A Shortcut To Strawberry Shortcake
A good strawberry shortcake doesn’t have to be fussy; you can make one quickly with a simple homemade jam, ladyfingers and whipped cream from the can.
Photo by Cynthia Hochswender
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Turning Back the Pages - May 14, 2026
Norma Bosworth
May 13, 2026
125 years ago — May 1901
NOTICE. All persons are forbidden dumping rubbish or anything on our land. Especially on Lands between the Bradley and McDuffie farms. M.H. Robbins.
SALISBURY — Three forest fires have started thus far this season in this section. The woods near the town farm in some way took fire last Sunday. A force of twenty or more men soon had the fire extinguished.
100 years ago — May 1926
Once more we wish to allude to the sounding of the fire siren. Paste this in your hat and remember it if you have occasion to sound the alarm: Within the fire district limits- one continuous blast; outside the fire district- three blasts. Simple enough if remembered.
Peter A. Kisselbrack, who has been at the Town Farm since last fall, has become mentally deranged and has been taken to the Middletown Insane Retreat. Peter for the past two years has been steadily losing his eyesight and became unable to follow his trade as painter, and his old friends in this section feel very sorry to learn of his further misfortune.
50 years ago — May 1976
SALISBURY — A proposal for a 300-member “very high-grade residential country club” on the site of Fair Acres Farm at the foot of Smith Hill was brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night. The plan, as outlined by associates Florence and Andelmo Ortiz, owners of Fair Acres, calls for an 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a stable and indoor riding ring and a “health facility.”
Paul Schmitt, a Housatonic Valley Regional High School senior from Canaan, won national recognition this week for his original work in computer programming. Schmitt was named one of 59 students from across America whose projects will be displayed at the 1976 National Computer Conference June 7-10 in New York City.
A joint effort by the towns of Salisbury and Sharon was initiated Monday morning in the official opening of a solid waste transfer station on Route 41 in Salisbury. Sharon First Selectman William Wilbur threw the first bag of garbage into the compacting unit while Salisbury selectmen looked on. The $120,000 facility can be used by Sharon residents now and by Salisbury residents beginning July 1.
LAKEVILLE — The state Public Utilities Control Authority has denied a request from the Lakeville Water Company for a 34.4 per cent across-the-board rate hike for all types of customers, but will allow the company a smaller increase. The exact figure has yet to be determined, Lakeville manager Edward Kipp said Tuesday night.
Debbie and Bruce Bennett will officially open their new greenhouse in Kent this Saturday. Guest speaker for the occasion will be Elvin McDonald, garden editor of House & Garden magazine. Kent Greenhouse was located for three years in Railroad Square in Kent. The all-new complex on Route 7 south of Kent enabled the Bennetts to “expand everything.”
CANAAN — Becton-Dickinson plant manager Daniel O’Donnell this week cited the company’s excellent second quarter performance, saying that his firm has been hiring and expects to continue hiring. In recent months B-D, which manufactures disposable plastic hypodermic syringes, has re-hired all of the 50 employees laid off during the 1975 recession. The plant manager refused to comment, however, on reports that increased production at the plant is the result of a national program to inoculate the United States populace against swine flu. Company employees have reportedly been working overtime schedules since Easter.
Canaan brothers Mark and Stephen Clarke are among the performers who appear in the movie “American Years,” the feature presentation at Philadelphia’s Living History Center. The movie sweeps the viewer through 200 years of American history through a series of vignettes,
CORNWALL — Clarence Meier — artist, ceramicist and retired Cornwall postmaster — will have on sale at the Town Hall on May 31 the pottery collection which he has accumulated over his past years as a resident of Cornwall. The birds, animals and designs which he originated and created, are the result of Meier’s lifetime interest in nature. Besides being a ceramicist, he is also the designer and creator of the wall murals on display in the Cornwall Post Office and the National Iron Bank in Cornwall.
CORNWALL — When the Bicentennial Committee met Friday night to review plans for the celebration of the nation’s 200th birthday, chairman Paula Holmes reported that the ladies of St. Bridget’s Church are moving ahead so rapidly with squares for the Bicentennial quilt that there may be enough for two quilts. The first will be a gift to the Historical Society. The second will be offered at a raffle.
KENT — Jeanne Howard is the first woman member in the 65-year history of the Kent Fire Department. She was elected to membership at the department’s monthly meeting last week.
