PSA baseball splits on two tough battles
It was a week of tough tests for the Putnam Science Academy baseball team, who faced two strong opponents and came away with a big win and a hard-fought loss.
On Wednesday, the Mustangs picked up a signature 3-2 win over New England powerhouse Hamden Hall School. Janvier Diaz was outstanding on the mound, throwing five innings while striking out seven and allowing just three hits. Jayson Serrano came on in relief and shut the door, tossing two hitless innings to seal the win.
Offensively, Denzel Rincon led the way with three hits and an RBI, while Serrano added two hits of his own to help PSA move to 7-6-1 on the season.
Earlier in the week, PSA battled against the #4-ranked Salisbury School at Dodd Stadium but fell 11-2. Despite the final score, right-hander John Devine, a Central Connecticut State University commit, turned in another strong performance, allowing just four runs and striking out eight over six innings. Jayden Tolentino, a University of Rhode Island commit, provided a highlight with a solo home run in the seventh inning. Nolan Rodman collected two hits, and Sebastian Garcia added a single in the loss, which dropped PSA to 6-6-1 at the time.
The Mustangs continue to show toughness against some of the region’s best as they head into the stretch run of their season.
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Donald Brown, U.S. Marine Corp. veteran
WOODSTOCK — Donald Brown, 93, of Woodstock, died peacefully on April 16, 2025, in the comfort of his home. Born in Providence Feb. 20, 1932, he was the youngest son of the late George and Gladys (Osborne) Brown
He was predeceased by his brother and his sisters: Marjorie Brown DeVries, George Brown Jr., and Barbara Brown DeVries.
He was the loving husband of the late Patricia Converse Brown, his high school sweetheart. After graduating from Woodstock Academy he served in the United States Marine Corp. He received the Korean Service Medal, the UN Service Medal and the National Service Defense Medal during his military career. Honorably discharged, he came home to marry his fiancée and start a family.
He started his work career at American Optical, Pratt & Whitney and then to General Dynamics, Electric Boat in Groton for 30 years as a lab technician. After his retirement at the age of 62, he went on to work at Stop & Shop in Putnam for 20 years.
When he was younger, he filled his off hours working on Maple Hill Farm owned by his father-in-law, Richard Converse, and Richard’s brother Franklin Converse. He and his family had a small family farm of which he enjoyed taking care of. In his later years, he became a private pilot enjoying time spent in the air and with his son-in-law, Larry, who was also a pilot. He began to build model airplanes and has an extensive collection. He loved working on his gardens and lawn. He leaves four daughters and three sons-in-law: Diane and John Abood Jr. of Clinton, JoAnn and Lawrence (deceased) Lussier of Putnam, Debra and Eric Porter of Woodstock, and Karen and Daniel DeLuca of Chiefland, Fla; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Donations: Muddy Brook Volunteer Fire Department in East Woodstock, CT; or the Marine Corps League Chapter in Danielson. The family plans to hold a celebration of life at the East Woodstock Congregational Common at a later date TBD. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Steven Wesley Farner
PUTNAM — Steven “Steve” W. Farner, 70, of Putnam, passed away unexpectedly April 10, 2025, in Leesburg, Fla., after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Kathy (Glass) Farner, of 50 years. Steve was born on Dec. 22, 1954, in Springville, N.Y., son of the late Robert and Chloe (Krise) Farner.
Steve was a 1973 graduate of Springville Griffith Institute. While in high school, he especially loved his shop classes and auto mechanic classes doing many oil changes for his teachers. This is also where he met the love of his life, Kathy Glass, a good friend of his sister, Becky.
He was a 1974 graduate of Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science in Syracuse, N.Y. This was a career he decided on after working at the Maplewood Cemetery in Springville throughout his senior year in high school and the following summer. During that time, he also assisted at the Weismantel Funeral Home in Springville. This was a natural choice because of his love and compassion for people in their time of need. After his graduation from Simmons, he married his high school sweetheart Kathy Glass, on March 1, 1975. They started their new life in Norwalk, where he worked for the Raymond Funeral Home. He became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1977. In 1979 he was hired to manage the Tillinghast Funeral Home in Danielson. After buying their first house on L’Homme Street Ext., in Danielson, Steve finished off their basement with a toy room, a family room, an office, a workshop, a sewing/laundry room and also a cake decorating room for Kathy. Steve loved camping with his family.
In 1991, he purchased the Smith and Walker Funeral Home in Putnam. It became a family business with all three sons working with him from a young age. Kathy joined him in 1992 where they worked together. Steve worked tirelessly until his sons, Andrew and Timothy joined their dad as funeral directors in 2008. Together they created the Farner Family Funeral Homes after purchasing the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home in Danielson in 2009.
