Interact pg 4 11-18-21
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Nov. 9 members of the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club got together to create beautiful glittery ornaments for the elderly shut-ins in Putnam. Advisor Roberta Rocchetti had contacted Karen Osbrey from Daily Bread, also a Rotarian, and both were excited about the students’ idea to make the ornaments for senior citizens. Daily Bread asked for 75 ornaments to give to the senior citizens.
The Interact Club is getting ready to ring the bells at the kettles to raise money for the local Salvation Army office, Daily Bread and TEEG. Look for the Interact Club members and some of their fellow students Nov. 26, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at local stores.
The Interact Club’s next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Murphy Park classroom building. For more information about the Putnam Rotary Interact Club contact Roberta Rocchetti at 860-933-8603. Pictured are, top row, from left: Kaelyn Tremblay, Talia Tremblay, Emily St. Martin. Sitting: Nevaeh Ivory, Madison Briquier, Suzette Lefevre.
.
Boys pg 5 11-18-21
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
caption:
Awards
Five soccer players received ECC awards. From left: Macy Rawson (ECC Division I Honorable Mention All-Star); Haley Whitehouse (ECC Sportsmanship Award); Grace Gelhaus (ECC Division I All-Star); Addy Smith (ECC Scholar-Athlete) and Kayla Leite (ECC Division I Honorable Mention All-Star) were all honored. Photo by Dennis Snelling.
Woodstock Academy ran into a pretty good side in its second state tournament match. The Centaurs, the 28th-seed, fell behind early against No. 12 Wethersfield and lost 4-0 in a Class L second-round state tournament match on the road.
“I thought we played better in this game than we had in some games we won this season,” said Woodstock coach Paul Rearden.
The Eagles jumped out to a 3-0 first half. Wethersfield got its final goal 10 minutes into the second half.
The Centaurs were also handcuffed a bit when they were hit with a red card with 25 minutes left which left them short-handed for the remainder of the game. The loss ended the Centaurs season at 7-9-1.
Earlier in the week, Woodstock made the trek to Danbury worth it as it brought home a win from its Class L state tournament first-round match.
The Centaurs and No. 5 Abbott Tech tied at 1, but Woodstock took the penalty kick session, 3-2, to advance to second-round play.
Woodstock and Abbott finished scoreless in regulation although the Centaurs had their chances and neither team had many second half chances.
But both teams scored in overtime. The hosts got on the board first and Ty Morgan got the equalizer for the Centaurs in the second OT to force the penalty kicks. Jameson allowed only two PK’s to get by him and Woodstock advanced.
Girls’ Soccer: The season came to a close for the Woodstock girls’ soccer program also far from home. The Centaurs took on Branford in a Class L first-round state tournament game and fell to the Hornets, 1-0.
“We played better in the second half. We just couldn’t get close to their goal,” said Woodstock coach Dennis Snelling.
The Hornets got the only goal of the match in the first half. Branford was awarded a penalty kick and the ball was sent into a scrum in the middle of the box.
The Centaurs had some shots in the second half, but none were dangerous. But they managed to for the most part with sophomore keeper Rebecca Nazer stepping up when she had to and making 10 saves. The loss meant the Centaurs finish with a 5-9-3 record.
Snelling said the progress in a positive direction has been noteworthy lately.
“The last half of the match (vs. Branford) was the best we played. The game against Killingly was as strong as we could play.” Snelling said. “Our younger players are now officially high school athletes. When they came in, they had missed out on a lot from their eighth-grade year. You really don’t know what it’s like to play against 18-year-olds until you do it. They learned a lot and know what they have to do now.
Gold Prep Sweeps Power 5 Games: The legs were heavy Nov. 14. The Gold prep basketball completed a three-game weekend marathon also known as the Power 5 Conference Tip Off Tournament with a 92-69 win over Bridgeport Prep.
“It’s the nature of New England basketball and, on the positive side, we’re just glad that it’s back, that we’re able to play three games in three days,” said Woodstock coach Jacque Rivera.
The Centaurs scored 41 first-half points, but led by only 11 at halftime.
After Bridgeport Prep scored the first two points of the second half, the Centaurs scored the next nine with Trail getting four of his 20 points, to give Woodstock an 18-point lead.
After another Bridgeport Prep basket, the Centaurs went on another 10-point run and were able to breathe easier the remainder of the way.
Big center Jayden Webley was the only other player in double figures with 14.
The Centaurs are off to a 5-0 start.
