Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs. The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 860-963-0000.
Feb. 13
Joshua Morse, 35, Steere Drive, Johnston, R.I.; operating while registration suspended, misuse of registration.
Feb. 15
Amanda Murnane, 43, Griggs Street, Sutton, Mass.; operating under the influence, following too closely.
Feb. 16
Stephen Jordan, 41, Pleasant Street, Plainfield; sixth-degree larceny.
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caption:
Above: Que Duncan. Right: Kate Lipatova. Tom Netzer photos.
Coach thinks they 'found the hot hand naturally'
PSA’s Elite boys’ basketball team put its offensive firepower on display last week, scoring more 100 points in all three of its games, winning two of them and dropping a close one.
The biggest story was Jalen Claude scoring a school-record 47 points while making a school-record 12 3-pointers Saturday afternoon in a 121-112 win over The Newman School.
Claude, who arrived at PSA at the start of the 2021-22 school year and is now in his postgrad year, had five 3s and 21 points in the first half, then continued to pour it on in the second half to help PSA (18-7) stay ahead of Newman, which also shot it well from deep.
While Claude did his thing from the outside, Carter Mungin had his way on the inside, finishing with 23 points. Sebastian Fermin added 15 points, DJ Germann had 12 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, and Javelle Epps added nine points and 10 boards for PSA.
“As a coach, you want to try and run some plays for the hot hand,” coach Nick Schmidt said, “but with our motion offense, our guys make their own reads. Sometimes you just have to let them go and trust them to make the right play. I thought we did a good job of doing that and found the hot hand naturally.”
A day before Claude had 27 points and Mungin went for 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals as PSA turned a 12-point game at halftime into a 120-70 laugher over South Shore Christian Academy.
PSA was up 43-17 with seven minutes left in the first half before South Shore closed on a 21-7 run to get back in the ballgame. It was 50-42 in the first minute of the second half when PSA went on a run of its own (17-4 over the next five minutes) to take control.
Fermin finished with 20 points, and Epps had 18, while Jude Gonzalez added seven points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals and Mike Olorunsola chipped in five points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals for PSA.
Mungin began his strong week Wednesday with a 24-point, 10-rebound, five-assist showing in a 110-106 loss to We Believe Academy. Germann added 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while Fermin and Epps both finished with 16 points for the Mustangs.
The Prep team won a pair of games, giving them 25 wins for the 10th straight year (not including the truncated COVID 2020-21 season in which the Mustangs went 18-3). PSA slogged its way to an 89-68 victory over Lee Academy Friday night, as Que Duncan had 11 points, five rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Oswin Erhunmwunse finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, Justin Johnson scored a team-leading 17 points, and Fallou Gueye had 16 points, six boards, five assists, and drew two charges for PSA.
It was a much more dominant performance Saturday, as Ben Ahmed had 19 points and 14 rebounds in just 12 minutes and PSA rolled to its most lopsided win of the season, 131-80 over Reason Prep. The Mustangs had six players score in double figures and 13 registered at least six points as they never looked back after jumping out to a 20-2 lead just four-and-a-half minutes into the game.
Amdy Ndiaye finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds, Gueye had 11 points and four assists, Erhunmwunse tallied 10 points and three blocks, and Duncan had nine points and a season-high 10 rebounds. Noah Mendy chipped in with 12 points, and Tony Williams added 10. Derrick Morris grabbed seven rebounds and Mousa Loum had eight as everyone had a hand in the win.
The boys' Varsity team won its lone game of the week, topping Rocky Hill 70-40 Thursday behind Ilan Da Silva-Alp’s 14 points. Carlos Garcia, Shane Sebastian-Smalls, and Amyas Hall-Chiari each scored 11 points while Nikita Badrajan added nine for PSA, which won its fourth straight game and improved to 13-9.
The girls' team split its two games, beating Pomfret Prep handily on Saturday, a win that came on the heels of Wednesday’s 66-42 loss to Blair Academy, one of the top teams in the country.
Kate Lipatova had nine points and eight rebounds in that one, but it wasn’t enough as PSA struggled to make shots. Alba Granell had 11 points to lead the Mustangs (11-16).
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Wed. Feb. 21
Quilt Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit by Laura Salo, “The Year Through Quilts,” runs through March 30 at the Corridor Gallery in the Municipal Complex. The show is sponsored by the Putnam Arts Council. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com.
Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Edwin Way Teale Artists-in-Residence Program’s “Trail Wood Reflections” exhibit, written and visual works inspired by residencies during the summer of 2023, will run through March 2 at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Library at the Thompson Public Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library and Display Case series, “Hippie at HeArt,” artwork by Wendy Hicks through Feb. 28. A reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12. 860-923-9779.
Thur. Feb. 22
Bird Walk
PLAINFIELD --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Fri. Feb. 23
‘Little Women’
PUTNAM --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse will present Little Women at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and March 1, 2 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 3. Tickets are $23 for adults and $20 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. Reserve: www.thebradleyplayhouse.org.
Sat. Feb. 24
Owl Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present an owl walk at 7 p.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Baked Potato
PUTNAM --- Boy Scout Troop 21 will hold a Baked Potato Buffet fund-raiser from 5 to 7 p.m. in the St. Mary of the Visitation Hall. $10 per person.
Poets at Large
POMFRET --- Poets at Large will host a spoken word and poetry performance from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vanilla Bean Café. $10 admission. For info or to sign up to take part: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sun. Feb. 25
Fund-raiser Dinner
PUTNAM --- Putnam - Paws Cat Shelter is hosting a pasta dinner fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 at Knights of Columbus on Providence Street. Eat in or take out. Tickets are $15 each and are available at the Paws Cat Shelter in Woodstock, Knights of Columbus in Putnam and Joseph Jewelers in Putnam. 860-315-1228.
Sat. March 2
Prayer Service
DANIELSON --- The Danielson United Methodist Church, 9 Spring St., will be holding a World Day of Prayer service written by Christian Women of Palestine. The program starts with a Palestinian luncheon at noon, followed by the service of scripture and song around the theme, "Bear with one another in love". 860-779-2018.
Wed. March 6
Floral Design
POMFRET --- A Floral Design Night at Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp, Taft Pond Rd, will be presented from 6:30 to 8 p.m. $70. You get a beautiful floral centerpiece to take home, snacks. Benefits the Dam Repair Fund. Preregistration: 860-974-1122.
Sat. March 9
Breault Program
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society will present a special talk on Putnam native Henry Breault at 10:30 a.m. at the Municipal Complex. Presented by Ryan C Walker Navy Veteran Ph.D. candidate at the University of Portsmouth. Breault received the Medal of Honor on March 8, 1924. He saved his shipmate, Lawrence T. Brown during a collision between the USS O-5 and United Fruit Company's Abangarez on Oct. 28, 1923. The O-5 was in a disabled submarine status for over 30 hours while the Panama Canal Zone community moved earth and water to save him. After the rescue, Brown reported that Breault's selfless decision to close a hatch saved his life. Breault continued to serve in the USN until his death on Dec. 5, 1941.
Art Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council will be hosting a unique fund-raiser called “Art Heist” with doors opening at 5 p.m. at 112 Main St. Tickets are $50 each and one ticket allows the ticket holder to "steal" one piece of artwork off the walls. Starting at 6 p.m. the first ticket called will have their choice of any piece donated. The second ticket called can steal from what was not "stolen", and so on. Benefits arts council programs, scholarships and grants. For info and tickets: www.putnamctartscouncil.com/art-heist
Sun. March 10
Fund-raiser Dinner
PUTNAM --- Chrome N’ Steel Veteran Riders will hold a roast beef dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Putnam Elks. Dinner at 6. Benefits CNS Fund-raisers. 860-942-0061.
Sat. March 23
Easter Bunny
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Parks and Recreation Department will present “Greet the Easter Bunny” at 10 a.m. at the Municipal Complex. Recommended for ages 10 and younger. Photos, free chocolate bunnies and the Putnam Little League will offer an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn (inside in case of inclement weather) for a minimum $3 donation. All proceeds benefit the Putnam Little League.
Sun. March 24
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse, Taft Pond Rd. will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet the director & other camp staff, take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379.
Sat. April 20
International Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present International Day.
Fun Run
POMFRET --- Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Camper Scamper 5K Race/Walk and One Mile Kid Run. Kids Race at 9:30; adult race at 10; walkers after runners. Last Mile Race Management. Register by March 31 to receive discount and free T-shirt. Adults $30/kids $10. Preregister: www.4hcampct.org. Benefits the Jim Logee Campership Fund.
Sat. May 18
Fairy Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present a Fairy and Magic Fest.
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.
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Joyce Rita Duff
BROOKLYN — Joyce R. (Baker) Duff, 83, beloved wife of Omer Duff, died Feb. 11, 2024, with her family at her side.