After tragically losing his parents in 2009, Steve with his wife, Kathy decided it was time to start traveling by motorhome. For the last four winters, Steve and Kathy spent a few months in Florida.
Steve was a member of the United Methodist Church in Norwalk, United Methodist Church of Danielson, Congregational Church of Putnam, serving on many committees and as treasurer and also attended High Pointe Church in Thompson. He was a member and officer of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, BPOE, #574 and a member of the Putnam Lions Club, serving in many offices and also as president.
Besides his wife, Kathy, he leaves his three sons, Wesley Jay Farner and his wife Kate (Rodgers) Farner of Temecula, Calif., Andrew Steven Farner and his wife, Christine (Thurlow) Farner of Dayville, Timothy Glass Farner and his wife, Sheena (Morin) Farner of Putnam; four beautiful grandchildren, Brooklyn Taryn Farner, Jack Bradley Farner, Kaydence Chloe Farner and Sawyer Jay Farner; his siblings, Becky (Farner) Evans of Marble Falls, Texas, Susan (Farner) Keller (Glenn) of Oklahoma City, Okla., David Farner (Laura) of Pittsburgh, Melissa (Farner) Allen of W. Henrietta, N,Y.; a special aunt, Joan Krise; nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert G. Farner Jr. (Barbara Ornce) in 2015.
The Funeral Service was April 26, at the United Methodist Church of Danielson, with a Graveside Service April 27 in Maplewood Cemetery, Springville. Donations: the United Methodist Church of Danielson, 9 Spring St., Danielson, CT 06239; or the Putnam Little League, PO Box 540, Putnam, CT 06260; or the Killingly Little League, PO Box 627, Dayville, CT 06241.
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Wed. April 30
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present its Second Annual Quiet Corner Community Art show through April.
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council will present “An Abstract Fantasy: An Artist’s Journey of Self Discovery,” featuring the art of Tabitha “Purrmage” Cummings, through June in the Corridor Gallery inside the Municipal Complex.
Thur. May 1
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present “Thompson Public Schools Art Showcase” for the month of May. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. May 12.
Fri. May 2
Fund-raiser Auction
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Relay for Life Family Flock's Crazy Auction will be held at the Valley Springs Sportsman Club on Valley Road. Doors open 6:15. Paddles are $1. Snacks provided and cash bar available. Benefits Relay for Life of Northeastern CT.
Sat. May 3
Beautification Day
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam, the PBA and Discover Putnam will hold Beautification Day starting with registration and clean up assignments at 8:30 a.m. in the South Main Street parking lot. From 11 to noon a volunteer appreciation lunch will be held. Trophies given. Funded in part by The Last Green Valley. For questions, or to RSVP your team call 860-963-6800, ext. 140.
Earth Day Celebration
PUTNAM --- The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council invites local residents to an Earth Day Celebration at noon in Rotary Park. There will be music, readings, speakers and information. Inclement weather --- the event will be held at the Daughter of the Holy Spirit offices, 508B Pomfret St.
Car Wash Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will hold a car wash from 9 a.m. to noon at Putnam High. Benefits the club's international project, The Heifer International.
Sun. May 4
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
Concert
CHEPACHET --- Music at the Meeting House will present a Country and Americana concert featuring the celebrated South Kingston trio “To Be Continued” at 2:30 p.m. at the Chepachet Baptist Church on Rt. 44. All welcome without charge; there will be a free will offering and refreshments to follow. chepachetbaptist.org.
Fund-raiser Breakfast
N. GROSVENORDALE --- Family Flocks' Famous American Legion Family Breakfast will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. at the American Legion Post 67, Route 200. $15 per person. Benefits Relay for Life.
Fri. May 2
Concert Fund-raiser
POMFRET --- Stillwater, Minnesota, folk singer Peter Mayer, will perform at 7 p.m. at The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret. $25. Registration required: 860-928-4948. Admission at the door will be $30, only if seating remains available.
Sat. May 3
Book Sale
POMFRET --- The Friends of the Pomfret Public Library will hold a book sale from 7 a.m. to noon at the library’s temporary home at the Old Town House, 11 Town House Dr. Books, CDs, DVDs. Hardcovers $2; Paperbacks $1.
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 2 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 3 in the church basement. Baked goods, too.
Town Tag Sale
POMFRET --- The 19th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale will be starting at 7 a.m. at the Pomfret Community School or the Christ Church where shoppers can buy a printed map for $2. There are all kinds of sales throughout town and many benefit nonprofit organizations. In addition nonperishable food donations can be dropped off between 9 and 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Community Center. For more info, call Martha Emilio at 860-974-1583.
Nature Journaling
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road will present “Nature Journaling: Observing Spring” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Rain date May 4. $10 CAS members and ECSU students; $20 others. Registration: 860-928-4948.
