PUTNAM — With the summer well underway, most of the focus has been on the boys’ and girls’ basketball programs at Putnam Science Academy with several students receiving Division 1 offers on the AAU Circuit.
As the month of July winds down, the boys’ soccer program at PSA is just getting started looking to duplicate last year’s performance that saw the first-year program go 12-1-2. On Aug. 12, the Putnam Science Academy Prep and Varsity boys’ soccer teams will head to Bermuda for a soccer camp. More than 30 students will be representing PSA as they travel to Bermuda to compete against other high-level soccer programs such as Berkshire School Prep and three different aged-Bermudian teams in friendly matches.
Putnam Science Academy added a first-year boys’ varsity program to go along with the boys’ prep team as numbers for the soccer team piled up at the end of the year.
Head Coach Ivan Damulira said: “This is a great opportunity for these kids to not only play against other top talent but to experience a trip as a team. Team bonding is always important and to experience a place like Bermuda as a team I think it will do wonders for us moving forward.”
With the addition of the boys’ varsity team, 15 more spots opened up for the program and the battle for playing time on the prep team will be a good one. But Damulira isn’t worried about who makes what team saying, “We embrace a competitive atmosphere here and yes we have a lot of new faces so there will be a little bit of a challenge getting used to each other’s playing styles but we experienced the same thing last year and it worked out well.”
The two teams from Putnam Science will be staying at the Bermuda Warwick Camp and will play there games at Southampton Rangers Football Club, just a 7-minute walk from the camp. The PSA Boys Varsity 2 team will begin play Aug. 12 vs the Bermuda Select Boys 1 Team while the PSA Boys Varsity 1 team kicks off play on Tuesday vs Berkshire Prep.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
..
Laura A. Perkins
THOMPSON — Laura Ann Perkins, 33, of Thompson, died unexpectedly on June 30, 2019, at home.
Born Feb. 5, 1986, in Norwich, she was the daughter of Tammy LeBeau and Brian Foster.
Laura had an unbreakable bond with each and everyone in her family. She was passionate about cooking and spent much of her free time cooking dinners for her family and friends. She also had a great passion for animals, she called her brother’s dogs her nieces, Lexi and Jewel. Laura enjoyed long rides listening to her favorite music.
She leaves her mother Tammy LeBeau; her father Brian Foster; her three brothers Kyle LeBeau, Justin Higgins, Randy Higgins; her aunt Michelle LeBeau Mackin who was like a mother to her and her aunt Polly Kirk; her uncles Tim Kirk, Quentin Mackin; cousins, Shaine Bonin, Ricky Kirk, Kim Sparkman, Justin Higgins, Randy Higgins, Kyle LeBeau and Megan LeBeau; special friends: Ashley Pallini, Sarah and Delilah Johnson and Andrew (Stenz). She was beyond excited to meet her new baby niece Alina. She was predeceased by her grandparents Paul and Deborah LeBeau and her uncle Craig LeBeau.
A Memorial Service was July 13 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
William J. Fletcher
VOLUNTOWN — William J. Fletcher, 76, of Voluntown, died July 3, 2019. William was born in Oneco, and was son of the late William and Hazel Fletcher.
He was kind, caring and generous to his family and friends. He loved nature and loved taking his dog and best friend Buddy for walks.
He leaves his sister, Mary Seyford of Brooklyn; his nephew William Caron of Killingly, his nephew Peter Caron of Fort Myers, Fla.; his niece Jennifer Seyford of Brooklyn.
Burial will be private. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Marie Ann Michon
PUTNAM — Marie Ann (Derosier) Michon “Nun Nun”, 72, of Putnam, died July 7, 2019. Born May 21, 1947, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Armand and Marie (Moran) Derosier. She was married to the late Arthur “Sonny” Michon in 1968.
A resident of northeastern Connecticut her entire life Marie attended Putnam Catholic Academy and graduated from the Connecticut Institute of Cosmetology in 1966.
She began her career as a dedicated cosmetologist immediately following graduation and worked in local salons until her retirement from Shear Reflections in 2011. Marie’s commitment to quality hair care and her customers made a lasting impact on all those she treated. Alongside her passion for beauty. She was an avid swimmer and loved sailing at Alexander’s Lake in her youth.
She also enjoyed ceramics and bowling. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella. Marie also worked in the Kitchen for Killingly Board of Education for eight years.
She was a resident of Davis Place Nursing Home for six years.