25 years ago — May 2001
CANAAN — Bicron Electronics, a certified global manufacturer of solenoids and transformer products, has acquired SMA LLC, a solenoid manufacturer in Concord, N.H. All manufacturing operations have been transferred to the Bicron Canaan plant. This acquisition broadens Bicron’s solenoid product offerings, technical expertise and sales coverage, customer service, engineering and manufacturing organization.
These items were taken from The Lakeville Journal archives at Salisbury’s Scoville Memorial Library, keeping the original wording intact as possible.
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Grumbling Gryphons prepares for summer children’s theater
Ruth Epstein
May 13, 2026
CORNWALL – Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children’s Theater is gearing up for another summer season of entertainment, education and hands-on theater programs for children.
Founded 46 years ago by Artistic Director Leslie Elias – a Cornwall actress, playwright and musician – the company focuses on participatory theater and experiences for children.
“I saw a need for participatory theater,” Elias said. “I love bringing together children, mythology and theater while working to empower young people.”
Elias said environmental themes are also woven into some productions.
From Monday, July 6, through Thursday, July 9, Grumbling Gryphons will partner with the American Mural Project for “Curtain Up!” a musical theater program featuring art, singing, dancing and a production of “The Ghost Net.”
The production will take place Thursday, July 9, at 1:30 p.m., with the American Mural Project’s giant mural serving as a backdrop.
The program is open to children ages 7 and older.
To register, visit americanmuralproject.org/summer or call 860-379-3006.
A second theater camp will run July 27 to July 31, at Grumbling Gryphons headquarters on Lake Road in Cornwall for children ages 6 and up. Participants will work with professional performers and present a show Friday, July 31, at 5:30 p.m.
More information is available atgrumblinggryphons.org or by emailing grumblinggryphons@gmail.com.
Scholarships are available for Region One students for both programs through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Applications are due June 15 at berkshiretaconic.org/grants/arts-fund-for-region-one.
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The Berkshire mountain that inspired Moby-Dick
Patrick L. Sullivan
May 13, 2026
Author John Dickson speaks at the D.M. Hunt Library May 9.
Patrick L. Sullivan
FALLS VILLAGE — When Herman Melville created his great white whale, Moby-Dick, he was probably thinking of Mount Greylock in Massachusetts. At least, that is the opinion of author John Dickson, who spoke at the D. M. Hunt Library Saturday, May 9, to discuss his book, “Herman Melville in the Berkshires.”
Readers may be surprised to learn that Melville bought a home, known as Arrowhead, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and lived there from 1850 to 1863. Arrowhead, also known as the Herman Melville House, is a museum today where Dickson volunteers.
The author posits that Melville had the images of snow-covered fields and a looming Mount Greylock in mind when he envisioned Moby-Dick. In the famous novel, the whale is described as “a snow hill in the air,” not a coincidence, according to Dickson.
Dickson said Melville was unusually observant and spent considerable time exploring nature and absorbing what he saw for later use.
“It’s right out there,” Dickson gestured. “He went for walks or on horseback or in a cart, alone and with friends. The things he saw made their way into his books.”
When Melville arrived at Arrowhead, he already had an initial draft of “Moby-Dick,” which he set aside as he dug into his new home.
Inspired by his new surroundings, he picked it up again.
Dickson said a group of women were responsible for moving the book along. Melville’s wife and three sisters “took his scribblings and copied it.” They went back and forth and produced 12 drafts by hand.
Writing the book required an enormous amount of paper. Dickson said it was fortuitous that nearby Lee, Massachusetts produced a whopping 40% of the paper manufactured in the United States at the time.
Melville spent time with other authors during his Arrowhead years, including Nathaniel Hawthorne. Dickson said Melville was inspired by his walks with the older, more established writer.
Today, “Moby-Dick” is largely considered Melville’s masterpiece, but it was not a commercial success when it was published in the U.S. in 1851. By the time Melville published his first work that was not about the sea – “Pierre” in 1852 – “Moby-Dick” was already out of print.
Melville left Arrowhead in 1863 and moved to New York City.
Dickson said alert readers can follow in Melville’s footsteps and see Mount Greylock, the Ice Glen Trail in Stockbridge, and other areas that inspired him.
“For the most part, they’re all still there.”
