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Junior Liliana Bottone, left, and senior Reegan Reynolds would like to see the Centaurs make that next step, back to a Class L volleyball state championship match this season. Photo by Marc Allard.
Centaurs look to make another run at Class L state title
It was a bit of a surprise last season, maybe even a little ahead of schedule, when the Woodstock Academy volleyball team made it as far as the final four in the CIAC Class L state tournament, the state semifinals, before falling to Joel Barlow.
“I would love to make that next step,” said junior outside hitter Liliana Bottone. “Everyone here wants to. Everybody grew a lot in the offseason. We came into tryouts and everyone was just stunned by everyone else. We’re really excited to get back here, work even harder and possibly get to the state championship.”
Most of those who brought the Centaurs as far they went last fall have returned.
There are some missing as All-State player Morgan Bonin (205 kills, 27 blocks, 178 digs and 51 aces) has graduated.
Leila MacKinnon (49 kills, 77 digs), Jade Desmond and Ellie Nunes (163 digs) have also moved on to the college ranks.
But the small graduation numbers mean a nice, experienced group returns.
“We’re definitely in good shape,” said coach Adam Bottone said. “The girls who played and contributed a lot are here and have more experience from playing in the previous years and a number of them have played club (volleyball) at a pretty high level. A couple of the girls went to Orlando (Fla.) and played against one of the top clubs in the nation. We have a lot of experience.”
And what’s even nicer, the returning players are also relatively young.
Only Reegan Reynolds and Emma Kerr are seniors.
“I’m so happy to be back. We went really far last year and it was really exciting to see what our team accomplished and I think we can go even farther this year,” Reynolds said.
The downside: It is her final season.
“It’s crazy to think I’m already a senior but we’re going to make it worth the while,” she added.
Reynolds will be one of those in the mix of the most exciting position in the sport, outside hitter.
Reynolds flipped back and forth with Bonin at outside and middle last year with Reynolds getting 91 kills. She was also pretty good in the back with 113 digs.
Liliana Bottone, who will also play opposite hitter, led the Centaurs with 250 kills.
They will be helped on the outside by juniors Mia Sorrentino (79 kills) and Izzy Mojica and sophomore Kaylee Bundy.
“Our strength is definitely hitting, but honestly, we have a lot of players who can play every position on the floor. It’s great for rotations and coach Bottone can really stick anyone anywhere,” Reynolds said.
Adam Bottone agreed.
“I think this is one of the first times where I have had solid hitters at every position and they can all hit in multiple positions which gives me a lot of flexibility,” he said.
Add to that a proven setter in junior Sophie Gronski who finished with 612 assists and 239 digs last season.
“It’s so important to have her because she has chemistry with just about every girl on the team. She knows exactly the way we like it set. We have it all fine-tuned and she is just an amazing setter,” Reynolds said.
Sophomore Gianna Musumeci will back Gronski at setter and will also play defensive specialist alongside Kerr and juniors Zoe Grant and Madeline Jezierski.
Junior Jacqueline Dearborn will play in the middle with sophomore Vivian Bibeau on the opposite.
Junior Cassidy Ladd will replace Nunes at Libero.
“She played a little Libero and (defensive specialist) last year but she has grown exponentially over the club season. I’m seeing a lot of nice things there so I’m super-excited about that,” Adam Bottone said.
The Centaurs got out like a house afire last season, winning eight of their first nine to qualify for the state tournament on Sept. 28.
“I think that streak could have continued had we not suffered the injuries that we did. I think it’s going to be difficult for sure to do that again. We open with Newtown (Sept. 7) this year which is a really strong program with a tremendous outside hitter. We go to Glastonbury in our second game, another (Class) LL school with a pretty good record of doing well. We’re going to be challenged early on,” Adam Bottone said.
The Centaurs finished 15-10 due to multiple concussions in the midst of the season.
They were ousted by Fitch in the quarterfinals of the ECC Div. I tournament.
Adam Bottone wants to see his team take a step further there as well as the Centaurs will host the Division I semifinals this season.
“It would be nice,” Liliana Bottone said of the possibility. “We can have our whole student section here, a great atmosphere for us. It would just be a really good experience.”
And a lot less traveling.
“I’m really excited. It’s nice to bring something back up this way instead of always travelling. I’ve always been a proponent that the (ECC) semifinals and finals should be at a neutral location which in most cases, everyone agrees is Norwich Free Academy or Griswold but that hasn’t been the case the past couple of years. We’re happy to host it,” Adam Bottone said.
