Local standout Theriaque commits to Univ. of New Haven
Lucas Theriaque, a versatile athlete from Woodstock Academy, has committed to and enrolled at the University of New Haven.
His former coach at Putnam Science Academy (PSA), Mook Zimmerman, said: “I was very happy for Lucas. But it was definitely deserving! Lucas is a very good athlete and even better kid. I couldn’t be more excited for him. Lucas is in love with the weight room, and they have a great strength and conditioning program there.”
The coach added: “Lucas came in, did what he was supposed to do; went where he was supposed to go. He sat in the front in the meetings; led by example. Just a hard-working kid.”
Theriaque’s’ adaptability on the field is noteworthy, according to the coach. “He can play five different positions and be effective. His discipline and willingness to learn will get him a long way.”
Zimmerman added Theriaque’s commitment, “means a lot. It means a lot to any of our student-athletes to better their education and athletic careers. That’s what we’re about here at PSA, getting our student-athletes the exposure, player development, and opportunity!”
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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caption:
Theriaque. Photo by Rebecca Townes
Joan Louise Winterbottom
THOMPSON — Joan Louise Winterbottom, 73, of Thompson, died peacefully on Jan. 26, 2025.
She was born on March 18, 1951, in Quincy, Mass., to the late Louis J. and Evelyn M. (DiNatale) Kensta.
Joan was an oncology nurse for Mass General Brigham for many years.
She loved to play the cello, weaving and dogs.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband John E. Winterbottom. She leaves her sisters Monica Vander Baan and Katherine Abelson; her brother John Louis Kensta.
Services will be private. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed. Feb. 12
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 will begin with readings and presentations by the artists at 3 at the Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret on Day Road. The exhibit runs through March 8. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Feb. 15
Black History Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present, at 12:30 p.m., “The Remarkable Women of the Six Triple Eight,” the only all-black, all-female unit to be sent overseas in WWII. Presented by Melodye Whatley. Snow date Feb. 22.
Camp Games
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp is having a “Camper Game Day” for boys and girls, ages 6-12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food, games, crafts, more. Bring appropriate clothes to be outdoors. $25 per child. Register by Feb. 10: 860-974-3379.
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: https://forms.gle/tkEnK5KNyPeq7zzk9. 860-576-5328.
Sun. Feb. 16
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration materials available. Early bird discounts end Feb 29.
Black History Presentation
POMFRET --- Dr. Jennifer Rycenga will present a program “Schooling the Nation. The Legacy of Prudence Crandall’s Black Students” at 4 p.m. at the parson Lodge at Pomfret School. It is sponsored by The Last Green Valley, the Windham/Willimantic NAACP Gary Ralls Youth Branch, the Prudence Crandall Museum, the Pomfret Historical Society, The Christ Church in Pomfret and Pomfret School. For info/rsvp:
Thur. Feb. 20
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 9 to 3:30 in the Municipal Complex, Conference room 109. To sign up, go to ctblood.org/drives and use sponsor code C114.
Fund-raiser Bartenders
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Democratic Town Committee will hold a Celebrity Bartenders Night fund-raiser for IHSP starting at 5:30 at the Montana Nights Axe.
Sat. Feb. 22
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret on Day Road will present an Owl Walk at 7 p.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sauna Program
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury will present “A Sauna Journey” at 1 p.m. in the Finnish Hall, 76 N. Canterbury Road. Free. Open to the public.
Sun. Feb. 23
Pasta Dinner Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Paws Cat Shelter is hosting a pasta dinner fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the Knights of Columbus on Providence Street. Eat in or take out. $15 tickets available at: Knights of Columbus, Paws Cat Shelter (74 School St.), and Joseph Jewelers (153 School St.) Walk-ins welcome. For more info or to make a monetary donation: 860-315-1228.
Tues. Feb. 25
‘Lights Out’
POMFRET --- “Light Pollution and its Impacts on Our Green Spaces” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at the Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret. Lecture by Craig Repasz, chair and co-founder of Lights Out. Registration requested but not required. Free admission. 860-928-4948.
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.
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".
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.
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Interact Club is everywhere
PUTNAM — Winter doesn’t slow the Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club.
Jan 25, June Ferraro and Sofia Thurber, co-presidents of the Interact Club, gave a beautiful speech at the MLK luncheon at the Living Faith United Methodist church in Putnam. They spoke about how Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is still relevant today. They explained how the Rotary’s 4 way test and MLK’s dream blend together perfectly (speech follows at the end of the story on Wed. night on our website and on our FB page).
Feb. 1, the Interact Club assisted the Quinebaug Valley Rotaract Club with its Trivia Night fund-raiser. Interact Club members helped with check in, sold raffle tickets, served dinner and were table runners. The Rotaract Club made $7,100 toward its scholarship fund.
Feb. 8, Interactors carved a huge block of ice at the Putnam Fire & Ice event in hopes of receiving donations for their International project, The Heifer Fund. The club’s goal is to purchase some animals through the Heifer Fund for families in underdeveloped countries to serve as a sustainable food source.
The Interact Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday at the Putnam Library from September through May. For more information contact Rotarian Roberta Rocchetti at 860-933-8603 or
The Speech:
“In the Interact Club the Rotary’s Four Way Test partially reiterates what MLK professed in this portion of the speech, “I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream - one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal. I have a dream...”
The Four-Way Test is a set of guidelines created by the Rotary Club to help members make good, ethical decisions. It asks four simple questions:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Within each of these four questions, Martin Luther King Jr’s. actions echo what these questions profess.
Is it the truth? MLK stood for truth in all things, particularly when it came to exposing the realities of racial injustice. He fought for truth in society’s recognition of human rights and dignity for all people, regardless of race.
Is it fair to all concerned? MLK’s core message was one of fairness, seeking justice for African Americans and all marginalized groups. His advocacy for civil rights was rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities, regardless of background.
Will it build goodwill and better friendships? MLK believed in nonviolence and sought to build bridges between communities through mutual respect and understanding. His peaceful demonstrations and calls for love over hate aimed to strengthen relationships and build a more harmonious society.
Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Dr. King envisioned a world where the actions taken would benefit everyone, not just certain groups. His dream was of a society where freedom, justice, and equality could be enjoyed by all people.
These four questions are designed to help to make sure that the members of this organization make decisions that are fair, ethical, and beneficial to all involved. The test emphasizes honesty, fairness, and a commitment to building strong, positive relationships, and it is widely used within the organization to promote integrity and service. It’s often seen as a reflection of the values of Rotary in both personal and professional conduct. The quality and equity of the work we do is reflected in the four way test.”
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captions:
At Trivia Night, from left: Calleigh Levesque, Dylan Axtell, Kaelyn Tremblay, Gianna Brinson, Pavanny Phav, Isabell McGlynn, Sam Hachigian
From left: Calleigh Levesque, Roberta Rocchetti, Dylan Axtell, Pavanny Phav, June Ferraro at Fire & Ice.