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Sharon Hospital extends ‘Straight A’ patient safety streak
Debra A. Aleksinas
May 13, 2026
Nurses at Sharon Hospital, which just earned an “A” grade for patient safety, pause to celebrate National Nurse’s Week, observed annually from May 6 through 12. From left: Carrie Coulette, Cheryl Crump, Ann Meach, Christina Kontogiannis, Katie Weiser, Trish Marinan
Provided
Connecticut as a whole ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Spring 2026 report
SHARON — Two hospitals serving the Northwest Corner have earned top marks for patient safety in the latest ratings issued by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization focused on hospital quality and safety.
Sharon Hospital and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital each received “A” grade in Leapfrog’s Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Grades, which evaluate how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections.
For Sharon Hospital, the recognition continues a streak of consistently high marks. The hospital has maintained “Straight A” status since Spring 2024, meaning it has earned an “A” grade in every grading cycle for more than two years.
“Earning an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects the dedication of our care teams and colleagues who work every day to keep patients safe,” said Christina McCulloch, president of Sharon Hospital, in a statement released May 6.
“Maintaining ‘Straight A’ status since Spring 2024 demonstrates the consistency of that commitment and our focus on continuous improvement for the patients and families we serve in Sharon and throughout the region.”
Leapfrog issues grades twice a year, assigning hospitals letter grades from “A” to “F” using up to 30 national performance measures related to patient safety.
The ratings are based on factors including infection prevention, medication safety, staffing levels, hand-washing practices and rates of preventable medical complications.
Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, praised Sharon Hospital for maintaining high marks over multiple grading periods.
“Sharon Hospital deserves recognition for its unwavering focus on protecting patients and delivering safe care, earning an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade for five consecutive cycles,” Binder said. “Sustaining this level of excellence over time shows a true, organization-wide commitment to making patient safety a top priority every single day.”
Connecticut as a whole ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Spring 2026 report, with 64.3% of hospitals statewide receiving an “A” grade. The state had ranked fourth nationally in the previous grading cycle, which was released in Fall 2025.
Among the 18 Connecticut hospitals receiving top grades this spring were Sharon Hospital, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Hartford Hospital, Danbury Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital.
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, based in Torrington and part of the Hartford HealthCare network, also serves many residents in the Northwest Corner, particularly in Winsted, Norfolk, Colebrook and surrounding communities.
Sharon Hospital, part of the nonprofit health network Northwell Health, remains the primary acute-care hospital for much of the rural Northwest Corner and nearby areas of New York and Massachusetts.
Leapfrog officials said national patient safety data showed improvements this year in several key areas, including reductions in healthcare-associated infections and advances in medication safety systems designed to catch prescribing errors before they reach patients.
The organization noted that its Hospital Safety Grade is the only national ratings program focused exclusively on preventable patient harm and safety performance.
Hospital safety grades for individual hospitals can be viewed at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
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Local farmer shares lessons from decades of agricultural experience
Ruth Epstein
May 13, 2026
Allen Cockerline delivers a talk about his 50 years of farming experience in the region May 7.
Ruth Epstein
SALISBURY — Local farmers Allen and Robin Cockerline shared insights into thefarming industry and their decades-long agricultural journey during a talk at the White Hart Thursday, May 7. The event was part of the inn’s ongoing speaker series.
“I was smitten with dairy farming as a child,” Allen Cockerline said of a passion that has guided him through about half a century and across multiple states.
Today, he and his wife operate Whippoorwill Farm in Salisbury, where they raise grass-fed Angus cattle —an approach Cockerline said was once viewed skeptically in the industry.
Raised in Middlesex County in Massachusetts, Cockerline grew up in a region once dominated by small dairy farms, many with herds of just six or eight cows. Over time, he gravitated toward vegetable farming and eventually opened his own farmstand in Concord, Massachusetts.
His work later brought him to Litchfield County, where he managed a Falls Village farm purchased by Tom Coolidge with the intention of raising sheep. The operation later transitioned to dairy farming, and Cockerline remained there for 23 years before starting his own venture.
While he was able to secure easy financing with the help of the late John Rice, a loan agent for farmers, it was a challenging endeavor.
“I remember someone telling me that he thought it was easier getting into farming than getting out of it,” Cockerline said. “It’s a commodity business. You can do everything right and work on scale and it still doesn’t always work.”
In December 1999, as milk prices declined, the couple left the dairy business and purchased property on Salmon Kill Road, where they began raising grass-fed beef instead of grain-fed cattle.
