caption:
The boys’ track team will rely on the running talents of, from left: Christian Menounos, Colton Sallum and Charlie Caggiano. Photo by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.
Boys’ Track Preview
Runners to provide strength for Woodstock boys’ track
Last year, it was Jared Eaton and his ability in the throws - the shotput, discus and javelin that helped Woodstock Academy score in boys’ track.
Eaton, unfortunately, has graduated.
The Centaurs, this season, will rely on their middle and distance runners.
“Our cross-country program is getting better and better and with that, the 800m, mile and two-mile just comes along with it in outdoor track,” said senior Charlie Caggiano.
Unlike the girls, the Centaurs boys are likely not chasing ECC and state titles.
The team does have individual talent but not the multiple-point scorers like Eaton and Carter Saracina were a year ago.
“Improvement is what we have to look for. We didn’t win any dual meets last year. We lost all of our big scorers from last year except Christian (Menounos) and Colton (Sallum). The goal this year is to try and teach the kids what it is to work and how the work pays off at the end of the season and we want to build a little enthusiasm,” coach Gerry LaMontagne said.
Fortunately, the team is very young.
Only six seniors, Caggiano (mid-distance), Austin Adams (throws), Logan Casteen (sprints), Gavin Grant (multi-events), Chris Kirkconnell (multi) and Joel Koleszar (distance) are out for the team.
But turnout, overall, was good. “We had a decent showing from the freshmen. We have some new people from the upper classes so we’re very happy with turnout,” LaMontagne said.
Menounos will be one of those the Centaurs will count on for points.
He captured the school record in the 800m last season.
“I just want to continue that, get more school records, lower my times and improve as much as I can,” Menounos said.
“I like the middle distance. It’s a faster race, is over quickly, and it’s true toughness. The 800m is the toughest race in track, I feel, and I like tough races.”
Menounos has been successful at longer lengths as well as he finished third in the ECC cross-country race and was a 1000-meter performer in indoor track.
“There is no question that the strength of the team is the middle distance,” LaMontagne said.
“Christian is the state 1000m champion indoors and is the returning ECC 800m champion and he’s looking faster this year than he did last year. Colton is going to be in a really good place as well in the 1600m and that’s the meat and potatoes of our team right there.”
Sallum doesn’t mind running a little longer.
“The 1600m is more strategic and it gives me more time to visualize myself in the race, think about where I am. If I’m boxed in and there are people around me and I have to figure out how to get by them, I have time to do that. That’s one of my strengths because I can calm myself down and think about where I am in the race,” Sallum said.
Caggiano will also be involved in the middle and distance events as he participates for a final outdoor track season in his high school career.
“I didn’t start too long ago so it has gone by really fast for me. I started cross-country in my junior year and did outdoor and indoor beginning as a sophomore but it just flew by. I’m so excited for this last season,” Caggiano said.
In sprints, junior Aidan Kane and sophomore Anthony Beaudreault will try and garner some points with Kane and Gabe Luperon-Flecha also doing jumps and Beaudreault working in hurdles for a first year.
Sophomore Eli Manning, who qualified for States in the shotput last year, will return as one of the top throwers for the Centaurs. Manning will also compete in discus and javelin and will try his hand in the decathlon.
“We’re trying to find our Juliet Allard who can do big things in multiple events and he may be someone who can do that in the future,” LaMontagne said of Manning.
Junior Aiden Brailsford is back into outdoor track and will be used in several different areas. LaMontagne is also hoping to see development from Cayson Barille-Castillo and Miles Densmore, both are freshmen throwers.
Gavin Grant will compete in pole vault and is approaching 10 feet, 6 inches which likely would qualify him for state competition.
The Centaurs took part in the Bloomfield Invitational last weekend and go to the Patriot Games in Coventry this weekend but the first dual meet at East Lyme will not take place until April 24.
“It’s the opposite of last year where we had to wait two months for our first meet and the kids were chomping at the bit. Overall, the schedule this year is better than last year. It would be better if we had more dual meets and if they were spread out a bit more. Dual meets are a much better place for young athletes to learn,” LaMontagne said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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captions:
Left: Matt Blachuta celebrates earlier in the season after hitting a home run. Right: Pitcher Jacob Hines. Photos by Celine Hines.
