Sharon

CORNWALL — Retired Reverend Christopher Webber has written more than two dozen books over his long career, most of them religious in nature.Several months ago, the Sharon resident published something slightly different, a biography called “American to the Backbone.” It tells the epic tale of James W. C. Pennington, an illiterate fugitive slave who became one of America’s first black abolitionists.
Several weeks ago The Wall Street Journal published a two-column glowing review of “American to the Backbone.”

SHARON — A new Community Paper and Soap Pantry, run by the Sharon Congregational Church, will provide paper goods, soap and personal hygiene products to anyone in need in northwestern Connecticut and eastern New York.
“There are a number of families in the area who have been impacted by financial challenges as a result of unemployment, including layoffs and downsizing, divorce, disability, health issues, domestic violence, homelessness, disasters, aging and the rising cost of living,” said the Rev. Jody Guerrera, associate pastor of the church.

SHARON — A noontime gathering on Aug. 13 at the home of Anthony and Elizabeth Piel on Route 41 drew more than 100 area Democrats and others who were interested in meeting the candidates vying for the Democratic endorsement to run for the 5th District U.S. House of Representatives seat in 2012.
The seat will be vacated by current 5th District U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, who is running for a seat in the U.S. Senate, representing Connecticut.

SHARON — Even at 10 a.m., cars already lined the streets along the Green and parking was hard to find. The Sharon on the Green Arts and Crafts fair once again drew a healthy crowd of vendors and shoppers Saturday, Aug. 6.
Crafters from near and far, old friends and new, offered everything from the ubiquitous American Girl doll clothes to decoupaged light switch covers.
Richard Heys and his wife, Anna, of Litchfield sold hand-carved wooden bowls made from local wood.