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Almost 20 years ago in a packed chapel at The Salisbury School a television journalist famous for his coverage of national politics led a discussion on the question: “Can Democracy Survive the Media?” His name was Sander Vanocur, a prominent reporter whose contemporaries were other big names at political conventions in the 1960s:John Chancellor, Frank McGee and Edwin Newman. Vanocur was one of the questioners at the first of the Kennedy-Nixon debates in 1960.
The Salisbury event back then in 2005 was brought to the Northwest Corner by a unique regional organization known as The Salisbury Forum, which now is celebrating 20 years sponsoring open discourse for a community hungry for thoughtful dialogue.
Last week, another prominent journalist, Judy Woodruff, former anchor and managing editor of the PBS Newshour, was on stage at The Forum’s sold-out event at The Salisbury School. (Read Patrick L. Sullivan’s coverage here)
For two decades, the Forum, a nonprofit, has hosted speaker forums that “foster a deeper understanding of issues that affect our lives globally and locally,” to quote its mission statement.
As a community we are fortunate to be the beneficiary of such a committed and valuable local organization. The Forum is supported as well by other institutions in our community that provide venues for the Forum’s event. Those include The Hotchkiss School and Salisbury School, The Moviehouse in Millerton and Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village.
For twenty years, forums — free and open to the public —have explored a wide range of topics that span the rural health crisis in the Northwest Corner, to discussions on food access, the future of journalism, the future of democracy, climate change, citizenship, pandemics, the future of books in an age of AI, as well as subjects related to science, politics and international relations. There seems to be no end to the survey of topics explored by the forums. And no limit to the level of sophistication of its speakers. They include scholars from many disciplines, diplomats, housing experts, award-winning actors of theater, film and television, environmentalists, filmmakers, art critics, theater critics, and on and on with speakers who illuminate the challenges facing America today in civic, political, scientific and cultural life.
The Forum is an adult-ed course we receive for free, which connects us with ideas and draws conversation about the full gamut of Arts and Science of today’s complicated world.
We thank the Forum and its board for an indispensable service to the community. And encourage everyone to visit the Forum’s website to learn more about the people who make it happen and about the history of this nonprofit’s contribution to our community.
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National issues are local ones, too
Years after Tip O’Neill coined that “all politics is local,” President Joe Biden wrote that “all politics is personal.” In a recent letter to the editor in The Lakeville Journal, Tom Morrison claimed that “The hot button issues that consume so much television, print and social media attention are not the least bit relevant to the upcoming local election.” However, regardless of the candidates or party – national issues are local.
In small towns like the ones we all reside in, politics are indisputably personal.For most of us, when the Governor of Connecticut makes a decision, we don’t have the opportunity to send a personal text or message letting him know our opinion. However, when the First Selectman of my town makes a decision, I can pick up the phone or send an email and expect them to directly respond. Further, leaders of our towns are locals, even friends or family. For example, when I received a fellowship last year, Brian Ohler sent me a personal card congratulating me — not just as the First Selectman but as a local member of my community.
There is not a high likelihood that the President will call a First Selectman of one of our towns and make certain demands. However, if the Department of Education inexplicably decides that Beloved by Toni Morrison is too “racey” or that the high school cannot support non-native English speakers anymore, will town leadership roll over or will they be willing to stand up for the constitutional rights that are being infringed upon more and more every day?
To be clear, it is unfair to consider all Republicans members of the MAGA movement. However, as political parties hold certain beliefs, association with that party implies an individual aligns with those beliefs. Namely, registered Republicans have tended to lean into removing funding for special education programs whereas registered Democrats trend towards providing more funding for inclusive education.
Because Connecticut is a small state, and our towns are quaint, some might think that we are not a target. According to CT’s Office of the Attorney General, only on September 25 did Connecticut win a lawsuit against the Trump Administration that prohibits illegal coercion of threatening to withhold billions of dollars of funding for emergency preparedness, cybersecurity threats, wildfires — and mass shootings — if the state does not allow ICE activities in our towns. As a registered Independent, it is about the party, not just about the candidate — especially in local politics.