Cockerline said many people doubted the viability of the approach.
“If it failed, we knew it was on us,” he said.
He said a tipping point came with the release of Michael Pollan’s book “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” which inspired people to think about the food they consume — expanding demand for grass-fed beef.
Today, Cockerline manages about 350 acres, much of it rented free of charge. His herd numbers approximately 80.
He said it takes about 30 months to raise a proper steer, allowing for the meat to marble and become tender.
To his surprise, customers now travel from across the region to purchase their meat in large quantities.
Cockerline gives back by working with students at Hotchkiss School’s Fairfield Farm, teaching them about growing crops that help supply meals at the school.
The event was sponsored by the Salisbury Association, Sharon Audubon, and the conservation commissions of Salisbury, Sharon and Cornwall.
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The death of dignity in leadership
James Speyer
The concept of dignity encompasses many traits of a virtuous person. It speaks to seriousness of purpose, gravitas, reserve, and self-respect. Throughout our nation’s history, we have considered it indispensable to effective leadership. Our two greatest presidents – Washington and Lincoln – were avatars of dignity.
Donald Trump’s utter inability to conduct himself in a dignified manner, and the follow-on effects that has created, has to rank as one of the most pernicious ways in which he has coarsened and degraded our society. Certainly this is not the worst of his misdeeds. But it is nonetheless important to understand, because it sets the tone for his administration and his followers, and tears at the fabric that binds us together, or used to.
His lack of dignity has been clear for decades. He infamously bragged that he could “grab [women] by the p****” without consequence. He posted an AI video of himself in a fighter jet dropping payloads of excrement on No Kings Day protesters. He gave a worker the middle finger during an auto factory tour. He wrote “Good, I’m glad he’s dead” about Robert Mueller, a decorated war hero. After a hammer-wielding Trump supporter bashed in the skull of Nancy Pelosi’s husband, he sneeringly asked a crowd “how’s her husband doing by the way, anybody know?” One could roll out literally hundreds of similarly graceless and appalling examples.
Try to imagine Washington or Lincoln behaving this way – impossible. Actually, try to imagine any human being with the slightest sense of decorum or decency acting this way – also impossible.
The dignity deficit extends to his Cabinet – that collection of hacks, nonentities and bootlickers who periodically assemble before him to compete to see who can degrade themselves the most by showering him with absurdly over-the-top praise (actual example: at one of these gatherings the (since fired) Secretary of Labor said “Mr. President, I invite you to see your big beautiful face on a banner in front of the Department of Labor because you are really the transformational president for the American worker.”). In what can only be understood as a self-inflicted humiliation ritual, male Cabinet members beclown themselves by sloshing around in oversize dress shoes because Trump has bestowed them without regard for the proper shoe size, and they fear offending him by not wearing them. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi displayed all the refinement of a feces-flinging baboon when in a Congressional hearing she bizarrely told Congressman Jamie Raskin “you don’t get to tell me anything, you washed up loser lawyer. You’re not even a lawyer.” (Raskin is the foremost constitutional law scholar in Congress). Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said that if Trump fired him he’d say “thank you sir, I love you sir.” He actually said that.
Republicans in Congress are similarly afflicted. On January 6, 2021, Trump exhorted his supporters to march on the Capitol to stop the peaceful transfer of power, and then sat by and refused to lift a finger for hours as they ransacked the building and viciously attacked Capitol police while members of Congress – of both parties -- hid and cowered in fear for their lives. Instead of forsaking him for this – the most traitorous act ever committed by an American president – within a few weeks Congressional Republicans embraced him as the leader of their party once again. The degree of self-abasement it must take to support a man after he has sicced a violent mob on you (and refused to apologize for it) is off the charts. No one with a shred of self-respect could act that way.
Stripping other, less powerful people of their dignity is also a hallmark of this administration. Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem flew to El Salvador for a photo op in front of dozens of caged, half-naked deportees deployed as props – a shameful, dehumanizing spectacle. Trump regularly demeans and degrades all Somali-Americans as “garbage.” ICE detains thousands of undocumented immigrants in inhumane and filthy human warehouses.
We used to expect more from our presidents. In this way, as in so many others, Trump has broken the mold.
James Speyer is a lawyer and a volunteer with Lawyers Defending American Democracy. He lives in Sharon, CT.