How to help your neighbors

It’s the Northwest Corner tradition to reach out and help, in good times and bad. Volunteerism is largely what makes this part of the world such a lovely place to be (and exactly the locale you’d like to escape to during a  global emergency such as the one we are experiencing now).

Groups are forming to offer aid. Requests are out from groups seeking help.

Here are a few options if you’d like to step up; it will help us maintain the way of life we treasure here and it will help you pass the time during the quarantine with productive effort.

The state also has a website where you can find out about ways to volunteer and donate; go to www.211ct.org/search/67353902.

Deliveries, donations

Call or email the town hall in your town, whether you are a full-time resident, a part-time resident or a newcomer who is renting. Every town now needs healthy volunteers to deliver food, put together care packages, and more.

Blood donations

There is a critical shortage of blood. The U.S. surgeon general, the Red Cross and the Food and Drug Administration have all said it is urgent that healthy Americans continue to give blood and that blood drives must not be canceled. The Red Cross promises it is doing health checks on workers and donors and keeping facilities extra clean.

On the schedule at the moment are the following drives. Go to www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.  Thursday, April 2,  Salisbury Congregational Church, 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Noble Horizons, 1 to 6 p.m.  Wednesday, June 3, United Church of Christ Congregational, 8 Bolton Hill Road, Cornwall, 1 to 6 p.m.

Pledge funds for ALICE

The United Way in Connecticut has launched a COVID-19 Response Fund to “rapidly deploy financial resources to individuals and families economically affected by the pandemic, including those who are out of work or have reduced work hours.”

Beneficiaries of the funds will be categorized as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). “These are our hard-working neighbors who already live paycheck to paycheck. Many of them provide crucial services in our community —such as caring for our children and elderly parents.”

In the Northwest Corner, get information from United Way Executive Director Owen Quinn at owen@northwestunitedway.org.

Support The Lakeville Journal

The help ensure that local news coverage continues, we ask that you continue to read us in print as long as we can keep delivering newspapers to retail outlets and subscribers; and to look for us online at www.tricornernews.com.

We also ask that you join us as a contributor to our membership model by clicking here.

Hints and tips

Reader Molly Fitzmaurice, a Salisbury native, suggested that longtime locals “adopt” a part-time family seeking information.

The Lakeville Journal is happy to help with any inquiries; send them by email to cynthiah@lakevillejournal.com and we will try to answer them as quickly and correctly as possible. If any new residents would like a buddy, send a request to the same address, tell us a little about your interests and we will try to match you up.

Editor’s note: The Lakeville Journal is providing content related to the coronavirus outbreak for free as a public service to our readers. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Lakeville Journal, The Millerton News, or TriCornerNews.com or by becoming a contributor to our membership model. Click here for more information.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less