Joey Brennan
North Canaan
Vote for Mayland as selectman
I joined the board of directors of Litchfield Bancorp in 1994. Don Mayland was the chairman of the board at the time. I had the pleasure of working with Don for a total of 22 years. My recommendation for Don to the position of selectman for the Town of Salisbury is based on the many years we worked together as bank directors and the friendship that has developed between us.
Don approached his job on the board very seriously and always gave it his best effort at making the right decisions. Regardless of the issue, he was sure to get all the facts regarding what needed to be voted on by the board before we convened for a vote. His assessment of the issues and plans that came before the board always took into consideration the needs of all parties involved. He was fair to all and sensitive to any personal concerns that may arise.
I oversaw the audit committee and the internal audit function in the bank. Don’s leadership over the years always gave me confidence that our board and the bank itself was in good hands. The town of Salisbury would benefit greatly to having Don Mayland serve as a selectman.
Paul Ramunni
Salisbury
Brian Ohler has clearly earned a second term
Politics can obviously be a very dicey and divisive topic for most Americans. Thankfully, we live in town where for the most part, we all tend to agree on what is most important for North Canaan to really thrive.
The past two years in town have been transformational, and I am not the only one who has said this on a regular basis. Our transfer station has been completely redesigned and is now saving tens of thousands of dollars per year due to the clear operational changes that were long overdue. As a career first responder who works out of town, I have never felt so informed and connected due to the efforts that have been made to ensure all board and commission meetings are on live stream and archived for later viewing.
As someone who has raised two children, who are now young adults, I also see the strides that have been made to keep North Canaan one of the few remaining options for young people to live, be employed, and have a stable future. All these positive changes, and so many more, have taken place once Brian Ohler was elected First Selectman just two short years ago. Never has our town looked so amazing, from our beautification to our obvious road improvements.
It is also worth noting that these drastic improvements were completed while still operating two years’ worth of strict budgets. The only budgets in the Northwest Corner that were reduced and managed without error simply because of Brian’s extensive knowledge, competence, and ability to lead any modern-day organization.
As a retired Air Force Veteran, I thank Brian for his unwavering commitment to the veteran community and for the partnerships he created to ensure that our local war monuments were preserved for the next generations, and of course for his tireless advocacy for his fellow comrades. When I think of our three Air Force values, Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do, I for one can easily place Brian in every single one of those categories.
Brian Ohler is more than deserving of a second term. He has steered our ship in a way that anyone can value and appreciate; with his professionalism, integrity, compassion, excellence, and a clear vision. If Brian can accomplish this much in just two short years, imagine where we can be if he is reelected for an additional two years. Please join me in reelecting for Brian Ohler for First Selectman!
Derrick Caranci
U.S Air Force (Ret)
North Canaan
Reelecting Brian Ohler is best for our future
I am a Democrat, a proud Registered Democrat. I am also a 30+ year resident in the town of North Canaan. This editorial isn’t intended to tell anyone how to vote.
I don’t believe in the concept of following party lines. Please don’t just vote red or blue because you feel you are supposed to. Don’t ask your neighbor or coworker who they are voting for. Take the time to do the research, listen to the candidates, and make a decision based on credibility, and the potential to continue to take this town to a better place. This town’s future depends on it; I depend on it. On details and vision alone, the contrast between the two candidates is evident.
So, I encourage you to take the time to look at their respective websites. I want what is best for my town, and that is why I think Brian Ohler should be reelected as First Selectman. As I look at the two candidates I see a proven leader, a highly knowledgeable and experienced businessman, and someone who continues to keep the residents informed on daily basis.
His unwavering commitment to our town makes this an easy decision to reelect Brian Ohler. Look at his indisputable track record, his impressive accomplishments, and look at the professionalism he displays each and every day. Brian Ohler’s main drive is to serve, and to serve us. Something that is more rare than common these days. I also look at his enthusiasm towards the future. I attend the meetings, and I listen to what the Board of Selectmen have to say, how they present themselves, and how they plan to get things done. My hope is that each of us do the same.Thank you for your time.
