captions, clockwise from top left:
Comeback
Comeback Player of the Year, Jacob Hernandez, right, who recovered from two torn labrums to play three sports this year, is presented his award by Woodstock Academy baseball coach Brian Murphy.
Coach of the Year
Coach of the Year, softball coach Jason Gerum, left, was presented his award by associate dean of students and long-time assistant coach Brad Favreau.
Senior Athlete – Boy
Senior Athlete of the Year, Guerin Favreau, was presented his award by Athletic Director Sean Saucier.
Senior Athlete – Girl
Senior Athlete of the Year, Eliza Dutson, was presented her award by Athletic Director Sean Saucier. Photos by Kelly Trivella.
The Woodstock Academy celebrated the 2020-21 athletic season with its annual Senior Athletic Awards Night. The highlight of the night was the announcement of the Outstanding Senior Athletes of the Year.
Guerin Favreau received the boys’ award as he was a standout on both the ice in hockey and on the turf in boys’ lacrosse. Favreau finished with 218 career points after scoring 71 goals and assisting on 35 others in his senior season. Favreau’s ice hockey career was cut a bit short as the Centaurs played only a handful of games this season. He finished with 33 goals and seven assists as a junior on the ice.
Field hockey standout Eliza Dutson was named the girls’ Outstanding Senior Athlete of the Year. Dutson was just the third player in the history of the girls’ field hockey program to achieve first team All-State status which she accomplished in the fall. She was also named to the Academic All-State team. Dutson was a charter member of the girls’ ice hockey program at the Academy and was the team’s leading scorer in her junior season when she finished with six goals and four assists. Dutson was also a member of the girls’ lacrosse team this past spring.
Other award winners included: Comeback Player of the Year Award: Jacob Hernandez; CIAC Scholar Athlete Awards: Megan Preston, Brynn Kusnarowis, Gabe Geyer, Ethan Aspiras; Woodstock Academy Coach of the Year Award: Jason Gerum, softball; Woodstock Academy Assistant Coach of the Year Award: Chris LaPointe, football and baseball; Centaur Award: Jacob Hernandez and Marissa Mayhew; Athletic Director’s Award: Zach Brody and Lucy McDermott; Evelyn and Arthur Weinmann Award: Megan Preston; Hannah Green Memorial Award: Ciara MacKinnon; NFHS Award of Excellence: Olivia Ott and Adam Schimmelpfennig; Warren Soccer Awards: Brynn Kusnarowis and Gabe Geyer; Spellman Tennis Award: Stefan Chervenkov; Bertand Golf Awards: Maria Santucci and Don Sousa; John Suleski Jr. Memorial Golf Awards: Alex Vaida and Kaily LaChapelle; Centaur Nation Person of the Year Award: Denzel Washington; Centaur Nation Media Award: Greg Smith
Athletes were also honored for the number of years they participated in sports at the Academy. Those who participated in 12 athletic seasons at Woodstock Academy were:
Sydney Couture (Girls’ Soccer/Girls’ Basketball/Unified Sports/Girls’ Indoor and Outdoor Track); Eliza Dutson (Field Hockey/ Girls’ Ice Hockey/Girls’ Lacrosse/Girls’ Outdoor Track); Kileigh Gagnon (Volleyball/Girls’ Ice Hockey/Girls’ Lacrosse); Maria Santucci (Field Hockey/ Girls’ Soccer/ Girls’ Ice Hockey/Girls’ Golf) Peyton Saracina (Girls’ Soccer/ Girls’ Basketball/Girls’ Lacrosse); Gabe Geyer (Boys’ Soccer/ Boys’ Ice Hockey/ Boys’ Lacrosse); Jacob Hernandez (Football/ Boys’ soccer/Boys’ Basketball/ Baseball); Eric Phongsa (Boys’ Soccer/ Boys’ Indoor and Outdoor Track).