She was born Dec. 18, 1940, in Putnam, daughter of the late Henry and Viola (Benoit) Baker. She was the youngest of four and a self-described “tomboy” with a great love for basketball and dancing. Joyce attended St. Mary’s school and graduated from Putnam High School in 1958.
While out dancing, she met a handsome Marine named Omer Duff, and they quickly fell in love. They would go on dates to Alexander Lake and dream of one day living there. They were able to fulfill this dream and share the lake’s beauty with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love and dedication to Omer and their family remained through their almost 65 years of marriage.
Joyce was a longtime successful Real Estate Broker who began and operated her own business. She was a dedicated member of the Putnam Rotary for 10 years and enjoyed giving back to the community in her unique and cheerful manner, even serving her turn as the organization’s president. She enjoyed spending time with her family and hosting family and friends for picnics and pontoon boat rides at the lake.
Towards her retirement, she and her husband enjoyed living at Alexander’s Lake and eventually became snowbirds to Northport, Fla. She enjoyed watching the UConn Huskies, baking delicious dishes, and caring for her prized flowers. Ultimately her faith in God inspired and directed her loving and energetic approach to life.
She leaves her husband, Omer Duff; a son, Kevin Duff (Martha Duff); a daughter, Kathleen Cerino (Joseph Cerino); a brother, Donald Baker; her grandchildren, Mary, Christina, John-Paul, Angela, Theresa, Matthew, Michael, Joseph, Raymond, and Meghan; her great-grandchildren, Cecilia, Daniel, Emma, Zelie, Gabriella, Therese and Magdalene. Joyce was predeceased by a brother, Roger Baker; a sister, Dorothy Nachajko and by her granddaughter, Lisa Cerino.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 17 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Providence Street, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Gilman-Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Ruth T. Bates
DAYVILLE — Ruth T. Bates, 90, of Dayville, died Feb. 11, 2024. Born in 1933 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Tamy and Angela (Mila) Stilu.
Ruth grew up in the Manhasset Village section of Putnam, helping out at her father’s store, Stilu’s Market, which was eventually destroyed by the Flood of 1955.
Ruth was a graduate of Putnam High School, Class of 1951, where she was a cheerleader and basketball standout. She met her high school sweetheart, Bob, and they were married on July 1, 1951.
After raising her family and returning to the workforce, Ruth worked as a secretary at Putnam Grammar School. She later joined Rogers Corporation, where she was employed as a marketing coordinator for 21 years. She earned her associate’s degree in science at QVCC in 1982 and her bachelor’s in business administration from Nichols College in 1986.
After retiring, Ruth moved to Bonita Springs Fla., where she lived for more than 20 years, returning to Connecticut in 2020 and taking up residence at Westview Commons in Dayville. Ruth enjoyed reading, going for walks, shopping, her Maxine Calendars, and spending time with her family and friends both here and in Bonita Springs. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, and the love she shared with her family.
She leaves her sons Michael and his wife, Denise of Putnam, Marc (Skip) and his wife, Tori of Brooklyn, and Alan and his wife, Janet of Putnam ;grandchildren Jody, Jason, Brittany, Ryan, Glenn, Alissa, Eric, and 16 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Robert (Bob) Bates, and her brothers Triani Stilu and Demetri “Jim” Stilu.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Putnam Congregational Church with burial in West Thompson Cemetery later. Donations: Putnam Congregational Church. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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QVCC Foundation scholarships
DANIELSON — Thanks to multiple individuals and businesses, the Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation is offering $170,000 to local students attending Connecticut State Community College Quinebaug Valley (formerly known as Quinebaug Valley Community College). Individual awards range between $500 and $2,500, and may be used to support tuition, textbooks, technology, and other educational expenses.
Continuing its 53-year mission, The QVCC Foundation Scholarships are exclusively intended for residents of northeastern Connecticut, whose home college is Quinebaug Valley. Scholarships are available to new (incoming), returning, and select graduating Quinebaug Valley students attending full-time or part-time (2 classes). Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
To apply for scholarships, students must submit an online application, as well as a transcript, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. All materials must be submitted together in one packet to the Student Affairs office at the Danielson campus of Connecticut State Community College Quinebaug Valley by noon March 8. Students at the Willimantic campus of Quinebaug Valley may submit their scholarship packets in Willimantic on Fridays from 9am – 3pm.
Detailed information about scholarships, as well as the application, can be found at www.qvcc.edu/scholarships.
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