She leaves her son Kurt R. Michon (Colleen C. Harvey-Michon) of Danielson; her granddaughter Alyssa M. Harvey of Danielson; her best friend of 34 years Gary J. Brisson of Central Village; her sister Thelma Fountain of Dayville; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother Armand Derosier.
A Mass of Christian Burial was July 11 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Dayville.
Donations: Kurt R. Michon 3021 David Ave., Danielson, CT 06239.
Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Barbara Ann Green
E. WOODSTOCK — Barbara Ann Green, 71, of E. Woodstock, died July 11, 2019. She was the wife of Merton K. Green Jr.
She was born May 29, 1948, in Rockville, daughter of the late Marjorie and Alexander Koschwitz. She married Merton K. “Kenny” Green Jr. Feb. 7, 1987.
Growing up she achieved an associates’ degree in accounting. She entered into business with her sister Joan Bennett in a floral business. She then moved on to work for Whitcraft with her husband Kenny Green before she retired.
In addition to her husband Merton K. “Kenny” Green Jr., she leaves her daughter Fiona, daughter Irish and Neal Phillips of Ohio; son William McMahon of Massachusetts; stepson Dave and Shari Green of Florida and stepson Kenneth Green; stepdaughter Angela Barlow; sister Joan and Michael Bennett; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four-legged family Morgan and Misty.
A Celebration of Life was July 15 at the E. Woodstock Congregational Church. Donations: Fiona’s future c/o Kenny Green, PO Box 309, E. Woodstock, CT. 06244. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St. Putnam.
John E. Plaga
PUTNAM — John E. Plaga, 65, of River Rd., died July 10, 2019, after a short illness.
Born in 1953 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Edward and Lucille (Lucier) Plaga.
For more than 40 years, John traveled the roads from the Northeast to the Midwest as an owner/operator long haul truck driver.
He took pride in his many Peterbilts and was a true road warrior.
In addition to trucking, John enjoyed collecting guns, model trains and working in his yard.
He leaves his sister Cynthia Martin (Paul) of Pomfret Center; his brother-in-law Leo Gendreau of Putnam; his nieces Michelle Baranski of N. Grosvenordale; Laura Krause (Mike) of Brooklyn; his great-nephews Nathan Baranski and Tyler Krause and his great-niece Emma Krause. He was predeceased by his sister, Tina Gendreau.
The Mass of Christian Burial was July 13 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery.
Donations: The American Cancer Society.
Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Thomas Solomakos
PUTNAM — Thomas Solomakos of School Street was called to be the Lord’s Angel June 26, 2019.
He was born Jan. 6, 1954, in Acushnet, Mass, and was an employee of Nutmeg Container for many years before retiring.
He leaves his wife Linda; his sisters Pat, Nancy; many friends.
Info on memorial service at
Tod R. Lind
BROOKLYN — Tod R. Lind, 61, of Maple Circle, died unexpectedly Jan. 8, 2019. He was the husband of Elaine (Waterhouse) Lind.
Born in 1957 in Holden, Mass., he was the son of the late Carl and Ruth “Shirley” (Oslebo) Lind.
A Celebration of Tod’s Life was July 14. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Mary A Belcher
SHREWSBURY, Mass. — Mary A. (Cummins) Belcher, 79, died July 13, 2019, at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester. She was the wife of the late John C. Belcher who died in 2014.
She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Thomas Cummins and Isabelle (Lukas) Cummins and lived in Worcester area all her life. Mary had her own business, she was known for her creation of porcelain dolls and went by the name of The Dizzy Doll. She enjoyed ceramics and crafting.
She leaves three daughters, Debby Faunce (Michael) of Spencer, Mass., Kelly Haulk (William) of Woodstock, and Shannon Belcher (Robert Brown) of Woodstock; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Graveside Services were held in Shrewsbury. Donations: St. Anne Church, Shrewsbury. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
William F. Borski,
Army vet
CHARLTON/WEBSTER — William F. Borski, 78, died May 14, 2019, at the Charlton Manor.
He was born in Webster, son of the late Joseph A. Borski Sr. and Alice (LaPlante) Borski. William was a U.S. Army veteran.
He leaves a brother Joseph Borski (Janice) of Florida; a sister Jacqueline Arpin (Jerry) of Thompson. He was predeceased by his brothers, Kenneth, James, Theodore, Gary and Ronnie, sisters, Kathy Champagne, Janet Borski, Shirley Rekowski, and Erna Krysinski.
A Graveside Service with military honors was held in St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Donations: Webster-Dudley Veteran Council, Veteran Way, Webster, MA 01570. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Edmund Kasierski Jr.
