Putnam Science Academy recaps and finals
Baseball
NORWICH — The Putnam Science Academy baseball team fell just shy of a victory against Winchendon at home, 6-4. Jacob Mondo settled in nicely to the tune of 6 strikeouts during his outing. Andres Jurado came in to relieve Mondo in the top of the 5th. He struck out 3 batters. Elliot Guerrero hit a sacrifice fly bottom in bottom 3rd scoring Brian Feliz back-to-back steals; stealing 2nd and 3rd base. Kike Melo connected base hit in the bottom 5th to bring the Mustangs within 2 runs, 4-2. Maikel Soriano hit a 2-run RBI single in the bottom 5th to tie it up at 4. Unfortunately the Mustangs 3 run bottom of the 5th was not enough. The Mustangs are now 13-9-1 on the season.
By Ben Heacox
READING, Mass. — The pops of gloves rang throughout the field at Austin Prep. The Putnam Science Academy Mustangs readied their arms for the Round 1 of the New England Prep Open Championship. Unfortunately, the Mustangs lost 14-0 to the top team in the playoffs. Janiver Diaz got the start on the mound striking out two batters. Jayson Serrano entered in the 2nd inning, striking out one batter before Francisco Laureano came in during the 3rd inning. Laureano got it done at the plate hitting a single much to the delight of his teammates.
HARTFORD — The PSA team played into the night and under the lights at Dunkin Donuts Park. Mustangs exploded with 7 runs in the top of the 4th inning en route to an 11-3 victory over New England power Avon Old Farms in the home of the Hartford Yardgoats, the Double A minor league team affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Janiver Diaz got the Mustangs started offensively with a sacrifice fly in the top of the 1st inning. Chris Promades followed suit with a sacrifice fly of his own in the top of the 3rd inning. He also hit a 2-run RBI in the 4th as part of his 4 RBI day at the plate. Kike Melo plated a run with an RBI single. Andres Jurado got the start on the mound for Putnam Science. Jurado pitched 4 ? innings with 5 strikeouts. Jayson Serrano shut the door on Avon Old Farms coming into the game in the bottom of the 5th, striking out 4 opposing batters. Max Sanchez flashed some leather with a nice diving catch in right field early in the game. Brian Feliz did the same with an impressive catch of his own out in center field. Putnam Science is now 14-9-1 on the season.
By Ben Heacox
NORWICH — The Putnam Science Academy baseball team sent the seniors and postgraduates out right with a 7-2 win over Bishop Feehan. Before the start of the game the departing players were given their white jerseys, a plaque and a baseball to commemorate their time at the school. The Mustangs exploded for 7 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. A Shiloh Reyes walk was the spark that ignited the Mustangs offense. After that walk the Mustangs managed to put two runners on base with Elliot Guerrero at the dish. Guerrero executed a bunt that was fielded by the pitcher. He overthrew the third baseman allowing Max Sanchez to score. The Mustangs scored two more runs to take the lead, 3-2, on two balls that got by the catcher ending up at the backstop. Ricky Yoon broke it open with a 2-run RBI triple, he later scored on another pass ball. Janiver Diaz got the start on the mound, wasting no time going to work striking out the first three batters he faced. Diaz struck out 6 more opponents finishing with 9 strikeouts. Jacob Mondo relieved Diaz in the top of the 6th inning and was sensational with 4 strikeouts while picking off 2 runners. Jayson Serrano sent Bishop Feehan packing in the 7th with 2 strikeouts. Tears were shed and hugs were given after the Mustangs baseball program set a record with its 15th win of the season. Teammates cried because it was over and smiled because it happened. The seniors and postgraduates in their Putnam Science Academy jerseys walked off the field one last time as winners.
By Ben Heacox
Girls’ Soccer Final
NEW LEBANON, N.Y. — Manoela Silva found the back of the net twice to propel the women’s soccer to a 2-1 win over Darrow. Senior Jacqueline Koki assisted on Silva’s first goal. Her second was assisted by Olivia Coluchi. Sophomore Livia Katanosaka held firm in goal with an impressive 10 saves. Throughout the game the Mustangs took 6 corner kicks. The soccer team is now 1-3-2 on the season.
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PSA’s Adut Tour commits to Felician University
PUTNAM — Putnam Science Academy announced that Adut Tour’s commitment to continue her academic and basketball career at Felician University.
Tour has been a member of the women’s basketball program at PSA for the past two seasons. Originally from New Hampshire, she previously attended and played two years at Trinity High School before transferring to Putnam Science as a junior.
After spending her junior season adjusting to a new program, Tour emerged this past year as one of the team’s top leaders both on and off the court. Known for her toughness, defensive intensity, and relentless rebounding ability, she became a key piece of the program’s success.
“Felician is getting a great athlete,” said Putnam Science Athletic Director Thomas Espinosa. “Adut helped lead the Lady Mustangs to a national final four this year, and we were probably one of the hottest teams in the country during February and March. Adut is one of my favorites to come through Putnam Science. She always has a smile on her face, while also always being ready to work and compete. It’s been really fun watching her development over the last two years.”
