She may be undersized, but Alice Meunier is definitely not underappreciated. Certainly not to her teammates on the Putnam Science Academy Prep Red team.
“To our team, she’s the girl who works the hardest,” Zoé Bayer said. “She motivates everyone. She can do things that people on our team can’t, like taking rebounds. I love having her as a teammate.”
“She doesn’t quit,” said coach Sabrina Browne. “She’s aggressive. She brings high energy and intensity to the game all the time. She’s a magnet to the ball.”
At 5-foot-5, Meunier is often one of the smallest players on the court. But, as her teammates attested to, she will never be outworked. Her unofficial stats for every game seem to be 10 points, five or six rebounds, five or six assists, and four or five steals. And those stats don’t account for the hustle plays getting to loose balls or simply outworking bigger players for rebounds.
“I really like fighting for the ball,” said Meunier, a 17-year-old from Arlon, Belgium. “I know I’m not big but I try really hard and I’m going to fight for the ball. I think it’s one of the most important things. Even if you’re not the best player, if you fight and work hard, you can still be good.”
Meunier said that back in Belgium, where she’s been playing since she was 3 years old, she was somehow a post player even though everyone on her team was bigger than her. She said she never shot the ball, never attempted a 3-pointer in a game before coming to PSA. Never. So when she was told she was going to be a guard and have to shoot the ball, she wasn’t so confident she could do that.
It turns out though that she can, through her hard work. Meunier has become a bit of a gym rat, utilizing any opportunity that the gym is available to get in there and get shots up. That is one of her favorite things about being at PSA, along with daily practices, the minute-or-so-walk from the dorm to the gym, and the relationships she has built with her teammates, all of which is a 180 from what she experienced back home.
“Since I’ve been here, I am the most happy person,” she said. “In two years (when she graduates), that will be finished if I don’t receive a scholarship offer. My mom, I know she is doing everything to help me realize my dream to go to college and play basketball. So I need to fight for my dream. I know the level here is really hard to do that, so I need to work harder for it.
“I want my mom and my grandfather to be proud of me. My mom tells me she is happy for me. She tells me that I’m amazing and she’s proud of me. That’s what I want to hear so I have to really keep working.”
Last Monday, Meunier made everyone proud with her typical workmanlike performance; she led her team to a 91-27 win over Wheeler School, finishing with 17 points, 10 steals, six rebounds, and four assists. Looks have certainly been deceiving.
“I think at first, she’s not the girl (the other team) will say is the best on the team,” Bayer said, “but at the end they change their mind because she is doing really good things.”
Bayer added 21 points, five assists, and four steals for the Mustangs, who also got 15 points from Zuza Komor and 14 points from Alba Farell Torres.
Feb. 5, PSA’s Prep Black team won its second straight game, knocking off Hoosac, 68-60. Ines Goryanova scored 17 of her team-high 19 points in the second half to lead the way.
Molly Moffitt and Janeya Grant both finished with 14 points for the Mustangs (7-5). Astou Ndiaye added nine points in the win. PSA has a busy stretch coming up with five games scheduled in the next 10 days before the team heads to North Carolina to play in the Independent School National Championship Tournament.
“I honestly think we’re hungry for more games,” Moffitt said. “A lot of things have gotten canceled and rescheduled so these next few games are going to be really fun for us. We want to compete and play against the best. I think mentally we are in a good spot. These last two wins for us were huge and a great way to go into these next five games. When we are locked in and physical we look really, really good.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Cecile G. (Blais) Frost
DAYVILLE --- Cecile (Blais) Frost, 82, of Putnam passed away peacefully Jan. 31, 2022, at Westview Health Care surrounded by her loving family. Born in 1939 in Putnam to Lionel and Aldea (Arpin) Blais, Cecile attended Putnam High School graduating in the Class of 1957. She met the love of her life there and would have celebrated her 64th wedding anniversary with her husband, Quentin, on Feb. 15, 2022.
Mrs. Frost worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam and at local long-term care facilities.
Her family was the focus and joy of her life. She was known for always having a bit of wisdom or word of advice to impart not only to her children but often to her children’s friends as well. She was nicknamed “Darling” and called that by so many because it epitomized her. She was gregarious and witty and got lots of laughs. She enjoyed cruises, the beaches of Maine, flowers, listening to country music (especially Johnny Cash), watching Wheel of Fortune, visiting the casinos to play penny slots, and eating lobster rolls and #3 Chinese takeout. She loved to answer the phone with “Bonjour” and speak French even if you didn’t understand it. She was a kind soul.
