nature

State forest throws centennial bash

State forest throws centennial bash

The UConn Woodsmen team saw a log at People’s State Forest’s 100th birthday party.

Patrick L. Sullivan

BARKHAMSTED — The People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted turned 100 this month, and on Sunday, Oct. 6 Matthies Grove was busy with exhibitions and demonstrations.

Owen Laurenzo of Hickory Hollow Working Steers in Belchertown, Massachusetts maneuvered two oxen in place while his father Chris got a big log up on a sled, ready to be pulled 75 yards or so to a portable sawmill, where a team from the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources awaited.

Elsewhere Jody Bronson and Vicki Nelson from Great Mountain Forest chatted with visitors. Bronson demonstrated how to make an axe handle.

The UConn Woodsmen did various woodly things with crosscut saws, chain saws and peaveys.

John Ferrantino from the Farmington Valley Trout Unlimited chapter was on hand and ready to talk fly-fishing, and members of the Barkhamsted Historical society were highly informative, especially when asked why it’s called the “People’s” state forest.

The answer: Because while some of the 3,059 acres were donated, much of it was purchased with donations from ordinary citizens, thus the moniker.

nature

Latest News

Nonnewaug sweeps BL soccer titles

Nonnewaug sweeps BL soccer titles
Nonnewaug sweeps BL soccer titles
Nonnewaug sweeps BL soccer titles

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.

Keep ReadingShow less

Joan Jardine

Joan Jardine

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.

Keep ReadingShow less

Celebration of Life: Carol Kastendieck

Celebration of Life: Carol Kastendieck

A Celebration of Life for Carol Kastendieck will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Salisbury, 30 Main St., Salisbury, Connecticut.

Día de los Muertos marks a bittersweet farewell for Race Brook Lodge

Día de los Muertos marks a bittersweet farewell for Race Brook Lodge

The ofrenda at Race Brook Lodge.

Lety Muñoz

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.

Keep ReadingShow less
community