug. 22, Today's Saratoga has long hot dogs, ex­ Williams, the super tour director. Mrs. the last day for this year. Our tour director Williams said "it's been 10 years," doing pensive drinks, pizza, television screens at could not have picked a better day, every corner to view the race, if you want what she loves. Among some of the weather-wise. Monday and Tuesday of that familiar names called were: Kulas, Tria, to be near a betting window, instead of be­ week were unbearable, but on Wednesday, ing in the stands or outd~ors. T.here w.as Lees, Molinari, Cola pietro and our singing Aug. 10, we had marvelous weather, and a troubadour, Frankie Allen. even a picnic area for famIly outmgs.' WIth few dollars to win or lose. rides for the kiddies. Another page m the history of Saratoga, just to keep up with the ANOTHER FAMILIAR NAME was the ON OUR ARRIV AL we were given veteran bus driver, Roland, by name. He times. reserved grandstand tickets, along with an The last race was over by 6:15. At 6:32 had us breezing along Route 91, the Mass official program on what makes Saratoga Pike, New York Throughway, and just out­ our bus with Roland at the wheel, was in tick ... the horses, jockeys and the odds, rac­ line for 'the ride home. Getting out was not side the capital city of· Albany, located just ing talk for some of the first timers. The in­ 30 miles from the track. as bad as Mrs. Williams had envisioned. itial race was off at 1:30 p.m. That day Our first stop, Valle's, near Albany. The there were nine races, featuring the 70th , . popular restaurant chain was not ready for running of the Sanford Stakes ... with $50,000 47 hungry folks from Windsor Locks. We added. arrived at 7: 19 and left by 9: 30. On the road again for a "quick and enjoyable" trip to I had picked my nine choices before leav­ Dexter Plaza, made easier by the one and ing the bus, (consensus of several so-called only, Frankie Allen. Frankie, well-known experts in a local paper). They were as in this area for his singing talents, kept us wrong as I was. Right off the bat...! picked all happy and wide awak~ with an. old number six ... just before I got to the win­ fashion sing-a-long. The rIde was fIlled dow, number six scratched. That's the way with songs from "My Way" to "God Bless my day went. America," with real oldies for which only Going to the track is more than just bet- Our age group remembers the words. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, SEPTEMBER 23, 1983 Vita Fortin: Versatile Lady of Music Vita Caron Fortin is "looking forward to "French Hour," on television. The pro­ the warm climate" of Florida. However, gram was divided into four segments. the decision to leave "the friends, students cabbages and kings Vita's quarter hour was playing piano and and the people of Connecticut" was a dif­ By JACK REDMOND singing only French songs. Another ficult one for the musical teacher. The pret­ highlight of her career was a guest artist ty lady has been a teacher of piano, voice with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and organ for over two decades, at her taking lessons when Vita was only five. playing "Hyden ... concert in D ~~jor." home on Reed Avenue. Vita was considered too young at the time. -During the college year~, she pa~tlcIpated The Fortins ... Vita, her husband Roger Two years later the family gave in, she was in the International MUSIcal FestIval m Ot­ and youngest daughter 1 Tina, left the hot given the benefit of a teacher and probably tawa, Canada. weather of last month for the hopefully some advice from her sister. In addition, In 1962 she organized the Vita Fortin warm year-round weathe~ of the s?uthern Vita also possessed a Singing talent that Chorale. It was made up of a young peo­ state. Their other two chIldren, LIsa and was realized at ap early age. ple's singing group. For over two years the Marc, are staying iIi Connecticut to con­ The future teacher was brought up in a group sang all over the state. The group tinue their own personal careers. Catholic, bilingual home. Her schooling, in eventually became the Valley Singers. Their mother's career, in the musical Lewiston, was all in Catholic schools. For world, began in her hometown of Lewiston, college, Montreal, Canada was her per­ ON THE LOCAL scene Vita had many Maine at the family piano. Her sister was sonal choice. During her high school years, words of praise for the ye':lrly high school Vita had taken business, in addition to musical staged by the semor classes. The music courses, feeling that if she did not words ... "fantastic, you forget they are receive a musical scholarship, she could be kids ... good production ... g~od direction .. ;I a secretary or accountant. did not miss one show durmg our years m Windsor Locks." THOSE HIGH SCHOOL years were not Vita Fortin entirely filled with note pads and Vita is a lover of music, in the classical ledgers ... music was Vita's life. She tells of sense. She feels some of the music today, taking on the difficult task of two leads in (so-called popular) is "a lot of trash ... too Life and Casualtv. He retired, this past much screaming." As for country musical plays, almost Simultaneously. At . June, after 26 years. He h~ld t~e title of high school, she starred in "Down In The music ... "if done well, very enjoyable." Assistant Secretary of the gIant msu:rance She had the following frank answers to Valley." At church, she was the lead in a company. Roger was. a veteran ?f four gypsy musical... "Chonita." From January these questions ... hobbies, walking, riding a years with the U.S. AIr Force durmg the bike ... vacations, Maine and Canada, most to June, the two plays took up her time. It Korean War. - was worth the effort, the profits, she said, admired her mother, Valeda (now deceas­ Roger and Vita h.ave. three ed) "Sh~ Gid so much (for the family) in paid for her first year of college. The col­ children ... Lisa, Marc and Tma. LIsa, 24, a lege in Montreal gave her a full scholarship the ~ame 24 hours I have" ... she was head of graduate of the Windsor Locks High the local church's CCD program, she was a for the rest of her education, as long as she School attended Manchester Community great cook and sewed all the fami~y stayed there. . Colleg~ and UCon!}, earning. a de~r~e in After college she opened her own studio, clothes." Vita's father, Eugene, stIll business and liberal arts. Bemg a ChIP of resides in Lewiston and a hearty 80 years teaching piano and voice to the students of the old block, so to speak, Lisa taught pia~o . old. . Lewiston and surrounding towns. for five years and is still active in the mUSIC In 1956 she married W. Roger Fortin. field when not on the job at Aetna. Marc, Her philosophy of )ife ... "do'!'t waste a They met on a "sort of blind date." He was 20 a'lso a grad of the -local high school, moment... time, money and feehngs ... make from Lewiston, their paths had crossed where he played trumpet in the school the best of them ... you can never recapture because he had known Vita's sister. He was band. He is now employed at Delta In­ the past." still in college (University of Maine) at the dustries. Tina, 15, will attend high school ~n . EPILOG time of their wedding. Vita traveled 250 Florida as a sophomore. She too, IS Vita Caron Fortin says she'll miss her miles the first year of their marriage, just musically inclined, with piano, flute and students but realizes the time has come to to be with Roger on weekends. electric p~~no as her talents. "practic~ for myself." Vita has left a legacy to many stude,!ts in Maine and Con­ THE TRAVELING STOPPED after his VITA AND HER musical talents ... when necticut ... they'll mISS her sounds of graduation. He tried sales, but it was not living in Maine, she was a part of a weekly musical tr~ining. for him. On his own, Roger went south to Hartford. Connecticut and joined the Aetna John Dowd Energetic Jaycee at the GHO There are many reasons given for the success of the Greater Hartford Jaycee's . Rebecca, the~ y

Now, how about assigning him to ers. The extreme responsibility of this who is a flashy eighty or so. Maybe that give us similar appraisals of the Hart­ multi-faceted event would create mo­ was Joe. ford Wailers and the Boston Dead Sox? ments of stress for anyone. Please don't send Mr. Kirkup to George W. Earley Your disgusting and banal insult to Cromwell next year. Leave the GHO, Bloomfield Ted May, as you probably are aware by the golf and fun to the rest of us and let now, was totally uncalled for and de­ (Courant sportswriters) Owen Can­ I am still in paroxysms after reading serves an apology. field, Bob Sudyk, Bruce Berlet do the the gloriously entertaining piece by Joe Maybe you can tell the public in a fu­ writing and some of us small guys. Kirkup on the Wethersfield golf tour­ ture article the public service record of Jack Redmond nament. To paraphrase one of his mar- , Joe Kirkupf Windsor Locks velous parables, I appoint Kirkup the Gerald C. Roth funniest writer northeast of the New Simsbury After reading a couple of Joe Kir­ York Times. kup's pieces in Northeast Magazine, I Anna Barron Actually this should be addressed to have begun telling my friends that I Middletown Joe Kirkup. So he doesn't like golf or have been writing articles under the what goes on at the annual GHO. The name of Joe Kirkup and that they A dart and a raised eyebrow to the article of September 11, 1983 made for should keep an eye out for them. (Both questionable journalistic tactics of Mr. a few laughs, especially for one who of them said they'd watch for me.) Joe (Foot-in-Mouth) Kirkup regarding spends a week's vacation at Wethers­ His stuff is really terrific, and I am 1983 GHO Chairman Ted May. ,field. glad I have been writing it. Let's both I have been associated with Ted May To me it's like being a kid again, keep it up. since 1977 and have always marveled at watching the best golfers in the world, George D. Valli his extreme civic mindedness and dedi­ reporting all the action for a weekly Colebrook cation to the GHO and Jaycees. As a newspaper and the great Pro-Am with 'ROUGH EDGES AT THE successful fmancial planner, Ted has Bob Hope and company. I, too, had the devoted long, stress-filled hours to the experience of bumping into Mr. Hope GHO' planning and logistics of this philan­ in the country club men's room, when Kirkup on golf ("Rough Edges At thropic event. His personal secretary he was giving an older man an auto­ The GHO, by Joe Kirkup, September has also shown the same dedication. graph. The older man was probably 11, 1983) ..."Great! Simply marvelous! All this was done for ~he benefit of oth- seventy-five, but looked older than Bob, WI~DSOR LOCKS JOURNAl, OCTOBER 14, 1983 Doug Hamilton: His Team's Now· His Glory Douglas AiIan Hamilton had his share of town ... Bill, Jack and Mal. A sister, Peg For Lou, when it came to admiration for glory as-high school (six sports) and col­ cabbages and kings McClelland, resides in Florida. Jack has others, she said, "my parents: .. her dad, lege (two