Somehow, nothing that happens at Robert Arbor’s Le Gamin restaurant in Sharon, Conn., is ever ordinary. The elegant French restaurateur manages to give everything he does a little Gallic flip.
For the new weekly backgammon sessions at the café, for example, there is an opportunity to learn French phrases related to the classic two-player game.
Anyone of any skill level is invited to come play at the restaurant on Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Coffee and croissants are available; so is training in the game, which was invented in around 3000 BC but seems to have had its last peak in popularity in the 1980s, when it became an essential young urban accessory.
Now … not everyone wants a croissant or other bread product for breakfast. For those diners, there is a new option: the affogato, which is a latte that has been poured over ice cream.
Yes, it’s true — and the reason that the affogato is now available is that Le Gamin has opened an ice cream parlor next door to the main restaurant, in what was a boutique with imported French clothing and accessories, run by Arbor’s wife, the photographer, stylist and jewelry designer Tam Tran.
And as noted above, Arbor never just “does” something; he finds a way to make all his efforts extra special (while making it look super simple, bien sur).
Everyone of course has a favorite ice cream, whether it’s the twist cones from the gas station or the scoops from other favorites such as Fudgy’s in Amenia, N.Y., Candy-O’s in Millerton, N.Y., the Four Brothers in Millerton —and even Dairy Queen for those adventurous enough to travel to Winsted and Torrington, Conn.
It’s not a rap on those excellent vendors of frozen delights. But Arbor’s ice cream is just a little bit more extra special.
The brand is Mont Blanc, made “by a French guy in Brooklyn,” Arbor says casually.
This tiny company, which doesn’t even has its own website, produces about 50 exotic flavors (including, occasionally, cucumber sorbet). The owner, according to Arbor, was trained at the legendary Berthillon in Paris.
“He is a maître glacier,” a master ice cream maker, Arbor said.
The little shop next door (which was a hair salon many years ago) still has a few items of clothing (including the distinctive bucket hats that Arbor has taken to wearing every day).
But mostly there is ice cream, by the scoop, in an affogato, as a root beer float.
This is expensive ice cream. A single scoop costs $4.50, a double is $6.50. The affogato is $7.50, a root beer float is $6. But these days, it’s easy to drop $100 for lunch for two at an outdoor snack shack (assuming you’ve ordered two lobster rolls with a side of truffle fries).
And this is an ice cream experience worth the ride in the car to get to Sharon.
The flavors change depending on availability from Mont Blanc. So far, said scooper Cyrus Kearney, the favorites seem to be salted caramel, cinnamon, and cookies and cream. Arbor himself is partial to the rum raisin.
Kearney is a recent graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, Conn. Most of the ice cream store staff are also local youth, out of school for the summer.
“We started to talk about doing ice cream last summer,” Arbor said, “but we didn’t have enough time or enough people. Now we have students from Housy to help.”
Find out what flavors are available at the shop ahead of time by calling 860-397-5382 or sending a text to 860-385-4212.
Information is also available on the Legaminstudioagraire Instagram page. Ice cream is available seven days a week from 1 to 9 p.m.
Le Gamin is at 10 Gay St. in Sharon, Conn., in the shopping plaza.
Ruth Epstein
Sharon Town Hall
SHARON – As Sharon moves ahead with a major downtown sidewalk replacement project that will improve safety and walkability, 22 trees along the route have been identified as being in poor condition and recommended for removal.
The fate of the trees was a major focus of a public meeting Wednesday, Aug. 12, as town officials, residents, engineers and tree experts discussed the potential impact on the treescape.
The meeting marked the second gathering on the topic. An initial conversation held in January dealt with the type of materials to be used for the sidewalks, although no decision has been made on that matter.
Cardinal Engineering’s Ray Seelye, senior project manager for the sidewalk proposal, began by explaining its overall scope, which involves replacing 11,000 feet of bituminous asphalt that is in poor condition. The path stretches primarily from the shopping center along Route 41 to the intersection of Routes 4 and 343, taking in parts of West Main Street and other small sections along New Street, Hospital Hill and Cemetery Hill. They will mainly be 4-feet wide, as they are now.
“Some of the sidewalks have lots of cracks and damage from roots,” Seelye said. “They’re beyond their useful life. We will bring them up to current standards and ADA compliance to provide a safe pedestrian route throughout the town.”
The project received a grant from the Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP) for $1.1 million. The total cost is estimated to be $2.1 million, with the remaining balance likely to be covered by the town.
Seelye said wherever the sidewalk crosses a driveway, repairs will be made, but they must meet ADA requirements.
Greg Beck of Bartlett Tree Experts said his company completed an initial inspection in April and graded the trees as good if they were healthy, fair if they had moderate structural defects, and poor if structural problems could not be abated.
Some trees, he said, can sustain impacts of construction and not be structurally affected. Others cannot and have to be removed.
During a follow-up visit in July, they were most concerned with the honey locusts along Main Street. Four of them were the worst offenders of raising sidewalks, noting four of 18 are recommended for removal. Several audience members favored removing the tree nearest West Main Street, saying it blocks the stop sign and is responsible for many near-accidents.
Out of the total of 130 trees assessed, 22 are categorized as poor and recommended to be removed, said Allan Fenner of Bartlett Tree Experts. Eighty are rated good and 28 are rated fair.
During the meeting, Philip Barlow, a landscape architect from Third Act Connecticut – a statewide movement focused on climate and democracy – spoke about the various materials that could be used on the sidewalks, sharing pros and cons for each. He compared asphalt, concrete, pavers, stone dust and stamp concrete, among others. Asphalt is the least expensive and would cost around $450,000, while concrete would cost $780,000. The additional options could cost $1 million or more.
