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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Siglio Press: Uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature

Uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature.

Richard Kraft

Siglio Press is a small, independent publishing house based in Egremont, Massachusetts, known for producing “uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature.” Founded and run by editor and publisher Lisa Pearson, Siglio has, since 2008, designed books that challenge conventions of both form and content.

A visit to Pearson’s airy studio suggests uncommon work, to be sure. Each of four very large tables were covered with what looked to be thousands of miniature squares of inkjet-printed, kaleidoscopically colored pieces of paper. Another table was covered with dozens of book/illustration-size, abstracted images of deer, made up of colored dots. For the enchanted and the mystified, Pearson kindly explained that these pieces were to be collaged together as artworks by the artist Richard Kraft (a frequent contributor to the Siglio Press and Pearson’s husband). The works would be accompanied by writings by two poets, Elizabeth Zuba and Monica Torre, in an as-yet-to-be-named book, inspired by a found copy of a worn French children’s book from the 1930s called “Robin de Bois” (Robin Hood).

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Cycling season: A roundup of our region’s rentals and where to ride them

Cyclists head south on the rail trail from Copake Falls.

Alec Linden

After a shaky start, summer has well and truly descended upon the Litchfield, Berkshire and Taconic hills, and there is no better way to get out and enjoy long-awaited good weather than on two wheels. Below, find a brief guide for those who feel the pull of the rail trail, but have yet to purchase their own ten-speed. Temporary rides are available in the tri-corner region, and their purveyors are eager to get residents of all ages, abilities and inclinations out into the open road (or bike path).

For those lucky enough to already possess their own bike, perhaps the routes described will inspire a new way to spend a Sunday afternoon. For more, visit lakevillejournal.com/tag/bike-route to check out two ride-guides from local cyclists that will appeal to enthusiasts of many levels looking for a varied trip through the region’s stunning summer scenery.

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