caption:
Senior Jacob Jurnovoy (14) makes a move against the Enfield defense. Photo by Marc Allard.
Things were not looking so good at the beginning of the season.
The Woodstock Academy boys’ lacrosse team suffered a one-sided loss to East Lyme and then was nipped by Waterford to open the season.
Fortunately, things have changed.
Woodstock won its third in a row last Thursday with a 14-1 decision over Enfield.
“It’s a long season,” said Centaurs coach Jason Tata. “It’s resilience. These guys could have easily rolled over, died and quit on the season after a tough game at East Lyme and a tough game here against Waterford. But we bounced back.”
That rebound began with a 13-3 win over the Norwich Tech/Windham Tech co-op, followed by a 16-5 win over E.O. Smith and then the victory over the Eagles.
Senior Zach Gessner had a lot to do with the three victories.
Gessner plays the “X”, the quarterback of the team if you will, operating behind the opponent’s net on offense and he has been an integral part of the Centaurs’ resurgence.
He assisted on nine goals in the win over the Warriors, followed that up with a pair against the Panthers and had seven more in the latest win over the Eagles.
But it’s not all fun and games behind the opponent’s net.
“It’s difficult and you get hit a lot more I feel like because I’m working close to the net, but it allows me to set my teammates up. This year, being a senior, it allows me to facilitate to the best of my ability,” Gessner said.
He’s been doing his job pretty well.
“He’s settling in,” Tata said. “He’s picking up where he left off from last year. He’s the quarterback back there, sees everything, and takes advantage when the defense starts focusing on him. Defense starts to pinch down on him a little, they see him try to attack from X, what does he do? Instead of trying to force anything, he looks up, finds his teammates up at the top. Assists, goals, he doesn’t care, he just wants the point.”
Not that he can’t score. He proved that against the Eagles when he made a move from behind the net and earned his teammates’ admiration when he sent the ball into the net with a backhand shot behind his back.
“I was planning it for the first couple of quarters,” Gessner said. “I saw myself coming across the crease and I was kind of wide open when my teammates were good. I just thought ‘I’m already coming across the crease, if I just increase the angle, I can go behind the back.’”
Jacob Jurnovoy was the biggest recipient of Gessner’s largesse as the fellow senior scored four times against Enfield, three of them were assisted by Gessner.
Lucas Theriaque added three goals and an assist while Jared Nielsen had two goals and an assist.
“All of our goals were great (versus Enfield). It was 1-2-3, extra pass, easy goal. We’re moving the ball really well, it’s not a one guy show, spreading the ball around beautifully,” Tata said.
In part, that could be because the chemistry is starting to come together.
The veterans of the team, like Gessner, went out on the recruitment trail before the season.
“We have a mix,” the senior said. “I’ve been playing with some of the guys for three or four years but some are brand new. I’m pretty good friends with all of them because we recruited them. This was the first year that we had to make cuts in my time here at Woodstock. It allowed for a more competitive atmosphere.”
That competitive atmosphere has led to some better chemistry, not only in the front, but in the back
The defense has also played well for the Centaurs.
In the three-game win streak, Woodstock has allowed only nine goals while the Centaurs offense has produced 43 tallies.
“Our defense is playing out of its minds right now,” Tata said. “There is great chemistry between the guys back there. We’re shifting guys around every day. So (against Enfield Michael) Burns played close for us, (Jacob) Lizotte played up high and it worked out for us. It’s the chemistry. It’s (Evan) Roy being the leader back there, it’s all of them. We’re getting quality minutes across the board.”
Against E.O. Smith Gessner scored four times and did add a couple of assists in the win over the Panthers.
Nielsen had a first half hat trick and also added a pair of assists and Jurnovoy chipped in with a pair of goals and three assists.
Woodstock clung to a slim one goal lead at the end of the first quarter, raised it to a three-goal difference at the half and doubled that by the end of the third quarter. The Centaurs finished it up by outscoring their hosts, 6-1, in the final quarter.
Henry Wotton added two goals for Woodstock. But, like Tata said, it’s a long season and a three-game win streak goes only so far. Fortunately, his players realize that.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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PUTNAM — Mary Grace (Scala) Jewell died peacefully Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Davis Place, Danielson. She was predeceased on May 25, 1987, by her husband, Norman F. Jewell, just four days before their 32nd wedding anniversary.
Mary was born May 14, 1927, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret Scala. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was predeceased by her brother Thomas Scala and his wife Anne, and her five sisters – Josephine Scala, Anna Scala, Anne (Scala) Favicchio and her husband Peter, Carmella (Scala) Sposato and her husband Natali, and Rose (Scala) Pizzuto and her husband John.
Mary spent her childhood and young adulthood in Brooklyn, N.Y., graduating with a business degree from the Girls’ Commercial High School in Brooklyn. She treasured her Brooklyn/Italian heritage. She was a proud supporter of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees, and she never tired of hearing Frank Sinatra’s song, “New York, New York.”
