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Woodstock Academy girls’ soccer coach Dennis Snelling wasn’t going to tell anyone about it. His sister, and assistant coach, Jenn Bruneau, had other ideas.
The day after the Centaurs girls’ soccer team defeated Ledyard, 2-0, last week the team had an impromptu party following practice in honor of Snelling’s 200th career victory.
“It means I’ve worked with a lot of good kids over the 15 years that I’ve been coaching at the varsity level,” Snelling said of reaching the career milestone. “It really is more about their effort. I’ve tried to motivate them to play their best but a lot of times, they show up ready to play. These kids are no different. They’re just hard-working kids.”
Snelling started his career at Woodstock coaching his way through the boys’ soccer ranks by coaching at the varsity and JV level and then as a varsity assistant.
He wanted to be a varsity head coach so he took the boys’ job at Tourtellotte before returning to The Academy to take over the girls’ program.
He remembers first going to the ECC tournament for a first time just to accompany one of his players who was named an honorable mention league All-Star. Now, it’s an annual ritual. And usually, his team is in the thick of it.
“The ECC tournament victories are very exciting and we’ve had three in the last five years. It’s a lot of fun, a different kind of emotion when you beat everyone and you are the best team in your conference. Those are pretty high on the list,” Snelling said when asked for his best memories of his tenure.
Junior Leah Costa called Snelling, “the Dad of the team.” “I’m extremely happy for coach,” Costa said. “He has done great.”
Senior keeper Rebecca Nazer was pleased that she was a part of the team that helped Snelling reach the special number.
“He’s a great coach, always pushes us to play the best we can. He was saying that it’s mainly the players that got him the 200 wins. I think he really had an impact on that as well,” the senior said.
It took a while for the Centaurs to get started against Ledyard last week.
Ledyard chose to play back and look for a chance for a quick counter.
“They really stayed back and we had talked about that before the game. Coach said he had watched film, told us how they played back and how we had to get passes and play smart. We had to play our game,” junior Juliet Allard said.
The two teams played scoreless soccer for 60 minutes until Allard got a break and drilled home her first two goals of the season within 30 seconds of one another to account for the two-goal victory.
In addition to the Ledyard strategy, the match also was played on the Woodstock South Campus grass field.
One thing the Centaurs did want to see become more effective was their set plays.
“We’ve been really wanting to get goals off corners for a long time because it’s something that we have not done so well,” Allard said.
With 29 minutes, 56 seconds left in regulation, Kendall McCromack got the opportunity for a corner from the right side of the Ledyard goal.
The senior sent it into the box where it found the head of Macy Rawson.
Ledyard keeper Jess Dudley made the original save.
“I saw where Macy headed it and it was kind of out in the open for everyone and I was like, ‘this has got to go in’. I just hooked it and it went over the goalie,” Allard said.
Just 27 seconds later, the ball found her again. “It was wide open space, no one was coming at me and I decided I might as well take the shot. There was no one there and we had been shooting only inside the box and Coach wants us to shoot more from the outside,” Allard said.
She took a pass from sophomore Kaylee Saucier and converted from 25-yards plus to give the Centaurs their winning margin.
The defense did the rest.
“Our defense is doing amazing especially considering we lost Magda(lena Myslenski to graduation) who was great. She was a big loss,” Allard said. “The defense is doing really well. They’re clearing the ball, making sure it’s getting out of there and Becca (Nazer), our goalie, is making sure it’s getting out of there, too, and making some amazing saves. I’m really happy with the defense.”
So is Snelling. “Freya (Robbie) and Becca have great chemistry from last year and we defend the ball really well,” Snelling said.
Woodstock (2-0-1, 0-0-1 ECC Div. I) finished off the week with a scoreless tie against Stonington. The two teams who competed in last year’s ECC championship match gave no quarter in a physical contest.
The two No. 10’s, Costa for Woodstock Academy and Iliana Rashleigh for the Bears had the best chances of the day.
Costa just missed on a shot where she had an opening on the right side of the net but saw it miss by about 5 feet in the first half.
She put one off the post in the second half against the team she played for as a freshman two years ago.
Rashleigh put one off the post in the first half for the Bears (1-1-2) and almost ended the match early in the first overtime but her shot clanged off the crossbar. “I don’t even know how those shots (didn’t go in) but I will take it,” Nazer said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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Robert J. ‘Bob’ Mason
BRUNSWICK, Maine — Robert J. (Bob) Mason, 93, was born April 1, 1930, in Webster. He died Sept. 12. His first wife, Doris (Nadeau) Mason, died in 1993 and his second wife, Barbara (MacLean) Mason, died in 2022.
He leaves a daughter, Nancy Fabrizio (Eugene) of Woodstock Valley; four sons, William Mason (Nancy) of Putnam, Thomas Mason (Karen) of Inman, S.C., Michael Mason and his husband Peter Murphy of Bath, Maine, and John Mason (Shawn) of Phoenix; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces. He was a stepfather to three, as well as a step grandfather to seven and great-grandfather to two. He was the last living of nine siblings — predeceased by two brothers, Harold and James Mason, and by six sisters, Mary Rose Lyons, Doris Kroll, Marjorie Bernier, Jeanette Lozinski, Shirley Deary, and Lorraine Kilborn. He was also predeceased by a grandson, Ryan Mason.
Bob was the son of Atwood and Rose (Breault) Mason and graduated from Saint Louis High School in Webster. He then furthered his education with a two-year correspondence program with Chicago Technical College, studying architectural drafting, estimating and design.
He raised his family in Thompson and then retired with his first wife Doris to South Yarmouth, Mass., and Ft. Myers, Fla. After Doris passed, he continued to share his time between Ft. Myers and South Yarmouth with his second wife, Barbara. The couple moved to independent living in Portland, Maine, in 2020 until Barbara’s death, and most recently Bob moved to assisted living in Brunswick.
Bob and his brother Jim owned A. Mason & Sons and Mason Brothers Construction Company. The Mason companies constructed many commercial buildings from approximately 1950 to 1980. These included schools, banks, grocery stores, churches and courthouses in Massachusetts and Connecticut. During his working years, Bob was an active member in the Webster Lions Club, the Guaranty Bank & Trust Board, and the Parents Committee at Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson. He enjoyed golf, baseball, beaches and living close to the ocean.
The Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at St. Louis Church, 14 Lake St., Webster (please meet directly at the church). Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Chandler Gray Cemetery in Yarmouth, Mass. Both Bob and his second wife Barbara lost their first spouses to ALS. In lieu of flowers donations: the ALS Foundation, Massachusetts Chapter, als.org/Massachusetts, or by mail to ALS Association 200 Friberg Parkway Suite 1000, Westborough, MA 01581. Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main St., Webster.

