Army Coloney Kirk Harrington led North Canaan's 2023 Memorial Day ceremony at the Doughboy statue. He thanked Korean War veterans Nicholas Gandolfo (seated left) and Ray Baldissari (seated right) for their service. Harrington also recognized 110-year-old Millie Johnson (seated middle).
NORTH CANAAN — Master mason Karl Munson has been hard at work this spring to repair the Doughboy Statue and war memorial in the heart of North Canaan.
At a May 6 meeting of the Board of Selectman, Brian Ohler announced the restoration will be completed in time for Memorial Day.
"The stars aligned with that," said Ohler.
North Canaan's parade on May 27 will culminate with a ceremony at the statue. The unveiling of the statue will include a newly added name to the World War II memorial: Louis A. Cecchinato Sr.
"That was a name that was unfortunately missed when they first created that plaque," said Ohler. "I know the family will be thrilled to see that unveiling on Memorial Day."
SALISBURY — Salisbury School hockey defeated The Hotchkiss School 4-1 on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The Crimson Knights dominated puck possession and played hard-hitting defense on their way to victory. Salisbury scored in each period and twice in the third.
Hotchkiss’ nimble skaters found offensive opportunities in the final period. The Bearcats’ lone goal came with 7:28 left in the third period and put them down 2-1. But a pair of late goals by Salisbury iced the game.
Salisbury assistant captain Connor Davis, No. 9, takes a shot near the net.Photo by Riley Klein
The match was well attended with enthusiastic supporters of both teams turning up for the cross-town showdown.
Despite the rivalry’s intensity, the on-ice action remained clean with no players from either team being sent to the penalty box.
Oliver Morris scored twice for Salisbury. Captain Brud Delaney and assistant captain Ryan Hedley each scored once for the Knights.
Hotchkiss’ goal was scored by Aidan Patton.
After the game, Hotchkiss’ season record moved to 6-17-1. Salisbury improved to 16-5-5 with one game remaining before New England Prep School Athletic Council playoffs begin.
No. 20 Evan Williams extends to defend Chris Baird-Gajdos on a lane to the net.Photo by Riley Klein
Becton, Dickinson and Company's facility in North Canaan.
NORTH CANAAN — Becton, Dickinson and Company has partnered with Community Health & Wellness to provide emergency assistance to approximately 150 families in the North Canaan-area by issuing gift cards and vouchers for food, utilities and other critical household necessities.
CHWC was awarded the grant from the BD Community Investment Fund, which issued a total of $2 million across 27 BD communities to support expanded access to preventative care, nutrition, housing and education.
“We are grateful to BD for their generous support,” stated Joanne Borduas, CEO of Community Health & Wellness, in a press release Feb. 13. “This funding will make a significant difference in the lives of families in our community, helping them meet immediate needs while also providing the tools and resources necessary for long-term stability and improved health outcomes.”
Sien Avalos, director of Social Investing at BD and vice president of the BD Foundation, stated, “Community Health & Wellness is empowering a historically underrepresented population to develop skillsets that can lead to higher health outcomes, and we are proud to play a role in supporting their mission.”
BD has operated its facility in North Canaan since 1961. It is a major provider of disposable hypodermic syringes and specialty products to the medical field.
A skier weaves poles on Mohawk Mountain Feb. 19.
CORNWALL — Temperatures in the twenties and bright winter sunshine made for great racing conditions for the Berkshire Hills Ski League varsity championship Feb. 19.
Nearly 60 skiers — some even clad in tutus and penguin costumes — carved their way down a perfect course, courtesy of Mohawk Mountain’s impeccable grooming.
“Mohawk always does the best job of keeping the slope in good shape,” said Housatonic Valley Regional High School Coach Bill Gold. While the snow in the woods was brittle and icy from the recent freezing rain, the course was smooth and grippy.
The race marked the culmination of the inter-conference league’s season, following six races held either at Mohawk, Butternut or Catamount. The league standings amongst the six participating schools had already been decided prior to the Feb. 19 event, with Dutchess Day School claiming the title, followed by Washington Montessori School and Rumsey Hall School in second and third, respectively.
HVRHS narrowly missed the podium in fourth, with Harvey School just behind and Marvelwood School rounding out the ranks.
The day began with a giant slalom race in the morning, after which the skiers enjoyed a brief break before returning to the starting gates at 2 for the slalom competition. The skiers raced twice, with both scores combining for a total time.
An awards ceremony took over the lodge deck where winners in three categories were announced, divided by girls and boys: slalom, giant slalom, and best overall — the fastest times from both races.
Addie Bergin of Washington Montessori took the win for the slalom race, with a total time of 38.05 seconds. She also held the fastest time on the course for the day of 18.79, beating the winner of the boys’ slalom, Addy Garcia of Duchess Day, by 0.01 seconds.
Ethan Viola of Dutchess Day reigned on the GS course with a total time of 1:18.08. His 38.43 second run also was the quickest of that event for the day, but again narrowly: Anna Chas, also of Dutchess Day, put down a 38.45 second run, taking the victory for the girls side with a total of 1:18.75.
Chas returned to the podium to claim the girls’ combined score win, joining her teammate Addy Garcia as the overall winners of the day.
After the cheers died down, pizza was delivered and the focus quickly moved away from skiing and toward the steaming pies.
CANAAN — Donna Aakjar passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2025 at Noble Horizons. Born on Dec. 14, 1941, at Geer Hospital in Canaan to Maybelle Voorhees and Louis Peder Aakjar, Donna’s life was a testament to education, service and a deep love of the arts.
She attended North Canaan Elementary School and the Housatonic Valley Regional high before graduating from Southern Connecticut State College. Donna began her career teaching fifth grade at Sharon CenterSchool. While teaching, she earned a master’s degree in Library Science and became the first librarian in the newly renovated basement library. Later, the library was relocated upstairs and, several yearsthereafter, was completely redesigned under her guidance.
After retirement, Donna continued to nurture her passion for reading by working in the children’s department at Oblong Books. Throughout her career, she touched countless lives, and in her later years, many came forward to express their gratitude and admiration for her contributions. She also served on the board of NCCC and was president of a chapter of the NEA. An avid lover of the arts, Donna’s legacy is further enriched by the joy she shared with others-so much so that for her epitaph she requested the words of a former student: “She read to us with such joy.”
Later in life, Donna became a devoted animal lover, cherishing her poodle Honey Bun and her cats Gracie and Rosie. She is survived by her sisters; Nancy Perry, Sheffield Massachusetts and Maryann Aakjar of Boston; her nieces, Donna Perry of San Antonio, Texas and Linda Snyder of Hiram, Georgia, and her grandniece, Madison Snyder of Powder Spring, Georgia.
A beloved sister and aunt, Donna was cherished by all her knew her. Our heartfelt thanks go to the staff at Geer Lodger-especially those on the Hillside Unit for their compassionate care. Memorial services will be held in the spring.