Cecile is survived by her devoted husband, Quentin; and her children, Kenneth Frost of Danielson, Jacquelyn (Michael) Woznicki of Putnam, Susan (Jay) Byrnes of Woodstock, James (Sheila) Frost of Brooklyn; six cherished grandchildren, Victoria, Jack, and Abigail Byrnes, Niko Woznicki, Erica and Caroline Frost; her special niece, Linda Christian. Linda was her flower girl, her friend, and often her casino and cruising companion. She also leaves behind her cousin and lifelong friend, Nini Lavallee; goddaughter, Allison Franklin Dumas.
Relatives and friends were invited to visit with Cecile’s family Feb. 7 at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Memorial Service followed. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.
Edward ‘Ed’ Hudson Jr.,
Air Force veteran
Edward (Ed) C. Hudson, Jr. died Jan. 30, 2022.
He was born April 16, 1935, in Parsonsburg, Md. He graduated from Wicomico High School, Salisbury, Md.
He served as a Radar Technician in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1958 earning the rank of staff sergeant.
Upon discharge from the Air Force he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Maryland in electrical engineering. Ed was an inventor at heart who enjoyed generating innovative solutions to routine challenges or inefficiencies. He had a passion for research and writing with macroeconomics among his favorite topics. Ed was a dedicated sports fan, from his days as a tight end on the gridiron to supporting local teams cheering on his children. He was an avid tennis player and could often be found on a summer evening at the local court for a prearranged match or pick-up game.
Ed lived in Putnam from 1978 to 2020, on Farrows Street.
He was predeceased by his parents Edward Sr. and Ann Hudson, and brother Arthur. He leaves two children: Ted (Heidi) Hudson and Stuart (Shelly) Hudson; sister Marjorie (Robert) Reeves; nieces: Janet and Perry; grandchildren: Darien, Jake, Zach, Addison, Annabelle, and Evelyn; great-grandchildren: Braelie and Kasen. The family will hold a memorial/burial service in Girdletree, Md., in the spring.
Gloria L. Beaudreault
WOODSTOCK — Gloria L. Beaudreault, 87, of Stonebridge Rd., died Jan. 25, 2022, at Villa Maria Healthcare in Plainfield. She was the wife of the late Robert L. Beaudreault. Born in 1934 in Thompson, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Loretta (Mailloux) Bissonnette.
Mrs. Beaudreault worked for many years as a registered nurse for Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She was a member of the former Putnam Travelers Club. She was a worldwide traveling enthusiast and enjoyed bird watching, reading, camping, and flower gardening.
She leaves her children, Robert P. Beaudreault (Jean), Mark Beaudreault and his longtime companion Charlotte Cook, and Laura Ann Salo (Lawrence), all of Woodstock; her grandchildren, Scott Beaudreault, Kelly Percy (William), Timothy Beaudreault, Amber Salo, Britany Laliberte, and Hunter Beaudreault; and her great-grandchildren, Karver Beaudreault, T.J. Beaudreault, William, Michael, Felicia, Mary Elizabeth and Morgan Percy, Kameron Barber, and Mason Beaudreault. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Raymond and Bernard Bissonnette, and her great-grandchild, Amaya Beaudreault.
The graveside service will be at 11 a.m. May 7 at Elmvale Cemetery, on the corner of Roseland Park and Senexet roads in Woodstock. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Tribute Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed Feb. 9
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library series will present “Vivid Creatures: A Colorful Animal Study” paintings by Jacqueline Keough and in the display case, “Amateur Radio,” a collection by Robert Garceau. Both are on view through Feb. 28. 860-923-9779.
Sat Feb. 12
Fire & Ice
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association’s annual Fire & Ice Festival will be held downtown from noon to 9 p.m. It includes entertainers, art, ice sculpting and a cake contest “Love is Brewing” (each cake must include coffee) and much more. Discoverputnam.com
Forest Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Nightingale Forest North Hike” at 10 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Sun. Feb. 13
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Antique Photography” with Hunter Neal at 2 p.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Wed. Feb. 16
Bird Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a Bird Walk at 1 p.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Sat. Feb. 19
Wee Walk
THOMPSON --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Animal Tracking at the Robins Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org.
