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Top: Woodstock Academy celebrated Military Appreciation Night in their camo jerseys. Donny Sousa scored the only goal in the 4-1 loss for the Centaurs. Above: Ryan Wallace attempts to dig the puck out from the side boards. Photos by Sam Clark/Woodstock Academy.



Centaurs bounce up to third in Div. II rankings
It’s amazing what one win can do for a hockey team sometimes.
The Woodstock Academy boys’ hockey team went into its game with Smithfield, in 10th place in the CIAC Div. II state playoff rankings.
A 1-0 victory over the Sentinels, last week however, quickly changed that.
The win over the Div. I school from Rhode Island elevated the Centaurs to third in the Div. II standings.
Coach Mark Smolak said: “That’s nice. We still have four games left. We just have to keep playing the way we played (versus Smithfield) and for the majority of the last two weeks and we should be able to get a little higher.”
The Centaurs have only one game next week, a home match against Daniel Hand on Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.
They finish up with three games in the same week the following week as they travel to Burrillville. R.I. on Tuesday, play at Simsbury on Wednesday and finish up the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 24 with a 7 p.m. home game vs. Notre Dame-Fairfield.
It was a good rebound for Woodstock (7-9) against Smithfield.
The Centaurs were coming off what most would agree was a disappointing, 4-1, loss to Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks on Monday.
 “We had been preaching about covering the middle of our net, not letting guys in front of the slot on the defensive side. Offensively, I’ve been preaching all year that when you reach the red line, dump it in and let the forecheck go to work,” Smolak said.
Woodstock was effective in both phases against the Sentinels (9-9) but their goalie, Matt Bradley, played well.
“It was a closer game on the scoresheet than it actually felt at the game because we had sustained pressure and had the puck in their end the whole game,” Smolak said. “But out of the goalies we’ve seen, in terms of technique, he was one of the most technically sound. His lateral movement, his quickness, the speed and his glove so we knew we had to get tips and rebounds off this kid.”
As a result, the Centaurs weren’t able to push one into the net until the second period and it didn’t come from a likely source.
Keegan Covello won a faceoff in the Sentinels’ end, got the puck to Sam Desmond who took a quick wrist shot and it found a hole.
“That’s one of the things we need to see more of, developing offense from the defensive zone. We spend a lot of time cycling, we kind of forget about getting the puck from low-to-high. It’s something that, hopefully, we can get confidence in and be able to use it,” Smolak said.
Woodstock goalie Devlin Mansolf did the rest as he delivered his second shutout in a Centaurs’ uniform, making 23 saves.
The Centaurs celebrated Military Appreciation Night on Monday, but unfortunately, were not the ones doing the celebrating at the end as the Wildcats (11-4) posted the victory.
Austin Renggli put SGWL up, 1-0, with a goal 9:39 into the first period. Noah Boyd made that hold up for a long time. The junior goalie turned in 31 saves for the Wildcats, some of the eye-opening variety.
“It’s not every day that you have that many breakaways and he made a lot of solid saves, a lot of great saves,” Smolak said. “What he did really well from a goaltender’s perspective was all three of the forwards who had breakaways and chances, he was patient on. If you watched his body language and movement, he was staying with the puck, and was making them make the first move.”
The Centaurs did tie the game.
Woodstock went into the third period with a brief two-man advantage but a longer 5-on-4 scenario and capitalized 41 seconds in.
Maxx Corradi dug the puck off the back side boards and slung it to Donny Sousa who found space to the right of Boyd. He slapped one high over Boyd’s left shoulder to tie the contest.
But tying the game didn’t produce as much momentum as Woodstock had hoped.
“(SGWL) is a good team, they’re up there toward the top (in Div. III) and this game meant so much to them points-wise. When you get down a goal again, there is only so much that can happen before you start on time,” Smolak said.
He was referring to the previous three games where the Centaurs had dug themselves a 2-0 hole against both New Canaan and Bishop Hendricken and lost and were behind by a hat trick to Fairfield Warde-Ludlowe before posting a 6-5 win.
“We gave (SGWL) that one-goal lead, their goalie is playing out-of-his-mind well. They only needed two goals and we’re a team that usually puts up three or four (goals) a game,” Smolak said.
A goal by Ben Wasko with 3:40 to play was all Boyd truly needed to post the win.
But Renggli added another just 1:09 later and with 1:22 left, Ryan Hughes found the empty net to account for the final score.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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Wed.  Feb. 14
Happy Valentine's Day!

Quilt Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit by Laura Salo, “The Year Through Quilts,” runs through March 30 at the Corridor Gallery in the Municipal Complex. The show is sponsored by the Putnam Arts Council. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com.

Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Edwin Way Teale Artists-in-Residence Program’s “Trail Wood Reflections” exhibit, written and visual works inspired by residencies during the summer of 2023, will run through March 2 at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road. 860-928-4948.

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Library at the Thompson Public Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library and Display Case series, “Hippie at HeArt,” artwork by Wendy Hicks through Feb. 28.

Thur.  Feb. 15
Program
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library and the Thompson Historical Society will present “The Great Awakening & How it Changed the Thompson Religious Landscape: Congregational, Methodist and Baptist Church History” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Presented by Joe Iamartino.

'Into the Woods'
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present "Into the Woods" at 7 p.m. Feb. 15, 16 and 17 in the Hard Auditorium. Free. All welcome. pomfret.org.

Sun.  Feb. 18
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse, Taft Pond Road, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet staff, camp tour, registration materials available. Early bird discounts end Feb 29.

‘Clear Day Thunder’
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Clear Day Thunder,” a documentary about the restoration of the American Chestnut, at 2 p.m. Presented in collaboration with The Wyndham Land Trust. Free. No registration required.

Mon.  Feb. 19
‘Brave Blue World’
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Brave Blue World at 6:30 p.m. at the center on Day Road. No registration required. Free. It is part of the Pomfret Green Team’s Community Film Series.

Thur.  Feb. 22
Bird Walk
PLAINFIELD --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.

Fri.  Feb. 23
‘Little Women’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse will present Little Women at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and March 1, 2  and at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 3. Tickets are $23 for adults and $20 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. Reservations: www.thebradleyplayhouse.org; 860-928-7887.

Sat.  Feb. 24
Owl Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present an owl walk at 7 p.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.

Baked Potato
PUTNAM --- Boy Scout Troop 21 will hold a Baked Potato Buffet fund-raiser from 5 to 7 p.m. in the St. Mary of the Visitation Hall. $10.

Poets at Large
POMFRET --- Poets at Large will host a spoken word and poetry performance from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vanilla Bean Café. $10 admission. For info or to sign up to take part: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sun.  Feb. 25
Fund-raiser Dinner
PUTNAM --- Putnam - Paws Cat Shelter is hosting a pasta dinner fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 at Knights of Columbus. Eat in or take out.  $15 tickets at: the Paws Cat Shelter in Woodstock, Knights of Columbus and Joseph Jewelers in Putnam. 860-315-1228.

Sat.  March 2
Prayer Service
DANIELSON --- The Danielson United Methodist Church, 9 Spring St., will be holding a World Day of Prayer service written by Christian Women of Palestine. Starts at noon with  a Palestinian lunch, followed by the service.
eon at noon, followed by the service of scripture and song around the theme, "Bear with one another in love". 860-779-2018.

Sat.  March 9
Breault Program
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society will present a special talk on Putnam native Henry Breault at 10:30 a.m. at the Municipal Complex. Presented by Ryan C Walker Navy Veteran Ph.D. candidate at the University of Portsmouth. Breault received the Medal of Honor on March 8, 1924. He saved his shipmate, Lawrence T. Brown during a collision between the USS O-5 and United Fruit Company's Abangarez on Oct. 28, 1923. The O-5 was in a disabled submarine status for over 30 hours while the Panama Canal Zone community moved earth and water to save him. After the rescue, Brown reported that Breault's selfless decision to close a hatch saved his life. Breault continued to serve in the USN until his death on Dec. 5, 1941.

Art Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council will be hosting a unique fund-raiser called “Art Heist” with doors opening at 5 p.m. at 112 Main St. Tickets are $50 each and one ticket allows the ticket holder to "steal" one piece of artwork off the walls.  Starting at 6 p.m. the first ticket called will have their choice of any piece donated.  The second ticket called can steal from what was not "stolen", and so on. Benefits arts council programs, scholarships and grants. For info and tickets: www.putnamctartscouncil.com/art-heist

Sun.  March 10
Fund-raiser Dinner
PUTNAM --- Chrome N’ Steel Veteran Riders will hold a roast beef dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Putnam Elks. Dinner at 6. Benefits CNS Fund-raisers. 860-942-0061.

Sat.  March 23
Easter Bunny
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Parks and Recreation Department will present “Greet the Easter Bunny” at 10 a.m. at the Municipal Complex. Recommended for ages 10 and younger. Photos, free chocolate bunnies and the Putnam Little League will offer an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn (inside in case of inclement weather) for a minimum $3 donation. All proceeds benefit the Putnam Little League.

Sat.  April 20
International Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present International Day.

Sat.  May 18
Fairy Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present a Fairy and Magic Fest.

Sat.  June 22
Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will be held June 22 and 23 at the Municipal Complex.

Sat.  July 6
Fireworks
PUTNAM --- Fireworks will be held around the Putnam Rotary Park. Rain date is July 13.