sports) player. But probably a assisted Doug with the Little League team David Rogers, 80, and mother, Edie bigger-thrill was as manager of the town's By JACK REDMOND the past three years or so. Mal is chairman Rogers, 75, both healthy and happy living 1983 Little League All-Star team. of the Board of Education. - in the Lone Star State of Texas. The team, made up of 14 "totally involv-_ Back to Lou and Doug. He was discharg­ EPILOG ed kids," won five games, with one loss, tennis, was on the track and cross-country ed from the Navy five months before his Douglas Allan Hamilton only had praise before losing to Ellington in the finals. The teams and just to make it an even 'half­ new bride. He was living in Enfield at for his "totally involved kids," that made team from Ellington was beaten by Stam­ dozen, performed on the volleyball court. Christmas time, 1967, when Lou was given up the town's all-stars. It was a "team ef­ ford, Ct., who went on to Williamsport to -At Ricker College, where he spent one' leave for the holidays. The complete reu­ fort," he said, "where parents also deserv­ represent the East in the world series of the year, Doug was limited to baseball and nion finally came with her discharge from ed a lot of credit." As manager of an alI­ young boys of summer. And Windsor Locks basketball. the WAVES in March of 1968. They con­ star team, you might say, rounded out a was that close to Williamsport, "we had a tinued to live in Enfield for two years until full sports career for Doug. Now he has all chance" ... shades of 1965. IN OCTOBER OF 1965, Doug entered the settling down in Windsor Locks. winter to think and ponder about next year Little League involvement has been U.S. Navy. Two years later he was with dreams of Williamsport for a new Doug's main summer activity for the past discharged with the distinction of never LOU WORKED AT Hamilton-Standard gang of truly all-stars. three years. Before his understandable leaving the Great Lakes area. for four years until Jason was born. When eagerness to "go all the way," Doug sp~nt It was not his choice ... but the Admiral's. asked about living in Texas versus Connec­ time in the U.S. Navy, marrIed a Navy gIrl, He was assigned to Admiral Yaeger, with ticut.. .there was no question, Lou said" "I became the father of two active kids, four stars, as an aide and that was it. loved Connecticut from the beginning .. .1 played the game of golf, was a bowler wi~h However, this one-stop paid off in the would not go back to Texas, except for tennis, basketball and baseball among hIS romance department, when E3 Doug vacations. " hobbies, and yes, has been a steady worker Hamilton met E4 Nelda Lou Rogers, a Little League management has to share at HI-G in town, since 1967. transplanted Texas gal. (It was the only Doug's talents. Last year he was appointed Doug, born in Leominster, Mass., ~row­ time she outranked him ... at least he thinks alternate on the Planning and Zoning ing up in Houlton, Maine, looks more lIke a so.) Board. He's an elder at,the family church teacher and talks like an instructor in Doug and Lou were married in May oj in Enfield. Other assignments include nuclear physics, but is all sports. Back in 1967. She had come from Rockdale, a town treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 261, officer of Maine, Doug played basketball, baseball, in central Texas, near the capital, Austin. the HI-G Credit Union and president of the Lou joined the WAVES (The women's HI-G Golf League at Copper Hill in East reserve of the U.S. Navy) before Doug and Granby. was' stationed at Great Lakes, as a As mentioned, sports has been his middle secretary, working in the chapel. ThE name and today golf, .tennis and bowling cha pel would be the scene of their militar~ are on his sport calendar after years of wedding. They both agreed, the chapel, baseball (Hartford Twi-light League), soft­ located on a lak,e, mad~ ,the ideal locale. ball and basketball. They have two children ... Jason and Jen­ Doug's role at HI-G has been as material nifer. Jason, 11, a sixth grader at the Mid­ and purchasing manager for the Magnetec dle School, is involved in "everything," Division of HI-G in Bloomfield. Lou, a when it comes to sports. In addition, Jason homebody with her two children, has two is a Boy Scout with Troop 261 and a part-time positions ... clerk of the Windsor member of the Boy's Brigade at the family Locks Redevelopment Agency, since June church ... the Calvary Presbyterian Church of this year, and she also "helps out" at the in Enfield. North Street School Library. His sister, Jennifer, 8, a third grader at Young Doug Hamilton learned a the North Street School, is as "sports­ valuable lesson growing up in Maine. One­ minded" as Jason, with emphasis on gym­ of his teachers, Mr. Jay Brewer, was his nastics. And when it comes to em­ mentor who taught him the necessary phasis ... Lou and Doug made it clear... "we "bridging the gap between sports and emphasize school and church, than the education." He has tried to instill this time for sports." philosophy in his children and the boys he has coached and managed in the Little DOUG HAS THREE brothers living in League and Boy Scout programs. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, OCTOBER 21,1983 Paul Callahan: Class President and Athlete , "Callahan's goal, his third of the season, , EPILOG broke the scoreless deadlock and lifted The future is bright for Paul Thomas Locks to 2-0 on the young season. " . cabbages and' kings Callahan. At the beginning of the soccer Sound familiar? The Callahan mentioned} By JACK REDMOND season his coach said, "He's looking great on the local sports page is also president of in practice ... he's a good passer and a real the Windsor Locks High School Senior high-skill player," as Paul entered his Class ... Paul Thomas Callahan. Callahan Chipman and the late William fourth varsity season with the Raiders. Paul, also known as "Cal," is one busy Callahan. Mr. Callahan was an English At home, Jean also had praise for Paul. student and athlete these days, with duties teacher at the high school. Paul was only Her profound words, that only a mother as president, forward on the soccer team three when his father passed away. might say ... "God gave him a lot of gifts." and in the classroom, an honor student. At the time Jean became a widow, she Two were his mother and father. How does he keep up with this schedule? had five children to care for. Paul has two For Paul, it's something he is used to dur­ brothers and two sisters ... Billy, Danny,' ing the high scho_ol years. For this friendly Cindy and Mary. and outgoing student, being president is not Paul said, "My mother was a big in­ new. He held the position in the freshman fluence on my life ... with lots of love ... she and sophomore years, but admitted, due to had to find a job and raise five kids." In ad­ a much heavier class schedule, the junior dition, he said, '~my mother has always year was not a political success. been supportful, in my playing spo~ts." Paul's fellow officers (Class of 1984) are as follows ... Steven Brazalovich as vice In looking back, young Paul wondered president, Jennifer Pesci, the secretary about his father. People he would meet and Tracy Costello the treasurer. always gave Paul a good impression of his Paul was born-Nov. 5, 1965, in one of the father's talents and personality. He-said, 'I Paul Callahan Hartford hospitals. Grammar -school was wanted to live up to those impressions." covered by attendance at South, Union, According to Jean, he has. Southwest and the Middle School before The Callahan name in Windsor Locks But don't get the wrong idea ... Paul en­ entering the South Elm Street educational high school scholastic and sports joys music, especially rock, stating that facility. endeavors are well-known. Billy played the group called "Rush", is his favorite. football and baseball. He is a grad of Cum­ . Television is mostly confined to the hockey HE BEGAN A three-sport activity while mings Institute. Danny performed on the and. baseball (Bruins and Red Sox) and at the Middle School, excelling in baseball, baseball and soccer field. He attends Went­ whenever soccer is on the tube. ' basketball and soccer. He continued the worth Institute of Technology. Cindy is a He did mention UConn soccer as one of three sports at the high school under coach student at st. Joseph College in West Hart­ his pastimes. When asked what college Dan Sullivan. Paul, when pinned down as ford. Mary is a grad of Springfield Tech figured in his future plans, UConn was one to his favorite sport, choose soccer. and is currently working as an electrician of the first, followed by Brown, Tufts and Paul is the son of Jean DiBenedetto at'Hamilton-Standard. Rensselaer. Paul intends to play soccer in college and hopes for a ",electrical PAUL'S BASEBALL CAREER began engineer" degree. with the little league minors in town, when Paul's duties as president of his class are at 9 years old, his team, the Padres, won mainly geared to three projects .. .the the championship. The pitcher/infielder magazine drive, the senior ball, outing and played in the majors for the Dester team the patron drive in connection with the and in his final year were the local champs. Senior Class Play next spring. \ , To complete Paul's sport activity, he , The South Elm Street resident does have recently took up the game of golf. This past one favorite in the sports world, but not in summer he worked around the pro-shop at soccer - it's former Red Sox star Rico Windsor's Milbrook course. Putting some Petrocelli. One of Rico's grand slams (a of us weekend golfers to shame, Paul homer with three players on, for you non­ shoots in the 40s ... so watchout Fuzzy and sport fans) was a big thrill for young Paul, Tom Watson. He has added tennis, just to as he witnessed the feat at Fenway a few keep in shape. years back. ~f~~el~~~t~16~,~~~~n~'i;9!t~~t~:~p~gi~(~:g~m.r?~·i~l~~~t8,~';I~l~~l~~,'~~~l 30¢l!Itnbsor mocks ~ oltrnal~~~~::~ VOL 104 NO.'43 • WINDSOR LOCKS, CONN. FRIDfY, OCTOBER 28, 19~3 • 52 PAGES· 2 SECTIPNS @[Q)@@[[\Y}@[f

