WOODSTOCK – The high school football season begins Sept. 7 for The Woodstock Academy Centaurs.
But it will be quite the ride to see how the team makes out.
The Centaurs, who finished 4-6 last season, begin their quest for their first-ever .500 or better season at 6 p.m. in Greenfield, Mass.
“I really can’t wait,” senior quarterback Derek Thompson said of getting the season underway. “I think we’re going to have a good season this year. I like where we’re headed right now.”
Where they will be headed on Friday is a place many of them have never heard of, much less been to.
Greenfield is about an hour and a half away on the western side of Massachusetts.
The Green Wave finished with a 7-3 record last season.
The two teams have little knowledge of one another, but did exchange film last weekend.
“You study the film, identify the strengths and weaknesses, and come up with a plan to address those,” said Woodstock Academy second-year coach Sean Saucier. “We don’t have a history. I don’t know the coach. I don’t know what they have run and how good or bad they have been the last 10 years- I don’t really care.”
It’s the here-and-now that matters..
The Centaurs do have some work to do.
They lost their top offensive threat, Kameron Janice, to graduation last year.
His stabilizing influence will be missed.
Janice could be counted on to deliver that crucial first down and was a big-play threat every time he touched the football.
That crutch will be missing this season.
“It’s been an interesting process, but you can’t replace the individual that Kameron was. He was an outstanding player, had a great attitude, a hard worker. But, when you don’t have one overwhelming, strong player, it changes the dynamic. People feel free to step up or have the opportunity to step up,” Saucier said.
It will be more of a by-committee approach at running back this season.
Jaden Dennett, Janice’s understudy last year, returns as a junior. He finished with 132 yards rushing and three touchdowns last season. Also back is junior Ian Welz who saw varsity time last season.
Saucier has also been pleased with a transfer from Killingly High School, sophomore Gavin Savoie.
“I call him ‘Little Danny Woodhead,’” Saucier said with a smile. “He’s going to be special in the future, but he will get reps this year.”
The Centaurs also have Thompson back.
Thompson completed 69 of his 161 passes last year for 902 yards and six touchdowns.
The quarterback is one who may actually benefit from the graduation of Janice.
“I think it was kind of hard to find a rhythm last year because I was only passing seven to 10 times a game. It will be nice to be better balanced this year,” Thompson said.
One number Thompson would like to improve upon is his 10 interceptions.
“I think I had a couple multi-interception games; Montville was a four-interception, tough game. I really have to improve my decision-making. It can be a game-changer. Turnovers can completely sway a game,” he said.
His realization of that is part of the maturity that has begun to creep into Thompson’s game.
“He has come into the season with an outstanding attitude, work ethic and leadership. We came into camp saying it would be a competition and he accepted that. He has stepped up and has done everything in his power to stay at quarterback,” Saucier said.
Nick Bedard will be Thompson’s back up, but the two have two different and distinct skill sets and Bedard will see some reps behind center this fall.
Bedard will also see action at receiver alongside Luis Miranda (14 catches, 220 yards, 2 touchdowns last season). The junior sprained his ankle in the first five minutes of the first practice this season and was finally back on the field in pads last week.
Caleb Feen (22 catches, 302 yards, 1 touchdown) also returns as does Dan Suitam (4 catches, 48 yards).
“We have a very athletic receiving corps, we just need to get healthy. Luis has been injured for most of the practices, but I’m excited about who we have,” Thompson said.
The strength of the team is up front.
“It’s gelling and they’re very intelligent boys so it makes coaching them fun because they pick up on concepts, whether it’s pass protection or the run game, they pick it up quickly,” Saucier said.
Saucier expects senior Blake Kollbeck to be dominant on both sides of the line, he will play right tackle offensively. Fellow senior Patrick Barrows, who skipped playing last year, returns and will play left tackle. Senior Nate Price is back and will play either guard or center, juniors Gavin Lanning and J.J. Bain are also likely starters with Jack Hovestadt available once he returns from an ACL injury suffered last season.
