
Everet Belancik, HVRHS junior, using a cell phone at school. New rules restrict when cell phones can be used.
Simon Markow
Everet Belancik, HVRHS junior, using a cell phone at school. New rules restrict when cell phones can be used.
FALLS VILLAGE — In February’s State of the State address, Governor Ned Lamont (D) said, “All too often, our young people find themselves too distracted by their smartphones and disconnected from the reality of what is happening around them, including while in their classrooms, and it’s having negative impacts on their learning and mental well-being. It is crucial that we adopt stronger policies to address this issue head-on.”
There are growing concerns that cellphone use can impact brain development and mental health.
In Region One, which includes the towns of Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, and Sharon, Superintendent of Schools Melony Brady-Shanley said, “We will be discussing this topic at our next region-wide policy meeting. Each of our schools have a ‘practice’ and a related technology usage policy that prohibits the usage of a cellphone/personal technology during the instructional day.”
She added that “The Region-wide policy will be discussing the formality of this in the coming weeks related to each grade level,” (elementary, middle, high).Brady-Shanley said that the next step would be approval by the Board of Education, “once a policy is drafted”.
At Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Principal Ian Strever explained, “Our procedure at the high school is that all students are expected to put their cellphones in the caddies that are in each classroom. They must remain there for the duration of the period unless a teacher allows use of them for instructional purposes.” He added, “We do allow some exceptions to the procedure for students who require them for medical reasons.”
“Those teachers who have implemented this procedure in previous years report excellent results, and we are looking forward to how this approach will impact students across the school.”
All of the Region One schools hold students responsible for the safety of their devices and say it is “a privilege, and responsibility, not a right” to have a cell phone in school.
Students may not use their phones for sending harassing messages or cyberbullying, to access pornography, or to take pictures of other students without permission according to current Region One policies.
Cellphone policies for each elementary school are available on their websites in the Student Handbooks. The schools’ policies agree that during classes, cellphones should be in a caddy or lockers and should be turned off during school hours.
Violations of these rules can result in loss of cellphone privileges and having to leave the phone at home.
Simon Markow, a junior at HVRHS, spoke from a student’s point of view. “My feelings toward the new cellphone rules are a little split. I think the rules are very strict, but so far, I have seen some students work a little harder and be more focused, but the phones do come in handy at times.”
Before the new phone caddie rules, Markow said, “The problems were just kids playing games during school hours, all hours. It got boring after a while when everyone, but a few, were on phones during lunch or classes.”
Markow likes to use his phone to organize. “With not having my phone in class, I have to write my homework or events down while walking the halls.”
He summed it up. “I think the phone policy is good for some students, but it doesn’t help everyone.”
Maureen Brady, the first woman to be elected first selectman of Kent, died on Feb. 23 at her home after a long illness.
Brady, who served from 1985 to 1992, devoted much of her life to serving the community she loved.
Moving here with her young family from Queens, New York, when her husband, Thomas, became resident state trooper in Sherman, she quickly got involved in municipal activities by becoming secretary to then First Selectman Eugene O’Meara in 1973, and later to Robert Ward. Ward stepped down after two terms, and with his deep encouragement, she ran and won the town’s top spot.
It was a time of transition when she took office, since the Town Hall was being relocated from its old cramped offices on South Main Street to a brand-new structure at Kent Green. Brady was in charge of arranging the details of the new building, as well as coordinating the move.
Former assessor Patricia Braislin, who was named to the position shortly after Brady was elected, recalled the move. “It was extremely smooth under her leadership,” Braislin, of Sharon, said. “It was mind-numbing how well it went.”
Braislin also spoke of Brady’s approach to being first selectman. “She was very fair and wonderful to work with. She understood how the pieces went together based on her experience of working with other top officials.”
Current tax collector Deborah Devaux was both a colleague and friend of Brady’s. “She was a woman of such high morality and one who maintained her sense of humor and humanity. She was tough, but not authoritarian. Bob Ward taught her well.”
Brady passed down the importance of public service to family members. Her son-in-law Martin Lindenmayer is current first selectman. When asked, he said Brady was definitely an inspiration for him seeking the seat. “She was a model of community spirit and had great vision for the town.” Up until the last few weeks, he would visit with her and seek her guidance on issues.
Lindenmayer said she transcended any politics while in office, working with all townspeople in a convivial and helpful manner.
Darlene Brady, the longtime town clerk, is her daughter-in-law. She credits Brady with alerting her to the position when it was about to be vacated. She smiled as she spoke about what a beautiful office Brady had designed for the town clerk, not realizing it would someday be her daughter-in-law’s workplace.
Darlene Brady said she marveled at how her husband, Kevin, and his two siblings, Kathleen Lindenmayer and Maureen Goldman, had a special bond when it came to the love and respect they had for their mother. “I’m so proud to be a part of that,” she said.
Maureen Brady later went on to serve on the Board of Finance and as assistant registrar of voters.
Noting her dedication to the town, a ceremony was held last March in which the large room at the southern end of the second floor that once housed Brady’s office was dedicated in her honor. A huge crowd turned out as a plaque was placed over the doorway that reads “This room is dedicated to Maureen A. Brady in honor and recognition of her outstanding commitment and distinguished service to the town of Kent. 1973-2023.”
Soon after she was elected, an article appeared in a local newspaper, noting Brady breaking into what had been a male-dominated office in town. There were also a large number of women in other governmental positions. The National Enquirer picked up on the story and wrote a piece, dubbing Kent “Petticoat Junction.”
Brady was also a woman of strong faith, and after serving in the public realm, she worked as secretary for several Roman Catholic churches, including those in Sherman, Sharon, Cornwall and Kent. A funeral was held in Kent on Friday, Feb. 28.
