Gillian Aftel interns at The Lakeville Journal

LAKEVILLE—Gillian Aftel, 23, of Lakeville joined The Lake-ville Journal July 26 for a summer internship.Aftel is a 2005 graduate of The Hotchkiss School and a 2009 graduate of Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. As an undergraduate, her coursework was focused in the social sciences, with specific concentration on cross-cultural and women’s studies. During her junior and senior years at Union, Aftel’s interest in different cultures led her to travel and study in Thailand, Israel and Egypt. She plans to continue her travels in the future. After graduating from college, Aftel spent time in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, before returning to Lakeville full time. While in Lakeville, she realized her desire to pursue her Master of Science degree in occupational therapy, which was inspired by her grandfather, David Aftel, and his remarkable recovery after suffering a massive stroke. She hopes to attend graduate school in the fall.Aftel has always enjoyed writing and is eager to work at the newspaper and learn more about the field of journalism through a new hands-on experience that she feels she will be able to incorporate into her future pursuits. In addition to her internship, what Aftel refers to as her Summer of New Experiences also includes learning to canoe and water ski on Twin Lakes, and hiking on the Appalachian Trail, all of which have given her a stronger and perhaps new found appreciation for this area. She is the daughter of Jack, an anesthesiologist, and Vickie Aftel, an operating room nurse, at Sharon Hospital. Her sister, Emily Aftel, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at the University of Connecticut.

Latest News

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less