Sun. May 4
Beginners’ Bird Walk
POMFRET --- CT Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will present “Beginners’ Bird Walk at 8 a.m. Registration: 860-928-4948. $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Wed. May 7
Alzheimer’s Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam and Pomfret public libraries will present a program on “Communicating Effectively & Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors” at 6 p.m. at the Putnam Public Library. RSVP required: 860-963-6826. It is an education program in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Empowered Caregiver initiative aimed at teaching caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia.
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three Cs is presenting the musical performance, ”Ada Twist Scientist & Friends” for local students at noon at the Loos Center for the Arts. Preregistration required: thethreecs.org.
Super Hero Saturday
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam will present Super Hero Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. downtown.
Acoustic Music
HAMPTON --- The CT Audubon Society at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road will host a group of acoustic music lovers to play popular songs written when the Teales lived at Trail Wood, 1959-1993. Space is limited to 10 participants. Registration required:
Thur. May 8
Five Plays
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present “The Pomfret Playwrights Festival 5by5,” five new plays by five Pomfret playwrights (Ridley Pearson ’71, Reme Jacquet ’26, Madeline Hutchins ’74, Sydney Dubitsky ’20, and Isabelle Makatura ’26) at 7 p.m. May 8 and May 9 in the Hard Auditorium. Free. Open to the public. www.pomfretct.org.
Tree Pests and Pathogens
POMFRET --- CT Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will present “Tree Pests and Pathogens” at 6:30 p.m. DEEP service forester Frank Cervo will discuss some of the most significant insects, fungi, and diseases which can plague your favorite trees and forests. Presented in collaboration with ECFLA. Registration requested; 860-928-4948. Free CAS and ECFLA members; $5 non-members.
Fri. May 9
Forest Bird Walk
POMFRET --- CT Audubon Society Center at Pomfret will present “Freidman’s Forest Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. in this Joshua’s Trust preserve in Ashford. Registration required: 860-928-4948. $20 members; $30 non-members.
Sat. May 17
Bulky Waste Day
POMFRET --- The town of Putnam will hold a Bulky Waste Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the POMFRET Transfer Station. Open to all Putnam residents with proper ID. Must be able to unload your vehicle yourself.
Tues. May 20
Musical Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three Cs is presenting the musical performance, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” for local students at 10 a.m. and at noon at the Loos Center for the Arts. Preregistration: thethreecs.org.
Wed. May 21
‘Revolutionary’ Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library and the Aspinock Historical society are sponsoring a Connecticut Museum of Culture and History program, “Tories, Spies and Traitors: Divided Loyalty in Revolutionary Connecticut (1775),” at 6 p.m. at the library. In addition, Aspinock Historical Society’s annual meeting will be held as a public open house of the upstairs museum exhibits with info and refreshments from 4 to 5:45 p.m. 860-963-6826.
Sat. May 31
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Colonial Fiber Arts Workshop with Stacey Beck” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.Register:
Book Presentation
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Hiking the Ruins of Southern New England” discussion and book signing from 12:30 to 2 p.m. by retired state archeologist Nicholas Bellantoni.
Sun. June 8
Paddle 4 Hope
BROOKLYN --- The annual Paddle 5 Hope fund-raiser, which benefits Neighbors Against Cancer, will be held at Riverside Park. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the launch is at 10. There is no registration fee but we ask that you please make a donation. PFD required for all participants. All non-motorized watercraft welcome. For info: 860-974-1202.
Sat. June 14
Concert-Fundraiser
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present a concert/fund-raiser, “Washington’s Favorite, The Nation’s Guest: Songs of Lafayette’s Time In America” with Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle at the Old Town House). Refreshments at 6; concert at 7. $25.
Sat. June 21
Fine Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council will present its annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival June 21 and 22 at the Municipal Complex front yard.
Sat. Sept. 27
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier” performed by Kevin Johnson of the CT State Library at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
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International Day
Clockwise from top left:
Jennifer Atwood paints the Eiffel Tower.
Linda Colangelo got the first annual meatball eating contest rolling at the Broken Crust.
The Winner: Timothy Harper of Rhode Island, left, won the meatball eating contest. He said he took a look at the other 7 competitors and "I knew I had to eat fast." Beside him is Brady Ericson.
Brielle Kenney, 6, of Thompson is having her face painted by artist Simone Germain.
Jasmine Solis, 6, of Brooklyn with an origami lotus flower.
The annual Pluck-a-Duck race is coming and ducks are for sale! From left: Don and Beth Roop and Sherry Harmon of Nutmeg Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation. International Day was presented by The Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam.
Dr. Marc Cerrone serenades passersby while PBA President Kate Cerrone "rows."