WEBSTER — Edmund A. Kasierski Jr., 56, died July 10, 2019, after a long illness at the University of Massachusetts Healthcare Center, Worcester.
He was born in Webster to Edmund A. Kasierski Sr. and the late Pauline (Wilkesman) Kasierski and lived in Webster most of his life. Edmund was a sheet metal worker at former Eagle Sheet Metal, Webster. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, Thompson and Stafford Speedway.
He leaves his partner Susan Miller of Webster; his father Edmund A. Kasierski Sr. and his step-mother Claire Kasierski of N. Grosvenordale; his uncle George Kasierski of Dennis, Mass.; half-brother Kevin Kasierski of N. Grosvenordale; two stepdaughters Ekko McKnightt of Webster and Tuesday Miller of Putnam; three grandchildren, Jayden, Jordan and Jennah. He is predeceased by a daughter Tori Miller and his mother Pauline (Wilkesman) Kasierski. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
..
Successful Fund-raiser
PUTNAM — Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center’s first annual Road to Wellness event raised $22,000 and more than 100 people took part. The success will be able to put hundreds more community members through the LiveSTRONG program, helping them get back on their Road to Wellness after battling cancer. The YMCA thanked sponsors Wheelabrator Putnam Inc., Weiss, Hale & Zahansky, Putnam Plastics, Stephen & Ellen Delpapa, Cargill Chevrolet, Westview Sports Medicine, Rawson Materials, Danielson Surplus Sales, The Center for Bone & Join Care and Fluid Coating Technology, Inc. The top fundraiser was Team Body by Design, which raised more than $1,600.
.
WOODSTOCK — More than 200 awards and scholarships graced the Woodstock Academy’s annual Class Night and Baccalaureate program.
Generous donors and community partners contributed to the more than $163,000 awarded to Woodstock Academy students during the event.
By a vote of the senior class, social studies teacher Greg Smith was chosen as the inspirational speaker for the Baccalaureate portion of the evening.
Senior class president, Madilyn Grube of Eastford, welcomed the families, guests, and classmates. Senior class treasurer, Emily Menard of Woodstock, presented the senior class gift.
Ninety-five seniors received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence awarded to students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
2019 Awards and Scholarships
Samuel Allegretti: Air Force Math & Science Award, Natalie & Robert W. Randall Memorial Award, Outstanding Achievement in AP Statistics, Outstanding Achievement in Physics, & Susan Dorrance Gordon Scholarship for Outstanding Math Student; Ashleigh Angle: Outstanding Achievement in German IV Honors & Richard W. Franklin Memorial Scholarship; Peyton Aubin: Outstanding Achievement in Game Design; Vanessa Barylski: Outstanding Achievement in The Developing Child; Morgan Bassett: Outstanding Achievement in Latin IV ACC/ECE; Kenneth Birlin: Senior Video Contest - Best Script & Technical Execution; Owen Borski: Head of School Award - 2018/19 School Year, Most Deserving Senior Boy - Nelson Morse Award, National Honor Society Scholarship; Kathleen Boshka: Michael Wlaszkiewicz Memorial Award; Abigail Botta: Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association Scholarship; Brianna Bradley: Martha Paul Memorial Scholarship; Kyle Buell: Outstanding Achievement in 3D Animation & Design; Hannah Burgess: Outstanding Achievement in Spanish VI ACC, Putnam Rotary Scholarship, William and Gladys Murdock Scholarship, Windham-Tolland Retired Teacher Association Scholarship, & Woodstock Agricultural Society Scholarship; Logan Burton: Outstanding Achievement in Organic Chemistry; Nguyen Cai: High Achievement in AP Calculus AB & Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry; Grant Cerrone: High Achievement in Computer Science; Cameron Chandler: Elias Farquhar Memorial Scholarship; Summer Chaponis: Putnam Rotary Scholarship; Jasmine Charland: Senexet Grange John F. Duffy Memorial Scholarship; Du Cheng: Outstanding Achievement in Career and College Readiness; Amina Choudhry: High Achievement in Engineering CAD; Amina Choudhry: Putnam Rotary Scholarship; Noelle Ciccarelli: Christopher Bradley Memorial Scholarship: Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Science, Williams Scholarship Robertson Essay 3rd