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Passes
Senior Libero Katie Papp bump passes a volley for the Centaurs. Photo by Jeremy Useted/The Woodstock Academy.


The three opening losses weren’t so much the concern.
The Woodstock Academy volleyball team expected a rough go of it early with the losses it suffered to graduation.
“I expected the growing pains,”  said coach Adam Bottone. “I scratched my head at 0-3 because of the rankings and where would we get placed because if you drop too low, you’re not in a favorable seed.” Fortunately, the Centaurs began to right the ship this week.
Woodstock Academy downed defending Class S champion, Lyman Memorial, 3-0, at the Alumni Fieldhouse Wednesday and followed that up with a 3-0 win over Bacon Academy Sept. 20 to raise their record to 2-3.
It was the first two home matches of the season for the Centaurs.
“It’s good because it gives us confidence to keep winning and gave us a good feeling for a first time as a whole team this season, hopefully, it keeps on going,” said senior outside hitter Paula Hernandez.
One of the biggest problems for the Centaurs existed in the back. They were having troubles getting side-outs.
So, Bottone focused on getting the ball back and keeping it against Lyman Memorial. That happened against the Bulldogs. The Centaurs found their serve and receive.
The Centaurs trailed in the first set, 20-19, but Woodstock Academy tied it when the Bulldogs failed to return a serve by Kileigh Gagnon. The junior opposite hitter than delivered a pair of aces and Sierra Bedard blocked a shot to make it 23-20.
A Hernandez kill and a Lyman misfire gave the Centaurs the early 1-0 advantage with the 25-21 win. Things were a little easier in the second set. Aurissa Boardman delivered five straight service points to help Woodstock Academy bolt out to a 15-8 lead.
The Bulldogs would never get closer than five the remainder of the way and senior Paige Audet closed things out with a pair of aces for the 25-16 win.
The Centaurs took a 4-3 lead on a service error in the decisive set and never trailed again for the 25-22 win and straight-set victory.
Hernandez finished with 14 kills and 14 digs while junior setter Marissa Mayhew added 16 assists, often taking direction from Hernandez as to where the outside hitter needed the set to be.
“I’m happy to be back on the outside because I know that whatever plan Bottone has is for the best of the team. Maybe I was a good option as a setter, but maybe the best option was Marissa as the setter and Katie (Papp) as the Libero. I’m OK with anything as long as it’s beneficial to the team,” Hernandez said.
Boardman finished with 9 service points and 6 kills while Gagnon added 13 service points and five aces.
Papp was also instrumental with 13 digs in what was a good win for the Centaurs.
The Centaurs followed up that victory with the one against the Bobcats (2-1).
Woodstock Academy was dominant in the first set, winning 25-8. It added 25-20 and 25-16 victories to win in straight sets.
The Centaurs service was again pivotal with Gabby Garbutt getting 21 points and six aces. Hernandez did her part from behind the line with 12 points including five aces.
Hernandez added 13 kills while Garbutt had six, many set up by Mayhew who finished with 17 assists. Bedard added six blocks.

Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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WOODSTOCK — The 2019-20 version of the Woodstock Academy post-graduate basketball program will be introduced to the community and the school at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Alumni Fieldhouse on the North campus.
“The players are extremely excited,” said first-year Woodstock Academy head coach Jacque Rivera. “I think it’s always fun. It’s my first year and the guys’ first year but they have heard about it from the past. There’s so much excitement that surrounds Moonlight Madness and just the season. It’s a great time.”
The event includes the introduction of the team, an intra-squad scrimmage and a dunk contest as well as a few other surprises. It will be broadcast live on woodstockacademy.org/live.
“It’s a really fun group. We can play a lot of different ways. Historically, Woodstock Academy has been known for its pressure defense. I think we can add to that pressure by having success, fullcourt, three-quarter court and halfcourt, offensively as well as defensively. I think we have a lot of length and really tough kids who are resilient not only on the playing surface but in the classroom,” Rivera said.
Of the 29 players on the team, 11 are taking advanced placement classes; two recently went on a visit to Dartmouth College.
“You should see their involvement in the community. They’re attending residential life events (at the school), staying for extra help in the classroom. It’s a really unique group. Let’s hope that it translates to the court,” Rivera said.
More than 75 college coaches have already visited the campus to check out the new edition of the Centaurs.
One player, Cairo McCroy from Hartford has committed to play for UMass next year but Rivera said a “bunch of guys” have offers and may make their decision in the next couple of weeks.
Ronnie Degray is the only holdover from last year’s team. Chase Anderson is a homegrown product, having graduated from Woodstock Academy in the spring.
The Centaurs Gold team finished 38-2 last season and made it as far as the National Prep Championship Tournament quarterfinals.
The Blue team finished with a 30-8 record and won the Power 5 Conference AA tournament championship.
The roster (name, position, height, hometown):
Hakan West, G, 5-10, Boston; Dyondre Dominguez, W/F, 6-8, Providence; Joseph Moon, G, 6-2, Detroit; Noel Scott, G/W, 6-3, LA; Trevor Green, G/W, 6-3, Albany, N.Y.; Jordan Mitchell, W/F, 6-8, Columbus, Ohio; Jaylin Palmer, G, 6-1, Hartford; Montreal Pena, W/F, 6-10, Fort Worth, Texas; Vondre Chase, W/F, 6-5, Boston; Eshete Calvo, G, 6-2, Madrid, Spain; David Jones, W/F, 6-7, Sacramento, Calif.; Lawrence Foreman, F/C, 6-9, Kingston, Jamaica; Joshua Davis, G, 6-2, Dallas; Quinton McElroy, G, 6-2, Powder Springs, Ga.; Michael Eurquhart, F, 6-5, Pittsfield, Mass.; Darryl MacKey, G/W, 6-0, Alexandria, Va.; Cairo McCroy, G/W, 6-5, Hartford; Walter Defritas, W, 6-4, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Benjamin Fort, W, 6-5, Columbus, Ohio; Elijah Blackman, W, 6-3, Queens, N.Y.; Chase Anderson, W, 6-3, Woodstock; Jamon Kemp, G/W, 6-5, Seattle, Wash.; Amani Gottlieb, G, 6-0, Arlington, Mass.; Nashon Battle, G/W, 6-3, New Jersey; Paul Hosey, F/C, 6-9, Atlanta; Michael Jefferson, W/F, 6-6, Waco, Texas; Chad Venning, F/C, 6-10, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Greyvon Goodman, G, 5-10, Bahamas; Ronnie Degray, W/F, 6-7, Parker, Colo.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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Robert R. Blain,
Korean war vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Robert R. Blain, 83, of Rachel Dr., died Sept. 16, 2019, at Matulaitis Nursing Home.  He was the husband of Patricia (Jamrogowicz) Blain.  Born in 1935 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Norbert and Rose May (Molloy) Blain.
Mr. Blain served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  To overcome his fear of heights, Bob went on to earn his pilot’s license.  He worked as a biomedical technician at Day Kimball Hospital for 20 years. Prior to that he was a T.V. repairman for Mike’s T.V. and worked at Putnam Herzl.  He liked boating around Long Island Sound and loved to take long rides on his motorcycle. He rode in the pace car and safety vehicles at Thompson Speedway and was an avid NASCAR fan.  He took great pleasure in working on his computer to communicate with family and friends.  He enjoyed being outside in his yard and listening to jazz music.  Bob and his wife traveled to 48 states as well as Canada and Mexico.  
In addition to his wife, Bob leaves his daughter, Nancy Berube (Ken); grandchildren, Adam, Mitchell, and Natalie.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 20 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

Albert T. Collins Jr.,
Vietnam war vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Albert T. Collins Jr., 73, of Sunshine Terrace, died Sept. 17, 2019, at home. He was the husband of Diane (Jenkins) Collins.  Born in 1946 in Providence, he was the son of the late Albert and Dorothea (Taylor) Collins.
Mr. Collins grew up in Warwick, R.I., and lived in Glocester, R.I., for 50 years while raising his family before moving to the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut in a village of Thompson.  He worked as a forklift operator for Anchor Glass for 32 years and Norampac for 13 years, retiring in 2011.
He was veteran of the Vietnam war serving with the U.S. Navy.
Albert’s favorite past times were playing guitar and singing, listening to music, especially the ‘40s.” He enjoyed watching baseball and sharing his love of steam trains with anyone who would listen. He was a kind hearted soul that would lend a hand or an ear to anyone in need.
In addition to his wife Diane, he leaves his son, Randy Collins of Glocester;  his daughter, Wendy Parr (David) of Dayville; grandchildren, Brandi Collins and her partner Daniel Zielinski; Darren Collins (Krystal), Kassidy Collins, Savannah Collins, Jennifer Parr, and Melissa Parr; his great grandchildren, Malcom Zielinski, Sydney Zielinski, and Matthew Rosa; friends, especially Kevin Mack. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles T. Collins, and his sister, Eleanor A. Collins.
Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Thompson Congregational United Church of Christ, PO Box 308, Thompson, CT 06277.

