Chicken salad suppers (and oh, those pies!) back Aug. 2

SHARON — For many years beginning in the late 1800s, the women of the Sharon Congregational Church (known as “Busy Bees�), put on an annual Chicken Salad Supper. The tradition was loved by all and continued into the early 1960s.

In 2007, the Busy Bees updated the recipe and revived the tradition.

“We loved the thought of reviving something from long ago,� said member Janet Kelsey. “This shows the church’s heritage and it was an event that we thought could be brought back to life.�

The supper is held in conjunction with the craft fair on the Green, which is Aug. 2  from 4 to 7 p.m. this year.

“The craft vendors kept telling us we should host the supper again because they were hungry at the end of the day,� said the church’s pastor, the Rev. Jody Guerrera. “Rick Hotaling, our deacon, found his aunt’s recipe.�

The entire dinner includes coleslaw, a roll and iced tea along with the chicken salad, all for $10. But wait, there’s more for all the “foodiesâ€� out there. In addition to all the salad and  fixings the Busy Bees also offer more than 25 pies of different varieties.

And that famous chicken salad recipe? It was updated with the help of Maggie Slagel, a professional caterer who used to own Salisbury Catering with her husband, Bob. She shared some secrets from the kitchen.

“The mayo mix has parsley, salt and pepper, tarragon, oregano and all fresh herbs,� she explained. “I add that to the chicken along with celery, carrot and red onion.�

“The recipe was passed down from many generations so we wanted to update it for today’s ‘figure watching’ society,� said Kelsey. “We think that there is probably less mayo and more herbs and spices in our version of the recipe.�

Though the recipe itself is no secret, what might make it so extra tasty is the caring and devotion put into it by the Busy Bees themselves.

Beginning at 5 p.m., diners can sit at tables elegantly decorated by interior decorator and congregation member Judy Albright.

Pie choices include blueberry, apple and peach.

Take-out orders are available from 4 to 5 p.m. and the sit-down dinner will be from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 860-364-5002.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less