The Gold squad opened the tournament with a 99-73 win over Rock Top National Nov. 12. Trail and Dominic Strothers both scored 12 points each to lead the Centaurs, Travonne Jackson and Jalen Pitre added 10 apiece.
They followed that up with a 69-57 win over Upper Room Christian Nov. 13. Trail scored 19 in that win.
The Centaurs have an even tougher test on the horizon as they travel to Albertus Magnus College to participate in the National Prep Showcase tournament beginning with a game against Hargrave Military Academy Nov. 19 and then a contest against Skills Factory Nov. 20.
Centaurs Blue Prep: Jan-Viljam Homanen led four players in double figures with 16 points, 14 of those in the second half as the Blue prep basketball team (2-3) broke a two-game losing streak with a 79-63 win over Upper Room Christian Maroon in the Power 5 Conference Tip Off tournament Nov. 13.
The Centaurs were playing with only 10 in uniform as they are a little bumped and bruised, according to Washington.
That made it even more important for Homanen to step up like he did. Kunga Tsering added 13 points while Logan Talbot tossed in 12 and Mike Pelletier 11.
All of Talbot’s points came on 3-pointers while Pelletier added a trio of his own while Tsering did his work inside. The Centaurs opened the tournament with a 71-63 loss to Lincoln Prep. Tsering led Woodstock with 23 points while Homanen added nine. Washington said: “The Power 5 Conference has been amazing. This tournament has been great and everything we could have asked for.” Earlier in the week, Tsering scored 14 but the Woodstock Academy Blue basketball team fell at West Point, N.Y. to Army Prep, 85-65.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
..
PSA pg 5 11-18-21
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
caption:
Dioubate by Khoi Ton
Nine months ago, Mouhamed Dioubate was essentially lost when he stepped out onto the basketball court at Putnam Science Academy.
He joined the Prep basketball team midway through its season after playing two years at John Bowne High School in Queens, N.Y., and was just so far behind the 8-ball that coach Tom Espinosa wasn’t comfortable putting him in the game for long stretches or in key moments, or even at all as he had six DNPs.
“People don’t realize it until they go through it, but it’s such a huge adjustment going from public school basketball to prep school basketball in New England,” Espinosa said recently. “It’s night and day. And it takes every kid – and I’m talking Hamidou Diallo, Hassan Diarra, all the guys who have been here multiple years – that first year is just such a big adjustment. Mouhamed got thrown in the fire last year in January and…it was really just a learning experience for him.”
Fast forward to the start of this season and Dioubate, a 6-foot, 7-inch, 215-pound forward, has been one of PSA’s best players, logging double-doubles in two of the last four games. He looks and acts like a completely different player.
“It felt different this year when I got onto campus,” Dioubate said last week after posting his second straight double-double. “I worked on my game all summer, worked on my body, everything. So I definitely felt different, I felt better. My confidence is up too, of course. When you work on something a lot, at some point you’re going to feel that way and just know that you can do what you you’ve been working on.
“Coming from public school basketball is just different. I came here and played against better players, bigger people. I had to catch up to a lot of stuff. The competition level is just so different. But I know what to expect and what I needed to do to be better.”
The numbers speak for themselves. In 13 games last year, he grabbed 38 rebounds; through six games this season, he’s got 46. He scored 48 points in those 13 games; he has 61 already this year.
“He’s playing with so much confidence,” Espinosa said. “He and I talked the other day and I told him we’re going to put him at his strengths. Around the rim, around the free throw line, just go get it. He’s playing with confidence and he’s playing hard. That’s what we tell our guys, just go out there and play as hard as you can. And Mouhamed Dioubate, every time he’s on the floor right now, he’s playing as hard as he can.”
Said Dioubate: “If they told me to play any position, I’ll play any position, any time. I feel like I’m capable, it doesn’t matter 1-5. I feel like I can play various positions and be versatile. I just go get the job done.”
The Mustangs went 4-0 last week, topping Notre Dame Prep 116-53 on Nov. 9, Rocktop Academy 131-88 Nov. 11, Lincoln Prep 85-57 Nov. 13, and Redemption Christian Academy 113-59 Nov. 14.
Against Notre Dame Prep, Dioubate recorded his first career double-double at PSA, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Barry Evans had 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals, Arturo Dean had 13 points and six assists.
Dean had 21 points, seven assists, and seven steals against Rocktop, while Dioubate had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Taiga Jones continued to shoot it well, knocking down three more 3-pointers on his way to 11 points.
Dean was the high-man again against Lincoln, finishing with 18 points and six steals. Josh Rivera added 11 points, and Claude 10.
