Latest News
NORFOLK — Manor House Inn has been awarded a Connecticut Green Lodging Certification, and will re-open just in time for Earth Day.
When Rachel Roth and her husband bought the 125+ year-old inn in February 2022, the property was in need of considerable repairs They spent the first seven months balancing accommodating guests and updating the property. Roth’s son worked hard restoring much of the interior space, patching walls, painting, and serving as property manager.
Roth’s initial vision was to develop the property as a wedding venue, but resistance was met by neighbors who were concerned about how that business model would impact Norfolk’s quiet ambiance.
“We received candid feedback from neighbors who expressed concern about the level of activity and traffic. Although I believe we could have executed a venue well with minimal disruption to the neighborhood, I want to build a business that is welcomed by the community,” Roth said.
Other unforeseen events challenged her business. On Nov. 5, 2022, the biggest gas spill in Connecticut history happened right outside. A truck capsized on Route 44, spilling 8,200 gallons of gasoline into the earth and storm sewers, some of which converged on Roth’s property.
Guests were evacuated, power was turned off and no one could tell when it would be safe to reopen. They were forced to close indefinitely with heavy excavation and drilling expected for months.
“Since purchasing the property in Feb of 2022, we’ve been closed for more months than we’ve been open,” said Roth.
Manor House reopened primarily on weekends, ensuring guests were aware of the situation. Roth closed again this past winter to address fire code updates. With Maple Avenue torn up in front of their property for environmental remediation, it has been a challenging journey for Roth that has forced her to rethink her initial vision.
“We purchased the Manor House with the desire to restore it to a condition worthy of its history while building a business that contributes to the local economy and community life,” said Roth.
She explained that before buying the inn, her initial business plan was based on the goals outlined in Norfolk’s 2019 Plan for Conservation & Economic Development; specifically, to bring more young people into town by offering a wedding venue.
She aimed to support economic development (e.g. an upscale hospitality property brings guests who spend money in local shops and restaurants), and to maintain and enhance community assets (e.g. the Manor House is an architectural treasure; one that needs to be financially viable to be well-maintained).
“Ultimately, I believe that vibrant businesses increase property values, reduce the tax burden on property owners, draw young people and visitors into town, and improve the overall quality of communal life,” Roth said.
Now, Manor House has rebranded itself as an eco-friendly luxury boutique hotel with a commitment to sustainable hospitality practices. It has been awarded the Connecticut Green Lodging Certification by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP CT) and the Connecticut Office of Tourism, which offers a certification program for hotels called “Connecticut Green Lodging — Accommodating You and Our Environment.”
“Regarding the Green Lodging Certification, it is a self-certification program set up by DEEP CT and based on accumulating points associated with environmental practices. After researching all the eco-friendly updates we could consider, we made as many changes as possible and submitted our application for state review,” said Roth.
Her new management company, Ray Hospitality Inc., prioritizes environmental stewardship efforts with green initiatives including energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly amenities, green cleaning products, water conservation measures, waste reduction programs, and locally sourced seasonal culinary offerings that appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
“As stewards of this historic property, we are driven to preserve its timeless charm while embracing sustainable practices that minimize our environmental impact,” she said.
Energy-efficient LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and optional linen/room refreshes allow visitors to indulge in premium amenities while conserving precious resources. The inn has also embraced a “reduce, reuse, recycle and upcycle” culture, minimizing single-use plastics and repurposing materials wherever possible.
Sustainably sourced foods complement the eco-friendly accommodations. Guest chefs and food educators are welcomed onsite to offer specialized cooking classes, including an upcoming class on May 11 with Terry Walters from Clean Food, whose focus is on crafting nourishing, seasonal, plant-centric recipes.
“Our development plans will encourage nature-immersive experiences in the Northwest Corner to support wellbeing. It’s truly an enchanting place that I’m passionate about sharing.
Manor House Inn plans to open April 18.
For more information, see the website: www.manorhouse-norfolk.com
FALLS VILLAGE — Eason Zhang and Kara Franks are this year’s winners of the Superintendent’s Award from Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
Kara is the President of the Housatonic Valley FFA chapter, and an officer in the high school’s National Honor Society chapter. She plans to attend college for a nursing degree in the fall and works as a host at the Bulls Bridge Inn in Kent on weekends. In her spare time, she likes to work with horses.
Eason told The Lakeville Journal he is the first in his family to finish high school, much less go to college. He will attend Brown University in the fall.
Eason is captain of the varsity cross-country and track squads. He works in his family’s business, the Shanghai Restaurant in Kent. He said he is interested in “environmentally sustainable entrepreneurship” and plans to study computer science. He also tutors younger children in math at Kent Center School and area private schools.
Click here to see more winners.
Classifieds - 4-18-24
Help Wanted
EXTRAS school-age childcare program: is hiring staff for our summer camp in Salisbury CT! Full or Part Time positions available. Email extrasprogram@gmail.com with a resume to apply, or for more information.