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" " ~ ", ' : By GEORGE FINCH' " \', ,me in September rather < than waiting , ,the format the debate would take if it is .' ,than the other candidates, since they are, ' '. " ,'The Republican and Democratic town' until three weeks before the election." held. , ," ',-', , " vying to become the town's, "chief ~! chairman were to meet tonight to work ',The letter from Mr. Gray to Mr. Hall' ' ',The Democrats have proposed that officer!' < ,', ' ,. , out details of a propos,ed candidates' "issuing the deb~te, challenge was dated all six ,candidates for ,the Board of· Although both chairmen said they still ," debate, but both said there were not op- , Oct., 10, and asked for a response by . Selectmen and Town Treasurer/Clerk , would welcome a debate if a date can be :' timistic a debate can be held.' , ,,' telephone, l~sting Mr. Grays home and " be included in the debate; with each can- ", : arranged, neither w~ optimistic., < ~: ~,' Republican Town Chairman Barry W. " b ~ s i 'n, e s, s ri u P1~ b" e '!' s", ~idate ,receivi.ng a~ equal, a,mount of ,< -. "We'll see what we can work out, but 1 'J ,', Gray and Democratic ,Town 'Chairman' " , ',,\'" ' 'G . d d'· '1' it . " tIme." '. ' , .' ~ doubt it (will happen), Mr. Hall said. ~ ,:; George M. Hall both said they do not', > J.Yl~. ray res'p0n e ~ ~ te ep one In" ':~' In Mr. Hall's letter outlining his pro- . > HI think that's probably a fact because ~:; :believe t~ere is enough time left before ~. terv1ew.by saYing tha~ 1t 1S no~ COIl!mon , posa) for. a debate format; he suggests", of the dates," Mr. Gray said, when in- it,' the election on Nov: 6 to stage a mean.. . for the In~u~bent t~ Issue ~ call f~l" a ' that Jack Redmond would be moderator formed of Mr. 'Hall's comment. ,," ¥ ~ :i~gf~ debate. '~. ,', . ',' > ." .' ;',' .' debate, as.hls.~ar~y s candidate, ~lrst 'along with a panel of reporters from The Both chairmen said the.reason it will : , ~.\' 'In a copy of letter to Mr; GraYt dated :,' Selec~~~, J~. ',ClIfford ~n~a"ll, has Journal,,, The Manchester Journal- 'be difficult to agree upon a date at this ,;:: ,Oct. 16, postmarked Oct. 19 .and 'receiv~, > ~ ~one. .', ': >':, > • , i Inquirer and the Hartford Courant.' ' , point in their 'campaigns is that their',' i'i( ,ed Oct: 20, Mr. 'Halt said, ','I welcome ' '. , HWhy'didn't they ask for ,a debate two 'Mr. Gray. said the moderator' and ' , candidates are already committed to ti,',your.challenge and the~ppo~~Unity.for a ;~' \ :months ago?" Mr. GrC!~ asked. ',':. ( " ' panel are acceptable, bu~ noted he s~id, ' , certain functions, and finding' a night ,: ~:< proposed ,debate between the~ can·'· ' Aside from from the time factore, the. last week ,that the candiQates for fIrst when there is no conflict in schedules . ~: ,dictates.;, I,> ~nly" ~ish you had <;ontacted' ': Jwo chairme~ di(fer on t~eir, views as to " select~~'.l' sh'oul~ be given more time, " may be impossible. " " , , , ... "') ,.:: ;, ~ h ... " +"~ ~~v' ~,~;' ~ .. <"~ ~, ... , '."~"',, ;." f~ .... ~):~ "~~Y'> ",,;:::' ~~,\vv" ,-;~to}~/"'~ ->,. 4. ...' ... '" ~?~'-: ~:",,,v,,~Y;< ...... ":;)~,,\'7~ ....:,/~'; ... ~ _-Y, .i ,,: ","": ~_ <', WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAl. OCTOBER 28, 1983 assessor's office. In the long run this could place posed is to build a garbage recycling facility off an unfair tax burden on the homeowners of of Stanton Road. Windsor Locks generates 25 to Randall Windsor Locks. • ~o tons of garbage daily. This facility will I certainly want to encourage industry in our require 200 to 300 tons daily_ Do we want to town. We have one of the lowest tax rates in the bring into Windsor Locks the garbllge of eight Or state: tax rates achieved under Democratic other towns every single day? We must remem­ administrations. tax rates from which businesses, ber that this problem is not confined to Windsor Edward as weU as, homeowners benefit. However. I feel Locks. It is a statewide problem. and I feel we Ferrari? we must make sure that all industries are paying should cooperate more than we have with the state in its efforts to find a solution. By JACK REDMOND A. their fair share in order to keep this tax rate low. "Political difference is good for 'Ferrari It is my hope that new'Concerns w'iII choose to My opponent has claimed that the garbage democracy It's politlcallndif· locate in Windsor Locks. However. I feel their facility will be privately run and will contribute ference that's harmful" Democrat development should be limited to those lIreas to the tax base of Windsor Locks. If this is such ~ a profitable venture, why hasn't private industry In little over a week the voters 01 ~ ,-;'r ~ which will not negatively effect the quality of life Windsor Locks will go to their in the'adjoining neighborhoods. I will recom­ been knocking down our doors to operate this respective voting places (town hall mend a close look at our zoning ordinances with faci\i\y? There are many other. ways we can put or the high school) to elect the In' ~,.;. 'f\~.~ an eye toward strengthening them. this 7 acres of industrial hind to use for us cumbent. Republican First Select· besides turning it into a regional garbage facility man R. Clifford Randall or vote in· ~-:~~ .. A3 I would like to rephrase this question. for 8 Northern Connecticut towns. I cannot to office Democrat Edward A I Ferran Edward A. Ferrari, 41. Sales Manager-.­ Southwest School has~~n vacant for a year believe that developing this land for such a Chorches Chrysler Plymouth. Organizations: Mr Randall upset Edward A and a half. Plans for its closing were known at facility can enhance the property values of any SaVino two years ago and Mr. Fer· Water Pollution Control Authority Commis­ least a year prior to that. Why has th.e present of our homes or add to the attractiveness of ran IS hoping for the same tum oIf sioner; Board of Director for St. Mary's Credit administration lacked the leadership to turn an Windsor 'Locks. • events Union; Chairman·of the Supervisory Committee For a little history. we inter· • unproductive building - a building that we as Viewed Mr. Randall In May of of St. Mary's Credit Union; Past President of taxpayers are still maintaining - into a facility AS It has been made quite clear by our state 1975. he was our fifth interVIewee Windsor Locks Rotary Club; Member of Chrysler that might be beneficial to somebody - whether and local officials that we are definitely not of the Cabbages and Kings col· Professional Sales Society; Veteran 'of U.S. it be a library or senior housing? This should not getting our fair return from Bradley International umn Mr Ferran was our subject Army. back In September of 1980 Both have been an issue in this citmpaign. The Airport. J ptedge an administration that will men are confident of VictOry and Why Should I Be Elected? Republican administration should have had the remain in close communication with our State have consented to answer a few Today out priorities are shifting. I recognize foresight and initiative to resolve this issue Senator Con O'Leary and State Representative questiOns we have conjured up so the importance of having industry in town, months ago. ~ David Wenc in order to insure that the interests the voters may have a better Idea of Windsor Locks are looked I will on how they and their party stand however, we have a new problem. Our popula· I recognize that their is a strong need for both. aft~r. on Issues and problems facing the tion has stabilized. We have fewer young a library and senior citizen housing. There have vigorously pursue the possibility of turning over town of Windsor Locks. families moving into our community. I feel it is been public hearings on both proposals. It is the land at the airport to Windsor Locks for Back In 1975 the headline read time we reexamine our zoning regulations. We selectman's responsibility to make sure that the industrial developement. • • on Mr Randall's column MUon are a small town and have very little open space townspeople are made aware of all the alternll­ of a Man." referring to hiS actiVities A6 A 7 Windsor Locks is a Democratic In the Windsor Locks Club.• left for development. Before we crowd more tives and of the possible consequences of & uons town and, as such, it is a tQwn that has long For Mr Ferran It read. . industry into what is left. let's make sure that choosing one plan over another. This has finally looked after the needs of its working people. I "Salesman Knows Nice Guy Image that would be in the best interest of our been done. It is now time to do what the Is Important" Windsor Locks could pledge to continue in this tradition and will residents. I would urge and push for an updatin~ majority of the residents of Windsor Locks use a nice guy and a lion all rolled begin by initiating office hours which are Into one. of the town's comprehensive plan of develop­ choose. That is how our local government ment. works. As an individual I would recommend convenient to all ,esidents so that I may be Editor's Note: Jack Redmond ISSUed using this former school for senior citizen better informed of their needs. A 1 I feel that it is time we take a good look at the (oIlowtng queshons to the {irsl housing. That is a priority at this time. We also There is more to a pledge of open govern­ selectman candJdates U1 place 0{ Ius the direction Windsor Lacks is heading in order ment then just being available in a bUilding regular colwnn tfus week. ThLs need an upgraded library, but that should be the to insure that the town continues to develop in during certain hours. however. The people must ~ iS3 edIllon also ITIdudes the way that best serves its residents. next item to work on. I only hope that the quesl1on.s wfuch were c:onceu.;ed by feel comfortable with their first selectman. They The comprehensive plan for Windsor Locks townspeople get a chance to decide the fate of the edIlors and sent to remauung this building before we are faced with another must feel that this person considers their first selectmen and town clerk·town was formulated in the 60's in response to needs selectman. They must feel that ttl is person treasurer candJdates 11v! responses empty one. that were recognized in the early 50's. Our considers their opinions, as well as, their are pnnled here as they were fur· former town leaders felt it beneficial to entice TlLShed, wl!houl ec:iIhng. Dtfferences A4 Right now the disposal of garbage is problems important and worthy of his attention. U1 style. (DrTT1i3l and ~ are industry into Windsor LOl:ks so that our towns­ Windsor Locks' most serious problem_ The . I do nat feel the present administration is those 0{ the CiJlldJdate and nol the people might enjoy the maximum benefits for present administration has fanned 2 study actively pursuing this dialogue with the people. responsibtbly 0{ the JoumaL their tax dollars. committees to decide the fate of our refuse. I offer a whole new personality to the office of A2 I feel we sho'uld look into expanding the As of the middle of October. no short term first selectman. When I am elected on November role of our tax assessor. The present system is arrangement has been made public and Windsor 8, there will no longer be a status - quo definitely obsolete. We are relying on businesses Locks may be fined $500 a day or a maximum admininstration in power. It will be an adminis­ to file a yearly inventory and/or capital equip­ of $10,000 a year if we do not find an alternative tration that listens, acts and leads. The concerns ment figure. There is no one to keep a constant site by December 1: This is certainly an expense and'"proposals I have outlined earlier are innova· check 011 these concerns or even to investigate our town should not have to absorb. tive and in some cases long overdue. ( will new businesses that do not file with the town The long term solution that has been pro- pursue them vigorously.

