Jane Kellner and Martha McAndrews talk at a Senior Dinner put on by Sharon Hospital on Dec. 3 at the White Hart Inn in Salisbury. They were two of an estimated 100 guests.
SALISBURY — An estimated 100 people gathered at the White Hart Inn in Salisbury for a celebratory capstone dinner for Sharon Hospital’s Senior Meal Program on Dec. 3.
Sharon Hospital’s president, Christina McCulloch, addressed attendees. “Tonight, we celebrate connections, gratitude and looking ahead.”
She added that Sharon Hospital is “investing in a comprehensive approach to aging,” and said the meals are part of that, offering “not only a healthy meal, but socialization.”
Dr. Jonathan Joseph added, “activity, exercise, and socializing are key to health when aging.”
The Senior Meal Program offered residents 65 and older a full lunch that included a salad or small soup, a main course with a vegetable and starch, dessert, and coffee or tea — all for $5. Meals were served in the Sharon Hospital café from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Interspersed throughout the year were suppers with themes such as “The Sweetheart Supper” in February, which included a lecture on heart health and an opportunity to meet Sharon’s new cardiologist, Sheri Harrison.
Rosemary Farnsworth, from Salisbury, remembered the Sweetheart Supper, “A lovely event, very nice.”
The discounted meals were made possible through a grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation, the Northwest Corner Gives Fund. Donations from the community were matched by this grant.
The Dec. 3 dinner was the final senior dinner given the existing grant guidelines. Senior meals will be paused at the hospital café until the Sharon Hospital Foundation is able to secure ongoing support for the program.
Donations can be made by contacting Laura Eldridge at the Foundation, 203-739-7056 or laura.eldridge@nuvancehealth.org
Norma Bosworth
125 years ago — June 1901
John Green of Canaan mountain killed a wild cat weighing 25 pounds near his home last week. Green shot at the cat but missed it when it sprang at him from a tree. Green’s dog then tackled the cat, and after a fierce fight the creature was killed by a blow from the man’s gun stock. A young cat which was with the mother was shot by Green.
Jacob, “Jakie,” son of Colonel Surdam of Mt. Riga, aged 10 years, died suddenly and mysteriously last Friday night. — Had not complained; retired as usual; about midnight one of his older brothers with whom he was sleeping was awakened by him. The parents were called; they saw at once that “Jakie” was very ill. Dr. Sellew was summoned, but “Jakie” died before the doctor arrived. He was buried in the cemetery on Riga. There was a large number of people at the funeral.
SHARON — The Salisbury Savings Bank has donated the use of the Malleable Shop bell to the Firemen for an indefinite length of time, and instead of calling men to work will be an alarm for fire.
R.N. Eggleston now has the S.N.E. telephone.
100 years ago — June 1926
The auto road hog is about as popular as a boil on the nose, and most of us would prefer the boil if we could choose.
SALISBURY — Miss Virginia Parsons has entered the employ of the Oxy-Crystine Corporation.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Scott are recovering very nicely after being injured when the car in which they were riding hit a train at Norwich, N.Y. Saturday May 29th. Mrs. Scott is still in the Memorial Hospital at Norwich, but her speedy recovery is hoped for.
Machinery and invention are accomplishing wonderful things nowadays. Pretty soonall work will be done away with. We will just think a thing should be done and presto it will be done, but what a hard job some are going to have to do the thinking.
A movement is on foot among the merchants of Canaan to inaugurate a half holiday during the summer. An effort is being made to have the merchants close on Thursday afternoon.
50 years ago — June 1976
The Connecticut State Department of Health announced plans this week to make available to everyone by fall a vaccine to protect against the virulent swine flu. According to Dr. Henry Gallup, health officer for Salisbury, the swine flu virus is the same one which caused the bad epidemic of 1918. Administration of the bivalent vaccine for the Northwest District will be planned from Torrington.