During Mary’s time working at the New York location of Belding Heminway, she established a friendship through teletype with Anne Riendeau, who at the time was working at the Putnam location of Belding Heminway. It was through Anne that Mary and Norman were introduced to each other, which lead to Mary and Norman’s romance and eventual marriage. Their home on Underwood Road in Putnam was their pride. It reflected Mary’s attention to detail and Norman’s skill in landscaping.
When Mary relocated from Brooklyn to Putnam, she first worked at the Putnam location of Belding-Heminway and then later spent many years working as a legal assistant to local attorneys. A number of years after Norman’s passing, she decided to retire in order to take trips with the Putnam Travelers Club and attend luncheon meals with the Putnam Senior Citizens. She often enjoyed watching daily Masses, making crossword puzzles, and listening to WINY radio. She loved the challenge of trying to answer “Jeopardy” questions.
She leaves nieces and nephews and their families, as well as special friends. She was especially appreciative of the attentive care given to her by Michael and Joanne Coderre. A Funeral Service was April 14 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam with burial following in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: PAWS Cat Shelter CT, 240 Route 171, Woodstock, CT 06281.
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caption:
Libbey Stearns (Baker’s Wife), Alex Zimmer (Jack), Anna Kate Werge (Milky White). Photo by Nicholas Magrey
‘Into the Woods’
coming April 21
PUTNAM — The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse will present Stephen Sondheim’s masterful Into the Woods. Sondheim turns the world of fairy tales topsy-turvy, reminding us that granted wishes often bring complications. The show opens April 21 and runs for three weekends.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 21, 22, 28, 29 and May 5, 6 and at 2 p.m. April 23, 30 and May 7. Tickets are $27 for adults and $24 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. Please note: Into the Woods focuses on the original versions of our favorite fairy tales so some material may be too intense for younger audiences. Parental discretion is recommended.
Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887.
Nicholas Magrey directs the TNECT production, with Diane Pollard as music director and Christine Guerin as choreographer. The show stars Natasha Darius as the Witch, Adam Leidemer as the Baker, with Libbey Stearns as the Baker’s Wife. Alex Zimmer plays Jack, with Krissi Forgues as his mother. Cinderella and her Prince are played by Elena Mercier and Nathan Conrow, who also appears as the Wolf. Elle-Jordyn Goslin and Tristan Arnold appear as Rapunzel and her Prince, with Joey Fortune as the precocious Little Red Riding Hood.
Into the Woods is a modern twist on the beloved fairy tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel tied together by a story involving a baker and his wife who wish to have a child. A sinister Witch, who is more than she seems, sets their journey in motion. In Into the Woods, we learn what happens after ‘happily ever after’ may not be all we bargained for.
The Music and Lyrics for Into the Woods were written by Stephen Sondheim, with James Lapine penning the Book. Sondheim, who died in 2021, is considered one of the most influential figures in 20th century musical theater and is credited with reinventing the American musical. His shows include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Sunday in the Park with George. Sondheim won an Academy Award, eight Tonys, eight Grammys, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Kennedy Center Honor, and Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Into the Woods opened on Broadway in 1987, starring Bernadette Peters as the Witch, and won three Tonys for Best Score, Best Book and Best Actress in a Musical for Joanna Gleason, who played the Baker’s Wife. All the plays on our 2023 season are also films, with Into the Woods being no exception. The film was released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2014. The cast included Meryl Streep as the Witch, James Corden as the Baker, Emily Blunt as the Baker’s Wife, Johnny Depp as the Wolf, and Christine Baranski as Cinderella’s Stepmother.
Wed. April 19
Donations Sought
POMFRET --- Donations of antiques and gently used household goods, furniture, toys, electronics, tools, books, decorative items, etc. for 69th annual Windham County 4-H Auction & Tag Sale (on May 5 & 6) will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the lower level back entrance of the lodge on Taft Pond Rd. No clothing. Donations stop at noon May 3. Call 860-974-3379 to schedule delivery at other times or to arrange for item pick up.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present the 19th Annual Thompson Community Art Show, “Resilient by Nature,” on the gallery walls and in the display case through April 27. Reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 5. 860-923-9779.
Art
PUTNAM --- “A 70-year Retrospective: The Works of Jerry Ferguson” will appear in the Corridor Gallery at Putnam Municipal Complex through June 30. It features the works of Gerald (Jerry) Ferguson. Free.
Thur. April 20
Poetry
WEBSTER --- Poets at Large will feature, from 6 to 8 p.m., spoken word/poetry readings at The Rose Room Café on East Main Street. Free to the public (ages 14 and up). Intermission and an open mic after. Anyone wishing to participate in the open mic should email
Earth Day
PUTNAM --- The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council invites residents to an Earth Day Celebration at 6 p.m. at the Daughters of the Holy Spirit offices, 508B Pomfret Street. The event will feature music, readings, prayers and information.
