Cornwall salutes local veterans

Cornwall salutes local veterans

Korean War veteran Huntington Williams, right, of Cornwall, and other vets with ties to Cornwall received custom calendars from the CCS kindergarteners.

Riley Klein

CORNWALL — The students of Cornwall Consolidated School held a ceremony for local veterans Friday, Nov. 8.

In total, 10 veterans with ties to Cornwall attended the morning assembly. Some live in Cornwall, some attended CCS themselves, some have relatives who work in the school and some are proud parents or grandparents of current CCS students.

The veterans were Army Corporal Huntington Williams (served from 1953-55), Navy Lieutenant Guy “Max” Ule Jr. (1962-65), Army Specialist David Cadwell (1970-72), Army Specialist Joseph Gwazdauskas (1971-74), Army Specialist John Fox (1977-80), Navy Petty Officer Second Class Tim Naylor (1978-84), Army Colonel Kirk Harrington (1990-2014), Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Rashkoff (2012-17), Army Specialist Jake Thulin (2015-20), and Army Specialist Caleb Boucher (2018-22).

The servicemen enjoyed breakfast with the CCS eighth graders before meeting the full student body in the gymnasium.

The seventh-grade class led a touching ceremony for the veterans and thanked them for their service to the nation.

When asked what inspired the vets to join the armed forces, a variety of answers were offered.

“I was inspired by the draft board,” said Huntington Williams, Cornwall resident and veteran of the Korean War.

Jake Thulin, CCS night custodian, said he joined to continue a family legacy: “I’m a third-generation service member. My grandfather served in World War II. My father served in the Air Force for about 10 years. So, I just kind of wanted to maintain that tradition.”

“I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Daniel Rashkoff, whose mother is the nurse at CCS. “It’s one of the best things I ever did in my life. I’m really grateful for the experience and I’m grateful to all of you for putting this on and honoring us.”

Latest News

At Jubilee, Bunny Williams receives Estabrook leadership award

LJMN Media Board Chair Dan Dwyer, right, presents the 2025 Estabrook Community Leadership award to Bunny Williams, center, for her contribution to regional community organizations. Betsy Smith, left, chaired the Jubilee host committee.

Aly Morrisey

The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News presented the 2025 Estabrook Community Leadership Award to Bunny Williams on Nov. 22 at the Town Grove in Lakeville.

The award, named for longtime Lakeville Journal and Millerton News owners Robert and Mary Lou Estabrook, honors individuals who exemplify community spirit and leadership. This year’s presentation took place during the newspapers’ second annual Jubilee.

Keep ReadingShow less
Falls Village film showcases downtown history

The newest video by Eric Veden follows a tour of town led by Bill Beebe, pictured above, and Judy Jacobs.

Provided

FALLS VILLAGE — Eric Veden’s 36th installment of his Falls Village video series includes an October 2024 Housatonic Heritage walk through downtown Falls Village led by Judy Jacobs and Bill Beebe.

In the video, participants gather at the Depot, home of the Falls Village–Canaan Historical Society. As the group sets out along Railroad Street, Jacobs notes that the Depot was constructed between 1842 and 1844 to serve the newly established railroad.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gratitude and goodbyes at Race Brook Lodge
Duo al Rouh (Rabbi Zachi Asher, left, and Zafer Tawil) will explore the crossroads of art and justice, music and spirituality at The Gratitude Festival at Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield.
Provided

With the property up for sale and its future uncertain, programming is winding down at the iconic Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield, Massachusetts. But there are still events on the calendar designed to carry music lovers through the winter and into spring.

From Friday, Nov. 21, to Monday, Nov. 24, Race Brook Lodge will hold its Fall Gratitude Festival. Celebrating the tail end of fall before the colder depths of winter, the festival features an eclectic mix of music from top-notch musicians.

Keep ReadingShow less
Holiday craft fairs and DIY workshops: a seasonal preview

Ayni Herb Farm will be one of themany local vendors at Foxtrot’s Farm & Friends Market Nov. 22-23 in Stanfordville.

Provided

As the days grow shorter and the first hints of winter settle in, galleries, studios, barns, village greens and community halls across the region begin their annual transformation into warm, glowing refuges of light and handmade beauty.

This year’s holiday fairs and DIY workshops offer chances not just to shop, but to make—whether you’re mixing cocktails and crafting ornaments, gathering around a wreath-making table, or wandering markets where makers, bakers, artists and craftspeople bring their best of the season. These events are mutually sustaining, fueling both the region’s local economy and the joy of those who call it home.

Keep ReadingShow less