EAST CANAAN – Eugene and Esther Freund started the family dairy farm more than seven decades ago, and when the time came to hand it down to the next generation, Eugene looked to his sons, Ben and Matthew.
Now, the time has come again for the next handoff and the brothers have found a 27-year old “cow man” from Pine Plains, N.Y. to take over their herd of 300 Holstein milkers.
Ethan Arsenault, in partnership with Lloyd and Amy Vaill of Lo Nan Farms in Pine Plains, has purchased the cows and leased the barn, and will continue the Freund dairy tradition.
Arsenault’s farm is called Canaan View Farm.
“I wouldn’t be able to do it without Lloyd and Amy,” Arsenault said Saturday, Nov. 5 as he stood outside the milk house, flanked by Ben and Matthew. The cows will remain on the Freund Farm, and Arsenault plans to continue to distribute through the Agri-Mark Cooperative that sells under the Cabot brand.
Freund’s Farm, which became the first dairy in the state to innovate with robotic milkers, will continue its two other major businesses: Freund’s Farm Market & Bakery and the Cow Pots product line.
The farm always has been a family affair. Matthew’s wife Theresa has grown what started as a roadside stand into a year-round market. Today, Freund’s Farm Market & Bakery is a go-to for many in the Northwest Corner with its greenhouse and commercial kitchen.
Cow Pots, biodegradable planting pots made from composted cow manure, is an innovation started by Matthew. Distribution of Cow Pots is nationwide.
Cow Pots were featured in a 2007 episode of the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” program.
The Freunds said they wouldn’t be able to make this change without Arsenault.
“A dairy farm needs a cow man,” said Ben. “When he walks into the barn, he can sense immediately if there is a problem.”
Ben said that when the brothers began to think about finding a new owner for the herd, he called Lloyd Vaill of Lo Nan Farms. And Vaill had an immediate candidate.
Arsenault, who attended Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, has been interested in cows since the fifth grade. His work day begins early in the morning and ends as the evening sets in. It’s not unusual for him to be summoned to the barn at all hours.
Canaan View Farm has three employees, five milking robots and a robotic feed pusher nicknamed “Juno.”
“Farming is now on the cutting edge of science and technology,” he said. A screen on a computer in the milk office depicts a fever-line graph of each cow’s milk output, just one indication of the advanced techniques used in milk production on the farm.
But Arsenault — the ‘cow man’ that he is—was asked about what experiences on the job are among the most meaningful.
“When you’re bottle-feeding a newborn calf,” he said, “there’s nothing like it.”
Alec Linden
Mudge Pond, where water clarity is declining
SHARON – A new scientific report highlights growing concerns at Mudge Pond, including declining water clarity, rising nutrient levels and the spread of invasive species, prompting local advocates to shift from monitoring the lake to taking action.
After several years of data collection, members of the Mudge Pond Association say the findings confirm that the lake is facing mounting pressures that will require intervention to protect both water quality and recreational use.
“Now that we’ve got a couple years of data, we’re going into the action phase,” said Andrew Cahill, chair of the Mudge Pond Association, a community organization dedicated to preserving ecosystem health and recreation opportunities on the lake.
The report, compiled by Connecticut consultancy Northeast Aquatic Research and based on data collected throughout the 2025 calendar year, found that invasive species and nutrient loading continue to threaten the lake. The study follows another from the previous year conducted by the same firm that reported similar findings.
Water quality trending downward
“Our lake is going in the wrong direction,” Cahill said. Average water clarity declined between the 2025 and 2024 data, from about 3.7 meters to 3.3. Clarity varies widely throughout the year, but 2025’s overall trend was downward compared to the prior year in a lake that is meant to be, by southern New England standards, quite clear.
The report identifies Mudge Pond as an “oligo-mesotrophic” lake, a term scientists use to describe water bodies that are just a step more vegetated and biodiverse than a crystalline alpine lake. Keeping Mudge Pond within that category should be the focal point of future lake management efforts, the report notes, as a more nutrient-dense environment could damage the lake’s ecosystem as well as put swimmers and recreators at risk from harmful algal blooms.
Cahill said he was especially concerned about the finding that toxic cyanobacteria, which are fed by nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, were found in the lake at elevated levels. In August, the most productive time of the year for such harmful “blue-green algae” blooms, 35,160 cyanobacteria cells per milliliter of water sampled were found, above the “safe” management goal of between 10,000 and 20,000.
The World Health Organization considers densities above 20,000 to indicate a “moderate probability of adverse health effects,” according to the report.
High nutrient levels in the water column are likely due to two factors. Both studies found that a persistent layer of deoxygenated water at the lake bottom each summer, formed by a process called “stratification,” which separates warm, oxygen-rich water at the surface from colder, oxygen-poor water below, allows previously buried nutrients at the lake bottom to leach back into the lake.
