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Hoffman Surges
Woodstock senior Ian Hoffman surges toward the line in the 800m against Waterford. Hoffman came in a personal best time and is now just 2.1 seconds shy of the school record.

Up and Over
Magdalena Myslenski heads over the bar in the pole vault against Waterford. The junior finished first in the event as well the discus and javelin.




Hoffman shooting for record in 800-meter
A smile crept over the face of Woodstock Academy senior Ian Hoffman when asked if he wanted to eclipse school record in the boys’ outdoor track 800-meter.
“I want to beat it so bad,” Hoffman said. “That’s what I think about during every workout and every race.”
He came close again in the final home meet of the season in which the Centaurs fell to Waterford last week, 86-64.
Hoffman was able to finish the two trips around the track in 2 minutes, 2.46 seconds, a personal best for him.
He is now just 2.1 seconds away from his goal and there are bigger meets on the horizon, like the ECC championship on Monday at E. Lyme (which finished too late for this edition), that may help him in the pursuit of that goal.
“At the ECCs, I will have a lot more competition. It will be good to have people there to push me. There are some guys who run around 1:58 and I’m going to try and stick with them,” Hoffman said.
The man who holds the record currently wasn’t very far away from him on the track.
Woodstock girls’ track coach Josh Welch set the mark in 1998 and it still stands.
“I’m excited for that,” Welch said of the possibility of his record being broken. “Obviously, a little bittersweet because it’s memories, that was a long time ago. But how cool is that, to get to coach a kid who comes up 25 years later and tries to break the record. If we can get him there, I would be ecstatic and he has a really good shot.”
Not only did Hoffman win the 800m against the Lancers, he also cleared 10-feet, 6-inches in the pole vault to take a first place in that event.
He wanted more. “I got to 10-6 and figured since I already had a guaranteed first place that I would try and go for a personal best at 11-6 since I cleared 11-feet (the previous Saturday at the Greater Hartford Invite). I didn’t get it but I was pretty close,” Hoffman said.
It’s that time of year when the focus of a track team shifts.
Other winners against Waterford May 18 included Charles Caggiano in the 400m; Vincente Bastura in the 1600, and Christian Menounos in the 3200.
Lusa got a little surprise when Carter Saracina begged off the 200m to run in the 4x400m because his teammates asked him to.
“Here’s a kid who doesn’t like to run the 200 because it’s too far and they convinced him to run the 400. That’s what peers can do,” Lusa said with a laugh.
In the field events, the Centaurs swept the shotput and discus with Keenan LaMontagne and Jared Eaton finishing 1-2 in both.
Chase Young was third in the discus while Silas Strandson, who won the javelin, took third in the shotput, Liam Wilcox was best in the high jump at the meet.
Girls’ Track: Finish season with win
Girls’ track coach Josh Welch was hopeful that his team would win, but it wasn’t the first priority.
“We just wanted to be careful. Look for the opportunities to get some kids some new qualifying times, put some people in new positions to try some things especially those who will be competing in the (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference) heptathlon (championship). So, we’re try those things out as we get ready for postseason,” Welch said.
The Centaurs finished with a 3-1 record as they won their regular season finale against Waterford, 87-59, last week.
The team finished second in the regular season in Div. I of the ECC.
It would like to compete for the league championship on Monday (which finished too late for this edition) which is hosted by E. Lyme.
The only loss the Centaurs suffered this season was to the Vikings.
Welch is hopeful that his team can bring home some individual titles from the ECC championship. The Class MM state championship follows on June 1.
“I’m hoping to see us do well at States but I don’t think we’re contending for the No. 1 spot. I would like to see us in the top five and I think we could be. It is very much about who can we get to New England’s, who has a shot to squeezing toward Nationals and we have a few who are on the cusp. We have to be a little more focused on particular events. Dial in what the plan is for those kids and focus there,” Welch said.
The Centaurs did have a trio of athletes bring home three first-place finishes against Waterford.
Magdalena Myslenski won the pole vault, javelin and discus. Bella Sorrentino was best in the 100m hurdles and the shotput and was a member of the winning 4x800m team. Linsey Arends was also a part of the winning 4x800 and also finished first in the 800 and 1600m races. Reegan Reynolds, who won the long jump and triple jump, tried the 200m and finished second. She was also third in the 400m. Julia Coyle won the 3200m and Mia Sorrentino took first in the high jump. Senior Leah Castle had a personal best in the 800m. Castle normally runs the 4x800m but wanted a chance to qualify to run in the 800m as well in future meets. For the senior, the season went by faster than her 800m. “So fast, especially with the past two years being so wonky. This year has just flown by,” Castle said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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PUTNAM — Jeanne Burlingham, 90, formerly a long-time resident of East Putnam Road, died May 8, 2022, at Westview Health Care Centre, Dayville.
Jeanne graduated high school from Woodstock Academy, and maintained a life-long connection to the Alumni Association, as well as to several former classmates.
Her working career was spent at Jacobs Rubber for 15 years, in the restaurant serving field for several years, and in school and public libraries, before retiring in 1999.
Jeanne was an avid reader and was a regular customer at the Putnam Library. She enjoyed watching movies, all types of music, dancing, and was a huge Elvis fan.
She was a loyal knowledgeable Patriots fan, even occasionally attending some pre-season practice sessions.  Jeanne was known to talk “armchair quarterback” with her granddaughter Danielle, and was sad when Tom Brady retired!
Jeanne belonged to the Royal Travelers Club, and Learning in Retirement at QVCC, which fed her strong interest in learning new things, and travel.
She loved visiting her daughter and son-in-law in Canada.
Jeanne leaves her children, Deborah Alarie (Jack) of Ontario, Canada, and Michael Field of Brooklyn; her daughter-in-law Lisa Field; grandchildren, Justin Field, Shane Field, Jamie Field, Katie Field, Reuben Field, Danielle and Rebecca Alarie; several great- grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband James Burlingham, and her son Kerry Field.
Burial will be at Acotes Cemetery in Chepachet, R.I. with her pre-deceased husband James. A small celebration of her life will be held later this summer. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

