Boys’ Golf Preview
Garceau steps aside as new season dawns for Centaurs
It had been a rite of spring for Rich Garceau for the last 22 years.
This spring has been a little different for the veteran educator and coach.
Garceau stepped aside recently from coaching the boys’ golf team at Woodstock Academy after amassing over 250 wins at the helm of the Centaurs.
“My life has changed over these last 22 years and, not saying I didn’t enjoy it and still do, but things change. Life brings on other priorities so I decided to step away,” Garceau said.
Garceau coached the Centaurs to a fourth-place finish in the Div. II state tournament a year ago.
But it’s not the wins and losses or the championships, it’s the shots, the battles on the course and the relationships he developed with his players, which is a different sort of camaraderie than that in a classroom, that he cherishes most.
“Just seeing them go off after they graduated, have become husbands and fathers, some have served in the military, and have grown into really good people. I would like to think that over the course of the 22 years that things they have learned from golf where you get bad breaks from good shots and good breaks from bad shots help you learn about life,” Garceau said.
When asked about his career highlight, it’s not what one would expect, winning an ECC championship or competing in the state tournament, but rather how a championship was won.
In his first year as head coach of the Centaurs, it came down to a match against East Lyme at the Harrisville Golf Course with the winning taking the ECC divisional title.
One of his freshmen had an approach shot go long on the ninth hole and his East Lyme opponent put his tee shot 5 feet from the hole on the par-3 ninth.
“We were all thinking, ‘Well, that’s about it.’ I was sitting down by the clubhouse with (East Lyme coach) Rudy (Bagos) and I was watching out of the corner of my eye, thinking that I have to shake his hand and congratulate him and doggone if (the Woodstock Academy) kid doesn’t take out a wedge and put the ball in the hole. I didn’t see it go in but the guys erupted and I was like, ‘I think we won,’ That was exciting,” Garceau said.
He also recalled another match with East Lyme where Cody Semmelrock shot 3-under par for nine holes as a freshman and it made the difference between a win or a loss for the Centaurs.
There will be more memories like those still to come for Woodstock Academy.
Garceau did not leave the cupboard bare for his successor, Marc Allard.
“I think I left it in good shape,” Garceau said. “There is a lot of talent and the strong are getting stronger. When you have big numbers coming in, it shows that success begets success and the kids that are coming back, work hard.”
Allard had more than 30 athletes turn out for the program.
The Centaurs will have six seniors returning to the course this season with Aidan O’Connor, Alec Nunes, Nate Faucher, Luke Thompson and Blake Hudock returning and transfer Alex Haggerty added to the mix.
“We lost a couple of good players (to graduation) but Aidan stepped up last year and we have a few people to fill the roles,” said Nunes.
In addition to the seniors, juniors Brady Hebert, Max Kopp and Cam Perreault will be a part of the mix.
“About all that can go right on the golf course,” Nunes responded when asked what has to go right for the Centaurs this season. “There is a lot that can go bad on a golf course but if we do some good course management, stay in a good head space, I think we will be good as a team.”
The weather has been up-and-down.
The Centaurs were able to get out on to the Woodstock Golf Course driving range during the first week of the season and then the course itself for the last week and a half. Their home course, the Quinnatisset Country Club, just opened this past weekend.
That meant that the first two matches of the season had to be postponed and the first boys’ golf match will not take place until after spring break this week. The Centaurs will open at home on April 21 against Norwich Free Academy.
“I think it was good to get back into the swing of things but probably a little less time getting to the matches would have been more ideal, getting a feel for the season. But a lot of matches late isn’t bad,” Nunes said of the late start compared to the other spring programs.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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The weather last week had the Woodstock Academy boys’ golf team bundled up.
Rich Garceau was all smiles when he received a plaque commemorating his 250th career victory as head coach of the Woodstock Academy boys’ golf team. Garceau stepped aside recently after 22 years at the helm of the program.
Photos by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.
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Lorna J.P. Wade
DUDLEY — Lorna J.P. (Pleau) Wade, 77, of Sunset Drive, Dudley, passed away Jan. 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of Joseph L. “Jay” Wade.
Born June 12, 1948, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Yvette (Demers) Pleau.
