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Lt. Governor visits with area vets
Jun 25, 2025
Vietnam War veteran Ray Aakjar of Sharon accepts a citation during a Veterans’ Ceremony hosted by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch on June 18. To the left are the three selectmen: Lynn Kearcher, John Brett and Casey Flanagan.
Ruth Epstein
CORNWALL/SHARON — Local veterans were formally recognized last week when Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, along with Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, came to honor them.
They were in Cornwall on Monday, June 16, at which most of those who gathered had served during the Vietnam War-era. The pair held another gathering in Sharon on Wednesday, June 18.
Bysiewicz told both groups that when she was secretary of state, she learned that the country was losing 1,500 of the greatest generation (those who served in World War II) every day. Wanting to do something before it was too late, she hosted 140 veterans’ events from 2008 to 2010 and had the opportunity to honor 2,000 individuals.
From that spawned the idea to host such ceremonies for veterans from the Korean and Vietnam eras. Korean vets have been honored in 120 towns and those who served in Vietnam in 115 towns.
There were 36,000 American casualties recorded in Korea and 58,000 in Vietnam.
Bysiewicz talked about the similarities in both those wars; they were never officially declared or formally concluded, and those returning home didn’t get the proper greeting. “Some from Vietnam were never treated well because the war was not wanted and it was taken out on the soldiers,” she said.
She stressed the importance of honoring those still alive, noting 500 Korean vets are being lost every day and 600 who were in Vietnam. But she was proud to remind them that they never stopped serving. They came home to volunteer in their communities, joined veterans’ organizations, raised beautiful families and devoted themselves to civic services.
“We are so grateful that you preserved and protected our freedoms,” Bysiewicz said.
Ron Welch, the commissioner of Veterans Affairs, himself and his son veterans of the Afghanistan War, told the audience that returning to civilian life is never easy and urged them not to hesitate to ask for services. “Take advantage of all that we offer,” he said.
In Cornwall, all the vets were from the Vietnam era, except for Huntington Williams, who proudly stood up when it was announced he had been in the Korean conflict. He came from a military background with his father having served in World War 1. David Cadwell said, “I enjoy hearing, ‘Thank you for your service.’”
Bill Berry said he always was interested in the military. His father died in 1952 in a bomber plane.
Bill Lyon came clutching his Marine hat. After serving, he was in the Reserves for six years. “There’s not a lot of credence given to the Reserves, but we did what everyone else did.” Jonathan Ingersoll VIII said, “I appreciate this small ceremony. It’s nice to be formally welcomed back into society.”
Others from Cornwall are: Richard Kearns, Douglas Pelletier, Jr., Marc “Doc” Simont, Anthony Sterzl and Guy “Max” Ule, Jr.
In Sharon, First Selectman Casey Flanagan gave a message, saying they were there to recognize what all these men had done for the country and the sacrifices made to protect freedoms. He spoke of a recent visit to the town’s War Memorial for inspiration. “There, I felt a powerful connection to the past. I didn’t know them, but I’m deeply aware of the legacy they left behind.”
He continued, “I feel the weight of their sacrifices shaped this country and those who call Sharon home. I can’t feel the pain or the sacrifices you made, but you set an example for me, the town and those who follow. I hope you’re as proud of us as we are of you.”
Bysiewicz went around the room, asking the veterans to comment.
Rick Stone and his brother Howard Stone were in Vietnam at the same time. “The food wasn’t great and the weather was usually warm, but I made good friends,” said Rick Stone. Robert Loucks relayed a harrowing story about a bomb that was found in the bottom of a body of water that had fallen off an aircraft and hade to be detonated.
Richard Kopec said, “I wouldn’t wish it (serving in war) on anybody, but it made me who I am today. I learned what you can do if you put your mind to it.” He is writing a book about his experiences and battle with PTSD. Robert Nickson said, “The experience was invaluable. I wouldn’t change those five years.”
Others from Sharon are: Ray Aakjar, Gordon Braislin, Norman Day, Richard DeAngelis, Bull Moon Rising, Neil Pedersen, John Perotti, Robert Pittenger, Rolf Hohlfeld and Gary Tuthill.
A moment of silence was observed at the Sharon ceremony for Michael John Carley, a local young man who was killed in combat.
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Bears entering Cornwall homes
Jun 25, 2025
CORNWALL — “Bears are back,” said First Selectman Gordon Ridgway at the start of a selectmen’s meeting Tuesday, June 17. “Since we last met [June 3] we’ve had three homes in Cornwall broken into on Cherry Hill, Whitcomb Hill and Town Street.”
Homeowners were present during two of the incidents, but no injuries were reported. Ridgway noted the distance between impacted homes would suggest it was not the same bear.
On Town Street, the bear opened the refrigerator for a snack before ransacking the house and leaving. The next day, Transfer Station Coordinator Ted Larson was present to scare away the bear when it returned for seconds.