First Selectman Q4 What Is the most serious Ql problem facing the Town , As first selectman, what of Windsor Locks and how will be your farst priority do you plan to face It? for Windsor Locks hi QS 1984? Are the dtiwlS and tax­ Q2 payers of Windsor Locks What projects, If any, do getting their fair share Of..

1 you feel should be in the the revenues of Bradley planning stage for the International Airport? future growth of WIndsor Q6 . Locks and how can Wind· What do you have to offer sor Locks keep the tax the voters In Windsor rate stable and stili retain Locks againSt that of your the necessary services? opponent? Q3 Q7 What should' be the even·· Why do you think you tual use of Southwest should be first selectman School: of Wlndsor Locks? a. ~Ior citizens . housing b •. library c. other type of facility? on a regional basis. This full servicelcontract A2 We must continue our operation. run by an independent rrivate devel­ long term plan to broaden our commercial and oper at no cost to the taxpayers 0 Windsor industrial tax base through: Committing our Locks, offers a long aterm solution to a pressing remaining land in this area to its highest and problem. . ' best use as High Technology Parks; Working Our most serious long term problem. as a diligently with our state representative, state community of taxpayers with increased depend­ senator and state officials to insure the ability of ence on fixed Incomes, is to broaden our R. Windsor Locks to tax non-airport related indus­ commercial and industrial tax base as indicated trial and commercial enterpnses located on in my reply to question three (3) above_ We must Clifford Bradley International Airport; Working with our also continue our long term capital improve­ state legislature to insure equItable changes in ment program which has within it provisions for Randall state pilot (payment in lieu of taxes) plan at a preventative maintenance plan tllat will add Republican Bradley. Bradley Airport is a faCIlity valued at many years of life to our present equipment and approximately seventy (70) million dollars and facilities_ the town received payment last year of AS No! The-citizens and taxpayers of Windsor $58,000.00 and through some change in the Locks are not getting their fair share of the formula we will receive $53.000.00, a reduction revenues generated at Bradley International of five thousand dollars ($5.000.000) from our· Airport. My appointments as a member of the tax roles. If we were taxing one third of our town newly created Bradley Airport commission will R. Clifford Randall. 56. 440 Elmwood Drive. which makes up Bradley field at our present .23 give Windsor Locks the opportunity to acquire ,Incumbent First Selectman. Graduate of the mil rate we would receive $161,000; Watchdog­ first hand knowledge and the ability to input into University of Maine, BS Degree, M.A. Degree, ging legislation to insure that non-commercial the future planning and operation of the airport. University of Hartford, Graduate work in school aircraft housed at Bradley remain on our tax We must continue to pursue an equitable administration. University of Hartford, educator listings and not be placed in a licensing program change in the pilot program. We must continue , for 28 years. Twenty-three (23) in Windsor as advocated in the last regular session of the to work to acquire the right to properly tax non­ Locks, former Director of Vocational Education, legislature. _ . airport related growth on the airport. We must , former Administrative Assistant to the Superin­ We must also continue to look critically at all' monitor legislation to insure that taxation rather tendent of Schools, Educational Consultant, phases of town management and through the than licensing of non-commercial aircraft contin­ Served in U.s_ Navy during World War II, tools available to us continue to offer maximum ues_ And we must vigorotlsly pursue the return member of Windsor Locks Lions. past District service with a minimum of cost increase. of as much of the state owned land as possible Governor of District 23-B - Hartford and A3 At the present writing I am in favor of located at Bradley to the town. This was Litchfield counties. Member of the Windsor , using southwest school for elderly housing. This proposed by Governor O'Neill in his message of Locks Chamber of Commerce. former owner and decision is de~ndent on the acquisition of veto the the legislatures of the blll to tax the . perator of Building Renovation Comapny, R. funding for thIS purpose. Should funding not commercial and industrial growth at the airport. Best Builders. Member of St. John's Episcopal occur for elderly housing my second chQice A6 My offerings to the voters of Windsor Church serving as trustee and layreader. Married wOllld be a stipulated sale of the building to a Locks are my public administratvie education and has three (3) children and three (3) grand­ . commercial developer with the stipulation being and twenty-eight (28) years of experience dealing children. that elderly housing be built. This stipulated sale with problems and the public prior to entering ~ of this rroperty would place it back on the tax· . Why Should I Be Elected? . public office, plus the invaluable experience It is essential that we immediately lay plans roles 0 the town f am sure that there are those gained in the last two years as your incumbent for the future of: Eldei'ly Housing; our Capital that read this decision as non-supportive of an first selectman. This broad background of Improvement Program. especially in infrastruc­ expandil'}g library. This is not the case. As a education and experience, plus my personal ture areas. ie-Roads, sewers, sidewalks and former educator I fully recognize this need in committment of dedicated service to the town as municipal buildings; Establishment of a broad our community but the present plan to partially indicated by my work schedule and attendance commercial and industrial tax base_ renovate the Southwest School at approximately at board and commission meetings, indicates a A 1 My first priority the same cost as building a new structure, deep concern in all matters {'ertaining to what is for Windsor Locks in 1984 is an immediate approximately one million dollars, plus the legal best for Windsor Locks and Its citizens. concern to resolve as quickly as possible a long uncertainties of disposing of the present library term solution to our solid waste problem. • lead me to this conclusion. I would totally A 7 I feel that I should be the First Selectman Studies show that We will run out of sanitary support building or expanding the library on its of Windsor Locks because of my expressed and land fill by approximately 1990 if we continue to present site. documented concern about the future of our use them up at our present rate. The town of town and its citizens. Among others I have Windsor Locks does not have the lUXUry of its - A4 The'most serious imm~diate prOblem to the instituted the follOWing: Public input sessions ~t own landfill and we are presently dependent on town of Windsor Locks is our problem of the board and commission meetings to allow citi­ and financially at the mercy of private landfill disposal of solid waste and the development by zens to comment on agenda items; Reqularly . our Municipal Resource Recovery. Authority operators. From a financial and practical condi­ Please turn to page 2% tion we can not afford to be in this position. (MRRA) of a·solid waste to steam energy plant

future years return insurance premium dollars to First Selectman the town; ReinstItuted an insurance committee to wnte up our town Insurance specifIcations for our needs and monitor the biddmg process for Continued from page 14 this coverage; Implemented a practice of and scheduled Water PollutIon Control meetings competItIve hiring practices and apPointments held on a monthly baSIS to insure control of our for the town. This creates a more open govern­ secondary water pollution plant presently under ment and also allows us to hire the most constructIon; An extended capItal improvements qualifIed person available for a position; Pur­ concept that incorporates a sinking fund pr~­ chasing procedures are now bemg used that gram utilizing excess funds on a yearly baSIS. I requIre formal methods for competItIve bidding. know of no other town that has implemented a This insures that quality of items meet specifIca­ sinking fund program c;>f this tYl?e for capital tions and costs are contained; A purchase order improvements; Aggreslve pursUit of st~te and system is now being used to identify and track federal grants for roads and sewers whIch purchases allowing an encumbering system for presently have a total committ~ent of over $2 spendJOg control; Cooperative purchasing of fuel mIllion dollars for out town; ActIvely pursued a oil. light bulbs and paper goods is being solution to the railroad crossing problem on practiced and we intend to extend this to other Route 140 whIch has brought forward two areas m future years; We have upgraded our civil concepts proposals for action; Investigated and preparedness system to the point of its setting hired a consultant to achieve a changeover from an example for the surrounding area. our manual system to a computerized system in I have also made myself continuously avail­ payroll. bookkeeping, fixed ~ssets and budget able to promptly resolve problems and still planning; Closely monitored the development of represent the interests of our community on a the 1·91 expansion plan with the State Depart­ regional and state level. With the aforemen­ ment of Transportation keeping in mind the tioned as a background I feel I have more to safety and convenience of our citizens; Est~b­ offer than my opponent in all areas to you, the lishe(j a safety training progr~m which should 1n citizens of Windsor Locks. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAl. NOVEMBER 4, 1983 Roland Murdock