Fri. April 21
‘Into the Woods’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Into the Woods” at 7:30 p.m. April 21, 22, 28 and 29 and May 5 and 6 and at 2 p.m. April 23, 30 and May 7. Adults $27; students, seniors, 1st responders and military, $24/ www/thebradleyplayhouse.org.
Sat. April 22
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast is holding a low-cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. $15 cash. Preregistration, appt. is required. No walk-ins. 860-317-1720.
Poetry Readings
PUTNAM --- A free poetry reading “in the round” will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Putnam Public Library. Free. Five Windham County town poets laureate will celebrate National Poetry Month by reading their poems “in the round” at the Putnam Public Library.
Sun. April 23
Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Chepachet Music at the Meeting House series will present “Spring Forward” at 2:30 p.m. at the Chepachet Meeting House, home to the Chepachet Baptist Church, on Rt. 44. Open to all. Free, but a free-will offering will be taken. Refreshments follow.
Hamfest Flea Market
THOMPSON --- The Eastern Connecticut Amateur Radio Association is holding its annual hamfest flea market from 8 a.m. to noon at the Raceway Restaurant at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. Tables are still available, FCC license exams will be given, and admission is just a $5 donation. Buy and sell, find out about ham radio, and meet fellow radio amateurs. Info: 508-943-4467.
Wed. April 26
NAMI Meeting
MANSFIELD CENTER --- The Windham County Affiliate of the Connecticut National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) annual meeting will start at 6 with a special presentation following the business meeting at United Services Mansfield office. The presenter is Lynne Weeks, grant coordinator of the School Based Health Centers in Windham. This meeting is free and open to the public. Per CDC guidelines, masks are required inside this facility.
Thur. April 27
Poetry Celebration
DANIELSON --- Quinebaug Valley Community College will hold its 16th Annual Julius Sokenu Poetry Prize Celebration at 6 p.m. in Robert E. Miller Auditorium. Free and all welcome. It includes readings by award-winning student poets and guest speaker and poet Edgar Kunz. Sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and beverages will be provided.
Sat. April 29
Beautification Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association, with help from town departments, will hold its annual Beautification Day at Rotary Park. Gather at 8:30 a.m. to receive cleaning assignments. 11 to noon for volunteer appreciation lunch at the park. For info on volunteering or to RSVP: 860-963-6800, ext. 200. Trophies. Rain date: May 6. Funded in part by Last Green Valley & Town of Putnam.
Chicken Dinner/Auction
The 14th Chicken Cordon Bleu Dinner and Silent Auction to benefit American Cancer Society will be held at 6 p.m. at the Pomfret Community School. Adults $25; kids under 10 $10; kids 4 and under eat free. 860-974-1202.
Fund-raiser Concert
POMFRET --- Minnesota folk singer, Peter Mayer, returns at 7 p.m. to The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road. $25 for CAS members; $30 for non-members. Registration is required as seating is limited: ctaudubon.org/pomfret-programs or call 860-928-4948.
Fri. May 5
Fund-raiser
WOODSTOCK --- DKH will hold a Cinco de Mayo Beef & Wine Tasting at 6 p.m. at Mansion at Bald Hill. Tastings, entertainment, drawings, food. Benefits the NECT Cancer Fund of Day Kimball Healthcare. 45 and must be purchased in advance. daykimball.org/tasting.
Bake/Book Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 (near the Rt. 169 intersection) will hold a book and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. May 5 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 6.
Sat. May 6
Maker Fair
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Maker Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Riverside Park.
BBQ
WOODSTOCK --- The Bungay Fire Brigade will host its spring 2023 Chicken BBQ from 4 to 6 p.m. www.bungay.com.
Fri. May 12
Ballroom Bash
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will hold a Big Band Ballroom Bash benefit concert and dance lessons from 7 to 10 p.m. Flamingo Big Band and Kelly & Paul Wybieracki dance instructors.
Sat. May 13
Ham and Bean Supper
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Lions Club will hold a ham and bean supper from 5 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 67. $15. Eat in or take out. Drawings.
Sat. May 20
Shred Days
THOMPSON --- bankHometown will host a free Shred Day from 9 to 11 a.m. at its Thompson branch on Riverside Drive. No appointment needed. A professional document destruction company will be in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.
Sun. June 4
Fishing Derby
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department's 23rd annual Fishing Derby will begin at 8 a.m. at the Pomfret Rod & Gun Club. For boys and girls ages 5-15. $5. Register at www.pomfretct.gov/recreation.
Sat. June 17
Art Festival
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council (PAC) will be hosting the Putnam Fine Arts and Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 17 and June 18 at the Municipal Complex. It includes all the arts plus live music. Rain or shine. Free.
Sun.. July 9
Touch-A-Truck
WOODSTOCK --- The Bungay Fire Brigade will host Touch-A-Truck from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Roseland Park.
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.
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.
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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