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Next Stop
Woodstock Academy prep basketball player Ethan Edwards, above, left, will attend and play basketball for Brandeis University in the 2021-22 season. Above right:  Woodstock Academy post-graduate basketball player Quaran McPherson will play for the University of Nebraska in the 2021-22 season. Marc Allard photos.

A host of Woodstock Academy prep basketball players have decided where they will attend school and play basketball come this fall.
Guard Quaran McPherson has signed on to play for the University of Nebraska in the Big-10.
Mark Heber will return to his native New Jersey and play for Division-II Caldwell University; Kyle Alcy will play for Post University, a Division-II school in Waterbury; Jayden Beloti will return home to North Carolina and play for Division-II Elizabeth City and Ethan Edwards is headed to Brandeis University in Massachusetts to play Division III basketball.
“Coach Jacque Rivera has done an amazing job in recruiting these kids and getting these kids aid to go to school for free,” said Woodstock Academy assistant prep basketball coach Denzel Washington. “The coaching staff has worked hard, long days, long nights, to make sure these guys are able to go to college. Kudos to the coaching staff and the teachers who taught through a pandemic and made this all possible.”
Washington added that the season, as a whole, was difficult because there were so many different moving parts.
The Centaurs spent the first month and a half of the basketball season, outside on the football field turf, practicing as best they could.
Eventually, the team was allowed to go back into the gym and after several weeks of intrasquad scrimmages were able to get some games in.
“Overall, it was great because the kids were able to play and that’s what mattered the most. They were able to do it safely. There were no hiccups or pauses where we lost games. They were able to be put in front of college coaches and were able to display their talent,” Washington said.
Edwards agreed that while there was no national championship tournament or a Power-5 Conference title to play for, the season was satisfying.
“I still had a good experience,” Edwards said.
McPherson returned to Woodstock Academy for a second season last fall.
But he left at midseason due to pandemic-related issues.
”We were sad to see Quaran go midway through his postgraduate year due to the uncertainty of the season at the time of his decision. It was great pleasure to work with Quaran as he came to us at a time when most counted him out after his injury in his junior season. He brought a competitiveness to our program and aggressive frame of mind,” Rivera said.
The Centaurs head coach was happy to see McPherson land with a major program like the Cornhuskers.
“We are extremely excited to see Quaran receive a full scholarship. He is well deserving of the opportunity afforded to him. He like many of the kids in our program used this opportunity at WA to move his career forward,” Rivera said.
Rivera feels the Nebraska program, which finished 7-20 last year, is on the rise as it has been recruiting players who are physical, sport a competitive edge, and may have a little chip on their shoulder.
Heber, a 6-foot, 1-inch guard, was pursued relentlessly by Caldwell.
“They called every day, they texted every day, sometimes too much, but they made sure they made Mark know that he was a priority,” Washington said. “As far as playing time, Mark will have to earn his stripes. The program is very good with a great coaching staff.”
Heber joins another former Woodstock Academy player at Caldwell, Danny Dade, who will be a sophomore for the Cougars.
Alcy, a 6-7 forward from Massachusetts, will stay in Connecticut.
“Post University is getting a very dynamic player in Kyle Alcy,” Washington said. “He has grown so much from the time he stepped on campus to the time he graduated (on June 12). He talks throughout the game, always screaming, always yelling, high energy, a really good teammate.”
While Edwards, a 5-11 guard, embarks on his career at a Division III school, Washington believes the Brooklyn, N.Y., native may have made the best choice of all.
“Brandeis is right outside the heart of Boston. I’m so happy for Ethan because he could not have chosen a better school. It’s unheard of to go to Brandeis for free and that’s what he is doing. He might be in one of the best situations of any player who has committed because he is setting himself up for the future,” Washington said.
Edwards considers it a chance to advance not only his athletic, but academic future.
“The coaches and I really connected but it’s also one of the top academic schools in the country and I considered it a great opportunity,” Edwards said.
Edwards wants to be a computer engineer, but before he left Woodstock Academy dabbled in athletic administration as he served as an intern for athletic director Sean Saucier.
“I was seeing what goes into being an athletic director. I might want to get into that field. I didn’t know so much went into that,” Edwards said.
While it’s true that not every member of the 2020-21 Centaurs has decided what their next step will be, the future is now at hand as the 21-22 version of the program is being put together.
“It’s something that is in the back of your mind throughout the season, because you are never not recruiting, but the priority is always the students we have in front of us and their college placement and development,” Washington said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy


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Ongoing
Vaccine Clinic
BROOKLYN --- The Northeast District Department of Health will offer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the NDDH Office, 69 S. Main St. Pfizer (for ages 12+), two dose series; and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18+) one dose. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Wed.  June 30
Quilt Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present a quilt exhibit through the end of July. It includes work by: Dawn Reynolds, Joyce Davis and Katie Woodhouse.