Mother’s Day this year held special meaning for Virginia Sebbin, because she was reunited with two brothers after a 42-year separation. Robert and Martin Barrett came to her home on Furnace Hill Road in East Canaan and a joyful reunion ensued. The brothers had finally found each other four years before, after a 35-year separation.
SALISBURY — Mr. and Mrs. Hal Borland of Salisbury have given a set of Mr. Borland’s books, about 18 written during the past 25 years, to the Scoville Library. All the books were written here, and about half are about this area. “It seemed to us there should be a set of them somewhere,” Borland commented. “We’ll add to them as others come along.” The gift was made through L.S. (Mike) McCabe, a member of the library’s board of trustees.
LAKEVILLE — One hundred years ago, for our country’s Centennial in 1876, the Holley Manufacturing Company sent a display of 222 pocket knives to the International Exposition in Philadelphia. The knives were housed in a beautifully-carved walnut cabinet approximately seven feet high and four feet wide. This cabinet, with the collection of pocket knives, now stands in the carriage house of the Holley-Williams House.
CANAAN — Wangum Village will be dedicated this Sunday and will be the site of a health screening service June 29. The 40-unit housing for the elderly project, which opened last November, has been “very successful,” according to Arthur Baldwin, Canaan Housing Authority Chairman. Baldwin said that a state grant of $640,000 financed the facility. Of that amount, some was returned to the town for reimbursement for the property the housing was built on.
CANAAN — The children’s 15th annual fishing derby, sponsored by the Northwest Connecticut Rod and Gun Club, was held Sunday afternoon at the Albert Giulian farm on Sand Road. Candida Perotti landed a 17 ½ inch trout to take top honors among the 150 children entering the contest. Michael Cantele placed second, snaring a 16 ½ inch fish. Laura Gandolfo was the first to net the limit of three fish, which she did in 10 minutes. Jeff Ghidossi of Lime Rock was the first boy to reach the division limit of three fish.
A confirmed case of canine heart worm has been found in the center area of Canaan. Veterinarians advise that all dogs within a four-mile radius of a case of the disease be tested, and, if found free of heart worm, be given preventive medication.
FALLS VILLAGE — Two teachers at Lee H. Kellogg elementary school have been commissioned to walk the town boundaries and to report their findings to the selectmen. Howard Reed and David Parmelee were appointed after volunteering, First Selectman David Domeier said Friday. Domeier said that state statutes require that the town boundaries be “perambulated” once every five years to examine boundary markings. He said he did not know when the job was last accomplished here.
25 years ago — June 2001
One aspect of Sharon Hospital’s reorganization plan came to fruition Friday with the sale of the Sharon Health Care Center to United Methodist Homes. The building and approximately seven acres were conveyed from Sharon Corp., parent company of the hospital, to the Shelton-based, not-for-profit organization for $7.36 million. The sale erases a $6 million Sharon Corp.debt to the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Administration held on the nursing home.
These items were taken from The Lakeville Journal archives at Salisbury’s Scoville Memorial Library, keeping the original wording intact as possible.
Ruth Epstein
Candles illuminate the stage as 32 HVRHS students are inducted into the National Honor Society on June 3.
A good leader must stand with their peers, giving them the resources they need to be successful. But a good leader must also stand up to their peers, when they are misguided.
— Madison Graney, HVRHS student speaker
FALLS VILLAGE – The candles flickering across the stage at Housatonic Valley Regional High School Wednesday evening cast light on the accomplishments of 32 students inducted into the Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter of the National Honor Society.
The inductees included 22 juniors, nine sophomores, and one senior. While most seniors were included last year, this marked the first year sophomores were eligible for membership.
In his welcome, Principal Ian Strever reflected on the school’s history and Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy.
“Few schools can boast a history as rich and distinguished as ours, built through funding from the federal Public Works Administration during the Great Depression and visited by the most influential First Lady in the history of the presidency. It is fitting that our National Honor Society is named after someone who dedicated her life to the service of others.”