Lorna was a teacher at Thompson Elementary School for five years and retired from Putnam Middle School after teaching 5th and 8th grade language arts for 30 years. While teaching at Putnam Middle School she was awarded Teacher of the Year and served as the president of the Putnam Education Association for 17 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria College and her master’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Lorna took great pride in her volunteer work within the community. She was a member of the Putnam Lion’s club for 10 years and president for two years. She taught Lamaze Birthing classes at Day Kimball Hospital for fifteen years. Lorna was a member of the Putnam United Methodist Church since 1997, where she participated in the choir, was the head of spiritual education, and a lay leader. She was also a member of the Dudley Women’s Club for 19 years. Lorna played varsity basketball for Tourtellotte Memorial High School and coached the Putnam Middle School girls’ basketball team for many years.
Lorna had a lifelong love of music, which brought her much joy. She was an avid reader, lover of art, gardening, and passionate about her French-Canadian heritage. She enjoyed traveling with her family to Cape Cod, the White Mountains, Hilton Head, Quebec, Bermuda, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and France. She also enjoyed visiting our National Parks. Some of her favorite moments were sitting around the table with her family, playing games, or sharing a meal.
She leaves two daughters, Anja E. Wade of Thompson, and Zoe R. Wade of Dudley; three sons, Aaron P. Wade (Charlotte) of Wickford, R.I., Ryan C. Wade (Kelley) of Wayland, Mass., Nicholas D. Wade (Leah) of West Warwick, R.I.; two granddaughters, Claire Wade and Georgia Wade; four brothers, Jeffrey Pleau of Dudley, David Therrien of Gray, Maine, Robert Therrien of Putnam, and Gerard Therrien of Esmont, Vir.; sister, Sherry Ann Lavallee of Putnam; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Pleau.
A Celebration of Lorna’s Life will be at 10 a.m. April 25 in the Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam, followed by a reception in the church hall. Donations: Daily Bread Food Pantry, PO Box 281, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed. April 15
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council is presenting the art of Anna Ionkin in the Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex on School Street. The exhibit, “Many Paths,” is on display through June. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com
Donations Welcome
POMFRET --- From April 15 through April 28 the Windham County 4-H Auction and Tag Sale will be accepting donations for the annual auction and tag sale set for May 1 and 2. Antiques and gently used household goods, furniture, toys, electronics, tools, books, decorative items, etc. will be welcomed . No clothing, textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias. 860-974-3379.
Sat. April 18
Spaghetti Dinner
PUTNAM – Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam will host its Spring Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523. $10 for adults; kids 12 and under eat for free. Take-out or eat-in. Music, candy, raffles. Tickets: the VFW Post, Joseph’s Jewelers on School St. Benefits the pack’s Summer Camp Fund. 860-928-5873 (voice only).
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse on Taft Pond Road will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet the director and other camp staff, take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379.
Main St. Stroll
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association and Discover Putnam will present Main Street Restaurant & Market Stroll in downtown Putnam from noon to 4 p.m.
Sat. April 18
75th Anniversary
PUTNAM --- Putnam Little League will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Opening Day. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and an Opening Day ceremony at 10 with baseball and softball games beginning at 10:30 a.m. All past volunteers, coaches, players, contributors, and supporters are welcome to attend, walk in the parade, and join in the celebration. Attendees are encouraged to wear Putnam colors, old jerseys, or any Putnam Little League gear to help honor the league’s history.
Sun. April 19
Fund-raiser Concert
POMFRET --- Take Note!, an acapella choral group of 20 people will raise their voices in song again at Christ Church at 3 p.m. Benefits Partners in Development, LLC, a nondenominational 501c3 charity which helps the poor in Haiti, Guatemala, Peru and the Delta of Mississippi. Free will donations accepted at the door. Refreshments afterwards.
Tues. April 21
Al-Anon Meeting
POMFRET --- Al-Anon will meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St. Please use the lower level door, near the flagpole. All welcome.
Wed. April 22
Food Drive
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will hold an Earth Day Food Drive from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. at WINY. Proceeds will be split between TEEG and Daily Bread.
Fri, April 24
‘Matilda the Musical’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present ”Matilda the Musical” at 7 p.m. April 24, 25 and May 1, 2, 8, 9 and at 2 p.m. April 26 and May 3 and 10. Tickets are $32 for adults and $29 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders (including fees). Tickets: www.thebradleyplayhouse.org; or by calling 860-928-7887. Tickets may be purchased at the theater box office, either before the performance, or at the door if available.