Volleyball Schedule:
Thurs., Sept. 7: at Newtown, 6 p.m.; Tues., Sept. 12: at Glastonbury, 5:30; Wed., Sept. 13: at Griswold, 5:30; Fri., Sept. 15: vs. Waterford, 5:30; Mon, Sept. 18:vs. Plainfield, 5:30; Fri., Sept. 22: vs. E. Lyme, 5:30; Mon., Sept. 25:at Fitch, 5:30; Wed., Sept. 27: vs. NFA, 5:30; Fri., Sept. 29: at Bacon Academy, 5:30; Mon., Oct. 2: vs. Ledyard, 5:30; Wed., Oct. 4: at Lyman, 5:30; Fri., Oct. 6: at S. Windsor, 5; Mon., Oct. 9: vs. Coventry, 5:30; Tues., Oct. 10: vs. Fitch, 5:30; Wed., Oct. 11: at E. Lyme, 5:30; Mon., Oct. 16: at NFA, 5:30; Wed., Oct. 18: at Waterford, 5:30; Fri., Oct. 20: vs. SMSA, 5:30; Mon., Oct. 23: vs. Griswold, 5:30; Wed., Oct. 25: vs. Conard, 5:30.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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John Robert Cutler, U.S. Army veteran
FARMINGTON — John Robert Cutler, 74, of E. Hartford died Aug. 21, 2023, after a short illness. Born in 1949 in Putnam, he was the son of Fabiola M. Cutler and the late Robert W. Cutler.
John attended Thames Valley State Technical College where he earned an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering.
John was a U.S. Army veteran serving with the 146th Aviation Co. as crew chief in the Vietnam conflict. After being honorably discharged in 1972 he began his career with Sikorsky of Bridgeport and then Pratt & Whitney of East Hartford where he inspected jet engines for the Department of Defense. After retiring in 2006, he volunteered his time to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 120 of East Hartford where he was the editor for the monthly newsletter and Service Representative for numerous veterans to advocate for them for much deserved benefits.
John enjoyed watching NASCAR stock car racing and motorcycle racing and driving his Dodge Ram.
John leaves his wife Linda D. Cutler of East Hartford; three children from a previous marriage, Gary Cutler of Washington,, Crystal Ethridge of Putnam, and Shawn Cutler of Massachusetts; his mother, Fabiola M. Cutler of Putnam; brother, Russell Cutler (Annemarie) of Putnam; grandchildren Nathaniel and Jacob Cutler; aunts, uncles and cousins.
A full military graveside service will be held in Munyan Cemetery, East Putnam, at a later date. Donations: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 120, 357 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118. Gilman and Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church Street, Putnam.
Dr. Linda Louise Galton
DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Dr. Linda Louise Galton, 75, of Dartmouth, Mass, died suddenly Aug. 23, 2023. Born Aug. 20, 1948, in New Brighton, Penn., she was the daughter of Charles T. Galton and Patricia J. (McDade) Galton. She was a former superintendent of schools in Woodstock.
She leaves her husband of 32 years, Stephen S. Fitzroy of Dartmouth, Mass.; her sons: Matthew D. Fitzroy and his wife Alla Stepanova of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Samuel D Fitzroy and his wife Denise (Eures) Fitzroy of Westwood, Mass.; and her three grandsons: Michael Fitzroy, Matthew Fitzroy, and William Fitzroy; two brothers, Charles Galton and Patrick Galton; and a sister, Cynthia (Galton) Hendrickson. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother Robert Galton.
A wake and viewing will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 11 at Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home with a private interment to follow. Donations: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the World Central Kitchen, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, or the Jimmy Fund/Dana Farber Cancer Institute – all causes dear to Linda’s heart.
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Moon
Setting
This early morning photo was taken last week in East Putnam by Doug Porter.
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Wed. Sept. 6
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- “A Cacophony of Greys” Exhibit and Reception by Steve Veilleux will be on display in The Corridor Gallery at the Putnam Municipal Complex through Sept. 30. Features a series of black and white and monotone photographs. All welcome. Free. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com for gallery hours and info.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- For the month of September The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library, “Falling Water: Photography by Steve and Danny Veilleux.” A reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6. In the display case will be: “Our U.S. Constitution by Ida Ransom”. 860-923-9779.
Thur. Sept. 7
Food Share
PUTNAM --- The Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse Food Share will be held at 10 a.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion on Kennedy Drive. Free. All welcome.
Fri. Sept. 8
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- The Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic will set off at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Country Club. For info: daykimball.org/golfclassic.
