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.

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Amelia R. Wright

Falls Village – Amelia Rosalie (Betti) Wright, 91, of Falls Village died September 30, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Robert Kenneth Wright.

Amelia was born September 6, 1933 in Torrington, CT, daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary Eliza (Passini) Betti. Amelia worked at Camp Isabella Freedman as the Head Housekeeper. She was employed there for 35 years. She attended the Falls Village Congregational Church and had been very active at the Senior Center in Falls Village. She enjoyed collecting. She also enjoyed the craft classes offered by Adult Ed at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the Cape, Vermont and New Hampshire. An avid flower person, Amelia had traveled to the major flower shows in both Boston and Philadelphia.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Osborn and her husband David of Falls Village, her son, Robert H. Wright of Falls Village and her son, Donald Wright and his wife Kate of Millbrook, NY; her sister, MaryAnn Betti of Falls Village; her grandchildren, Benjamin and Katie Osborn and Jacob Wright. Amelia is also survived by her great grandson, Gunner Osborn. Amelia was predeceased by her brother, Donald Betti.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in the Mountain View Cemetery, Sand Road, North Canaan, CT. Calling hours will be held at the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, North Canaan, CT 06018 on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Falls Village Volunteer Ambulance Association, 188 US-7 South, Falls Village, CT. 06031

Doors open at new Sarum Village affordable housing

State Representative Maria Horn (D-64) gave brief remarks Monday, Sept. 30 before she picked up the big scissors and cut the ribbon on a new group of affordable housing units built in Sarum Village in Salisbury.

Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

SALISBURY — The third group of affordable housing units at Sarum Village is complete. There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday afternoon, Sept 30.

Sarum Village is owned by the private Salisbury Housing Committee, Inc. SHC Vice-President Jocelyn Ayer set the stage, noting that there are 204 households in Salisbury who pay 50% or more of their income for housing.

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Fashion and fun mark a century of service

Tom Barret shows off some Rummage Sale finds.

Natalia Zukerman

On Saturday, Sept. 28, the Cornwall Woman’s Society hosted its 100th anniversary celebration at Mohawk Mountain ski lodge.

“This celebration is to thank the people of Cornwall for their support and to celebrate the 100 years that the Woman’s Society has contributed to Cornwall and to needs near and far,” said Nancy Barr, co-chair of the Cornwall Woman’s Society (CWS).

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Haystack Festival returns to Norfolk

Now in its sixth year, the Haystack Book Festival brings together writers and thinkers in unmoderated conversation. Produced in conjunction with the Norfolk Foundation, whose mission is “to contribute to the vitality and sustainability of Norfolk, particularly in relation to the town’s natural setting and multiple artistic and cultural attractions,” the Haystack Book Festival takes place at the Norfolk Library. On Sunday, Oct. 6 at 1:30 p.m. the festival will have an event for middle grade readers at The HUB featuring Sarah Maslin Nir.

“We’re excited to be celebrating the sixth year of the festival. This year we have a great program discussing topics as wide ranging as ballet, interpreting the landscape, and looking at the horse as a treasured companion throughout history, along with other ideas that will be discussed on our stage,” says Michael Selleck co-director of the Haystack Book Festival.

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