New England weather a frustration for team
It comes with the territory when playing an outdoor sport in New England, but the weather really did a number on Putnam Science Academy’s baseball team last week.
Four games on the schedule, not one of them was played. Wednesday’s game at Brunswick was rained out. Saturday’s doubleheader at Winchendon was cancelled because of snow and cold temperatures. And Monday’s game at Post University, while not weather-related was nonetheless canceled as the team was boarding the buses to make the ride to Waterbury.
“It’s definitely frustrating having the weather get the best of all four of our games,” pitcher Jacob Hines said. “It’s most especially irritating after coming off a weekend winning both our games and our bats were starting to get hot (a doubleheader sweep of Bridgton Academy on March 30 in which PSA scored 23 runs) and it can really affect the momentum of our hitting.
“However, we took this week for team bonding and training even harder to prepare for a big week against two Top-10 teams (at Winchendon Monday and at Salisbury Tuesday) and then we have our home opener at Dodd Thursday. So our pitchers are all available for this week’s schedule and then the following week is a big week as well.”
Outfielder Matt Blachuta echoed those sentiments and wanted to focus on the positives.
“It’s frustrating to go a whole week without a game but we are going into the new week with confidence considering the games (against Bridgton) went very well in every aspect.
“Also New England can be very unpredictable. I’ve lived here my whole life so you get used to it. Last week we got snow, this week it’s going to be in the 60s. It’s unpredictable but I think we are ready for a big upcoming week.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Dale E. Wilson
N. GROSVENORDALE — Dale E. (Kelley) Wilson, 82, of Denis Drive, died April 6, 2024, at home. Born in 1942 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late John Kelley and Eileen (George) Kokocinski.
Mrs. Wilson worked for many years at United Services in Plainfield as a case worker.
Dale enjoyed being outdoors tending to her beautiful gardens.
She leaves her husband, Henry B. Wilson; her daughters, Amy Wilson of Alexandria, Vir. and Caterina Gianelli of Topsfield, Mass.; her sisters, Carol Racicot of Thompson and Susan Horan of Rhode Island; grandchildren, Erik Larson, Meahgan Shiffrin, Zoe Atienza, and Xavier Atienza, and her great-grandchild, Alana Gianelli. She was predeceased by her daughters, Tracy Wilson and Kelly Anne Wilson.
Funeral services are private.
Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
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Sun. April 14
Concert/Program
CHEPACHET --- The Chepachet Baptist Church’s Music at the Meeting House series will present “Amazing Grace – How Sweet the Sound” at 2:30 p.m. at the church on Rt. 44. There will be a free will offering and refreshments to follow. chepachetbaptist.org.
Tues. April 16
Open Mic
HARRISVILLE --- First Universalist Church of Burrillville will host its first Open Mic on from 7 to 9 p.m. Free --- however, donations are welcome to support the preservation efforts of this historic church. For more info:
Thur. April 18
History Program
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Library will present a local history program by Thompson Historical Society President Joseph Iamartino: “Stories of Thompson's Taverns: from 6 to 7 p.m. 860-923-9779.
Fri. April 19
Comedy Fund-raiser
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Paws Cat Shelter is holding a comedy night fund-raiser at the Valley Springs Sportsman's Club on Valley Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Cash bar, light snacks provided. $30 per person and can be purchased at; www.funny4funds.com/events or at the door. 860-377-9329. Benefits efforts to help homeless and needy cats in our local communities.
Sat. April 20
International Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present International Day from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. all around downtown.
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast is holding a low cost rabies clinic at from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital, Rt. 12, Danielson/Plainfield town line. $15 cash per animal. Preregistration and appointment is required. No walk-ins. 860-317-1720.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Bats: Winged Wonders” at 2 p.m. at the center on Day Road. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Poet Laureate
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present CT State Poet Laureate Antoinette Brim-Bell from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Fun Run
POMFRET --- Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Camper Scamper 5K Race/Walk and One Mile Kid Run. Kids Race at 9:30; adult race at 10; walkers after runners. Last Mile Race Management. Register by March 31 to receive discount and free T-shirt. Adults $30/kids $10. Preregister: www.4hcampct.org. Benefits the Jim Logee Campership Fund.
