Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Generosity stretches beyond state lines

The spirit of cooperation and goodwill was palpable this weekend, as a number of veterans, many from Connecticut, joined together at the American Legion in Millerton to present a gift to Iraq war veteran Stephen Valyou.

Valyou was shot while disarming a roadside bomb in Iraq. That life-changing injury, which paralyzed him from the waist down, brought him back to the United States, to the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and then to a spinal injury recovery center in Tampa, Fla.

While he worked to heal his mind and body, Valyou was aided by his wife and young son, as well as the rest of his family. What he was not aware of at the time was that he was also supported by a whole community, one which cares deeply for his well-being — both physical and mental.

This community stretches beyond state lines, as can be witnessed by Saturday’s donation of a motorized wheelchair. (See story, Page A1.) The gift came from a Connecticut American Legionnaire, who learned about Valyou’s predicament through a former Marine. As is the tendency within the military community, word spread quickly and soon spurred action.

The result? A motorized wheelchair worth several thousands of dollars was given, along with the priceless gift of well-wishes and positive energy, to Valyou. What’s amazing here is that he didn’t ask for the chair. He didn’t even know it was coming until the last moment. Even then the gift was something he hadn't realized he would make such good use of. Now that he has it, however, Valyou said that it’s tremendously helpful and can save the massive toll a manual chair takes on his arms and shoulders.

The "return" Legionnaire Roger Geiger got for making the donation? Just knowing that he might have made Valyou’s life "a little better" because of it.

Valyou is a hero here in Millerton. He served his country, sacrificed greatly and returned to a life forever changed. It’s good to know that he is the recipient of not just this wheelchair, which we hope will be of great benefit to him, but also of the community’s respect and its thanks.

Certainly his bravery, both while serving in Iraq and now, while facing life’s unknowns, sets an example we should all follow in our own lives. That the community can be right there beside him as he makes his way through life’s challenges is as it should be. We’re proud to witness that cooperation and support — may it continue forever.

Latest News

Climber dies after 40-foot fall at St. John’s Ledges in Kent

The view from St. John’s Ledges along the Appalachian Trail in Kent (photo provided)

KENT–A 30-year-old Great Barrington man died Thursday after falling approximately 40 feet while rock climbing at St. John’s Ledges along the Appalachian Trail in Kent.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation Police responded to the area at around 2:30 p.m. off River Road and announced the man’s death later that day.

Keep ReadingShow less
Four generations: Perotti & Sons to mark 100 years

William Perotti & Sons plumbing and heating business will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a party on Sept. 18. Among the family members are Frank Perotti, seated, and Charlie, Mary and Jean Perotti standing.

Madi Long

NORTH CANAAN – It is a story that combines the realization of the American dream, the strong bonds of family, and a love of community.

It began 100 years ago, when William Perotti opened a small plumbing shop in a barn on Lower Road. A century later, William Perotti & Sons is a flourishing enterprise run by his descendants, including members of the fourth generation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modular homes at Cornwall housing site are headed elsewhere

The second of two modular homes awaited relocation from the proposed Millard Brook affordable housing site on Route 7 to its permanent site on Dark Entry Road on Sept. 2.

Ruth Epstein

CORNWALL — The sight of two new modular homes at the Millard Brook property on Route 7, led some passing motorists last week to wonder whether the proposed affordable housing development on the site was becoming a reality.

But the homes, which were still wrapped, were headed elsewhere.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Camp Brook Greenway reopening likely pushed to spring 2027
Camp Brook Greenway, where volunteers are preparing the property for a likely spring 2027 reopening.
Madi Long

NORTH CANAAN — The planned fall reopening of Camp Brook Greenway, a 27.45-acre town-owned recreation area behind Caddie Shack and State Line Pizza, will likely be postponed until spring 2027 as volunteers continue preparing the property for public use.

First Selectman Jesse Bunce said the town had hoped to reopen the greenway this fall. Volunteers, however, would like to continue working through the fall to ensure the property is ready before welcoming visitors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Three seriously injured in Lakeville cybertruck crash

First responders prepare the landing zone for LifeStar at Housatonic Valley Regional High School on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Madi Long

LAKEVILLE — Three people were seriously injured when a Tesla Cybertruck went off Lime Rock Road about 1,000 feet west of White Hollow Road around 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, according to Lakeville Hose Company Chief Jason Wilson.

One occupant was flown by Life Star helicopter to Hartford Hospital, while another was taken by ambulance to Waterbury Trauma Center and the third to Sharon Hospital.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wassaic Project co-founder Eve Biddle presents her “Field Notes”

Artist Eve Biddle and Tremaine Gallery Director Terri Moore.

D.H. Callahan

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the Tremaine Gallery at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville opened its new show, “Field Notes,” with works by multidisciplinary artist Eve Biddle.

Biddle is best known in the area as one of the founders of the iconic Wassaic Project in the hamlet of Wassaic, New York. The project, which is part art incubator, part gallery, part studio and a whole lot of community, is housed in an old converted grain elevator right next to the Metro North train tracks. It’s credited by many as the spark that revitalized the hamlet, which now boasts a craft bakery, a curated wine and liquor store, a pizza hot spot, the Lantern.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.