Singer
Eder set
for al
Fresco
July 13  
PUTNAM —  As part of this season’s free events, the Town of Putnam is welcoming beloved singer Linda Eder at 7 p.m. July 13 at Rotary Park Bandstand. Riverfire begins at intermission and goes until 10 p.m. The rain date is July 14.
Linda Eder al Fresco 2013 is sponsored by Wheelabrator Putnam, Inc. and Putnam Bank. This will mark the seventh year of sponsorship for the town’s summer al Fresco events. Linda Eder has abundant vocal gifts as well as a skill for delivering dramatic, emotionally resonant interpretations of familiar songs while making them her own! Stephen Holden of “The New York Times,” wrote, “What do we mean when we use the word perfection? The question arises every time I watch the pop singer Linda Eder...” Linda will be accompanied by The Seven Hills Symphony Orchestra, a 40-piece group, and her three touring musicians.
She has been a Broadway performer in the ever popular musical “Jekyll & Hyde” that blew the roof off of New York’s Plymouth Theatre as she belted out signature songs “Someone Like You” and “A New Life!” Eder has performed at many prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Town Hall, The Kennedy Center, Davies Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Wolftrap and the Ravinia Festival.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

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Hyde honors
pair for
athletic
achievement
By Ron P. Coderre
Hyde School – Woodstock recently honored two student-athletes for their achievements during the spring sports season.  John Nelson, a junior lacrosse player, and Brian O’Dea, a senior, were recognized by Head of School Laura Gauld, at a ceremony held on the Woodstock campus.
Nelson, a boys’ varsity lacrosse player, was recognized with the Most Improved Player award.  Nelson was instrumental in the success of the 12-6 record of the Wolfpack lacrosse squad.  A strong defensive player, Nelson was recently named to the Southern New England Independent Schools Athletic Association all-league second team as a defender.
“John Nelson anchored our defense this season,” said lacrosse coach Kevin Folan.  “Typically matching up against our opponents’ top attackman, Nelson’s calm demeanor and tenacious defense proved critical in helping the Wolfpack make its postseason run.  His huge progress from last season earned him a unanimous Most Improved Player award, along with garnering an All-League nomination.”
O’Dea, a boys’ track and field standout, received the Most Valuable Player award.  He set a Hyde and New England pole vault records this spring when he vaulted 14 feet.  He also broke Hyde records in the 110-meter high hurdles and 300-meter intermediate hurdles.  O’Dea was recognized for his achievements at Baccalaureate for Excellence in Athletics.
“O’Dea has been a key contributor all season,” said head track and field coach John Rigney.  “He consistently dominated the pole vault, placing first at both the SENE and New England championship meets and breaking his own record in the event.  His effort in the hurdles was consistent throughout the season and his determination to break those records paid off.  O’Dea set the standard for hard work during practice and fully deserves all the honors and awards he has received.”
Head of School Gauld said, “Whether playing for a championship or learning a brand new sport, Hyde’s young athletes are tested daily on their work ethic, stamina, and ability to work together as a team.  These young athletes are amongst the finest examples of athletic character at Hyde School.”

By Ron P. Coderre
Putnam Science Academy added its fifth recruit for the upcoming 2013-2014 basketball season with the signing of 6-foot, 2-inch point guard Dan Upchurch, who last season played for Notre Dame-Fairfield.  The signing of Upchurch gives coach Tom Espinosa the depth that his Mustangs will need in preparation for a schedule that gets stronger each season.
“We’re pleased that Dan Upchurch has decided to come to our school, not only for basketball but for our academic offerings.  He’s a very explosive player on the court who appears to fit in with the other recruits who will be here in September,” said Espinosa.

Upchurch’s credentials are very impressive.  An honor roll student in the class room, he’s also garnered numerous honors on the hardwood.  He’s served as the captain of the Lancers’ hoop program for three seasons and demonstrated leadership qualities as a mature player on and off the court.  In his junior season, Upchurch scored his 1000th point, leading his team to the highly competitive South West Conference championship.  He’s been a perennial All-State and all- conference selection as well as being highlighted as an MSG Varsity.com Top 30 Players to Watch and CT Post Super 15 player.