PSA men's soccer: A season of promise
As the new season approaches, the Putnam Science Academy (PSA) men’s soccer team is generating considerable excitement and anticipation.
Coach Christopher Steele, known for his strategic acumen and commitment to player development, has provided valuable insights into what makes this team special and what fans can expect in the coming months.
Notably, PSA is currently ranked #24 in the United States prep school rankings, a testament to their hard work and potential.
Steele said: “We have a group of players who are not only skilled but also eager to learn and improve,” he noted. “The opportunity to mold this talent and create a cohesive unit is what I find most thrilling. I am confident that as the season progresses, we will see significant development both individually and collectively.” This focus on continuous improvement and team cohesion sets a promising tone for the season.
Identifying the team’s greatest strength, Steele highlighted the team’s overall balance and depth: “Our strength lies in the collective effort and quality across all positions. We have talented players in every area of the field, and there are very few gaps in our lineup. This balance allows us to be competitive in all phases of the game and provides flexibility in our tactical approach.” With such comprehensive strength, PSA is well-prepared to handle the challenges of the season.
He added: “I want this team to be known for being tough and resilient. We will be relentless in our work ethic, disciplined in our approach, and highly organized in our play. We will never give up, and we will always compete with integrity and sportsmanship.”
What truly distinguishes this year’s team, he said, is the players’ character and unwavering commitment. “What makes this team special is the character of the players. They are willing to work hard, sacrifice for the team, and maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Their dedication to each other and to the program is truly remarkable.” This combination of talent, character, and commitment creates a unique and promising dynamic within the team.
Ben Heacox
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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PSA football fallsto Anna Maria
The Putnam Science Academy football team took on Anna Maria College Sept. 14 in its season opener but lost, 28-26.
Down 28-14 at the half the Mustangs showed heart and toughness to come back in the second half, but ultimately fell short.
Wide receiver Ronald Florian-Moreta was outstanding with nine catches for 250 yards. He hauled in two touchdowns as well as a two-point conversions. Kalil Barno threw for two touchdowns while helming the offense.
As for the defense, linebacker Talon Staggs went off with eight total tackles, three tackles for loss. Fellow linebacker JJ Moore also had himself a day, with seven total tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery.
Though it was not the desired result the Mustangs wanted, coach Moot Zimmerman said they showed heart, grit and resiliency. The team never folded, they fought hard and showed the true heart of a Mustang. PSA’s next game is Sept. 20, facing Navy.
Ben Heacox
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Sr. Lorraine Deziel,
DHS
WINDHAM — Sr. Lorraine Deziel, DHS, 88, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, entered into her eternal rest Sept. 5, 2025, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham where she had been in residence since 2024.
Marie Lorraine was born Oct. 10, 1936, in Waterbury, the middle daughter of Donat and Azeline (Grenier) Deziel. She entered religious life in 1956 and made her religious profession on April 9, 1958. She was then known as Sr. Antoine de l’Enfant Jesus.
After receiving a bachelor’s in education with a minor in theology from Diocesan Sister’s College, South Woodstock, Sr. Lorraine taught in elementary schools in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Quebec. An accomplished musician, she also gave piano lessons, directed school and DHS choirs and composed several musical pieces. Retiring from education in 1997, she served the congregation as an administrative assistant and receptionist. In 2019 Sr. Lorraine moved to The Card Home in Willimantic before joining the community at St. Joseph Living Center in 2024.
She leaves the Daughters of the Holy Spirit spiritual family – her Sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars, the Associates; and a niece, Diane Colucia. She was predeceased by her sisters Doris LaMothe and Claire Cote. Visitation is at 10 a.m. Sept. 23 at Corpus Christi Parish/ St Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, with a prayer service at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. followed by burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam at 2:30 p.m. Donations: DHS Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 497, Putnam, CT 06260. The Gilman-Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed. Sept. 17
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present an author talk and book signing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The book: “Major General Israel Putnam – Hero of the American Revolution” by Robert Ernest Hubbard. This program is part of the grant from Ken Burns.
Photo Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit of photographs by Carmine Angeloni is now on view until September in the Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex. For more info: putnamCtArtsCouncil.com.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present for the month of September, “Color Me Happy” by Lynita Shimizu. Reception at 6 p.m. Sept. 9. Display case will feature Celebrating the Constitution, sponsored by the Anne Wood Elderkin chapter of the DAR.
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.
Thur. Sept. 18
Day of Peace
PUTNAM --- The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council invites residents to a celebration in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace at 7 p.m. at the Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St. It will feature music, readings, prayers, information, refreshments and fellowship. Non-perishable food and donations will be collected for Daily Bread.
Sat. Sept. 20
Bike Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Academy Scholar-Athlete Society’s first Quiet Corner CT (QCCT) PMC Kids Ride" for children ages 2-10 will begin with check-in between 9 and 10 a.m. at Woodstock Academy's North Campus. The age/ability appropriate route is between 10 and 11. Post-ride celebration. 774 200 1754.
Sun. Sept. 21
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.
Tues. Sept. 23
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.
Thur. Sept. 25
Community Program
PUTNAM --- Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace, Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Investigative Unit and State Attorney for Judicial District of Windham John Fahey will present a community program about hate crimes, “Stop Hate Together,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Putnam Municipal Complex, Room 109. Free. Info:
Fri. Sept. 26
250th Event
PLAINFIELD --- The Plainfield America 250 Committee will present “Independence: Plainfield’s Black Soldier of the Revolution” at 6 p.m. at the Plainfield Senior Center. Free. All welcome. No registration required.
Sat. Sept. 27
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier” performed by Kevin Johnson of the CT State Library at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
Bench Dedication
KILLINGLY --- The Mary Kies Memorial Bench Dedication will be held at 11 a.m. in Lion’s Park. Kies was born and raised in Killingly and was the first woman in the U.S. to receive a patent in 1809 for a. new technique of weaving straw with silk and thread to make hats. 860-779-5300 ext. 7.
Book Sale
THOMPSON --- the Friends of the Thompson Public Library will hold their annual book sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room. 860-923-9779.
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Cocktail Culture: The Madmen Era” from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Program by Ron Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion.
Sun. Sept. 28
Fund-raiser BBQ
PUTNAM --- Paws Cat Shelter is hosting its 10th Annual Chicken BBQ fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Providence Street. Eat in or take out. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Paws Cat Shelter, 74 School St.; Joseph Jewelers, 153 School St.; and at Knights of Columbus. 860-315-1228.
Wed. Oct. 1
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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