LITCHFIELD — Established in 1904 as a residential program for troubled boys on a sprawling campus off Route 63, the Connecticut Junior Republic recently unveiled a new brand, mission statement and website to better reflect its evolution and growth in meeting current and future needs of at-risk youth and families, including those residing in the state’s rural Northwest Corner.
The private charitable organization, with deep roots in Litchfield County, has undergone an official name change: it is now known as the CJR, and its new logo is a dragonfly, which has long been a symbol of happiness, new beginnings, and change.
CJR has also been awarded two significant grants, including one submitted by U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-5) to the House Committee on Appropriates for $750,000 to support repairs, maintenance and renovation to the aging farm facilities on its Litchfield campus. The funds will also allow CJR to make its programs and facilities more relevent and available to students from other regional agriculture centers.
The beneficiaries of these funds will include young people and families who are among the most vulnerable and at-risk in Connecticut who would benefit from the educational and therapeutic opportunities afforded by agricultural education, according to CJR.
The organization was also one of six to receive a grant this month from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) in the amount of $140,000 to address health disparities across Connecticut.
The CHEFA grant is anticipated to benefit 1,500 children, youth and family members over two years, according to CJR officials. The funds will help increase access to psychiatric services provided at five Wellness Center clinics located in four of Connecticut’s eight counties and through school-based services currently provided in 21 schools in Litchfield, Hartford and New Haven Counties.
According to Hedy Barton, CJR’s director of development, The Wellness Center is CJR’s fastest- growing program, with clinics in Torrington, Litchfield, Danbury, New Britain and Waterbury.
CJR, which also operates a residential group home in Winsted, provides behavioral health services in a growing number of elementary, middle and high schools by special arrangement.
In its most recently completed fiscal year, said Barton, the Wellness Center served 860 young people and families, an increase of 33% over the prior year, including clients from Salisbury, North Canaan, Cornwall, Norfolk and Goshen.
“Seventy percent of those children and families were from Litchfield County,” she said. “Every single year since we opened the program in 2015, the need has gone up, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.The prediction was that the need for mental health services was going to be the next pandemic.”
CJR officials noted that the rebranding represents a commitment by the organization to continue to build on treatment, education, and support programs for children, young people and families while remaining true to the values that have guided the organization since 1904.
“CJR’s continuum of care has never been more comprehensive, accessible, or needed than it is today,” said Dan Rezende, the organization’s president and CEO, in making the announcement.
“We are incredibly excited to roll out a new brand designed to better connect us with those we serve and support in deeper and more meaningful ways during Mental Health Awareness Month.”
“The beneficiaries of these funds will include young people and families who are among the most vulnerable and at-risk in Connecticut and who would benefit from the educational and therapeutic opportunities afforded by agricultural education,” according to the request.
The agency’s 16 campus and office locations throughout Connecticut serve more than 1,700 individuals and families annually with residential, education, community, and wellness services.
Rick Judd, chairman of CJR’s board of directors, said his agency’s brand refresh process involved many of CJR’s key constituencies, “enabling us to capture and convey CJR’s voice today with greater impact.”
Gary Richter, Ms, Dvm
Bringing home a new puppy or newly adopted dog is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming once the training begins.
The good news is that training does not have to be complicated. Here are six of the best techniques to keep in mind when training a new puppy or dog:
1. Be consistent from day one.
Dogs learn best when the rules stay the same. If one person allows jumping on the couch and another corrects it, your dog will get mixed messages. The same goes for feeding routines, potty breaks and commands. Keep your language simple and consistent.
2. Reward the behavior you want right away.
Timing is everything in dog training. If your puppy sits when asked, comes when called or goes to the bathroom outside, reward that behavior immediately so they can connect the action with the outcome.
3. Keep training sessions short and manageable.
With puppies, attention spans are limited. Training for too long can lead to frustration for both the dog and the owner. Instead of one long session, aim for a few short sessions throughout the day.
4. Focus on routines before perfection.
One of the biggest mistakes new dog owners make is expecting too much too soon. Before worrying about perfect obedience, focus on building a strong routine. Regular mealtimes, walks, potty breaks, playtime and rest all help create structure. That structure lays the groundwork for better behavior because dogs feel more secure when they know what to expect.
5. Correct gently and redirect quickly.
Training is not about punishing mistakes; it is about helping your dog make better choices. If your puppy starts chewing on a shoe, redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. If they start jumping, ask for a different behavior, like sitting. Calm redirection teaches much more effectively than harsh reactions.
Training a new puppy or dog takes patience, but it is also one of the best investments you can make in your pet’s long-term well-being. With consistency, positive reinforcement and realistic expectations, families can make training feel less stressful and more rewarding.
6. When in doubt, seek expert help.
All dogs are trainable given the right technique. If you are unclear how to proceed or are not getting the results you want, consult a qualified trainer or behaviorist.
