Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
captions:
from left:
Cade Jones (right, No. 11) and Hunter Larson go up together for the block.
Cade Jones (11) attempts to spike down a point. Photos by Gavin Grant/Woodstock Academy.
Aiden Finch goes up for the kill against HMTCA.
On Friday, the Woodstock Academy boys’ volleyball team picked up its seventh win of the season.
“I’m very happy, said senior Hunter Larson. “We knew coming in that we wanted to make the state tournament. That was our goal and now, we’re just one win away. It’s a relief having this many wins this early in the season.”
Woodstock posted three consecutive 3-0 victories over the likes of Hartford Magnet Trinity Catholic Academy, Innovation High School and the Aerospace Academy/International High School co-op to raise their record to 7-3.
“It is what it is, the league is not a super-strong league but I think that’s OK because if we were in a tougher league, we would be struggling,” said coach Adam Bottone. “It’s nice when we mix in some of those tougher games, like Farmington, Newington, Norwich Free Academy and Rockville, so getting the wins is definitely helping the guys with their confidence. It helps when the games are not so intense when we’re still, at times, struggling with knowing where we’re supposed to be. It’s been a little chaotic with break, people being away and people being out of position, so it’s been a great week to have games that were not as tough.”
The Centaurs completed a perfect spring break week with an easy 25-10, 25-6, 25-10 shutout victory over Aerospace Academy-International HS on Friday in Bloomfield.
Larson had seven kills and Owen Budd added four kills and five aces in the victory for the Centaurs.
Larson has been one of those who has been learning through the experience of playing and having a grand old time doing so.
“I’m having a lot of fun. This is a lot less stress than other sports. Everyone has a lot of fun playing and are having a good experience right now,” Larson said. “I played on the club team last year and from then to now is a big difference. I feel more natural on the court.”
Earlier in the week, the Centaurs played their third match in four days, including the Farmington battle, and some of that fatigue may have shown early when they had to survive a little overtime in the first set for a 26-24 win over Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy.
But Woodstock put it together in the second and third sets, winning 25-13 and 25-12 to sweep their opponents at the Alumni Fieldhouse.
Aiden Finch had eight kills while Jake Henderson tossed in 15 assists. Brayden Bottone was again effective behind the service line with 13 points including seven aces.
“My son has been doing very well behind the service line and I didn’t expect that from him. He didn’t serve a lot during our club season,” Adam Bottone said.
Nate Billings had six digs.
“Nate has stepped into kind of a utility role where he will play Libero, will play outside (hitter) or he will play defensive specialist. He’s willing do it, may not be always happy to do it, but is willing to do it and he always pulls through for us,” Adam Bottone said with a laugh. “Christian Hart has been doing a great job when he plays Libero. Guys like Hunter Larson and Cade Jones, who haven’t played much in the past, they’re getting it, it’s starting to click for them, and are having a lot more success with their understanding of the game and, specifically, their play at the net.”
Things continued to go right on Wednesday.
Eight was the lucky number for the Centaurs as Finch, Jones and Larson all finished with eight kills in the win over Innovation High School at the Alumni Fieldhouse.
Henderson delivered most of them as he had 26 assists for Woodstock Academy which swept the sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-15.
It meant the Newington game on Monday (it ended too late for this edition) loomed large for the team.
A win would give the Centaurs a postseason berth.
“That was our first goal when we met on the very first day, I said ‘Let’s see if we can qualify for States and go from there,’” Bottone said. “I’m really excited about that, very pleased with the progress we have made, the boys are excited. I feel like we’re in a good place and can definitely get there.”
The Centaurs have only suffered one loss in the Connecticut Volleyball League.
That came against Wolcott Tech.
On Wednesday, they meet another team with one loss, NFA, in Norwich.
“Their only loss is to Wolcott Tech as well. That’s a huge game for seeding purposes because we only play each other once that counts for the league. As important as it is to get a win on Monday to qualify for States, that match (at NFA) is potentially even bigger,” Bottone said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
..
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
PUTNAM — Albert Lawrence Zadziejko of Putnam died peacefully April 18, 2024. Born Oct. 3, 1943, in Queens New York he was the son of Adam Zadziejko and Anna Zadziejko (Guertin) who predeceased him.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Lourdes, of 23 years. They were always at each other’s side, constant companions, and best friends. And sadly missed by his daughter, Dee Gascon; his sons, Gregory and Michael Zadziejko, passed before him. He leaves two brothers, Charles Guertin (Gayle) and Peter Guertin, three granddaughters, Sarah, Erin, and Angela Gascon; nephews and nieces.
Everyone who met Al commented on what a special person he was. Al and Lourdes spent every waking moment together. He was a very caring and devoted husband. Lourdes has lovingly cared for him this past year.
He loved his family very much and was a devoted dad to his children. He shared a special bond with his daughter, Dee, that was priceless. That loving bond carried through to his three granddaughters.
Al was hard working and enjoyed staying busy all the time. He worked at Anchor Glass for 30 years. At the end of his career, he worked for 16 years at Nutmeg Container before retiring in 2016.
Over the years he attended several churches and faithfully served at each one. Al was always willing to share his faith in Jesus telling those he met “I’ll see you in church!”
There will be no public wake or memorial service. Burial will be at the family’s discretion. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
.
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
caption:
Sally Rogers and kindergartners
The science of
sound delights
kindergartners
WOODSTOCK — Thanks to Performing Arts of Northeast CT, local kindergarten classes have enjoyed learning about science and music for the last seven years from talented musician and educator Sally Rogers.