The engineers emphasized that they will install the material the townspeople and Board of Selectmen want and that they are not recommending one over another. An informal show of hands by those present showed there are mixed opinions for either asphalt or concrete.
Alec Linden
KENT – Town Hall is warning residents about a fraudulent email impersonating the Land Use Office and requesting payment.
According to an email sent out by the Town Clerk’s office on Aug. 12, the scam requests payment related to a Special Permit Application as well as an “Application Review and Approval Fee.”
The clerk noted that the scam may be particularly convincing because it lists the name of Karen Casey, the current Planning and Zoning Commission Chair, who took on the role in November.
The clerk urged anyone who receives the email not to respond in any way, including the “unsubscribe” button. Residents who receive the email are asked to contact the Land Use Office at landuseadmin@townofkentct.gov or 860-927-4625.
Kent uses a federally verified “.gov” domain for official email correspondence, so any communication purportedly from Town Hall that uses a different domain should be considered fraudulent.
Kent experienced similar email scams in November, when residents reported fraudulent messages purporting to be from the Land Use Office. Those messages also requested money for an “Application Review and Approval Fee,” which officials stated at the time does not exist.
Lakeville Journal
WEST CORNWALL — Jeff Rosati, 72, of West Cornwall, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026.
Born in New Milford on January 18, 1954, Jeff was the devoted son of the late Kathren Valtrum.
After graduating from New Milford High School, he began his career with Eversource as a meter reader, dedicatedly serving the company for 42 years before retiring in 2014 as Chief Garage Mechanic.
In 1979, during a chance meeting while getting a haircut, Jeff met the love of his life, Bernetta (Marshall). Their love story was one for the record books, sharing a deeply devoted marriage of 45 years.
In 1983, Jeff and Bernetta found their forever home in Cornwall, building a life centered on hard work and quiet kindness.
In his retirement, “Little Jeffy” was happiest being outdoors or in his barn. He loved tinkering on projects, tending to his garden, and caring for his hummingbirds. A treasured friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand, he could often be found happily mowing the lawn or pulled over roadside on his beloved John Deere tractor catching up with neighbors.
Jeff will be profoundly missed by his loving wife, Bernetta; the Marshall family of Crane, Texas; and countless friends across Cornwall who held him dear.
A Graveside Service will be held at North Cornwall Cemetery, Rattlesnake Rd., West Cornwall, CT on Thursday August 20 at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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Lakeville Journal
AMENIA — William (Bill) O’Connell died peacefully surrounded by family at Sharon Hospital on Aug. 12, 2026, due to complications of cancer. Bill was born into a large Irish Catholic family in Bay Shore, New York, on March 3, 1964. After Bill completed kindergarten, the family moved upstate, settling on Depot Hill in Amenia, New York, where he was a lifelong resident. He attended Catholic School at Immaculate Conception, transferring to Webutuck Middle School in the sixth grade. He graduated from Webutuck High School in 1982.
As a child he was an avid (obsessed) fisherman, asking for a new fishing pole every year for his birthday. He was given permission to skip school every opening day of fishing season. He cherished fond memories of growing up as a “Depot Hill Gang” member. He enjoyed playing soccer, basketball, and baseball throughout high school. While hitchhiking home from his job as a lifeguard at the Millerton Town Pool, good looks and charm got him discovered. First as a print model, then as an actor in eleven television commercials and as an extra in a couple of movies. Anyone who knew him at that time was fair game for a ride to the train station or directly into the city for the many auditions he went to. He was a painter by trade, working in partnership with his brother Michael, at O’Connell Painting for many years serving the tri-state area. Bill was adventurous, loved to travel, and spent several months on a walk-a-bout through Australia and New Zealand. Bill was always up for a concert, a Giants game, or picking the freshest berries on the way to a cool fishing spot. He was well known locally at many recreational leagues for indoor soccer, darts, pool, cards, and golf. He was quite a competitor at everything he enjoyed. Bill and Michael organized the annual O’Connell Paint Can Open for many years, with loyal enthusiasts flying in to attend year after year. In the latter years, complications from multiple ailments made his life increasingly difficult, dulling his natural shine. The bright spot of that time was how patient and attentive he was while caring for his mother, Frankie. Being present in her daily life so she could remain at home. This obituary was lovingly composed by his siblings, who loved him dearly.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, John & Evelyn O’Connell, and is survived by his three siblings; Karen Grimaldi (Mark) of Salisbury, Connecticut, Michael O’Connell of Florida, and Kathleen Lacko of Casper, Wyoming; two nieces and three nephews, Connor Washburn (Hannah), Mickaela Grimaldi, Liam Girmaldi, Kenny Lacko, and Marykate Lacko, dozens of cousins, and countless friends who will miss him tremendously.
A graveside service and burial will take place on Thursday, Aug., 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Amenia, New York. Rev. Andrew O’Connor will officiate. A reception in Bill’s honor will follow at the Amenia Steakhouse. Memorial contributions may be made to the Amenia Fire Company & Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 166, Amenia, NY 12501. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Bill’s memory please visit www.conklinfuneral.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546.
Lakeville Journal
MILLBROOK — Joyce Gertrude (Kirstein) Cassetta of Millbrook, 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 10 at Maplewood. Joyce was born Sept. 15, 1930, in Ossining New York to Ethel (Travis) and Franz Kirstein. She was the second eldest of 6 children, and the only member of her family to graduate high school. Joyce married Michael A. Cassetta (deceased) of Tarrytown in 1950. Joyce and Mike built their first home in East Irvington where they raised their family. Joyce was an outstanding cook, avid gardener, enjoyed curling and ice skating. Joyce also served over 50 years in the Eastern Star. She is survived by 3 of her 4 children, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She has one surviving sister, Shirley. Our deepest gratitude to those who cared for her, especially her son Mark. Joyce will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery.
Lakeville Journal
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