Leonard J. Lefevre,
military veteran
BROOKLYN — Leonard J. Lefevre, 72, of Brooklyn, formerly of New Britain and W. Hartford, died Sept. 9, 2019, at Davis Place in Danielson. He was born May 31, 1947, in Hartford, son of the late Theodore R. and Thelma (Dee) Lefevre.
Lenny was a 1966 graduate of Northwest Catholic High School in W. Hartford.  He was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force (1967-71), and then a SSG in the U.S. Army (1980-86) and was honorably discharged.
Lenny worked at Farrell Treatment Center in New Britain for many years as a substance abuse counselor until his recent retirement due to health issues. He truly loved his job there as well as his colleagues and clients. Lenny was a friend of Bill W, and was the recipient of his 30-year medallion just days before he died.
He leaves his sister, Donna Bailey-Gates (Christopher) of Palm Coast, Fla.; cousins and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 20 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial with military honors at St. Joseph Cemetery, Dayville. Donations: Consider giving others a fighting chance against addiction by making a donation in his memory to: Farrell Treatment Center, c/o David Borzellino, 586 Main St., New Britain, CT 06051. Gagnon & Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Frank L. Weinand Jr.,
Navy vet
WOODSTOCK — Frank Weinand Jr., 77, died Sept. 20, 2019.  Born in 1942 in Pendel, Penn., he was the son of the late Frank Weinand Sr. and Mary (Herner) Weinand. Frank was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked in computer programming for IBM for many years and later established a successful management consulting firm, FLW Associates, Inc serving as its president and principal owner until his retirement in 2009. Frank was a member of the VFW Post 207 in Putnam. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved NASCAR and the New England Patriots. Frank enjoyed performing Johnny Cash karaoke at local venues. He enjoyed a lively political debate and asked that, upon his death, it be revealed that he was the anonymous author of the Woodstock Patriot, a satirical local political newsletter distributed in the late 1990s.
He leaves his sons David Weinand (Valerie) of New Hampshire, Gregory Weinand (Kris) of Maine; daughter; Samantha Weinand of Holland, Mass.; one brother, Robert Weinand of Pennsylvania; four grandchildren: Jackie, Dylan, Carly and Kyle; and two great-grandchildren: Finnley and William. Frank was predeceased by a son, Michael Weinand, and a sister, Terry MacBlain.
A Celebration of Frank’s Life was Sept. 25 at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Providence St. in Putnam. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: Knights of Columbus in Putnam; or VFW Post 207, also in Putnam.

Michael W. Bucher
THOMPSON — Michael W. Bucher, 53, of Thompson, died Sept. 17, 2019, after a battle with pancreatic cancer at home.
He was born Nov. 21, 1965, in Cornwall, N.Y., son of Richey L. and Joan (Schrepfer) Bucher. He was the husband of Tammy (Joly) Bucher. They were married July 9, 2005.
Michael was an avid bass fisherman and enjoyed his time on Quaddick Lake. He was a hardworking and good man. Michael had an infectious laugh and spirit.
He leaves his wife Tammy Bucher of Thompson; his mother Joan Bucher of Danielson; his daughters Samantha Charette (Matthew) of W. Warwick, R.I., and Michelle Bucher of Thompson; his brother Richey D. Bucher (Maureen) of Danielson; his dog Finley, his grand puppies Lucky, Riley and Winifred and all his fish (girls) in Quaddick Lake. He was predeceased by his father Richey L. Bucher and his sister Karen Bucher.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. Donations: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168; or to Day Kimball Hospice, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260.

