Donation
The Putnam Police Department extends a heartfelt thank you to the Putnam Area Foundation and board member Jeff Bousquet for a generous donation of $5,000 to the department. This contribution allowed us to purchase a handheld FLIR thermal imaging unit, a valuable tool that enhances our ability in suspect tracking, search and rescue, and evidence recovery, among other things. Courtesy photo.

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Vrcan signs with CCSU
PUTNAM — Valentina Vrcan forever dreamed of playing Div. I basketball. After committing to Central Connecticut State University, that dream is no longer a just dream.
According to Vrcan, the dream required patience, “They kept coming to my games; they kept talking to me and showing interest, but they never offered,” she said. The school told her that if a scholarship spot opened up they would send an offer her way. “I was always thinking, if that will happen, after them coming to 5 or 6 six games. They finally offered.” 
Central Connecticut State was Varcan’s first Div. I offered, she wasted no time on letting the school know her decision. The school competing at the Div. I level was a major factor in Vrcan’s commitment. “I’ve always dreamed about playing Div. I, I think I’m a Div. I player. I think I can compete with their competition.”
The academics of the school impressed Vrcan as well following meetings with the faculty of the business and finance staff. “They told me I could do a 5th year master’s degree. It’s a big school with about 10,000 people.” The Blue Devils are getting a player that has matured and shown growth in the game of basketball.
“They are getting somebody who can lead the team. Somebody who will show up when it matters. Somebody who can drive, shoot and talk to the team when they are in their heads because I’ve been through it and know how it feels. Having somebody like that be by our side is a plus,” Vrcan said. She plans to major in business and finance. 
Vrcan has played for the PSA Lady Mustangs for two seasons.  Last year was up and down, she had to battle for minutes. This past season was much different; she was the starting point guard who led the Lady Mustangs to an outstanding season and a run to the National Final Four. 
By Ben Heacox

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Carvalho and Guedes commit
PUTNAM — Maria Giulia Carvalho and Maria Eduarda Guedes sat front and center on stage in the auditorium at Putnam Science Academy. In front of teammates, coaches and administrative staff they solidified their commitment to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level.
Giulia Carvalho will continue her academic and athletic career at Fitchburg State University. The Falcons compete in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Div. III level. It was the strong sense of community and the overall environment that made Carvalho feel at home. “That made them more outstanding than the others. I’m very happy to go there and enjoy the next four years there,” Carvalho said. Numerous colleges went through her mind during the recruiting process. Long days of looking for the right fit both academically and athletically was no easy task. But when Carvalho came across the Falcons of Fitchburg State, she knew she made the “right decision.” When it was all said and done a wave of relief engulfed Carvalho. “Thank you, God! Of course this took time. I was pushing through Jeb every day. Asking him, texting him. We have a good contact now. It was great.” 
Eduarda Guedes will travel to the Midwest to compete at Illinois Central College. ICC competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics at the Div. I level. The navigation of the recruiting process was alleviated by the guidance of her future Head Coach Javier Valle. “Coach Javier was very kind and helpful during the recruiting process. I’m looking forward to changing my soccer level and academic level,” Guedes said. Her family and current Head Coach Matt Johnson also made the process a little less nerve-wracking. To be among the few high school athletes to continue their careers in college, this moment of commitment for Guedes is “very important in my life because now I am playing at the next level,” she said. “It’s very different from my country here…I’m very excited.”
In attendance was their Head Coach Matt Johnson, standing beside the stage soaking in this truly special moment. “This was truly a special and inspirational moment both personally and professionally. Knowing that both individuals came here to Putnam Science seeking an opportunity and dream to play soccer at the next level and attend college in the U.S. I’m extremely excited for their next chapter and honored to have been a small part of their journey,” he said
Carvalho’s commitment to her team at Putnam Science has made an impact on coach Johnson. “She is the most committed players to both herself and the team, consistently concerned about her teammates, their wellbeing and ensuring that everyone put forth the effort and dedication necessary” As for Guedes, it is her “sense of pride being on the team combined with her dedication to her teammates and helping her co-captains helped create a strong foundation for success.” To make this even more special both players were accepted into their first choice of schools. 
“Watching them sign their commitment letters brought me a sense of joy, happiness and pride.” Carvalho and Guedes; soccer careers wind down; they will forever leave a mark with coach Johnson. Maria’s determination, strength and courage to realize her dream, combined with her compassion and love for her teammates. Duda’s hard work, ambition to improve and commitment to her teammates, combined with her infectious smile and unforgettable laugh,” he said. As both players embark on their new journeys, their respective schools are gaining two incredible athletes, as well as people. “As players they will be instrumental to their new teammates because of their level of commitment
and dedication to playing the game and always working to improve themselves and those around them. As individuals, the schools will be gaining 2 incredible human beings that bring a sense of pride, compassion and respect for themselves and all around them. I will truly miss each one of these young ladies, and be forever grateful for the impact they had on me personally,” said Johnson. 
By Ben Heacox

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