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Great Mountain Forest: Teachers head to the woods for retreat
Alec Linden
Aug 26, 2026
Great Mountain Forest foresters lead an educational hike on forestry and land-use history through the organization’s managed woodlands. The hike was one of 10 workshops offered during the retreat for educators learning to teach environmental concepts.
Alec Linden
NORFOLK – Deep in the Norfolk woods over the weekend of Aug. 14 to 16, teachers gathered to take lessons of their own.
The three-day Teach the Teachers Forestry Educators Retreat brought 20 educators to Great Mountain Forest for hands-on training in outdoor education and forestry. The participants teach students ranging from kindergartners to adults.
The retreat was organized by Great Mountain Forest, UConn 4-H and the Northwest Conservation District. Great Mountain Forest is a sustainable forestry nonprofit based on more than 6,000 acres of highland forest in Norfolk. UConn 4-H is a youth development organization, while the Northwest Conservation District is the regional branch of a state program that protects agricultural and natural resources. The retreat was meant to bridge the gap between Connecticut’s educators and experts in the environmental field.
The weekend retreat grew out of 10 years of discussions between veteran outdoor educators Audra Leach and Emily Picard, who realized that many of their colleagues needed additional training and professional connections to teach forestry concepts.
“A lot of the teachers that we’ve been working with over the past few years are new to the natural resource career pathway and weren’t comfortable teaching the concepts that we are comfortable teaching,” said Picard during a rare moment of downtime while the group was out in the woods taking a crash course in forestry education from Great Mountain Forest staff.
“Now that we’re in professions outside of the classroom,” she added, “looking back, we wanted to be able to share the network that we’ve established over the years.”
“It’s about closing that gap between education and industry,” said Leach, who was also enjoying a brief rest from the packed weekend schedule, which included seminars, workshops and plenty of networking opportunities with fellow educators and experts.
Leach, who once served as Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s agricultural education teacher, is now program administrator at the Northwest Conservation District. Picard also has an extensive background in agricultural education and is now the Fairfield County educator for UConn 4-H.
“We’re a bridge,” Leach said, “and so everybody that’s running a workshop is an industry professional that has that knowledge to help people bridge that gap and make connections.”
“You don’t get this training in any formal education,” she added later. “It all has to be, I think, passed down from somebody.”
Both organizers said that it’s not only the people but also the place that makes a true retreat.
“It’s kind of a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere,” said Picard of the venue, based at the historic Yale Camp, a rustic, timber-built compound located several miles into the forest off a forestry road usually closed to public access. The camp, which was deeded to Yale University in the 1940s and is regularly used by the Yale School of the Environment, has a history of bringing natural resource educators together, including Leach and Picard themselves.
“We didn’t know we were at the same event,” Leach said as both laughed, “but 20 years ago we were both here for a forestry education event.”
She said the feeling of inspiration she experienced then has stuck with her throughout her career. The two hoped to impart that same inspiration to the teachers attending the retreat and, ultimately, to their students.
“Every kid needs to be inspired by somebody, and that’s what these folks are doing,” said Picard of the attendees.
Both said the remote location, cut off from cell service, allowed the participants to dine, work and learn together while cultivating a true retreat environment.
Leach spoke of an impromptu constellation-naming lesson that sprang up organically around the campfire the previous night. “That type of experience really exemplifies the word retreat,” she said, “and that’s why we called it that—hoping for those types of experiences.”
The effect on the group was noticeable. By Saturday morning, the second day of programming, the participants chatted easily with one another as they sipped coffee and ate breakfast on one of Yale Camp’s sunny porches before heading out on the trail for their forestry workshop.
Shannon Koberl, an agricultural educator at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, said, “I came for the forestry—that’s what got me to sign up—but the connections have been amazing.”
“And it’s at Great Mountain Forest, which is awesome,” she added between lessons from Great Mountain Forest foresters Larry Rousseau, Jody Bronson and Kate Regan-Loomis.
The lessons themselves, which included subjects such as soil science, watershed studies, curriculum-building and others in addition to forestry, also proved valuable to the attendees.
Central Connecticut State University rising junior and Northwest Conservation District summer outreach education intern Hannah Foster was animated by a lesson on forest inventory, during which Rousseau, Bronson, Regan-Loomis and forester’s assistant Will Watkins demonstrated several methods used to estimate the amount of timber in a forest stand.
“I just feel so refreshed with all this new knowledge,” she said.
Caitlin Anderson is a kindergarten teacher at the Community Nursery School in Guilford, an alternative early learning institution based on outdoor experiences. She said she was interested in incorporating an angle gauge, a simple metal tool foresters use to measure tree inventory, into her students’ curriculum.
