
Gerd waters some new sprouts on the student-built grow tables with Vignesh and Chavka behind.
Alec Linden
Gerd waters some new sprouts on the student-built grow tables with Vignesh and Chavka behind.
SOUTH KENT — It’s standardized testing and exams season, and the South Kent School students are in the weeds — literally — of the budding agricultural program on the school’s North Campus farm.
Half of the North Campus spring crew was waylaid by academic constraints during a visit to the school’s redeveloping sustainable agriculture and culinary education facilities in the afternoon sunshine on the first of May. The four who came, though, were grateful for the chance to get outside and enjoy the physicality of farm labor.
Tenth-grader Gerd P., who joined the farm program for the spring term, said the hands-on work is a “great distraction” from the more bookish obligations of boarding school life. His mother is Indigenous Peruvian, from a family who farmed on the rockier, sandier mountain soils of the Andes. He said that he appreciates getting in touch with the land as a connection to his mother and his heritage.
Head of School Brian Sullivan said that those connections to the earth, to the body, and to the physical product of the students’ labor are sometimes difficult to cultivate in a traditional classroom setting. “We’re letting the boys get their hands dirty,” he said.
He noted that 2025 is a ripe year to experiment with alternative learning models. “There’s such an opportunity to rethink and re-envision” what an academic curriculum should look like, he said. “I whole-heartedly believe a high school education is so much more than just science and math.”
The North Campus farm was originally bought for the school 12 years ago by two anonymous alumni who helped spearhead and develop the facility and program as “a center of innovation,” said Sullivan.
After years of student-led growth, the farm was productive and even possessed some livestock, however the COVID-19 pandemic and administration changes in the school caused farm operations to fall by the wayside in the years after 2020, said North Campus Director and Assistant Dean of Students Richard Chavka.
Chavka has been with the farm since its inception and said he found a ready partner when Sullivan took over duties at the school in 2023. Chavka remembers speaking to Sullivan about the possibilities of the 128-acre plot of land that extends down to the northern shoreline of Hatch Pond. “We’re really sitting on a gold mine out here — why don’t we take another shot?” the two had wondered.
The crew, plus Chavka, Sullivan, Sullivan’s son and a dog named Tally-Ho, in front of the barn which houses the kitchen. Alec Linden
The rebuilding process is well underway, which Chavka said has been an exercise in problem solving and adaptation, largely led by the students themselves, which has been a boon to the operation because, in Chavka’s words, “these guys are pretty smart.” Chavka said that it’s important that the farm grows on its own — and the students’ — terms: “It’s going to grow organically, no pun intended” The operation is currently seeking an official organic designation from the Northeast Organic Farming Association.
Two greenhouses, which Sullivan and Chavka said were impenetrably choked with weeds a year before, are now clear and orderly. One of them houses a neat array of grow tables and raised beds — all student built — sporting sprouts and some healthy-looking carrot and spinach plants, irrigated by a drip-timed watering system that was also designed by the North Campus team.
Vignesh P., who has had some agricultural experience at home in India, said that his favorite part of the spring North Campus curriculum was actually building the tables and beds in the greenhouse. He enjoyed the tactility and clear sense of purpose the build brought, which school Director of Communications Sarah Chase said is a core motivation of the North Campus program.
“When students take charge, they’re not just managing a task—they’re collaborating, adapting, and creating something together that didn’t exist before,” she said. She explained that the core ethos of the farming and culinary instruction curriculum is for the students, by means of collaboration and leadership initiative, to learn “to do right by the land and by each other.”
“It’s amazing to see your labor get finished,” said George W., a 10th grader from Hong Kong whose urban upbringing was far removed from the food production industry.
George is transferring next year and is disappointed he won’t be able to participate in the North Campus’ “plow-to-plate” programming that will be ramping up next year. Besides growing and harvesting of food, the other half of the North Campus’ mission focuses on cooking it.
Hidden inside a formidable barn-like structure is a state-of-the-art industrial kitchen that will host classes and programs teaching South Kent students about culinary arts and the farm-to-table restaurant business. The school has been hosting Friday night culinary sessions where local chefs, school staff and other food-service professionals lead workshops for the students.
As crop growing scales up, produce picked just outside the door will be used in these sessions. Chavka eventually plans to start supplying the school dining hall, as well as local food banks. Having a service element “is really important” to the broader purpose of the North Campus as not just a school resource, but one that benefits the whole community.
While those goals are down the road, the farm already has had impacts on the crew of high-schoolers who spend every afternoon bringing it back to life. Nekhel M., an 11th grade member of the spring farm crew, said that the wholesome aspect of watching the growing process from seeding to sprouting has compelled him to think about pursuing food systems beyond the North Campus. “I might have my own farm when I get older,” he said.
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy walks through Sharon on the first day of his annual statewide walk.
Decked out in a blue T-shirt, khaki shorts and a UConn cap, the man walking along Route 41 in Sharon Wednesday morning looked like others who just enjoy getting out to commune with nature. But U. S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D) had some other thoughts on his mind.
For the ninth year, he was walking across Connecticut to connect with citizens of the state. This year’s route began May 28 in Salisbury and took him to Sharon and Kent for the day.
People along the way wanted to chat with the lawmaker, and despite some gentle prodding from his staffers to keep on pace, Murphy took time to converse with those he met covering a variety of topics. On Route 41 between Lakeville and Salisbury, he encountered longtime friend, former State Rep. Roberta Willis, of Salisbury, who along with her sister Sherie Berk, greeted him with a sign stating “Chris, We’re proud of U.”