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What a difference a year makes.
At this time last year, everyone and everything surrounding Putnam Science Academy baseball was a complete unknown. It was a program in its first year with aspirations of making a name for itself in the New England prep baseball landscape.
But now, after going 14-11 against one of the most challenging schedules in New England this past spring, the feel around the diamond is noticeably different.
“It feels like we already have a reputation of already being a solid team,” said Jacob Hines, one of nine returning players. “We have something to build off with that. Last year, we didn’t really know what we were getting into as a team, we didn’t really know what we had. This year, we have a lot of guys coming back who did well last year and give us a really good foundation.”
Or as coach Bob Hetu put it: “I always talk about what is. I talk about fact rather than a goal. There’s truth to the fact that now they know. They’re not talking about what they think they’re going to do. They’re talking about what they are going to do.”
PSA opens its fall schedule the last weekend of the month and figures to play somewhere between 10 and 15 games before moving its training indoors for the winter. Of the nine returning players, seven saw regular time last year, and an eighth – pitcher Ian Mihalopoulos – was with the team last year as he recovered and rehabbed from Tommy John surgery.  While a lot can change between now and the first pitch of spring, PSA figures to have its strength on the mound.
Harry Roy returns after developing into the staff ace. Hines, whom Hetu said contributed more one mound than he thought, should slot in behind him. Mihalopoulos had a phenomenal summer that colleges loved, and he turned that into a commitment to Central Connecticut. New teammate Ryan Ponte has also committed to Central, and Cody Heselton has committed to Marist.
“I think we’ll have more arms, and we’ll have more equality of depth in our arms,” Hetu said. “So that will probably be our strength, especially when you think that we have to replace four guys in the lineup who hit .400.
“But man, the first couple days, I just kind of sat back and watched the guys. You can see real quick that they can play. The skill sets are there. We’re excited about what we have and where we are.”
Hines said the talent is evident but what goes on behind the scenes has been a bigger tell.
“The one thing I see in the new guys is that it really seems like they’re striving for more than just playing games,” he said. “They want to pursue their dreams of a college career, which is what you want on your team. You want guys who want to be better. Compared to last year, there are a lot more guys getting in the gym, working out, and just working hard.”
PSA opened last spring by winning four straight games in Myrtle Beach. It instilled a confidence   – a feeling of “we belong” – that carried throughout the season and has now spilled over into Year 2.
“We had a good season last year,” Hines said, “and we know what we need to do to win. If we just keep in mind that we’re up there too and just as good as these other teams that are more established than we are, then this shouldn’t be a big deal.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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Wed.  Sept. 20
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- “A Cacophony of Greys” Exhibit and Reception by Steve Veilleux  will be on display in The Corridor Gallery at the Putnam Municipal Complex through Sept. 30. Features a series of black and white and monotone photographs. All welcome. Free.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- For September The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present “Falling Water: Photography by Steve and Danny Veilleux.” Display case will be: “Our U.S. Constitution  by Ida Ransom.”  
Thur.  Sept. 21
Peace Celebration
PUTNAM --- The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council invites local residents to a Peace Day Celebration at 6 p.m. at the Daughters of the Holy Spirit offices, 508B Pomfret St. The event will feature music, readings, prayers and information.