Gary Rovelto
North Canaan
Becket for Assessment Appeals
Knowing Peter Becket personally and professionally for over 30 years, I have come to appreciate and admire his service to our community. Peter’s commitment to detail, large and small, make him an ideal candidate to serve on our Board of Assessment Appeals.
On a personal note, as a father of six and soon to be grandfather of six, I think it is fair to say (with a smile) Peter has developed the ability to assess and respond to appeals!
Peter’s professionalism is noted as owner of Becket Business Appraisals. It was through this business association that we first met and interacted on a professional basis. He displays careful analysis to every nuance. These are the qualities that will benefit you, me and the Town of Salisbury as he serves on the Board of Assessment Appeals. I recommend to you a long-time resident of Town of Salisbury, Peter Becket for Board of Assessment Appeals.
Marie Barnum
Taconic
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125 years ago — 1900
Over 50 tickets were sold at this station for Great Barrington fair on Thursday.
The Torrington “Register” proudly says: — Torrington has made a greater proportionate gain, and so far as we know shows a greater proportionate gain than any other town or city in the state, more than doubling the 50 per cent increase credited to Hartford.
James Ellis has entered eight of his choice Indian Game fowls at the Danbury fair.
Miss Charity Fretts is taking a vacation of some five weeks from her duties at Dr. Knight’s institution.
Col. M.M. Blunt and Mrs. Blunt have been spending a few days in Lakeville with Mrs. S.S. Robbins. The Colonel is a graduate of West Point, served at the front in the war of 61-65, and also on the frontier. He is now on the retired list.
A dozen members of the senior class of the Storrs Agricultural college fear they will be expelled. They turned a vicious Durham bull loose in the upper story of the main school recitation room one night recently. The racket aroused the faculty who promptly detected the guilty members of the class and ordered them to remove the bull. It took the seniors all the next forenoon to get the animal back into the yard. The faculty has the sinning agriculturalists on probation and will not remove the sentence of suspense till it is certain that the young farmers are cured of bull raising to such a height as the third story.
100 years ago — 1925
Lakeville and Salisbury have been handed the worst railroad schedule they have ever had since the C.N.E. Railway was built. We now have only one train each way per day. If you desire to go east you must be at the station at 7 a.m. and the only opportunity you have to go west is at 10:30 a.m. No afternoon trains whatever, and to rub salt in our wounds the two lonesome trains are usually from one to two hours late. Canaan has as good service as formerly, but there it stops. It would seem that the railway could at least run its evening train through to Millerton without any serious financial strain. The manner in which the C.N.E. has operated its trains for some time would make it appear that they did not care for and didn’t want any business from this end of the state. To be sure the autos and trucks have cut into their business, but the inconvenient schedules have fostered and invited all kinds of competition, and it is no wonder the road has lost business — and is bound to lose still more. An effort is being made to have the railway company extend the evening train through from Canaan, but as yet no results have been attained.
The plant of the Salisbury Iron Corporation is a thing of the past. It has been sold to a wrecking concern from New Haven, who are now breaking it up and disposing of it as junk. The passing of this industry is a hard blow to the village of Lime Rock and to the town as well. The recent fire which destroyed the machine shop put the finishing touch on the business which had been steadily losing ground for the last few years. Many families are affected and the workmen engaged in the plant must seek new employment, and many of them must of necessity move away from Lime Rock. Just what future the village may have is uncertain, but it is not a cheerful picture at the present time.
Adv.: FOR SALE — New Perfection 5-burner oil stove with cabinet top. Price $35.00. Mrs. C.F. Grant, Phone 164.
Mrs. John Barrymore, wife of the noted actor, was a guest at Farnam Tavern one day last week.
Paul Argall has entered the employ of W.H. Judd with the object of learning the barber’s trade.
You know how delicious to eat are those snow apples. Well William Rowe at Ore Hill has some fine ones for sale by the barrel, bushel or in any quantity.