Ruth Epstein
Kent
EAST CANAAN — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Mae MacCallum, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, who passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at her home in East Canaan. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Toby MacCallum, with whom she shared many years of love and companionship.
Shirley was born on Aug. 27, 1930, in Irving, Massachusetts, to the late Edgar and Henrietta (Jodway) Daigneault. A proud graduate of Agawam High School in 1947, she went on to lead a life filled with hard work, love, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Over the years, Shirley worked at Kaman Aircraft Corporation, where she built a solid foundation for her family, and later pursued her passion for antiques as the proud owner of Toby’s Antiques in East Canaan. She was known for her eye for unique treasures and her warm, welcoming nature that made all who entered feel like family.
Shirley’s family and friends will remember her for her deep love, her unwavering support, and her ability to bring laughter and joy into any room. She had a special gift for making people feel valued, and her kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Her love extended not only to her family but also to animals, showing compassion and care for them. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always finding ways to be present in their lives, no matter the distance.
She is survived by her beloved sister, RoseMarie Galloway, and her husband, Richard, of Soldotna, Arkansas; her loving daughter, Lynn Pike, and her partner, Michael Sammon, of Scottsdale, Arizona; and her son-in-law, John Shepard, of Enfield, Connecticut. Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Ralph McEwan of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, and her daughter, Kathleen Shepard.
Shirley’s legacy will live on through her grandchildren; Beth McEwan-Pajak and husband Jason of Southwick, Massachusetts, Krystal Ouellette of San Manuel, Arizona, Bryan McEwan and wife Tara of Westfield, Massachusetts, Kylene Perras and husband Jim of South Windsor, Connecticut, Jonathan Shepard and wife Hannah of Enfield, Connecticut, Wendy Bannish and husband William of Suffield, Connecticut, and Candice Smith and husband Curtis of Massillon, Ohio. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Katrina, Kaelyn, Madison, Chase, Lisette, Jasmine, Max, Ellie, Nathan, Austin, Clayton and Brianna who were the light of her life, as well as a cherished aunt to her nephew, Jeffrey Bunch and wife Gina, along with many other nieces and nephews.
Shirley was a woman of grace, strength, and resilience. She faced every challenge with courage, and her compassion for others was boundless. Whether as a mother, grandmother, or friend, she offered unwavering love and was a true source of comfort and wisdom. She will be missed more than words can express, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visiting hours for Shirley will be held on Wednesday March 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, located at 985 Main Street in Agawam, Massachusetts. Visiting hours will continue on Thursday March 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a funeral home service at 11 a.m.
Interment will proceed at the Springfield Street Cemetery, Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. Additional arrangements will be shared with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the MacCallum Family Fund for Animal Welfare, c/o Northwest CT Community Foundation, 33 East Main Street, PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790, 860-626-1245, in Shirley’s memory. Shirley’s life was one of love, service, and joy. While she may no longer be with us, the impact she made on our lives will never fade. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.
SHARON — Arthur Joseph Frigault, 79, passed away Feb. 26, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center after a brave attempt to live with multiple myeloma cancer. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, loving family and friends.
Arthur was born July 7, 1945, in Waltham, Massachusetts, the son of the late Arthur and Delina Frigault. His parents migrated from New Brunswick, Canada to Waltham in 1945. Arthur attended french-speaking St. Joseph Church’s elementary school in Waltham, Waltham High School and Northeastern University in Boston for engineering. He served in the US Army.
Arthur worked as engineer inspector in the aerospace industry at Itek Measurement Systems in Newton, Massachusetts and in the medical quality industry at Johnson and Johnson in Raynham, Massachusetts. His colorful life included work as a freelance photographer, picture framer, soap maker and restaurateur. Arthur was owner of Beebo’s Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisana with his wife, Karen.
Arthur is survived by his wife and soulmate, Karen Heacox; his brother and sister-in-law, Max and Jean Frigault of Pismo Beach, California; his nephew, Eric Frigault of Fountain Hills, Arizona; and several cousins in Canada and the United States. He will be dearly missed by the entire Heacox family. This loss will go out in concentric circles and be felt in the world, Arthur touched many peoples’ lives that they always felt better having spent time with him.
A memorial service will be held at the Sharon Congregational Church on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 357, Sharon, CT 06069.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
SALISBURY — Jane Caron McGarry, of Salisbury, died Feb. 26, 2025, at Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canaan. She was born in Sharon on Nov. 16, 1947, daughter of the late Augustine (Roy) and George Caron.
Ms. McGarry was employed as a secretary in Lakeville and Salisbury businesses and as a secretary to the late James B. Conlisk, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department in the 1960s. She worked for Shagroy Market and LaBonne’s Epicure as bookkeeper andcashier for many years. She was the first selectman’s secretary when the new town hall opened after being rebuilt following the fire. She was the receptionist at the Lakeville Journal and Noble Horizons. She also served as recording secretary for various boards and commissions for the Town of Salisbury.
Ms. McGarry served 8 years as President of the Salisbury Central School PTO, President of the Lakeville Mother’s Club, and as a Cub Scout den mother. She was an avid reader, writer, pet lover, cross stitcher, knitter, gardener, devoted mother, sister and grandmother.
She was predeceased by her husband, James McGarry, in 2002. She is survived by two sons; John and his wife, Tina, of Canaan, and Jason and his wife, Rebecca, of Troutman, North Carolina; a sister, Yvonne Robertson of Sharon; two grandsons Dylan of Idaho, and James of Troutman, North Carolina, and two granddaughters Hayley and Merida both of Troutman, North Carolina.
Arrangements will be private. Memorial donations may be sent to the Scoville Memorial Library 38 Main St. Salisbury, CT 06068. Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.