caption:

Go for it
Ines Goryanova, left, and Janeya Grant, far left. Twin Vizuals photos.


It starts tonight in Canada. The goal, the expectation, is for it to end in North Carolina.
Putnam Science Academy’s girls’ basketball team begins its sixth season with a three-game showcase event in Ontario, and the end goal for this talented squad is to claim its first national championship in mid-February.
“We are a very highly skilled team, who works great together and can get better throughout the year,” said returning point guard Ines Goryanova. “We are holding ourselves to a standard of winning a national championship because we know we can. At the end of the day no one wants to lose therefore anything less will be disappointing. But we won’t be thinking of losing.”
In addition to Goryanova, the Mustangs return four players – Janeya Grant, Jada Mills, Astou Ndiaye, and Genevive Wedemeyer— who played major minutes on last year’s team that finished fourth, plus three others — Hailey Johnson, Zuza Komor, and Bri Mead — who played on PSA’s second team.
And they have added some talented pieces, including a high-major Class of 24 recruit in Kelian “KC” Cedano, Stetson University commit Sophia Fontaine, and Amany Lopez.
“We’re going to play about as fast as you can play,” coach Devin Hill said. “The talent level is probably more than last year but it’s not as much balance.
“But the best version of this team, yeah, that’s what I see for them, a national championship.
People have to buy in, pull in the same direction, do all the things winning teams have to do. There’s no way we’re going to win if we’re sitting here in four months talking about the same things.”
While Goryanova and Cedano, and Grant and Fontaine to a little lesser extent, figure to get the bulk of the shots, history says everyone is going to have to have their day.
“They really have to respect what the person to their right or left brings to the team,” Hill said. “You have to have confidence in yourself but still maybe even say, ‘This person is a better shooter, I’m going to give it up to them.’ That can be hard. That’s a different level of maturity.
“They have to understand too, every game is not going to be your game. You might have a bad couple of weeks, and then come back and be great. You have to stick with it. It happens.”
Hill said too that the Mustangs have to be tougher than they were last year when they went 12-7 but held leads in five of the losses.
“We have to be more focused,” Hill said. “They got too relaxed at certain times when they got a lead, and that’s mental toughness. Hopefully the fact that they went through it, they should understand more. And we have some different players who can settle us down. Someone like Sophia has been there a million and one times. She’s not a guard but she’s a presence.”
The Mustangs have about 40 games on their schedule this year, though that includes games for both teams in the program. It includes a number of showcase and tournament events, plus games against Blair Academy and Westtown, both of whom beat PSA last year, Tilton, and TPLS. PSA opens its home schedule on Oct. 27 against CCRI.
“We have to gel throughout the year, and as the games go by,” Goryanova said. “We have to be coachable. There can be no selfishness. We have to have a winning mentality.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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DANIELSON — Rose B. (Gould) Figueroa, 79, of Danielson, died Sept. 27, 2022, in Day Kimball Hospital. Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose (Hazzard) Gould. She loved going to restaurants and caring for animals, especially cats. She leaves sons, Antonio Figueroa (Sally), and William Figueroa; grandchildren, Angela Fontaine, Keisha Figueroa, and William Figueroa; siblings, Kenneth Gould, William Gould, Janet Cote, Annette Gould-Butler; and great-grandchildren, Aaleiya Fontaine, Hazel Figueroa, Remmy Figueroa, Francis Figueroa. She was predeceased by brothers, Joseph (JoJo) Gould, Donald Gould, Raymond Gould, and James Gould.
A Celebration of Life is from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Putnam Lodge of Elks 574, 64 Edmond St., Putnam, CT. Cremation services have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

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Wed.  Oct. 12
Art Exhibit
DANIELSON --- “Trajectory Intersection”, an exhibit featuring the photography of Wilson Hurst and Hunter Neal at QVCC’s Spirol Gallery, will run for all of October. Gallery open M-F 9am-9pm except holidays.

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library, as part of their Art @ the Library, will present artwork by David Thomas through Oct. 29 and in the display case for October, Knitted & Crocheted Toys by Jeanne Carita. 860-923-9779.

Art Exhibit/Sale
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center, Day Road, will present “Nature’s Colors – Art by Judy Doyle” exhibition and sale through Nov. 10.

Thur.  Oct. 13
Book Launches
STORRS --- Two local poets will launch their new books at 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 1 Royce Cir. A reading and reception with light refreshments will follow. Recommended for ages 14 and up. Sharing the stage will be Karen Warinsky, retired from careers in media and teaching, and former UConn Creative Writing Instructor Pegi Deitz Shea. Free.

Fri.  Oct. 14
Pink Patch
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Police Department will hold its annual “Pink Patch Program” fund-raiser from 7 a.m. to noon in the WINY Radio parking lot. If they can raise $10,000 that morning, Mayor Barney Seney will dye his hair pink. Benefits the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of Day Kimball Hospital.

‘Clue: On Stage’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Clue: On Stage” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 16 and 23. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders. Reservations: 860-928-7887.  

Sat.  Oct. 15
Craft Fair
WOODSTOCK --- The First Congregational Church of Woodstock on Rt. 169 will hold a craft fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Oct. 15 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16. 40+ vendors. Luncheon available Oct. 15.

Arts and Crafts
WOODSTOCK --- The 40th annual Roseland Cottage Fine Arts & Crafts Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 and Oct. 16.