Place, Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association Scholarship; Emily Colangelo: Outstanding Achievement in Current Affairs; Spencer Collins: High Achievement in Family Foods and Nutrition, & SPIROL International Scholarship; Heather Converse: Outstanding Achievement in Psychology, Putnam #46 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Educational Marvin Barrett Award, SPIROL International Scholarship, Steve Bousquet Memorial Golf Scholarship, Susan Dorrance Gordon Latin Prize , The Town of Woodstock College Campus Dormitory Fire and Life Safety Scholarship, Woodstock Agricultural Society Fran Stevens Award, & Woodstock Education Foundation Director’s Award; Lucas Couture: David W. Marsland Memorial Scholarship, Outstanding Male Instrumentalist, Pomfret Lion’s Club, Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association
Scholarship, & Woodstock Lions Club Scholarship; Allison Crescimanno: Brooklyn Education Association Scholarship & Woodstock Agricultural Society Scholarship; Shannon D’Alessandro: High Achievement in Family Foods and Nutrition; Minh Tran Duc Dang: High Achievement in ECE Calculus; Brianna Dennett: Outstanding Achievement in Spanish IV ACC/ECC; Seyla Dodge: 20" x 30" Art Show & Outstanding Senior Artist; Waverly Dombkowski: American Legion Americanism Award, Charles Cournoyer Memorial Scholarship, Congressional Certificate of Merit, National Honor Society Scholarship & Outstanding Achievement in Human Rights. Rebecca Douglas, Woodstock Agricultural Society Scholarship; Ely Driscoll: Arlene Bradley Memorial Scholarship/Science Award, Community Foundation of Eastern CT Dennis S. Barlow Scholarship, Community Foundation of Eastern CT Edith Wheaton Smith Scholarship, Kenneth Beatson Award & Outstanding Achievement in Drone Design; Mackenzie Eaton: Bethany T. Dauray Memorial Scholarship & Outstanding Achievement in English 4; McKenna Gagnon: 20" x 30" Art Show, Silas Bunnell Memorial Scholarship, Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association Scholarship, Woodstock Agricultural Society Preston T. Roberts Mem. Scholarship & Young American Award; Ivy Gelhaus: Outstanding Achievement in Latin I Honors; Giorgia Giannini: High Achievement in Innovative Technology, Outstanding Achievement in French III Honors, Outstanding Achievement in Spanish V AP/ACC/ECE, & Williams Scholarship Robertson Essay 2nd Place; Jenna Gormley: Outstanding Achievement in Architectural Design & Woodstock Agl Society Scholarship; Emma Green: Woodstock Academy Ambassador Award; Cole Gremo: High Achievement in Game Design; Madeline Gronski: Pomfret Lion’s Club & Woodstock Lions Club Scholarship; Madelyn Grube; Community Foundation of Eastern CT Esther & Lucie Harmon & Leta Sabin Trepal Scholarship, David H. Luppi Memorial Scholarship, Most Deserving Senior Girl Ingraham/Parkerton and WAEA Award, Putnam Rotary Scholarship, & Woodstock Agricultural Society Scholarship; Cole Hackett: Outstanding Achievement in AP Macroeconomics; Katherine Harrington: Connecticut Women’s Golf Association Scholarship, Outstanding Achievement in Mandarin III Honors, & UCONN Presidential Scholars Award; Savannah Henault: Moosup Fire Department Scholarship & Outstanding Achievement in Early Childhood Education; Shannon Hermann: Outstanding Achievement in Pastry and Baking; Ethan Holcomb: Head of School Award – June; Jack Hovestadt: UCONN Academic Excellence Scholarship; Lauren Hovestadt: Woodstock Agricultural Society Scholarship; Ke Hu: Outstanding Achievement in AP Calculus BC; Hannah Ives: Douglas Foisy Memorial Scholarship & High Achievement in Family Foods & Nutrition; Hailey Jaques: High Achievement in Computer Science; Zhiqi Ji 20" x 30" Art Show; Nathan John: William L. Parkerton Memorial Award; Emily King: Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association Scholarship; Charles Kratochvil: High Achievement in Psychology; David La Salvia: High Achievement in Exploring Multimedia; Jonathan Latham: 13-Year Perfect Attendance Award, Community Foundation of Eastern CT Edith Wheaton Smith Scholarship, & High Achievement in Advanced Engineering/Robotics; Abbe Lecuyer: Outstanding Achievement in Family & Consumer Sciences; Jacob Ledbetter: High Achievement in Advanced Engineering/Robotics & Outstanding Achievement in Exploring Multimedia; Noah MacAlister: Accounting Award, Linemaster