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Wed.  May 25
Family Night
PUTNAM --- BSA Troop 25 Putnam will hold its Family Night & Flag Retirement Ceremony at 7 p.m. at Rotary Park near the Bandstand. All welcome. 860-245-1322.

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library & Display Case through June 29. The exhibit is named “The Other Side II: Taking the Evidence Further,” paintings, sculpture and photography by David Ostrowski. 860- 923- 9779.

Thur.  May 26
Trivia Fund-raiser
PUTNAM ---T he Putnam Lion’s will be holding Trivia Night at 7 p.m. at The Crossings Restaurant o benefit the Putnam Commission on Aging Voice Friend program.

Fri.  May 27
Golf Tourney
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament will be held at the Connecticut National Golf Club.

Sat.  May 28
Cornhole Tournament
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold a cornhole tournament at noon at the Pomfret Recreation Park. Rain date is June 4. Double elimination style - team consists of two members. Every team is guaranteed to play at least 2 games. Min. of 12 teams needed to run the tournament; max. of 28 teams allowed. Bracket postings will be pulled out of a hat prior to the start of the event. We will provide the cornhole boards and bags. The fee is $30 per team. Prizes. Visit pomfretct.gov/recreation for the registration form.

Mon.  May 30
Memorial Day Race
WOODSTOCK --- Woodstock Recreation’s 40th Annual Memorial Day 10K. It will start at 9 a.m. from the Woodstock Academy Fieldhouse Gymnasium. Race day registration from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. at the Fieldhouse Gymnasium. To register or for info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Woodstock/WoodstockMemorialDay10K. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Woodstock Fuel Assistance Program. 860-928-6595 x333.

Eastford Parade
EASTFORD --- Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Eastford Elementary School. Immediately following the parade, a Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at the Veteran's Memorial. Preceding the parade, Memorial Day services will take place at the General Lyon Cemetery at 8:30 a.m. and the Grove Cemetery at 9 a.m. In the event of rain, the parade will be cancelled and the Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the school. All welcome.

Putnam Parade
PUTNAM --- The town's Memorial Day observance will take place starting with a parade at 10 a.m. (from Grove Street) and ending with a memorial program at Rotary Park.  In case of inclement weather, notification will be on WINY 1350 AM the morning of the parade.

Woodstock Parade
WOODSTOCK --- The parade leaves the Inn at Woodstock Hill/Woodstock Orchard muster area around 11:30 and goes to the Common where there will be a Memorial Day program.

Pomfret Parade
POMFRET --- The Town of Pomfret will be holding its annual Memorial Day Parade starting at 10 a.m. from the Pomfret Congregational Church. It will proceed down Pomfret Street/Rt. 44 to the Town Green where a short ceremony will take place.  

Thur.  June 2
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 109 of the Putnam Municipal Complex. 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Fri.  June 3
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- This year the Putnam Business Association’s First Fridays returns to its roots --- celebrating the arts. Artists, vendors, performances and more will fill Main Street in downtown Putnam from 5 to 9 p.m.

