caption:
Scrimmage
The Woodstock Academy and Putnam High School played a boys’ volleyball scrimmage near the end of the school year. Photo by Adam Bottone.
Adam Bottone is a veteran coach at Woodstock Academy.
But come the spring next year, he will be doing something he has never done before.
Build a program from the ground up. The Academy will debut its new boys’ varsity volleyball program in the spring. “I’m really excited about it,” Bottone said. “We tried about eight years ago to get it started. We had a small group of guys who were interested and we tried to run it as a club and they just never came on a regular basis.”
This past spring, that attitude changed.
Spurred on by the rapt interest of junior Aiden Finch, the volleyball club team did have a successful club season.
“I have played the sport for a long time and I have really grown to love it. I want to share it with other people. I want to get other boys and the school involved so we can share boys’ volleyball with Woodstock Academy,” Finch said.
While girls’ volleyball is entrenched in Connecticut as a fall sport, boys’ volleyball is still having its growing pains.
The ECC has only two teams that currently participate in the sport, Norwich Free Academy and, more recently, Putnam. The only other team along the Interstate 395 corridor is Norwich Tech.
The Centaurs had about 10 players who showed up regularly for the club team this past spring. Finch said it will be incumbent upon him and those who played to not only recruit more student-athletes but to help fund the program.
“We plan on doing fund-raisers throughout the year,” Finch said. “I’ve been talking to local businesses and other people. We may have some pasta nights. We’re also talking to incoming freshmen as well as sophomore and juniors to try and get people campaigning for it.”
Finch said he became interested in the sport in seventh grade.
As with most high school students, he began watching videos of the sport, developed a passion for it, and then sought out a club program and camps to begin working on his skills.
“He was really instrumental in wanting this program to happen. He’s been pushing administration to get this going and they agreed this (past) school year to run it as a club. It’s a new sport for the school and while it is volleyball, it’s a very different game from the girls,” Bottone said.
Team play is key in girls’ volleyball. On the boys’ side, it’s a bit more individualistic.
“When played right, there is a lot more impact - powerful hitting. It’s basically a side out game where one team serves, you get a pass and you’re siding out right away whereas the girls tend to have more rallies,” Bottone said.
One of the Centaurs former girls’ players, All-State performer Morgan Bonin who recently graduated, thinks a boys’ program will benefit the school.
“I think it’s great. I play on a different club team in the offseason and all the girls I play with, their schools have boys’ teams. Ours never did so I think it is something really great that Aiden is doing and I would like to see more people get involved with volleyball,” Bonin said.
Athletic director Sean Saucier said the addition of another sport in the 23-24 school year - wrestling was previously announced as returning this winter – is another plus.
“It’s more opportunities for the kids. It doesn’t interfere with any facilities in the spring, it’s easy to do and coach Bottone is excited,” Saucier said.
The Centaurs will have a league affiliation along with NFA, Putnam and Norwich Tech and also have a schedule ready to go for the 2024 season.
Finch will be a key ingredient for the new program. “My favorite position is at middle blocker (hitter). You get a chance to block a lot of balls and when you hit, it’s very satisfying. It’s a very quick process compared to an outside or opposite (hitters). It’s a lot of fun. I like playing on the outside, too, but middle is where my heart is,” Finch said.
Others who took part in the inaugural club season this past spring included Garrett Bushey who played setter, Hunter Larson, Cade Jones who also played some middle, defensive specialist Nathan Billings, Anthony Buckner and Eli Susi.
Bottone also expects to see interest from the incoming freshman class.
“I think the team is getting better at the fundamentals of the game, the serving and the passing. We’re teaching everyone how to play; there are only a couple kids with actual volleyball experience so we are starting from the ground up. It’s getting these kids to learn how to play the game, basic rules, rotations, skills. It was a heavy task. I think we’re coming into our own, at least, as far as the fundamentals,” Finch said. Now comes the fun part. After playing just two scrimmages, against the girls’ team and Putnam this past spring, the Centaurs will now get a taste of varsity volleyball come the spring.