Sat.  Sept. 23
Celebrating Agriculture
BROOKLYN --- 2023 Celebrating Agriculture will begin at 9 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds.

Harvest Fest
HAMPTON --- Fletcher Memorial Library hosts The Hampton Harvest Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the town hall grounds on Main Street. The festival features local products and crafts, plus entertainment, refreshments, music, and displays. Free admission and parking. 860-455-1086.

Book Sale
THOMPSON --- The Friends of Thompson Public Library will hold their annual book sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations welcome during library hours starting Sept. 5, in  Community Room 3.

Sun.  Sept. 24
Concert
WOODSTOCK --- A free bonus concert! The St. Luke’s Steel Band will play from 2 to 3 p.m. at Roseland Cottage. Bring a blanket, buy some ice cream. Cosponsored with Performing Arts of Northeast Connecticut,  The Three C's, and Historic New England.

Chicken BBQ
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Veteran’s Advisory Committee will spearhead a fund-raiser chicken BBQ from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Albert Breault VFW Post on Providence Street. Eat-in or takeout. $15. Tickets at the VFW, WINY Radio and the Recreation Department in the Municipal Complex.  Benefits the beautification of Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Wed.  Sept. 27
Fall Seminar
PUTNAM --- A free Fall Prevention in our Quiet Corner program will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Municipal Complex. Spots are still available, and there is a simple form required. For info or to sign up call 860-963-6800 ext 140.

Sat.  Sept. 30
BBQ
WOODSTOCK --- The Bungay Fire Brigade will host its fall 2023 Chicken BBQ from 4 to 6 p.m. www.bungay.com.

Community Day
THOMPSON --- The Town of Thompson’s 19th Annual Thompson Community Day will be held from 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park. Oct. 1 is the rain date.

Empty Bowls
THOMPSON --- The Empty Bowls fund-raiser at TEEG will have seatings, at 5 and 6:30.

Camp Day
WOODSTOCK --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Day fund-raiser  will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at Buck’s Soft Serve, 88 Kenyonville Road. Bake sale, ice cream eating contests, dunk the director.  Portion of sales goes to support the Windham Tolland 4-H Camp Dam Restoration Fund.  

Band
PUTNAM --- The Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 Canteen will present Stone County Band from 7 to 11 p.m. $5 cover.

Fri.  Oct. 6
‘The Addams Family’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “The Addams Family” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14 and 21 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 8, 15 and 22. $27 for adults and $24 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org  or 860-928-7887.

Sat.  Nov. 11
Dueling Pianos
THOMPSON --- The DKH Dueling Pianos fund-raiser will be held at 6 p.m. at the Raceway Restaurant and Banquet Hall. Benefits Day Kimball Healthcare At Home services of HomeCare, HomeMakers, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. Food, drawings and more. Tickets $45, must be purchased in advance. daykimball.org/pianos.

Yuletide Festival
PUTNAM --- The Daughters of Isabella will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary Church Hall. Vendors sought. 413-612-8358.

Meet the Author
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Meet the Author: Nathaniel Philbrick” at 1 p.m. in Community Room 112/113 at the Municipal Complex.

Sun.  Dec. 3
Tree of Life
The DKH 34th Annual Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies will be held at 5 p.m. in 11 towns throughout northeastern Connecticut. The purchase of memorial lights on each community's Tree of Life benefits Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. For info: daykimball.org/treeoflife.

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