Sun.  Aug. 11
Pluck a Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present Pluck a Duck Aug. 11 and 12.

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Martha Shaw Shepard
PUTNAM — Martha S. Shepard, 103, formerly of Ballou Street, died Feb. 2, 2024, at Matulaitis Nursing Home.
Born on May 31, 1920 in Putnam, she graduated from the old Putnam High School (the former town hall), and attended Willimantic Normal School.
For 41 years, she was the wife of the late Everett G. Shepard Jr. (Commander, USN, former mayor of Putnam). Martha was the daughter of the late George Stanley Shaw Sr., and Florence (Gilbert) Shaw.  She spent much of her life raising and caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She worked at Brandon School (Natick, Mass.), Furlongs Candy, and Putnam Library until she was 81. Returning to live in Putnam in 1978, Martha was a faithful attendee of the Annual Ballard Reunion. She was an avid reader. She had a deep spiritual faith and was a long-time member of Living Faith United Methodist Church in Putnam.  Known for her positive outlook on life, Martha brought joy to all who knew her. Wherever she was, “was where she needed to be.”
As the wife of a Navy pilot, Martha moved on average every two years, living in: Pensacola, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; Annapolis, Md.; Norfolk, Vir.; Monterey, Calif.; Winchester, Mass.; Willow Grove, Penn.; Bermuda; Springfield, Vir.; Framingham, Mass.
She leaves her sons, Everett G. Shepard III (Patricia) of Woodstock, Jonathan Shepard (Carolyn Nadeau) of Pomfret and Fred Meserve of The Villages, Fla.; her daughter, Leslie Shepard Clark (Stephen) of Framingham; 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons, Peter Shepard, Mark Shepard and Nicholas Shepard; her brother, George Stanley Shaw Jr. and her sister, Patricia Hall.  She was also predeceased by her special friend Leo DeLisle.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service officiated by Pastor Ross Johnson at the Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam, at 1 p.m. Feb. February 25. All are welcome to attend the reception to follow in the church hall. Private burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery will take place at a future date. Donations may be made to Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam.

Doris Roy Dery
N. GROSVENORDALE — Doris Roy Dery, 94, of School St., died Feb. 6, 2024, at Westview Healthcare.  She was the wife of the late Norman E. Dery. Born in 1929 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Alphonse and Bertha (Duquette) Roy.
On April 23, 1949, at St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale she was united in marriage to Norman E. Dery, who predeceased her on Feb. 13, 1997.
Mrs. Dery worked for Bates Shoe Company where she was the first woman shoe cutter.
She was a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #10088 in Quinebaug and past president, vice president, and secretary of the former L’union Baptistè. But, above all she cherished the time that she spent taking care of her family.
She leaves her daughter, Diane D. Dery of Eastford. She was predeceased by her children, Paul R. Dery and Jeanne M. Dery, and her siblings, Roger Roy and Eva Benoit.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 12 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

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'Little Women'
The Bradley will present "Little Women." From left: Sophie Marcus (Amy), Margaret McLoughlin (Jo), Brittany-Paige Kimlingen (Meg), Katarina Bromkamp (Beth). Photo by Ty Collige.


‘Little Women’
opens Feb. 23
PUTNAM — The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse invites you to join them in a walk down memory lane when it presents the beloved classic Little Women. The show opens Feb. 23 and runs for two weekends.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and March 1, 2  and at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 3. Tickets are $23 for adults and $20 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. Reservations: www.thebradleyplayhouse.org;  or by calling 860-928-7887.
The TNECT production of Little Women is directed by Sarah Oschmann. The March sisters are played by Brittany-Paige Kimlingen as Meg, Margaret McLoughlin as Jo, Katarina Bromkamp as Beth and Sophie Marcus as Amy. Amy Stoelzel appears as Marmee, Bonnie Theriault is Aunt March, and Laura O’Brien is Hannah and Louisa May Alcott. Mr. Laurence is played by Jim Douglas, who also appears as Mr. Niles, with Alan Marcus playing Mr. Davis, Dr. Bangs and Father. The young men in the sisters’ lives are Laurie played by Jake Wyse, Mr. Brooke played by Jordan Miller, and Professor Bhaer played by Stephen Clarke.
This version of Little Women is adapted by Kevin M. Cunningham from the novel by Louisa May Alcott. When Cunningham set out to direct a production of Little Women, he sought a script that would authentically reproduce the voice of Louisa May Alcott’s original story. Not finding one, he decided to adapt the story himself, and produced a script that is a distillation of the original book, a faithful theatrical presentation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.
 The one innovation he introduced was the inclusion of discussions between Miss Alcott and her editor, Mr. Niles, as she is writing the novel. He felt this gave the play a richer framework that represents the story as the product of an actual person at a specific time in history.