At Woodstock Elementary School in late March, one kindergarten class paid close attention for nearly a full hour to Rogers’ interactive program exploring the nature and creation of sound and music. Students sang, played instruments, asked scientific questions, tested theories, learned concepts and vocabulary, and each child even got to conduct a tiny percussion performance by their classmates.
The Science of Sound in-class workshop supplements school music curricula by engaging children in inquiry-based learning and guided critical thinking. Rogers estimated that over eight years, “We’ve probably served close to 8,000 students with this program.”
.
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Wed. April 24
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- —The Friends of the Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library and Display Case series, “The 1st Annual Quiet Corner Community Art Show: Expansion” through April 26. Reception is 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 15.
Photo Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit by Putnam resident and photographer Janet McDonald is now on display in the Municipal Complex’s Corridor Gallery. Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 9.
Sat. April 27
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Long Pond Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson. $10 members; $20 nonmembers. Register by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 860-928-4948.
Beautification Day
PUTNAM --- Putnam’s annual Beautification Day will be held starting with a gathering at 8:30 a.m. at Putnam Rotary Park where volunteer teams will receive their assignments. A volunteer appreciation lunch will be held at the park from 11 a.m. to noon. Trophies awarded. For info or to volunteer, call 860-963-6800, ext. 140. Funded in part by The Last Green Valley and the Town of Putnam.
Drug Takeback
PUTNAM --- The Prescription Drug Takeback Day, sponsored by the Putnam Police Department and the Hale YMCA will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion on Kennedy Drive. Drive through.
Sun. April 28
Ham Radio Market
DAYVILLE --- The Eastern Connecticut Amateur Radio Association (ECARA) is holding its annual ham radio flea market, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Killingly High School cafeteria. There will be a flea market with radios, electronics, GMRS, shortwave, computers and other items, seminars, food trucks, an FCC ham radio license exam session, and more. Free parking for all, and free admission for all students. Admission is a $5 donation to ECARA, vendor table rentals are $15 each, please reserve in advance. More information is available at ECARA.net or email Jon Fournier at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fri. May 3
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Virginia Rail Bird Walk” at 6 p.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Book/Bake Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 will hold a book and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. May 3 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 4 in the church basement.
Sat. May 4
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Beginners Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Pride Festival
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam, Putnam Parks and Recreation will present the Quiet Corner Pride Festival from noon to 4 p.m. at Rotary Park. Vendors sought.www.quietcornerpride.com.
Pomfret Tag Sale
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors Association’s 18th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale begins at 7 a.m. on May 4 with the purchase of a printed map for $2 at Pomfret Community School or Christ Church Pomfret. More than 50 locations for bargain hunting and many benefit nonprofit organizations.
Puzzle/Game Swap
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library Puzzle & Board Game Swap will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring in gently used puzzles & board games Tuesday, April 30 through Friday, May 3, during regular Library hours. Join us May 4 to complete your swap. 860-923-9779.
Fri. May 10
Bird Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Friedman Forest Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at Joshua’s Trust preserve. Day Road. $20 for CAS members; $30 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 11
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Gellert Preserve Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Wyndham Land Trust Preserve at 8 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Plant Sale
WOODSTOCK --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Agriculture Building on the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Rt. 169. It will feature perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetable plants, trees and shrubs, and because it’s always held the Saturday before Mother’s Day, fresh floral arrangements and crafts will also tempt. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. Sponsors include: The Putnam Area Foundation, our perennial sponsor; Two Gold Moons, Air Plant sponsor; and Rawson Materials sponsoring the Botanical Crafts. It benefits scholarships for local students studying horticulture-related fields, for civic projects such as children’s gardens in schools and libraries, plantings at senior housing facilities and memorial sites throughout the region. QuietCornerGardenClub.com.
Sun. May 12
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Mother’s Day Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Moms free. Register: 860-928-4948.
Wed. May 15
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “20 Warbler Day” from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. carpooling from the center on Day Road. $25 for CAS members; $50 for nonmembers. Moms free. Register: 860-928-4948.
Thur. May 16
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Cabbage Hill Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Fri. May 17
Concert
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present Cindy Kallet, Grey Larsen & Will Brown in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the center on Day Road. $20 advance reservations; $25 at the door. Reserve at: 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 18
Fairy Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present a Fairy and Magic Fest.
Pancake Breakfast
PUTNAM --- In honor of Armed Forces Day, Boy Scout Troop 21 will sponsor a free pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon in the St. Mary's Church Hall.
Bird Banding
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Bird Banding Demonstration” at 9 a.m. at the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. June 1
Bat Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Bats: Winged Wonders” at 2 p.m. at the center on Day Road. Presentation by Maureen Heidtmann, one of only three licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut specializing in caring for bats. Includes overview of bats of the world, with an emphasis on our local species. She will cover myths and misconceptions, roles they play in ensuring a healthy planet, perils they face as they struggle to survive and their amazing resilience. She’ll bring an “ambassador” bat with her. No registration required. $5 for CAS members; $10 non-members. 860-928-4948.
Sat. June 8
Singers/Songwriters of ‘70s
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present Jim Lenn with “The Ovation Guitar & Singers/Songwriters of the ‘70s from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Registration required.
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.
.
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Progress
The masonry students from Ellis Tech spent Monday putting in the forms for the concrete walkways in the Veterans Memorial Park in Putnam. Last week the walkways were dug by the Putnam Highway Department. Ellis electrical students have roughed in the electrical workings for the lamp posts and spotlights. Irrigation is also roughed in. Eventually there will be eight monuments circling chronologically. More stories, photos on our FB page: Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger. Linda Lemmon photo.
.