
Architect Christopher Nardi and his son Everett break ground for the new home of The Little Guild in West Cornwall.
Jennifer Almquist
Architect Christopher Nardi and his son Everett break ground for the new home of The Little Guild in West Cornwall.
CORNWALL — The Little Guild of Saint Francis for the Welfare of Animals held a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, May 11, to celebrate the beginning of construction of its 8,000 square foot facility at 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike in West Cornwall.
The mission of the Little Guild is to rescue, love, and heal homeless cats and dogs and help them find homes. Friends from surrounding communities, board members of the Little Guild, staff members, donors, and animal lovers gathered on the site of the future shelter.
Board President Karen Doeblin greeted everyone and thanked the many donors who raised $3.5 million for this project. Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway extended a welcome from the Town of Cornwall.
The morning sunshine streamed through the surrounding pine trees as the designated team donned their green construction helmets, bearing the Little Guild logo, picked up their nine gold shovels, and together dug their spades into the rocky soil.
Executive Director Jenny Langendoerfer, from Norfolk, expressed joy at the realization of this longtime dream: “We are so incredibly fortunate for all of the fantastic community support that allowed a new animal shelter for the Little Guild to happen. It is going to make a tremendous difference to the animals we care for and the community we serve. It’s really going to be something very special.”
Alexander Echevarria, canine behaviorist at The Little Guild, holding Cookie who would love a home.Jennifer Almquist
For three decades the Little Guild has been functioning in a residential house not designed to handle the normal wear and tear of an animal shelter, which made maintenance and repair difficult.
In 2023, 6.5 million companion animals entered U.S. animal shelters. According to the ASPCA, each year approximately 920,000 sheltered animals are euthanized, and 4.8 million shelter animals are adopted. There are 14,429 animal shelters in America. During Covid, 23 million Americans adopted a pet and over 90% of dogs adopted during the pandemic remain with their families.
The Little Guild, founded in 1957 by Muriel Alvord Ward and Eleanora Kleinschmidt, is now the largest no-kill animal shelter in Northwest Connecticut. The 501(c) 3 organization boasts a 99% save rate, one of the highest in the nation. They provide programs that “strengthen the bonds between pets and people, and partner with local organizations to support pet owners in the community.”
Christopher Nardi, from Hamden-based design firm Silver, Petrucelli & Associates is the chief architect for the project. He attended the ceremony with his young family. Their boy Everett eagerly participated in the digging. Architect Nardi said that designing animal shelters is his specialty, so the plans are well-researched and incorporate important considerations such as quarantine and noise reduction, strategic placement of animals, with designated areas for adoption meet and greets, and animal socializing. Everyone at the event was invited to view renderings of the proposed building and ask the architect questions.
After the symbolic breaking of ground, the speeches and applause, everyone was offered refreshments supplied by the staff, including cat and dog shaped cookies baked by Susan Boucher of Norfolk, who is also the assistant manager of the Little Guild.
This entire project has been funded by the generous donations of dedicated Little Guild supporters, as well as many community foundations including the Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation, the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, the William and Mary Greve Foundation, the Draper Foundation, the Kathleen Bradford Foundation, the Seherr-Thoss Foundation, the Torrington Savings Bank Foundation, and the Town of Cornwall.
The Little Guild’s new building will be named in honor of Robert R. Rosenheim. “The Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation has been our partner in building this much needed new animal shelter from day one, we could not have gotten here without their abundant support every step of the way over the last three and a half years. We are honored to be a part of Mr. Rosenheim’s legacy of love and dedication to animals, said Little Guild’s Langendoerfer.
Tiffany Lemelin of Winsted is Little Guild kennel manager and gave a tour of the temporary facility in Foote Field on Furnace Brook Road in Cornwall Bridge, which opened two weeks ago and will serve as headquarters during construction. There are two large trailers, one housing cats, another their offices. They also purchased a large dog kennel. The dogs and cats currently sheltered at the Little Guild seem perfectly comfortable in their new digs. The staff said they have what they need to get through the next year. They were putting up a large tent to give shade to the dog run and situating a blue wading pool for the dogs to stay cool.
The new temporary home of the Little Guild at Foote Field on Furnace Brook Road in Cornwall.Jennifer Almquist
Alex Echevarria, from Torrington, is a canine behaviorist who trains dogs and teaches humans how to communicate with their dogs. He introduced each dog currently sheltering in the temporary housing and expressed optimism that a small wiry mutt named Cherry might find her forever home that day.
