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.”
The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) will host its annual Junior Jump Camp, a two-day introduction to ski jumping, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill in Salisbury.
The camp is open to children ages 7 and up and focuses on teaching the basics of ski jumping, with an emphasis on safety, balance and control, using SWSA’s smallest hill. No prior experience is required.
The cost is $50 per child and includes instruction and lunch on both days. For more information or to register, visit www.skireg.com/swsa-camp or email info@jumpfest.org
Jesse Bunce, first selectman of North Canaan.
LITCHFIELD — The Northwest Hills Council of Governments welcomed six newly elected municipal leaders Thursday, Dec. 11, at its first meeting following the 2025 municipal elections.
The council — a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut — coordinates transportation, emergency planning, housing, economic development and other shared municipal services.
Barkhamsted First Selectman Meaghan Cook, Goshen First Selectman Seth Breakell, Kent First Selectman Eric Epstein, Norfolk First Selectman Henry Tirrell, North Canaan First Selectman Jesse Bunce and Torrington Mayor Molly Spino were each elected to their post in November.
They filled the seats of their predecessors on the COG, who were each given a toast of appreciation: Nick Lukiwsky (Barkhamsted), Todd Carusillo (Goshen), Marty Lindenmeyer (Kent), Matt Riiska (Norfolk), Brian Ohler (North Canaan) and Elinor Carbone (Torrington).
COG Executive Director Rob Phillips said the outgoing members were given a going away mug that read “You’re living the dream still.” Members voted to appoint Warren First Selectman Greg LaCava to fill a vacancy on the Council’s Executive Committee. COG members voted by paper ballot, and LaCava defeated Burlington First Selectman Doug Thompson for the vacant seat.
Ryan Segalla takes a fadeaway shot over a defender.
FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys basketball team defeated Pine Plains High School 60-22 in a scrimmage Tuesday, Dec. 9. The non-league preseason game gave both sides an opportunity to run the court ahead of the 2025-26 varsity season.
HVRHS’s senior-heavy roster played with power and poise. The boys pulled ahead early and kept their foot on the gas through to the end.
By halftime the score was 33-8. Junior varsity players subbed in for the second half, but not before the starters got some in-game dunk practice. By the end Housatonic totaled 60 points to Pine Plains’ 22.
Nick Crodelle dribbles the ball up the court during the game.By Riley Klein
Nick Crodelle led the Mountaineers offensively with 13 points. Anthony Labbadia and Wyatt Bayer scored nine points each. Anthony Foley scored eight points. Owen Riemer and Ryan Segalla each scored seven points. Peyton Bushnell hit a three-pointer. Jaxon Visockis and Henry Berry each scored two points.
HVRHS begins Berkshire League competition on the road at Nonnewaug High School Tuesday, Dec. 16, with a 6 p.m. tip off.
Anthony Labbadia By Riley Klein
Owen Riemer block By Riley Klein
Katie Moore delivers toys to the Stuff a Truck campaign held by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department last weekend. Donated toys are collected so that parents, who need some assistance, may provide their children with gifts this Christmas. Accepting the donation are elves Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci
KENT — Santa’s elves were toasty warm as they collected toys for the children of Kent.
Keeping with annual tradition, Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci manned the Stuff a Truck campaign sponsored by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Sitting in front of a fire pit in the firehouse parking lot between donations from residents, they spoke of the incredible generosity displayed every season. That spirit of giving was clear from the piles of toys heaped on a table.
“This is always so gratifying,” said Goodsell, noting that certain businesses, including High Watch Recovery Center, Wilson’s, and Kent and South Kent schools needed a “shout out” for all they’ve done. She said South Kent School focuses on gifts for older children, which is a group that often is overlooked.
Unwrapped contributions are sought for children 1 to 15 years old who might otherwise find little or nothing from Santa, they said. The bounty will be set up at the Community House on Thursday, allowing parents to come and take what they want. If there are still items left, grandparents are invited to “shop.”
The atmosphere was festive Saturday, as a stuffed dog began barking a Christmas tune whenever someone walked in front of it. A large decked-out bear posted at the parking lot entrance reminded passersby of the event. Visiting children were able to get a close-up look at the fire truck and walk through the firehouse if they wished.
Goodsell and Iannucci were very grateful to those who donated wood for the fire pit. “And so many asked if they could bring us coffee or hot chocolate,” said Iannucci.
Goodsell said many who came talked about having grown children who were recipients of the gifts when their families were struggling. “They are so glad to be able to give back,” she said.