“They’re so capable,” she said of the students, who make maple syrup and press apple cider and practice other outdoor skills as part of their education. “They’d be so pumped to add these to the rotation,” she said.
An afternoon keynote talk by forester, author and popular social media personality Ethan Tapper was the only public event of the retreat, bringing a crowd of 200 into the halls of Norfolk’s Church of Christ, Congregational.
Leach and Picard thanked the sponsors.“We can do our work because of the sponsors and funding that people that care about these things provide,” Leach said. “Truly, that is how we function.”
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North Cornwall Meeting House marks 200 years
Ruth Epstein
Aug 26, 2026
Attendees enter the North Cornwall Meeting House on Friday to mark the building’s 200th anniversary.
Ruth Epstein
CORNWALL – The 200th anniversary of the North Cornwall Meeting House commemorated a tale of separation and reconciliation.
The landmark at Town Street and Cogswell Road was built in 1826 as the home of the Second Congregational Church of Cornwall, which had split from the First Congregational Church four decades earlier. The two congregations reunited in 1988 to form the United Church of Christ in Cornwall, which now owns the meeting house.
The anniversary was celebrated this past weekend with meals, music, lectures and prayer. Such a commemoration has been held every 50 years since the building’s construction.
On Friday evening, a program followed a picnic dinner at which Virginia Gold, Tracy Gray and Rebecca Hurlburt discussed how the building came to be.
Following tradition, Gold was among the young people named 50 years ago to help lead the 200th anniversary celebration.
“Buildings have stories, as people do,” she told those seated in the pews, “and this building has plenty of stories.” She noted three important elements of its history: finances, personal power and religious freedom.
Back in the late 1700s, her fifth-great-grandfather, the Rev. Hezekiah Gold, refused to accept paper money for his salary as pastor of the First Congregational Church.
When the Revolutionary War broke out, he wanted to be paid with English currency. “It didn’t go well,” Gold said.
The minister faced dissension, splitting the congregation between those who supported Gold and those who left to form the Second Congregational Church of Cornwall in 1786.
Those who left the congregation worshiped for 40 years in a shell of a poorly-constructed building until a decision was made to build a new church. Dissent continued over where to locate it, so a county judge was called upon to settle the controversy.
Noah Rogers conveyed the land on which the current building sits for $50. Members got to work and many of the materials were donated by local citizens. The building was constructed in 1826.
Gray focused on the building’s Federal-style architecture, which featured eight solid chestnut pillars given for the sanctuary. Many parishioners provided trees. The pulpit was reached by a high staircase on each side. A bell tower featuring a spire transitioned the building from a civic center to a church.
Over the years, the building has gone through several restorations. A bell was added after 18 years and an organ was installed in 1906. The 1926 celebration featured the addition of a Palladian window.
Hurlburt brought the audience back to 1926, when Samuel Scoville, Jr., Esq. was charged with how to prepare for the centennial. He talked about the extensive renovations that would be needed, including a spire, organ, new carpets and candle sconces, among other improvements. The estimated cost was $10,000 and Scoville had to raise it all, which he did. “It would be another hundred years before there was another renovation,” Hurlburt said.
Now, upgrades are made under the auspices of the non-profit Friends of the North Cornwall Meeting House, which raises the funds. Its current chairman, David Hubbard, said, “Our mission is to support the preservation of this building. It’s a landmark for all the people of Cornwall.”
While summer services for the UCC are held there, so are many community events, such as lectures and concerts.
In her conclusion, Gold told of the continuance of the two churches. Although members often participated in common events, even worshipping together, they were still separate. Attempts to join together failed until a series of committee studies and meetings met with success in 1988.
“They had to overcome stubbornness, pride and greed,” she said. “But the truth is, there was grace on all sides of the debate. I learned about the independent thinking of our ancestors. This building represents what it takes to set down grievances.”
The weekend also featured an organ concert on Saturday by Hector Migliacci, who was raised in Cornwall, and Old Home Sunday Worship with guest minister, the Rev. Kent Siladi.
The committee for the 250th celebration in 2076 has been named: Grayson Dinneen, Lily Danforth Gold, Emma Hart LeBeau, Spencer Markow, Abbe Scoville and Theo Wescott.
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HVRHS varsity athletes prepare for fall sports season
Riley Klein
Aug 26, 2026
Dan Moran reads the green.
Riley Klein
FALLS VILLAGE — Summer break is coming to a close, and Housatonic Valley Regional High School athletes are gearing up for another season of golf, soccer, volleyball, football and cross country. Some teams have already begun competing.
Golf
The first team to swing into action was the varsity golf squad, coached by Peter Vermilyea. The preseason began with a scrimmage on Monday, Aug. 24, against Lakeview High School. It was held at Litchfield Country Club on a sunny afternoon.
