Putnam Science men fall short, finishes 37-4
W. HARTFORD — The Putnam Science Academy men’s prep basketball season came to an end in the Final Four of the National Prep Championships at the hands of Newman, 81-75. Kamai Samuels was incredible with 25 points, 7 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals in the loss. Jordan Skyers had a strong showing with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Adama Tambedou scored 8 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. The Mustangs finished the 2025-26 season with a record 37-4 while setting a program record 50 straight wins established in December at the Sunshine Prep Classic after defeating Sunrise Christian Academy.
The Mustangs were NEBL regular season champions, Big 6 regular season and conference tournament champions and advanced to the Final Four for the second straight year.
So far, three players have announced their intentions to continue their academic and basketball careers at the Div. I level. Parrish Edmond signed with Siena University of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Jah Hatchett has signed with Fairfield University also of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and Adama Tambedou will be playing in the Big Ten Conference at the University of Maryland. Several more players will announce their college commitment within the next few weeks. All members of the 2025-26 Putnam Science Academy men’s prep basketball team will move on to bigger and better things ahead.
Earlier David Gaymon starred with 18 points in the first round win in the National Prep Championship tournament against Sunrise Christian Academy, 91-81. Gaymon also had 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Jalen Taggart became the first player in Putnam Science Academy history to score 700 points in a season with his 15-point, 2-rebound, 2-assist performance. Jordan Skyers went for 15 points as well with 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Adama Tambedou went for a 14- point, 13-rebound performance to go with a steal, an assist and a block. Favour Egbuna grabbed 11 boards and scored 7 points with 2 blocks. Kamai Samuels scored 8 points with 2 assists; Brayson Green scored 6 points while hauling in 7 rebounds. Jah Hatchett went for 4 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals. Joseph Adebayo contributed 2 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
Lady Mustangs reach Final 4
W. HARTFORD — In a lionhearted effort — or in this case a Mustang-hearted effort — the Putnam Science Academy women’s prep team fell in the Final Four in National Prep Championships to Spire Academy, 55-48. Valentina Vrcan led the Mustangs in scoring with 18 points, while Fatima Diouf scored 15 with 7 rebounds. Paola Kanoute crashed the glass for 9 rebounds. Laheile Lockel scored 7 points with 2 steals. The Putnam Science Academy women’s prep team ends the season with a record of 12-11. Earlier, in the quarterfinals of the National Prep Championships against Newman, the team survived 56-45, advancing to the semifinals. Paola Kanoute was exceptional with 22 points, to lead the Mustangs in scoring, with 6 rebounds. Valentina Vrcan played an exceptional game as well with 13 points, dishing out 8 assists and rebounding 5. Adut Tour went for 6 points and 6 rebounds. Fatima Diouf scored 5 points along with 3 rebounds, Molka Mares scored 6 points in the win. Paolla Uwase went for 3 points while hauling in 6 boards. Laheile Lockel scored 2 points and had 2 rebounds.
By Ben Heacox

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Parrish Edmond takes off. #14 Adama Tambedou 

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Judith G. White
PUTNAM — Judith (Gorey) White, 82, of Putnam, died Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Born in 1943 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Thomas F. Gorey and Charlotte (King) Trahan.
Judith graduated from Putnam High School Class of 1962. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Joseph Lawrence School of Nursing in 1965 and worked as a director of nursing for many years. 
She leaves two sisters, Margaret G Purdon of Putnam, and Jo-Anne Joslin (Alan) of Putnam; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Heidi Gregory.
The family would like to thank the Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care staff for the excellent care Judy received.  She loved you all!
A private service for Judith will be held in the spring. Donations: Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Recreation Dept., 10 Thurber Road, Putnam CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Dorina (Dee) L. (Laperle) Hopcroft
PUTNAM — Dorina L. (Laperle) Hopcroft, affectionately known as “Dee”, 78, of Putnam, died peacefully in the early morning of March 4, 2026 at Pierce Memorial Baptist Home.  Born in 1947 in Rumford, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Roma and Mary (Kezal) Laperle. 
Dee earned her MSW from Anna Maria College and worked as a social worker for 35 years, most recently as a family preservation therapist for MSPCC in Massachusetts until her retirement. She impacted hundreds of lives with her warmth and compassion, always striving to help people to grow and live better lives.
She was an avid reader and loved to watch movies, especially dramas and action/adventure films. Dee was a founding member of the Theatre of Northeastern CT, Inc. (originally Northeast Repertory Theater) operating at the Bradley Playhouse. She was a dedicated actor, director and volunteer there for 25 years, serving as the theater’s first office manager (as a volunteer) in the early years. The theater’s existence today is largely due to her passion and commitment to the arts throughout those years. 
Dorina leaves her daughter, Tonya L. Brock and her husband Greg of Pomfret Center, twins Stephanie L. Vece of Mystic and James D. Hopcroft, along with his wife Leslie of Hialeah, Fla.; two sisters, Donna L. Laperle and Lori Watson of Vancouver, Wash.; her five grandchildren, Alex Mercier, Logan Brock, Aaron, Sean and Alexis Hopcroft, and great-granddaughters Eloise and Juniper Mercier. She was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Alan and Jeffrey Laperle. 
The Celebration of Life for Dee will start at noon March 28 at The Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St.  Putnam. Donations: United Services, in support of their Mental Health services at 2026 Annual Appeal; or to TNECT at https://www.thebradleyplayhouse.org/donate.  Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Wed.  March 11
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.

Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Edwin Way Teale Artist in Residence exhibit of written and visual works inspired by the 2025 summer residences will be on display at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road through March 30. 

Unique Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council is presenting the avant guard designs in multiple mediums of Jamie Soroka in the Corridor Gallery at the Putnam Municipal Complex through the month of March. 

Fri.  March 20
Comedy Fund-raiser
POMFRET  --- The Woodstock Lions Club will present Comedy Night Fundraiser at 7 p.m. at Grill 37. $30. Benefits the Woodstock Lions Club community programs.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gilded Age Program
POMFRET --- the Pomfret Historical Society will present a Fireside Chat on Pomfret’s Gilded Age at 7 p.m. at the Vanilla Bean Café. Benefits restorations and renovations in the Old Town House. Suggested donation: $10. 860-456-7228. 

Sat.  March 21
'Revolutionary Women' 
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library, America 250 and the Aspinock Historical Society will present “Women in the American Revolution. Putting the ‘Her’ in Heroics” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the library.

Irish Music 
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse Music Series will present “Irish Music Legends” featuring Renburke’s rovers at 2 p.m. Tickets, $25: TheBradleyPlayhouse.org.

Bake, Tag Sale
ABINGTON --- The Abington Congregational Church will hold a tag and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church on Rt. 97.

Tues.  March 24
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.

Fri.  March 27
Variety Show Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Parent’s Corner will present a variety show at 7:30 p.m. at the Bradley Playhouse. There is also a silent auction and raffle. Benefits Parent’s Corner, a local nonprofit. Earlybird prices: $15 adults; $8 seniors and kids.  860-928-7887.

Sat.  March 28
Easter Bunny
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Recreation Department will host the Easter Bunny and all kinds of fun activities starting at 10 a.m. at the Putnam Elementary School. For kids 10 and younger. Also, the Putnam Little League will host an Easter egg hunt outside. $3 minimum donation for this fund-raiser.

Wed.  April 1
‘Raise the Coop’
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library and Tri Gable Lea Farm will present “Raise the Coop!” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. Everything you need to know about starting and maintaining a happy healthy flock of chickens using sustainable and organic practices.

Sat.  April 11
Cornhole Fund-raiser
N. GROSVENORDALE --- A Cornhole Tournament benefiting American Legion Post 67 veterans and community programs will be held at the legion. Doors open at 10; bags fly at 11 a.m. $70 per team (2 players per team). Register: Scoreholio – search American Legion Post 67 Cornhole Tournament; or at the legion.

Wed.  April 15
Donations Welcome
POMFRET --- From April 15 through April 28 the Windham County 4-H Auction and Tag Sale will be accepting donations  for the annual auction and tag sale set for  May 1 and 2. Donations accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays Wednesdays and Friday; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays..  Antiques and gently used household goods, furniture, toys, electronics, tools, books, decorative items, etc. will be welcomed . No clothing, textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias. 860-974-3379.

Sat.  April 18
Spaghetti Dinner
PUTNAM – Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam will host its Spring Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523. $10 for adults; kids 12 and under eat for free. Take-out or eat-in. Music, candy, raffles. Tickets:  the VFW Post, Joseph’s Jewelers on School St. Benefits the pack’s Summer Camp Fund. 860-928-5873 (voice only). 

Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse on Taft Pond Road will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet the director and other camp staff, take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379.

Main St. Stroll
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association and Discover Putnam will present Main Street Restaurant & Market Stroll in downtown Putnam from noon to 4 p.m.

Sun.  April 19
Fund-raiser Concert
POMFRET --- Take Note!, an acapella choral group of 20 people from Mansfield Center, will raise their voices in song again at Christ Church at 3 p.m. Benefits Partners in Development, LLC, a nondenominational 501c3 charity which helps the poor in Haiti, Guatemala, Peru and the Delta of Mississippi. Free will donations accepted at the door. Refreshments afterwards. 

Sat.  April 25
Workshop
POMFRET --- Resiliency, a Poetry Writing Workshop, with Putnam Poet Laureate Aubrey Waz-Grant, will be presented from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pomfret Public Library. It is in collaboration with the Quiet Corner Pride and Christina Cirillo Schmidt.

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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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