Thanksgiving

‘On that best portion of a good man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.’
—William Wordsworth

As autumn comes to a close and the holiday season rushes in with all its annual appeal, people in our communities begin to exhibit a communal spirit that shows off the best in all of us. Thanksgiving marks the start of this time of reflection. There are parades on our Main Streets, bringing neighbors together to stand in the cold and wave at passing fire trucks and floats. Family get-togethers that often include friends and those alone during the holiday become celebrations of much more than roast turkey and pumpkin pie. The holiday unites us as families, neighbors and as members of a community.

We take the time to embrace those close to us as well as reach out to those in need.

Last week’s Page One article about Beverly Becker in North Canaan, who has been the driving force behind 17 years of Thanksgiving community dinners in the Northwest Corner, provided a heartwarming example of ‘kindness and love.’ With help from many churches and volunteers, Beverly’s dedicated team will again serve up a free Thanksgiving Day dinner at Pilgim House in North Canaan. She said she got the idea for community dinners when she “heard a priest read a passage about giving to people you don’t know and expecting nothing in return.”

In this week’s edition, on Page One, we tell the story of a homeless family of four that is living in a tent in the woods, huddled up during our cold nights under blankets, jackets and sleeping bags. For the Garcia family, the Gathering Place in Torrington, a drop-in center for homeless, is a place to get warm and wash clothes. The family gets meals at the Community Soup Kitchen in Torrington. It should not be overlooked that homelessness in Connecticut has risen by 14% in the last two years.

In 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to be a national holiday — to encourage people to unite in gratitude — the nation was engaged in the Civil War. Lincoln wished to “heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it...to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.”

As we come together this Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for all that we have, and that includes living in community that can come together and care about everyone, one that shares its bounty with the less fortunate and the lonely and unites us all in gratitude.

We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.


With gratitude

We are grateful, too, to our many readers, advertisers, supporters and donors. Without you, we would not be able to continue our mission of helping members of our communities make more informed and inspired decisions through our comprehensive news and arts coverage. Enclosed in this week’s edition is a pre-addressed envelope and appeal letter. With your continued support, we will be able to serve our communities for years to come. Please give generously.

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less