CORNWALL, Conn. — Think the First Amendment allows you to say whatever you want? Think again.Probably nothing has been more debated, from so many different perspectives, as freedom of speech. In his more than 50 years as a law professor, consultant to the Supreme Court (weighing in on issues including the Pentagon Papers) and head of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Norman Dorsen is an expert on the subject. He has also written 16 books on Constitutional law. His ability to richly summarize and humorously present the aspects of the debate are enviable and delightful. The 75 or so people who filled the North Cornwall Meeting House Sunday afternoon enjoyed a painless yet serious lecture.His talk was the first in a series presented by the Northwest Chapter of the ACLU of Connecticut. It was planned for the home of John and Julia Scott, but response quickly overwhelmed that venue. In introducing Dorsen, Julia Scott recalled when Dorsen and his late wife, Harriet (also a renowned civil rights attorney), moved to Town Street in Cornwall. The Scotts were invited to dinner to meet a South African couple bravely fighting for rights for their fellow citizens. “He and Harriet would become an example for us all,” Scott said of their determination to expose the atrocities.State ACLU Director Andrew Schneider opened the Sept. 30 talk. The series, he said, is a celebration of a highly successful year in achieving objectives — in particular, the abolition in Connecticut of the death penalty, a goal for the last two decades.Dorsen went back to the beginning, when the Bill of Rights was written two years after the Constitution after it was found it were needed after all.The First Amendment says Congress may make no law that restricts numerous rights, including the right to observe a religion, peaceably assemble and exercise freedom of the press.Put in its simplest terms, this established a huge gray area. Supreme Court justices would eventually devise lists of categories of public speech disallowed by case law, such as slander, obscenities and “fighting words.”“No one was ever convicted on the fighting words claim,” Dorsen said, “but the category is still on the books. The world has changed and since the mid-1970s, there has been no case involving obscenities.”Content of speech is applied to all cases, with time, place and manner the guidelines for a legal determination. Dorsen noted that rights extend not just to spoken or written words, but to all sorts of forms of expression.Dorsen offered numerous intriguing court cases, and a look at how Supreme Court justices decide matters. Interestingly, he said, a study has been conducted on how their backgrounds factor into decisions involving rights.Over the years, the justices have made some surprising decisions, such as upholding the right to burn a flag in protest of President Ronald Reagan’s policies. What it comes down to is intent, and the balance of freedom of expression against the negative consequences.“For example, if you wanted to protest the town budget, you can protest on the street,” Dorsen said, offering a more local example, “but you can’t go on [First Selectman] Gordon Ridgway’s property at 3 a.m. and chant, ‘Cut the budget,’ and interfere with his and his family’s life.”In another instance, the Occupy Wall Street movement is constitutional when laws are not being broken. “No one bothered them when the park was open, but when they set up tents and planned to spend the night, it was a different matter.”The next two lectures will be held at the Rooster Tail Inn in Warren. David McGuire, staff attorney for the Connecticut ACLU, will speak Monday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. on “Recent Prison Reform Successes in Connecticut and the Work Still To Be Accomplished.” Monday, Nov. 19, will bring “Shielding the Press: Should Reporters Ever Have to Reveal Their Sources?” The talk will be presented by Keith Johnson, former foreign correspondent for Time and senior editor of Fortune; and John Miller, former writer for NBC Nightly News and the Today show.Programs are free and open to the public. No reservations are needed. Dorsen and Johnson are members of the Executive Committee of the Lakeville Journal Co.
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Raymond Conklin
Lakeville Journal
NORTH CANAAN — Raymond “Pete” Conklin, 89, of North Canaan, Connecticut, passed away on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. He was born on March 10, 1937, in North Canaan, where he grew up and lived most of his life. As a boy, he spent countless hours with his grandparents in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. There, his grandmother worked as a cook for Norman Rockwell, and his grandfather taught him to fish and appreciate the outdoors.
After graduating from Housatonic Valley Regional High School (H.V.R.H.S.) in 1955, Pete joined the US Air Force, proudly serving for four years while stationed in Phoenix, Arizona. Following his service, he returned to Canaan and built a successful career as a mechanic and machinist, working at Becton-Dickinson and later the Torrington Company before retiring in 2002.
Pete lived a full life anchored by his deep love for the great outdoors. Whether tracking deer at dawn in the quiet woods with his friend Nick, chatting about their gun collections, or spending time at the shooting range, Pete found his truest peace outside. Though a man of few words, he possessed a big heart and endless patience—qualities that made him both a seasoned hunter and a loyal friend. He loved sharing stories about his past, and his quick wit always brought joy to those around him. Holidays with his family were among his favorite times, and he especially looked forward to all the food.
