Vayer officially sworn in for temporary term

WINSTED — Paul Vayer, who served as town manager during the 1990s, was officially sworn in as the interim town manager right before the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Monday, Jan. 3.

The selectmen voted to hire Vayer at a special meeting on Dec. 20 after they rejected candidates Gary Champy, town manager of Randolph, Vt., and Mark Turcotte, purchasing director in Monroe, Conn., for the Winsted town manager position.

The decision to hire Vayer was not unanimous, as both Selectmen Michael Renzullo and George Closson voted against his hiring.

At the beginning of Monday’s meeting, Vayer thanked the board and said he wanted to create a meaningful and positive change to the town’s government and the community as a whole.

“Obviously, I’ve been in Winchester before, and I have always been impressed with the quality of the elected officials and the community involvement,� Vayer said. “I promise to do the very best in this capacity.�

Later on in the meeting, the board voted to approve Vayer’s salary of $84,580 on a per diem basis.

According to Mayor Candy Perez, Vayer will serve to the end of April at the latest.

She added that the town has received four new applications so far for the town manager position.

The board will meet toward the end of this month to discuss and review the applications.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less