When looking for the right trainer or veterinary behaviorist, ask whether they follow LIMA (least invasive, minimally aversive) principles. Resources for positive reinforcement trainers include the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IABC), the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the Academy for Dog Trainers and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).
Dr. Gary Richter, named America’s Favorite Vet by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, is a veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractor and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition. He is the owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital.
Lakeville Journal
Oblong Books in Millerton will mark Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 25, joining more than 1,600 stores nationwide. The all-day event features signed books, exclusive merchandise and a drop-in, browse-at-your-leisure atmosphere. Free; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Riley Klein
FALLS VILLAGE – Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s varsity baseball team battled back to win 6-4 over O’Brien Technical High School Wednesday, April 15.
It was the home opener for HVRHS. Anthony Foley sent a pair of home runs over the fence, one in the third inning and one in the fourth, to help the Mountaineers claim the lead. Before the game, HVRHS Coach Bobby Chatfield encouraged his team to “play with an immense amount of energy.”
The weather was muggy at Ed Kirby Field in Falls Village – about 79 degrees and sunny when the umpire yelled “play ball.”
Carson Riva got the start for HVRHS. The junior pitched four innings with five strikeouts and five walks. He gave up four hits and four runs.
O’Brien went ahead early, courtesy of a solo home run by first baseman Bruno Lombardo in the first inning. HVRHS responded in the bottom of the second with a groundout by Abram Kirshner that brought in Wyatt Bayer.
O’Brien got back on top with a big third inning in which the Condors scored three runs: Bruno Lombardo hit an RBI double, Brody Lombardo brought him home with a sacrifice fly and then O’Brien scored on an error, bringing the game to 4-1.
During the bottom of the third, Foley hit a two-run home run. Then Riva got on base and was sent home by Bayer to tie it up at 4-4.
Foley put the Mountaineers ahead in the fourth inning with another two-run home run -- a deep shot to left field. The O’Brien dugout remarked, “this field is too small for him.”
Housy celebrates Foley's HR. Riley Klein
Owen Riemer took over for Riva on the mound and pitched the final three innings. He threw three strikeouts and gave up no runs to end the game 6-4.
O’Brien’s Emil Smith pitched the full game for the Condors. He struck out two batters and walked one while surrendering 11 hits. On offense, Bruno Lombardo had a big game hitting 4-for-4 with a home run and three doubles.
HVRHS collected 11 hits as a team. In addition to Foley’s home runs, Riemer hit 3-for-4. Chris Race hit 3-for-4 and Bayer, Riva and Wes Allyn each got one hit for the Mountaineers.
The result improved HVRHS’s season record to 2-2 and O’Brien fell to 0-4.
Owen Riemer pitching. Riley Klein
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Aly Morrissey
Emergency crews direct traffic following a nearly nine-acre brush fire near Burr Pond in Torrington, April 14.
TORRINGTON – A brush fire broke out near Burr Pond State Park Tuesday, April 14, burning an estimated 8 to 9 acres and prompting a large, multi-agency emergency response, officials said.
The blaze was first reported shortly before 1 p.m. after a Winchester resident called 911 upon seeing a bright, arc-like flash in the sky that resembled lightning, followed by rising smoke from the wooded area.
“The park is closed, with an 8-to-9 acre brush fire being fought by DEEP and local fire departments,” said Bill Flood, a spokesperson with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. He did not say whether there were any injuries.
The fire prompted road closures and power was turned off in parts of the surrounding area, as utility crews and emergency personnel worked to contain the blaze. Burr Mountain Road was closed to traffic, as it was serving as the primary access point for emergency vehicles.
The Winchester resident who reported the fire said he was at the Burr Pond boat launch when he noticed the flash.
“It’s just luck that I saw a flash and happened to see smoke,” he said, declining to give his name. “At first, I didn’t believe what I saw. I was doubting myself.”
He estimated the flash occurred about a mile away and said it looked like lightning but was silent.
“I just called it in and apparently it’s bigger than they thought it was going to be,” he said, adding that he did not lose power at his home.
Smoke from the fire could be smelled in areas adjacent to the park.
Officials had not yet determined the exact cause of the fire as of Tuesday afternoon.
Madi Long and Christian Murray contributed to this article.
Alec Linden
Pickleball players enjoy a game on the courts at Kent Commons Park.
KENT – Kent will welcome a new racquet sports professional this spring with the debut of a tennis and pickleball clinic program, coordinated by the town’s Parks and Recreation department.
Xavier Proulx, an established coach with an extensive resumé in racquet sports instruction, will be kicking off all-ages, all-skill level sessions in both tennis and pickleball starting Sunday, April 26 on the Kent Commons Park hard courts. The new program was formally authorized by Parks and Recreation during its April 7 meeting, where members voted unanimously for the four-week curriculum, which will run Sundays and Tuesdays through the third week of May, with rain dates scheduled for the following week if needed.