The report also examined two inlets where runoff water flows into Mudge Pond, finding high levels of nitrogen entering the lake from one inlet during the spring. Cahill said that the Mudge Pond Association has contacted upstream landowners who had been very cooperative about exploring potential causes for this nutrient loading.
Northeast Aquatic Research has also recommended that lake managers explore installing an aerator to oxygenate the water, but Cahill said while the Association is open to exploring diverse strategies, this approach may be prohibitively expensive and potentially controversial.
Invasive plants abound, but no hydrilla
Cahill said that the Association will be focusing its most immediate efforts in 2026 on addressing the more immediately visible threat to Mudge Pond: invasive plants.
Four non-native invasive species were found in the lake – Eurasian milfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, water chestnut and fanwort. Eurasian milfoil and fanwort were the most abundant of the invasives, while water chestnut was the least established. Brittle naiad, another invasive plant that was found in the previous study, was not found by the researchers in 2025.
Despite the low prevalence, Cahill said the Association is prioritizing water chestnut as its first point of attack, as the lily-pad like plant becomes extremely difficult to eliminate when entrenched in the ecosystem. Also, in low numbers it can be hand-pulled, making for a relatively uncontroversial removal process.
Cahill said the Association is planning outreach events to train volunteers on how to identify and remove the plant, ultimately coordinating large-scale removal efforts in the summer and fall.
For the remainder of the invasives, though, the report recommends using herbicides, which historically has been a polarizing topic in Connecticut lake communities.
“As a town, we have to have that discussion,” Cahill said. “Do we want to do this?”
Cahill said the Association is planning to eventually organize a public forum for community input on the issue, eventually leading to a vote on how the town wishes to proceed.
Whatever the outcome, though, Cahill emphasized urgency is key in dealing with invasive plants. “The longer we wait, the more there will be.”
Hydrilla, a highly aggressive invasive waterweed that has invaded nearby water bodies and cost lake communities large sums in removal efforts, was not found in Mudge Pond in 2025. While that is encouraging news, Cahill said it’s too early to celebrate.
The lake’s public boat launch is controlled by the state, meaning the town has little regulatory power over it. With inconsistent oversight, Cahill said it may only be a matter of time before the plant gets into Mudge Pond.
“I think it’s going to fall to each of our lake communities to have a plan in place in case hydrilla arrives.”
Ruth Epstein
NORTH CANAAN — Following a medical emergency in February, North Canaan Selectman Brian Ohler is taking a medical leave of absence from his duties as a public official.
North Canaan is governed by a three-member Board of Selectmen, meaning Ohler’s absence leaves the town operating with only two active members. However, the town is legally able to operate with just two members, since it is deemed a quorum, according to the town attorney.
In a recently posted Facebook message, Ohler, president and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut YMCA, described experiencing symptoms of a stroke shortly after arriving at his office in Torrington.
“While seated at my desk, within a matter of about 45 seconds, I began to experience intense double vision, deafening ringing in both of my ears, slurred speech, and head-to-toe paralysis on the right side of my body. Having been an EMT for many years, I immediately realized that these symptoms were a clear sign that I was having a stroke. With my left hand I was able to unlock my cell phone and alert staff members of my situation.”
Staff members immediately called 911, and paramedics transported him to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. Ohler said his thoughts turned to his wife and six-month-old daughter as he hoped for a reversal of the paralysis.
After five days of tests and evaluations, he was discharged and returned home. By that time, he said, the paralysis had subsided completely and his motor functions had returned to normal.
Ohler reported that neurologists have been unable to determine a definitive cause but agreed that the rapid onset of symptoms indicated a stroke.
“They also realize that after suffering numerous traumatic brain injuries from various roadside bomb explosions, while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, that there could have been an underlying condition that was brewing for quite a while. I have since been referred to specialists within the Veterans Affairs and Hartford HealthCare health systems. I am confident that we will soon be able to find all of the right answers.”
In his message, Ohler also expressed appreciation for the support shown to him and his family.
“At this time, I have chosen to take a medical leave of absence from all of my duties with the town of North Canaan until further notice, wanting to focus intently on my overall health and recovery, and of course, my amazing wife and beautiful baby girl.”
Ohler previously served in the Connecticut House of Representatives for the 64th District from 2017 to 2019. He also served as North Canaan’s first selectman from 2023 to 2025.
Ohler could not be reached for comment.
First Selectman Jesse Bunce said he wishes Ohler well and misses his input, particularly given his experience and familiarity with town issues.
He noted that having a two-person board could potentially be challenging.
