Preview – Girls’ Golf
Centaurs golf with good
numbers this spring
One never knows about the weather in New England. Sometimes, golf teams have not even been out on the golf course as of yet at this time of year.
Not the case in 2025.
“The weather has been OK,” said Woodstock Academy girls’ golf coach Earl Semmelrock.” It has been cooperative. We started about a week ago and we had one day inside and five days outside. (The) Woodstock (Golf Course) is very good to us in terms of letting us use the facility and range balls. We’re, at least, out here swinging and we have a week to put together a team for our first match.”
Fortunately, the Centaurs will not be scrounging around for additional athletes as the numbers are better than the previous two years.
The Centaurs had only six golfers last year but only Isabella Siwko graduated from that group.
The Centaurs have five returning varsity players in senior Bella Mawson, junior Lilliana Moran, and sophomores Reagan Scheck, Isabelle Tedisky and Sophia Giourelis.
Sophomore Finley Hamilton and freshmen Colbie O’Connor and Elizabeth Thomas will round out the varsity unit to start.
“I’m very excited. We recruited so many girls, got them interested in the sport and I am feeling very optimistic about this year,” said Scheck who will serve as captain.
Why are more athletes coming out?
“It’s a growing sport. More girls are learning about it. My uncle got me into the sport,” said Moran.
And some have been prepping for this season over the winter even though the golf courses are closed.
They went indoors to play on golf simulators.
“I have been doing so much and to be out here now, I’m just really happy. I want to make the States as an individual this year and get into the 30’s. I know I was in the 40’s a year ago but I think I can do a lot better,” Scheck said.
Semmelrock said he thinks all five returning starters have improved over a year ago. The five freshmen who have come out are also showing potential, at least, on the driving range.
The Centaurs finished 5-11 as a team last year and Semmelrock believes that mark can be eclipsed this year. He would also like to see the Centaurs compete for the Eastern Connecticut Conference regular season title which was won by Killingly last year. Norwich Free Academy was the league’s tournament champion.
“The ECC is getting better, Semmelrock said. “You are seeing more girls participate. A few new names come up every year, NFA and East Lyme both have some good golfers and I think Reagan is good. The talent seems to be improving. It’s a work in progress but it seems to be headed in the right direction.”
There is also a new team in the league. Putnam and Tourtellotte have formed a cooperative Quinebaug Valley program.
At the start of the season, the goal is always the same: Get the girls to hit the ball consistently and in the right direction.
“I’ve been playing a lot of bogey golf and if I could just get a few more pars, it would be a lot easier for my score to go down,” Scheck said.
“I’ve been working on my driver most because I have been slicing it a lot and working on my putting. The team has got a lot better from last year and the new players are pretty good too,” Moran added.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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caption:
Top: Bella Mawson, the only senior on the girls’ golf team, tees it up. Sophomore Reagan Scheck, who Woodstock Academy coach Earl Semmelrock considers to be one of the better players in the ECC, tees off during practice.Photos by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.
Jane M. (LeClair) Brown
PUTNAM —– Jane Marie (LeClair) Brown, 66, of Hanley Street, died March 25, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Hank Brown. Born June 17, 1958, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Arthur LeClair and Lucille (Lussier) LeClair.
Jane was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, friend and cat lover. She had a fun-loving group of friends and was close to many of her cousins as well —tears will be shed by all.
Jane worked at QVCC for 18 years as an administrative assistant in the admissions office, retiring in 2020 due to her ALS diagnosis.
She leaves her son, Alex Brown of Putnam; brother David LeClair (Pam) of New Hampshire; half-siblings Dawn, Art and Michael LeClair, all of Florida; nephews Glenn, Karl and niece Kara LeClair.
She was an avid beach lover and most recently went on a family trip to the Outer Banks.
Jane wanted to thank her loving and supportive family including her cousins, her entire extended family, close friends and former coworkers for their assistance, patience, and support throughout her years living with ALS. A special thank you to her life-long friend Christine for adopting her very important furry companion (cat) Jade.
The Service is at 9 a.m. April 16 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: the ALS organization.
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Service set --- Robert Patrick Wood
Robert Patrick Wood, who was born March 17, 1941, passed away peacefully in his home on December 22, 2024. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Clark Chapel, Pomfret School.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at South Cemetery in Pomfret. tillinghastfh.com
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Wed. April 9
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. A reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. April 12.
Book Signing/Sales
PUTNAM --- The American Legion Post 13 will hold a fund-raiser book signing/sales at 6:30 in Room 201 at the Municipal Complex. The book is part of the Hometown Heroes of the Quiet Corner series --- Civil War Edition 2025, Vol. 1 written by Legion Post Commander Michael Rocchetti. Benefits legion programs.
Life Savers Drive
PUTNAM --- The Relay for Life Savers Drive is collecting gently used clothes, shoes, handbags, and linens from 3 to 6 p.m. at Putnam High School. Please put all items in white 13-gallon trash bags. (No stained or ripped items please)
Sat. April 12
Greet Easter Bunny
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Recreation Department will present "Greet the Easter Bunny" at 10 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. Recommended for ages 10 and younger.