"To determine the needs of the town . . . and serve to meet those needs. " The words are from the current presi­ cabbages and kings dent of the local Windsor Locks Lions ~y JACK REDMOND Club . . . Roland Gerard Murdock. Roland, a quiet man to outsiders, but to all who really know him, has a keen Yankee sense of humor, was sincere in his BUT EVENTS AND FATE have a way of personal goals as president and spoke of changing one's life. Roland was in the inac­ the Lion's continued emphasis in the field tive reserves. In the summer of 1950, after of eye research. He has also set goals on a attending some classes at the University of local level ... ' 'promotion in drug Michigan for additional degree work, the awareness, jobs for~the sightless and in the Korean War was upon the country and his DURING THE LATE '50 R ed his:: mast 'd oland earn;. field of diabetes." _ status changed to active. This time it was . er s egree ~,m mech . I A resident of Windsor Locks since 1956, again back to the southern engmeering at the V"t amca Roland was born and raised in Lewiston, states ... Kentucky, Virginia and ticuL 'He also is a 197 mverSI y of Connec- Maine, definitely an area that contributes Maryland for a second tour of duty with the ,tional Radio Institute ~jgraduate of the N~- to the saying, "land of steady habits." army. In addition to the' Lions b . : Roland, after graduation from the local While still in the service Roland met Rita ~oland is a Knight of Columb~:~ :rshIp~ high school in 1944, decided to attend the Conti - also a native of Maine - at a col­ vlc~-president of the local Jaycee~. F~~n;J~~ University of Maine in Augusta. He did for lege dance. Rita was a junior at the time L~n seven ye~rs he has been active in the. two years, until the government disrupted - and at graduation the next year she receiv­ priorStoab !l dIrector a~d vice president his way of life for two years. ed a degree in physical education and a, 1983-1984 etmg chosen theIr president for He served in the army with stops in marriage proposal from Corporal Mur­ erm. ,the North Carolina, Georgia and Oklahoma. In dock. Three weeks after Rita's cap and ceH: sadid the projects of the Lions Club is 1948, he returned to college. Besides the gown ceremony (July of 1951) she became .n ere around eye research On 41 classroom activity he managed to make Mrs. Roland G. Murdock- ~Id~ look, he said the Lions ~ontri~~tf/~" both the cross ,country and- track teams, as e esea.rch .Center at Yale, the Worksho a miler, with times of four minutes plus. THE MURDOCK FAMILY grew to five ~~~~h~ BlInd m Newington and the GalIer~ In 1950" with a mechanical engineering with the birth of three e enses at the Wadsworth Atheneum degree in hand, Roland figured the world daughters ... Susan, Marjorie and :mong the .local activities, is the well~' was his oyster. But all he found was "no Peggy. Susan is married to Kevin Grady, nown serVIce provided by the L' jobs" and helping on the family farm for and they reside in Enfield. She attended I Ambulance. IOns his father. Bay Path College and is now an officer at to~~~~n~said, "some?f the !inancial help; . e many projects IS provided b .th elr annual "walkathon" held h y the Connec~ic':lt Na~ion~ll Bank. Marjorie! l~~ And 1984 will be no exce~~~n s):'­ and John VIgbano bve m Springfield with' a ed. , e R?land and Rita's three grand-i Roland and Rita ~ave had their share of ~hIl~en ., .. John 6, Karen 4, and David: ralks on ple~~ure trIPS to SWitzerland Ita­ In hIS ~w~ S. . Y ~nd Hawall, also south for a Caribbean MarjOrIe attended Springfield Tech crUISt· Yearly vacation time is usually before the children arrived on the happy sRen at the seas~ore . -. . Rhode Island or scene. Peggy also went to Bay Path and is t e Cape, as theIr favorite get-away spots ' now employed at Buxton's as a secretary .' All thr:ee girls were graduated from th~ Th t' EPILOG local hIgh school. f ~ s the story on the Lions presid t Employment for Roland after the service 'a~f this y~ar : . . a friendly, quiet and j~~t' .b egan ~t the North American Phillips Co. -aroun DIce guy ... Roland Gerard m LeWIston where he was the assistant ~urd~Ck. He has no special heroes but plan~ manager. The Murdocks moved to oes a~e a favorite saying . . . "P~a er Torrmgton after a few years in their home ff Seremty . . . God grant me the sere~ty state, fig~i.ng a change of scenery and a 0 accept the things I cannot chan e bet~er poSItIon at the TOrrington Co. wasl c~udrage to change the things I can and ~ , theIr best bet. . WIS om to know the difference " e They liyed in the northwestern city of the . stat~ untIl the flood of 1955. Roland chang- ed jobs and- homes ... at Hamilton~ Standard and their present home on Trinity Lane. . In 1962 Roland went to work for the V.S. government at the Springfield Armory When that facility was clQsed, he wa~ transfe~red to ~aman in Bloomfield as a productIon engmeer in defense contract work. Another change came in 1977 when he came closer to home at Hamilton­ Sta1}dar~ as resident<-engineer in quality Roland G. Murdock engmeerm~.

the local Lions President WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAl, NOVEMBER 11, 1983 Roger Tharaldson: One of 'Elm Street Blues' Roger-Paul Tharaldson grew up in the weekends from Virginia to New Roger to move home to Windsor Locks in state of Minnesota. He is proud of his Haven ...sailor marrys nurse in August~ 1970. Norweigian heritage. Roger was born in a cabbages and kings 1969. Linda is the daughter of John ana Linda, a 1965 Windsor Locks High School small farming community called Starbuck. By JACK REDMOND Elsie Davidson, who live on Roberts Street. graduate, was now home, it meant Roger It's located 130 miles west of the big city of would be job hunting. He worked a short Minneapolis. The population is just under THE THARALDSON F AMIL Y of Roger - time in construction, in nearby Agawam. 2,000, mostly Norweigan and mostly sports were confined to baseball, football and Linda have been increased by He also drove for an armored car service farmers and carpenters. and admitted favorite ...wrestling: three ...Kelly, Eric and Janis. Kelly was but that just wasn't for him. What is one of Windsor Locks' born in Minnesota, Eric and Janis are Con-' In February, 1973, Roger became a full finest. . .Police Sergeant Tharaldson doing A FEW MONTHS after graduation necticut natives. Kelly, 13, an eighth time policeman for ,the local department. : so far from home? That is a story in itself. (November, 1965) Roger joined the U.S. grader at the Middle School, enjoys In October, 1977, he was promoted to the Today Roger is married to a woman from { Navy. He was given a choice of boot horseback riding, and is a swimmer with rank of sergeant. When asked ... did he Maine, has three beautiful children and ful- - camps ... the Great Lakes or San Diego. the town's Water Jets. Eric, 10, is in fifth watch the police shows on television ...he ly agrees with his wife, Linda, "Windsor Roger choose the sunny California grade at the South Street School, and is "all had, but felt most ,of them are not very Locks is a nice town to live in." He added, area .. .figuring that the Great Lakes was sports," with little leaguer experience, realistic, however, if one might be called the winters here "are nothing compared to . too close to home. After serving his appren­ basketball and midget football. He is also a close to realism, it would be ."Hill Street the winters back home." And Linda added, ticeship as a new sailor, he was transferred ' swimmer on the "Jets." In baseball he pit- Blues." "one winter in Minnesota, was enough for to the east coast and Norfolk, Virginia. The ches and plays the infield. 'When Roger changes uniforms, he is all me." The Tharaldsons are well-settled in next four years were spent on and off a ship The young one in the family is little father and sportsman. He bowls big pins. Windsor Locks after 13 winters. in the Atlantic Ocean. However, in Janis, seven, also in the South Street he played a lot of softball for the police As a young boy, Roger worked on the February, 1969, the steady duty turned out School, and she, not to be left out, has join- department, does some fishing in the area family farm, until his father sold the land to be a little sightseeing in San Juan, Puer­ ed the swimming Tharaldsons with the and it's a family affair when they all go and decided to try his hand at the construc­ to Rico. Linda Davidson - at the time a "Jets." . camping in New Hampshire. For the past tion trade in the area of Starbuck. Looking Registered Nurse at the Grace-New Haven That first cold winter in Starbuck found three years he joined the fraternity of back, Roger said, "one thing I miss about Hospital - was on a vacation with friends. the discharged sailor married and working fathers as one of the managers in the little living in Minnesota is the great fishing and They met and the rest is a true love story of on construction. Linda, remembering I 3 hunting. " Dur.ing his high school years sailor meets girl. ..sailor hitchhikes "there's no place like home," convinced P ease turn to page 1

One of the Elm Street Blues Continued from\ page 11 EPILOG th~ lessons he learned as a boy in Elmore, league program, the same year as Eric. Roger Paul Tharaldson doesn't worry Mmnesota, the most lasting was ...you a~out too many things. . .figures tomorrow don't lie and you don't brag." WHEN THE KIDS (and Roger and Lin­ wIll come as usual. As mentioned he is of That's one of the "Elm Street da) are not at swimming meets or at a little Norweigan background ... they are hard Blues" ...Sgt. Roger Tharaldson. l~ague game, Roger watches a'nd listens to wo~kers and f~mily oriented. Recently an hIS (naturally) Minnesota Twins' Min­ artIcle was WrItten on one of Minnesota's nes~ta Yikings and the Lakers. (~ow in ~amous sons ...Walter Mondale .. .it read Cahforma) m part. .. "the Norweigian background especially for the son of a farmer and . Admi!atio,n came to Roger's mind, when minister in the tiny towns on the plains dlscus~mg hIS favorite pastime ...eating­ ne~r the Iowa border, bred a natural and hIS vote went to his mother-in-law retIcence ... perhaps a shyness .. .into Mrs. Elsie Davidson. as a cook personified~ Mondale. along with a tinge of fatalism. Of WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL. NOVEMBER 18, 1983 Ziggy Bednarz: Self-Made and His Own Man