Those who participated in eight athletic seasons included:
Iris Bazinet (Girls’ Cross-Country/Indoor and outdoor track); Rachel Canedy (Field Hockey/Girls’ Lacrosse); Kaily LaChapelle (Field hockey, ice hockey and golf); Ciara MacKinnon (Girls’ soccer/Ice Hockey/Golf); Marissa Mayhew (Volleyball/softball); Alina Michalski (Field Hockey/cheerleading/girls’ outdoor track); Megan Preston (Field Hockey / Softball); Gillian Price (Field Hockey/ Indoor and Outdoor girls’ track); Elizabeth Silbermann (Field Hockey/Ice Hockey/Golf); Madeline Silbermann (Field hockey / Ice Hockey/ Golf); Alexandra Vaida (Field Hockey / Golf); Ethan Aspiras (Boys’ Cross Country / Indoor and Outdoor Track); Trey Ayotte (Football/ Boys’ Indoor Track/Baseball); Tim Billings (Football/ Baseball); Liam Blanchflower (Boys’ Soccer/Boys’ Basketball/Boys’ Outdoor Track) Jackson Dias (Boys’ cross-country/Boys’ Indoor and Outdoor Track); Guerin Favreau (Boys’ Hockey/ Boys’ Lacrosse); Richard Hickson (Boys’ Soccer / Boys’ Basketball); Andrew Johnson (Boys’ soccer / Boys’ basketball); Marco Maluf (Boys’ Soccer/ Boys’ Lacrosse); Brandon Richards (Boys’ Soccer/ Boys’ Lacrosse); Jeremy Romano (Football/Boys’ Track); Adam Schimmelpfennig (Football/Wrestling/Boys’ Indoor and Outdoor track); Logan Talbot (Boys’ Soccer/ Boys’ basketball/ Boys’ Outdoor Track); Alex Wojciechowski (Boys’ Hockey/ Boys’ Lacrosse).
Those who participated in four athletic seasons were: Alexia Adams (Field Hockey); Emma Auker (Girls’ Lacrosse); Sierra Bedard (Volleyball); Tabitha Bezanson (Volleyball); Kaitlin Birlin (Girls’ Basketball); Amanda Bond (Softball); Sarah Delaney (Field Hockey); Stella DiPippo (Girls’ cross-country); Gabriella Garbut (volleyball); Brynn Kusnarowis- girls’ soccer; Amelia Large (Volleyball); Mackenzie Leveille (softball); Avery MacNeil (Field Hockey); Sophia Mawson (Girls’ soccer); Lucy McDermott (Girls’ soccer); Olivia Ott (Field Hockey); Alexa Pechie (Girls’ Basketball); Emily Skellett (Unified Sports); Mallory Tyimok (Girls’ Track); Caroline Wilcox (girls’ soccer); Pipe Ajayi (Boys’ Basketball); Kyle Alcy (Boys’ Basketball); Daimler Aleksjuks (Boys’ Basketball); Nick Apley (Boys’ Lacrosse); Ethan Bove (Boys’ Lacrosse); C.J. Burrows (Football); Eshete Calvo (Boys’ Basketball); Riley Chapuis (Boys’ Lacrosse); Stefan Chervenkov (Boys’ Tennis); Nick Chubbuck (Boys’ Ice Hockey); Huck Gelhaus (Boys’ soccer); Nathan Majewski (Boys’ soccer); Matt Marshall (Boys’ soccer); Isah Muhammade (Boys’ Basketball); Eddie Niejadlik (Baseball); John Peabody (Boys’ cross-country); James Phongsa (Boys’ soccer); Connor Quinn (Boys’ Tennis); Elijah Saine (Boys’ Lacrosse); Gavin Savoie (Football); Colin Smith (Boys’ soccer); Dmitri Zinchenko (Boys’ basketball).
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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Estelle Yakis
PUTNAM — Estelle (Lavallee) Yakis, 89, of Liberty Hwy, died June 12, 2021, at home. She was the wife of the late Andreas Yakis.
Born in 1931 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Emile and Georgiana (Dragon) Lavallee.
Estelle worked as a secretary for Leschke Puffer Insurance.
She and her husband Andreas enjoyed taking daytrips and visiting different restaurants.
She also enjoyed reading and caring for her German Shepherds and cats.
She leaves her grandchildren, Ryan Yakis of Colebrook, N.H., Matthew Yakis of Woodstock, and Nathan Yakis of Woodstock; her nephew, Kevin Lavallee of Putnam; and her sister in-law, Jeanne Lavallee of Putnam. She was predeceased by her son Steven Yakis; her brother Jimmy Lavallee; her sister Theresa Lavallee and her niece Sr. Jeanne Lavallee.
Visitation is at 10 a.m. June 21 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam with burial following in St. Mary Cemetery.
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Wed. June 16
Quilt Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present a quilt exhibit through the end of July. It includes work by: Dawn Reynolds, Joyce Davis and Katie Woodhouse.
Sun. June 20
Garden & Grounds
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Trail Wood will present Garden & Grounds Group” from 9 a.m. to noon at the property on Kenyon Road. Bring work gloves and some gardening, pruning and brush cutting tools. Register: 860-928-4948.
Fri. June 25
Golf Tourney
PUTNAM --- The Arc Eastern Connecticut will hold its 33th Annual Gardner Johnson memorial golf Tournament at Connecticut National Golf Club. 860-889-4435, ext 116.
Twilight Lawn Concert
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Recreation Department and Roseland Cottage will present a concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free.
Sat. June 26
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air merchant and artisan series will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in outdoor locations in Rotary Park and along Main Street with additions including entertainment and creative highlights.