“If Melissa [Selectman Pinardi Brown] and I disagree, there could be a tie vote and the board would be deadlocked. It makes it tough.”
Should Ohler step down, Bunce and Brown would determine his replacement. It would have to be a Republican and the appointment would be made following a recommendation from the party.
Alec Linden
FALLS VILLAGE — A teacher at Housatonic Valley Regional High School was arrested on March 20 after turning himself in to state police on an outstanding warrant related to an alleged altercation involving a student in September 2025.
The accused, technology education teacher John Christinat, 65, was charged with disorderly conduct in connection with the incident, in which a verbal confrontation escalated into a physical altercation between Christinat and a 15-year-old student, according to police. The student’s father reported that the juvenile is autistic, according to court records.
Region One Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley said Christinat is currently on administrative leave. He has been employed at the school since August 2001 and has had no prior incidents, she said.
According to the warrant, which was signed March 18, troopers arrived at the school on the afternoon of Sept. 3 after a physical confrontation between a teacher and student was reported. The warrant states that the situation was calm by the time officers arrived and that no injuries were reported.
Both parties made statements to police, which were recounted in the warrant. The student said he asked Christinat what he thought of Aaron Rodgers, a professional football quarterback, and that the teacher responded by telling the student, “You act like a third grader. You’re obsessed with Aaron Rodgers.”
The student said he then asked why Christinat was so upset with him, and that Christinat used his body to push him out of the classroom. He said he later pretended to take a photo of the teacher, after which Christinat grabbed the phone from his hand, leading to a physical altercation in which both parties wrestled on the ground.
The student’s father told police that due to his condition, his son is “barely able to attend classes,” and that he is unable to let a conflict go until it is resolved.
In his own statement, Christinat told authorities that the student was being disruptive in his photography class, standing in the middle of the classroom and interrupting by talking about Aaron Rodgers. Christinat said the student was not a member of the class he was trying to teach.
He said the student “moved outside the classroom,” and that he locked the door to prevent him from entering. Christinat said he explained the situation to the student’s assigned special education supervisor.
Christinat, according to the warrant, said that the student banged on the classroom door, then went outside and started hitting the air conditioning unit attached to the room.
He told the troopers that later in the day, the student confronted him again and stuck his phone in his face. Christinat said he grabbed the phone, after which the student “threw [him] to the floor.”
The teacher said he has a background in special education and is trained in “the safe restraining of special education students,” and held the youth in a “basket hold.”
Christinat said he had pain in his shoulder and groin as a result of the incident. He could not be reached for comment.
Trooper Jean Colon Carattini, who filed the warrant, stated that he reviewed security footage of the incident. He said the footage showed that the student had “grabbed onto [Christinat] and pushed him to the ground in an attempt to retrieve the phone,” and that the two wrestled on the ground.
He reported that Christinat “eventually gained control over [the student] until school staff arrived,” who restrained the student as Christinat walked into another room.
The trooper stated that after further review of the footage, it was determined that Christinat was at fault in the incident.
Trooper Colon Carattini has not responded to immediate requests for comment.
After his March 20 arrest, Christinat was released on a $1,500 bond and is scheduled to appear before Torrington Superior Court on April 2.
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Patrick L. Sullivan
Cast members of “Mary Poppins Jr.” perform during a Falls Village Children’s Theater production on March 27–28.
FALLS VILLAGE — It was standing room only for three performances of “Mary Poppins Jr.” by the Falls Village Children’s Theater Friday and Saturday, March 27-28.
The well-rehearsed cast members displayed a confident mastery of the material, and kept the audience engaged.
The back stage performance was equally fluid, with large numbers of players moving on and off-stage in silence, and with several costume changes involved. The set was minimal, and the technical team made the most of it, moving props quickly and smoothly.
Lev Sadeh stood out as George Banks, the father who warily entrusts his children’s care to Evelyn Adkins’ Mary Poppins. Adkins played her role with great reserve, as befits the ultimate nanny.
And the group of children dressed as honeybees went over very well with the audience.
The show was directed by Darcy Boynton, with musical direction by Alec Sisco, who accompanied the entire show on the piano.
Aly Morrissey
Paley’s Farm Market on Amenia Road in Sharon opened for the 44th season on Saturday, March 28. Opening day drew a steady crowd.
SHARON – For many local residents, spring doesn’t truly begin until Paley’s Farm Market opens its doors, and customers turned out in force for its 44th season opening on Saturday, March 28.
Located on Amenia Road in Sharon, Paley’s is a seasonal destination for residents of New York and Connecticut and, over the past four decades, has evolved from a locally grown produce center into a full-scale garden center, farm market and fine food market.
Despite a chilly start to the day, the opening drew a steady crowd, with a full parking lot and early signs of the busy season ahead.