Faculty advisor Peter Vermilyea recounted Roosevelt’s connection to Housatonic, including her appearance at a 1958 National Honor Society induction ceremony. Afterward, she wrote in her national “My Day” column that Housatonic was “an exceptional school.”
The ceremony focused on the four pillars of the National Honor Society, including service, scholarship, character and leadership.
Student speakers Shayana Duprey, Madison Melino, Richie Crane and Madison Graney each reflected on one of those principles.
Duprey encouraged classmates to view education as a path not only to achievement but also to understanding others.
“There is always importance in striving for good grades, working towards your goals and achieving success in your pursuits,” she said. “But I implore you to view scholarship and education beyond that. I wish for you to be scholarly not only to find success, but to find compassion for those beside you and those across the globe.”
Speaking about service, Melino said stepping outside oneself in order to meet the needs of others is paramount.
“Real service is demonstrated in actions, not words,” Melino said. “Too often we think of acts of service as intentional, selfless actions that transcend the ordinary, or go behind typical societal expectations. Ideally, acts of service would also be instinctive, not necessarily extraordinary but part of an individual’s natural daily life.”
Crane said he has finally come to realize that what others think about him should not determine how he views himself. His speech focused on kindness and respect.
“The definition of good character focuses on integrity, accountability and empathy,” Crane said. “I can confidently say that the students on this stage would not be here if they did not demonstrate these characteristics.”
Leadership, said Madison Graney is “the ability to lift up your peers, working together to achieve the same goals.” She knows about leadership having served as class president for the past three years. “A good leader must stand with their peers, giving them the resources they need to be successful. But a good leader must also stand up to their peers, when they are misguided.”
Title I teacher Elizabeth Foulds was named this year’s honorary chapter member. In presenting the award, Principal Strever praised her advocacy for students and her leadership as local union president.
Strever said Foulds has “lobbied for the rights of teachers, while respecting the demands of administration and the district as a whole.”
State Sen. Stephen Harding, R-30, was the guest speaker who told the students that the attributes that got them selected for the National Honor Society will serve them well in life.
The new inductees are: Hayden Bachman, Byron Bell, Mia Belter, Sophia Camphouse, Karen Chavez-Sanchez, Georgie Clayton, Adelyn Diorio, Carmela Egan, Kellie Eisermann, Lydia Fleming, Grace Graney, Taylor Green, Sydney Howe, Jonas Johnson, Aiden Krupa, Eliana Lang, Daniel Lesch, Makenzie Lidstone, Paul Losh, Finian Malone, Lily McCabe, Alison McCarron, Logan Miller, Meadow Moerschell, Katherine Money, Daniel Moran, Logan Padelli, Gustavo Portillo, Karmela Quinion, Owen Schnepf, Ishaan Tantri and Ivy Zheng.
Peter Austin
Members of the bands Kate from Baltimore and Elizabeth Forbes and Percussion Talk enjoy time on stage together after their performances at Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s “Battle of the Bands.”
On Friday, May 22, Housatonic’s class of 2027 hosted the fourth annual Battle of the Bands, where five bands across all grades performed a wide variety of music. Kate from Baltimore took home first place for the third consecutive year, and Elizabeth Forbes and Percussion Talk took a second place finish.
Marathon, headed by sophomore Kartel Henry, opened up the night. This was the band’s first time at the competition, and Henry’s first time performing live, although he has amassed over 1 million listeners on Spotify for his solo project, COSIGNS. “[Marathon is] going to start releasing music,” he says. “I think I can use my platform to expose Marathon to more people.”
Next, freshman Samantha Silvernail and Adrian Dykeman performed for the first time as well. The pair showed ambition and composure in front of a large audience, and look like a formidable group should they find more Metallica fans to play covers with next year.