Dioubate and Duane Thompson had 14 apiece Nov. 14 (Dioubate with eight more rebounds), Darryl Simmons had 13 points and five assists, both had 12 points.
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
..
Cal pg 6 11-18-21
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Wed. Nov. 17
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret presents an exhibit and sale of “Nature’s Canvas: Photography by Nancy L. Barrett” through the end of Nov.
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 8:30 am. To 1:30 p.m. and from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Putnam Elks on Edmond Street. 1-800-RED CROSS.
Fri. Nov. 19
Walk & Campfire
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret will present “Full Beaver Moon Walk and Campfire from 8 to 10 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Register: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Free to CAS members; $5 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Nov. 20
Hazardous Waste
POMFRET --- A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pomfret Community School. This is for household hazardous waste only and is only for Woodstock and Pomfret residents. Bring driver’s license. For list of eligible waste, go to the Town of Woodstock CT FB page.
Sun. Nov. 21
Thanksgiving
PUTNAM --- The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council Thanksgiving service will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. There will be a short presentation on the hosting of an Afghan family in the area. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85288424084. For info and the link: visit the Greater Putnam Interfaith Council website.
Mon. Nov. 22
Holiday Nature Store
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will hold its annual Holiday Nature Store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 23. 860-928-4948.
Fri. Nov. 26
Walktober Redux
EASTFORD --- The Last Green Valley Natchaug Trail OptOutside Hike will begin at 9 a.m. on the Natchaug Trail. RSVP: 774-3300.
Sat. Nov. 27
Tree Jubilee
PUTNAM --- Bradley Playhouse will present its Tree Jubilee and Wreath Extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 27 and Nov. 28. Chance to take home decorated tree or wreath and photos with Santa. Nonperishable food donations welcome.
Bluegrass Concert
DAYVILLE -- Killingly Grange, P of H #112, will present The Nick Anderson & Shady Creek Band at 7 p.m. Refreshments. $12 at door. Bear Minimum also playing. 705-3643.
Hiking
THOMPSON --- TLGV & NOW will present a Hiking 101 Acorn Adventure from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 4-9 (younger children welcome) and at 1 p.m. for kids 10 and older. Sponsored by Centreville Bank. Free. Register: www.NOWinMotion.org/Events or call: 860-774-3300.
Sun. Nov. 28
Dazzle Light Parade
PUTNAM --- Northeastern Connecticut's 20th annual Holiday Dazzle Light Parade will kick off at 5 p.m. from Grove Street and wind through downtown, ending at the new Putnam Municipal Complex. Rain date is Dec. 5. 860-928-1350.
Sun Spotting
GRISWOLD --- The Last Green Valley will present Night Sky Rangers Geoff and Kim at 1 p.m. at Hopeville State Park to do some sun spotting.
Thur. Dec. 2
Book Signing
POMFRET --- Pam Lefferts, co-founder of Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue and newly minted children’s author, will sign her book From Pouch to Couch: Why Lavender the Opossum Lives in a House at 1 p.m. at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road. No charge to attend the book signing.
Fri. Dec. 3
'White Christmas'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present "White Christmas" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19. $25 for adults; $22 for seniors/students/military. For the 1st 100 calls for the Dec. 3 performance, Centreville Bank will gift you one ticket of those purchased. 860-928-7887.
Sun. Dec. 5
Hospice Tree
Day Kimball Healthcare will present Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies at 5 p.m. at locations around northeastern Connecticut. Benefit: Hospice & Palliative Care of NE CT. More Info:daykimball.org/treeoflife
Sat. Dec. 25
Merry Christmas!
Tues. Dec. 28
Bird Watch
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will hold a Winter Bird Walk starting at 1 p.m. Register: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. $10 CAS members; $20 nonmembers.
Thur. Dec. 30
Nightingale Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will present “Hike Nightingale Forest South” at 9 a.m. at the Wyndham Land Trust. Register: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. $5 CAS members; $10 nonmembers. 960-928-4948.
Sat. Jan. 1, 2022
Happy New Year!
Sat. Feb. 19
Wee Walk
THOMPSON --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Animal Tracking at the Robins Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org.
Sat. May 7
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Salamander Search at the 3 B’s” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Aug. 6
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Bats at Lyon Preserve” will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Oct. 1
Wee Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Leaves and Mushrooms at Rapoport Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Nov. 5, 2022
Dueling Pianos
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will present Dueling Pianos Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino at 7 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. More Info:daykimball.org/pianos
.