B. Stammel-Dionne
PAWCATUCK — BobbieSue Stammel-Dionne, 37, of Pawcatuck, died unexpectedly Sept. 15, 2019, at home.
She was born April 26, 1982, in New London, daughter of Kathy Menghi and Bob Stammel. She was a former student at Plainfield Schools. The highlight of her days were spent hanging out with her miracle baby Preston.
She leaves her husband Jamie Dionne; her son Preston Dionne, her stepsons Austin Dionne and Aaron Dionne; her mother Kathy Menghi; her father Bob Stammel; her brothers Bill Menghi and Dennis Menghi; her half- sisters Stacey Black and Sarah Chiappone; her half- brother Tristen Stammel. She was predeceased by her two angels Hannah Dionne and Autumn Dionne.
The Funeral was Sept. 21 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, with burial in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic. Donations: American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Michael J. Papini
WOODSTOCK — Michael J. Papini of Woodstock died Aug. 24, 2019. He was born April 7, 1969, in Norwich and was raised in Woodstock.
Michael graduated from Woodstock Academy in 1987 and then entered the three-year, postgraduate program in Aviation Maintenance at H. H. Ellis Regional Vocational Technical School in Danielson. Upon completion of that program he received the Aviation Maintenance diploma and the FAA Airframe and Powerplant License. He enrolled in an 1100-hour course in Avionics Maintenance and prepared for the FCC General Radio Operator’s License. After receiving the Avionics Maintenance Diploma, he transferred to Thames Valley Community College in Norwich and was granted an A. S. Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Michael was employed by many federal subcontractors.
The Red Sox baseball team and the Patriots team have lost an avid fan. Mike enjoyed sports, motorcycles, cars and wildlife. He was an avid reader of John Grisham novels.
Niece and nephew, Olivia and Giovanni, said: “Uncle Michael always had a loving spirit about him, a wonderful smile, and a great sense of humor.” They would always end up having a great time with Michael teasing them and teaching them to say that they were “Number 1”. The holidays and birthdays were always a joy. Michael always gave the kids thoughtful and funny cards, and they especially loved the candy canes he placed underneath the Christmas tree for them.
He leaves his mother, Patricia Papini, of Woodstock and was predeceased by his father, John Papini Jr.  He also leaves a brother, John Papini (Heather) of Florida; a nephew, Giovanni; a niece, Olivia, both of Florida; an uncle, Stanley Kaiko (Beatrice) of South Carolina and their children; an uncle, Bob Kaiko (Lucy) of Connecticut and their children; one grandaunt, Ann Kaiko.
Visitation is at 9 a.m. Sept. 28 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with a procession to The Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, at 9:30 a.m. The Mass starts at 10 and burial follows at the Woodstock Hill Cemetery, Rt. 169, by Woodstock Academy, north campus. Following the burial, friends and family are invited to gather for lunch at the Papini residence on 50 Hopkins Road, Woodstock. Donations: The New Roxbury Land Trust, Inc., P.O. Box 98. Woodstock, CT 06281; or The Quiet Corner Garden Club, P.O. Box 1004, Woodstock, CT 06281.

Aldo Perez
BROOKLYN — Aldo Perez, 47, of Allen Hill Rd., died Sept. 14, 2019, at home. He was the husband of Rebekah (Arndt) Perez.  Born in 1971 in Puerto Rico, he was the son of Antonio Perez and Carmen (Rivera) Aponte.
Aldo spent the final years of his life devoted to his family-natural and chosen.  He was a grateful member of the Moutoudis Group family and had the fortuity to spend his days working beside men he loved like brothers. His first text every morning was to his best friend, Mike Leonard, and throughout his day he impacted everyone he came in contact with his kind words and genuine love for everyone.  He retired every evening to his favorite spot on the couch watching CNN with his wife  and his 3-year-old Angel, Lillian.  Aldo successfully beat addiction and throughout his recovery worked tirelessly to support others recover from theirs ‘and build happy and meaningful lives. Aldo’s favorite things were cars, watches, politics, milk, shoes, Formula 1 racing, Sammi’s cheesecake, the New England Patriots, sushi with Mike Leonard, skating and surfing, great art and food.  Aldo had a strong belief in God. In addition to his wife Rebekah, he leaves son, Adonis Perez of New London; daughters, Naomi Pagan of New London, Alannys Perez of New London, and Lillian Ana Perez of Brooklyn; brothers, Omar Perez, Tony Perez, and Luis Perez; sister, Wanda Perez; grandson, Xavior Perez. A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 at Wrights Mill Farm, 65 Creasy Rd. Canterbury. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam.

Ryan Michael Bishop
N. GROSVENORDALE — Ryan Michael Bishop, 23, of N. Grosvenordale, died Sept. 17, 2019, at home. He was born in Southbridge, raised in N. Grosvenordale and graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School. He worked as a track service assistant at Thompson Speedway.  He leaves his parent, Richard M. and Kerry L. (Sledzik) Bishop of Ocala, Fla.; a sister, Misty L. Bishop of N. Grosvenordale; a daughter, Kathryn M. Phillips; his paternal grandparents, Paul and Sandra Bishop Leesburg, Fla.; his maternal grandmother, Alma Arpin of N. Grosvenordale. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

Leona LaFountain
WEBSTER — Leona LaFountain, 82, died Sept. 15, 2019, at Webster Manor. She was born in Webster, the eldest daughter of the late Joseph and Constance Jeffrey (Lamothe). She worked as a police dispatcher in Dudley. and was also the secretary to the chief of police. She enjoyed feeding the squirrels peanuts and watching them out the window.  She leaves five children  Lynne Sward of N. Grosvenordale, Ct; Mark LaFountain (Kim) of Northbridge, Mass., Luann LaFountain (David) of Oxford, Mass., Suzanne Chase of Webster, Leonard LaFountain (Karen) of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; one brother: Leonard Jeffrey (Sandy) of Foresthill, Calif.; two sisters: Elaine Jeffrey of Quinebaug and Jeanne Wunsch (Edward) of Webster. The Prayer Service was Sept. 24 at Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley, with burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Webster. Donations: Dudley Police Association, 71 West Main St, Dudley, MA 01571.

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