Farewell to a longtime friend

Some of us are lucky enough to find things to engage our interest at every stage of life. Mark Niedhammer, who was classified manager at The Lakeville Journal Company for about two decades, was one of those people. He shared his interests and knowledge with all who came into the Journal buildings, both at 33 Bissell St. in Lakeville and at 64 Route 7 in Falls Village, until his retirement a couple of years ago.

The news of Mark’s death this week sent ripples of sadness throughout the Lakeville Journal group, as we remembered one thing or another he did to form connections among all of us and with the community at large. If it was Halloween season, for instance, he had his ceramic pumpkin out and filled with Oreos or, close to Oct. 31, candy to share with the youngsters who came to visit the office, as well as any adults who weren’t beyond a little childlike fun.

But Mark’s background was as a professional photographer, working as a news cameraman first for WMHT in Schenectady, N.Y. and then for years at ABC News in New York City before he moved up to the Northwest Corner. He was always ready to grab his camera (always of higher quality than The Lakeville Journal could afford), run out and take photos if there was breaking news of any kind. He also took magnificent nature photos he would share with our publications, which he did right up to this year.

Mark loved his family, and cherished the times they could all gather over the years. Often that would be in Schenectady, N.Y., his hometown, where his parents lived until they died. He kept close watch over his father after his mother passed, keeping him active and feeling loved. Mark often quoted the Schenectady Gazette as a news source: it was his hometown newspaper, no matter how long he had lived elsewhere.

For all who remember seeing Mark both at The Lakeville Journal and then in his semi-retirement at the entry booth at the Salisbury-Sharon Transfer Station, please take a moment to remember the super friendly guy who was always looking for ways to help those around him. Please do read the appreciations of Mark in this issue of the Journal. Over the years he worked with this local community newspaper, he encouraged connections and fun at every opportunity. He left a legacy of community building and interconnection that we would all benefit from emulating.

Latest News

Wake Robin hearing date to be decided next month

LAKEVILLE — After receiving ARADEV LLC’s new application to expand the Wake Robin Inn earlier this month, the Planning and Zoning commission decided at its May 19 regular meeting to table its scheduling of a public hearing for the project until its next meeting on June 2.

The decision was made to allow the town’s Water Pollution Control Authority time to review the application sewer survey and render its own decision, as well as await a verdict regarding ongoing legal action against the Commission.

Keep ReadingShow less
‘A Tasteful Event’ benefits FISH food pantry

Celebrating food, wine and the spirit of giving, the community invited to a festive social evening at the Litchfield Community Center at 421 Bantam Road, on Wednesday, May 28 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for the 7th annual “A Tasteful Event” fundraiser to benefit FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut, recognizing efforts for those facing food insecurity and the homeless of the Northwest Corner for more than 50 years.

Several area restaurants, caterers, bakers, and spirit distillers have volunteered to prepare savory and sweet treats for event supporters. Attendees will enjoy music from Jacque Williams Entertainment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lime Rock Park seeks detour permit for NASCAR event

Lime Rock Park is slated to host the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Friday and Saturday, June 27 to 28 in Lime Rock, Connecticut.

Photo by Nathan Miller

SALISBURY — At a special meeting Thursday, May 15, the Board of Selectmen tabled the issue of approving a permit for traffic rerouting on Route 112 Friday and Saturday, June 27 to 28.

Lime Rock Park is hosting a weekend of NASCAR events. In anticipation of a large crowd, estimated between 12,000 at 15,000 in attendance, LRP has asked to have one-way traffic on Route 112 (Lime Rock Road) from Route 7 to White Hollow Road and the main track entrance between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and again between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on both days.

Keep ReadingShow less
Falls Village budget hearing May 21
Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

FALLS VILLAGE — The Board of Finance will hold a public hearing on the proposed spending plans for 2025-26 Wednesday May 21, 6:30 p.m. at the Emergency Services Center and on Zoom.

First Selectman Dave Barger will present the municipal plan and Board of Education Chair Pat Mechare will handle the plan for the Lee H. Kellogg School.