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From left: The soccer team celebrates. Thembani Phoya (Soccer photos by Collin Hamilton) and pitcher Ian Mihalopousos (Photo by Celine Hines).


After some unscheduled time off because of inclement weather, Putnam Science Academy’s baseball team got back to action last week and showed little sign of rust.
The Mustangs, ranked No. 13 in New England, won three of four games including an 8-6 decision Monday at No. 10 Winchendon. That win was fueled by the strong pitching performance of Marist-bound Cody Heselton, who up just two runs on three hits while recording a school-record 12 strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. David Batista delivered a huge two-out, two-run single in the third inning, while Cris Peguero finished with two hits and PSA took full advantage of eight walks by Winchendon pitchers.
Tuesday featured another Top 10 opponent on the road, this time at No. 4 Salisbury School. Jeffry Ferreira had a pair of hits, and Derreck La Riva and Ryan Ponte both drove in runs, but PSA couldn’t climb out of an early hole and lost 6-3 after falling behind 5-0 in the first inning.
Ferreira and Emil Garcia both had three hits and two RBI, and Ian Mihalopoulos struck out nine over six innings as PSA won its home-opener Wednesday, 14-5 over Kings Edge Hill (Canada).
Ponte’s long home run to left leading off the fifth and Robbie Natale’s two-out, two-run double off the wall in left highlighted a six-run inning as the Mustangs broke the game open.
In Thursday’s 9-7 win over Paramount Academy, La Riva had two hits, walked twice, and scored a run, while Jacob Hines had a pair of hits, drove in a run, and scored one. Sebastian Garcia threw five solid innings before Nate Rivera finished it off by striking out the side in the seventh.
Soccer
PSA Prep 8, St. Thomas More 1
Thembani Phoya recorded a hat trick Monday to spark a second-half scoring onslaught, and PSA’s soccer team won its first league game of the Spring season, 8-1 over St. Thomas More.
PSA trailed 1-0 at the half but Phoya pulled the Mustangs even early in the second. Mario Camacho put PSA ahead shortly thereafter, and Bernardo Vieira pushed the lead to 3-1 a few minutes after that. Thembani then scored the next two to finish off his first career hat trick, the last one coming when he spun a corner kick directly into the net.
Fran Barcelo, Marcos Chantada, and Airam Rodriguez tacked on the final three for PSA, which dropped a 2-1 decision at Vermont Academy on Sunday. Phoya scored in the second half of that one.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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John 'Jay' Vincent Swan Jr.,
1st selectman
WOODSTOCK — John (Jay) Vincent Swan Jr. of Woodstock died peacefully in his sleep (His last Irish goodbye) April 10, 2024. He was 74 years old.
He was born June 13, 1949, in Worcester, to Elizabeth (Rowe) Swan and John Vincent Swan Sr. He married Susan (Shaw) Swan on June 22, 1990, in Woodstock, after falling in love while working for the State of Connecticut in the Department of Disability Services. Soon after they welcomed two children, Elizabeth M. Swan and Allison J. Swan.
Jay was a huge advocate for education. He graduated Leicester High School in 1968 and later attended Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, gaining his associate’s degree in 1971. He got his bachelor’s degree in social and rehabilitation services in 1973 from Assumption College in Worcester, and later a master’s in education from UConn in 1984.
Jay had many careers over his lifetime. He worked for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health in the Rutland Rehabilitation Center from 1969 until 1971. He worked for the State of Connecticut in the Department of Developmental Disabilities from 1973 until 2003. During this time he was a case worker, a special education teacher, an adult education coordinator, director of Staff Development, and a contract manager. Always one to keep busy, he began to work for the Town of Woodstock after his retirement from the state in 2003. He was a constable, sergeant, deputy chief, and later the First Selectman of Woodstock, a title he was very proud and honored to have served from 2019 up until his passing.
Jay was also very active in the Boy Scouts of America (Scoutmaster Troop 22 1973-1983; chair of the Indian Trails Council, Scouting for the Handicapped Committee 1978-1983; director of the June Norcross Scout Reservation 1981-1983; District Commissioner, Quinebaug District, Indian Trails Council in the 1980s).
Jay was dedicated to environmentalism and firearms safety. He was a Certified Instructor in Conservation Education, Firearms Safety, and Advanced Bowhunting. He was a life member of the Pomfret Rod and Gun Club, the National Rifle Association, and Ducks Unlimited conservation group. He loved to have the windows down in his truck while blasting The Rolling Stones and The Who. “If it’s too loud, you’re old.”
