Centaurs escape with win over Ledyard in 1st home meet
Woodstock Academy coach Josh Welch had to laugh. Many will think him “mean” for re-working the course at the Woodstock Fairgrounds and including yet another hill for cross country.
This one comes in the final mile of the race.
“It is a little mean,” Welch said. “But I’ve always loved that stuff. I love a really gritty race. I like to see a race determined by effort and fighting through difficulty. That’s the thing about hilly courses; it brings the character out in your runners.”
Close races do the same and there was a little of both on Tuesday. The Centaurs not only had to battle their own course but also a stubborn Ledyard team.
The Colonels put in their fifth runner before Woodstock, but the Centaur boys still prevailed, 27-28.
The win raised Woodstock’s record to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in Div. I of the ECC.
One of the reasons for that was the effort of sophomore Lucas Hecker.
Hecker finished in second behind Ledyard’s Greyson Stephenson thanks, in part, to that hill.
Hecker was leading Stephenson going into the final mile but the Ledyard runner passed him just before the final hill and really took advantage of the downhill that followed to finish first overall in 17 minutes, 46 seconds.
Hecker finished eight seconds back.
“It was not what I was hoping, but it was the best I could do,” Hecker said. “It’s like double the hills that we had here last year. It’s hills the whole time and all of them are horrible. When it’s at the end of the meet, you’re already tired so it (hurts).”
Fortunately for Hecker, he had friends.
After Lucas Heide finished third overall for the Colonels, the Centaurs pack came flying through led by Bronson Eddy in fourth, Sam Greene in fifth and Harrison Durand sixth. Carter Mydlarz placed 10th to account for the Centaurs top five.
“That was a close one,” Welch said. “It was the same way at the (Windham) Invitational over the weekend where Ledyard just got us (41-46. (Tuesday), Harrison Durand brought it in to clinch the spot we needed to put us over the top by a point.”
Hecker was coming off a bit of a confidence builder of his own as he took first in the Windham Invitational the Saturday before.
“I was really happy,” Hecker said. “It was what I expected so if I didn’t (win), I would have probably been upset. I just did what I had to do.”
He was also happy with how the team has been performing especially with the graduation of All-State performers Christian Menounos and Colton Sallum.
“We have a couple of guys stepping up to where they need to be. We’re doing well for having to overcome two big losses. We’re building the best team we can,” Hecker said.
Woodstock will have a little more time to adjust to their new course as it is scheduled to host East Lyme on Sept. 30 and Norwich Free Academy on Oct. 7.
Girls’ Cross Country
Woodstock freshman Emelia Langevin is used to running hills. She is related to those who own and operate Allen Hill Tree Farm which Centaurs girls’ cross-country Joe Banas points out is not only great at holiday time but also is a pretty neat cross-country course.
So the new course at the Woodstock Fairgrounds that Banas and Woodstock boys’ cross-country coach Josh Welch created, while formidable to most, is not daunting to the freshman.
Langevin cruised through it and led the Centaurs to a 26-33 win over Ledyard as they improved to 2-1 overall and 2-0 in Div. I of the ECC.
“I was thinking my time is going to go (up) quite a bit,” Langevin said. “But, we’ve been training so it didn’t intimidate me too much. The hardest part is definitely the ending hill.”
That being the final hill strategically placed toward the beginning of the final mile of the race.
Langevin actually used that to extend her lead as she established the number that everyone will now shoot for, 20 minutes, 54 seconds. Maggie Littler of Ledyard finished just about a minute behind Langevin in second.
“Emmie ran spectacular,” Banas said. “She and (Littler) were only about three seconds apart (at the Windham Invitational) but (Tuesday) she won by 59 seconds - that’s huge.”
The Centaurs did have to overcome a little adversity as second runner Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain was away on a planned college visit. Ledyard’s Clara Shelton finished third but right on her heels was another freshman, Claire Bruneaux.
“Claire stepped into that role and welcomed it. It was a great opportunity for a freshman to take that role and she ran with it,” Banas said.
Olivia Tracy placed sixth, Bella Amlaw seventh, Melanie DiPippo eighth, Nova Almquist ninth and Avery Schaefer 10th.
Banas is hopeful that Langevin can accomplish something few freshmen do.
Qualify for the New England championship at the end of the season.
