Don Lowe First Selectman Column 10/06/2025
Farm Day this past Saturday was a great success at Happy Acres Farm and along with the food, hayrides, music, art displays, and activities, it put on display what a terrific job our farm manager, David Jellen, is doing up there. The farm is in beautiful shape and reminiscent of the farmstead kept by the venerable Tony Hapanowich for more than 75 years. We estimated that throughout the day nearly 1000 people attended this event on what was a gorgeous warm and sunny October day. This event along with the successful Revolutionary War reenactment event earlier in September made for amazing Sherman gatherings this fall.
For anyone reading my column for the first time or who is new to Sherman, Happy Acres, a 90-acre property, is town-owned and managed by David Jellen. Many thanks to David’s family for chipping in so generously with their time to bring about Farm Day. Whenever we have farm events, there comes a flurry of ideas as to what potential Happy Acres Farm has to offer the town. Many of the ideas are realistic for a town-owned farm, and some are more difficult to realize.
One idea that keeps coming up and I am confident that it will be achieved is an educational connection between Sherman School and the farm. There are also some plans for synergy with the Shepaug High School agricultural program. Now that the management of Happy Acres along with the capital restoration of its buildings is firm, other activities and uses for the farm can take place. David already shares the farm with many Sherman groups along with day-trip visitors, so in that way, it has already been a good Town resource.
The Sherman Senior Center Building Committee will be holding more informational forums to offer details about the proposed Senior Center, which you will be voting for on Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 8pm in Charter Hall. The next informational forum will be held on Saturday at 10 till 11 am in Mallory Town Hall. This is another opportunity to learn about this possible upcoming project and to learn how it will serve Sherman’s senior population as well as the entire Town.
I want to acknowledge all the Sherman artists and also the other artists from area towns who contribute to our vibrant artistic scene here in Sherman. The work is nothing short of spectacular and the talent amazes me. Do yourself a favor and attend the art openings of our residents’ work in the Sherman Library, area galleries, and in local arts associations. You won’t be disappointed.
