Woodstock Academy
Spring training has commenced

It’s off and running for the Woodstock Academy boys' lacrosse team for the spring as the first practice of the season took place Saturday.

The girls' lacrosse team takes its first jog as a team this spring season during the first day of tryouts on the Paul Kelly turf field on South Campus.

Members of the Woodstock Academy girls' lacrosse team move around their practice goals on the turf at the Paul Kelly field. 

Batting practice took place indoors inside the South Campus gym during the first official day of practice for the defending state champion Woodstock Academy baseball team on Saturday.

All photos by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.

Abdou Yadd commits to Sacred Heart
For Abdou Yadd, the decision to commit to Sacred Heart University was about more than just basketball—it was about trust.
“I would like to say they have my best interest, and I trust the coaches,” Yadd said. “That was really important to me when making my decision.”
Yadd, who came to Putnam Science Academy from Senegal, has grown both on and off the court during his time in the U.S. One of the biggest challenges he faced was adjusting to a new culture and language while being away from his family.
“It was leaving my family and learning a new culture and the language,” he said.
Despite the transition, Yadd’s game has improved significantly. He credits PSA for helping him become a more complete player.
“I was more relaxed, shooting the ball better, and playing better defense,” Yadd said.
His development was on full display in the National Prep Championship against St. Thomas More, where he delivered in crucial moments. Yadd scored big baskets down the stretch, helping PSA secure a 79-72 victory and its 5th National Prep Championship. His defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor gave the Mustangs a major boost in the title game.
He also acknowledges the people who have guided him throughout his journey, particularly his uncle and father, whose advice continues to push him forward.
“They taught me to always keep going no matter what — never let anybody make you feel that you are not good enough.”
Looking ahead to his time at Sacred Heart, Yadd is focused on both his athletic and academic future.
“My goal is to be the best version of myself and get my degree,” he said.
With his strong mindset and continued development, Yadd is set to make an impact at the next level.
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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Michael Robert Auger
PUTNAM — Michael Robert Auger, 67, died March 15, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of late Elaine (Cutler) Auger.
Born in Putnam, he was the son of Carol (Sherman) Auger and the late Edgar Auger.
Michael was retired but spent many years as a forklift operator and motorcycle mechanic.
Since retiring, Michael spent the majority of his time with his grandchildren, riding dirt bikes, going to the races and car shows. He spent many winter trips up in Maine snowmobiling with friends.
He leaves his mother Carol (Sherman) Auger of Putnam; a son Kristopher Auger (Nancy), their sons Jaxon and Logan of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his daughters Heather Auger, and her daughter Olivia Bellanceau of Putnam; Marie Auger, and her sons Riley and Declan Cote of Woodstock; and siblings, Rebecca Tellier (Bruce) of Thompson, and Diane Auger of Danielson; and many friends.
Visitation was March 23 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam.

Linda Brook Baxter
Linda loved and lived life! An inspiration to everyone around her, enjoying many interests, her encouragement and generosity towards all. Her beautiful smile always made your day better. A proud self -taught artist, she was born Dec. 13, 1939, the daughter of Helen and Joe Brook, and sister of Deborah.
Linda Brook Baxter died in her sleep at the age of 85 Feb. 20, 2025.
Staying on her farm in Harmony, R.I., she was always as busy as a bee. She loved to sing, watch the birds and take care of the horses, sheep and chickens. In her early career years she worked at the Shepard Company in downtown Providence, traveling each week into New York City as a buyer for the department store. On the farm she further dedicated herself as a Folk Artist, forming her business of decorative painting, “Country Art from the Farm”. She sold to Sturbridge Village Yankee Workshop as well as at the many art and craft fairs of New England. 
She later worked for Crabtree & Evelyn in Woodstock. She moved to Woodstock after retiring and added bookbinding to her talents, restoring and selling rare books.
Always adventurous in life she raced her MG TD on ice ponds with the club, rode dressage horses in Germany, and went on to play championship doubles tennis with her friend “Betty Bee”. Many memories! A wonderful singer since Sunday School, she sang every day and loved to dance! Spending time with her pony Cheyenne and dog Bette Davis was her joy.
She leaves her son Lee, his wife Lynne, grandchildren-Landon, Lydia, Olivia  and daughter Brook; and dear friends Cheryl, Sally, Carol, Thelma and Roger; cousins Wayne and Sue; and her friends at Davis Place, Shelby, Karen, MaryAnn, Ellen and all the wonderful and caring staff.
Linda will be so missed, so smile as we look toward heaven and hear her say...
“What a beautiful day-Look how blue the sky is!

Joy (Duhamel) Lizotte
PUTNAM — Joy (Duhamel) Lizotte, 88, of Senexet Road, Putnam, died, March 14, 2025. She was the wife of the late Richard Lizotte. Born in Southbridge, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Charles and Harriet (Godaire) Duhamel.
Joy worked as a trust officer at local banks for many years. Joy was the town treasurer for several years. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, and the Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam, where she served as the treasurer. Joy was dedicated to her church, St. Mary’s, where she was their bookkeeper, ran the religious store, and was very involved in the Circle of Fun.
She enjoyed traveling and going on vacation with her late husband, Richard. They participated in various bowling leagues over the years, and they were small business owners as well. Joy loved crafts and had her own local craft store. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and knitting. For many years Joy knitted hats for newborns. Everyone who knew Joy knew she was an animal lover, especially cats and dogs.
She leaves her sister, Patricia Fields of Waynesburg, Ky.; sister-in-law, Lorraine Morin (Robert) of Putnam; nieces Cathy L Carew (Richard) of Millbury, Mass., Karen M White (Robert) of Putnam, Donna Morin of Putnam, Velvet Anne (John Aubin) of Stanford, Ky., Lori Lynn Bailey (Jerry) of Stanford; nephews, Charles Dewey (Donna) of Conway, Ky., David Morin (Michelle) of Killingly; great-niece, Kassia Mucci (John) of Tewksbury, Mass.; 13 great-nieces and nephews; and 16 great-great nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Mass was March 21 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.