The golf team has four seniors this year: Jonas Johnson, Dan Moran, Rhys Culbreth and Wiley Fails. Johnson won the longest drive award at last year’s Berkshire League all-star tournament.
The first official golf meet of the season for HVRHS is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Canaan Country Club against Northwestern Regional High School.
Soccer
The girls soccer team finished last season with a semifinal berth in the Class S state tournament. After graduating just two seniors last year, the team entered the 2026 season ranked by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) as the fifth best team in Class S. All-league twin strikers Lainey Diorio and Lyla Diorio will be back for their sophomore season along with their older sister, Addie Diorio, in her senior year.
The girls soccer team scheduled a series of scrimmages before the regular season starts at home Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 3:45 p.m. against Northwestern. The team is coached by Don Drislane and Ellery Kiefer.
The boys soccer team will take the field with one of the strongest defensive lineups in the Berkshire League. Anchored by senior defenders Ryan Segalla and Wyatt Bayer, the Mountaineers will be experienced and resilient in the backfield.
After a few friendly scrimmages, the boys soccer season starts on the road Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 3:45 p.m. against Northwestern.
Volleyball
The girls volleyball team, coached by Cherie Lopes and Lisa McAuliffe, will travel to Waterbury on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 5:15 p.m. for a season-opening match against ACES at Chase.
Perennial Berkshire League all-star Sydney Howe returns for her final varsity season along with senior teammates Lydia Fleming, Kellie Eisermann and Kenzsi Watson.
Football
Football kicks off Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. when the Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op team will take the field in Winsted against Woodland Regional High School. MaxPreps ranked GNH as the 12th best team in Class SS this season.
The Yellowjackets, coached by Scott Salius, will face a challenging schedule in tier one of the Naugatuck Valley League with road games in Watertown, Naugatuck and Waterbury. The Thanksgiving Day game this year is scheduled to be played in Winsted Thursday, Nov. 26, at 10:30 a.m. against the Nonnewaug co-op team.
HVRHS will have two seniors on the football field in Carson Riva (OL/DL) and Jacob Robles (WR/DB). Falls Village is scheduled to host one GNH game this year: a night game against the Canton/Granby co-op team Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.
Cross Country
The cross country team is coached by Letitia Garcia-Tripp and led by three seniors: Daniel Lesch, Ishaan Tantri and Finn Malone.
The first Berkshire League meet of the season is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 3:45 p.m. in Woodbury.
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Augustfest brings festive finale to Falls Village summer
Patrick L. Sullivan
Aug 26, 2026
VanceCannon plays the slide guitar during a rendition of Little Feat’s “Dixie Chicken” at Augustfest.
Patrick L. Sullivan
FALLS VILLAGE — The band played, the brats sizzled on the grill, the beer flowed and bids were made on auction items at the David M. Hunt Library’s Augustfest summer fundraiser Sunday, Aug. 23.
The silent auction included an early 20th-century quilt supplied by Mary Sullivan and finished by Ruth Giumarro; a one-hour scenic airplane flight for three from Berkshire Aviation; a pickleball paddle and a one-hour beginner’s lesson from Doug Cohn; a $50 gift certificate from Freund’s Farm Market; and a guitar handmade by Peter Havriluk labeled “Chessie and Co.”
Bidders in the silent auction, including First Selectman Dave Barger, third from left, examine their options.Patrick L. Sullivan
“We’re called ‘An Unnamed Group of People,’” said Vance Cannon by way of introduction as the band began its first set. Cannon, who plays guitar and sings, led the group through an eclectic setlist, including “Crazy,” “Rolling in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” and “Dixie Chicken,” the latter featuring some mean slide guitar from Cannon.
Also in the Unnamed Group were Melanie Cullerton on vocals; Steve Roys on accordion, harmonica and vocals; Lisa Clarke on banjo and vocals; Ralph Harris on electric bass; and Hal Cannon on guitar.
At the food tent attendees could choose between bratwurst from Nodine’s, hot pretzels from the Falls Village Inn, hot dogs, vegetarian brats and sauerkraut. Norbrook Brewery supplied the beer, and there was ice water and lemonade for the non-imbibers.
First Selectman Dave Barger said he was driving north from Goshen earlier in the afternoon, and his heart sank when he saw the weather ahead of him from Robert’s Hill.
“It was a solid sheet of rain.”
But by the event’s 4 p.m. start, the rain was long gone.
Augustfest is one of the library’s biggest fundraisers and a highlight of a Falls Village summer.
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Salisbury housing projects gain funding as Holley Place awaits soil test results
Aly Morrissey
Aug 26, 2026
A rendering of a design concept for the Dresser Woods affordable housing complex in Salisbury.