By JACK REDMOND However, he found work in late 1945 at ercise. He takes daily walks around the­ "Self-made: having achieved success the Peerless' Tool in Enfield, staying five neighborhood that are measured, by his cabbages and kings years to become a seasoned machine parts calculations, as a little over three miles. unaided. " , By JACK REDMOND Sigmund Joseph Bednarz is a self-made man. The first year at Peerless, he met The neighbors can set their watches by Ziggy's steady ritual. And he sticks to it, man. Ri~ht off the bat, we better call him Phyllis Bancroft of East Windsor. They "Ziggy,' the name he is called by friends were married and have lived in Windsor every day. and business associates. Yellow'Tavern," and commonly called the Locks, raising three sons and one He manages to have two hobbies: The "self-made" label is not always a "half-way house," because, according to daughter. snowmobiling in Canada and New York true analogy. There's always someone or Ziggy, it was located halfway between Spr­ State and a season ticket watching another events that assist a person -along the way. ingfield and Hartford and halfway between TOM IS THE OLDEST. He is father of cold sport, hockey with the Hartford For Ziggy, it's been his business partner, Boston and New York City. Another note of two, attended the University of Hartford, Whalers. "I've been with them since they Mike Mazurek; his wife of well over 30 interest: it was reported that George played baseball at the high school and serv­ started in Hartford," even with the team's ed with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Paul, ups and downs. years, ~hyllis, and their children, Tom, Washington slept at the old tavern one Paul, DIane and James. However, if you night, on one of his trips between Boston also father of two, was graduated from EPILOG wanted a person to work long hours, have and New York City. Babson College and is currently an ex­ Sigmund Joseph Bednarz is a throw-back keen common sense, a guy who calls a ecutive with an insurance company in to the old days with a daily example of hard d d d k I More on the guy who's always working Hartford. Paul played baseball and soccer work, long hours, dedication and a tough spa e a spa e an now exact y where he's and probably doesn't sleep much. Ziggy's coming from, that's Ziggy Bednarz . at the high school and has served with the exterior, but as one friend told me, "Ziggy? , For the past 30 years plus, he and Mike ~mployment re~?rd, bef?re the ~ene~I~ of Air National Guard. Diane, mother of one He's tough ...but he's a good guy." have built up the Pine Meadow Machine Pme M~ad~w, -was slIghtly diverSIfIed, child, like her brothers was graduated No other references were needed to com­ Co. from theIr "chicken coop" in the back - from dehvermg co!d ~eer for an express from the local high school and lives in plete a story of a self-made man, who you of the Bednarz home to a modern machine company, to the pamtmg of flag poles. Rockville. James lives at home and with find after an hour of his time is very much shop on Webb Street. his brother, Tom, is part of the Pine his own man. HIS BAPTISM into the specialized world Meadow company office. Tom resides in Ziggy is a product of Windsor Locks. The of machine parts began with the Henry & son of Jacob Bednarz and Nora Wezowicz town and Paul is a resident of , Wright Co., now known as Emhart. He was Marlborough. B.ednarz (who,. at 86, resides in Enfield), assigned to the tool crib for the day shift, ZIggy grew up m town, attended the Union In .1950, Ziggy Bednarz and Michael and then four hours on the "bull gang," just Mazurek decided to become partners. Thus School and was graduated from the high to make an extra few dollars. school in 1939. He was co-captain of the the Pine Meadow Machine Co. was born, school's baseball team, along with ,local Ziggy was the sole support of the family, rather unceremoniously in a "chicken resident, Ed Malec. for his dad had died wpen Ziggy was a coop." Ziggy said they worked days, nights small boy. He was given deferments during and all their spare time to organize, pur­ ZIGGY WAS BORN on State Street, a World War II, due to this heavy respon­ chase material and machines to start the street only the old-timers would sibility and the nature of the work. business. Old machines were utilized. To­ remember, lost to the redevelopment. For He admitted, "I always wanted to learn day, their shop is filled with new and three decades, after leaving State Street, the trade." During the war years he work­ restored machines for a model of the state the 'Bednarz family lived on South Main ed hard, graduated from the crib and bull of the art in their world of machine parts. Street. Today, one of Route 91's exits oc­ , work and soon found machine parts would cupies the location. be his trade. When V-J Day came, the job ALL THIS DEDICATION and hours of Their home was originally the "old and the defense contracts were canceled. work has paid off with orders, these 30 years, from the big companies in the area: Hamilton-Standard, Combustion Engineer­ ing, Kaman and Pratt and Whitney to' name a few. Two years ago, Ziggy had to give up his pride and joy, but only temporarily, for this human dynamo experienced a five-part by­ pass heart operation. The normal return to any type of work, after such an ordeal, is usually some months, but not with Ziggy. He said, with a matter-of-fact smile, "I was back to work in the office in 10 days." He has set himself a strict routine of ex- WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL,. NOVEMBEIl 2S;~1983 Mary Agnes Caffrey: Proud of Her Past

Mary Agnes Caffrey calls herself "an called upon, would go that extra yard to do Irish-American, and proud of it," as if she his duty. He was well liked and, probably were born on the Emerald Isle. ' cabbages and kings best of all, was a good man." The Oak Street resident however, was By JACK REDMOND ' Mr. Caffrey retired as a sergeant after born in Holyoke, Mass.,. but considers three and a half decades of service to the herself close to native status, coming to town. Mary added, "My brother, sister and Windsor Locks when she was only 10 years address was North Main Street, followed I had such a good life at home," and the old back in 1917. by 33 Grove and in 1940, they doubled a memories are not forgotten. Heritage and the past are well number to 66 Oak, where Mary now lives remembered, as are the memories of her today. Her family are all deceased. DURING HER WORKING career Mary family, Mike, father; Julia, mother; Mary attended St. Mary's grammar traveled extensively, with trips to Hawaii, brother and sister, F. Michael and Julia. It ,school and is a 1924 graduate of the high Bermuda, Florida and Ireland. On her was, she said with a smile, "a family of two school. Among her classmates were James most memorable trip, to the Old Country, Mikes, two Julias and one Mary." O'Leary, Robert Jackson, Mildred she recalled meeting two folks with Wind­ Mary~s parents were born in Ireland. Buckley, Ellen Wallace and Ethel Goldfarb sor Locks connections, Dr. Abe and Ann Mike came over at age 6, Julia at 14, bring­ to name a few. Gottesman, who had kissed the Blarney ing with them all that is Irish: wit, customs Stone. , and beautiful brogues. AFTER HIGH SCHOOL (in those days Today, with her "spirit of 76" years, Mike Caffrey, a sergeant with the Wind­ college was was for the few, not your Mary is. an active member of st. Mary's sor Locks Police Department for 35 years, average student), Mary joined the then E. Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, married Julia Conway, setting up house in Horton & Son Co., located on the canal life member of the Windsor Locks Holyoke. In 1917 they moved to Windsor bank. Today, the company is known as the Historical Society and the town's Senior Locks' Elm Street. Seven years later their Crouse-Hinds SEPCO, with plant and of­ Citizens' Club. The club is where she meets fices on Kennedy in Windsor. new friends and talks over the old days Mary was employed by Horton from 1924 with natives and the so-called old-timers. to 1972. She mentioned another employee, Mary admits, "I enjoy cards, bingo and going to the dog race track in Plainfield." f j Ruth Williams, who now resides in Granby ~" ' with her sister, Edith, having a few years She recently took in the S~ratoga Race A 1949 photo shows Mary A. Caffrey' seniority on her. Track trip with the club and said, as to her Mary began her _working career as a little gambling, "Sometimes I win and secretary at Horton, soon graduating to the sometimes I lose, " spoken as a true accounting department, because, ~he said, gambler. When there is no activity at the I guess we'll have to end the chronicle "I enjoyed working with figures and the local club, Mary goes across the river to about Mary -Agnes Caffrey, the friendly ledgers." At her retirement, more than 10 Broad Brook for lunch and bingo at that lady from Oak Street, who is proud to say years ago, MCilry was secretary and direc­ town's club. she still drives her own car. tor of the company. The active lady has special times for the What is she most thankful for on this television and radio, following the good and Thanksgiving weekend? Her continued Mary's recollections of her home life are bad years of the Red Sox, and always a good health. Her philosophy: "Take each fond memories of happiness and time to view the yearly World Series, even day as it comes. Don't worry about tomor­ togetherness. As for her father, she said, if her favorite team doesn't get in too often. row and enjoy your friends." "we were told that my dad was strict on the The most watched programs are the reruns That's something Mary has been doing streets, a fearless policeman, who when of "Hawaii Five-O," the news and weather. for the past seven decades. WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, DECEMBER 2; 1983 The Pfaffenbichlers and Their Four Sons Walt and Nancy Pfaffenbichler, known to with.Walt and Nancy providing the get-up­ iliary and as a team mother in ice hockey. the kids in Little League, Scouting and and-go attitude. Admitting to be the disciplinarian in the hockey as "Mr. and 'Mrs. P," have four cabbages and kings family, Nancy said her biggest thrill, as a sons. The whole gang would be appropriate By JACK REDMOND FOR THE BOX score of their four sons: parent, has been to see "the boys mature for the beginning of a family television David, 18~ is a graduate of the local high and develop," in whatever 'endeavor they show. They are apple pie, baseball and the the calm Mediterranean Sea, the stormy school, where he was a member of the choose. family car, personified. . North Atlantic and the beauty of Scotland. cross country team and a part in the class Keeping the '~family affair," as smooth Actually Walt was contacted in the spr­ One of Walt's memorable e?Cperiences was play. He is now attending Quinnipiac Col­ as possible, the active group, residents of ing for an interview, but there wasn't being present ~t the dedication of the St. lege in Hamden as a freshman. David is ac­ Windsor Locks since 1965, were first-class enough hours or days in the week to pin this Lawrence Seaway, with President tive in the college student government pro­ campers in the wilds of New York, busy guy down. He is part of a twosome Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth II there gram and is studying to be a respiratory Virginia, Canada, New England, and just that goes where their sons are involved. I for the ceremony. therapist. for a change of pace, traveled to sunny recently caught Walt and Nancy on an off Ken, 17, senior at the Raider school, in Florida on two occasions. night, before five in the evening. Their IMMEDIATELY AFTER Walt's addition to the swimming club, like David, In baseball loyalty, harmony does not philosophy has always been, "If the kids discharge from the service he joined the runs for the cross country team. He follow­ always show its head. Mother is a Chicago show an interest, (the parents) should also Hamilton Standard company. For the past ed David in the Little League tradition of Cub fan, dad is an "old Boston Brave" show an interest." 