“It’s been going really well,” said owner Sarah Coon, who purchased the business from her brother in 2019. “It’s chilly, but we’ve had a nice turnout. The sun’s out, and that always helps.”
Mimi Harson of Sharon and Anette Cantilli of Millbrook shared an outing together to purchase flowers and plants for their deck pots.
“It’s exciting, we love Paley’s,” Cantilli said of the opening day as she filled her car trunk with pansies.
Behind the scenes, opening day is the culmination of months of preparation – much of it beginning long before winter has fully loosened its grip.
“We open our first greenhouse in early February, and that’s when the fun begins,” Coon said. “We start planting pansies then, and once you open that greenhouse, you’re committed. It’s like having a bunch of babies out there – you have to make sure nothing goes wrong.
This year’s opening comes after a particularly snowy winter that, just weeks ago, left the property covered in large mounds of snow.
“I looked around and thought, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to be able to open on time,’” Coon said. “There was snow everywhere. It was hard to even imagine. But here we are.”
Early spring offerings include rows of colorful pansies grown from seed, along with cold-tolerant vegetable starts, herbs and Easter-ready planters designed for patios and entryways. Bulbs such as daffodils and tulips are also available, along with seeds, soil and gardening supplies.
“It’s not too early,” she said of the growing season. “You can start seeds indoors now, even just on a windowsill. And if it doesn’t work, you can always come back and getplants.”
While the market’s popular prepared foods and grocery offerings will arrive later in the season, the early weeks focus on planting and preparation. Dry goods are expected in the coming weeks, followed by a gradual buildout of the full market.
New this year, Paley’s has partnered with Homegrown National Park, a national initiative promoting the use of native plants. The collaboration will help customers more easily identify native species to incorporate into their gardens.
“We think it’s going to be good for our staff and our customers,” she said. “It makes it easier for people to mix native plants into what they’re already doing.
Paley’s typically operates through mid-October, employing up to a dozen staff members at the height of the season, along with part-time and retired workers who assist with planting and maintenance.
For many, the opening marks more than just the start of a business cycle – it’s a seasonal ritual.
“We all need a little color right now,” Coon said. “And a little warmth. It’s coming.”
Christine Bates
215 Milton Road built in 1987 on 2.45 acres recently sold for $667,000. The price was just abovethe 12-month median price for a single-family house in Goshen of $651,000.
GOSHEN — The 12-month trailing median price for a single-family home in Goshen increased to $651,000 for the period ending Feb. 28, 2026 – a historic high.
The figure marks a 1% increase from the $642,000 median recorded for the 12 months ending Feb. 28, 2025, and 16% from $552,500 for the comparable period ending Feb. 29, 2024.
The unit sales of single-family homes in Goshen on a 12-month rolling basis was influenced by low inventory. A total of 36 single-family homes were sold in the 12 months ending Feb. 28, 2026, compared with 44 sales in the period ending Feb. 28, 2025, and 46 sales for the 12 months ending Feb. 29, 2024. Historically, the number of sales of single-family homes in Goshen typically range between 35 and 60 transactions a year.
Inventory in all categories continues to be limited. As of March 27, there were only six single-family homes on the market, including two new listings. Of those, three were below the current $651,000 median price.
Six parcels of land are listed for sale on the MLS, ranging from $125,000 to $4,450,000 for 295 acres.Summer furnished rentals account for three of the six rental listings.
Recent transactions
215 Milton Road – 3 bedroom/3 bath home on 2.45 acres in Woodridge Lakesold by Robin O’Dell to Argiro Vithoulkas for $667,000 on Jan. 5, 2026
64.5 Sandy Beach Road - 3-bedroom cottage on .34 acres sold by Sara Wright to Andi Services LLC for $120,000 on Jan. 7, 2026
93 Gray Lane – 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home on 10.39 acres sold by Lorraine Calder to David Merriam for $900,000 on Jan. 12, 2026
340 Old Middle Street -1 bedroom/2 bath ranch on 1.03 acres sold by David D’Andrea Jr. to Krista and Martin Maroda for $135,000 on Jan. 23, 2026
62 East Cornwall Drive – 10.78 acres of land sold by Edward Pogodzienski to Douglas Smalley and Melissa Troccia for $250,000 on Jan. 29, 2026
109 Weldon Court -.94 acre Woodridge Lake parcelsold by David Barchi to Jacobus Gauche and Victor Blas for $55,000
* Town of Goshen real estate transfers recorded between Jan. 1, 2026, and Feb. 28, 2026, provided by the Goshen Town Clerk. Transfers without consideration are not included. Current market listings from Smart MLS and market statistic from Infosparks. Note that recorded transfers frequently lag sales by a number of days. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Salesperson with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in CT and NY.
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