Great Pumpkin Fest
PUTNAM --- The Great Pumpkin Festival will begin at 10 a.m. in downtown Putnam. Food, music, art, sandcastle, Tackle the Trail runners and friends and much, much more. Provided by The Putnam Business Association, the Town of Putnam Recreation Department, the Town of Putnam and Discover, Putnam.

Sun.  Oct. 16
Poetry/Walk
THOMPSON --- Some members of Woodstock-based Poets at Large will perform at 2 p.m. at Fort Hill Farms. At 1 p.m. a nature walk will be held. Rain or shine. Wine will be served.Poetree is open to ages 14 +.  $20. Reservations recommended. 860-234-1153.

Fri.  Oct. 21
Teen Weekend
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will hold Teen Weekend from 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 until 9 a.m. Oct. 23.  For teens 13 – 17.  Bring your own pumpkin to carve. $50. Pre-registration by Oct. 17. 860-974-1122.

Sat.  Oct. 22
Troubadours Concert
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society and Tyrone Farm are presenting a unique performance of Five Connecticut State Troubadours at 4 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Tyrone Farm Barn. Seating is limited. Tickets and complimentary youth passes are available on the Pomfret Historical Society website, pomfret-historical-society.org, and at the Vanilla Bean, Grill 37, Pomfret Wine and Spirits, and Watercure Distillery. Benefits historic buildings and archives preservation and programs of the Pomfret Historical Society.

Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast will hold low-cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. $15 cash. Pre-registration and appointment is required. No walkins. 860-317-1720. This is the last clinic until spring.

Trick/Treat Trail
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will hold Trick or Treat Trail from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Food, games, contests and more. Dress up in costumes. $5 per trick-or-treater ages 2 and up. Benefits the dam repair project.  860-974-1122.

Comedy Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Elks will hold a Comedy Fund-raiser at the lodge. Doors open at 6; show at 7. Bring your own snacks, cash bar. 18 yo+. $20. www.funny4funds.com/events.

Sun.  Oct. 23
Remembrance
PUTNAM --- In remembrance of the Beirut Barracks bombing, American Legion Post #13 of Putnam, with help from the town’s Recreation Department, will conduct a remembrance ceremony at noon at the Veterans Memorial Park. Free. All welcome to come and to share.

Tues.  Oct. 25
Boo Bash
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will hold a Halloween Boo Bash at 4:30 at the library. Treats, drinks, games. Costume wearing encouraged!

Wed.  Oct. 26
Author’s Night
PUTNAM --- The Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital will present Author’s Night at 6 p.m. at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret. $35. Reservations required: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thur.  Oct. 27
Pumpkin Decorating
WOODSTOCK --- The Senexet Grange will host a Community Pumpkin Decorating contest from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the grange on Rt. 169. $1 entry fee and first place wins cash prize. Go to Senexet Grange’s FB page for more info. There are three categories: Up to grade 4, Grades 5-8 and high school and adult.

Sat.  Oct. 29
Trick or Treat
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam Recreation Department will hold its annual downtown Trick or Treat event from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 5
Fall Fling
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Education Foundation will hold its Fall Fling fund-raiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Mansion at Bald Hill. Tickets: woodstockeducationfoundation.org.

Writers Series
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Library Author Series continues this fall at the Putnam Public Library. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. debut novelist Susanne Davis, from northeast Connecticut, will be the Author Series’ featured reader. The Putnam Library Author Series will continue in April and May, 2023.  Open to all.

Holly Fair
E. WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will hold its annual Holly Fair starting at 10 a.m.

Thur. Nov. 10
Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The American Legion Post 13 will hold its Veterans Tribute & Guest Bartending Night from 5 to 9 p.m. at Marley’s Pub at the Black Dog Bar & Grille. Benefits the legion’s youth programs and veterans.

Sat. Nov. 12
Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Last Green Valley Notables & Notorious” by Bill Reid, TLGV chief ranger, at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.

Yuletide Festival
PUTNAM --- The Daughters of Isabella Yuletide Festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St Mary Church Hall. 860-928-5014.

Toy Collection
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association will hold its 17th annual Toy collection from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehouse on Rt. 169 and at the Community Fire company on Riverside Drive in Thompson.

Dueling Pianos
THOMPSON --- Foxwoods Resort Casino will present Dueling Pianos at 7 p.m. at the Raceway Restaurant & Banquet Hall. Benefits Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. daykimball.org/pianos.

Sun. Nov. 13
Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Music at the Meeting House concert series at Chepachet Baptist Church on Rt. 44 will present “75th anniversary of the end of WWII Commemoration” at 2:30 p.m. No charge but a freewill donation would be appreciated. Refreshments.  www.chepachetbaptist.org.
 
Thur. Nov. 24
Thanksgiving Dinner
PUTNAM --- The 9th annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner will be offered for those less fortunate from noon to 2 p.m. at the Putnam Elks Club on Emond Street. Donations welcome. RSVP by Nov. 17:860-928-3901 between 3 and 8 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 25
Santa’s Coming
PUTNAM --- Santa will light up Putnam at 4 p.m. at the Big Ornament at Rotary Park. WINY Radio will have a live broadcast and will supply the hot chocolate.

Sun. Dec. 4
Dazzle Light Parade
PUTNAM --- The Dazzle Light Parade will kick off at 5 p.m. from Grove Street and wind its way through downtown.

Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Music at the Meeting House concert series at Chepachet Baptist Church on Rt. 44 will present “An American Christmas” at 2:30 p.m. No charge but a freewill donation would be appreciated. Refreshments.  www.chepachetbaptist.org.

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