Thanking those who give their all

Thanking those who give their all

Debbie Hanlon, left, and Barbara Prindle, right, sign up Sharon Selectman Lynn Kearcher, center, as a member of the Taghhannuck Grange #100 at Friday’s Volunteer Recognition and Recruitment Event at the Hotchkiss Library.

Ruth Epstein

SHARON — Volunteerism is alive and well in Sharon. This was apparent Friday, April 4, at the Volunteer Recognition and Recruitment Event held at Hotchkiss Library.

Library Executive Director Gretchen Hachmeister explained that she and Karen DePauw, executive director of the Sharon Historical Society, and Eileen Fielding, executive director of Sharon Audubon, spoke last year about holding such an event for National Volunteer Month, which is April, but the timing wasn’t right. So they decided to make it happen this year.

Eighteen groups were represented at booths throughout the building, proving that activism and civic involvement is crucial to the successful operation of a town. The volunteers in attendance showed passion and enthusiasm for their causes, which helped recruit others to join them.

“We all need help, even more now,” said Hachmeister. She was pleased with the turnout, which included new residents, as well as those who’ve been in Sharon for a long time. There were also some from out of town.

DePauw said so many organizations rely on the extraordinary contributions made by volunteers. “This event had a two-fold purpose: to bring them all together in one space and to recruit and make connections.”

Among those in attendance were Donna DiMartino and Marlene Woodman of the Sharon Community Foundation. “Our goal is to keep Sharon residents in their homes by helping with some financial assistance,” said DiMartino. “Many have been in town for years and are trying to hang on. We’re trying to help them.”

Barbara Prindle and Debbie Hanlon were there representing Taghhannuck Grange #100. Hanlon compiled a history of the organization, which explains the local chapter received a charter in 1889 with 12 members. The hall on Dunbar Road, an example of Greek Revival architecture, was originally built as a Methodist church in 1839. The Morey brothers operated a store there for a time starting in 1894. In 1928 the Grange purchased the property for $400.

The Sharon Fire Department’s ambulance squad was established in 1948 when the Grange gave the department a LaSalle ambulance. In 1968 the Grange completed an addition to the hall for the fire department to use as a substation, which is still in operation today.

Blake Myers was at the event representing 2-year-old nonprofit Tri Corner F.E.E.D., which works to increase food access and support local farms. She spoke excitedly about the market opening in Millerton in June where shoppers will find everything they need.

Other volunteer organizations spreading information about their missions were: Project SAGE, Sharon Ambulance and Fire Department, Sharon Daycare, Sharon Playhouse, Sharon Housing Trust, Sharon Energy & Environment Commission, Democratic Town Committee, Republican Town Committee, Sharon Housing Authority, Equus Effect, Sharon Woman’s Club and the Voice of Art.

Latest News

Jacob assumes leadership role at William Pitt Sotheby’s Litchfield Hills offices

Eddie Jacob was recently promoted to Assistant Brokerage Manager for four Litchfield Hills offices of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

Photo provided

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Eddie Jacob as Assistant Brokerage Manager for its four Litchfield Hills offices, the company announced on Nov. 19.

In his new role, Jacob will support agents and help oversee operations in the firm’s Kent, Litchfield, Salisbury and Washington Depot brokerages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Winter sports season approaches at HVRHS

Mohawk Mountain was making snow the first week of December. The slopes host practices and meets for the HVRHS ski team.

By Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — After concluding a successful autumn of athletics, Housatonic Valley Regional High School is set to field teams in five sports this winter.

Basketball

Keep ReadingShow less
Bears headline DEEP forum in Sharon; attendees call for coexistence, not hunting

A mother bear and her cubs move through a backyard in northwest Connecticut, where residents told DEEP that bear litters are now appearing more frequently.

By James H. Clark

SHARON — About 40 people filled the Sharon Audubon Center on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to discuss black bears — and most attendees made clear that they welcome the animals’ presence. Even as they traded practical advice on how to keep bears out of garages, porches and trash cans, residents repeatedly emphasized that they want the bears to stay and that the real problem lies with people, not wildlife.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) convened the meeting as the first in a series of regional Bear Management Listening Sessions, held at a time when Connecticut is increasingly divided over whether the state should authorize a limited bear hunt. Anticipating the potential for heated exchanges, DEEP opened the evening with strict ground rules designed to prevent confrontations: speakers were limited to three minutes, directed to address only the panel of DEEP officials, and warned that interruptions or personal attacks would not be tolerated.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kent unveils two new 'smart bins' to boost composting efforts

Rick Osborne, manager of the Kent Transfer Station, deposits the first bag of food scraps into a new organics “smart bin.” HRRA Executive Director Jennifer Heaton-Jones stands at right, with Transfer Station staff member Rob Hayes at left.

By Ruth Epstein

KENT — Residents now have access to around-the-clock food-scrap composting thanks to two newly installed organics “smart bins,” unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday morning, Dec. 1.

Rick Osborne, manager of the Kent Transfer Station, placed the first bag of food scraps into the smart bin located at 3 Railroad St. A second bin has been installed outside the Transfer Station gate, allowing 24/7 public access even when the facility is closed.

Keep ReadingShow less