For the third year, Abram Kirshner’s Blossom returned to the stages of Housatonic Valley. The band played two original songs composed by Kirshner and his band members, and covered The Head And The Heart’s “Rivers and Roads,” featuring Anna Gillette’s harmonies with Kirshner. “I think Battle of the Bands really helped build my confidence on stage,” Kirshner said. He began playing music and writing songs less than two years ago, and is continuing his music career at college. “It helped me get used to that sort of pressure.”
Defending last year’s title, Kate from Baltimore played fourth with a very talented squad once again. The band has performed with a few different musicians over the years, but has consistently produced some of the most exciting performances of the night. “Our band practiced a lot and we just had a lot of fun together,” said lead singer Sophia Fitz. “Even if they don’t know if they’re going into music professionally, it still lets everyone show off their talents and lets them practice their instruments.”
This year, the class of 2027 took on the role of hosting the annual event, led by juniors Danny Lesch and Carmela Egan. “It was Danny Lesch,” Fitz said. “Look, I mean, he just blew it out of the park.”
Adam Hock, left, and Abram Kirshner take a bow after their performance.Simon Markow
However, the night wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Prior to the show starting, there were many miscommunications about when the performances would actually begin. A school announcement claimed it began at 7 p.m., however the organizers claimed the show would begin at 6:15 p.m. Ultimately, the show began around 6:45, with enough time for all the bands to set up while ensuring everybody would arrive in time.
There was also some deliberation about the order that the bands would play in. Blossom was initially set to play first, however band order was determined at a sound check that Blossom wasn’t able to attend. Feeling as if opening for the third year in a row, especially as seniors, was unfair, the band protested, and eventually resolved to trade with the newer band Marathon.
With stress creating high tensions in the room, Senior Elizabeth Forbes stepped up to remind the bands that, “We’re all here for fun, ok. This is not something to stress or freak out or get mad at each other over, we’re all just musicians who enjoy playing music.”
Elizabeth Forbes and Percussion Talk played last, covering crowd favorites including “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls, and ending the night with the song “Your Toy” from Forbes’s EP Dear Leo.
As a solo artist, Forbes played with juniors Jasper Oyanadel, and first time percussionist Jacob Robles. “I think we did good,” Oyanadel said. “As a band itself we did great … Very few practices, but we definitely picked it up and we stepped up.”
“I thought it was a great experience,” Forbes said. “Everybody in the beginning was a little stressed, and we kind of just all made a big group circle and we were all like, let’s not stress about this, let’s just go out there and jam.”
“I mean, it was, honestly, it’s not even a battle of the bands,” Fitz said. “It’s more like everyone just loves performing. Like, it’s just so fun to perform. And, like, no matter if you win or don’t win, like, the performance is what everyone comes there for.”
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Hannah Johnson
Each spring, FFA students compete in a variety of career and leadership development events, commonly known as CDEs and LDEs. This year, Housatonic Valley FFA had over forty students compete across ten different events, demonstrating their knowledge and dedication to the agricultural area of their choice.
On March 24, two Mechanics teams each consisting of 4 students traveled to Cobleskill College to show their understanding of equipment mechanics. Housatonic’s A team took first place in the state, led by senior Hayden Bell who was the competition’s top ranking individual.
Eight weeks later on May 15, six teams traveled to University of Connecticut with one securing first place. Students had a great time showing their skills within their designated areas which included agricultural sales, veterinary science, dairy judging, natural resources, farm businesses management and the winning agricultural communications team led by freshman Olivia Simonds who placed second in the state individually.
The agricultural sales team, which has been vigorously preparing for their competition for months, just fell short of the win taking home second as a team. Member Riley Mahaffey led her team in points. “Being so close to winning felt so rewarding knowing we gave it our all and were so close,” Mahaffey said. “It made me want to continue growing in that area.”
On Saturday, May 30, eight students competed in the opening and closing ceremonies CDE along with two individuals, Hayden Bell and Christopher Crane, competing in prepared public speaking and Byron Bell competing in extemporaneous public speaking.