‘Blithe Spirit’
Putnam --- The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse will present Noel Coward’s comedy “Blithe Spirit”, at 7:30 p.m. June 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 and at 2 p.m. June 5, 12 and 18. Tickets:  $22 for adults; $18 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders.  860-928-7887.

Sat.  June 4
Farmers’ Market Opens!
PUTNAM --- Today the Putnam Saturday Farmers’ Market opens for the season and runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through October at the Riverview Marketplace Pavilion on Kennedy Drive.  www.putnamfarmersmarket.org.

Relay For Life
WOODSTOCK --- The American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life of Northeastern CT fund-raising event will be held June 4 through June 5 at Roseland Park.

Music Festival
PASCOAG --- The Grace Note Farm and The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council will present the 2022 Music at the Farm Chamber Music Festival June 4 and 5 and June 11 and 12. $30. Call 401-567-0354 or go to www.gracenotefarmmusicfestival.com for info/tickets.

Art Show Reception
PUTNAM --- The Annie & Dave Joly Art Show Reception will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Putnam Municipal Complex on School Street. This Putnam couple’s works include illustrations, photography, paintings and animations. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Putnam Arts Council. The Joly exhibit will be on display until June 30. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Fri.  June 10
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Recreation Commission and Historic New England will present, as part  of its annual Twilight Concert series, The Little Big Band from 7 to 8:30 (rain date: June 24) at Roseland Cottage. Free. 860-928-4074.

Sat.  June 11
Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Tour of Watercure Distillery in Pomfret” at 10 a.m. Free. More info on the town’s website.

Tag Sale
WOODSTOCK --- The South Woodstock Baptist Church will hold its Community Tag Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church on Roseland Park Road. No early birds. All proceeds go to mission programs.

Tag Sale
WOODSTOCK --- The Town of Woodstock will hold its 10th annual Town-Wide Tag Sale from 8 a.m. to the afternoon (rain date: June 12). Benefits the Woodstock Fuel Assistance Program. Register to put your place on the tag sale map. Sellers go to: https://secure.rec1.com/CT/woodstock-ct/catalog.

Sat.  June 18
Cornhole Classic
THOMPSON --- The Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club will present its Cornhole Classic from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Thompson Speedway. Benefits Rotaract Club and NEPS.  $50 per team. Register at: www.Qvrrotaractclub.com

Sun.  June 12
Fishing Derby
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold its 22nd annual fishing derby at the Pomfret Rod & Gun Club. Check-in starts at 8 and fishing is from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch and awards. Rain date June 18. Worms or night crawlers only. If you catch a trout or bass a member of the club must take your fish off the hook. Casting contest, too. $5 per child. www.pomfretct.gov/recreation.

Fri.  July 1
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- This year the Putnam Business Association’s First Fridays returns to its roots --- celebrating the arts. Artists, vendors, performances and more will fill Main Street in downtown Putnam from 5 to 9 p.m. www.discoverputnam.com.

Fri.  July 29
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Recreation Commission and Historic New England will present, as part  of its annual Twilight Concert series, Dynamite Rhythm from 7 to 8:30 (rain date:  Aug. 12) at Roseland Cottage. Free. 860-928-4074.

Golf Tourney
PUTNAM --- The American Legion Post 13 will hold a golf tournament starting at 8:30 a.m. at Connecticut National Golf Course. For info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fri.  Aug. 5
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- This year the Putnam Business Association’s First Fridays returns to its roots --- celebrating the arts. Artists, vendors, performances and more will fill Main Street in downtown Putnam from 5 to 9 p.m. www.discoverputnam.com.

Sat.  Aug. 6
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Bats at Lyon Preserve” will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org

Sat.  Aug. 13
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Historic Mills of Pomfret” by Dick Symonds at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.

Fri.  Aug. 19
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Recreation Commission and Historic New England will present, as part  of its annual Twilight Concert series, Beck N’ Call from 7 to 8:30 (rain date:  Aug. 26) at Roseland Cottage. Free. 860-928-4074.

Sat.  Sept. 10
Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Common Sense: TLGV Town Commons and Greens” by Bill Reid at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.

Sat.  Oct. 1
Wee Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Leaves and Mushrooms at Rapoport Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org

Sat.  Oct. 8
Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present Connecticut State Historian Walter Woodward at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.

Sat. Nov. 5
Dueling Pianos
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will present Dueling Pianos Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino at 7 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. More Info: daykimball.org/pianos.

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.

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