Travis White, a junior, anchors the defense at middle linebacker. Welz, Bain and sophomore Hunter Anderson will flank him.
Miranda (3 interceptions) is a key in the defensive secondary at safety with Feen (2 interceptions) and Suitam at the corners. Bedard will also see time in the defensive backfield.
Joining Kollbeck up front at tackle will be Barrows, Dan Ntamwemizi and sophomore C.J. Burrows with Dennett and Price at the ends.
“We’re playing to take the program forward a step,” Saucier said. “The program has never had a .500 or better record. If we can surpass that, which I truly believe we can, get to 5-5 or better which I expect to, I feel that would be a legacy that the seniors would leave with the school and help us as a program. If we can get to the good side of .500, I think it would be something for the program to hang its hat on.”
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director
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Robert L. Fiander Jr.,
U.S. Army vet
WOODSTOCK — Robert L. Fiander Jr., 79, of Woodstock died Aug. 27, 2018. Born June 15, 1939, in N. Brookfield, Mass., he was the son of Robert L. and Annie Pearl Fiander Sr.
Bob had a passion for life and laughter. He loved cars, music, cats and photography. Bob was happiest spending time with Shelley and socializing with his many dear friends.
Bob owned and operated the Quinn’s Shirt Shop in Dudley for many years. He also served in the U.S. Army.
Bob leaves his sister Ann Dugan of Scottsdale, Ariz.; his nephew Scott Dugan (Dr. Hoa Ngo) of Las Vegas and their daughter Grace; his nephew Todd Dugan of Scottsville; his niece Beth Dugan (Greg Walther) of Seattle; his girlfriend of 15 years Shelley A. Lasker; his best friend of 44 years Jimmy Mclean.
Donations: UMass Memorial Medical Center; or charity of one’s choice.
A Graveside Service was Sept. 4 at Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Joseph G. Paulus,
served in Army
WOODSTOCK — Joseph G. Paulus, 79, of Woodstock died Aug. 29, 2018, at home. Born Sept. 7, 1938, in New Brunswick, N.J., he was the son of Joseph and Helen (Vissos) Paulus.
Joseph was the husband of 59 years to Barbara A. (Patko) Paulus.
Joseph was an avid fan of the UConn women’s basketball team and he liked feeding the birds in his yard. He was drafted in to the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis.
Joseph worked as a custodian for the Woodstock Board of Education, he retired in November 2014. He also was a constable for the Town of Woodstock.
Besides his wife Barbara, he leaves his daughters Dawn Paulus and Kimberly Paulus; his sister Linda Roemer. Joseph was predeceased by a sister Ann Marie.
Donations: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at www.aspca.org in Joseph’s memory. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Mildred C. Morse
PUTNAM — Mildred (Millie) C. Morse of Putnam died Sept. 2, 2018, one day short of her 90th birthday.
Millie was born Sept. 3, 1928, in Willimantic, the daughter of the late Mildred White and Lawrence Cogswell Sr.
Millie married Gilbert E. Morse in 1951, and they had 38 great years together; Gilbert died in 1989. She was lucky to have a second chance at love, and in 1993 married James (Coach) Greenhalgh, and enjoyed 15 loving years, until Jim died in 2009.
Millie led an active life and enjoyed many varied activities. In her younger days she played the violin and became an accomplished painter. Many of her works hang in her lovely house. Later on she learned to play the organ, and became certified in handwriting analysis. Her home, an old country farmhouse that has been in the family for decades (Gilbert grew up in it) gave her immense joy; she loved just being there and puttering in the yard.
In 1989, Millie retired from Southern New England Telephone Co. as an assistant manager, with 25 years of service. Millie was a volunteer at Day Kimball Hospital for 10 years, and served on the Woman’s Board. She was a volunteer typist for Red Cross Blood drives. Millie was a member of the Putnam Methodist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher, superintendent of the Sunday School, and financial secretary of the church.