Provided
SALISBURY — The Salisbury Affordable Housing Commission (SAHC) agreed to commit $181,600 toward two affordable housing initiatives during its regular meeting on Aug. 20, as local housing advocates continue to await soil-testing results from the separate Holley Place development.
Construction at Holley Place, an affordable housing development overseen by the Salisbury Housing Committee, was unexpectedly halted following the recent discovery of fuel-contaminated soil. Testing was conducted earlier this month, but the results have not yet been received.
The Salisbury Housing Committee is a private nonprofit organization that develops and manages several affordable housing properties in town. The SAHC is a town-appointed body that promotes affordable housing and recommends grants from the town’s Affordable Housing Fund. The SAHC does not build or manage housing projects.
The commission’s two commitments, discussed at the meeting, would draw its current fund balance down from approximately $195,000 to $13,400, directing money toward the proposed Dresser Woods development and the renovation of a recently purchased home on Bostwick Street.
The Salisbury Housing Committee asked the commission to commit $200,000 toward the Dresser Woods project, a proposed affordable rental development at 37 Railroad St. While the committee said it does not need the funds in the near term, it requested a commitment letter to demonstrate local confidence in the project as it seeks other funding sources.
With approximately $195,000 in its current fund, the commission was unable to fund the full $200,000, but agreed to commit $100,000. The commission agreed to make a recommendation to the town asking it to commit the remaining balance.
The proposed Dresser Woods project would include 20 affordable rental homes in nine buildings on a 5.3-acre parcel donated by Jim Dresser in 2022 near the center of Salisbury Village. The project has received wetlands and zoning approvals and is continuing to raise funds. The committee recently put the project out to bid and chose the lowest bidder, Axela Construction based in Waterbury.
The Salisbury Housing Trust, a similar private nonprofit that develops affordable housing, requested $81,600 to renovate a recently-purchased property at 51 Bostwick St., which the trust plans to sell to a local family.
“We’re very excited about this project and I think it will be a lovely two-bedroom house for a local family,” said John Harney, co-president of the trust.
Harney said the support from the commission would allow the trust to preserve cash flow so it can act quickly when other opportunities arise.
“We are usually beaten out by home flippers and investors in town if we don’t have funds in the bank,” Harney said.
Together, the two commitments would reduce the commission’s fund balance to $13,400. Commission member Lee Sullivan said while it’s early in the fiscal year to spend down much of the fund, it shows the money is going toward valuable projects for the town.
“It gives us more weight to push the town to fund more affordable housing,” Sullivan said.
Richard Tennyson, treasurer of the Salisbury Housing Trust, also reported that clean-up and fundraising efforts following the destructive July 4 storm are continuing. He said the organization has spent around $16,000 on storm-related assistance, including $5,000 to repair a sewage pump for a family that could not afford the work.
Sullivan also said that the commission will soon distribute a printed newsletter that will hit mailboxes in the near future and inform the community about its ongoing efforts. “It has really good stories,” Sullivan said.
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Finance board backs $611,000 Lakeville Train Station move
Patrick L. Sullivan
Aug 26, 2026
The historic Lakeville Train Station.
Patrick L. Sullivan
SALISBURY — The Board of Finance unanimously recommended sending a long-discussed $611,000 plan to relocate the historic Lakeville Train Station on Ethan Allen Street to a town meeting.
The board voted during a special meeting Wednesday, Aug. 19. The proposal will go before voters at a town meeting in mid-September.
Comptroller Joe Cleaveland said the $611,000 bid from Burlington Construction can be covered with funds in a debt reduction line in the current budget without negatively impacting the town’s ability to pay off its existing debt.
Finance board member Emily Vail said the board would therefore have to approve using funds designated for one purpose to pay for the move.
First Selectman Curtis Rand said the plan is to move the building back 19 feet, construct a new foundation and basement, and raise the building overall.
Rand said the most obvious problem is that box trucks making deliveries to the three restaurants on Ethan Allen Street have repeatedly hit the train station roof. It has happened six times in the last few years, he said.
Rand also said the existing intersection is confusing and chaotic, posing a threat to public safety.
“It’s very busy,” he said. “You’ve got the three restaurants, kids, bicycles, traffic from the Grove.”
The town has put up concrete barriers to prevent trucks from hitting the roof, which has further narrowed the roadway.
Rand said he doesn’t see an alternative to moving the building.
“I don’t want someone getting hit on my watch,” he said.
There was no public comment on the topic.
In a show of support for the move, board member Keith Moon said the existing intersection is a combination of a parking lot, road and delivery spot. “It seems inherently dangerous,” he said.
If voters approve the plan, work to relocate the station could begin as early as the fall.
The town meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16.
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