Head coach Marigona Bacaliu credited Tour as one of the driving forces behind the team’s turnaround season.
“She really became a vocal leader of the program,” Bacaliu said. “Everyone went to her for the things that needed to be said or done. We know she has a bright future, and we can’t wait to follow her career at the next level.”
Tour developed into a strong, versatile wing player whose defense and rebounding became major strengths for the Lady Mustangs throughout the season. Her growth as both a player and leader helped elevate the program to one of its most successful seasons in recent memory.
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Priscilla D. Dexter
PUTNAM — Priscilla D. (Verraneault) Dexter, 86, of Sabin Street, entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Monday evening, May 11, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving children.
She was the wife of the late Bruce W. Dexter, who died on Sept. 27, 1984. Born in 1939 in Plainfield, she was the daughter of the late Ephraim and Ellen (Babcock) Verraneault.
Priscilla lived her life with a deep and unwavering devotion to God. A nondenominational Christian with a scholar’s grasp of Scripture and a disciple’s heart, she carried the Word of God with a clarity and conviction that inspired everyone around her. She could hold her own with theologians, yet she shared her faith with a gentleness that made people feel seen, loved, and welcomed. She formed remarkable friendships with people of many backgrounds, including those of all religious beliefs, embracing them with the love of Christ and building bonds rooted in mutual respect, compassion, and genuine friendship.
Mrs. Dexter worked for many years for Whole Life, Inc., caring for adults with disabilities. She also served as a resident attendant in the psychiatric ward at Day Kimball Hospital and as a teacher’s assistant in several northeastern Connecticut elementary schools. Her work was always an extension of her ministry. She cared for the vulnerable, the hurting, and the overlooked with the compassion of someone who saw every person as a child of God. Priscilla cared for others with patience, dignity, and a servant’s heart.
A lifelong lover of animals, Priscilla was known for feeding every stray or feral creature that wandered near her home — raccoons, opossums, and especially her beloved cats. She will be fondly remembered as “the crazy cat lady of the neighborhood,” a title she wore with humor and pride. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 10088.
She leaves her children, Frank Dexter (Sharon) of Sterling, Todd Dexter (Barbara) of Sterling, Cindy Sliva (Danny) of Putnam, Bruce Dexter II and his partner Sara DiIorio of Pomfret Center, and Rosanne Boudreau of Thompson; her 11 grandchildren, Brock Arsenault, Mark Dexter, Kristen Scandariato Morgan Vargas, Rylie Dexter, Sarah Dexter, Haylee Boudreau, Bruce Dexter III, Juliana Sliva, Kennedy Dexter, and Kambryn Dexter; her two greatgrandchildren, Wilder Vargas and Lucien Dexter; and her beloved, largerthanlife cat, “Giant.” She was predeceased by her daughter, Susan Dexter, and was the last surviving of her siblings.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. June 1, in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. A private burial will be held at a later date. Donations: PAWS Cat Shelter, 74 School St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Patsy H. Converse
WOODSTOCK — Patsy Converse, 91, passed away May 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born in 1934 in Garner, Texas, she was the daughter of Ammon and Sarah Jane Howard. When she was 19, she met and married the love of her life, Franklin Converse Jr. They were married for 68 years, before he passed in 2022. Married in Texas, they moved to Woodstock, Frank’s hometown, where she embarked on a lifelong love of her new community and contributed greatly to it.
Patsy was proud to be the first female bus driver and female constable for the town of Woodstock, jobs she held for more than three decades. She was also part of the Muddy Brook Fire Department EMS team. She was a long-term trustee of the Roseland Park Board and recently was honored as a lifetime member. She impacted the lives of many, whether on the school bus, collecting lunch money in the cafeteria, or from her civic involvement.
Outside of community initiatives, she brought her southern flair to the kitchen table, especially with the use of okra grown in their backyard garden. Patsy was a standout on the Milsap High School basketball team, and always supported her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s numerous sporting events. Anyone that knew her, was well aware of her love of Scottish Terriers, especially Freddy, Barney and Dixie.
She leaves her daughter-in-law Susan Converse, grandson Thomas (Amanda); and great-grandchildren Abigail, Kaylyn and Thomas; son Glenn Converse and his wife Diane, and grandchildren, Ian, Adam, Heather and her fiancé Erik; son David Converse (Lynn), and grandchildren Jillian and her partner Jordan, Scott and his partner Molly; sister, Marilyn Ober (Richard); sister-in-law Pat Howard; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Thomas Converse and her brother, Henry Howard.
A celebration of life is planned for Patsy and Frank from noon to 2 p.m. June 14 at Roseland Park. Donations: Muddy Brook Fire Department; East Woodstock Congregational Church; or Roseland Park. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Michael Dean Burdett
WOODSTOCK VALLEY — Michael Dean Burdett passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family at 10:15 a.m. on Friday May 1, 2026, at Bungee Lake in Woodstock Valley.