24 years he's been a steady employee for the family. Todd, 13, an 8th grader at the rooter, and the boys divide, with Todd Walt was born and raised in the "Rain­ the town's biggest employer as an Middle School, plays Little League and cheering for Houston, Ken is for Montreal, bow" section of Windsor. His parents were, assembly worker. -- hopes to be a future Whaler as a member of and Greg and David go out west to 'cheer both natives of Europe, his father from In 1963 he married Nancy Lusa, an Ell­ the Enfield hockey team. Greg, 9, 4th for the Dodgers. It's this mix that makes Austria, and mother from Germany. Mrs. ington native who has lived in Windsor grader at North, isn't far behind in the Lit­ the sport world go round. Pauline Dreher Pfaffenbichler is now 83, Locks most of her life. They met through tle League program and, like Todd, is "Involvement, that is important. Hob­ residing in a rest home in Windsor. Their mutual friends and today, their Old Coun­ beginning the ice hockey sport. bies'? We spend half our time in sports." son played soccer in grammar school and try Road home is complete with a basket­ Walt, with Nancy at his side, has sup­ The kind words of Walt and Nancy Pfaffen­ well into his high school years, and then ball net in the driveway, and in the house, a· ported the boys' activity, in Scouting, Little bichler. But better said, all their time. As decided to "see the world" with the U.S. cat, dog, rabbit, fish, and even a few, as League and hockey. He began the manager they related, "if the kids show an interest, Navy. they said, "just ordinary spiders." They role in Little League five years ago. The (the parents) should also show an From 1955 to 1959, seaman Walt served are kept in two large bottles for all to view. three older boys were in Scouting and interest. " on a destroyer, out of Norfolk, Va., seeing It is a part of the world of their four sons, again, not to be left out, Greg is now a Cub The four Pfaffenbicher boys will surely Scout. His father, former Scoutmaster, has remember these days and years. So will eight years with the Scout program in mother and dad. They seek no special town. praise, because Walt and Nancy have lived, Nancy is a three letter performer when it by this: ."If you can give your sons only one came to Scouting, the Little League Aux- gift, let it be enthusiasm." WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, DECEMBER 9,1983 Joe Gatti: A Veteran Fireman and Sailor

Joseph James Gatti is a product of Wind­ after D-Day in June 1,944. He was given a early 1945. sor Locks. This auiet and friendly man short leave at home and reassigned to the With Joe's participation in the war over, from Oak Street was born on' Church cabbages. and kings Pacific. His ship went by way of Cape the return to Windsor Locks meant another Street, attended local schools, joined the By JACK REDMOND Town, South Africa. (Capital of Cape of nille year career, this time on Main Street Navy and has employment records at all Good Hope Providence.) Their first stop at the popular A&P store. Joe started as a the right places: Montgomery, Horton, the was "down under" in Australia. ' clerk, however, under the tutelage of A&P and retirement from C.H. Dexter. equally popular James Franklin (C&K , Known to his many friends as Joe, be it Fairview Street, tie is what Windsor Locks Oct. 1976) and he became the meat cutter. on old Main Street, the fire department is all about: a steady worker, dedicated to It was during this period that Joe and complex on Elm Street or at the VFW on Teresa were married. They have one family, country and the town...... :-..~«-::. ~ i When it carne to marriage, he did go out daughter, Diane, married to Frank Intino. Qf town, but only up to Suffield, when he '''.... ~ Frank, Diane and her two children, Sean married Teresa Cerri in 1946. They had " and Candy, live in nearby Bolton. been friends during their high school days, When Joe decided to change jobs, it was meeting frequently at various dances in the just down Main Street to C.H. Dexter. He area. was with Dexter's for two decades until Joe graduated from the local high school, . retirement in 1975. Joe not only left his class of 1930. Among his classmates were mark on four local industries, he was ac­ Peter Lingua, Anna Wallace, Guerino tive in the local Fire Department for 35 Mangerotti, James Kennedy, Francis years, retiring as the assistant chief. As a McHugh and Bernice Sweeney, to name on­ charter member of the Veterans of Foreign ly a few. Young Gatti was a three-letter Wars,~Joe served as commander of the man at the Raider School, playing local unit. Years ago he was listed on the baseball, football and basketball. On the rolls of the Knights of Columbus. diamond, one of his teammates was Dr. Peter Lingua, who went on to Holy Cross JOE AND TERESA live on Oak Street. College to make a name for himself on the Among their neighbors are the Bill Reillys. gridiron. (The good doctor was a C&K in­ Bill, a former chief of the Fire Department terviewee in January, 1976.) (and incidentally, seeing that we are men­ tioning past interviewees, Bill was the first JOE IS THE SON of Angelo and in April of 1975), along with Joe is a staunch Pierina Gatti, both born in Italy. Mr. Gatti, _ New York Yankee Fan. When these two get a well-known tailor in town, located first on together the conversation must run from Main Street and then on Spring, made stories of the fire department to the past "clothes for Dexter Coffin, and they never glories of their Yankees. wore out," according to a proud son. Joe Other memories, these shared, with has a brother, ,Mario, the town's engineer Teresa, are trips to Hampton Beach, New for many years. Hampshire, Bermuda, Florida, Cape Cod When high school was over Joe went to and the Bahamas. As for old friends and his first steady postion at Montgomery. Of good times, two people from Vernon, now course, like all kids in town, he had worked Joseph Gatti in the U.S. Navy during living in Florida, come easily to Joe and on tobacco during his school years. The Teresa's mind: Bill and Mae Field and the role of shipping clerk lasted nine years, un­ World War 11 great fishing trips to Canada. til he switched to Horton's shipping depart­ ment. In February, 1943, he wanted to see ON THE WAY back to the Atlantic, the EPILOG the world and serve his country. He was in crew was given leave in Calcutta, India, As said, Joseph James Gatti is a product the U.S. Navy until January, 1945. which proved t.o be a disaster for Joe and of Windsor Locks. He has lived through the Although it was a short stay, it was an some of the sailors. They contacted good and bad times, World War II, and eventful career serving as an armed guard malaria, an infectious disease characteriz­ over three decades of service to the town as for the Merchant Marines. ed by cycles of chills, fever and sweating, a volunteer fireman. Joe was always ready Joe, a gunner, traveled to Africa, France transmitted by the bite of the infected when the bell called for duty, as fireman or and Italy at the height of the war. He female anopheles mosquito. Joe was when the country needed a product of witnessed the action on Utah Beach, soon returned to the States and discharged in Windsor Locks. - WINDSOR lOC

currently in Californi'a and exp~cts to sign up for anoth~r need constant care and hope. Joe is one of the mainstays in Continued from page 26 four-year hitch, according to his pr~ud father. Denms, that care and hope. . \ , . The scenario of Joe's experiences are told in four dif­ Besides being a genuine dedicated veteran, Joe feels one· another volunteer with the U.S. Marmes, for the past 16 of his goals for the future is to "help bring up" the grand- ferent situations. He fought the "hedge war" after landing months has been stationed 'at a Marine ba~e in North children, "with all the help I can give." . . ' in France. He was wounded in the "battle of St. Loo," Corolina. returning to England for a month of hospital care. He re­ That's the story of "Big Joe" Grakowsky. He IS an ad­ joined the 30th division, which was now in Germany. Two IN ADDITION to the membership with the local VF;W (a mirer of the late Franklin D. Roosevelt and on the sport weeks later "I was hit again by shrapnel," with hospital charter member in 1948 at Windsor and transferrmg to pages the Boston Red Sox. The memories of the "big war" time in to be nearer the action. He rejoined the war have ~ever escaped him. It took the government 39 years to Fra~ce Windsor Locks in 1964), Joe has been a Knight o.f Co~u!Dbu~ award the Bronze Star to a real hero. His family, the VFW and headed int~ the famous "Battle of the Bulge," the last for over two decades, a member of the local semor cIt.. z~n~ major German counteroffensive, around Christmas of group, and for over 30 years a supporter of the St. CaSImir s and all who cross his path realize they have known a real 1944. Lithuanian Society in Poquonock. .' ., . nice guy, "Big Joe" with the big heart. As mentioned, Joe has two brothers. Pat IS now hVIIl:g m JOE'S THIRD WOUND was probably the worst: Manchester. Victor, a World War II veteran of the Afn~an frostbite which meant more time in France. He said he campaign, due to injuries has been in a Veterans Hospital was that it wasn't gangrenous. By now, the a,rmy f~gured in Massachusetts since the war years. this GI had enough, assigning Joe to the near hnes WIth the When asked what his hobbies were, Joe said, "to work signal corps. . with veterans, especially visiting the hos~itals," ahyays Victory in Europe finally come, but J.oe's. service w.as keeping in mind his brother, Victor, who ~Ike al~ patIents needed in the Pacific. Luck finally was With hIm when VIC­ tory over Japan came, and with it the end of fightin~. PFC Joe Grakowsky had sufficent points and was on hiS way home to Connecticut. 