Continuing his walk, he made a stop at Sharon Center School where he spoke with sixth- and seventh-graders. Then he met with some of the younger children, who, he said, “had a million ideas about what they could do for our country.”
Sharon First Selectman Casey Flanagan, left, speaks with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy outside Town Hall.Photo by Ruth Epstein
Following a stop at Standard Space art gallery, he proceeded to Town Hall, where First Selectman Casey Flanagan presented him with a tiny step counter. Pleased with the gift, he said he had been wanting to get one but never got around to it.
At Town Hall, the subject of Mudge Pond came up, with the selectmen telling him how important that natural resource is to the town. Selectman Lynn Kearcher said so far, its condition is not too bad, but the threat of an invasion of hydrilla is a constant worry. “Lynn and I both grew up on that lake. We want to save it for generations to come,” said Flanagan.
Kearcher asked what the citizens of Sharon can do to combat the current administration in Washington. Murphy recommended joining activist groups and getting involved. “All that can make a difference.”
He acknowledged the latest big bill proposed by the Republicans which was approved by the House of Representatives is bad for Connecticut. One of its features calls for reducing Medicaid payments in blue states by 10 percent. It will throw millions around the country off the plan, he said. The bill will also result in adding $3.5 trillion to the national debt.
“It’s an ugly bill,” said Murphy.
As he headed off to Kent, he was met by some Sharon Playhouse employees who excitedly told him about this year’s productions. The walk to Kent proved to be a strenuous one, with a long steep mountain to climb. Once in the center of Kent, he crossed over the Housatonic River on the bridge next to Kent School.
From left, former State Rep. Roberta Willis and Sherie Berk talk with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy in Salisbury.Photo by Ruth Epstein
Murphy explained the purpose of the walk, which over the nine years has touched all areas of the state. “My job is to listen. I can’t do my job well unless I listen to what people are saying.”
On this trip, he found the issues of housing and Medicaid were what people were talking about. The push and pull between conserving land and the need for housing was also on people’s minds.
In Kent, he made a stop at Motoriot, where owner Jason Doornick explained he refurbishes vintage 4 x 4s. Murphy was impressed with what he saw. He also visited Kent Wine & Spirits and the Mobil station and convenience store where customer Tom Connors approached him and asked, “When did bravery go out of fashion?”
Murphy planned to walk another four days with the aim of reaching Long Island Sound.
SHARON — Marion J. (Cookingham) Pedersen of Sharon, passed peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 91.
Born in Pine Plains, New York, she lived a life of love and unwavering strength. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife known for her cooking skills.
Her greatest joy was taking care of and feeding her family. For over 50 years she knew most of the children in Sharon, either by driving them to and from school on the bus or by feeding them lunch in the Sharon Center School cafeteria. She will be missed by so many.
She is survived and missed by her husband of 74 years, Niels (Pete) Pedersen, her two sons Niels (Peter) Pedersen Jr., and wife Lori of Sharon, Dennis Pedersen and wife Bonnie of Winchester, and her daughter, Deborah Pedersen of Winsted. She will forever be cherished and remembered by her granddaughters, Hollie Boyuk and husband Michael, Sarah White and husband Michael, five great-grandsons, Dylan and wife Ashley, Brandon, Caleb, Christopher and Jacob, and numerous other family members who will miss her dearly.
Marion was the youngest of 12 children and predeceased by her 11 siblings.
All services are private.Memorial contributions may be made to the donors choice. Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
LIME ROCK — Eleanor Anne Sternlof (née de Guise) of White Hollow Road passed away on April 25, 2025 at Geer Village in North Canaan, Connecticut. She was 94 and the loving wife of the late Paul William Sternlof, who died on August 12, 2005.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 11am to 1pm at The Kenny Funeral Home, 41 Main Street, Sharon, CT.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
SHARON — Jacqueline Irene Dirck, affectionately known as Jackie, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 84. Born on Nov. 19, 1940, in Joplin, Missouri, Jackie lived a life filled with warmth, laughter, and deep devotion to those she loved.
Jackie shared an extraordinary 62-year marriage with her high school sweetheart and beloved husband, Ronald Dirck. Their enduring partnership was a shining example of lifelong love and unwavering support. Together they created a home that radiated joy, a gathering place for family celebrations marked by spirited card games, hearty meals, and heartfelt conversations. Jackie especially treasured quiet afternoons spent with a cocktail in hand, embracing life’s simple pleasures with grace and good cheer.
She was a devoted mother to Melissa Dirck Appel and her husband Jeff Appel, and Patrick Dirck and his wife Lisa Dirck. She carried the memory of her son Kevin with enduring love throughout her life. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren; Alexandra, Caroline, Emma, Natalie, Evan, Cooper, Elle, and Tanner. Jackie is also fondly remembered by her sister, Charlene Barr and brother James Wilson.
A gifted cook with a generous spirit, Jackie found immense joy in bringing people together around the table. Her kitchen was always filled with the comforting aromas of treasured family recipes or exciting new culinary creations-each dish prepared with love and care. These shared meals became cherished traditions that strengthened bonds across generations.
Jackie also had a tender heart for animals. The loyal companionship of her beloved dogs brought her comfort and joy over the years-offering moments of peace amid life’s busy rhythm.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Maxine Wilson. Their guidance remained close to Jackie’s heart throughout her journey. In honor of Jackie’s compassionate nature and giving spirit, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Susan G. Komen Foundation or The American Cancer Society.
Her light lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory continue to bring comfort and smiles to those she touched.
A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date.