The opening and closing ceremonies team and Crane each took home first place and will join the ag communications and mechanics teams at national convention next fall. “Hearing my name called as first place made all of the practice, stress and anticipation worth it,” Crane said.
Housatonic’s FFA chapter president Riley Mahaffey praised the chapter for its students’ dedication. “Seeing so many kids involved in various activities this year has shown the true strength and capacity of our chapter,” he said.
Hannah Johnson & Anna Gillette
Housy seniors sport merch showing off the colleges and universities they each plan to attend after graduation.
On June 19, the class of 2026 will receive their diplomas at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School graduation, marking the last milestone all of these students will share. With life after high school approaching, graduates are doing big things in lots of different directions.
Next fall, senior Wes Allyn can be spotted playing football while wearing a University of New England jersey. With offers from multiple schools, Allyn described his decision making process. “I would go on visits for football, and then tour the school regularly, so that way I’d kind of see every side of the campuses,” he said. “After doing all that, I kind of just felt the best at the University of New England.” Allyn plans on majoring in athletic training.
In order to get recruited for football, Allyn reached out to coaches at several schools. “That was a really important step,” Allyn said. “I probably sent out over 15 emails and I was in contact with at least seven coaches.”
He credits HVRHS for teaching him how to properly compose emails and communicate professionally, although he didn’t feel entirely prepared for other aspects of this process. “I feel like it would be beneficial if they had a program or something to help athletes who have aspirations of playing in college.”
To prepare for the fall season, Allyn has been increasing his workout intensity after recovering from a knee surgery. His pre-season will begin in mid-August. Allyn is confident that he can manage class work while playing a sport. “I know the University of New England has mandatory study halls for freshmen,” he said. “I’ll definitely have dedicated time to do all my work, so that way I won’t be falling behind.”
Another difficulty about college applications is entering into a competitive field, but that didn’t stop Chloe Hill. Set on majoring in nursing, Hill applied to 14 programs before settling on the University of Rhode Island.
Hill described the application process. “It was really discouraging,” she said, “There was one week where a lot of the decisions came back, and five days in a row, I got five different rejections.”
To ensure getting into a nursing program all four years, Hill applied to a direct entry program for each school. This made the process more competitive. “I knew it was gonna be a struggle,” she said. “[The University of Rhode Island] offered me a lot of money, it was the perfect distance away from home, and they have a really good nursing program, so it all kind of worked out,” Hill said.
Ever since getting her certified nursing assistant license, Hill has been working at Geer Village as a nursing assistant. “I feel a lot more confident,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of people and learned a lot about the career I’m going into.”
Not all graduates are continuing their education next fall. A large portion of students are pursuing a career in the workforce. For example Ashton Osborne plans to continue working to grow his business.
It is not uncommon for students at Housatonic to enlist after graduation. This year only one student has taken that challenge. Senior Nick Crodelle will be joining the Coast Guard. “I can’t sit in school for four more years,” Crodelle said. This among his need for adventure is why Crodelle chose to enlist.
His next steps will be to prepare physically. “I’ve been running before school,” he said. “I’ve got to start swimming and lifting a little more.”
His dedication shows how committed he will be to the organization. “I mean, you get to protect, save, and serve your country,” Crodelle said.
Shanaya Duprey
As the school year comes to a close, Housatonic Valley Regional High School seniors are beginning an uncharted part of their lives. With many pursuing higher education at universities, the cost of continuing school has prompted some students to voice concerns about access to continuing education.
Meadow Moerschell, a junior at HVRHS, said she sees value in a university education. “I do feel that pursuing a college education is worth the challenges since it is such a valuable experience, both socially and academically,” Moerschell said. “College seems like a time to grow, learn, and meet new people in a safer environment than the real world, while still having a lot of independence.” Other students, such as graduating senior Mollie Ford, voiced conflicted feelings on college spurred by apparent barriers to access. “I have mixed feelings about college,” Ford said. “It’s obviously a business, but I also think that it’s hard to be successful without a degree.” Ford will be going into Fordham University’s Class of 2030 in the fall.