“I’m hoping that I have to take a trip to Vermont in November. Time will tell. I’ve told her what she needs to run at Wickham (Park in Manchester). You have to run sub-19:55 (to have a chance to move on into New England’s) but (the Woodstock Fairgrounds) is a tougher course than Wickham and she is on her way even though she is still learning the sport,” Banas said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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captions:
The pack is back for Woodstock Academy boys’ cross-country as Bronson Eddy, left, Sam Greene and Harrison Durand, rear, race to the finish line at the Woodstock Fairgrounds. The three finished fourth-fifth and sixth to give the Centaurs a one-point win over Ledyard.
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Woodstock Academy sophomore Lucas Hecker strides home to a second-place overall finish in a boys’ cross-country meet. Photos by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.
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The Woodstock Academy and Ledyard Colonels girls’ cross-country teams bolt from the starting line.
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Dorothy Mary (Senechal) Peterson
THOMPSON — Dorothy Mary (Senechal) Peterson, 66, wife of the late, David S. Peterson, died Sept. 11, 2025, at Hartford Hospital.
Dorothy was born in 1959 in Willimantic, daughter of the late Amie E. and Blanche M. (Mailloux) Senechal. Dorothy was well educated and earned her master’s degree in fine arts and also studied astronomy. She was employed as a Quality Inspector.
She was a very smart and cultured woman who had a lovely, eclectic taste, as well as being an incredible mother. She enjoyed the astounding abundance of creativity naturally instilled in her while loving and attentively passing on her knowledge/love of art, nature and kindness and music on to her three children.
She leaves her daughter, Renee L. Peterson and her husband Cory Hammerschlag of Putnam; her son, Adam Murzycki and his wife, Paula Perron of Dudley. In addition to her husband, Dorothy was predeceased by a son, Ian Peterson of Putnam.
The service was private. Gilman-Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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Wed. Sept. 24
Photo Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit of photographs by Carmine Angeloni is now on view until September in the Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex. For more info: putnamCtArtsCouncil.com.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present for the month of September, “Color Me Happy” by Lynita Shimizu. Display case will feature: Celebrating the Constitution, sponsored by the Anne Wood Elderkin chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Photography Exhibit
DANIELSON --- The Heirloom Food Company on North Main Street is currently displaying an exhibit by photographer Carmine Angeloni between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The exhibit includes both color and monochrome prints and runs through Oct. 5.
Collection
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will be collecting new Halloween costumes at the Putnam YMCA through Oct. 7. TEEG will be having a costume distribution at its Fall Festival Oct. 13.
Thur. Sept. 25
Community Program
PUTNAM --- Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace, Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Investigative Unit and State Attorney for Judicial District of Windham John Fahey will present a community program about hate crimes, “Stop Hate Together,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Putnam Municipal Complex, Room 109. Free. All individuals and communities are welcome. Info:
Fri. Sept. 26
250th Event
PLAINFIELD --- The Plainfield America 250 Committee will present Pauline C. Merrick with “Independence: Plainfield’s Black Soldier of the Revolution” at 6 p.m. at the Plainfield Senior Center. Free. All welcome. No registration required.
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.
Book Sale
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will hold their annual book sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room. 860-923-9779.
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Cocktail Culture: The Madmen Era” from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Program by Ron Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion.
Sun. Sept. 28
Fund-raiser BBQ
PUTNAM --- Paws Cat Shelter is hosting its 10th Annual Chicken BBQ fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Providence Street. Eat in or take out. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Paws Cat Shelter, 74 School St.; Joseph Jewelers, 153 School St.; and at Knights of Columbus. 860-315-1228.
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 at the Chepachet Baptist Church on Rt. 44 will present a concert, “Gardens, Keystones and Empires - The Music of the Mid-Atlantic Region,” All welcome. Free, but a free will offering will be taken. Refreshments follow. chepachetbaptist.org.
Tues. Sept. 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.
Wed. Oct. 1
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present “Structured Impressions” by Lisa Davidson, Susan Graceck and Sally Rogers through the month of October. The display case will have “Crochet and Knitted Toys” by Jeanne Carita. A reception will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 14.
Free Puppet Show
PUTNAM --- Children and their families are invited to a free, live puppet show at 6 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. No tickets needed – just show up. Kids will be able to make their own free paper bag puppets after the show. Sponsored by the Akela Club Players and Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam. Parking behind the building and in the municipal parking lot at 175 Providence St. 860-928-5873.
