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Justin Giampaolo, President and Project Executive for Torrington-based Burlington Construction Company oversees the building of the new Little Guild animal shelter project on Sharon-Goshen Turnpike in West Cornwall.
Jennifer Almquist
For Executive Director Jenny Langendoerfer, who lives in Norfolk, this is the fruition of a longtime dream.
“We are incredibly grateful for the fantastic community support that allowed a new animal shelter for the Little Guild to happen. It will make a tremendous difference to the animals we care for and the community we serve,” said Landendoerfer.
The mission of the Little Guild is to rescue, love, and heal homeless cats and dogs and help them find homes. Founded in 1957 by Muriel Alvord Ward and Eleanora Kleinschmidt, Little Guild is now the largest no-kill animal shelter in northwest Connecticut. The 501(c) 3 organization boasts a 97% save rate, one of the highest in the nation.
The Little Guild raised more than $3,750,000 to build the new facility, which will be named in honor of Robert R. Rosenheim and is expected to be completed by November 2025. The Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation, based in Bristol, provided “abundant support” for the Little Guild’s construction efforts.
“We are honored to be part of Mr. Rosenheim’s legacy of love for animals,” said Langendoerfer. “The new facility will allow us to aid more animals and pet owners in the community. The calm and healing environment, quarantine capabilities, plus designated areas for adopters and volunteers to meet and socialize with the animals, will have a major impact, decreasing the length of stay and increasing the number of animals we can help.”
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer at the Little Guild, hugging Danica, a one-year old available rescue dog. “I am excited to help as many dogs and people as I can.”Jennifer Almquist
Justin Giampaolo, president and project executive for Burlington Construction oversees the project. Burlington Construction began working with the Little Guild four years ago.
Giampaolo, who expressed his love for animals, stood on the slab of concrete that stretched like a soccer field behind him, folded his arms and explained, “We began the site work late summer. We did all the underground plumbing and poured the slab. The insulated metal panelized building and roof panels have been ordered.”
“Erecting the facility will take about a month, then we start on interior walls and wiring. There will be a chain link fence that runs the perimeter, and each of the dog pads have their own areas, so that all the dogs have their own space,” said Giampaolo.
Chief Architect Christopher Nardi, principal of Silver Petrucelli & Associates, in Hamden, specializes in animal shelter design.
The Little Guild runs an on-site community pet pantry, offering free pet food and supplies to those in need. According to Langendoerfer, “The demand has increased in the last six months and through the generosity of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, we have expanded the program throughout Litchfield County with monthly events in Torrington, Sharon, Canaan, and Winsted.”
A new initiative, the Lasey Fund, is named after a benefactor’s beloved dog who serendipitously loved going to the veterinarian. The fund provides financial assistance for veterinary care to eligible Litchfield County residents. Langendoerfer explained, “You qualify if you’re getting state assistance. We can help with payments for a pet’s big surgery, or can help defray the cost of spaying, neutering, health checks, or dental work. Our director of development Priscilla McCord, of Lakeville, was the catalyst for establishing this fund.”
The Little Guild’s Great Country Mutt Show will be held rain or shine on Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. This Westminster-style show is free and “celebrates all breeds and creeds — purebred dogs are welcome too.”
Scot Haney from Channel 3 and Richard Schlesinger from “48 Hours” will be on hand June 8 with famed animal trainer Bill Berloni as one of the judges.
Dogs participate in categories such as: Junior (humans under age 12) Most Unidentifiable Mix, Sweetest Pair of Dogs, Best Ears, Best Trick, Best Lap Dog Over 40 lbs, Best Senior, Best Kisser, and Waggiest Tail.
Guests of Salisbury’s EXTRAS fundraiser gala at the White Hart Inn Friday, April 25, got a ballroom salsa dance lesson.
Sava Marinkovic
Since its inception, EXTRAS has relied heavily on small-scale fundraising to deliver local working families reasonably-priced, accessible, and edifying childcare. But this year — following the struggles the organization faced during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic — board member Rachel Lockton reasoned that it was time to scale up efforts. Thus, the grand idea of throwing a gala was born.
“The role that EXTRAS plays in the life of the community can’t be overestimated,” said Lockton, whose children are currently enrolled in the program. Lockton felt that if the longevity of the local community is to be secured, incentives for young people and families need to be advanced not inch-by-inch, but “mile-by-mile.”
To that end, the evening’s abundant programming included a cozy cocktail hour; heartfelt speeches and video presentations; an award ceremony honoring a longtime supporter; silent and live auctions featuring myriad local products and activities; and ballroom salsa dancing.
“In our community, people feel they can ask one another for help,” said board member Chris Tripler, seated in the packed dining area as guests overflowed into the Inn’s common rooms and onto the covered porch. “This evening was us asking that question,” he continued, gesturing over the crowd, “and the response has been enormous.”
In attendance were numerous EXTRAS alumni and parents, whose testimonies made clear the reason for this passionate outpouring of support. “EXTRAS has always been there for us,” said Lynn Webster, a parent of two daughters who Webster says “carry the fondest memories” of their time in the program.
Lou Bucceri delivers a speech after accepting his award.Sava Marinkovic
Among the memories made and kept by EXTRAS children are those of their program supervisors. One such figure, recognized at the gala for his years of dedication and service, is Lou Bucceri.
“Lou embodies what we work for,” said EXTRAS Director Alex Baker, “as a mentor, a teacher, a coach, and a great man. A person who knows how to communicate with children at their level.” Bucceri, however, modest in his acceptance of the award, insisted that he was only ever “one of a group, in many ways like the board we have now.”
Following the ceremony and live auction — the cover lot for which was a 100-person White Hart-catered pizza party sold to Lakeville’s Project SAGE — the ballroom floor was opened. Curiously, the first sounds on the floor weren’t music, but a brief recording of the words of Puerto Rican filmmaker Jacobo Morales, saying “mientras uno está vivo, uno debe amar lo más que pueda.” (Translation: “While one is alive, one must love as much as one can.”)
Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.
The Town of Cornwall has several job openings for the Town Beach: Beach Director, Water Safety Instructor, and Certified Lifeguards. For more details and to apply, contact First Selectmen’s office 860-672-4959.
Services Offered
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
Lawn Mowing Services: Sharon area. 860-397-5276.
NEED YOUR HOME CLEANED?: Diana and Juliet have been servicing the Northwest Corner since 1998. We offer guaranteed satisfaction and have great references. Please call 860- 605-0528.
Farm Products
Hay For Sale: Round Bales. First Cutting covered hay, round bales. First cut hay covered with plastic. $25.00 for bale loaded. 860-671-0499.
Real Estate
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
Houses For Rent
MT RIGA Two Bedroom LAKEFRONT: Log cabin. Private beach, canoes and kayaks. $1350/Week. 585-355-5245.
Seasonal rental: Very private and comfortable 4B/3B home set back from the road. 6/15-9/15. sun rm/dr, upper and lower decks, ping pong and knock hockey, den, FP, W/D, fully equipped. 15K seas. 917-887-8885.
Tag Sales
East Canaan, CT
Garage Sale: Rain or shine. 8 Mountain View Lane, Canaan, CT. Fri May 2nd and Sat May 3rd. 9 am to 3 pm. A little bit of everything!