Director Langendoerfer explained, “The support of the Little Guild Board of Directors through this time of transition has been incredible. In keeping our operations running while the new facility is being built, they have enabled our dedicated staff to continue rescuing, loving and healing homeless cats and dogs, and to continue to serve the community.”
The Guild runs the Pet Pantry which supplies pet food and supplies to families in need through area food pantries, Animal Welfare Education taught by Echevarria, the annual No Cost Vaccination, neutering and spaying program in Coe Park in Torrington. The Guild also supports the Susan B. Anthony Foundation in Torrington and Project Sage in Lakeville by offering care for the pets of women suffering relationship violence.
This summer don’t miss the Great Country Mutt Show at Lime Rock Park on Sunday, June 9. It’s free and your dogs are welcome to register to compete in categories such as “Best Lap Dog Over 40 Pounds” or “Looks Most Like Owner.”
Langendoerfer, who has galvanized the Little Guild with her leadership for the past four years summed it up, “The capabilities of the new facility will have far reaching results, allowing us to aid more animals and pet owners in the community in the best of all possible ways. The calm and healing environment, quarantine capabilities and designated areas for adopters and volunteers to meet and socialize with the animals is going to have a major impact, decreasing the length of stay and increasing the number of animals we can help.”
The Canaan Pirates pose as champions after defending the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title.
THOMASTON — The Canaan Pirates are champions once more.
In the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title game Friday, June 13, the Pirates defeated Thomaston JRC Transportation by a score of 6-2.
Brody Ohler pitched a two-hitter for Canaan. Milo Ellison relieved him, facing one batter who flew out to right field where Ben Young secured the final out.
Canaan never trailed in the game against top-ranked Thomaston, which lost one game all season prior to the championship. Both JRC losses came from the Pirates, with players aged 10 to 12 from Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury and Sharon.
Milo Ellison played second base before relieving pitcher Brody Ohler.Photo by Riley Klein
In the title game at Reeves Field in Thomaston, the Pirates started strong with a lead in the top of the first inning. Ohler singled, then stole second base. Liam Downey brought him home with a single, then Sam Hahn doubled to put runners on second and third. Ellison brought them both home with a triple and the Pirates took a 3-0 lead.
The margin held until the sixth inning when the Pirates extended their lead to 6-0. With J.T. Farr and Bentley King on, Ohler sent a deep shot to center field and rounded the bases for an in-the-park home run.
In the bottom of the sixth, Ohler surrendered two runs before reaching his pitch limit. Ellison stepped in to end the game with some help from Young in right field.
The Pirates piled on Young in the outfield chanting “Benny! Benny!” The two sides shook hands in the spirit of sportsmanship before trophies were awarded.
The Pirates rejoice around Ben Young after he secured the final out.Photo by Riley Klein
After winning the District 6 title for the second straight year, Coach Tom Downey said "It feels awesome. Especially this group who worked really hard. Last year we were dominant, this year these guys worked their butts off."
"We definitely earned it," said third baseman Michael Prisco.
Ohler finished with nine strikeouts on the mound, three hits in three at bats, two RBI and a home run. Ellison hit 1-for-2 with two RBI, Liam Downey went 1-for-3 with an RBI, Sam Hahn and J.T. Farr hit 1-for-3 and Sam Hamlin hit 1-for-2.
For Thomaston, Owen H. hit 1-for-2 with two RBI and Lucas K. hit 1-for-2. The pitching trio of Gavin M., Jackson Ether and Brody Conlon combined for 12 strikeouts.
J.T. Farr and Brody Ohler are back-to-back District 6 champions.Photo by Riley Klein
NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Red Sox ended the season with a thrilling 14-13 win over the Tri-Town Phillies Thursday, June 12.
Canaan trailed for most of the game but kept it close. Ultimately, the Red Sox secured the victory with a final-inning comeback in front of the home crowd at Steve Blass Field.
The Red Sox rejoiced as victors. Reflecting on the season, Coach Nikki Blass stated, “My boys continue to come off the field smiling and doing better than the game before.”
The Red Sox are part of the Northwest Connecticut Steve Blass Little League AAA program, consisting of players aged 9 to 11 from Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury and Sharon. Tri-Town includes players from Goshen, Litchfield, Morris and Warren.
