Gymnasts
tie for
ECC title
The Woodstock Academy gymnastics team clinched at least a tie for the Eastern Connecticut Conference regular season title with a 134.2 -127.35 win over Stonington on Jan. 31.
“This group has fought for it this year, they’re well-deserving,” said Woodstock Academy coach Kasey Tocchio. “A lot of them have had to step up. A lot of them have added stuff to their routine that is new for them this year. It’s exciting.”
Ali Crescimanno was best in the All-Around for the Centaurs (8-0, 5-0 ECC) with a 34.7. The junior was best in the bars (9.45) and floor competitions (8.85).
“It feels good to get the win, but there were a few mistakes here and there. I fell on the beam. In away meets, it’s different than being in your home gym. You have to adjust to the equipment, but it’s good to have them because of the state (championship) and State Open,” Crescimanno said.
Putnam’s Maggie McKeon, a team-of-one, was best in beam.
The Redgals had one more regular season meet with Norwich Free Academy before the postseason begins.
That happens on Wednesday, Feb. 14 when the Eastern Connecticut Conference championship will be held at Deary’s Gymnastics in Danielson.
“We’ve had our ups-and-downs through the season, but the last two weeks have been consistent for us,” Tocchio said.
The Centaurs have been hitting around the 137-point mark.
While that will get the job done in the ECC and, possibly, the state championship, it may be a little short when it comes to the State Open as some teams in the state have been clearing the 140 mark.
“I think we have a shot (at the state championship),” Crescimanno said. “If everyone stays confident and consistent and go hit-after-hit, I do think we’re capable of doing it this year.”
Tocchio hoped to hit 138 points in the Centaurs final regular season meet and there is reason for optimism down the road.
“We have some injuries that are getting better,” Tocchio said. “Lydia (Taft) just started to do some conditioning stuff. You never know, we might be able to get some routines bumped up. I think what the girls are doing now is getting really close to their best. So, if 138 is our best, I’m OK with that. We’re just trying to see what our highest peak score is and we will go from there.”
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director
Woodstock public schools
Monday: Baked potatoes, broccoli, fruit. Tuesday: Pancakes, sausages roasted potatoes, fruit. Wednesday Chicken tenders, carrots, fruit. Thursday: Hamburgers, fruit. Friday: Pizza, cucumber cups, fruit.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday - Breakfast for Lunch: French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, hash browns, warm spiced apple slices. Tuesday: Bosco cheese-filled breadsticks, marinara sauce, pasta, broccoli. Wednesday - Wolf Meal: Beef burgers with cheese. Thursday: Fiesta taco bowls, Spanish rice, corn. Friday: Putnam Special. Pizza, salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.
Putnam High
Monday: Chipotle chicken paninis or spicy chicken sandwiches. Tuesday: Three-cheese toasty or bacon cheeseburgers. Wednesday: Chicken potato bowls or buffalo chicken wraps. Thursday: Nachos Grande or chicken Caesar salad. Friday: Pizza or fish and chips.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Cheesy pizza dippers, marinara, carrots and cucumber wheels. Tuesday: Beef and cheese nachos, refried beans. Wednesday: Crispy chicken sandwiches. Thursday: Sweet and sour chicken, brown rice, Asian vegetable medley, fortune cookies. Friday: Lasagna roll ups.
Volunteers needed
There may be only one resolution anyone needs to improve their mental and physical health: volunteering with The Last Green Valley. According to the Harvard Health Blog, evidence for the positive effects of volunteering on mental health is abundant, but a growing number of studies show volunteering can also have a positive effect on physical health!
Through The Last Green Valley’s Ranger Program and Water Quality Monitoring Program, individuals are trained to actively work towards caring for the National Heritage Corridor.
TLGV Rangers support the organization by presenting information at fairs and festivals, and conducting outreach programs throughout the National Heritage Corridor. TLGV Rangers are essential to articulating the mission, important work and membership benefits of joining TLGV – and they have fun doing it! Chief Ranger Bill Reid trains and supervises TLGV Rangers. The Ranger Program is sponsored by Savers Bank.
TLGV’s Water Quality Monitors help track the health of our streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. Whether you would like to monitor once a season, once a month, or once a week, we have an opportunity for you. Training and equipment are provided. Jean Pillo is coordinator for The Last Green Valley Water Quality Monitoring Program, and she and her volunteers are helping to ensure the health of our watershed.
There are even more volunteer opportunities with TLGV. For more information, visit http://thelastgreenvalley.org/join-tlgv/volunteers/ or call the office at 860-774-3300.
River's Edge
Hanging out, waiting for spring, along the edge of the Little River at Murphy Park. More photos on page 6. Linda Lemmon photo.