When Pete wasn’t outdoors, he enjoyed cooking and watching Westerns on TV. John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were his all time favorite stars. In the earlier days, Pete and Audrey would go out and enjoy dancing the jitterbug and waltzing the night away. He was an excellent dancer which very few people knew about him.
He is survived by his former wife and loving friend of over 50 years, Audrey Hartman; his best friend of 89 years, Nick Graf; his daughter by marriage, Sherrie Corban; his granddaughters, Jennifer Corban Woods (David) and Samantha Corban; his great-grandchildren, Nicolette Corban and Mason Collins; and his great-great-granddaughter, Evangeline Zahm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert R. Conklin and Ethel Elizabeth Blackwell Conklin, and his sister, Dorothy “Dot” M. Conklin.
The family will hold a private gathering following cremation to celebrate his life. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pete’s name to the Action Wildlife Foundation in Goshen, CT.
Ernest B. Sinclair
Lakeville Journal
NORFOLK — Ernest B. Sinclair, April 20, 1937 - October 26, 2026. Ernie, 89, passed quietly on Oct. 26 ,at Geer Lodge in Canaan, Connecticut surrounded by those he loved.
Ernie was born in Bar Harbor, Maine. The family moved to naval housing in Middletown, Rhode Island while father Leon was stationed on battleships in the South Pacific during the second world war. After the war, they made the move to Norfolk, Connecticut. It was here that Ernie met his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn Ryan.They were married in 1959 and wasted no time in starting a family. Over the next six and a half years, four boys and a girl were born. They lived in several places early in their marriage, but in 1967, the lure of a smaller town and a larger house brought them back to Norfolk. Ernie’s earlier experiences with the town had taught him that this was the perfect place to raise his family. He would spend the next 59 years of his life with Norfolk as his anchor.Needing a bit more care to navigate life’s challenges, Ernie moved to Geer Lodge in Canaan just this past May.
Ernie attended Oliver Wolcott Technical School, Grinnell College and the Rhode Island School of Design, eventually obtaining a degree in architecture and becoming a licensed architect, builder and building official. After working for a number of firms early in his career, he began his own design/build business. Working with his three oldest sons, he designed and built structures in Norfolk and much of the surrounding area.
In retirement, Ernie enjoyed many interests including wood carving, drawing, and his real passion, singing.He was amember of many singing groups including the Norfolk Church of Christ choir, Gaudeamus, Octo Cantabile, and the Litchfield County Choral Union. He was also a contributing vocalist on Pete Seeger’s 1996 grammy winning album “Pete”.
Ernie was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Norfolk where he served in various leadership positions, sang in the choir and was involved in the completion of many capital improvements to the church campus including the covered entryway at the rear of the chapel - a project he was particularly proud of. He was given the honor of being named a Life Steward for his commitment and service to the church.
Ernie and his partner of the past 26 years, Susie, used their later years to enjoy many of the things together that life had not afforded them earlier. They travelled, sang together and spent many winter months in a condo that Ernie had purchased in Venice, Florida.
Son of the late Leon and Janet (Coffin) Sinclair, Ernie is also predeceased by his wife Carolyn and brothers Pete and David. He leaves behind his partner Susan Hooker, brother Bob and wife Jill, brother Kirk and wife Cindy, son Stephen and wife Barbara, son Scott and wife Lisa, son Michael and wife Patti, daughter Holly, son Tom and wife Deeda, as well as 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a large extended family.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Geer campus in Canaan, Connecticut for bringing joy and comfort to Ernie in his final months.
A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held on Sunday Nov. 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ, Congregational 12 Litchfield Road, Norfolk, Connecticut.
Memorial donations may be made to the Church of Christ, PO Box 582, Norfolk, CT 06058
George R. DelPrete
Lakeville Journal
LAKEVILLE — George R. DelPrete (Rick) passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2026. He was the husband of Barbara for 62 years, and the father of Skip, Jena, and Steve DelPrete, and the grandfather of eight.
Rick was born and brought up in Framingham, Massachusetts, the youngest child of Arthur and Mary DelPrete. He attended St. Stephen’s School, followed by Framingham High School. In high school he was on the honor roll, lettered in football, and on the Student Council. After graduation he attended Bowdoin College, where he majored in history and classics. He was a member of Psi Upsilon, a letter man in football and lacrosse, and President of the Student Council.
After graduation in 1961, he tried the insurance business but wanted to teach. He and Barb moved to the West Coast, where he entered UCLA. Barb took classes and worked to support them.
After graduation he took a position at Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine where he taught history and served as the Athletic Director, head football and lacrosse coach.
After five years he moved on to The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut where he taught history and became the Athletic Director and head football coach in football and lacrosse. He retired after thirty-four years continuing to live in Lakeville. He was on the school board, chairman of the Education Committee, a member of the Zoning Board and a Justice of the Peace. His favorite hobby was fly fishing and he did it from Alaska to New England.
