Roundup
Commitments, soccer and football at PSA
Hatchett commits to Fairfield
Jah Hatchett became the third member of the Putnam Science Academy men’s prep team to pledge his allegiance to a Div. I program. The Michigan native will continue his basketball career at Fairfield University.
Hatchett played at East Kentwood High School before transferring to Putnam Science Academy after reclassifying into the Class of 2026. He took a chance on himself coming into the PSA program and the elite competition faced on a daily basis. He made the most of the chance, becoming an instrumental part of the program’s 5th national championship. A point guard more than capable of running an offense on the national prep basketball stage.
Basketball is in Hatchett’s blood, his father played in college and then in the semi-professional league. Jah Hatchett’s basketball inspiration is Allen Iverson while mixing in a little Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers into his game. Garland’s ability to control the tempo of the game, hit floaters and knock down open shots is similar to Hatchett’s way of approaching the game.
Tambedou commits to Maryland
At this time next fall Adama Tambedou will be playing Big Ten basketball. The four-star forward committed to the University of Maryland, joining first year head coach Buzz Williams in College Park.
The 6-foot, 7-inch, 230-pound forward chose the Terrapins over Iowa State and a host of other Div. I schools. Coach Williams and members of his staff flew to Connecticut to see Tambedou for a short visit last week. That visit ultimately made a huge impact when deciding where to play.
“Not all coaches can do that sacrifice for you. If they want you that much, why not go play for them,” said Tambedou. He chose the Terrapins for many reasons, one being how much the program buys into the defensive side of the floor. Access to the gym and weight room facilities was another plus for Tambedou. It is where he can be the best version of himself. “They’re going to help you get better and better. With that program I can be the better version of myself,” he said. Tambedou has cherished his time at Putnam Science Academy. Not only because he was an instrumental part of last year’s national championship team. He has grown exponentially since coming to the school. On and off the court. He credits the PSA coaching staff for the evolution of his game and helping him become a better teammate. Adama Tambedou plans to do at Maryland what he has done at Putnam Science Academy, win.
Boys’ Soccer
OAKDALE — Good things come to those who wait. It took a while, but the Putnam Science Academy Prep boys’ soccer team got 2 goals in the 77th minute and the 79th minute both from Fernando Domingues to beat St. Thomas More 2-1 last week to capture their first win of the season. With the win the Mustangs improve to 1-3 on the season.
Football
NEWPORT, R.I. — The PSA football team faced a formidable foe in its game against Navy Prep losing 48-6 on the road. Facing a 20-0 deficit quarterback Demarcus Williams found second-year wide receiver Ronald Florian-Moreta in the back of the end zone for a touchdown, closing the gap 20-6 in the second quarter. The Mustangs had to battle a multitude of injuries along with the incredible size that Navy displayed on the offensive and defensive line. “Says a lot to finish through the game; we continued to fight. That’s what we’re looking for,” said Head Coach Mook Zimmerman.
Ben Heacox
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
.
Agnes Ida Cote
DANIELSON — Agnes (Touchette) Cote, 91, of Walnut Street, died Sept. 20, 2025, at home, surrounded by family. Born 1934, in Dayville, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ida (Charon) Touchette.
Agnes worked as a machine operator in the textile mills for many years. In her free time, she loved playing bingo, testing her luck with scratch offs and making trips to the casino. She had a love of camping with her life partner Matt Crumm and spending winters in Florida.
She leaves two daughters, Renee Racine of Dayville and Debra Estabrook of Danielson; grandchildren, Dawn, Michael, John Anthony, Seth, and Kara; great-grandchildren, Paul, Trystin, Kaedynce, Arya, Brennen, Damien, Brody, and Hadley; great-great-grandson, Paul; good friend, Rhea; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Joseph Touchette, Alfred Touchette, Leon Touchette, Donald Columbia, Edmond Touchette, and Rita Dragon.
The Graveside Service is at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Dayville. Donations: National Breast Cancer Foundation. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
.
Hale Y athletes take part in Race4Chase
Youth Triathlon
NEWPORT, R.I. — More than 30 athletes from Hale YMCA awoke before dawn recently to travel to Newport, R.I., to compete in the Race4Chase youth Triathlon with over 230 other children.
These triathletes from the Quiet Corner ranged in age from 5 to 13.
Supported through funding from Jewett City Savings Bank and CMAK – the foundation supporting Race4Chase - these athletes trained for six weeks leading up to the triathlon. Melanie C. and Colby V. received Sportsmanship Awards.
The team from Hale YMCA was comprised of many incredible staff and volunteers, including a Naval Officer, coach Brian’s son, Ian - and were led by Tarin McKinnon, the Aquatics director at Hale YMCA.
The youngest triathletes, 5-8, started at 9 and they were followed by the 9–10-year-olds, and finally the 11–13-year-olds ran down the beach and into the water.
At the transition area up the hill from the beach, athletes from Hale YMCA had quite a pit crew with Coach Kat, Coach Jackie along with R4C alumnus, Amelia D.