She loved to play cribbage, go out to eat, watch her favorite TV shows, and simply take care of everyone. Few can match her scones and chocolate chip cookies. She also loved trips to her daughter’s Cape cottage, a place she considered heaven on earth. Mother’s Day weekends most often involved a visit to her son’s home in New Jersey.
She leaves her daughter, Marjorie J. Morse (Bob Huntley) of Nashua, N.H.; her son, Ellsworth L. (Larry) Morse of Haddonfield, N.J.; her sister, Cora Merritt of Mystic; her brother, Lawrence Cogswell (Maria) of Woodstock Valley.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 7 at Grove Street Cemetery. Donations: Day Kimball Hospital. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Mary Madeleine Yost
PLAINFIELD — Mary Madeleine Beaulieu Yost of Plainfield died Aug. 15, 2018.
She had recently moved back to Connecticut after spending the past 30 years in Titusville, Fla.
Mary was born Feb. 27, 1948 in Putnam, the oldest daughter of Oliver Sr. and Emilia Beaulieu. Her death is preceded by her parents Oliver Beauleiu Sr. and Emilia Beaulieu as well as her brother Lawrence (Larry) Beaulieu.
Mary grew up in the ‘60s and thoroughly enjoyed living her life to the fullest. She also enjoyed traveling and collecting vintage items.
She leaves her husband of 28 years, John Yost; children Kenneth Hesselton III, Roxanne Hesselton, Sherry-Ann Lima, Amy Sheridan and Shane Yost; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; siblings Lucien Beaulieu, Tutti Soucy, Micheal Beaulieu, Oliver Beaulieu III, Darlene Raymond and Faith Mayo.
Mary was very generous and private about her charities be it her formal donations, her care for unwanted dogs or providing a lunch for those less fortunate, she did many anonymous acts of kindness without seeking credit.
Donations: SPCA.
Newell E. Baker,
Korean war vet
DAYVILLE — Newell E. Baker, 89, died Aug. 28, 2018, at home.
He was born in Pomfret, son of the late George Baker and Edith (Harvey) Baker and lived in the area all his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran of Korea. Newell was a mechanic all of his life, at one time owning Union State Garage in Danielson. Later in life he became a member of the Danielson Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
He leaves his wife of 48 years, Betty Jean (Rayno) Baker; a son George Baker (Cindie) of Putnam; two daughters, Robin Piette of Webster and Heidi Dobson of Pennsylvania; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters and a grandson.
Services at Kingdom Hall in Danielson will be announced. Donations: Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 200 Tracey Rd., Dayville, CT 06241. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Barbara ‘Bubbles’ Davis
Barbara Ann “Bubbles” (Ratcliffe) Davis, 73, died Sept. 1, 2018, at Boston Medical Center after complications from surgery. She is the daughter of late Earl and Barbara Ratcliffe. Bubbles is predeceased by her husband Russell V. Davis. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on Aug. 12.
Bubbles was a social butterfly and had the biggest heart. Bubbles loved to take pictures (even if they came out blurry!) of everyone.
She was a member of Life Church in Webster.
Bubbles loved her family gatherings and boy there were many.
The annual 4th of July parties and the Davis family Christmas parties will never be the same without her.
She leaves her sons Russell Davis Jr (Cheryl) of Littleton, Mass., Bruce Davis (Theresa) of Port Orange, Fla., and Rodney Davis (Deanna) of N. Grosvenordale; daughter, Beth Esposito (Michael) of Webster; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sister Karen Plante of S. Daytona, Fla.; brother Earl “Chucky” Ratcliffe Jr. of Putnam.
The Funeral was Sept. 5 at Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley, with burial Mt. Zion Cemetery, Webster. Donations: American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701.
