Sharon’s sweetest summer fundraiser takes the cake

Jennie Baird, middle, with her “winning” cake at The Edward in Sharon.
 Sava Marinkovic

Jennie Baird, middle, with her “winning” cake at The Edward in Sharon.
SHARON — Rain could not stop a parade of cakes from being marched to auction at the Sharon Historical Society in the evening of Friday, July 5.
All told, 27 cakes — along with some extras including cake decorating lessons, a bushel of apples, and an heirloom necklace cake-topper — were sold for the benefit of the Historical Society as part of what Executive Director Karen DePauw called the SHS’s most important fundraiser of the year.
At first, prospects for a breezy auction looked bleak as downpour rain and approaching thunder had attendees corralled inside the historic Gay-Hoyt House by order of the Fire Marshal. Still, spirits remained undampened as sweet-toothed visitors browsed the cakes on display, auction paddles tucked into pockets and under arms as they weighed this year’s prospects.
“We had a great response from bakers this year,” said SHS Project Coordinator & Registrar Myra Plescia, “and some incredible first-time bakers.” Her own contribution, however, was a bit unorthodox. “I like to call myself a nonconformist,” smiled Plescia, showing off her rustic pumpkin seed bread, “but really I’m just better at bread.”
Before long, the rain abated and the crowd was released in priority waves that, naturally, saw the bartenders as the first returned to their critical stations in the auction tent. Organizers followed, then visitors.
Finally, Cake #1, Peggy McEnroe and Mo Dore’s “Chocolate Whimsey,” arrived on the block.
“You all have to stay focused,” called SHS President and acting auctioneer Chris Robinson, stoking the crowd as the cake was placed, “we expect a record this evening.”
The lot’s first paddle went up for a cry of $40 — the final for over $400. From there, it was a torrent of cakes.
Amid rising bid calls, murmurs, oohs, and aahs, Sharon baker Jennie Baird explained her take on the auction. “Of course it’s a competition,” she said, grinning, “but I’m not just trying to beat everyone else, I’m trying to beat myself.” She hoped her Magic Mushroom Cake—an elaborately decorated vanilla cake advertising chocolate buttercream frosting, custard filling, homemade marzipan, and the promise of a “psychedelic surprise inside”—would outperform her previous take at a garden-themed carrot cake. Paddles shot up throughout the tent for Baird’s kaleidoscopic cake from $50, $100, $200; quickly to $1,000 and the outbreak of cheers. Eventually came the cry of “Sold!” for $1,800 — if this were a competition, good enough for the win.
In celebration, Baird unveiled a second copy of the prize cake to share with friends and family. “It’s really a shame,” she said, doling out slices peaked with marzipan mushrooms, “that more people don’t like carrot cake.”
Currently on exhibit at the Sharon Historical Society & Museum is “Creating an Oasis at Wethersfield: Mrs. Poehler and Mr. Stillman,” a partnership with Wethersfield Estate and Garden that tracks the career and influence of Sharon landscape architect Evelyn Poehler. Cocktails at the Wethersfield, in Amenia, New York, will be hosted by the SHS on Aug. 3.
WOODBURY — Nonnewaug High School claimed twin titles in the Berkshire League soccer tournament finals.
The school's girls and boys teams were named league champions after finishing the regular season with the best win/loss records. Winning the tournaments earned each team a plaque and added to the program's success in 2025.
Both of Nonnewaug's varsity teams faced off against their counterparts from Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the tournament finals in Woodbury Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The boys game was played first. Housatonic took a quick 2-0 lead with goals from Gustavo Portillo and Jackson McAvoy. Nonnewaug responded in the second half with three consecutive goals: first from Cash Medonis then two from Vincenzo Rose. The Nonnewaug boys won 3-2.
 