Sat. April 25
Paws Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Paws Cat Shelter is holding a comedy night fund-raiser at the Valley Springs Sportsman's Club, N. Grosvenordale. Doors open at 6; show starts at 7. Cash bar, drawing, light snacks. Age 18+ event. Tickets $30 from the shelter, www.funny4funds.com/events at the door. Info:
Liberty to Legacy
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library, “The American Revolution,” and 250th will present Liberty to Legacy from 1 to 2 p.m. at the library. It will explore American ideals in musicals “Hamilton” and “1776.”
Low-cost Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast will hold a low-cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. $15 cash per animal. Pre-registration and appointment required: 860-317-1720. No walk-ins.
Sun. April 26
Radio Flea Market
THOMPSON --- The Eastern Connecticut Amateur Radio Association (ECARA) will hold its flea market for 8 a.m. to noon at the Raceway Restaurant at Thompson Speedway Motorsport Park. Admission is a $7 donation to ECARA, students are admitted free. Sellers may purchase tables for $20 and spaces for tailgate sale in the parking lot for $15. Benefits ham radio operators, and showcases a service that assists the community with emergency communication capabilities. All welcome. ECARA.net.
Fri. May 1
Lafayette Trail Dedication
PLAINFIELD --- As part of the Lafayette 250 Celebration, honoring Lafayette’s Farewell tour through Plainfield in 1824, a trail marker dedication will be held at 10 a.m. at the corner of Norwich Road (Rt. 12) and Gallup Road. Open to all. Free. In collaboration with the Town of Plainfield, Plainfield Historical Society, the Deborah Avery Putnam Chapter NSDAR and the Plainfield America 250 Committee.
Sat. May 2
BBQ Chicken
WOODSTOCK --- The Bungay Fire Spring Chicken BBQ takeout will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at the firehouse. $15. Tickets through department member or www.bungay.com or 860-974-0316. Support 2 great causes by purchasing a meal for a veteran. We will get it to the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse for Veterans to pick up meals.
Sun. May 3
Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Music at the Meeting House at the Chepachet Baptist Church will present a 250th anniversary concert at 2:30 p.m. All welcome. Free but a free will offering will be taken. Chepachetbaptist.org
Sat. Oct. 3
Revolutionary Abington
ABINGTON --- The Pomfret 250th Committee will present a simulated battle re-enactment Oct. 3 and 4 at the Pomfret Recreation Park. There will be two encampments – one British, one American. Battles will be staged at some points Oct. 3.
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EMS home – No more echo chamber
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The EMS’s new home was more echo-like than homelike — until April 8 when the furniture was delivered.
With the ramp/bridge installed and the insulated skirt around the manufactured building nearly finished, WB Mason delivered the furniture, assembled the pieces and set up the rooms. It took three or four hours.
The “living room” has a stand for the TV, a couch, a table and chair behind the couch and two desks for staff to work. The staffers were delighted to check out the desks and discover that they can be moved higher or lower and can be programmed to remember a staffer’s preferred settings. The kitchen has a table and chairs. One of the three bedrooms in the 1,200 square foot building is now an office complete with desk, chair and storage. The other two bedrooms each have two beds. There are two restrooms and a place for the washer and dryer to be set up. The “decontamination” washer will remain in the older building. There are several pieces of storage furniture in the building, too.
Recently Walmart covered a $500 shopping trip for Tammy Szpyrka, chief of service for EMS, to get all the supplies that will help make the facility a home including dishes, pots and pans, flatware, towels, shower curtains, small appliances, cleaning supplies and more. Mayor Barney Seney, who asked for Walmart’s help, kicked in another $100 to the cause and even helped with the shopping.
Szpyrka said they anticipate adding all those homey touches from Walmart and moving items from the older building soon. Some bricks in the wall in the older building are removed. A door will be installed there when the items in the room in the older building are moved into the new space. Otherwise everything in that room will be covered in dust. The new door will allow staff to go from the new building across to the old building where the equipment will remain. The town used about $88,000 in ARPA funds for furniture, fixtures and a new generator, plus $260,000 in Local Capital Improvement Program funding.
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Top to bottom: Adjustable desk. Living room into kitchen. One of two bedrooms. More photos Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photos.