“I’m incredibly excited but I’m nervous. There are things that come up unexpectedly like injuries and players can’t play for whatever reason but I’m staying positive. We have to keep getting more guys playing, keep pushing, that’s the plan,” Finch said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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Joan (Worrell) Axtell
N. GROSVENORDALE — Joan (Worrell) Axtell, 71, died July 3rd 2023, in Hartford Hospital after a brief illness.
Daughter of the late Charles Worrell and Lena (Bibeault)Worrell, she was born in 1952 in Putnam.
She was the wife of George Axtell. Joan previously worked at AO in Putnam, Thompson Bank, Citizens National Bank in Thompson and Guaranty Pest Elimination.
She loved baking, a house full of family and camping in New Hampshire. She enjoyed reading, beaches and yard sales but held plenty of office hours at her table for love, support and a sarcastic comment or two with a chuckle to go along with it.
Her smile will be missed.
She also enjoyed going to yard sales with Sue.
She leaves two sons, Phillip (Amber) Axtell of Thompson, and George (Tracy) Axtell of Webster; her two daughters, Lena (Gary) Fredericks of Dayville and Annie (Toby) Ciukaj of N. Grosvenordale; 16 grandchildren, George, Ryan, Evan, Talon, Kaden, Dylan, Matthew, Sybella, Amya, Jase, Ophelia, Margaret, Louis, Bennett, Liliana, and Henry.
She also leaves her loyal dog, Georgie. Joan is predeceased by her husband George Axtell Sr.
The Service was July 13 in the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Scholarships
awarded
SOUTHBRIDGE — Two local students were awarded a Harrington Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship in the amount of $1000. The two are planning to pursue a career in a healthcare field. Local winners included: Emily St. Martin, who graduated from Putnam High School and will be studying nursing at Endicott College; and Javier DeJesus, a graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School. He is enrolled in the nursing program at UConn of Hartford.
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Wed. July 19
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. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com for gallery hours and info.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library, as part of its Art @ the Library Series, will present “Eclectic Visions: A Photographic Journey,” by Tammy Lynn for the month. Supported by the Friends of the Library. 860-923-9779.
Fri. July 21
Movie Night
HAMPTON --- The James L. Goodwin Conservation Center will have an outdoor movie night with popcorn and snacks from 7 to 8 p.m. The film will be a short hour-long educational documentary called ”Fox Tales.” Feel free to bring your own snack and drinks. Contact:
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage and the Woodstock Recreation Department will present Patty Tuite & Bank in a free Twilight Lawn Concert at 7 p.m. at Roseland Cottage. Rain date Aug. 4.
Sat. July 22
Summer Fun
EASTFORD --- The Congregational Church of Eastford will present frog jumping, a band concert and a cookout, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Crystal Pond Park. Free.
Fri. July 28
Nature ‘Games’
HAMPTON --- Come on down to the James L. Goodwin Conservation Center for a fun afternoon of playing nature-themed board and card games, hosted by naturalist Robin Chandler from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Adults and kids alike welcome. There will be 5 games with varying difficulties available to play; Cardline, Ecologies, Ecos: The First Continent, Evolution, and Wingspan.
Sat. July 29
Hazardous Waste Collection
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will hold a household hazardous waste and confidential paper shredding collection day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Middle School. Putnam residents only – bring proof of residency. 860-963-6800 ext. 3 option 6.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Road will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 10 a.m. to noon. Suggested supplies: watercolor sketchbook, permanent marker, portable watercolor kit, small cup to hold water, and paper towels. $15 CAS; $25 non-members. 860-928-4948.
Tues. Aug. 1
Worm Program
HAMPTON --- The James Goodwin Conservation Center will present “Invasive Jumping Worms” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. What kind of damage are they causing? How do I identify them? What can I do to control them? We will be outdoors unless the weather is untenable. Free. All welcome.
Sat. Aug. 5
Grange Fair
WOODSTOCK --- The Senexet Grange Fair will be held from 8 to noon at the grange on Rt. 169. Open to all.
Thur. Aug. 10
Firefly Hike
HAMPTON --- The James L. Goodwin Conservation Center will hold a free Firefly Hike from 9 to 10:30 p.m. All welcome. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. 2.2 mile night hike to Brown Hill Marsh.
