State commends Hedden for 47 years of service

Steve Hedden, left, was presented a state commendation by State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) at Cornwall Town Hall Dec. 3.

Riley Klein

State commends Hedden for 47 years of service

CORNWALL — Steve Hedden has been awarded a state commendation for more than four decades of service on the Cornwall Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Agency.

Hedden vacated his seat over the summer of 2024. All told, he said he served 47 years with the Agency and about 40 of them were as chairman.

Over the years, Hedden chaired hundreds of meetings and site visits. He was the longest-serving member of any Cornwall board.

“It is a record that will take a long time to duplicate,” said First Selectman Gordon Ridgway.

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) and State Sen. Stephen Harding (R-30) recommended Hedden for a state commendation. Horn presented the honor to Hedden before the IWWC’s Dec. 3 meeting at Town Hall.

“The State of Connecticut wished to recognize you for your great service to Cornwall and to this commission in particular,” said Horn. “The entire membership extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion.”

Current chairman Bill Hurlburt served alongside Hedden for approximately 30 years and thanked Hedden for many lessons and laughs over the years.

“I certainly appreciate it,” said Hurlburt. “It’s been a good ride.”

Planning and Zoning chair Anna Timmel noted Hedden joined the IWWCA not long after it formed in 1973.

Zoning Enforcement Officer Karen Nelson thanked Hedden for his guidance and commitment to the town.

“He firmly believed in every decision that he made,” said Nelson, adding Hedden ensured “the commission made good decisions for the betterment of Cornwall.”

“I consider your friendship very valuable,” said Nelson.

Latest News

Initial lab results negative for biological agents in BD package

State, local and federal officials responded to a "hazmat incident" at the Becton, Dickinson and Company facility in the afternoon Thursday, May 15.

Photo by Riley Klein

Updated Friday, May 16:

The Becton, Dickinson and Company facility in North Canaan remains closed as of Friday, May 16.

Two employees who opened a suspicious package were hospitalized yesterday as a precaution. They have since been released.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sunset gazing on Tory Hill
Photo by Nathan Miller

Anna Amachowski and Steve Wilcox of Canaan enjoyed the sunset and some grilled chicken from the top of Tory Hill outside Sharon on Thursday, May 1. They were welcoming in the warm breezes of spring with some fishing and some ridgeline views at the end of a warm evening.

Amachowski and Wilcox's dog, Chuy, enjoyed a soft spot of cool grass and the view over the ridge.Photo by Nathan Miller

Celebration of Life: Michael R. Tesoro, M.D.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Michael R. Tesoro M.D. (May 20, 1941-—Dec. 25, 2024) whose vibrant spirit touched so many. We will gather on May 17 at 11:30 a.,m. at Trinity Lime Rock to remember Michael’s life with love and laughter.

A light fare reception to immediately follow at the church’s Walker Hall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keith Raven Johnson

SHARON — Keith Raven Johnson, a long-time resident of Sharon, died on April 26, 2025, a month after his 90th birthday, at Geer Rehabilitation and Long -Term Care facility in Canaan.

He was born on March 21, 1935, in Ithaca, New York, the son of John Raven Johnson and Hope Anderson Johnson.

Keep ReadingShow less