Myriad ways to volunteer

CORNWALL — Now is the time to look at serving Cornwall in a voluntary capacity. There are 18 seats open on various boards and commissions.Some are the result of term expirations, while others are due to resignations. Some are elected positions, but it is up to the Board of Selectmen to fill vacancies that happen when an election is not coming up and when terms are not yet expired. Often, volunteers are reappointed to another term, but anyone is welcome to ask to be considered by contacting the selectmen’s office or the Republican or Democratic Town Committees. Unaffiliated voters can be endorsed by either party, and the minority representation rule applies to boards and commissions (which means that there has to be at least one person from each party on the board or commission).The selectmen plan to make appointments in November.On the Committee for Cornwall Seniors, Paul Baren and Bronwyn O’Shaughnessy resigned and Margaret Haske’s and Bob Potter’s terms expire in November. Terms are five years.Alternate Josh Tyson moved to a full member seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission, leaving a vacancy. Alternates are required to come to meetings, and participate if they need to fill in for regular members who are absent.The Park and Recreation Commission needs two people: a full member and an alternate. Gina Olsen resigned and an alternate seat has been vacant. Terms are six years.A limit of two consecutive terms on the Cornwall Grange Trust Fund requires Fred Scoville III to step down next month. Terms are three years.The same applies to the Sydney Kaye Trust Fund, where Earl Brecher has served two three-year terms. The new Economic Development Commission needs three people. Ralph Dzenutis resigned his seat. Dana Beecher’s and Janet Sanders’ terms are expiring. Terms are three years.A three-year term needs to be filled on the Housatonic River Commission when Barton Jones’ term expires next month. Terms are three years.The Zoning Board of Appeals will need an alternate seat filled in November, as Jim Levy’s term expires. Terms are six years.Two terms, currently held by Patrick Mulberry and Brian Thomas, expire on the Conservation Commission. Terms are three years.The Northwest Regional Mental Health Board and Northwest Regional Tourism District each have a representative from Cornwall. Terms expire each November. Earl Brecher and Biancha Griggs currently hold those seats, respectively.Of course, emergency services always welcome volunteers, trained and untrained, for a variety of jobs that include fire, ambulance and disaster response.