Race4Chase was started by Rebecca and Steven Kowalski in honor of their son who enjoyed participating in triathlons, but unfortunately, he was a victim in the Newtown tragedy. They strove to ‘Turn a tragedy into Triump’, and they have succeeded — Race4Chase Triathlon Camp is a free half-day camp - Kids don’t have to be a member of the Hale YMCA to participate – and it’s for athletes aged 6-12. Race4Chase runs for 6 weeks in the summer and concludes with a Youth Triathlon at Fort Adams State Park in Newport.
.
Wed. Oct. 1
Photography Exhibit
DANIELSON --- The Heirloom Food Company on North Main Street is currently displaying an exhibit by photographer Carmine Angeloni between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The exhibit includes both color and monochrome prints and runs through Oct. 5.
Collection
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will be collecting new Halloween costumes at the Putnam YMCA through Oct. 7. TEEG will be having a costume distribution at its Fall Festival Oct. 13.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present “Structured Impressions” by Lisa Davidson, Susan Graceck and Sally Rogers through the month of October. The display case will have “Crochet and Knitted Toys” by Jeanne Carita. A reception will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 14.
Free Puppet Show
PUTNAM --- Children and their families are invited to a free, live puppet show at 6 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. No tickets needed – just show up. Kids will be able to make their own free paper bag puppets after the show. Sponsored by the Akela Club Players and Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam. Parking behind the building and in the municipal parking lot at 175 Providence St. 860-928-5873.
Fri. Oct. 3
‘Murder on Orient Express’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Murder on the Orient Express” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 5, 12, 19. Tickets are $26 for adults; $23 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders (including fees). Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887.
Sat. Oct. 4
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., an author talk and book signing by Richard Ross III for his book “Before Salem – Witch Hunting in the Connecticut River Valley 1647-1663.”
New Home
WOODSTOCK --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club will open its new office at the Center For Woodstock History at Palmer Memorial Hall on Rt. 169. Festivities start at 10 and refreshments will be served. Tours and exhibits.
Blessing of Animals
DAYVILLE --- Paws Cat Shelter is holding its Annual Blessing of the Animals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Petco in Killingly Commons. All pets must be secured by leash or carrier. Pet food and cash donations always welcome. 860-315-1228.
Sun. Oct. 5
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
‘Ruins’ program
POMFRET --- Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, will discuss his new book, Hiking Ruins of Southern New England, at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret. Admission is $5 for CAS members, $10 for non-members. Registration: ctaudubon.org/pomfret-home or 860-928-4948.
Tues. Oct. 7
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. Oct. 8
Look at Religions
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present a free three-part series “A Look at world Religions” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8, 15 and 22. No registration required. Drop in for one or all three sessions at the library.
Thur. Oct. 9
Mind Reader
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Keith Zalinger – Reader of Minds” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mentalist and hypnotist.
Sat. Oct. 11
Underground Railroad
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Abolition and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Connecticut” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The speaker is Killingly town Historian and author of “Perspectives of Putnam” Margaret M. Weaver.
Revolutionary Reenactment
WOODSTOCK --- The towns of Thompson, Woodstock, and Putnam are sponsoring the kickoff event for America’s 250th celebration with a weekend of history, honor, and heritage at The Battle of Fairholm Farm, Oct. 11–12, 2025 at 80 Chandler School Road. Starts at 10 a.m. each day. Admission and parking free. All welcome. Info: Woodstock Celebrates 250 on Facebook.
Sat. Oct. 18
Great Pumpkin Fest
PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam, Putnam Business Association and CT Tourism Office/CT Visit will present Putnam’s Great Pumpkin Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafts, food, great pumpkins and more.
Fall Extravaganza
POMFRET --- The Windham Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will hold its Fall Extravaganza from 2 to 4 p.m. Contests, food, games. Wear a costume to go on the trick or treat trail. Ages 2 and older. Benefits the Health Center Renovation. $5.
Sat. Oct. 25
Fund-raiser Spaghetti
PUTNAM --- Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam will host its fall spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. Take out or eat in. $10 for adults and kids 12 and younger eat for free. There will also be a bake sale and raffles. Advance tickets: VFW Post and at Joseph’s Jewelers on School Street or 860-928-5873 (leave a message) Benefits Putnam Cub Scout Pack 21 Activity Fund to help the Cub Scouts grow.
Trick or Treat
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present its annual downtown Putnam Trick or Treat from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Special Presentation
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present an exclusive at 12:30 p.m. in Room 109 of the Municipal Complex: Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution.” A post-viewing discussion follows. No registration required. Info: Nicole Flagg Nichols, Adult Services Librarian,
Sun. Nov. 2
Bark Harvest
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Business Association will present Bark Harvest from noon to 4 p.m. at the former St. Joseph’s Church. It will feature activities for pets and people. Event-goers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dog photos to be included in a 2026 Bark Harvest Studio calendar. Those interested in entering their dog or otherwise can schedule a photo shoot with Charlene’s Portrait Studio. The $40 fee will be donated to local animal shelters and future Pawsitively Killingly initiatives. killinglyba.org/BarkHarvest.
Sat. Nov. 22
250th Event
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT250 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Declaration of Independence Kick Off will feature a roast beef dinner followed by a band at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523. Dinner is from 5 to 7 and the band Jailbreak follows from 7 to 11 p.m. $20/pp or $40 per couple. Tickets at the Putnam Recreation Department.
..