Students seek answers to political discord

LAKEVILLE — In light of the recent difficulties federal politicians have had when attempting to create bipartisan legislation, the Hotchkiss School hosted a conference Sept. 23 that focused on teaching students to cooperate across party lines. Students from 11 different schools attended the event, traveling from as far away as Massachusetts and New Jersey. It was sponsored by the Hotchkiss Political Union, a student-run club focusing on nonpartisan political discussion and problem solving. Lisa Brown, Hotchkiss class of 1978, opened the conference — to an audience of 150 students, teachers and community members — with a keynote speech in Katherine M. Elfers Hall of the Esther Eastman Music Center. Brown shared her experiences as the former White House staff secretary for President Barack Obama, and described the increasingly polarized state of politics in Washington. The students then participated in small group discussions. Each group was asked to find a solution that might overcome a particular aspect of partisan politics. Topics included “Partisanship in the Supreme Court,” “Increases in Executive Power” and “Campaign Finance Reform.” The most relevant solutions, as judged by a panel of teachers, were awarded prizes at the end of the conference. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion, featuring state Sen. Andrew Roraback (R-30, Hotchkiss class of 1978), Noel Sloan (Hotchkiss class of 1980), Salisbury First Selectman Curtis Rand and Hotchkiss teacher Keith Moon, who is an instructor of Russian, Spanish and English. Sloan, who has held senior positions in risk management and equity research, contributed a private-sector perspective to the panel. Moon rounded out the group as a representative of politics in academia. Student questions ranged from inquiries about local affordable housing initiatives to the panelists’ advice for aspiring politicians.Students who participated in the event — the first of its kind at the school — said they found the day to be both educational and enjoyable. “I was able to interact with really intelligent, well-informed kids from other schools,” said Julia Krom, a senior at Hotchkiss. “I think that the goal of the day was achieved, because we found a lot of solutions to our problems.” Leaders of the conference hope the event will continue as an annual tradition.“I think the conference was very effective at bringing students together to face our country’s issues,” said Delaney Hand, a board member of the Hotchkiss Political Union. “I would be thrilled if future Hotchkiss students would take the initiative to continue the event.” Lena Duffield is a senior at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville.

Latest News

Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bach and beyond
The Berkshire Bach Society (BBS) of Stockbridge will present a concert by cellist Dane Johansen on June 28 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Provided

The mission statement of the Berkshire Bach Society (BBS) reads: “Our mission is to preserve the cultural legacy of Baroque music for current and future audiences — local, national, and international — by presenting the music of J.S. Bach, his Baroque predecessors, contemporaries, and followers performed by world-class musicians.”

Its mission will once again be fulfilled by presenting a concert featuring Dane Johansen on June 28 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 29 Main Street, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Keep ReadingShow less