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Playground Equipment
Top: At play. Above: Ribbon cutting: Rachel Fortin, Katie Fortin, Joan Fortin, Ben Cross, Crystal Adams, Ethan Adams, Gil Perez. Photos by Bewitching Imagery.
WOODSTOCK — After months of research and more than a year of fund-raising the Woodstock PTO Community Playground at the Woodstock Middle School opened recently, just in time for the start of school.
The new playground features pieces that encourage children to climb and spin. The centerpiece is a large, 13-foot tall climbing dome. Each side of the dome is a different climbing experience, and getting to the top is a challenge. The 5th through 8th graders that attend Woodstock Middle School have enjoyed using the new playground at recess.
The goal of the PTO Playground Committee was to raise $100,000. “The community support has been amazing,” said playground committee co-chair Crystal Adams.
“In addition to school and community fund-raisers, there have been many organizations, families, and businesses that have helped to bring this playground to Woodstock.” said PTO President Jen Beams. “This is what the PTO is about. We need the teachers AND the parents to bring fresh perspectives to our schools so we can offer our kids the best opportunity in grades Pre-K through 8th.
The event began with Woodstock First Selectmen Mike Alberts kissing a baby goat, fulfilling his part as winner of a Kiss the Goat playground fund-raiser held in June. Beams thanked the crowd and invited donors and children to help hold the large red ribbon that was unfurled in front of the playground. Enthusiastic children joined in a countdown from 5, and then Adams cut the ribbon and officially opened the playground.
Attendees enjoyed music donated by DJ Serge Saraidarian and cookies donated from Soleil & Suns Bakery. Children and adults tried out the playground equipment, the new benches, and enjoyed the cool evening playing and chatting with friends.
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Wed. Sept. 5
Exhibit
The Spirol Gallery at Quinebaug Valley Community College will present Art Meets Engineering through Sept. 30. The opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 13.
Thur. Sept. 6
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Nature’s Inspiration,” a photography exhibit by Aaron Bourque and Deborah Eccleston, through the end of October at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948.
Fri. Sept. 7
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present First Fridays --- Native American Heritage from 6 to 9 p.m. around downtown Putnam.
Sat. Sept. 8
River Fire
PUTNAM --- River Fire will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Rotary Park. Free.
Concert
PUTNAM --- Wooden Horse will play in concert from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Rotary Park. Free. Bring blanket or lawn chair.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Banding at 9 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
TEEG Fund-raiser
THOMPSON --- TEEG’s 7th annual Wheels for Meals Ride to Feed Kids will be held starting at the TEEG building on Thatcher Road. There are 15-, 35- and 60-mile rides and a new 1-mile donation walk starting at 10 a.m. $40 registration fee. 860-923-3458.
Open-Air Market
CANTERBURY --- The annual Open Air Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Finn Hall on Rt. 169. Vendors wanted. Call: 860-608-7877.
Tori Market
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society will hold its annual Tori Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the society building on N. Canterbury Road. Free. Handicapped accessible. 860-546-6671
Sun. Sept. 9
Savor the Flavor
PUTNAM --- Savor the Flavor – Food Festival “Bacon” will take place today. Music by Chicago Total Access from noon to 3 p.m.
Fund-raiser BBQ
PUTNAM --- The PAWS Cat Shelter fund-raiser chicken BBQ will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Providence Street. Drawings, bake sales. $10. Tickets available at the K of C in Putnam, Joseph’s Jewelers in Putnam or Danielson, and at PAWS Cat Shelter on Rt. 171 in Woodstock.
Mon. Sept. 10
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Woodstock Town Hall large meeting room on the lower. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. Please check the town website www.woodstockCT.gov for current schedule or call 860-928-6595.
Quilting Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library series will present Zen Quilting by Pat Ferguson through Sept. 26. Reception is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10. www.thompsonpubliclibrary.org
Tues. Sept. 11
Computer Class
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library will present a free basic computer classes starting Sept. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. Online at the Thompson Library class will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct 1 and from 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 2. Register at
Wed. Sept. 12
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the YMCA off Kennedy Drive. 1-800-RED CROSS.