Hartford is about 60 miles away yet it is a two-day trip by our present railway schedule. If you wish to send a letter to Salisbury, a distance of one mile, it must first go to New Milford and be brought back, probably the day following. The C.N.E. is “some” railway and it has “some” schedule.
50 years ago — 1975
Union workers struck the plant of Pfizer Inc. at midnight Tuesday. Pickets were out in front of the plant Wednesday morning. Wages and union demands for a dental plan are key issues.
Heavy rains last week flooded farm fields in the Tri-State area and caused a dicey time for canoeists on the Housatonic River, but left far less damage than elsewhere in Connecticut and New York. The Lakeville Journal recorded 4 ½ inches of rain.
More than 80 persons turned out to watch a shovelful of dirt be turned on Sunday, an action of significance in Kent. The event was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Templeton Farm Apartments, a housing complex for the elderly.
Seven fire companies spent most of Sunday at the burning of a big hen poultry barn in Sharon. The fire was a training exercise for more than 150 volunteers. Sharon chief Ken Bartram directed the drill, which involved firemen from Sharon, Amenia, Cornwall, Lakeville, Millerton, Wassaic and Falls Village. The poultry barn, part of Odge’s Egg Farm, had been demolished previously, and it was the 100-foot-long mass of wood, tarpaper, shingles and rubble which the firemen burned.
Saturday morning seven canoes carrying a total of 15 boy scouts and Scout leaders capsized on the swift-moving, swollen waters of the Housatonic River. Trouble began when the first canoe flooded in the particularly rough water near the covered bridge in West Cornwall. It did not end until the last 10-year-old was fished out of the river below Housatonic Meadows in Cornwall Bridge by fireman Howard Stone. In the interim, frightened boys struggled for shore along the five-mile stretch, while some 25 state policemen, firemen and emergency squad members participated in the rescue. Confusion was compounded by uncertainty about the number of boys who had set out on the expedition. The group came from Groton.
25 years ago — 2000
A group of North Canaan Elementary School teachers was overpaid for part of last year. When the mistake was discovered, steps were taken to correct it and prevent it from returning. However, a written agreement was drafted that said the teachers would not have to return the $9,400 total for all paid in error. Meanwhile, local officials, including members of the school board, had no idea these events were taking place. The question of who must take the responsibility for the mistake has become a minor issue when compared to reaction to Region 1 Superintendent John O’Brien’s failure to notify or seek input from Canaan’s finance and school board members. It would be some six months before word would come to the town through other channels.
NORFOLK — Six months ago, Wendy Moran pledged to walk 60 miles in support of the fight against breast cancer. On Oct. 13, she will set out on a three-day hike from Bear Mountain to Manhattan and become one of more than 20,000 women across the country hoping to raise $30 million this year for cancer research. Breast cancer has been in the forefront of Mrs. Moran’s life, in her mother’s diagnosis and fight against it, as well as awareness of the genetic risk to herself and her young daughter.
SHARON — As Litchfield Acquisition Corp. moves closer to constructing its 110-foot tower on Herb Road, another company, SBA Commmunications Corp., has submitted an application for a special exception to locate a tower in the mountains of this town. The new application has been filed by SBA, with Sprint PCS a co-applicant. The 150-foot monopole with associated antennae and equipment would be located on the 20-acre property of Theresa Meisel at 477 Route 7, near the border with Salisbury. Buildings at the base of the tower would be unmanned and serviced by technicians several times a month.
KENT — Lake Waramaug has been designated a Heritage Lake in a pilot program to preserve the cultural, recreational, scenic, public health and environmental value of the state’s lakes. The designation was given by Departmental of Environmental Protection Commissioner Arthur Rocque, making the lake, situated in the towns of Kent, Warren and Washington, the first in the state to be recognized by the program.
KENT — For those who are wondering, Heather Beckel has no plans to sell The Villager. When asked about the rumor Monday, Ms. Beckel said not only is she not selling now, but she has no plans to sell the popular restaurant in the near future. “We’re doing great. I’m enjoying the business,”she said of the restaurant she purchased from Bill Leo in January.
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