A.G. Tong to lead immigration forum at Trinity Lime Rock March 6

A.G. Tong to lead immigration forum at Trinity Lime Rock March 6

Trinity Church in Lime Rock, Conncticut.

Archive photo

SALISBURY — Following the November election, a group of local residents became very concerned about the new administration’s stand on deporting those lacking legal status.

Jill Drew of Sharon said, “We wondered what we could do and the answer emerged; protect the vulnerable.” And so was born Vecinos Seguros 2, which translated is “Safe Neighbors.”

In addition to a host of initiatives, the group is hosting a community immigration forum featuring Connecticut Attorney General William Tong on Thursday, March 6, at 6 p.m. at Trinity Lime Rock Church, 484 Lime Rock Road. He will discuss the state’s response to federal immigration enforcement changes and answer questions about how the state’s Trust Act works.

The first iteration of Vecinos Seguros was formed during the pandemic when the Rev. John Carter sought ways to communicate with local immigrants. He held church services in Spanish to bring them together and give support. Eventually the program disbanded during President Biden’s term.

Drew said she was aware that advocacy groups were forming in cities and knowing of the immigrant population in the Northwest Corner, as well as in towns across the border in New York state and Massachusetts, she started to explore what could be done. She was introduced to Carter and the group was created to ensure that those who might be affected know their rights.

Drew is director of the group’s steering committee. Others serving are Sophia and Lee DeBoer, Amy Lake and Carter.

Among Vecinos Seguros’ activities is the distribution of wallet-sized red cards printed in English and Spanish which anyone targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can refer to in order to invoke their Constitutional rights to remain silent and refuse a search. The group also has flyers that detail what should be done in specific situations, including list of legal resources and emergency response cards in Spanish with two phone numbers so someone targeted by ICE can call to report an ICE encounter and request assistance from the group’s rapid response team.

Those wishing to be involved with the group, or would like further information can reach out to vecinosseguros2@gmail.com.

“We’re trying to create a community in which people know their neighbors care about them,” Drew said.

Latest News

Wake Robin public hearing closes

Aradev LLC’s plans to redevelop Wake Robin Inn include four 2,000-square-foot cabins, an event space, a sit-down restaurant and fast-casual counter, a spa, library, lounge, gym and seasonal pool. If approved, guest room numbers would increase from 38 to 57.

Provided

LAKEVILLE — The public hearing for the redevelopment of Wake Robin Inn is over. Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission now has two months to make a decision.

The hearing closed on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after its seventh session.

Keep ReadingShow less
Judith Marie Drury

COPAKE — Judith Marie “Judy” Drury, 76, a four-year resident of Copake, New York, formerly of Millerton, New York, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at Vassar Bros. Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, surrounded by her loving family and her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Judy worked as a therapy aide for Taconic DDSO in Wassaic, New York, prior to her retirement on Feb. 1, 2004. She then went on to work in the Housekeeping Department at Vassar Bros. Medical Center for several years.

Born Jan. 2, 1949, in Richford, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Leo J. and Marie A. (Bean) Martel. She attended Roeliff Jansen Central School in Columbia County, New York, in her early years. Judy was an avid sports fan and she was particularly fond of the New England Patriots football team and the New York Rangers hockey team. She enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling to Florida, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania for many years. She was a longtime parishioner of Faith Bible Chapel of Shekomeko on Silver Mountain in Millerton as well.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeremy Dakin

AMESVILLE — Jeremy Dakin, 78, passed away Aug. 31, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center after a long battle with COPD and other ailments.

Jeremy was a dear friend to many, and a fixture of the Amesville community. There will be a service in his memory at Trinity Lime Rock Episcopal Church on Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.

Keep ReadingShow less