Berkley Karcheski connects for a Red Sox hit June 12.Photo by Simon Markow
The result June 12 marked the first win of the season for the Red Sox. The night before, Coach Nikki Blass reassured her team with a letter, writing, “You should keep your heads high and know that you are all an asset to this team. Tomorrow we are clearing the slate and we will win.” She continued, “I hear in addition if you put a bat under your bed you get an amazing hit on game day.”
The bat trick paid off and many Red Sox logged hits in the game. “Everyone was on fire,” exclaimed Blass after the game.
Quinn McKniff pitched the majority of the match for Canaan with reliever Myles Shippa taking the mound for the final inning.
Blaze Freund heads for home.Photo by Simon Markow
Offensively, Blaze Freund logged his first hit of the season. His twin brother Roan scored after sliding head-first into home “Pete Rose-style.” Myles Shippa recorded an RBI double in the game.
The Red Sox gathered beneath the scoreboard for a team photo after the win. With wide smiles and baseballs held high, the players ended another joyous Little League season.
Written by Riley Klein with reporting from Simon Markow.
The Red Sox conclude the 2025 season with a win.Photo provided
State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) was treated for her injuries at Sharon Hospital.
The day after concluding what has been described as a grueling legislative session, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) had a running accident, leaving her with a broken pelvis and collarbone among other more minor bruises and abrasions. Despite the injuries, she is in good spirits and recuperating at home, eager to get back on her feet.
Horn said after spending weeks in the assembly hall, she was eager to get some outdoor exercise in, but perhaps pushed a little too hard too soon. She said she was excited to get a run in on the morning of Friday, June 6, but was still exhausted from her time in Hartford and in the final stretch of recovering from a meniscus repair surgery in December.
Before the run, she told friends she was hoping for a “hard reset for [her] health,” she said with a rueful laugh.
Nearing the end of the loop, Horn said her leg was fatigued and gave out, causing her to fall on the pavement. She is grateful for the community members who helped during the ordeal, including an unknown motorist who waited with her until her husband arrived, and the staff at Sharon Hospital who she said were “wonderful.”
She was directed to keep weight off her hip for 4 to 6 weeks, and since her collarbone is also fractured, cannot use crutches so she’s partially wheelchair-bound for the time being. While she’s disappointed to be missing out on the start of hiking, biking and running season, she’s keeping her sights forward and focusing on recovery.
In the meantime, she said she’s grateful for the video and photo updates from her son, who is hiking the Connecticut portion of the Appalachian Trail: “I’m living vicariously through him.”
Milo Ellison sends a fly ball to left field, bringing home Brody Ohler and Sam Hahn in a walk-off win for the Canaan Pirates June 11.
NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Pirates advanced to the league championship after a comeback victory over the Tri-Town Red Sox Wednesday, June 11.
Down 3-2 with two outs and two on in the bottom of the 6th inning, "Mighty" Milo Ellison stepped up to the plate and launched a fly ball deep to left field. The single brought home Brody Ohler and Sam Hahn for a walk-off Pirates win.
"Milo did it," shouted a teammate. "Let's hear it for Milo!"
Elite pitching from both sides kept the game close. Starter Sam Hahn pitched five and one-third innings for the Pirates and recorded 10 strikeouts. For the Red Sox, Joey B. struck out 11 batters over five innings.
Sam Hahn threw 10 strikeouts for the Pirates against the Tri-Town Red Sox June 11.Photo by Riley Klein
Milo Ellison led the Pirates offensively, batting 2-for-3 with one run and three RBI. Sam Norbit logged an RBI and went 1-for-2 at the plate for Canaan.
"Nothing like a walk-off," said a spectator after the Pirates won 4-3.
Canaan, which includes players aged 10-12 from the six Region One towns and Norfolk, will face top-ranked JRC Transportation in the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Little League title game.
The Pirates rejoice after winning the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Little League semifinal game.Photo by Riley Klein
The Pirates are the reigning champs of District 6 and have a 10-2 record this season. Brody Ohler, who pitched the win in last year's championship, is expected to start on the mound once again for Canaan.
JRC Transportation led the league this season with a record of 11-1. Canaan delivered JRC its lone loss 1-0 on May 27, but JRC defeated Canaan 15-4 in the June 6 rematch.
The championship will be played at Reeves Field in Thomaston Friday, June 13, at 6 p.m.
The Northwest Connecticut Steve Blass Little League Majors Pirates have a chance to go back-to-back in District 6.Photo by Riley Klein