Despite the barriers, she also advocates for a college education. “I think it’s necessary, I think kids should seek it out,” Ford said.
While the views around college’s value vary, Housy students generally view university education as inaccessible. “I don’t think higher education is accessible, I think it’s wildly expensive,” Ford said.
It’s not only the costs of the school that are of concern. Students drew attention to pre-college standardized testing and how more affluent families can often spend more to give their students an advantage in applications. “When someone has more money they have a huge advantage in higher education, since they’d be able to take the SAT as many times as they want, pay for study courses, travel to visit schools, pay application fees, and so many more factors that give kids a leg up in the college process,” Moerschell said.
Rachel Matsudaira, HVRHS’s scholarship coordinator, has a more optimistic and hopeful outlook. “In a merit-based educational system, one’s hard work determines one’s outcomes,” Matsudaira said. “In America, public school is free, and access to college is still based on merit. If a student works hard during the free education years, they will be able to earn scholarships and attend college if they so choose.”
Ford believes that there is a certain group at a significant disadvantage when it comes to college costs. “The most disadvantaged group I’d say are average middle class people. When you’re thinking about finances, they’re overlooked when you think about scholarships or FAFSA. You have to be really wealthy or really below the line.”
As a high school, HVRHS provides various support systems for students going into college. The perceived success of these support systems varies. “I think that HVRHS works hard to support its students in the college search through the CCRC, college fairs, advice panels, and yearly meetings with counselors,” Moerschoell said. “However, with only about half or something of the Housy population going to college, there’s only so much that they’re going to be able to do for the kids considering college after school.”
The school’s counseling office was highlighted as an adequate resource. “Our supports are extremely personalized, with one-on-one assistance throughout the process,” Matsudaira said. “Our school counselors meet 1-on-1 with every student at least once a year to check in and access student goals. Additionally, students can make appointments to meet with their counselors whenever they need, throughout their 4 years here.”
When compared to other schools, however, some believe that HVRHS could provide more support. “Other schools like private schools in the area have a college advisor per ten students, the difference in ratio is kind of shocking,” Ford said. “I think that Housy does support students seeking higher education, but I don’t think there’s a big enough support system, like Mrs. Terni shouldn’t be the only college counselor.”
With HVRHS being such a small school, there are advantages and disadvantages beyond the support systems that impact students. Matsudaira said the school’s small, rural status actually helps students stand out in applications. “In our merit-based education system, a student who shows rigor from a small rural high school that doesn’t offer SAT prep courses and doesn’t have much classroom competition–that student will stand out to college admission teams,” she said.
Ford also credited the high school’s extracurricular programs. “It is easy to find niche opportunities, like niche internship opportunities or summer programs,” Ford said. “We have a lot of things that you can do that make your application stronger.”
With advantages comes the downside of coming from a small high school. A key issue, Ford said, is what she describes as a lack of specific guidance.
“There’s not enough teachers here telling kids what to do and how to do it correctly,” she said. “Kids at Hotchkiss or at Berkshire have adults telling them you should do these activities, it’ll make it [college application] stronger, but we don’t have that. We’re kind of doing it by ourselves.”
Finances are a major stressor for students pursuing college, but there are social challenges as well. “The biggest stressor is that college culture has become really intense,” Ford said. “A lot of kids are more worried about the name of their school or the vibe of their school more than actually receiving an education in college.”
Matsudaira offered advice to parents and students that she hopes can alleviate some stress.
“Make sure you have examined the cost vs. value equation for yourself and your family,” Matsudaira said. “Make sure the college is a good fit for you. Do not go into any debt to pay for college.”
Ford suggests that students “Apply to as many schools as you can, and as many Connecticut schools as you can. The admissions process is so competitive, and like everyone is applying to college, and it’s so expensive, so you have to have options in Connecticut.”
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