Our community working together

Our community working together

Local artists Victoria and Mike Selbach created designs, pre-cut and prepped cardboard, supplied materials, and hosted the group making signs for protests.

Mary Close Oppenheimer

The power and joy of our community working together towards a common goal were beautifully illustrated this month.

More than 60 friends and neighbors from as far as Amenia and Great Barrington joined forces with Salisbury’s ‘Saving Democracy’ group to hold an impressive ‘Makers Event’ to make 90 posters in preparation for the “No Kings Day” protests in Salisbury and Hartford on Saturday, June 14.

Local artists and social justice activists Victoria and Mike Selbach created designs, pre-cut and prepped cardboard, supplied materials, and hosted the group. They even designed and produced “No Kings” T-shirts for everyone to wear.

Amy Lake and Kathy Voldstad were instrumental partners, bringing their brilliance and support to the concept from the very beginning. And, as is often the case, the scale of this project could not have been achieved without the deep connections and years of activism that so many people have built in this community.

Left to right at the Capitol in Hartford: Barbara Friedman, Victoria Selbach, Jill Drew, Amy Lake and Carol Magowan. Mary Close Oppenheimer

Organizing the protests was a true team effort. Jill Drew, Sophia and Lee deBoer, and Al Ginouves also made significant contributions to help make it possible.

A bus was organized for transportation to Hartford. Our group joined the estimated 9,000 to 10,000 people calling for change.

It’s no surprise that research shows that people who feel connected and get involved in their communities often feel a greater sense of happiness and well-being. I’ve seen this firsthand — not just for myself, but for my friends as well.

Capitol police estimated that nearly 10,000 people were protesting.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Lakeville Journal and The Journal does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
School spirit on the rise at Housy

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.

Hunter Conklin and Danny Lesch

As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Student initiatives shake up Homecoming
The poster promoting the Homecoming dance boasted the event would feature dancing, games and a bonfire. Reactions to the planned move outside were mixed, with some students excited about the changes and others expressing a desire for tradition.
Provided

The weekend of Homecoming at HVRHS was packed with events including rival games under the lights, senior night, and a new take on Homecoming that moves it outside — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the students of Housatonic.

Orchestrating was no easy feat, especially considering much of the work was left up to the students.

Keep ReadingShow less