Fri. Oct. 3
‘Murder on Orient Express’
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Murder on the Orient Express” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 5, 12, 19. Tickets are $26 for adults; $23 for seniors, students, veterans and first responders (including fees). Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887.
Sat. Oct. 4
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., an author talk and book signing by Richard Ross III for his book “Before Salem – Witch Hunting in the Connecticut River Valley 1647-1663.”
Blessing of Animals
DAYVILLE --- Paws Cat Shelter is holding its Annual Blessing of the Animals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Petco in Killingly Commons. All pets must be secured by leash or carrier. Pet food and cash donations always welcome. 860-315-1228.
Wed. Oct. 8
Look at Religions
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present a free three-part series “A Look at World Religions” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8, 15 and 22. No registration required. Drop in for one or all three sessions at the library.
Thur. Oct. 9
Mind Reader
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Keith Zalinger – Reader of Minds” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mentalist and hypnotist.
Sat. Oct. 11
Underground Railroad
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Abolition and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Connecticut” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The speaker is Killingly town Historian and author of “Perspectives of Putnam” Margaret M. Weaver.
Sat. Oct. 18
Great Pumpkin Fest
PUTNAM --- The town of Putnam, Putnam Business Association and CT Tourism Office/CT Visit will present Putnam’s Great Pumpkin Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafts, food, great pumpkins and more.
Sat. Oct. 25
Fund-raiser Spaghetti
PUTNAM --- Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam will host its fall spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. Take out or eat in. $10 for adults and kids 12 and younger eat for free. There will also be a bake sale and raffles. Advance tickets: VFW Post and at Joseph’s Jewelers on School Street or 860-928-5873 (leave a message) Benefits Putnam Cub Scout Pack 21 Activity Fund to help the Cub Scouts grow.
Trick or Treat
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present its annual downtown Putnam Trick or Treat from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Special Presentation
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present an exclusive at 12:30 p.m. in Room 109 of the Municipal Complex: Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution.” A post-viewing discussion follows. No registration required. Info: Nicole Flagg Nichols, Adult Services Librarian,
Sun. Nov. 2
Bark Harvest
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Business Association will present Bark Harvest from noon to 4 p.m. at the former St. Joseph’s Church. It will feature activities for pets and people. Event-goers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dog photos to be included in a 2026 Bark Harvest Studio calendar. Those interested in entering their dog or otherwise can schedule a photo shoot with Charlene’s Portrait Studio. The $40 fee will be donated to local animal shelters and future Pawsitively Killingly initiatives. killinglyba.org/BarkHarvest.
Sat. Nov. 22
250th Event
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT250 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Declaration of Independence Kick Off will feature a roast beef dinner followed by a band at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523. Dinner is from 5 to 7 and the band Jailbreak follows from 7 to 11 p.m. $20/pp or $40 per couple. Tickets at the Putnam Recreation Department.
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Putnam Public Library honored with 250th grant
Exclusive preview set for 'The American Revolution'
PUTNAM — On July 21 Putnam Public Library was selected to receive a grant as part of PBS and WETA’s national engagement campaign for “The American Revolution,” by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt.
The library will present a preview screening event at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in Room 109 of the Municipal Complex. A post-viewing discussion will follow. The film preview is free. All welcome. The Burns’ series explores the rich, complex origins of the U.S. before the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. No registration required. Info: Nicole Flagg Nichols, Adult Services Librarian,
The award letter the library received recently said:”Your proposal stood out among more than 440 applications from libraries across the country. We’re thrilled to support your efforts to create meaningful programming that connects your community to the series’ central themes of liberty, democracy, civic engagement, and storytelling.” A total of 42 grants were awarded nationwide, and only two were awarded in CT. We received a $750 programming grant and access to multiple series screening event reels and related educational resources.”
The series: is a new six-part, 12-hour documentary series that explores the country’s founding and its eight-year War for Independence, will premiere Nov. 16 and air six consecutive nights from 8 to 10 p.m.(through Nov. 21). The full series will be available to stream beginning Sunday, Nov. 16 at PBS.org and on the PBS App.
The much-anticipated series, which has been in production for eight years, was directed and produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt and written by long-time collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward. The filmmakers and PBS scheduled the broadcast for 2025, the 250th anniversary of the start of the war, which began in the spring of 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.
Funding Credits: Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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