Bird Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Road will present Evening Bird Walk at 6 p.m. $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Fri. Aug. 11
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage and the Woodstock Recreation Department will present The Flamingos in a free Twilight Lawn Concert at 6:30 p.m. at Roseland Cottage.
Sat. Aug. 12
Concert
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Commission will present the Wooden Horse Band at 5:30 at the Recreation Park. Free. Bring chairs. Light refreshments will be for sale.
Country Fest
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam Parks and Recreation Department will present Country Fest Concert with River Fire at Rotary Park. Hillbilly Graham Crackers will play from 2:30 to 4 p.m.; Whiskey Boulevard from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and Midnight Anthem from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and then River Fire will be lit soon after on the Quinebaug. River Fire music by WINY Radio.
Fri. Aug. 18
Movie Night
HAMPTON --- The James L. Goodwin Conservation Center will be showing a thriller/drama based on a true story, Dark Waters, from 7 to 8:30. It’s about forever chemicals, how they came to be and the consequences they have had. Showing free and inside.
Sat. Aug. 19
Murder Mystery Dinner
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Commission will present A Murder Mystery Show & Dinner starting with cocktail hour at 6 at Grill 37. Following dinner the murder mystery show is, “The Best Laid Plans”, an old Hollywood whodunnit. Dress in your best evening wear and suits-this is a refined party after all! $69.
Sun. Aug. 20
Main Street Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present Putnam’s Main Street Car Cruise from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. around downtown and in Rotary Park. There will be more than 1,000 classic cars, live music and more, including the Kids Zone in Rotary Park with Bounce Houses, Photo Booth, Bella The Clown, Arts & Crafts Tent, and Face Painting. New this year is the Celebrity Dunk Tank --- donate $5 to take a shot at dunking local celebs (benefits the Putnam Business Association).
Tues. Aug. 22
All About Owls
HAMPTON --- Join Naturalist Adam Drouin for an educational owl pellet dissection at the James L. Goodwin Conservation Center from 3 to 4 p.m. The pellets are guaranteed to have bones, and we will attempt to assemble a skeleton. Registration Required.
Fri. Aug. 25
Hike
HAMPTON --- James Goodwin Conservation Center will present a 4-mile hike around Pine Acres Pond from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a little elevation change, roots and rocks, so be sure to bring water and hiking footwear.
Sat. Aug. 26
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 10 a.m. to noon at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Suggested supplies: watercolor sketchbook, permanent marker, portable watercolor kit, small cup to hold water, and paper towels. $15 CAS members; $25 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sun. Aug. 27
Cruise Fund-raiser
THOMPSON --- DKH will hold its Cruise, BBQ & Brew - Motorcycle & Car Cruise at 10 a.m. at the Thompson Speedway and The Black Dog Bar & Grille in Putnam. Benefits the NECT Cancer Fund of Day Kimball Healthcare. $35 registration. daykimball.org/cruising.
Tues. Aug. 29
Fish Hatchery
PLAINFIELD --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Plainfield Fish Hatchery Walk” at 8 a.m. at the hatchery. One of the top birding spots in Windham County. $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Wed. Aug. 30
Nighthawk Watch
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Road will present “Nighthawk Watch” at 6 p.m. $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Thur. Aug. 31
Blue Moon Hike
HAMPTON --- The James L. Goodwin State Forest for a guided night hike during the blue moon from 9:30 to 11 p.m. Meet at the Goodwin Conservation Center before heading in our cars to the trailhead by Black Spruce Pond. Bring at least a flashlight; a headlamp may be better for the roots, rocks and keeping your hands free. There is some incline.
Fri. Sept. 8
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- The Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic will set off at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Country Club. For info: daykimball.org/golfclassic.
Sun. Sept. 10
Jazz Fund-raiser
WINDHAM --- The Windham Free Library will hold a fund-raiser, the 21st Annual Jazz in the Garden, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 80 Windham Center Road. $60 Pre-sale/$65 at event. Benefits The Windham Free Library. For more info; visit: https://thewindhamfreelibrary.org/jazz/
Sat. Sept. 23
Celebrating Agriculture
BROOKLYN --- 2023 Celebrating Agriculture will begin at 9 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds.
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.
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.
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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