Troop B and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection were called to respond and reportedly tagged one of the bears.
A fourth bear was hit by a car on Route 4 June 21. Ridgway said the injured bear wandered away from the scene, resting near a tree before disappearing into the woods. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded to the incident approximately four hours after the fact.
Bear sightings have been common in Cornwall this spring. Ridgway said he saw a mother with four cubs in his driveway recently.
“It’s a problem,” said Ridgway, encouraging people to report encounters to Town Hall. “If they have a real emergency, of course, call 9-1-1. But if you want to report damage, report it to the selectmen’s office. We are keeping track.”
Cornwall submitted 45 pages of bear incident reports to the state from last year, but “the environment committee did not send a bear bill out,” said Ridgway. “It seems to be a western Connecticut problem... they’re not paying attention to what’s happening here.”
Ridgway heard from residents who have grown fearful to leave their homes. “I think it really is a public safety issue,” he said.
ZEO retiring
Zoning Enforcement Office Karen Nelson will be stepping down at the end of June.
Spencer Musselman, of Goshen, has been hired to fill the role effective July 1. Musselman also serves as the land use administrator of Litchfield.
Ridgway said after the interview process, “We were all very impressed by his resume, his references and his knowledge of the field.”
A farewell party was planned for Nelson, to be held at Cornwall Library June 24.
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Goshen’s May real estate sales
Jun 25, 2025
This 2,205 square foot home at 50 Shelbourne Drive near the entrance to Woodridge Lake sold over asking price ($675,000) for $695,000 after only two days on the market.
Christine Bates
GOSHEN — In May, Goshen had four transfers, three of them within the confines of Woodridge Lake, with eight sales pending on Jun 21, 2025.
Goshen median sales prices continued their steady rise up to $645,000, established in May.
The Town of Goshen has a healthy inventory of properties listed for sale at the end of June including 13 single family homes with eight under a million dollars and 13 pieces of land.
Transactions
225 West Hyerdale Drive — Woodridge Lake Lot 65 — 3 bedroom/4 bath home sold by Sudan F. Taussig Revocable Trust to Judith B. Fradin Revocable Trust for $2,350,000 recorded on May 9.
50 Shelbourne Drive — Woodridge Lake Lot 220 - 3 bedroom/2 bath home sold by Barbara A. and Daniel Pappalardo to Brian E. and Donna M. Mattiello for $695,000 recorded on May 18.
Dresden Circle — Woodridge Lake lot 608 - 0.8 acres of land sold by Ed & AJ Building and Remodeling LLC to Martin and Janice C. Connor for $25,000 recorded on May 16.
160 Hageman Shean Road — 4 bedroom/3 bath home sold by Hageman Hill LLC to Anthony and Lisa Debany for $956,000 recorded on May 30.
* Town of Goshen real estate transfers recorded as sold between May 1 and May 31, 2025, provided by Goshen Town Clerk. Transfers without consideration are not included. Current market listings from Smart MLS. Note that recorded transfers frequently lag sales by a number of days. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Salesperson with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in Connecticut and New York States.
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Police Blotter: Troop B
Jun 25, 2025
Police Blotter: Troop B
Police Blotter: Troop B
The following information was provided by the Connecticut State Police at Troop B. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Driveway fender bender
On the evening of June 18, Jeffrey Livingston of New York, New York was attempting to turn into a driveway on Main Street in Salisbury when his Toyota Avalon collided with a Ford F350 driven by Connor McGuire of North Canaan. Both vehicles were still operable after the crash, though Livingston was found at fault for the accident and was issued a written warning for “failure to grant right of way at private road or driveway.”
Arrest on warrant for vehicle burglary
On June 19, Joseph Mollo, 19, of Hewlett, New York was arrested on a warrant for an incident dated Jan. 22, 2025, reported from Ashpohtag Road in Norfolk. Mollo was taken into custody and processed for first degree larceny, third degree burglary and larceny of a motor vehicle. Mollo was unable to post a $15,000 cash bond and was set to appear at Torrington Superior Court on June 20.
Sneeze causes head-on collision
On the afternoon of June 2020, Shannon Hutchinson, 32, of North Canaan was traveling south on Canaan Valley Road when she collided head on with a Honda HRV driven by Chystene Curtis, 82, also of North Canaan. Curtis reported that she sneezed and closed her eyes briefly, and Hutchinson said that Curtis’ vehicle swerved into her lane. Curtis’ HRV was disabled, as was Hutchinson’s Subaru Forester, but both drivers were uninjured in the accident. Curtis was issued a citation for “failure to maintain proper lane.”
The Lakeville Journal will publish the outcome of police charges. Contact us by mail at P.O. Box 1688, Lakeville, CT 06039, Attn: Police Blotter, or send an email, with “police blotter” in subject, to editor@lakevillejournal.com
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