Hard times even when you're living off the land

NORTH CANAAN — Is it a sign of the times or of individual circumstances? Certainly, it’s unusual to see hitchhikers and folks sitting on the side of the road with a sign that proclaims they need work, or help, or food. Or socks.

Tuesday afternoon found Joaquin and his grown daughter, Nina, sitting in the shade near the intersection of routes 7 and 44, along with some meager possessions and a handsome, well-mannered white shepherd/wolf mix named Polaris. Two weeks ago, they left Putney, Vt., headed as they do every year for the Woodstock reunion in Bethel, N.Y., at the original site on Max Yasgur’s farm.

With his tie-dyed shirt, long and scraggly hair, beard and hiking boots, Joaquin looks every bit the self-proclaimed hippie “Dead Head.� Nina sits quietly. Her dad says she has a learning disability.

Their presence on the roadside here likely served as a reminder that times are tough, and few are untouched by the uncertainty.  This year is different even for people like Joaquin and Nina, who lead a year-round lifestyle that is far from extravagant.

“We’re homeless now,� Joaquin confides. “Our landlady, old ‘Dead Head’ Patty, the original hippie, died a month and a half ago. We were renting half a school bus for $100 a month. We couldn’t find another place because of the dog.�

So, they hit the road, a familiar place where they can always find a ride. In Vermont, at least, they never have to wait more than five minutes. It takes a little longer here, Joaquin said. In a wallet hanging from his neck, he carries photo IDs for both of them.

“The cops never bother us. If they stop, I show them the IDs so they know there are no warrants for us. As long as we stay off the highway, there’s no law against hitchhiking.�

Indeed, just moments later, a state trooper passes, slowed by traffic at the light. He gives a wave and goes on.

Joaquin looks to pick up odd jobs, landscaping, painting, any basic labor to earn a little cash for food, or socks. He hasn’t found much along the way, and that is definitely a sign of the times.

“In Vermont, I work for wealthy people doing all kinds of jobs. I’ve been cut back to a three-day work week. Everyone is looking for ways to save money.�

He used to work in a shelter/soup kitchen, where the director recently told him they have seen a 50 percent increase in the number of people they help.

Their plan now is to return to Vermont in August, where a $687 Social Security check will be waiting for Nina. They know of a rental in Bennington for which it will be more than enough.

“Right now, we’re just killing time on the road. What else can we do?�

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less