The girls game followed. Nonnewaug and Housatonic traded goals early on and the score was tied 2-2 at halftime. Nonnewaug scored twice more in the second half to win 4-2. Housatonic's goals were scored by Ava Segalla. Rosie Makarewicz scored twice for Nonnewaug and Hailey Goldman and Aubrey Doran scored once.
Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference soccer tournaments begin Oct. 31. Both Housatonic teams qualified for the Class S tournament and both Nonnewaug teams qualified for the Class M tournament.
TORRINGTON — Joan Jardine, 90, of Mill Lane, passed away at home on Oct. 23, 2025. She was the loving wife of David Jardine.
Joan was born Aug. 9, 1935, in Throop, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Joseph and Vera (Ezepchick) Zigmont.
Joan graduated from Harding High School.
She was a working artist for much of her adult life, starting her career studying plein air impressionist oil painting at the Cape Cod School of Art. Her work evolved to include a more representational style, and eventually a large body of abstract pieces. Her award-winning work has been shown in galleries and juried art shows throughout southern New England.
She is survived by her daughter Leslie and her husband George, brothers Joseph, Victor, and their families, nephews Gregory, Christopher, and their families, daughter-in- law Huong, and the extended Jardine family. She was predeceased by her son Douglas, and brother Michael.
A memorial service will be held at All Saints of America Orthodox Church, 313 Twin Lakes Road, Salisbury, Connecticut on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the All Saints of America Orthodox Church, PO Box 45, Salisbury, CT 06068.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
The ofrenda at Race Brook Lodge.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield will celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead: El Día de los Muertos.
Mexican Day of the Dead takes place the first weekend of November and honors los difuntos (the deceased) with ofrendas (offerings) on an altar featuring photos of loved ones who have passed on. Elements of earth, wind, fire and water are represented with food, papel picada (colorful decorative paper), candles and tequila left for the beloved deceased. The departed are believed to travel from the spirit world and briefly join the living for a night of remembrance and revelry.
Music and events programmer Alex Harvey has been producing Día de los Muertos at Race Brook for the past three years, and with the closing of the venue looming, the festival takes on a deep and personal meaning.
“The anchoring gesture of Race Brook, long before I arrived on the scene, has always been to cultivate a space that thins the veil between the worlds. Something otherworldly is hiding in the mountain’s towering shadow: the whispering spring-fed stream, the dense lineage that founder Dave Rothstein brings, the woodsmoke that rises every night of the year from the firepits. This space communes with the spirits,” said Harvey.
“And so we cradle a special ache in our hearts as the leaves turn and the beautiful dance of Race Brook’s project of cultural pollination draws to a close. Fitting, then, to return for one last activation — Día de Los Muertos — a celebration of the end of things. A remembrance of those who’ve made the transition we are all destined for, but also a time when we honor many types of loss. And while we will all mourn those who aren’t there in the flesh, we will also, with humility, come as mourners for the space itself,” Harvey continued.
The event will be a night to remember, to celebrate and to release with ritual, music, and communal remembrance. Participants are invited to bring photos, talismans and offerings for the ofrenda (offering), as well as songs, poems or toasts to share in tribute to loved ones who have passed.
Mexican American musicians Maria Puente Flores, Mateo Cano, Víctor Lizabeth, Oviedo Horta Jr. and Andrea from Pulso de Barro, an ensemble rooted in the Veracruz tradition of son jarocho, will be performing.
Translating to “Pulse of the Clay,” their name reflects a deep connection to the earth and to the living heartbeat of culture itself. Through a synthesis of Mexican, Cuban, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican traditions, Pulso de Barro merges poetry, rhythm and communal song as pathways to coexistence with nature. Their performances feature the jarana and leona (stringed instruments), quijada, cajón, maracas, and marimba (percussion), the tarima (percussive dance platform) and a call-and-response of folk and original versadas.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. in the Barn Space with a Fandango de los Muertos featuring Pulso de Barro, a Race Brook favorite. At 8 p.m., the Open Mic for the Dead invites guests to speak directly into the spirit world — through word, music or memory. The night culminates at 10:30 p.m. with a Fandango for the Dead, a participatory music and dance celebration. Bring your instruments, your voices and your dancing shoes.
Race Brook Lodge is a unique rustic getaway destination for relaxation, hiking, live music, workshops, weddings and more. Sadly, it will be closing for good later in 2026, ending a storied chapter of Berkshire music, art, culture and well-being.
Come experience an evening that honors lost loved ones and the end of a Berkshire institution. The cycle of life endures. Surely, resurrection is in the cards for Race Brook Lodge.
For Tickets and info, visit: rblodge.com