$100k Raised at Art Auction To Aid in Ukraine Relief

VZ by Beth Rundquist Photo courtesy of Kim Schmidt Fine Art

‘Ukrainians’ courage, ingenuity, and perseverance have changed and inspired the whole world,” said Cellmark Inc. Executive Andre Wlodar in a speech to welcome the crowd of nearly 200 guests to Troutbeck on Sunday, Feb. 26, for a fundraising event to mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. The event raised approximately $100,000 toward relief for Ukraine.
“It’s one year that this unthinkable thing happened,” he said. “We thought, ‘Russia is going to overpower Ukraine,’ and guess what? A miracle happened, and that was the miracle of Ukraine.”
Wlodar and his wife, art dealer Kim Schmidt-Wlodar, launched an online art auction in early February to raise money for Ukrainian relief that culminated in the gathering at Troutbeck.
Art by both Ukrainian and local artists had been on display at The Re Institute in Millerton, N.Y., for two weeks prior and was moved to Troutbeck for viewing during the fundraiser.
Guest speaker Alice Chun, founder and CEO of Solight Design, discussed her journey to Ukraine to deliver her collapsible solar lanterns to children’s hospitals there.
Chun has taken her lights to other wartorn and impacted areas, and gave a heartfelt account of her experiences.
“Every time I go to one of these red zones,” said Chun, “I go to prove that there are always two sides to a story. When you breach the limits of prejudice and fear, it’s always about going beyond that fear and self-pity into a place of enduring acceptance.
“It struck me that we wouldn’t blame these kids if they were hateful, but they didn’t have any hate. They were so gracious and kind and hopeful for a future of light… I couldn’t believe the amount of love and hope that was coming from these kids and the grace of their hearts.”
Ukraine native Julia O’Connell coordinates fundraising events for the nonprofit Razom — which, along with the Wayair Foundation, has been working with the Wlodars provide relief for Ukraine — and also spoke, discussing how her organization delivers medical supplies to Ukraine.
A live auction conducted by Rachel Orkin-Ramey of Christie’s featured unique packages including a home consulting experience with Hammertown owner and founder Joan Osofsky; dinner for six prepared by local resident and chef Matthew Lodes; and a photo shoot with Edward Acker Photography of Lenox, Mass.
A number of local eateries and purveyors including Champetre in Pine Plains, N.Y., Le Gamin in Sharon, Conn., Four Brothers, and Guido’s Fresh Marketplace in Great Barrington, Mass., were represented, providing traditional Ukrainian foods and other offerings for guests.
Bard College graduate student Teryn Kuzma entertained the crowd by singing traditional songs and accompanying herself on Ukrainian bandura.
“They are so strong,” said Wlodar of the people of Ukraine. “They’re fighting also for our freedom, not only for their freedom. On this first anniversary of the war, I just wanted to say, let’s stand with Ukraine and its people. We are in deep gratitude for what they’re doing.”
CORNWALL — At the recommendation of the Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department, on Jan. 20 the Board of Selectmen voted to move forward with the purchase of two new trucks.
Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, located in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, was chosen as the manufacturer. Of the three bids received, Greenwood was the lowest bidder on the desired mini pumper and a rescue pumper.
CVFD’s Ian Ridgway sat on the truck committee and said Greenwood was not just chosen for the price, but also for the design of each vehicle. He said their models had a shorter wheelbase and more ground clearance, as well as extra storage space on board, compared to the next best bid.
After $100,000 in discounts offered by Greenwood, the combined purchase price for both vehicles was shown to be $1,200,408. The delivery time was estimated at 15 months.
CVFD raised $600,000 during its recent fundraising campaign, of which $500,000 will be given to the town to buy the trucks. That figure will be paired with $720,000 in town truck fund reserves. The additional donated funds will be used to outfit the trucks with equipment and tools.
“I want to praise the town of Cornwall,” said CVFD President Dick Sears. “We’re able to buy these beautiful new pieces of equipment courtesy of the tremendous citizenry of this town.”