“We really wanted to jump on the opportunity while the iron is hot,” said Parks and Recreation Director Matt Frasher. He said that the townspeople have demonstrated extensive interest in pickleball, with a group of more than 90 players active in the pickleball TeamReach group, the application the department uses to coordinate and schedule events.
Frasher said tennis remains popular as well, and that the timing was right to bring in professional instruction for both sports. “We’re excited to have him here in Kent and expand on what’s being offered,” he said.
Proulx, who is originally from Montreal and currently serves as the director of tennis for the city of Norwalk, said he is also looking forward to a change of scenery. “We all have our strengths as tennis director or head pro,” he said. “For me, my strength is on the court.”
Proulx has served in several directorial roles, including 15 years as the director of racquet sports at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, Connecticut. His origin and passion, though, are in live coaching, having trained players young and old, novice and experienced across the globe, from France to Spain to the Isleworth Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida, where he was the head tennis professional for a star-studded clientele that included golfer Tiger Woods.
His playing career in tennis has also had its highlights, with a top 10 placement in the Canadian junior rankings when he was growing up, and even a number one ranking for the over-40 category in doubles in Florida when he was coaching in the state.
Despite the long commute from Norwalk, Proulx said he’s eager to get started, citing the quietude and natural beauty of the region as good incentive to make the hour-plus drive up Route 7 twice a week. Further, he was impressed by Kent’s embrace of pickleball, a sport which he sees great value in as a coach.
“The main reason pickleball is sweeping the country is it has, literally, a 20-minute learning curve,” Proulx said, meaning that beginners can be playing real matches their first time ever stepping foot on a court. “It’s for any level, any age,” he went on, noting that its accessibility doesn’t mean younger athletes won’t enjoy it any less. “It’s incredible,” he said in summation.
Prospective players can register at Kent’s Parks and Recreation Department’s online registration portal. For further questions or inquiries, email parksandrec@townofkent.gov.
Alec Linden
The new market location will take place in a shared property near the Kent Welcome Center.
KENT – Farmers Market shoppers beware: when the beloved fixture of Kent’s summer programming kicks back up on May 22, it won’t be located on the familiar expanse of the Kent Land Trust Field. Instead, head straight to Main Street and park at your convenience, the Chamber of Commerce urges – and grab a coffee or check out some art while you’re at it.
“You park once, and you do everything,” said Chamber President Phil Fox as the rationale for moving the market, which has been a fair-weather fixture on the broad field south of town for four years. The new location is positioned around the Kent Welcome Center off of Railroad Street, and will take place on property spanning several businesses and town entities at the downtown location.
The main impetus for the change is connectivity between the market and the town’s commercial district, Fox explained. “That’s our goal, to bring people into town,” he said. “The idea is to make it part of the buzz that is the center of town on a Friday night.”
Other advantages of the new location include a power supply and public bathrooms, which will enable the addition of live music this summer, Fox added.
Local farmer Spencer Lord took over management duties of the Farmer’s Market this spring, and he said that the response across the community to the change has been enthusiastic. “The vendors are excited, the town is excited, the businesses downtown are excited, the customers are excited,” he said, “so it seems to be gaining momentum already.”
Lord and his fiancé Rebecca Kuczko, both 41, run Oracle Mushroom Company, a farm in South Kent that has recently expanded beyond fungi to pasture-raised poultry as part of its business model. The couple has operated a stall at the Kent market for the previous two years, and Lord said he jumped at the opportunity when the management position opened up.
“We’re very social with all the vendors that we work with at all the farmer’s markets, and we really have tried to promote them as much as possible, even way before I ever stepped into this role,” he said. “The better they do, the better we do.”
Speaking on April 17, Lord said 35 vendors had been secured to show up this season – “and we’re getting approached by new vendors probably every other day.”
Lord said that the scope of vendors will be hyperlocal, drawing from under an hour’s drive from downtown Kent. Some new vendors, like family winery Hopkins Vineyards, will add to a strong lineup of many returners, he reported.
Lord said he expects an average of 30-plus vendors active at the market per week, which he said the site can more than support. Parking, while not as straightforward as at the field, he said, will be plentiful, with Route 7, the Town Hall lots, parking around the Green available, while some businesses have also agreed to allow parking in their lots.
The Kent Land Trust, while no longer the host, will still be involved, Lord reported, running a regular stall all season at the market.
Overall, Lord said that the goal is to create a “symbiotic relationship” between the Farmer’s Market and broader community, and to take advantage of the festive Friday downtown atmosphere. On top of the music, Lord said he encourages local businesses to get in touch with him directly about further programming – “If you have an idea, let me know.”
“I think it will be really fun,” said Kent Land Trust Executive Director Connie Manes of the new location.
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