John Coston
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From left, First Selectman Casey Flanagan, Selectman John Brett, Arborist Mike Nadeau, Bramble and Ian Brunell helped plant the oak seedlings May 2.
Riley Klein
SHARON — The early kindergarten class of Sharon Center School helped town leaders and environmentalists plant two white oak trees at the school Friday, May 2.
The planting marked the end of Sharon’s first Native Plant Month, which took place in April. Bethany Sheffer of the town Conservation Commission suggested dedicating the month to native plants last year and submitted a proclamation to the selectmen.
The Board of Selectmen presented the signed proclamation to Sheffer at the site of the planting. First Selectman Casey Flanagan said, “It goes every April until eternity.”
“Native plants adapted to this area. They are resilient,” Flanagan explained. “It lessens our impact on the environment and at the same time creates habitat for pollinators, birds and game animals.”
“There are so many smart and eager minds in this town who really are so ready for this kind of work,” said Sheffer.
In addition to the selectmen and the Conservation Commission, Sheffer stated, “We were able to gain traction with support from the Sharon Energy and Environmental Commission, Inland Wetlands and local environmental nonprofit organizations such as the Sharon Land Trust and the Sharon Audubon Center.”
Resident Ian Brunell donated the white oaks. He germinated the seeds with the help of his sons, Bramble and Pieter.
“We go around and collect seeds and then I have different setups at home for propagating different species,” Brunell explained. With dozens of locally sourced trees growing in his yard, Flanagan asked if he would consider donating some for Native Plant Month.
“We wanted it to be educational for the kids and the adults in town,” said Flanagan.
Mike Nadeau, tree expert and member of the Energy and Environmental Commission, oversaw the digging, planting and watering at the school.
The compost came from Sharon Town Garage’s heap, which is available to residents for pickup.
Early kindergarteners helped make sure the compost was filled with nutrients as evidenced by the presence of worms.
“That’s a worm!” one student shouted.
“I wanna see it,” remarked another. “Eww!”
“Oh, come on. They’re delicious!” Nadeau declared.
Once planted, mulched and watered, the students rinsed their hands off in the water bucket and the tree was quickly protected with chicken wire before recess began.
As part of the education component of Native Plant Month, several informative workshops were planned. The final session will focus on herbicide-free invasive plant management. It will be held at Nadeau’s home on 169 Bowne Road in Sharon May 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.
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Heron Cove on Washining Lake, also known as East Twin Lake in Salisbury, recently sold for $5.25 million.
Kevin Galliford
SALISBURY — A circa-1920 cottage farmhouse-style home with an expansive, 180-degree view of East Twin Lake and 497 feet of lakefront sold on April 30 for $5.25 million, reportedly setting a record for the highest sale in Salisbury since August 2023 and the highest sale of waterfront property at the Twin Lakes according to SmartMLS data.
The sale also set a record for the highest in Litchfield County so far this year, matching a Roxbury property at 62 Davenport Road, according to Andrew Wood, vice president of public relations and communications for William Pitt-Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty.
The town’s land records indicate that Kevin and Cara McCaffrey sold the property at 29 Morgan Lane, known as Heron Cove, to Anne Fredericks.
The 2,300-square-foot, 10-room, single-family home sits on just over an acre of land on a level, corner lot.
A team of realtors with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Salisbury handled the transaction. John Harney represented the buyer, and Mallett and Gignoux represented the seller.
Harney noted that the buyers own another house on Twin Lakes “and have come to love the lake and its community. When 29 Morgan became available,” he explained, “it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase it and cherish the property as much as the previous owners.”
The seller and new owner declined to comment.
Gignoux described the Morgan Lane property as “one of the most spectacular, older homes on the Twin Lakes. It’s unique both inside and out. It has maintained its old-fashioned charm but has been updated for more modern living.”
Heron Cove was originally listed for $5,995,000 when it went on the market July 4, 2024.
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Police Blotter: Troop B
May 07, 2025
Police Blotter: Troop B
John Coston
The following information was provided by the Connecticut State Police at Troop B. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Harassment arrest
On May 1, police took Alec Blume, 29, of Sheffield, Massachusetts, into custody at Troop B for an active arrest warrant. Blume was processed for violating C.G.S. 53a-183, Harassment in the second degree, and was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond. He was scheduled to appear at Torrington Superior Court on May 2.
Distracted driving utility pole crash
On the morning of May 2, Amy Jedlicka, 62, of New York City was driving southbound on Route 41 in Sharon near Rhynus Road. She bent down to pick something up from the floor, losing control of her BMW X3 and striking a utility pole and two bushes on a Rhynus Road property. Jedlicka was not injured in the accident, but the vehicle was disabled and had to be towed from the scene. Jedlicka was issued a written warning for failure to maintain proper lane.
Arrest from warrant yields additional warrant
While on patrol on May 2, troopers identified and arrested Taylor Wilson, 35, of North Canaan on an outstanding warrant. Wilson was found at an Ashley Falls Road residence and was taken to Troop B in handcuffs. Wilson was processed for an instance involving E. Caligari and Sons in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, charged with larceny in the third degree, and forgery in the third degree. During processing, troopers were informed that Wilson had an additional active warrant for violating probation. Wilson was released on a $10,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear at Torrington Superior Court on May 23.
Home disturbance arrest
On May 3, troopers responded to a report of a disturbance on Aetna Lane in Norfolk. After investigating, the responding troopers arrested Eugene Harding, 51, of Norfolk for disorderly conduct. Harding was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond and was scheduled to appear at Torrington Superior Court on May 5.
The Lakeville Journal will publish the outcome of police charges. Contact us by mail at P.O. Box 1688, Lakeville, CT 06039, Attn: Police Blotter, or send an email, with “police blotter” in the subject line, to editor@lakevillejournal.com
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Wedding announcement
May 07, 2025
Provided
Kristie A. Agar and James G. Koneazny of New Marlborough, Massachusetts, entered into the sacrament of marriage on Saturday, April 26, at the Koneazny family chapel. The ceremony was conducted by Traditional Catholic Bishop Loya from Mexico City. The couple are enjoying their honeymoon in the Caribbean.
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