PSA wins 50 games in a row
BRADENTON, Fla. — Putnam Science Academy won their first game down in Florida at the Sunshine Prep Showcase recently over Tri- City 93-75. Adama Tambedou led the way with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Taggart scored 15 points with 5 rebounds and a steal. David Gaymon also scored in double figures with 14 points along with 6 rebounds with 4 assists. Parrish Edmond went for 12 points with 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Jordan Skyers filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. Kamai Samuels scored 7 points while dishing out 7 assists. Samuels grabbed 3 rebounds and stole 3 from the opposing team. Brayson Green and Joseph Adebayo each scored 6 points. Green grabbed 10 rebounds with 2 steals.  The Mustangs have tied the program record with 49 wins in a row and are 16-0 on the season. 
By Ben Heacox
The 49-game streak ended on the next game when PSA beat Sunrise Christian Academy, 113-85. And Sunrise Christian Academy had ended the 49-game winning streak for the Mustangs back in 2019. Six years later PSA got their revenge, with a new record, 50 wins in a row. Jalen Taggart was the leading scorer for the Mustangs with 22 points and 2 rebounds. Kamai Samuels added 17 points with 3 rebounds and 7 assists, along with a steal. Adama Tambedou had a 16 point, 10 rebound double-double, along with 3 assists, 2 steals and a block. Jordan Skyers poured in 15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. David Gaymon and Parrish Edmond each scored 14 points. Gaymon also had 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Edmond had 8 rebounds and 2 steals to go with his 14 points. Favour Egbuna contributed 6 points and a rebound. Sedar Sene scored 3 points with 3 rebounds along with an assist and a steal. Brayson Green (9 rebounds), Owen Crowley (3 rebounds) and Marc Etienne (5 blocks) each scored 2 points in the win. 
Head Coach Tom Espinosa said: “People don’t realize in 2018 when we won our national championship, we won our last 20 games, then the next season we won 29 and then played Sunrise Christian Academy and they beat us. Fast forward again, we’re on a 49-game winning streak and who do we face? Sunrise Christian Academy. 50 games is amazing. All the credit goes to the players and my coaching staff.” 
By Ben Heacox
HARTFORD — PSA Men’s Elite team got its 6th win of the season at the Basketbull Hoopfest. Aleksa Dzimric scored 13 points to lead the team in scoring and added 2 rebounds. Ethan Mvundura and Martyn Poliuchovic each scored 10 points. Mvundura dished out 3 assists and had 4 rebounds. Amayas Hall-Chiari poured in 8 points with 2 assists and 2 rebounds. Vadim Brezillion also scored 8 points along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Ethan Graham scored 4 points and was a monster on the glass with 7 rebounds. 
BOSTON —The Putnam Science Academy got back in the win column with its 74-64 win against Brimmer & May. Adama Tambedou was outstanding with a 21-point, 16-rebound double double. Jordan Skyers scored 11 points to go with 2 assists and 2 steals. Favour Egbuna grabbed 6 rebounds in addition to his 11 points. Kamai Samuels scored 10 points with 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Brayson Green poured in 8 points to go along with 4 rebounds. Jalen Taggart scored 6 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. David Gaymon scored 5 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 4 assists and had 3 steals. The Mustangs head into Christmas break with an overall record of 18-2.
Elite
Ethan Mvundura was the leading scorer, with 18 points in the 72-63 loss to Franklin Pierce. Mvundura also had 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Vadim Brezillion was also a double-digit scorer with 15 points to go along with 3 assists. Amayas Hall-Chiari went for 9 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Ethan Graham scored 5 points with 2 steals. The Elite Boys fell to 5-4 on the season.
PSA Varsity
SOUTHBRIDGE — KJ Cyr was the leading scorer with 22 points in the 67-37 win against Southbridge High School. Angel Seinturier went for 10 points and was a monster on the glass with 16 rebounds. Seinturier also added 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Elias Garcia Quesada poured in 8 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Chris Maplanka had 6 points, 6 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks adding a thunderous dunk to his stat line. PSA Varsity is now 5-3 on the season.
GRANBY, Mass. — KJ Cyr was the leading scorer, with 17 points, in the 59-41 loss to MacDuffie School on the road. Cyr also went for 4 assists and 3 steals. Chris Maplanka filled the stat sheet with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Angel Seinturier and KD Duba each had 5 points and 2 steals each. The Mustangs varsity program is now 5-4 on the season.
By Ben Heacox
Girls’ Prep Recap
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The PSA Women’s Prep basketball team participated in the “She Got Game Classic,” played S3 Academy and fell 42-26. Fatima Diouf went for 12 points and 6 rebounds. Paolo Kanoute added 3 points and 8 rebounds. Layla Woodward contributed 5 points in the loss.
In game two of the classic, the Mustangs lost to Orangeville Prep from Canada, 52-48. Valentina Vrcan was the leading scorer with 14 points and 4 assists. Fatima Diouf again scored 12 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Paola Kanoute scored 6 points and crashed the glass with 13 rebounds. Kanoute also had 3 assists and 3 steals. Varara Utina had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
In the final game the Mustangs came away with a win, defeating Riversdale Baptist 64-56. Fatima Diouf exploded for 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Valentina Vrcan scored 18 points with 3 assists and 2 blocks. Layla Woodward was in double figures as well adding 10 points with 4 rebounds. Paola Kanoute scored 8 points with 7 rebounds along with 4 assists and 5 steals. Adut Tour put in 5 points with 9 rebounds. The women are now 3-8 on the season. 
By Ben Heacox

