Swift House left out of funding round

KENT — The recent allocation of STEAP grants across Northwest Corner municipalities did not include Kent’s $1 million proposal to fund its renovation of the historic Swift House into an updated and ADA-compliant facility for daily town use.

The Swift House has been largely vacant in recent years, and its utility to the town has become a long term subject of debate amongst officials and residents. The selectmen applied for the STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) with aspirations of moving the town’s food bank from the Community House on North Main Street to the first floor of the Swift House, which it would share with a large event and meeting space and the permanent offices of the Social Services department.

At the May 30 town meeting, resident Matt Starr singled out the Swift House as a large project that takes up space on the Capital Plan, sees little progress and doesn’t get enough public input.

First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer said the Board of Selectmen would be looking to community collaboration to plan for next steps.

“The board and town will be taking up the conversation… to figure out what the heck we do next,” said Lindenmayer to the assembled residents.

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage
Jonathan Walker as “Greg” and Jen Cody as “Sylvia”in rehearsal at The Sharon Playhouse.
Aly Morrissey

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less