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Town Hall parking lot merger moves ahead in Sharon

SHARON — Continuing plans to expand the Town Hall parking lot were discussed at the regular meeting of the Sharon Board of Selectmen Tuesday, Jan. 23, with a unanimous vote to merge that rear parking lot with the parking lot next door that serves the town-owned building at 67 Main St.

A November meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission had approved the site plan that would merge the two lots for convenience in maintaining both. The selectmen agreed to sign a Deed of Merger prepared by the town attorney and to file a surveyor’s map with the town clerk.

Other action included moving ahead on arranging for inspection of town bridges less than 20 feet in length. After review of two proposals and detailed comparison, the selectmen determined that both proposals offered identical assessment services.

Cardinal Engineering was selected to do the work at a cost estimate of $750 for each bridge, to be paid out of the highway budget account.

A summary report of the study of Mudge Pond has been completed by Northeast Aquatic Research, and the results were reviewed by selectwoman Lynn Kearcher. George Knoecklein, who conducted the study, is expected to present results to the public in a future Zoom meeting, yet to be scheduled.

The selectmen agreed with Kearcher’s recommendation to apply for a state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) grant of $25,000 to pay for monthly water testing. The town’s share of the funding would be $5,000, Kearcher explained, adding that if the grant is awarded, the required town share might be found in the Silly Putty Fund.

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A dinosaur is coming to Cornwall

A dinosaur is coming to Cornwall
Lou Barlow performing with Dinosaur Jr.
Photo by Roberta Osmers of illuminated scene

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Cornwall Town Hall will be the coolest place in the county. Lou Barlow, of the rock bands Dinosaur Jr., the Folk Implosion and Sebadoh, will be joined by Attawalpa’s Luis Felber and hauntingly raw singer-songwriter Amelia Jackie as they transform the official administrative building into a rockin’ music venue.

Lou Barlow rarely gets the credit he deserves. As bassist for 1980s pre-grunge indie sensation Dinosaur Jr., he influenced a whole generation of bass players. Barlow started his music career by playing guitar in a hardcore punk band called Deep Wound out of Central Massachusetts.

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Jaimoe keeps the Allman Brother’s sound alive at Infinity Hall

Jaimoe performs with Friends of the Brothers.

Derek McCabe

The Allman Brothers Band has a wild history that involves more than its share of death, drugs, booze and blues. The band played through several iterations from 1969 until 2014. For most of that time, it was powered by the rhythm and texture of its two drummers, Butch Trucks and the enigmatic Jaimoe. On Thursday, Nov. 12, Jaimoe will get back behind the drums to bring the music of the Allman Brothers to life with Friends of the Brothers at Norfolk’s Infinity Hall.

Jaimoe, born in 1944 as John Lee Johnson and also performed under the name Jai Johanny Johanson, was already an accomplished drummer before he met guitarist Duane Allman in 1967. Trained as a soul and jazz drummer, he started playing R&B at a young age and eventually made his way to Otis Redding’s band before Redding died in a plane crash at age 26. Jaimoe had an effortless texture to his drumming that set him apart from most drummers of the day, who were frequently enlisted to hold the beat rather than contribute to a bands’ musicality.

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Is it a concert or a play? “Yes, Darling.” It is.

Ryan Montbleau and Hayley Jane bring “Yes, Darling” to the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield on Nov. 13.

Provided

On Friday, Nov. 13, a truly unique performance will hit the stage of the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. “Yes, Darling” is the musical culmination of a longtime collaboration between musicians Hayley Jane and Ryan Montbleau. What sets this performance apart from a traditional musical or a regular concert is that the writers of the songs are the actors and performers themselves.

Though “Yes, Darling” is their first official album and subsequent show together, Jane and Montbleau share a number of compatible traits that work together marvelously in this project.

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Local favorites among Destination Dutchess tourism award finalists

Tenmile Distillery in Wassaic is a finalist for a Destination Dutchess 2026 Tourism Award of Distinction for its Revolutionary Whisky.

D.H. Callahn

Three familiar names from eastern Dutchess County are among the finalists for Destination Dutchess’ 2026 Tourism Awards of Distinction, recognizing the people, businesses and organizations that make the county a vibrant destination for visitors.

House of Stefas in Millbrook is a finalist for the Newcomer Award of Distinction, which celebrates tourism-related businesses that opened in 2025 and have already made an impression on visitors and residents alike.

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Robin Wall Kimmerer at Hudson Hall

Robin Wall Kimmerer at Hudson Hall

Robin Wall Kimmerer

photo courtesy the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Robin Wall Kimmerer, acclaimed author of “Braiding Sweetgrass” and “The Serviceberry,” comes to Hudson Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. for a talk and conversation with garden writer Margaret Roach, followed by a book signing. The in-person event is sold out, but a free livestream is available. Visit hudsonhall.org.

William C. Palmer

William C. Palmer

EAST CANAAN — William C. Palmer, lovingly known as Bill, passed away suddenly on November 1, 2026, in his home in Louisa, Virginia, at the age of 61. Bill was born on March 6,1965 at Camp Zama military base in Kanagawa-Ken, Japan, where his father was stationed. Bill graduated from Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, practicing his love of trade in machine tool and die. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Diane Palmer, who was his devoted partner in life. He leaves behind his daughter, Nicky, who was truly his pride and joy. He is also survived by his pups, Luna and Jasper, as well as his grand-pup, Mason, and grand-kitty, Chance. In addition, Bill is survived by his mother, Hazel Williams; his sister, Sherrie Palmer; his brothers, Doug Palmer, Larry Zani and his wife Ashley; Almo Zani and his wife Ginger; and several cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Fred Palmer.

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