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Robert A. Olson, U.S. Army veteran
PUTNAM — Robert Olson, 86, of Putnam, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 13, 2025. He was born Dec. 23, 1938, to Bernt “Ben” and Charlotte (Hepp) Olson in Brooklyn, New York. 
Robert lived a life filled with curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to learning and sharing history and magic with others.
Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife Ursula (Eberley) Olson. He leaves his three children: Anne Olson, Mary Barratt, and Robert Olson (Maryann); grandchildren Jordan Olson, Mark Barratt, Dawn Barratt, Bridget Olson, and Emma Olson; and his sister Margaret Fasano and her children Lynnanne Nauman, Mark Nauman, Nancy Fasano, Karl Fasano.
Robert’s early years were shaped by a strong academic foundation. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and went on to study electrical engineering at Brooklyn College.  He always said his technical training at Brooklyn Tech allowed him to land the job at Old Sturbridge Village, (OSV) and made him indispensable as an interpreter early on in his career.
It was, however, his insatiable passion for history and learning, paired with his energetic love of performing that ultimately defined his life’s work and legacy. From the moment he joined Old Sturbridge Village as an interpreter, Robert found his true calling.
For more than five decades, he dedicated himself to the living history museum, immersing himself in the stories of America’s past. It was there that he discovered Richard Potter—America’s first magician—and this discovery would change the course of his life. He often stated that he owed everything to Richard Potter. For more than 50 years, he performed as Richard Potter, captivating generations with historical magic shows that blended education with wonder. With meticulous research and heartfelt dedication, Robert recreated Potter’s performances and brought them back to life for modern audiences. He brought joy, laughter, hope, and wisdom to all that watched.
Through this persona and performance art, he found a way to connect deeply with people of all ages. Through humor, precision and whimsy he taught history while evoking awe. His work at OSV allowed him not only to follow his passion but also to become a beloved figure in the world of historical entertainment.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Robert served his country honorably from 1961 to 1963 as part of the U.S. Army’s military intelligence division in New York City.
A longtime resident of Putnam, Robert was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Parish for over 50 years. His family, his faith and his community involvement were important pillars of his life. While his son, Bob, was a Boy Scout, he volunteered to support the troop at St. Mary’s.  He also was a fixture at the Circle of Fun, calling Bingo numbers, performing Punch and Judy, and entertaining audiences with Harry Ames, a bawdy and lewd fictional 19th century magician.
After retiring from OSV, he kept connected to both his passions. He never stopped sharing his love for the past; he continued to research, learn, and perform magic. Getting together with fellow magicians and attending New England Magic Collectors Association meetings and gatherings. He stayed connected with his OSV friends and continued up until December 2024 performing Richard Potter at OSV’s Christmas by Candlelight. His last magic show was Father’s Day 2025 at George Washington’s encampment in Newburgh, N.Y.
Those who knew Robert will remember him as someone who made life more magical simply by being present. He had a rare gift in teaching others how to grow up without ever losing their sense of childlike wonder. One of his fellow entertainers and dear friend recalled one of their last conversations. Robert reminded him, “We had had a good run and brought laughter and joy to thousands of people over the years and what better gift could we have given and what better purpose could we have in life.” May Robert Olson’s memory continue to inspire wonder and joy in all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to:  Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org); or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), both causes close to his heart.
Visitation was Dec. 19 at Gilman Funeral Home 104 Church St, Putnam. A Funeral Mass was Dec. 20 at St. Mary’s Church, 218 Providence St., Putnam.

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Wed.  Dec. 24
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Library will present its sixth annual Community Textile Show for the month of December. 

Art Show
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library is hosting its third annual Tiny Art Show and is looking for artists to take part. The show involves free form art by teens, adults and seniors. The theme is “Remembering the Revolution” in honor of next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Call or stop by to register and pick up the 3x3” canvas and the materials. Completed artwork is due by Jan. 31 and the exhibit in the library starts Feb. 2. 860-963-6826.

Gallery 1793
ABINGTON --- The Abington Social Library is hosting its second Annual Community Art Show – Gallery 1793 through Dec. 27. It features 22 local artists.

Church Service
BROOKLYN --- Trinity Episcopal Church  will hold its Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist at 5:30 pm, preceded by carols at 5 p.m. Services are also set for 10 a.m. Dec. 25.  

Thur.  Dec. 25
Merry Christmas!

Sun.  Dec. 28
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp will hold an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. www.4hcampct.org

Tues.  Dec. 30
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.

Camper Day
POMFRET --- The Windham Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will offer Camper Game Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children ages 6-12. Lunch, games and more. Outdoor gear required. $25/child, everyone welcome. Preregistration by Dec. 22: 860-974-1122.

Thur.  Jan. 1, 2026
Happy New Year!

Fri.  Jan. 30
Schwartz Lecture
POMFRET --- Pomfret School will present its Schwartz Public Lecture from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Hard Auditorium. Kobie Boykins, NASA engineer, is the speaker. Free and open to the public. Registration required: pomfret.org/schwartz

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