Highway Department Maintainer: The Town of Cornwall has a full-time job opening for Highway Department Maintainer. For more details and to apply, contact Jane Hall in the First Selectmen’s office: 860-672-4959.
Home Health Aide: Active senior woman seeks assistance with light home and care, including, some cooking, drive to doctors, shopping, occasional dog sitting. Flexible work arrangement. Possible live-in large one-bedroom apartment. Rent negotiable. Call Vicky at 860-435-2106. Leave message.
Services Offered
Carpenter / Builder David Valyou: Canaan CT. Renovations & Repairs of Old homes and Barns, Historic restoration, remodel, handy man services, painting, masonry-tile-landscaping. 20 years + serving tri-state area. Licensed and insured. davidvalyou@yahoo.com.
Carpenter and tile setter: now offering handyman services. Over 35 years experience. 413-229-0260 or email at tylerhomeprop@yahoo.com.
Lamp repair and rewiring: Serving the Northwest Corner. 413-717-2494.
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
Real Estate
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age,
:lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
Apartments For Rent
Live/work space: on Main St. in Sheffield MA. 2900 sq. ft. renovated colonial. Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment on 2nd floor. 1500 sq. ft. professional space first floor. Parking, accessible ramp, separate entrances. 413-429-7477 or 413-429-6379.
Houses For Rent
MT RIGA: Two Bedroom LAKEFRONT log cabin. Private beach, canoes and kayaks. $1350/Week. 585-355-5245.
Very private and comfortable furnished house in Sharon: set back from the road on 10 acres, 5/24-9/16. Ground maintenance included. Utilities extra. $16,500 for the season. 917-887-8885.
Commercial Rentals
Office Spaces Available: Prime Location on Main Street in Lakeville. Call or Email for more details. 860-248-9605. info@
bncfinancialservices.com.
Tag Sales
Amenia, NY
GARAGE SALE: Sat. 4/20 & Sun. 4/21 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Furniture, tools, household items, and more. No early birds. 19 Yellow City Rd., Amenia NY.
Legal Notices - 4-18-24
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF SHARON
BOARD OF FINANCE
All Registered Voters and Property Owners in the Town of Sharon are hereby Warned and Notified that a public hearing will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 at 7:00PM at the Town Hall for the purpose of reviewing the Board of Education’s and the Board of Selectmen’s proposed budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. Copies of the proposed budgets are available at the Town Hall and on the Town Website. Dated at Sharon, Connecticut this 18th day of April 2024.
Thomas H. Bartram Chairman
Sharon Board of Finance
04-18-24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF KARIN WOODRUFF JACKSON
Late of Maine
AKA Karin
Zetterstrom Jackson
(24-00135)
The Hon. Jordan M. Richards, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Litchfield Hills Probate Court, by decree dated April 4, 2024, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
The fiduciary is:
Robert B. Jackson
c/o Linda M Patz
Drury, Patz & Citrin, LLP
7 Church Street, P.O. Box 101, Canaan, CT 06018
Megan M. Foley
Clerk
04-18-24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF
ARLINE D. WARD
Late of Salisbury
(24-00009)
The Hon. Jordan M. Richards, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Litchfield Hills Probate Court, by decree dated March 28, 2024, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
The fiduciary is:
Thomas Veto
c/o Emily D Vail
Ackerly Brown, LLP
5 Academy Street
PO Box 568
Salisbury, CT 06068
Beth L. McGuire
Chief Clerk
04-18-24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF
JOHN DESMOND
Late of North Canaan
AKA John J. Desmond
(24-00145)
The Hon. Jordan M. Richards, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Litchfield Hills Probate Court, by decree dated April 9, 2024, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
The fiduciary is:
Rachel Cary
c/o Andrea Doyle Asman
Litwin Asman, PC
1047 Bantam Rd.,
P.O. Box 698
Bantam, CT 06750
Megan M. Foley
Clerk
04-18-24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF
EUGENE F. GREEN
Late of Salisbury
AKA Eugene Green
(24-00164)
The Hon. Jordan M. Richards, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Litchfield Hills Probate Court, by decree dated April 2, 2024, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
The fiduciary is:
Patricia Barry
c/o Linda M Patz
Drury, Patz & Citrin, LLP
7 Church Street
P.O. Box 101
Canaan, CT 06018
Beth L. McGuire
Chief Clerk
04-18-24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF
JUDITH CHATFIELD SCHWERIN
Late of Sharon
(24-00169)
The Hon. Jordan M. Richards, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Litchfield Hills Probate Court, by decree dated April 9, 2024, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.
The fiduciary is:
Frederick W. Schwerin, Jr.
c/o Michael Downes Lynch
Law Offices of Michael D. Lynch, 106 Upper Main Street, P.O. Box 1776, Sharon, CT 06069
Megan M. Foley
Clerk
04-18-24