Vaccine Clinic
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Northeast District Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at TEEG on Thatcher Road. Pfizer (for ages 12+), two dose series; and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18+) one dose. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Vaccine Clinic
MOOSUP --- The Northeast District Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at Project PIN, Village Center Circle. Pfizer (for ages 12+), two dose series; and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18+) one dose. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Thur.  July 1
Vaccine Clinic
PLAINFIELD --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 pm. at Happy Jack’s Sports Bar. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Vaccine Clinic
MOOSUP --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. at Moosup Gardens.  Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Fri.  July 2
Red, White, Blue Celebration
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Parks and Recreation Department will present the Killingly Red, White & Blue Celebration and Fireworks from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Owen Bell Park. Whiskey Boulevard will entertain from 7 to 9:15 p.m.

Art Show
DANIELSON --- ARTicles at 38 Westcott Road will be hosting the Art Guild Northeast for the month of July. A reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. July 2. Free. Meet the artists. All welcome. Contact us at: artguildne.org

Sat.  July 3
Food Drive
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors will be hosting a monthly collection of non-perishables, the first Saturday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Senior Center. Looking for items such as: Granola bars, breakfast bars, cereal, pasta, soup, crackers, chips, tuna fish, juice, canned vegetables, (shampoo, soap, razors, wipes, diapers for all ages, Kleenex, toilet paper and laundry supplies. Also looking for volunteers and organizations to help. VisitPomfret.com

Tues.  July 6
Vaccine Clinic
WAUREGAN --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 3 to 6 p.m. at United Services Wauregan Clinic Center. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Wed.  July 7
Vaccine Clinic
DAYVILLE --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. at Dayville Fire Department.  Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Thur.  July 8
Vaccine Clinic
DANIELSON --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at United Services, The Mill at Killingly Apartments.  Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Fri.  July 9
Vaccine Clinic
DANIELSON --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. at Friendly Spirits.  Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Sat.  July 10
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.

Vaccine Clinic
PUTNAM --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Foodshare in the Putnam Middle School parking lot on Wicker Street. Pfizer two dose-series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.

Fri.  July 12
Golf Invitational
N. STONINGTON --- The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce 33rd annual Golf Invitational will start at 11:30 a.m. (shotgun) at Lake of Isles members course.

Sat.  July 24
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air merchant and artisan series will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in outdoor locations in Rotary Park and along Main Street with additions including entertainment and creative highlights.

Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.

Sun.  July 25
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater.  This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. July 25, Aug. 15 and Sept. 26.  These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served.  Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fri.  July 30
Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam will present a Car Cruise Invitational.

Sat.  July 31
Triathlon
PLAINFIELD --- The DKH “Give it a Tri” Triathlon fund-raiser will start at 8 p.m. at Moosup Pond on Moosup Pond Road. Benefits Day Kimball Hospital. More Info: daykimball.org/triathlon.

Fri. Aug. 6
Rotary Golf Tourney
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club will host the Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament fund-raiser at the Connecticut National Golf Club.

Sat. Aug. 7
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.

Food Drive
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors will be hosting a monthly collection of non-perishables, the first Saturday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Senior Center. Looking for items such as: Granola bars, breakfast bars, cereal, pasta, soup, crackers, chips, tuna fish, juice, canned vegetables, (shampoo, soap, razors, wipes, diapers for all ages, Kleenex, toilet paper and laundry supplies. Also looking for volunteers and organizations to help. VisitPomfret.com

Particle Accelerator
PUTNAM --- The Particle Accelerator fund-raiser will take place today.

Sat. Aug. 14
Golf Tournament
THOMPSON --- The second annual Mustang Classic Golf Tournament will feature a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start at the Raceway Golf Club. The fund-raiser supports the Putnam Science Academy's Mustang Club. To register, sponsor or for more information: putnamscienceacademy.org or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sun. Aug. 15
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater.  This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 and Sept. 26.  These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served.  Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thur. Aug. 19
Bike Night
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Parks and Recreation Department will present Killingly Bike Night downtown. Rain date Aug. 25. Benefits the Killingly-Brooklyn Rotary Club, TEEG and the Killingly Parks and Recreation Department.

Sat. Aug. 21
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air merchant and artisan series will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in outdoor locations in Rotary Park and along Main Street with additions including entertainment and creative highlights.

Fireworks (updated)
PUTNAM --- At Rotary Park the town of Putnam fireworks display will begin with a concert from 4:30 to 6 p.m. by the Little Big Band Concert (in honor of Al Smat) and a concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. by a Buddy Holly tribute band in Rotary Park. The fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.

Charity Ride
WILLIMANTIC --- The 30th annual Steeple Chase Bike Tour Fund-raiser will start and finish at St. Mary-St. Joseph School. Benefits eastern Connecticut human service non-profits. It will be both in person and virtually. Registration: https://steeplechasebiketour.org/register/ and www.bikereg.com/steeple-chase-bike-tour.

Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.

Sun. Aug. 22
Pluck-a-Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association’s fund-raiser, Pluck-a-Duck will be held today at a secret location. For info, contact the Putnam Business Association.

Fri. Sept. 3
Golf Tournament
PUTNAM --- The Fifth Annual Henry Breault Medal of Honor Recipient Golf Tournament will be held at 1 p.m. at the Connecticut National Golf Club. The tournament is a fund-raiser for the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post 13.

Fri. Sept. 10
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold its Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic starting at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Hospital. More Info:daykimball.org/golfclassic

Sun. Sept. 26
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater.  This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served.  Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sat. Oct. 2
Community Day
THOMPSON --- The Town of Thompson will present its 17th annual Community Day. Vendors sought: 860-923-9440.

Sun. Oct. 3
Canines for Cancer Care
BROOKLYN --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold Canines for Cancer Care at 11 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds. Benefit: Northeast CT Cancer Fund of DKH. More Info:daykimball.org/canines

Sat. Nov. 6
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

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

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F. Gordon Lyon,
Vietnam war vet
EASTFORD — F. Gordon Lyon, 81, of Eastford died peacefully May 29, 2021.
He was born Frederick Gordon Lyon Sept. 8, 1939, in Norwich, to Arthur JJ Lyon and Mary “Molly” Holmes Lyon.  He graduated from Woodstock Academy in 1957, and then attended and graduated from Eastcoast Aero Tech.
He leaves his wife (Barbara), son (Michael), grandchildren (Hannah and Joshua), brother (Arthur H Lyon), brother-in-law (Bob Dexter), and nieces, nephews and cousins.
As a Vietnam War veteran of U.S. Navy Air, Gordon also worked his farm on Lyon Hill Road in Woodstock for 20 years, and for 35 years in the Experimental Department at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford.
After his retirement, he spent several years in the Maintenance Department at Pomfret School.  Gordon was a history enthusiast, enjoyed fishing, and traveling across the U.S., into Canada, along with several trips to visit family in the UK. Gordon was an engaging person, who viewed new faces as a friend he had yet to meet; had a quick, dry wit; and is often remembered for his genuine, deep-belly laugh.  One of his favorite pastimes was playing Uno with his grandchildren, enjoying Hannah’s artwork, and helping Josh try to catch the big bass at Crystal Pond.
A private family remembrance will be planned.  Donations: CT Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Boulevard Suite 4B, Southington CT, 06489, “In Memory of Gordon Lyon”. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Beverly Ann Negip
THOMPSON — Beverly Ann (Valade) Negip, 79, of Thompson, and most recently Fort Myers, Fla., died peacefully on March 30, 2021, in Fort Myers.
Mrs. Negip graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School (1959). At Tourtellotte ‘Bev’ played basketball all four years. She captained the basketball team her senior year and was also voted best athlete along with her future husband Ed. Bev’s senior yearbook quote foretold what was to come “She’s witty, she’s wise and a good sport, too, Anything in math she’s able to do.”
She received a bachelor’s degree at Central Connecticut State University (1963) and master’s from Eastern Connecticut State College (1973). Mrs. Negip’s field of study was, yes, mathematics. She fulfilled her destiny as a teacher for her entire adult life. Most of her career Mrs. Negip taught high school mathematics at her high school alma matter in Thompson. Even in retirement she could not put down her passion for teaching and spent several years as a math tutor at the Rectory School in Pomfret.
If you knew Bev, you know that when she wasn’t teaching, she was probably talking on the phone. Bev loved to visit and talk with her close circle of friends and remained close with many former students. But the time spent with her family and grandchildren was what ‘Grammy’ most treasured.
Born in Webster, Beverly was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sylvia (Hicks) Valade. She was the wife of the late Edward Negip; mother of the late Judith (Negip) LeVine (1969-2006) and the sister of the late Joseph Valade.
She leaves her son, David Negip (Kate) of Fort Myers; son-in-law, Charles LeVine Jr. of Windham, N.H.; brother, Charles Valade of Sutton, Mass.; sister, Marie (Valade) Czechowski of Webster; nieces and nephews; and four grandchildren, Charles, Nathan, Katherine and Madeline.
Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. July 10 at Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Burial follows in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: National Multiple Sclerosis Society of America – www.nationalmssociety.org.

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New Officers
The Putnam Rotary Club June 22 inducted its new officers and Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 year. J. Scott Pempek, seated, is the new club president. Backing him up are officers: President-Elect Missy Meyers, Vice President Amanda Kelly, Treasurer Fred Chmura, Secretary Elizabeth Williams and four Sergeants at Arms: Stephen Adams, Paul Pikora, Deborah Hoft and John Miller. The 2021-2022 Board of Directors includes: Immediate Past President Kristen Willis, Stephen Adams, Barry Shead, Kathy Kirk and Crystal Simonson. Linda Lemmon photo.

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