There will be a funeral on Nov., 21 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Lakeville, CT at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be private. Ryan Funeral Home, Lakeville, is in care of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Trout Unlimited of Northwest CT.
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James Lawrence Sullivan
Lakeville Journal
COLEBROOK — James Lawrence Sullivan was born on Feb. 18, 1936, in Winsted, Connecticut, to John Sullivan, who immigrated from England, and Emma Isabelle Sullivan, who immigrated from Canada. James was a first-generation American who carried his family roots with pride. He grew up alongside his brother, John Sullivan, and went on to build a life that reflected the values of hard work, independence, and family.
James attended Oliver Wolcott School and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. After completing his military service, he began his career with C. H. Nickerson Construction Company, where he worked as a foreman. A tough, hardworking carpenter by trade, James was a skilled craftsman who took great pride in working with his hands. He was never one to sit still and always seemed to have another project going. He could build just about anything, and perhaps his greatest accomplishment was building his own home from the ground up in Colebrook, Connecticut. That home became more than a structure; it became the heart of his family’s memories and a lasting part of his legacy.
James was happiest outdoors. A true outdoorsman, he had a lifelong love of trapping, fishing, and farming. He especially enjoyed the winter months checking his trap lines. Trapping was a passion he loved sharing with his family, and he took pride in teaching his son and grandson the skills and traditions of trapping, passing along knowledge that will live on for generations.
His farm and all its animals held a special place in his heart. He especially loved his very first cow, Elizabeth, who would always hold a special place in his memories. The farm was more than land and animals to James; it was a way of life and a source of happiness. He was also a lifelong member of the NTA, CTA, and NRA, organizations that reflected his longstanding interests and passions.
Above all, James valued his family. He married Barbara Thiery on June 27, 1957, and together they shared 72 years of love, companionship, and memories. Their life together was built on commitment, family, and the many experiences they shared throughout the years.
James leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara; his three children, Gail Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, and Michele Sullivan; and his two grandsons, Nicholas Sullivan and Mitchell Sullivan.
James will be remembered as a tough, hardworking, independent man who knew the value of an honest day’s work. He was a carpenter, a farmer, an outdoorsman, and a devoted family man. He built more than a home; he built a life, a family, and a legacy that will carry on through the generations. His hands built the house, worked the land, cared for his animals, and followed the trap lines. But perhaps his greatest legacy is the knowledge, traditions, stories, and love he passed down to his family.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.
May he rest in peace.
A Celebration of James’s Life
Family and friends are invited to gather for a remembrance of James on Nov. 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Norbrook Brewery.
All who knew and loved James are welcome to join in sharing stories, memories, and celebrating a life well lived.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Memorial Service - Raymond (Butch) Sprague Jr.
Lakeville Journal
Raymond (Butch) Sprague Jr., of Coleman Station Rd., Millerton, NY, died November 1, 2026 in Lakeville, CT. He was the son of the late Raymond and Emma Sprague. Calling hours will be Saturday, November 7, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at The Kenny Funeral Home in Sharon, CT. A complete obituary will be posted at a later date.
In Appreciation - Mike Citrin
Lakeville Journal
Mike Citrin of Ancramdale, New York, passed away on August 9, 2026. Many in our community knew him as a friend and a man of uncommon virtue. I knew Mike as his physical therapist of many years, and he was one of the most remarkable and heroic persons I will ever meet.
Mike developed Parkinson’s disease more that 30 years ago. A few years back, he lost all his strength and mobility, coming close to death. Deciding he needed to get out of the clinic and back into nature, we turned to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. There, he regained his ability to walk and found another chance at life. Remarkably, at age 80, he recovered such stamina with his walking aid that he eventually could outlast me on the trail.
But this was not enough for Mike–he wanted to ride a bike again. We found a three-wheeled bike that fit his bent-over posture perfectly, and took to the trail once more. He became so adept that soon he was a low-riding and ubiquitous figure, soloing all over the roads of southeast Columbia County.
He graduated from physical therapy, and I became his biking partner. It was an exhausting role;even at the very end, in his mid-80’s, I was never able to keep pace with him. When Parkinson’s nearly killed him a second time, he recovered yet again. Soon he was riding the Rail Trail 12 miles to Millerton for lunch, and 12 miles back home.
Mike regained several robust years of his life from the healing graces of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, and I experienced this remarkable grace alongside (and far behind) him.
I have cast six stones with Mike’s name, and placed them alongside the Rail Trail to honor him. They are hidden, and some may never be found. It is my hope that the stretch of the Rail Trail between Millerton and Copake Falls will forever be imbued with his spirit, and will henceforth be known as the Mike Citrin Path.
Ken Rude
Red Hook, New York
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