Switch Business Scholarship, Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship; Zoe Manfredi: Karen’s Cause Scholarship, Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association Scholarship; Kathryn Mason: Kristina Noe Memorial Scholarship & Outstanding Achievement in Forensics; Liam McDermott: Luke Leaders 1248 Scholarship, Outstanding Achievement in International Relations, Putnam Rotary Scholarship, & SPIROL International Scholarship; Delaney McIntire: High Achievement in Engineering CAD; Emily Menard: Marvin N. and Susan Weed Sherman Memorial Scholarship; Alexa Michalski: Nancy Brush Memorial Award; Samantha Mowry: High Achievement in Family and Consumer Sciences; Kasidit Muenprasitivej: High Achievement in AP Calculus AB; Sarah Naveed: 20" x 30" Art Show & Wiltsie Most Improved in Science Award; Lauren Neely: Outstanding Achievement in Italian IV Honors, Putnam Rotary Scholarship, & Senexet Grange Helena B. Duffy Memorial Scholarship; Chloe Nolin: German National Honor Society Scholarship & High Achievement in Innovative Technology; Samantha Orlowski: 20" x 30" Art Show, Gerry Suprenant Memorial Scholarship, & Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association Scholarship; Tavia Orvos: High Achievement in Family Foods and Nutrition; Zachary Paige: Louise P. Jordan Memorial Award for Outstanding Male Vocalist & Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association Scholarship; Brooklyn Penkauskas: Outstanding Female Instrumentalist; Noah Pepper: High Achievement in 3D Animation and Design: Holden Pimental: Eleanor Peterson Lawton Memorial Scholarship; Eric Preston: The Woodstock Academy Ambassador Award; Nathan Price: UConn Award; Shane Rickell: High Achievement in 3D Animation and Design; Margaret Ritzau: Abraham and Evelyn Rodensky Memorial Award for Excellence in Writing, Louise P. Jordan Memorial Award for Outstanding Female Vocalist, Outstanding Achievement in History, Tri-M Award, & Woodstock Academy Music Parents’ Association Scholarship; Nicole Robichaud: Outstanding Achievement in Personal Finance; John Rogers: August Walter “Gus” Loos Memorial Scholarship; Mariangela Ruggeri: Charles Couture Memorial Award, National Honor Society Scholarship, & Outstanding Achievement in Law; Maria Scandalito: Putnam Rotary Scholarship, Rotaract Club Scholarship, & Woodstock Ag Society Ray Donnelly Mem. Scholarship; Lauren Semancik: Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Community Scholarship, Head of School Award - 2018/19 School Year, & QRS Compassion Scholarship; Haley Short: Putnam Rotary Scholarship; Madison Skellett: Outstanding 4-Year Achievement in History & Social Sciences; Olivia Stanikmas: Elias Farquhar Memorial Scholarship; Connor Starr: Outstanding Achievement in Mandarin II; Emma Strandson: Douglas Foisy Memorial Scholarship; Regan Stuyniski: Outstanding Achievement in Family Foods and Nutrition; Lydia Taft: Outstanding Achievement in Latin II Honors; Ame Tsamaase: Donald B. Williams & Hope K. Williams Scholarship Robertson Essay 1st Place, Douglas Foisy Memorial Scholarship, Putnam Rotary Scholarship, & Woodstock Ag Society Scholarship; Abigail Vaida: Outstanding Achievement in Sociology; Emma Vallone: Edward Rondeau Memorial Scholarship, Destiny Watkins: Outstanding Achievement in Pastry and Baking; Mikayla Wilcox: Dr. David Bates/Dr. Rudolph Klare Memorial Scholarship, Hannah Green Memorial Scholarship, Karen’s Cause Scholarship, Outstanding Achievement in International Business, & Putnam #46 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons Educational Award; Joseph Woronecki: American Legion Americanism Award; Helen Plassmann Memorial Scholarship & Outstanding Achievement in Explorations in Woodworking; Zhexuan Wu: 20" x 30" Art Show & Outstanding Artist of the Year; Kejian Wu: Outstanding Achievement in French IV Honors; Morgan Zajac: John Conover Memorial Scholarship & Laskey Memorial Scholarship; Chuyi Zhang: Outstanding Achievement in Accounting & Outstanding Achievement in Culinary Arts; Michael Zheng: Charles and Millicent and Richard Noren Memorial Scholarship, High Achievement in ECE Calculus, Outstanding Achievement in Anatomy and Physiology, Outstanding Achievement in AP US History, Outstanding Achievement in Biology, Outstanding Achievement in ECE Statistics, & UCONN Academic Excellence Scholarship.
..