'Back to civilian status, Joe Grakowsky decided to stay with Pratt & Whitney. In 1979 Joe he retired, with 37 steady years of service. . It took him several years after leavmg the army, to get up the nerve to pop the question of marriage. The answer was "yes" from Barbara Moran for a wedding day in early 1954. They were introduced by neighbors and b.ecame fast friends after a few dances. There were four chIldren from the happy union, JoAnne, Joe Jr., ~ayne an~ 1?en~is. JoAnn is married to Charles Paccml, now hvmg m Hart­ ford with their three daughter.s, Christina, 6, Becky, 4 and little'Terry Ann at 2. Joe Jr., an employee at Hamilt?n­ Standard, played baseball and basketball at the loc~l hl~h school. Wayne, a four-year veteran of the U.S. Mannes, IS across the box for good 'Mike forgot the box for a mo­ reasons that they, at this Mike, Kevin and their ment.. "Maybe we call all go families; boxes filled with 'sliding it enough snow falls," time, could not think of. The older ones knew the words bells of love and a very he said. on the bell were so meaning­ merry Christmas to all. Let ful, especially at Christ- t~e mt;ssage on the ben be BUT FIRST THINGS fIrst on your Christmas list FIRST. As Pat opened the mastime. - The snow continued to -.. as it was with the first for December. box, a mellow sound cam,e Christmas. Kevin was visiting Pat and her brother fall; it was time to return to the house. So they did, three Mike, and although only six months ov~r, fro~ inside not like a police car noise, like a. t>ell kids, with two boxes and a two, he was just as ~xcited a~ the ot~ers In, ~ore. ringing at Christmasbme. bell, a newfound treasure of anticipation of what Santa mIght brmg. I After lunch, they set off to the woods With that, they ste1?p~d words for other people to which surrounded their home, telling their away a few feet, and theIr m­ read and digest. quisitiveness was stopped As soon as the kids entered folks they wanted to take Kevin for a short for the moment by the sound the house they -told the walk. of abell. grownups the whole story As they walked deeper into the woods, Mike more on the serious . .. how Kevin discovered I Pat asked little Kevin what he wanted for side, s~id, "What should we the boxes, the sound of a bell Christmas. Kevin, a kid who knows his own do'?" ,and of course, the message. mind, spoke right up . . . "a police car, Pat tried to steady .her There was a bit of skepti­ makes noise." Pat and Mike were familiar brother and c~)Usin, saYl~g, cism and laughter among » with the noise, because Ke¥in was always "That sound can't be com~ng the older ones. Are you sure giving out with his version, whenever a from the box." you found the box in th~ police car went passing by near his home in "Yes it is," said Mike, -woods? You just didn't make Connecticut. Today, they were in the woods up this story? "No, " ex­ ~ of Massachusetts, near the Cape, and it with the urge to get out of 'claimed an indignant Pat, ... was unlikely any police would be in the there. / ' ,with agreement from MikE vicinity. Pat, again the calmer one, and Kevin, who was showin~ C related to Mike and Kevin, 'signs of beng tired and no .... IT WAS NOW Pat and Mike's turn to say "No need to worry, Christ­ 'fully understanding all 0 what they wanted for Christmas. Pat being m~s is a magic time of 'this that happened in th« \C:: 14 and Mike, just turning 12 a week before, year." How right she was. woods. didn't believe in Santa, or so they said. The three slowly moved After everyone sat down However, in no way would they want to dis­ over the box. They found, as and had some food anc illusion their young cousin. they 10Qked inside, another _cheer, they agreed the word: 3: Pat wanted a leather coat. All the kids in box. - on the bell _were very her school agreed, if they could have one "I'm for checking into the : meaningful. No person in the ~ small box," Mike now show­ i room was going to argue gift for Christmas, it would be a leather ing a little more nerve. But : with love being the a~swer to lC ,coat. For Mike, it was a big decision, but he now Kevin' was getting tired I many of the world's dIs. ,really hadn't made up his mind. A fishing and wanted to return to his -'. rod or computer equipment to go along aunt and uncle's house. Pat --IT WAS NOW dark out­ n with the set he already had to share with and Mike said, "let's wait a side. Inside the house bright­ , his sister and father? In fact, Mike wanted minute, Kevin, and see what ness and Christmas feeling that eomputer for his already crowded is inside; OK'?" Kevin nodd­ was in the air. The room had ,room at home. For the record, Mike told ed his approval. a warm feeling with its giant ~_. his sister and Kevin: .. "I guess I want a Mike, figuring Pat had had fireplace, and equally giant fishing rod." Pat was surprised. She gave her own way in this whole af­ tree. The tree had been -cut him one of those looks that everyone in the fair, figured it was his turn down by Mike and Pat's 3 family had grown to know. to 'open ,something. He did father, not far from the spot Kevin kept on walking, as his two cousins jOst that. He removed the where the box was found. ~ hesitated, discussing their two anticipated smaller box, and in a rather Gifts surrounded the tree, as gifts for Christmas. cautious way, placing it 011 Please turn to page 19 .' The hesitation was long enough for Kevin the ground away from the to stumble over a large metal box near the larger box. well as people, from one side' o side of the pathway. He wasn't sure what it of the room to the other. . ~ was. He called to his cousins and soon, the SLOWL Y HE OPENED Kevin and his parents three of them were gaping at the strange THE BOX, finding a silver' were to return home for looking box, with a "what is that doing here bell encased by a soft satin lining. Mike picked up the another Christmas celebra­ and how did it get there" stare. ,tion. The ~xchanging of ~ifts I Pat had in mind, "maybe it is a leather bell and noticed it had words printed: "LOVE ... the one WClS in order. . coat." Mike knew it could not be' a com­ For our principals, ill the puter, but maybe' a fishing rod. Kevin did true answer to the ills of the not conjure .uP any thoughts of a police car. world." , story, Pat re~eived ~he Pat, student of Greek leather coat, MIke the fl~h­ But ~e found the box, and wanted to open it ing rod and Kevin the pollce first. "It's mine," he said (a favorite say- mythology, remembering car noise and all. . _ Please turn, ~o page 16 one of her lessons, spoke up quickly, HOh I know·. . . it Were the gifts given WIth ing of .his). However, Pat, any greater love than other - figtiring she 'was the oldest was Pandora, who opened a and wisest, said "I better box containing all the ills open it." . that could plague mankind." years? I think so. The words By now the weather was Pat looked at Mil\e. They on the bell had to be a re­ changing to a chilly day and both looked at Kevin. He just minder and what better time snow was, beginning to fall. shrugged his shoulders, not than Christmas, sometimes sure what the kids were look­ lost in the world of commer- ing at or what his cousins cialism. Pat did say, it was a cabbages and kings had said. Pat wondered how magic time of the year. By JACK REDMOND the box got there. Was this a That's our story from Pat, joke by someone'? Or if by magic, the kids had come WINDSqR LOCKS JOURNAL, DECEMBER 23. 1983 Christmas WINDSOR LOCKS JOURNAL, DECEMBER 30, 1983 1984: Hopes, Ambitions and a Few Laughs

Let us walk galdly, friend: Greater Hartford Open. , Gray. Perchance some greater good than we PAUL CALLAHAN ... A start of a soc­ BARBARA MANNING ... To read the have known cabbages and kings By JACK REDMOND cer career at college. book called, "So Near and YetSo Far!' Js waitingjor us, or some fair hope flown JOHN SCANLON ••. Thanks for the help JEFF IVES . • . The rules and regula­ 'Shall juft "return, 0 Friend. John ... and good health to you and Arline. tions for a new selectman. DON PISATI-... And good luck as new So old friends of Windsor Locks ...1984 is Whalers. coach of Enfield's basketball team. And for a few more friends ... upon us ...what is waiting for us? We have MARYELLEN PARKER ... Continued FRANKIE ALLEN ... Another bus trip MVRRA Y GOLD ... Another television listed a .few hopes, ambitions and one or ('are for all animals. with the Senior Citizens to Saratoga ...and appearance on the Jerry Lewis program in two laughs that may be in store for some RALPH MCCOMB ... A few new hats to win this time. the fall. t old friends in the new year; for the coming twelve months. ' EVELYN WILLIAMS ... Bigger and LUCILLE BOSCO ... New artistry FLORENCE ALDERMAN ... A great Can't forget the politicans ... better Senior Citizens trips. heights to conquer. year for her Red Sox, even without Yaz. BOB REID ... Is this what the police RICHARD TAMBUSSI ... Not sure what VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS ... LEO DENNIS ... More bikes to fix for commission is all about? makes the man tick ... I was never given Continued dedication from Bill Koropatkin, the kids on Green Manor Terrace. GEORGE HALL ... A book entitled ... the chance to interview the busy man about Joe Gubaia, "Big Joe" Grakowsky and for ELMER JONES AND ED OLISKY ... "Never Underestimate the voters ... D or Mai n Street. another great Sports Night. Another hole-in-one in the new golf season R." And with that, old friends ... a happy BRIAN BURKE ... Success for the ahead. ED FERRARI ... To sell more cars in 84 and"healthy new year ... may resolutions Hartford Whalers. ' KEN CHRISTIAN . . . A great crop of and receive more votes in 85 ... if??? result in betterment for you and your LARRY and BETTY BEDNARZ ... Not tobacco and continued great kids. CLIFF RANDALL ... To write a book families. only success in their division, but one of JOHN DOWD ... Success at Cromwell ... "I Must Be Doing Something Right." As someone once said . . . "The grand these years a Stanley Cup for their Country Club ... site of the July, 1984, BOB OLIVA .. . What to do' with the' essentials of happiness are ... Something poster I got for Christmas . . . "Hatchets to do, something to love, and something to for Sale" ...... autographed by Barry hope for."