Sat. Sept. 9
Comedy
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present Scott Higgins Comedy All Stars at 7:30. Suggested audience 18+. $26. 860-928-7887.
Sun. Sept. 10
Jazz Fund-raiser
WINDHAM --- The Windham Free Library will hold a fund-raiser, the 21st Annual Jazz in the Garden, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 80 Windham Center Road. $60 Pre-sale/$65 at event. Benefits The Windham Free Library. thewindhamfreelibrary.org/jazz/
Poetry
WOODSTOCK --- Poets at Large will present a free, spoken word reading from 2 to 4 p.m. at Roseland Park. The reading will be from 2-4 p.m. with an open mic (5-minute limit as time allows), and is recommended for ages 14 and up. Featured will be CT poets Pegi Deitz Shea, T’Challa Williams and C.C. Arshagra.
Sat. Sept. 23
Celebrating Agriculture
BROOKLYN --- 2023 Celebrating Agriculture will begin at 9 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds.
Harvest Fest
HAMPTON --- Fletcher Memorial Library hosts The Hampton Harvest Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the town hall grounds on Main Street. The festival features local products and crafts, plus entertainment, refreshments, music, and displays. Free admission and parking. 860-455-1086.
Book Sale
THOMPSON --- The Friends of Thompson Public Library will hold their annual book sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations welcome during library hours starting Sept. 5, in Community Room 3.
Sun. Sept. 24
Concert
WOODSTOCK --- A free bonus concert! The St. Luke’s Steel Band will play from 2 to 3 p.m. at Roseland Cottage. Bring a blanket, buy some ice cream. Cosponsored with Performing Arts of Northeast Connecticut, The Three C's, and Historic New England.
Sat. Sept. 30
BBQ
WOODSTOCK --- The Bungay Fire Brigade will host its fall 2023 Chicken BBQ from 4 to 6 p.m. www.bungay.com.
Community Day
THOMPSON --- The 19th Annual Thompson Community Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park. Oct. 1 is the rain date.
Empty Bowls
THOMPSON --- The Empty Bowls fund-raiser will have two seatings, at 5 and 6:30 p.m., at TEEG.
Camp Day
WOODSTOCK --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Day fund-raiser will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at Buck’s Soft Serve, 88 Kenyonville Road. Bake sale, ice cream eating contests, dunk the director and Buck’s famous soft serve ice cream treats. Portion of sales goes to support the Windham Tolland 4-H Camp Dam Restoration Fund.
Sat. Nov. 11
Dueling Pianos
THOMPSON --- The DKH Dueling Pianos fund-raiser will be held at 6 p.m. at the Raceway Restaurant. Tickets $45, must be purchased in advance. daykimball.org/pianos.
Yuletide Festival
PUTNAM --- The Daughters of Isabella will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St Mary Church Hall. Vendors sought. 413-612-8358.
Sun. Dec. 3
Tree of Life
The DKH 34th Annual Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies will be held at 5 p.m. in 11 towns throughout northeastern Connecticut. The purchase of memorial lights on each community's Tree of Life benefits Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. For info: daykimball.org/treeoflife.
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Putnam Commission on Aging swings into dance party season
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam’s Commission on Aging announced the free 2023 themed dance party season is around the corner. COA dances are offered to those aged 50 and over.
Major Sponsors of these lively dance frolics are: Christopher Heights Assisted Living of Webster, Generations Family Health Center, Matulaitis Rehabilitation & Skilled Care. Plus look for some of our emergency services heroes (like the Putnam Police Department, Fire Department and EMTs) to be paired up with the Major Sponsors to add more boogie woogie and fun to each dance party
Four FREE themed dance parties, complete with DJ JL Sound, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., thanks to our Dance Hosts at the Putnam Lodge of Elks on Edmond Street. You are encouraged to dress up and party heartily on these dates: Wednesday, Sept. 13: 1950’s Back to School; Wednesday, Oct. 11: Halloween Spooktacular; Wednesday, Nov. 8: Gobble up the Dance Floor; Wednesday, Dec. 6: Christmas Party.
In addition to these dances, other activities are offered in the Town Complex Community Room from 10 a.m. to noon weekdays. TVCCA offers lunches for those 60 years and older each weekday at 11:30 for a $3 donation (initial form and pre-order are required for the lunches.)
Special programs, lunch trip bus adventures, plus other celebrations and forums are also often available.
Contact the Putnam Recreation Department at 860-963-6800 ext 140 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions and to learn more about what the Commission on Aging has to offer, and if you can assist with setting up or cleaning up after one of the dances.
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