Spring/Bake Sale
POMFRET --- The Abington Church will hold a Spring Tag & Bake Sale from 8 a.m. to noon at the church on Hampton Road (Rt. 97).
Egg Hunt
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage will present its annual Egg Hunt and Diorama Contest starting at 1 p.m. The rain date is April 19.
Sun. April 13
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.
Church Concert
CHEPACHET --- The First Music at the Meeting House 2025 spring concert, The Music of Holy Week, will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Chepachet Baptist Church on Rt. 44. All welcome. Free; however, a free will offering will be taken. Refreshments. chepachetbaptist.org.
Breakfast/Photos
PUTNAM --- The Relay for Life Pancake Breakfast and Photos with the Easter Bunny will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Providence Street. $7 for adults; $4 for children. Photos with Easter Bunny: $5 for 1, 2 for $8, 3 for $10. There will be drawing baskets, too.
Wed. April 16
Maritime Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The Global Maritime Industry” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 16 and April 23.
Auction Collections
POMFRET --- From April 16 through April 30 donations will be accepted for the 71st annual Windham County 4-H Auction & Tag Sale (May 2 and 3) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon., Weds, Fri and Sat and from 9 a.m. .to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Antiques and gently used household goods, furniture, toys, electronics, tools, books, lunch decorative items, etc. will be welcomed during those hours. We do not accept donations of clothing, textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias. For further donation assistance, call: 860-974-3379.
Sat. April 19
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. 326 Taft Pond Rd, Pomfret, CT. Meet the director and other camp staff; take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379.
Comedy Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Paws Cat Shelter is holding a comedy night fund-raiser at the Valley Springs Sportsman's Club in N. Grosvenordale. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Cash bar and light snacks provided. 18+ event. $30 per person at: shelter on School St., Putnam; www.funny4funds.com/events or at the door. Info: 860-377-9329.
Wed. April 23
Maritime Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The Global Maritime Industry” from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting/Plant Party
PUTNAM --- The Relay for Life Meeting and Plant Party will run from 6 to 7 p.m. at Putnam High School. Free.
Sat. April 26
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Fighting for Freedom: Pomfret’s Black Revolutionary War Soldiers” at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
Spaghetti Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam will host its spring spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. $10.00 for adults; kids 12 and younger eat for free. Take-out or eat-in. Bake sale and drawings. Advance tickets at the VFW Post and at Joseph’s Jewelers on School Street or 860-928-5873 (leave message). Benefits the Scout Pack 21 Summer Camp Fund, to send our Cub Scouts to this year’s summer camp.
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 Rotary Park. From 11 to noon a volunteer appreciation lunch will be held in the park. Trophies given. Rain date May 3. Funded in part by The Last Green Valley. For questions, or to RSVP your team call 860-963-6800, ext. 140.
Low-Cost Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals will offer a low-cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital. $10. Register: 860-317-1720. No walk-ins. Animals must be on a leash or in a carrier.
Edible Plants
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present a free program, “Edible Wild Plants & Fungi of Spring,” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the library.
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.
Fri. May 2
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.
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.
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.
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 required: thethreecs.org.
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. Pre-register.
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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‘Learning’ pavilion well on its way
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — It might look like a simple pavilion heading skyward but in actuality, it’s a catalyst for history and education — just what Gertrude Chandler Warner would have asked for.
The assembly of the pavilion, next to the museum, was completed April 4 and now the next parts of the projects are being lined up, according to Gertrude Chandler Warner boxcar Children Museum Director Pat Hedenberg. She is working on the next steps: The electrical work by Chaput Electric, fence installation by Killingly Fence. Iron Horse Property Services, a division of NEPS which will do the fence site work, stones, picnic tables and more. The fence will run 265 feet along the top of the hill at the at the South Main Street site, fence site work
The project is funded by through a $45,000 grant from Spirol Charities Foundation. The pavilion will be used for crafts, music, lessons and even town events, according to Hedenberg. The annual visit of third-graders is set for April 30 and May 1.
When the kids come, the buses run between the Municipal Complex (where they learn about Gertrude Warner and Putnam’s history at the library and Aspinock Historical Society) and the boxcar museum. If it’s raining when they visit the boxcar, there isn’t enough room for the students in the boxcar and the buses may or may not be at the museum.
The Kotter Farms prefabricated 14 by 20 foot pavilion was assembled by Bahler Brothers of South Windsor. Bahler Brothers works for Kotter Farms which is where the white vinyl pavilion was ordered from. The trio said they built 25 of them last year, averaging 4 to 5 per month. “We have nine already this month,” one of the workers said.
The pavilion will be named in honor of Fred Hedenberg who made the boxcar museum happen.
The educational use for the pavilion is only fitting as Putnam’s favorite daughter, Gertrude Chandler Warner, author of the Boxcar series of children’s books, was an elementary school teacher.
caption:
The pavilion at the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children Museum is assembled and just a few more touches are on their way. Linda Lemmon photos.
UPDATE: The pavilion was finished, fully assembled by Friday and Chaput Electric came on Tuesday to put in the electric.