Letters to the Editor - Lakeville Journal - 5-30-19

Thanks for hosting Region One Art Show

On Friday, May 17, Standard Space Gallery in Sharon once again hosted the Region One Art Show to a huge and enthusiastic crowd of art-lovers. For the second time, Theo Coulombe, owner of this wonderful gallery space in the center of Sharon, opened his doors and his heart to the young artists of Region One. 

Theo works with each art teacher to make sure each child’s work is displayed expertly so that it truly shines. Professional gallery lighting and an open space that physically “flows” helped to make the viewing experience, and each young artist, feel elevated and special.  

Thank you, Theo, for another wonderfully successful Region One Art Show. Your generosity and community spirit are inspiring!

From the Region One art teachers:

Chris Hanley,

Lee H. Kellogg School and Cornwall Consolidated 

Elementary/Middle School

Liz Allyn

North Canaan Elementary/Middle School

Gayle Christinat

Salisbury Central Elementary/Middle School

Ellen Tarabara

Kent Center Elementary/

Middle School

Lilly Barnett

Sharon Center Elementary/ Middle School

A small percentage from all communities don’t vaccinate

I’d like to clarify my correction request from May 16  concerning the statement in a May 9 article on the Health page about the measles outbreak. The article stated that “Orthodox Jews don’t vaccinate their children for religious reasons.” This is untrue, and the correction that published on May 16, which read in part: “Only the most ultra-orthodox Jews don’t vaccinate” is not only incorrect, but a confusing interpretation of my statement.  

As I mentioned in my original email asking for a correction: “While it may be true that some Orthodox Jews choose not to vaccinate their children, this is not only a minority of Orthodox Jews, but it is also no different than any other people who choose not to vaccinate for any reason — religious or not. It’s dangerous, especially with the recent rise of anti-Semitism and white nationalism, to spread incorrect information about marginalized and oppressed groups, in this case Jews.” 

There is a small percentage of anti-vaxxers in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, just as there is in all other communities — religious or secular. It’s important to note that even that small percentage of anti-vaxxers choose not to vaccinate for reasons that have nothing to do with Judaism.

Rebecca Bloomfield

Falls Village

Affordable housing should not be isolated from community

I want to thank the residents of Lime Rock Station, Falls Village for their informative letters to The Lakeville Journal opposing the proposed 28 unit, 50 bedroom apartment complex on River Road in Falls Village.  When Lime Rock, Salisbury resident Martha Miller wrote to The Lakeville Journal a few weeks ago on behalf of this project, I thought perhaps as a resident of a neighboring town she was not familiar with the significance of River Road to local residents.

This quiet country road between Falls Village and Cornwall along the Housatonic River is as beloved to many Falls Villagers and Cornwall residents as beautiful Salmon Kill Road is to those living in Salisbury. Many in Salisbury have worked long and hard to preserve the beauty of the Salmon Kill River Valley and I hope that all of those who have done so will be in sympathy with our efforts to preserve our lovely piece of the Housatonic River Valley where bald eagles can be seen flying overhead.

Rural towns all over the country are experiencing challenges as young people choose the jobs and vibrancy of city life over an isolating rural lifestyle lacking in public transportation.   Building an apartment complex in an isolated area that is out of synch with its surroundings will not solve this problem.  

What it will do is needlessly destroy a woodland wildlife habitat and take a bite of the woodlands below the historic Mohawk Trail. To find more about the ecology of this area and the Mohawk Trail, visit ct.woodlands.org.

Laura Werntz

Falls Village

Find a church you like and go to it

I was in church last Sunday, where were you? And why weren’t you there? Is it easier to just be a slob on Sunday morning? Oh, you don’t really believe there was a God? Really? Do you think Amadeus Mozart and William Shakespeare evolved from sea creatures or monkeys?  I mean, when you look at a shelf full of meaningful books, you know there had to have been a God, or if you’d rather say, a Higher Power. 

You know, if jobs don’t work out for you, and you feel you’re going nowhere, maybe, just maybe it’s because you’re not focusing, or you don’t really care about anyone but yourself. Hey, pay attention: It’s time to put those bad habits or bad attitude behind you. Remember something, and say it to yourself every day: “It’s never too late to find the decent part of yourself.”

One way is to start going to church. What? Church? Right, good Catholic boy that I’m not, I go willingly, and even sing in the choir — and it’s a Presbyterian congregation. But a good priest chum of mine agrees with me, it doesn’t matter where you pray and sing as long as you keep on praying and singing.

I think you might amaze yourself if you find a minister you relate to. Those of us who go to Smithfield Presbyterian in Amenia, specifically go so we can have Rev. Douglas Grandgeorge wrap his wisdom around us, and make us think, and make us glad to be there, and glad to have an ongoing relationship with that magnificent fellow named God. The service is only one hour, at a very civilized hour in case you like to sleep in a bit on Sunday — 10 to 11. If you like to sing, we’d love to have you join our choir — just come an hour earlier for rehearsal.

I’m writing this Sunday night — it’s late for me, 10:15 p.m. — and it was a particularly long day. I had a business meeting in NYC yesterday, and had someone pick me up at 7 a.m. in NYC this morning so they could drive me up to Amenia in time for church.  I got up at 5:30 a.m., 17 hours ago! Anyway, I honestly want you to think about joining a church.  You can go and try out some until you find someone behind a pulpit who makes your heart beat faster, and maybe more meaningfully at the same time. Come join us this coming Sunday. I’m sorry you missed a lovely Memorial Day service. And if you weren’t there, I prayed for you. All best.  

Jim Flaherty

Amenia