PSA football wraps up historic inaugural season
Putnam Science Academy Football concluded its first-ever season with a hard-fought game against St. Thomas More on Senior Day. Despite a spirited defensive effort led by Arron McDaniels and Daryl Asante, the visiting team proved too much for the Mustangs, handing them a 49-0 loss.
According to Head Coach Mook Zimmerman: While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the team’s effort, the game symbolized much more than just the result. It marked the conclusion of a historic inaugural season—one filled with challenges, growth, and the establishment of a culture that sets the tone for years to come.
“The most significant thing is completing this first season,” he said. “We laid a foundation to build on. We made history this year, and that’s something to be proud of.”
Throughout the season, PSA Football worked to define its identity and set a standard of excellence. From the leadership shown by the coaching staff to the determination displayed by the players, the Mustangs have created a culture of resilience and ambition that will serve as the bedrock for the program’s future success, the coach said.
“This year, we established a culture and a standard to build on in the coming years,” Zimmerman added. “The lessons learned this season will help us grow and improve as a program.”
Though the season ended with a loss, the team’s progress and achievements over its first year can’t be overlooked. The Mustangs have set the stage for what promises to be a bright future, with this inaugural campaign as a lasting reminder of the foundation they’ve built, Zimmerman said.
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LTC Michael Laurent Therrien, M.D.
PUTNAM — Michael L. Therrien, Lt.Col., USAF, MC, 69 of River Road died Dec. 1, 2024, after a long illness.
Born on Feb. 19, 1955, he was the son of the late Laurent “Larry” H. Therrien and Linnea “Lynn” Therrien, both of North Grosvenordale.
Michael’s life ambition was to serve his community teaching, treating, relieving and comforting as a doctor. His chosen specialty of cardiology led him to care for the sick and to teach other physicians in hospitals and universities all over the world. Michael, a lifelong student, was a proud graduate of John Hopkins University in Baltimore and the UConn Medical School in Farmington. Michael obtained other degrees to support his career as an academic doctor from Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University and Concord Law School.
He spent more than 30 years practicing both at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam and St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, where he retired as director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
In 2009, he took “the road less traveled” (Frost, 1913) and began a career as a military physician with the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served in the Iraq War at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Michael was proud to treat his fellow service members, providing intensive care where it was needed most and to work and learn with an exceptional team of nurses and fellow physicians.
In his quiet, personal time he loved to go fly-fishing and practiced photography, an art he began as a young boy. He joyfully attended the sporting and dramatic events of his grandsons and listened to his favorite band Fleetwood Mac and James Taylor.
Michael retired from medicine in 2018. He spent his time pursuing his hobbies as a ham radio operator (N1MD), traveling and attending NASCAR races when he was able to and watching Patriots football. He could be found frequently at Main Street Gelato in Putnam eating frozen treats and talking to friends, neighbors, and former patients.
His life of service to his community and country, his love for his family and his ability to teach and inspire leaves the world a little bit - a lot - better than he found it.
He leaves behind his wife Lea (Rice) Therrien; his daughters Andrea Meyer and Nicole Shults and their husbands Jeffrey Meyer and Dan Shults; grandsons Jacob and Evan Meyer; sisters Jeanne (Therrien) Darroca and Lisa (Therrien) Annis; nieces and nephews.
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 6 in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, with burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam.
Donations: Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse (ATTN Charlie Milewski, P.O. Box 3, Putnam, CT 06260); or the Putnam Lions Club (P.O. Box 535, Putnam, CT 06260).
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Wed. Dec. 4
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT Arts Council presents “Reflections of Past and Present – the Art of Jonathan Fritz” art exhibit through December in the Corridor Gallery in the Putnam Municipal Complex.
Art Show
POMFRET --- From Nov. 13 to Jan. 8 the Abington Social Library on Rt. 97 will host its first annual Community Art Show. The art show, titled “Gallery 1793,” can be viewed during library hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. https://theabingtonsociallibrary.org/
Textile Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will feature the Fifth Annual Textile Artist Community Show through the end of January. A reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9.
Photography Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Wetland Birds Steven Rosendahl Photography Exhibition through Dec. 24. Free admission.