Spaghetti Dinner
PUTNAM --- Cub Scout Pack 21 will host a spaghetti dinner for the public from 2 to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. Adults, $10; $5 for seniors and kids 3-12. Eat-in or take-out. There will be a companion bake sale. Benefits Pack 21. 860-928-7241.
Camper Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will have a Camper Game Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for boys and girls ages 6-12. Lunch, snacks, games, crafts and more. Rapid testing on arrival. $25/child. Register by Feb. 14. 860-974-3379.
Sun. Feb. 20
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will hold a Camp Open HHHouse from 1 to 3 p.m. Also looking for summer camp staff. 860-974-1122.
Mon. Feb. 28
‘Green’ Film
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Green Team will present “The Nature Makers” at 7 p.m. plus a dialogue following. To sign up go to: https://www.pomfretct.gov/green-team/pages/winter-film-series and click on the Zoom Meeting registration link. Co-sponsors include the Pomfret Library and the Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret.
Sat. March 5
‘Potato’ Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- A baked potato buffet will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the downstairs hall of St. Mary’s Church. $5 per person for a baked potato, with seven toppings to choose from, plus dessert and coffee or tea. Eat in or take out. Benefits Boy Scout Troop 21 2022 summer camp fund. 860-928-7241.
Sun. March 13
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Windham Textile Mill” with Bev York at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Forest Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Nightingale Forest North Hike” at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Fri. March 25
‘Beauty and the Beast’
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Schools will present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at 7 p.m. March 25 and March 26 and at 2 p.m. March 27 in the Thompson Public School Auditorium. $10 for adults; TPS students/seniors, $5; and kids younger than 3, free. 860-923-9581.
Sat. March 26
Forest Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Nightingale Forest North Hike” at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Mon. March 28
‘Green’ Film
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Green Team will present “2040” at 7 p.m. plus a dialogue following. To sign up go to: https://www.pomfretct.gov/green-team/pages/winter-film-series and click on the Zoom Meeting registration link. Co-sponsors include the Pomfret Library and the Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret.
Tues. March 29
Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Bull Hill Hike” at 9 a.m. at Bull Hill. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Sat. April 9
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Connecticut History Explorations” with Walter Woodward at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Easter Egg Hunt
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. for Pomfret boys and girls ages 1 to 10 at the Wolf Den State Park. The rain date is April 16. Bring your camera to get a photo of your child with the Easter Bunny. 860-974-1423.
Fri. April 29
Spring Social
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold a Spring Social from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pomfret Community School. It’s for PCS boys and girls in grades 3, 4 and 5. Parents must sign in and sign out when they drop off and pick up their children in the hallway outside of the cafeteria. Snacks and drinks will be available for $1 or less.
Sat. May 7
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Salamander Search at the 3 B’s” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. May 14
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Last Green Valley Notables & Notorious” with Bill Reid at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
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.
Sat. June 11
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Connecticut’s 29th Colored Regiment” with Donna Dufresne at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
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” with Dick Symonds 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. 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
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Roundup
Centaurs spread
out scoring in
hockey win
Weather again conspired against the Woodstock Academy boys’ hockey team.
The Centaurs were supposed to play two games last week but had to settle for one, a 5-1 victory over Branford Feb. 3, bringing them back to even at 5-5 on the season. The game against the Wildcats was postponed Feb. 4.
The Centaurs have eight more scheduled games, seven of them against Nutmeg Conference opponents. With just 3 ½ weeks left in the season, Woodstock has played one conference game.
Noah Sampson’s goal in the first period put Woodstock up early against the Hornets (3-9).
Coach Bisson did do some experimentation early, moving Brendan Hill up to forward and Jeter Darigan back on defense. Bisson decided one period of that was enough and moved Hill back to defense in the second period.
It paid immediate dividends as Hill got a breakout pass to set up a breakaway for Don Sousa. Sousa’s tally was the start of a three-goal blitz by Woodstock.
Andrew Newton and Maxx Corradi also scored in that period before the Hornets got one back late. Zach Girard added the Centaurs fifth goal in the third.
Chris Thibault, Max Larkin and Kyle Brennan each had two assists for the Centaurs.