Sun. April 21
Concert
POMFRET --- Take-Note!, an a cappella choral group from Mansfield Center, will perform at 3 p.m. at the Christ Church, 521 Pomfret St. Benefits Partners in Development project work in Guatemala. Free-will donations shall be accepted at the door, and a reception follows.
Mon. April 22
Poetry
THOMPSON --- “Expanding Horizons Poetry Night: Exploring the Cosmos” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in conjunction with the Art Show. Hosted by Thompson’s Poet Laureate Steve Veilleux and other local poets.
Sat. April 27
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Long Pond Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson. $10 members; $20 nonmembers. Register by email:
Beautification Day
PUTNAM --- Putnam’s annual Beautification Day will be held starting with a gathering at 8:30 a.m. at Putnam Rotary Park where volunteer teams will receive their assignments. A volunteer appreciation lunch will be held at the park from 11 a.m. to noon. Trophies awarded. For info or to volunteer, call 860-963-6800, ext. 140. Funded in part by The Last Green Valley and the Town of Putnam.
Sun. April 28
Ham Radio Market
DAYVILLE --- The Eastern Connecticut Amateur Radio Association (ECARA) is holding its annual ham radio flea market, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Killingly High School cafeteria. There will be a flea market with radios, electronics, GMRS, shortwave, computers and other items, seminars, food trucks, an FCC ham radio license exam session, and more. Free parking for all, and free admission for all students. Admission is a $5 donation to ECARA, vendor table rentals are $15 each, please reserve in advance. More information is available at ECARA.net or email Jon Fournier at
Fri. May 3
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Virginia Rail Bird Walk” at 6 p.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Book/Bake Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 will hold a book and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. May 3 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 4 in the church basement.
Sat. May 4
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Beginners Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Pride Festival
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam, Putnam Parks and Recreation will present the Quiet Corner Pride Festival from noon to 4 p.m. at Rotary Park. Vendors sought.www.quietcornerpride.com.
Sat. May 4
Pomfret Tag Sale
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors Association’s 18th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale begins at 7 a.m. on May 4 with the purchase of a printed map for $2 at Pomfret Community School or Christ Church Pomfret. More than 50 locations for bargain hunting and many benefit nonprofit organizations.
Fri. May 10
Bird Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Friedman Forest Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at Joshua’s Trust preserve. Day Road. $20 for CAS members; $30 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 11
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Gellert Preserve Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Wyndham Land Trust Preserve at 8 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sun. May 12
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Mother’s Day Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Moms free. Register: 860-928-4948.
Wed. May 15
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “20 Warbler Day” from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. carpooling from the center on Day Road. $25 for CAS members; $50 for nonmembers. Moms free. Register: 860-928-4948.
Thur. May 16
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Cabbage Hill Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Fri. May 17
Concert
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present Cindy Kallet, Grey Larsen & Will Brown in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the center on Day Road. $20 advance reservations; $25 at the door. Reserve at: 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 18
Fairy Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present a Fairy and Magic Fest.
Pancake Breakfast
PUTNAM --- In honor of Armed Forces Day, Boy Scout Troop 21 will sponsor a free pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon in the St. Mary's Church Hall.
Sat. May 25
Bird Banding
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Bird Banding Demonstration” at 9 a.m. at the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. June 1
Bat Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Bats: Winged Wonders” at 2 p.m. at the center on Day Road. Presentation by Maureen Heidtmann, one of only three licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut specializing in caring for bats. Includes overview of bats of the world, with an emphasis on our local species. She will cover myths and misconceptions, roles they play in ensuring a healthy planet, perils they face as they struggle to survive and their amazing resilience. She’ll bring an “ambassador” bat with her. No registration required. $5 for CAS members; $10 non-members. 860-928-4948.
Sat. June 8
Singers/Songwriters of ‘70s
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present Jim Lenn with “The Ovation Guitar & Singers/Songwriters of the ‘70s” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Registration required.
Sat. June 22
Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will be held June 22 and 23 at the Municipal Complex.
Sat. July 6
Fireworks
PUTNAM --- Fireworks will be held around the Putnam Rotary Park. Rain date is July 13.
Sun. Aug. 11
Pluck a Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present Pluck a Duck Aug. 11 and 12.
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