He had a great, dry sense of humor and loved to quote Mel Brooks movies and Jim Morrison and The Doors, “People are Strange.” He was constantly assisting others, giving advice and a listening ear to those who needed it. He left a legacy as a role model helping his community and people with disabilities. He was a leader who made people feel like they mattered. He loved telling stories that included his friends Marjorie Jones, Joe Dokes, and Joe Schmo.
He leaves his wife Susan (Shaw) Swan; their daughters Elizabeth M. Swan (Shane W. Kegler) and Allison J. Swan (and her partner Ian Sullivan); his “third daughter” Lauren A. Johnson; his siblings Frederick Swan, Marybeth Bardot (Doug) Bardot, and Helen Harris (Richard); his mother-in-law Joyce Shaw; his sister and brother-in-law Lesley and Robert Goodrich; cousins, nieces, nephews, and the Orlowskis, who are like family. He was predeceased by his mom, dad, and his younger brother David W. Swan.
The Funeral was April 16 at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation in Putnam with burial in Woodstock Center Cemetery on Center Cemetery Road in Woodstock.
Donations: Friends of Webster June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation at https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/066/appeal/3451. Smith & Walker Funeral Home 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Linda Lamoureux
 “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel….” Maya Angelou.
April 8, 2024 Linda went to the arms of her loving Savior surrounded by her family after a long journey with cancer.
Linda’s first love was her family. She devoted much of her time to caring for family members who had become ill themselves, as well as, being a trained Day Kimball Hospital Hospice volunteer.
She was born March 9, 1954, in Putnam, the daughter of Walter L. LeClair Sr. and Aurore (Langevin) LeClair.
She married (and is survived by her husband of 50 years), Michael Lamoureux in 1972 at St. John’s Church in Plainfield. Together they had two sons. Michael Jr. of Gray, Maine and Daniel of Webster. She also leaves a grandson Quinn of Gray; a loving daughter-in-law, Kristi who was like a daughter to her. Her grand-dog Butterscotch also survives her and brought her great joy. Linda and Mike followed their boys as they grew and volunteered in Boy Scouts, Little League, other sports and in their school activities.
Linda’s family extended to her community with involvement in many non-profits and commitments to many groups who benefited by her grant writing abilities. She served on the Town of Putnam’s Ethics Commission and also on the Putnam Commission on Aging for many years. Throughout her life her faith in God sustained her. In her parish community at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation she served many years as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, CCD Teacher, RCIA and Visitation Ministry. She volunteered at St. Mary’s School and was a member of the Friends of St. Mary’s. When the businesses in the town of Putnam created the Putnam Business Association she served as the secretary for the first two years.
After college, she spent the next 32 years of her career working for individuals with disabilities at The Arc Quinebaug Valley in many administrative positions. As development director she facilitated many fund-raisers for the good of the organization. She appreciated being affectionately known as “The Head Quack” after facilitating The Arc Rubber Duckie Race for 20 of those years.
She wrote many State grants which helped the agency acquire transportation vans for those they served. As director of Business Development Linda worked within the community to create businesses that would enable the agency’s individuals to have valued work experiences where they could learn and grow but, more importantly, be seen as contributing members of their community. These efforts resulted in The Arc Emporium, Redemption Center, Janitorial Crews, Yard Crews and Individual Placements in various businesses in the 10-town area. She served on the Board of Directors for Northeast Opportunities for Wellness or (NOW) helping to raise funds for the many programs offered to local youth. She also served many years on the Board of Directors for the Little River Acres Senior Housing in Putnam and the Quinebaug Valley Senior Center in Brooklyn which served the 10-town area of senior citizens. Throughout her career she received many accolades for her work.
Linda much preferred recognition for the group or team effort however in 1993 she received the Athena Award from the Northeastern Chamber of Commerce for Leadership Excellence and in 2014 she was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest Rotary Honor, for her efforts in the community.
When her illness progressed and she retired from The Arc she was offered the position of Director at the Quinebaug Valley Senior Center in Brooklyn. There she was able to continue to serve seniors which was one of her favorite positions. There, she created many new programs and services, raised the level of awareness of the senior center in the community and  made many friends with some of the most wonderful people in the area … the seniors. She had to retire due to her illness. In retirement Linda continued doing as much as she could to support those in need including facilitating the Christ Child Giving Appeal at the four parishes that were yoked together. Donations were made to TEEG, Daily Bread, The Diaper Bank and local homeless shelters. She worked for the Boot Drive, Tommy Toy Fund and many other worthy causes.