FALLS VILLAGE — Robin Lee Roy, 62, of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away Jan. 14, 2026.
She was a longtime CNA, serving others with compassion for more than 20 years before retiring from Heartland in Florida.
Robin loved the beach, sunshine, and gardening, and was known for her strength, humor, and unwavering support of those she loved.
She is survived by her daughter, Sierra R. Zinke, and brothers, Darren Roy and Todd Roy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sharon Thomkins Roy and Robert Roy, and her brother Nevin Roy.
No services will be held at this time.
SALISBURY — Marjorie A. Vreeland, 98, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizons, on Jan. 10, 2026.She was surrounded by her two loving children, Richard and Nancy.She was born in Bronxville, New York,on Aug. 9, 1927, to Alice (Meyer) and Joseph Casey, both of whom were deceased by the time she was 14. She attended public schools in the area and graduated from Eastchester High School in Tuckahoe and, in 1946 she graduated from The Wood School of Business in New York City.
At 19 years old, she married Everett W. Vreeland of White Plains, New York and for a few years they lived in Ithaca, New York, where Everett was studying to become a veterinarian at Cornell. After a short stint in Coos Bay, Oregon (Mike couldn’t stand the cloudy, rainy weather!) they moved back east to Middletown, Connecticut for three years where Dr. Vreeland worked for Dr. Pieper’s veterinary practice.In Aug. of 1955, Dr. and Mrs. Vreeland moved to North Kent, Connecticut with their children and started Dr. Vreeland’s Veterinary practice. In Sept. of 1968 Marjorie, or “Mike” as she wished to be called, took a “part-time job” at the South Kent School.She retired from South Kent 23 years later on Sept. 1, 1991.Aside from office help and bookkeeping she was secretary to the Headmaster and also taught Public Speaking and Typing.In other times she worked as an assistant to the Town Clerk in Kent, an office worker and receptionist at Ewald Instruments Corp. and as a volunteer at the Kent Library.
“Mike” loved the sun, sand and water and spent many summers at Westport Point, Massachusetts with the kids and their best friends, the Bauers.She was the consummate hostess, and a wonderful cook.She also appeared in several plays with The Sherman Players and also a show or two on special occasions at The Kent Community House.She took enjoyment from working outdoors doing chores around her home in North Kent.She lived in that house until she sold it and bought a condominium on North Main Street in Kent in May of 2003.She lived in the condo until 2018 after which her light began to fade and her last 8 years were spent comfortably at Noble Horizons.
“Mike” leaves behind her children, Richard (Susan) of Lakeville, her daughter Nancy Rutledge (Jim) of Salisbury; two grandchildren, Chandra Gerrard (Sean) of Litchfield, Matthew (Larissa) of Lakeville; three great grandchildren, Addison, Emilia and Everett, all of Lakeville.
She was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter Caroline in 2020.
All services are private.The Ryan Funeral Home, 255 Main St., Lakeville, is in charge of arrangements.
To offer an online condolence, please visit ryanfhct.com
SALISBURY -— Rafael A. Porro, 88, of 4 Undermountain Road, passed away Jan. 6, 2026, at Sharon Hospital. Rafael was born on April 19, 1937 in Camaguey, Cuba the son of Jose Rafael Porro and Clemencia Molina de Porro. He graduated from the Englewood School for Boys in Englewood, New Jersey and attended Columbia University School of General Studies. Rafael retired as a law library clerk from the law firm of Curtis, Mallet Prevost in 2002 and came to live in Salisbury to be nearer to his sister, Chany Wells.
Rafael is survived by his sister, Chany Wells, his nephew Conrad Wells (Gillian), and by numerous cousins in North Carolina, Florida, Wyoming, Arizona, Cuba and Canada. He was the eldest of the cousins and acknowledged family historian. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in June. Memorial contributions may be made to Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury and Scoville Memorial Library.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.