'History on Sale'
PUTNAM --- The Aspinock Historical Society is holding a holiday sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Putnam Municipal Complex. Sale ends Dec. 19.
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Bird Walks and More” Amy Porter Photography Exhibition through Dec. 31. Free admission.
Holiday Nature Store
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Road will run its Holiday Nature Store through Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays.
Sat. Dec. 7
Holiday Bazaar
EAST PUTNAM --- Putnam - Paws Cat Shelter is hosting a Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Putnam Fire Department on Rt. 44. More than 20 vendors with crafts, gifts, drawing baskets, baked goods and more. For more info or how you can donate: 860-315-1228.
Holiday Fair
POMFRET --- The annual Saint Nicholas Victorian Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ Church on Rt. 169. Snow date: Dec. 14. There is also an Online Silent Auction through Dec. 4 at https://new.biddingowl.com/ChristChurchPomfret. Items must be picked up at the fair on Dec. 7. There is also a luncheon. All proceeds from the Saint Nicholas Fair are allocated for outreach programs. 860-315-7780.
Sun. Dec. 8
Santa
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will present Lunch with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food, crafts, silent auction and drawing items. $10 for kids up to age 8; $14 for those 9 and older for lunch; 5 x 7 Photo with Santa $8. Tickets available at 860-974-3379 or at the door.
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 through December. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
Tues. Dec. 10
Free Coats
PUTNAM --- Local Knights of Columbus and the Danielson Elks will hold a second Free ‘Coats for Kids’ program from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cargill Council 64 Knights of Columbus Hall on Providence Street. New winter coats in various colors for boys and girls, in toddler’s, children’s and teen sizes will be given away free. There will also be free blankets and free, used winter coats in good condition available for men and women. The program is free and open to anyone in need, with no obligation. Info: 860- 928-5873.
Thur. Dec. 12
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Mysteries of the Northeast with Mike Panicello” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. Free. All welcome.
Sat. Dec. 14
Breakfast with Santa
PUTNAM --- The Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse will sponsor a Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Putnam Municipal Complex on School Street.
Bake Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 will hold its annual Holiday Cookies Sold by the Pound and a basket raffle from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church basement.
Book Talk
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present Book Talk with Lisette Rimer at 12:30. She is the author of “Back from Suicide: Before and After the Essential Patrick.” Free.
Holiday Bazaar
PUTNAM --- The Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 15
Concert
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School will present “Candlelight” from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Clark Memorial Chapel. Refreshments follow in Hard Auditorium. All welcome. Free.
Sun. Dec. 22
Pageant
POMFRET --- The Christ Church will present its annual Christmas Pageant, at 10 a.m.
Sat. Dec. 28
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will hold an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. www.4hcampct.org
Mon. Dec. 30
Game Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp on Taft Pond Road will hold a Camper Game Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kids ages 6-12. Games, food and fun. Outdoor gear required. $25 per child. All welcome. Preregistration requested by 12/22. 860-974-1122.
Wed. Jan. 1, 2025
Happy New Year!
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This ‘Santa’ raised $2k for rec program
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The Putnam Park and Recreation Department’s After School Program got an early Christmas gift Nov. 29 during the long-time tradition, Santa Lights Up Putnam.
Santa, with the help of Deputy Mayor Roy Simmons, set the town’s holiday lights aglow and then got down to business — asking 100-plus kids what they wanted for Christmas.
Meanwhile, looking a bit like Santa himself, John Ramonas, drew the winning ticket for a guitar he built. It’s a replica of a Neil Young guitar called Old Black, based on a1953 Les Paul guitar.
Recreation Director Willie Bousquet said Ramonas offered the department the guitar as a fund-raiser and most of the tickets were sold during the Great Pumpkin Festival.
The drawing pulled in $2,000-plus, Bousquet said. When Bousquet announced that the money would go toward the department’s After School Program, Ramonas was thrilled.
“That’s wonderful,” he said.
About 400 tickets were sold. The winner was Tyler Parkin.
This is the first time this fund-raiser was done and Ramonas said it definitely won’t be the last. There are several choices for the department to pick from for the next drawing, he said: A Keith Richards guitar, one from one of the Beatles, Tom Petty and more.
Ramonas, a veteran, is part of the Highway Hippies band which played for the town a couple times.
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