He was born Feb. 21, 1951, in Winsted to parents Leonard and Dotty Burdett.
Michael was raised in Winsted until the Burdett family moved to Thompson in 1963. He graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in 1969 and worked many different jobs before working for friend and arborist Kenny Schott, subsequently falling in love with tree work. In 1984 he started his own small company, Independent Tree Service, and tended the trees of northeastern Connecticut for more than 40 years. He loved being outdoors; he loved the work, and most of all he loved getting to know the people he met along the way.
Family, friends, and music were the center of Michael’s life. Mike always made as much time as possible to spend with family and friends. Wherever he went, Mike liked to make merry with those he loved. Cribbage and gin-n-tonics, at Crystal Lake in Gilmanton Ironworks, N.H., drinks and open-mikes at The Village Lounge in Woodstock, or strumming guitars around the campfire in Lonoke, AK.
Through these things, Mike maintained a strong network of close friendships and a vast network of acquaintances. If you told him a story about someone you just met, chances are he already knew them. Sometimes it felt like he knew everyone.
Mike fell in love with music at a young age, mainly rock and blues acts such as The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Kinks, Jeff Beck, Johnny Winter, The Beach Boys, The Allman Brothers Band, and Todd Rundgren to name a few. He soon taught himself to play guitar. In bedrooms, basements, and bar rooms; around campfires, at concerts, homes, parties, and open mikes; he played many a song (often with his brother David at his side).
He leaves his son, Samuel Burdett of Woodstock; and sister Carol Downing (Ned) of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; nieces and nephews: Jason, Ken, Emily, Korinti, Kadisha, and Kara; as well as extended family and friends throughout Connecticut, Gilmanton Ironworks, N.H., Lonoke, AK, and beyond.
He was predeceased by his loving partner of many years, Jaqueline Dunaway; nephew, Christopher Downing; brothers, David Burdett (Ann) and Peter Burdett (Jola).
We would like to offer thanks to the Hospice staff at Hartford Hospital and for their kindness and care (especially Sara and Leigh).
Celebration of life services will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at The Hungarian Social Club in Ashford. Please come join us as we celebrate Mike’s full life, with food, music, drink, and many stories. And if you can’t make it, no worries, just raise one up for Mikey and share a good story with someone you love.
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Wed. May 20
Photo Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America." Please call for more info: 860-928-1035.
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council is presenting the art of Anna Ionkin in the Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex on School Street. The exhibit, “Many Paths,” is on display through June. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com
Sun. May 23
Banding Demo
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret, on Day Road, will present “Bird Banding Demonstration” at 9 a.m. $10 for members; $20 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast will hold a low-cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital on Rt. 12, Danielson/Plainfield town line. $15 cash. Preregistration/info: 860-317-1720. No walkins.
Mon. May 25
Pomfret Parade
POMFRET --- The Town of Pomfret will be holding its annual Memorial Day Parade starting at 10 a.m. from the Pomfret Congregational Church. It will proceed down Pomfret Street/Rt. 44 to the Town Green where a short ceremony will take place.
Putnam Parade
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam’s Memorial Day Parade will line up on Grove Street and take off at 10 a.m., moving through downtown and ending near Jade Gardens on Kennedy Drive. A program will follow at Rotary Park. The Grand Marshal is Pete Regas.
Tues. May 26
Al-Anon Meeting
POMFRET --- Al-Anon will meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St. Please use the lower level door, near the flagpole. All welcome.
Thur. May 28
Bird Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret , Day Road, will present “Chaney Preserve Bird Walk,” in Montville at 8 a.m. $20 members; $30 nonmembers. Limited to eight participants. 860-928-4948.
Fri. May 29
Bird Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Boston Hollow Bird Walk” in Ashford at 8 a.m. $20 members; $30 nonmembers. Limited to 16 participants. 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 30
250th Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library, Aspinock Historical Society, PBS American Revolution and America 250, will present “Revolutionary War Archeology in Connecticut” from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the library. Dr. Nicholas Bellatoni, retired state archeologist, is the speaker. Free.
Sun. June 7
Fund-raiser
POMFRET --- The new nonprofit, cultural organization, Celtic Club of Northeastern Connecticut, will hold a concert fund-raiser from 4 to 7 p.m. at Grill 37. Donations welcome and making a dinner reservation is recommended. https://www.facebook.com/share/1avtr3x79H/
Thur. Sept. 10
The Wall That Heals
PUTNAM --- The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Putnam Sept. 10 through 13, at Murphy Park. It will be open 24 hours a day and is free to the public. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. thewallthathealsputnam2026.org www.vvmf.org
Sat. Oct. 3
Revolutionary Abington
ABINGTON --- The Pomfret 250th Committee will present a simulated battle re-enactment Oct. 3 and 4 at the Pomfret Recreation Park. There will be two encampments – one British, one American. Battles will be staged at some points Oct. 3.
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