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast will hold a rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12. $15 cash. Pre-registration and appointment required. No walk-ins. This is the last clinic until October. For info, registration and appointment: 860-317-1720.
Comedy Show
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present Scott Higgins Comedy All Stars at 6 and at 8:30 p.m. For audience 18 and older. $24. 860-928-9778.
Fri. July 2
Red, White, Blue
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Parks and Recreation Department will present the Killingly Red, White & Blue Celebration and Fireworks from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Owen Bell Park. Whiskey Boulevard will entertain from 7 to 9:15 p.m.
Sat. July 3
Food Drive
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors will be hosting a monthly collection of non-perishables, the first Saturday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Senior Center. Looking for items such as: Granola bars, breakfast bars, cereal, pasta, soup, crackers, chips, tuna fish, juice, canned vegetables, (shampoo, soap, razors, wipes, diapers for all ages, Kleenex, toilet paper and laundry supplies. Also looking for volunteers and organizations to help. VisitPomfret.com
Sat. July 10
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523 and the town of Putnam.
Fri. July 12
Golf Invitational
N. STONINGTON --- The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce 33rd annual Golf Invitational will start at 11:30 a.m. (shotgun) at Lake of Isles members course.
Sat. July 24
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air merchant and artisan series will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in outdoor locations in Rotary Park and along Main Street with additions including entertainment and creative highlights.
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523 and the town of Putnam.
Sun. July 25
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. July 25, Aug. 15 and Sept. 26. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served. Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows.
Fri. July 30
Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam will present a Car Cruise Invitational.
Sat. July 31
Triathlon
PLAINFIELD --- The DKH “Give it a Tri” Triathlon fund-raiser will start at 8 p.m. at Moosup Pond on Moosup Pond Road. Benefits Day Kimball Hospital. More Info: daykimball.org/triathlon.
Fri. Aug. 6
Rotary Golf Tourney
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club will host the Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament fund-raiser at the Connecticut National Golf Club.
Sat. Aug. 7
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru, masks required. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523 and the town of Putnam.
Food Drive
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors will be hosting a monthly collection of non-perishables, the first Saturday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Senior Center. Looking for items such as: Granola bars, breakfast bars, cereal, pasta, soup, crackers, chips, tuna fish, juice, canned vegetables, (shampoo, soap, razors, wipes, diapers for all ages, Kleenex, toilet paper and laundry supplies. Also looking for volunteers and organizations to help. VisitPomfret.com
Particle Accelerator
PUTNAM --- The Particle Accelerator fund-raiser will take place today.
Sun. Aug. 15
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 and Sept. 26. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served. Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows.
Thur. Aug. 19
Bike Night
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Parks and Recreation Department will present Killingly Bike Night downtown. Rain date Aug. 25. Benefits the Killingly-Brooklyn Rotary Club, TEEG and the Killingly Parks and Recreation Department.
Sat. Aug. 21
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air merchant and artisan series will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in outdoor locations in Rotary Park and along Main Street with additions including entertainment and creative highlights.
Fireworks (updated)
PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam fireworks display will begin with a concert from 4:30 to 6 p.m. by the Little Big Band Concert (in honor of Al Smat) and a concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. by a Buddy Holly tribute band in Rotary Park. The fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.
Charity Ride
WILLIMANTIC --- The 30th annual Steeple Chase Bike Tour Fund-raiser will start and finish at St. Mary-St. Joseph School. Benefits eastern Connecticut human service non-profits. It will be both in person and virtually. Registration: https://steeplechasebiketour.org/register/ and www.bikereg.com/steeple-chase-bike-tour.
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru, masks required. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523 and the town of Putnam.
Sun. Aug. 22
Pluck-a-Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association’s fund-raiser, Pluck-a-Duck will be held today at a secret location. For info, contact the Putnam Business Association.
Fri. Sept. 10
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold its Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic starting at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Hospital. More Info:daykimball.org/golfclassic
Sun. Sept. 26
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served. Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows.
Sun. Oct. 3
Canines for Cancer Care
BROOKLYN --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold Canines for Cancer Care at 11 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds. Benefit: Northeast CT Cancer Fund of DKH. More Info:daykimball.org/canines
Sat. Nov. 6
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
Sun. Dec. 5
Hospice Tree
Day Kimball Healthcare will present Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies at 5 p.m. at locations around northeastern Connecticut. Benefit: Hospice & Palliative Care of NE CT. More Info:daykimball.org/treeoflife
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Presentation
June 11 the American Legion Post #13 presented the Putnam Police Dept. with a new American flag. From left: Brian Maynard, post commander; Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace; and Eric Quinn, post finance officer. Photo by Putnam Police Captain Justin Lussier.
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