Ahmed makes history, breaks PSA scoring record
Putnam Science Academy has a new all-time leading scorer.
Ben Ahmed cemented his name in PSA history, surpassing former Mustang and current UConn guard Hassan Diarra’s career scoring record of 1,469 points. With this milestone, “It means a lot just being able to see the results of my hard work and being able to pass a PSA legend like Hassan Diarra,” Ahmed said.
Ahmed’s journey to the record books began in his first year at PSA, when he made an immediate impact. He vividly recalls the first game he started against South Kent, a moment that set the tone for his career.
“I had 20 rebounds that game and I’ve been starting ever since,” he said.
Beyond the numbers, Ahmed credits PSA’s coaching staff for his development both on and off the court.
“I feel like you want to be around coaches that tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear, and all the coaches I’ve had here at PSA have done that,” he said. “They’ve also taught me to be very accountable as a basketball player.”
Despite his individual success, Ahmed remains locked in on the team’s ultimate goal—winning another championship before he leaves for the next chapter of his basketball career.
“I’m just trying to win another championship for PSA with my teammates before going to college and hopefully having an impact my freshman year,” he said.
For younger players looking to carve out their own path, Ahmed keeps his advice simple: stay focused and keep working.
“Just have a ‘why’ and goals set, and keep doing the right thing and pursuing those goals every day.”
As the season continues, Ahmed’s legacy at PSA is already secured. But he’s not done yet—he has one more championship run left in him, and he’s determined to go out on top.
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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Richard O. Allard, U.S. Army veteran
PUTNAM — Richard O. Allard, 90, of Putnam died unexpectedly Feb. 15, 2025, at his home in Putnam. Beloved husband of the late Emily (Staplins) Allard, she died in 2021. 
He was born Dec. 26, 1934, in Putnam, son of the late Omer and Almedia Allard. 
Richard was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. He served his country in the U. S. Army. He worked as a groundskeeper for many years at St. Mary’s Church and the Woodstock Fairgrounds. 
He was a life long member of Putnam Fish and Game Club where he enjoyed Thursdays shooting with his friends and where he was the longest standing member. 
He was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and deep-sea fishing. Richard and his wife loved to travel, especially their trips to Quebec, Canada and out west.
He leaves his children Richard A. Allard (Pam) of St. Johnsbury, Vt., Michelle Sabolesky and her fiancé J. R. Rousseau of Putnam; grandchildren Tessa LaRose, William Allard and great-grandchildren Liam, Jackson and Malika.
A Graveside Service will be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St. Putnam.

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Wed.  Feb. 26
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council presents Art Guild Inspirations, works by the members of the Art Guild Northeast in the Corridor Gallery in the Municipal Complex through March.

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Arts @ the Library will present “Journeys’ by Wendy Forbes through the month of February. Display case: Pottery Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by Christine Tanson.

Presentation/Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Edwin Way Teale Artist-in-Residence Program--- Trail Wood Reflections exhibit at the Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret on Day Road will run through March 8. 860-928-4948.

Thur.  Feb. 27
Bingo Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Relay for Life will have a Bingo night at the Putnam Board of Education room at Putnam High School. Doors open at 5:45; games start at 6:15. $5 a card, $15 for 4 cards.

Sat.  March 1
Bulky Waste Collection
The Town of Putnam will hold a bulky waste/scrap metal/appliance/mattress/electronics collect from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the POMFRET Transfer Station on Nora Lane (off 101 near Paquette's Electric). For Putnam residents only – bring driver’s license or other proof of residency. You must unload yourself – bring your own labor.

Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The National Park System” by Richard Benfield from 12:30 to 2 p.m. 860-963-6826.

Fund-raiser Sale
PUTNAM --- The Paws Cat Shelter Shop, 74 School St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. with new items and handcrafts available. Adoptable cats will be available for viewing. All proceeds to help the shelter. 860-315-1228.

Puzzle Pandemonium
PUTNAM --- Puzzle Pandemonium will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Putnam High School. $5 per child; $10 for adults; $25 for four-person team. Benefits Relay For Life. RSVP:  https://forms.gle/6xQgX4SPnF3LAHsH7.

Fund-raiser Dinner
PUTNAM --- The Relay for Life will hold a Murder Mystery & Italian Dinner fund-raiser starting at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall on Providence Street. $10 adults; $5/child. Pay online or pay at the door. RSVP:860-576-5328.

Sun.  March 2
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.

Cancer Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The “Stick a Fork in Cancer Fund-raiser” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nikki’s Dog House on Canal Street. A portion of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

Tues.  March 4
Floral Program
POMFRET --- Floral Design Night will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Windham-Tolland   4-H Camp. $65 per person. Benefits the Jim Logee Campership Fund.  Preregistration required: 860-974-1122.

Sat.  March 8
Art Heist
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council will host an Art heist from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Montgomery Ward building downtown. Tickets limited. Putnamctartscouncil.com.

Day of Prayer
DANIELSON --- The Danielson United Methodist Church, 9 Spring St., will be holding a World Day of Prayer service written by Christian Women of the Cook Islands. The program starts with an ethnic luncheon at noon, followed by the service of scripture and song around the theme, "I Made You Wonderful".

Fund-raiser Pork Dinner
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Lions Club will hold a Roast Pork Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 67 on Thompson Hill Road. $15 per meal. Tickets available at the door or from any Thompson Lions Club member. Benefits the Thompson Lions Club.

Mon.  March 10
Probate Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Council on Aging will present a Free Senior Forum featuring Probate Judge Gabrielle Labonte at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex, conference room 109.

Tues.  March 11
Green Team Film
POMFRET --- Pomfret Green Team film, “Breaking Boundaries – The Science of Our Planet,” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at the Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret. Registration requested but not required. Free admission. Free popcorn. 860-928-4948. 

Sat.  March 15
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Introduction to Tai Chi Chuan” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Movement participation is optional. (Wear loose, comfortable clothes and flat, soft-soled shoes. Registration required: 860-963-6826. Registration limited to 25 adult participants.

Sun.  March 16
Camp Tour
POMFRET --- Visit the Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet the director & other camp staff, take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379. 

Fri.  March 28
Fund-raiser Concert
POMFRET --- Canadian roots and folk musician, James Keelaghan, will perform at 7 p.m. at The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road. Tickets are $25. Registration required: 860-928-4948. Admission at the door will be $30, only if seating remains available.

Sat.  April 5
Garden Symposium
DANIELSON --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club will host “Growing Gardeners 2025”, a Symposium from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at QVCC. It includes vendors, informative exhibits, farmers and more. Giveaways and door prizes. Box lunch is available for an additional charge. Info/tickets: www.quietcornergardenclub.com.

Sat.  June 21
Fine Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts  Council will present its annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival June 21 and 22 at the Municipal Complex front yard. 

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