Prep Basketball: Centaurs Blue team is on 8-game roll. The Blue prep basketball team is now on an eight-game win streak. The Centaurs continued their fine play over the weekend with victories over Redemption Christian Academy Feb. 5, 75-63, and New York Military Academy, 85-56, Feb. 6.
The Centaurs looked a little logy after a day off from school and took over 5 ½ minutes just to get into double digits on the scoreboard.
The Centaurs did find their groove a bit behind forward Jason Ofcarcik. He scored 10 points and pulled down eight rebounds in the first half to help the Centaurs to a 40-29 advantage at the break. He finished with 23 points and 12 boards. Mike Pelletier added 10 points including a pair of rare 3-pointers for the forward.
The offense was much better against NYMA Feb. 6. Woodstock buried six 3-pointers in the first half, three by Logan Talbot and two more by Jan- Viljem Homanen to go up 42-29 at the half.
Talbot, who led the team with 17 points, added eight more and Ofcarcik, who was a presence all week long, added eight of his 16 points. Jaden Andrews put down 13 points, Craig Wilson added 12 and Homanen finished with 11.
The Centaurs opened the week with a win at Cheshire Academy, 65-57. Kunga Tsering, who recently committed to Adelphi University, led the Centaurs with 16 points while Ofcarcik added 13. The three wins this past week has raised the Centaurs record to 14-6.
Gymnastics: Centaurs hit season team high
Just in time for the postseason, the Woodstock gymnastics team looks like it’s starting to peak. The Centaurs downed Stonington early last week, 135.35-122.35. It was their best score as a team thus far this season.
Coach Kasey Tocchio said she has been waiting to see some other scores from around the state to see where her team stacks up, especially since it’s been two years since a state championship was last held in 2020. She thinks the team has a chance to go far this year.
Against Stonington, freshman Olivia Aleman competed in her first All-Around of the season and posted a 35.3 total. Aleman has been recovering from a preseason injury. She scored a 9.4 in her floor routine which was good enough for second against the Bears. Aleman also finished third on the beam with an 8.75. Junior Taylor Markley finished first in the All-Around for the Centaurs with a 37.3 score. Markley was first in the vault (9.5); beam (9.6) and floor (9.55) and was second on the bars (8.65). Senior Lindsey Gillies placed third in the vault with a 9.25.
Alpine Skiing: Centaurs likely in State Open this week. The Woodstock girls’ Alpine ski team has likely qualified for the Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League State Open championship for a first time.
The State Open is scheduled for Feb. 9 and will be the final event of the CISL season.
Coach Kevin Brody said he thinks they've made it into the Open. "W are within the point range.”
The team had its final race Feb. 8 (too late for this edition) which could change the seeding of the teams but should not affect the Centaurs’ participation.
In addition to the girls’ team, Davis Simpson, Aiden Soderman and Anthony Listro will likely participate as independent competitors on the boys’ side.
Senior Eliza Simpson finished a good week Feb. 1 with a third-place finish in the fourth girls’ race of the Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League season. Simpson was skiing against 166 fellow competitors at Mt. Southington. Freshman Emma Brody also had a stellar performance with an 18th-place finish. Simpson also placed 13th in the Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League’s Giant Slalom Shootout event early last week. Her finish qualified her for the second round, a slalom competition, which took place Feb. 7 (too late for this edition).
Girls’ Hockey: Centaurs battle but fall short. The Centaurs girls’ hockey team was tough and aggressive against a good Central Massachusetts League team in a non-divisional contest Feb. 5.
But Woodstock fell short as Pope Francis School poked in a couple of late goals and prevailed over the Centaurs, 3-0.
The game was played at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, home to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League.
The Centaurs fell behind 1-0 in the game but had some chances to even up with Pope Francis. Mia Dang was again stellar in net as she finished with 45 saves.
Earlier the Centaurs hung tough in another test against the Smithfield/Moses Brown/Coventry Sentinels from Rhode Island but fell 5-2.
The Rhode Island Cooperative team came in with a 5-0 record and took the early 2-0 lead in the first period. Bella Chaves cut that deficit in half when she scored her second goal of the year just 3 minutes, 21 seconds into the second period off assists from Keynila Hochard and Alex Lee. The Sentinels added two more goals before the end of the period to go up, 4-1. Hochard responded 6:34 into the final period with her second goal of the season for the Centaurs off assists from Lee and Sydney Haskins.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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