Fri Sept. 14
Blood Drive
WOODSTOCK --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. at the S. Woodstock Baptist Church on Roseland Park Road, 1-800 RED CROSS.
History Program
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will present Jill Fritzsche with ‘The Fun of Collecting --- What’s Your Passion?” following the 7 p.m. business session at the Community Room of the Canterbury Town Hall. Free. All welcome.
Sat. Sept. 15
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Banding at 9 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Bottle/Can Drive
KILLINGLY --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans to help homeless and needy animals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Killingly Town Garage on Rt. 12. Dry cat food needed, Purina brands preferred. Cash donations always welcome. 860-317-1720.
Benefit Races
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Recreation Commission and The Marilyn T. Krom Foundation are sponsoring two races to benefit three families in Eastford’s 5k and Kids Fun Run, starting at 10 a.m. at the Eastford Town Office Building. One of the families that will benefit is the Lincoln Budd family. Budd is in renal failure and needs a kidney. His best chance for a match is from a person with type B or type O blood. But even if you don’t have one of those blood types, you can ask about paired kidney donation. To register, go to runsignup.com. For info call 860-933-8012.
Hike for Hope
DAYVILLE --- Hike for Hope fund-raiser, sponsored by Christopher Heights, will be held starting at 8 a.m. at Owen Bell Park. Funds go to NECT Cancer Fund at DKH. 860-428-0934.
Comedy
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse on Front Street will present “New England Comedy All Stars” at 7:30 p.m. $22. Suggested audience 18 and older. 860-928-7887.
Sun. Sept. 16
Fund-raiser Race
DAYVILLE --- The 7th annual NOW Road Race and Walk will be held at Alexander's Lake. It is a fund-raiser for NOW. For registration and more information go to: www.nowinmotion.org
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Fall Guided Poetry Walk at 2 p.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Bring binoculars and wear drab colored clothing. Meet in parking lot. Free for CAS members; $5 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Tues. Sept. 18
Red Sox History
POMFRET --- Sportswriter Mike Shalin will present images from his book “The Hometown Team: 4 Decades of Boston Red Sox Photography,” at 7 p.m. at Old Town House, Town House Rd. Sponsored by Pomfret Public Library, pomfretlibrary.org.
Wed. Sept. 19
Golf Tourney
DANIELSON --- The 26th QVCC Foundation Golf Tournament at CT National Golf Course will be held today. . To sponsor or register your team call 860-932-4063. No event day registrations. Benefits local students at QVCC.
Fund-raiser Dining
DAYVILLE --- Dining for a Cause will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pub99 in Killingly Common to benefit PAWS Cat Shelter. Pub99. Drawings planned --- get your drawing flyer will be posted on PAWS FB page or at Paws Cat Shelter, on Rt. 171, Woodstock.
Thur. Sept. 20
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Walk at 8 a.m. at the Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Bring binoculars and wear drab colored clothing. Meet in parking lot. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sat. Sept. 22
Positively Pomfret
POMFRET --- Positively Pomfret Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Recreation Park on Rt. 97. Vendors sought: Visit www.pomfretct.gov/recreation for a form.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Banding at 9 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sun. Sept. 23
Day of Peace
PUTNAM --- The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council (GPIC) will be holding its annual International Day of Peace event at 2 p.m. at the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Auditorium on Church Street. Entrance is in the rear of the building. The "traveling" Peace Pole will be present (looking for a new home for next Year). Address by Pastor Charles F. Seivard of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in N. Grosvenordale. All welcome. 860- 455-8144.
Sat. Sept. 29
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bird Banding at 9 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Sun. Sept. 30
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present Bull Hill Bird Walk at 8 a.m. starting at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 or nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
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