Fire, Ice
coming
Feb. 10
PUTNAM — Feb. 10 downtown Putnam will host the largest single ice block competition in the U.S. —  the 8th Annual Fire & Ice Festival. From noon to 10 p.m. Feb. 10, the public is invited to visit this community event, boasting more than four dozen ice carvings, ice photo opportunities, glowing fire torches, fire dancing performances, rose sales, a wedding cake decorating contest, and more.
Ice carvings will decorate the streets of downtown Putnam with both pre-carved ice blocks and live demonstrations on display. Throughout the day, patrons can watch as 300-pound ice blocks are transformed into a variety of shapes and figures – all of which are sponsored by local businesses. From noon to 5 p.m., watch as professional, amateur and group carvers create their masterpieces, with an awards ceremony at Putnam Congregational Church at 6 p.m.
Ice Matters, a full service professional ice carving company in Cheshire, will supply all of the ice blocks and will have their own live ice carving demonstration at 2:30 p.m. on the patio of 85 Main. Other not-to-be-missed carvings include: event inspired photo opportunities, sand art community sculpture, an ice table and chairs, bride and groom, a tablet, an elegant wedding dress, and a Ford truck with plow. For 2018 adult patrons, SKYY Vodka will sponsor an Ice Bar, located outside The Courthouse Bar and Grille. SKYY Vodka Ice Luges will also be featured at 85 Main, The Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub and Jessica Tuesdays.
Despite the icy February weather, there will be plenty of ways to keep warm, with dinner and drink specials available at local restaurants. The festival also provides an opportunity for newcomers to discover the many shops and galleries of Putnam.
The Congregational Church of Putnam will be a hot spot of activity throughout the event, featuring roaring fire pits and free hot chocolate.
Visitors are also invited to stop by Flash Times Photobooth; silly poses in front of the official Fire & Ice backdrop are encouraged. From 1 to 5 p.m. the Congregational Church of Putnam will also feature a special wedding cake contest, aptly titled, “Icing on the Cake.”  Professional and novice bakers from around the area will be showing off their culinary masterpieces. All entrants will be judged based on originality and best flavor. Submissions are still being accepted, with the application available on www.discoverputnam.com. In keeping with the romantic feel of the day, roses will also be available for purchase from 1 to 5 p.m. at the church.
As the sun goes down at the Fire & Ice Festival, fire torches will fill downtown Putnam with an ambient glow. Adding to the spectacle of the festival, visitors will be wowed by fire dancing performances from Sasha the Fire Gypsy. Courtesy of sponsor Byrnes Agency, performances will take place at 5 and at 7 p.m. with Sasha combining choreography, theatrics, acrobatics, and dance with speed, difficulty, and excitement.
To learn more go to: www.discoverputnam.com.

Academy
gymnasts
undefeated
The Woodstock Academy Centaurs gymnastics team is, once again, off to a 6-0 start.
The Centaurs, the defending State, State Open and New England champs, reached that mark with a pair of wins last week.
They downed Norwich Free Academy, 137.35 – 125.75 Jan. 25.
That was preceded by a 136.4- 121.5 win over their gym mates at Deary’s Gymnastics in Danielson, Jan. 22.
The 137.35 total against the Wildcats was the second-best finish of the season for the Redgals. They totaled a 137.55 in a win over Old Lyme at the beginning of the season.
“I’m happy with the development,” said coach Kasey Tocchio.
But there is still work to do.
The Centaurs are not the dominant force that they have been in recent years.
“We have some things to work on. We’re trying to get more consistency and, unlike in the past, we can’t afford slip ups.”
The Centaurs used to have Paige Stuyniski and Grace Logan who, with their consistently high scores in most events, were able to help the Centaurs out of some rough spots.
That task now falls to the likes of junior Ali Crescimanno.
Crescimanno started the season slowly.
She had to recover from injuries suffered in a car accident.
She has been able to accomplish that.
“Ali has been great. She has looked awesome in the last three meets. Her scores are improving and she is improving,” Tocchio said.
Crescimanno scored a 9.35 on the bars and a 9.3 in the vault, winning both events, and finishing first in the All-Around (35.6) for the Centaurs in their win over Norwich Free Academy at the Thames Valley Gym in Norwich Jan. 25.
She also finished first in three of the four events against the Redgals.
Crescimanno was first in the vault (9.3), bars (9.6) and floor (8.6) to finish with an all-around first-place total of 36.1. 
Others are stepping up.
Maddie Grube finished second in both meets with a 34.35 all-around total against the Wildcats and a 33.55 versus the Redgals. She won the beam competition in both.
Grace Gronski finished second in the beam and third in the All-Around with a 34.1 against NFA while Elise Boisvert was best on floor (8.75) for the Centaurs.
The Centaurs are still hoping Lydia Taft (back) and Jenna Davidson (knee) will be available for the bigger meets in February.
“Lydia is going to start doing some basic stuff. It depends on how her back feels, it’s up in the air,” Tocchio said. “Davidson has been down with the flu (last week). We need to get her back.”
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director

PSA 80   ---   Hamden Hall 99
PUTNAM — Hamden Hall defeated the Putnam Science Academy Varsity Mustangs by a score of 99-80 Jan. 19. The Mustangs were led in defeat by post grad guard Danny Ampofo who had 21 points. Alex Morrow and Seth Thomas contributed with 15 and 13 points respectively. Luc Brittian scored 11 points and AB Dibassy 10 points for PSA.
PSA Varsity 114   ---   Lee Academy 90
PUTNAM — The Putnam Science Academy Varsity Mustangs picked up there second win of the season against Lee Academy 114-90 Jan. 21. Alex Morrow led the Mustangs with 32 points and 5 rebounds. Jaiden Rivera added 21 points and Danny Ampofo added 12 points in the win. Alpha Diallo also reached double figures for the Mustangs with 10 points.