One of her greatest joys was being invited to be an Associate of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. The family is very grateful for their loving support, prayers and love given to Linda during her illness. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Dinesh Kapur, Kristin Joly, A.P.R.N. and the medical team at the Backus Hospital ECHO (Eastern CT Hematology and Oncology Center) for their compassionate care of Linda during her long illness. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations of time, talent or treasure be made to “The ECHO Cancer Foundation” at https://echoassociates.org/make-a-donation or to any of the mentioned community groups that Linda was involved in.
In her spare time, Linda enjoyed painting, gardening, cake decorating (especially wedding cakes) and spending quality time with her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial was April 13 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

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From left: Gunnar Basak, who had two goals, tries to shield the ball from a Valley Regional defender.  Jared Nielsen takes a shot. Senior Lucas Theriaque goes airborne for a shot against Valley Regional in a 10-3 Centaur victory. Photos by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.


Time of possession is a statistic that is often referred to in football.
Turns out it’s pretty important in lacrosse too.
Woodstock held on to the ball a lot against Valley Regional on Saturday.
It turned out to be a good thing.
The Centaurs rolled past the Warriors, 10-3.
“Tremendous,” coach Jason Tata said of his team’s ability to control possession of the ball. “That’s going to be our recipe for success I think. Slow, quality looks, smart possession. I think we held it at one point (in Valley Regional’s end of the field) for five or six minutes. That’s perfect for our offense. It allows our offense to get into a rhythm but also tires the heck out of the defense.”
While the game was rather one-sided, it was made a little more interesting by the weather that accompanied it.
The game began on a cloudy note and then, the skies opened, dropping heavy rain, even a little small hail and a driving wind.
The conditions didn’t bother Woodstock.
The Centaurs put five goals in the Valley Regional net in the midst of the deluge which took up most of the first quarter.
“You have to set the tone,” Tata said. “Lacrosse is such a speed game that if you come out a little slow, and you hesitate just a hair, a team will jump on you. That’s a quality team. The Shoreline Conference is a quality conference, Valley is a tough team, so we need had to get out and get ahead of these guys from the first whistle.”
Senior Jared Neilsen, who had five goals and two assists, had three in the opening quarter.
“I don’t think any of my goals were unassisted, everyone is making plays, I’m loving the cutting especially in the first half. We slowed down but we had a great start,” Nielsen said.
The Centaurs did have to hold their breath at the start of the second quarter.
An illegal pole and a penalty conspired to put the Centaurs two-men down.
“I hate that was how we started the second quarter but it’s one of those things and I have all the faith in the world in the defense. They’re getting sharper and sharper as we put pressure on them. I hate going a man down but I’m also confident that our defense can hold them off,” Tata said.
Not only the defense. But the goalie, Quan Sangasy.
“Quan has been phenomenal. Over the past three games, he has given up 11 goals, that’s ridiculous. He’s been playing so well back there. He’s confident. He’s comfortable,” Tata said.
Nielsen scored two more second quarter goals and Lucas Theriaque added one to raise the Centaurs advantage to seven, 8-1, at the half.
Patrick Griswold and Gunnar Basak, who scored twice, had the second half goals for the Centaurs. Henry Wotton also scored and had four assists.
Woodstock Academy raised its record to 3-2 and started their spring break week off on a positive note.
But, tough matchups remain.
The Centaurs have only one spring break contest, a game in Groton against Fitch on Thursday.
“We go back into the (ECC). Fitch is next and (Norwich Free Academy) right behind them. We need to get some momentum and go after these guys,” Tata said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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Named manager
JEWETT CITY — Jewett City Savings Bank has announced Nancy Zeppieri has joined the bank as Branch Manager of the Pawcatuck office.
Shei previously served as Branch Manager at Berkshire Bank’s Pawcatuck branch for eight years, which was formerly Savings Institute Bank & Trust. Before joining Savings Institute, she worked at Citizens Bank, in the same building where Jewett City Savings Bank’s current Pawcatuck office is located.
A member of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, Zeppieri is well known to the Pawcatuck and Westerly business communities.
“We are delighted to welcome Nancy to Jewett City Savings Bank. With her experience and passion for helping others in need in the community and guiding people to financial security, she will bring a wealth of knowledge to benefit our customers,” said Michael Alberts, president and CEO of Jewett City Savings Bank.

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