Unprecedented crowds force postponement of wakesurfing vote

Residents overflowed Kent Town Hall Friday, June 27, forcing the vote to ban wakesurfing on Lake Waramaug to be rescheduled.
David Carley
Residents overflowed Kent Town Hall Friday, June 27, forcing the vote to ban wakesurfing on Lake Waramaug to be rescheduled.
KENT — Residents arrived in droves to a town meeting on the evening of June 27 to vote on a controversial ordinance that would ban wakesurfing on Lake Waramaug — so many that it forced First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer to disband the meeting before a vote could be held, citing public safety and fairness concerns.
Would-be attendees were still flooding into the line outside the doors when Lindenmayer announced to the already packed room that the meeting would be postponed until the town could find a way to fairly and safely account for the vote of each resident who wished to cast a ballot. Fire Marshall Timothy Limbos determined the building would breach maximum capacity and could not accommodate the crowd.
The major ticket item of the evening was a vote on a highly polemic ordinance that would effectively ban wakesurfing on the lake, a sport that requires boats to produce wakes large enough that the surfer is able to ride the wave under its own power. An ordinance regarding the regulation of open burning and another regulating fire alarm systems were also meant to be voted on at the meeting.
Many residents expressed they had never seen such a throng at Town Hall votes — “even for a presidential,” said Richard Welsh as he waited in line before Lindenmayer made the call.
Lindenmayer said previous meeting turnout on the issue in Kent led him to believe the meeting room at Town Hall could handle the numbers. A public hearing held on June 17 had only filled about half the seats, and Lindenmayer said they had set out even more chairs for the vote. Still, the room was far from able to host the masses that turned out.
Several locals said the high turnout should have been anticipated given the buzz surrounding the highly contentious topic. For the past several weeks, yard signs have been popping up beside Kent streets urging residents to vote either yes or no on the ordinance.
One sign campaign in favor of the proposed ordinance features the phrase “Big Waves = ...” followed by one of a number of possible risks associated with the activity: “Choppy Water Skiing,” “Swamped Boats,” “Dangerous Docks” and “Harm to our Lake.” Issues of public safety and the ecological health of the lake have been key talking points in previous public meetings surrounding the proposed regulation of the sport.
Other signs are against the ban, arguing for other restrictive measures that don’t go as far as a full-on ban. “Wave Restrictions Work,” reads one. Another sign echoes a “freedom of recreation” sentiment expressed by many who have opposed banning the sport: “Share the Lake.”
The opinion of the energized crowd on Friday evening was difficult to determine without a vote, however, many residents were vocal in their desire to see the ordinance passed. Welsh, who enjoys fishing on Lake Waramaug, said that he felt the lake is simply too small, and too shallow, for the sport.
“They’re absolutely going to affect the lake bottom,” he said of the large waves generated while wakesurfing. A disruption of the sediment at the lake’s bottom, which is said to contain phosphates that may cause potentially harmful algal blooms if disturbed, has been widely posited as a reason to limit large wakes on the lake.
Several other attendees, however, who wished to remain anonymous, felt that the town leadership was overstepping by regulating the sport.
After Lindenmayer ordered the postponement, he said that the Board of Selectmen would discuss on Tuesday, June 31 how to best organize the vote so that each resident who wishes to participate may do so fairly and safely. He said that changing the venue to the higher-capacity Community Center or Kent Center School were viable options, as was calling for a referendum.
As the crowd dispersed outside Town Hall, the atmosphere grew tense. Lindenmayer and New Preston Resident John Amster traded words. Amster, who spoke against the ordinance at the June 17 hearing, pays taxes in Kent through property owned by a trust, which Kent does not consider adequate voter criteria.
After a heated exchange, the two men separated and the masses began to fizzle in earnest, holding their votes for another day. No new date had been set as of June 30.
In order to take effect, the ordinance must be approved by Kent, Warren and Washington residents, as the lake is situated at the border of the three towns.
Aerial view of The Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass.
Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for symphonic music this summer at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Here are a few highlights from the classical programming.
Saturday, July 5: Shed Opening Night at 8 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Daniil Trifonov plays piano in an All-Rachmaninoff program. The Piano Concerto No. 3 was completed in 1909 and was written specifically to be debuted in the composer’s American tour, at another time of unrest and upheaval in Russia. Trifonev is well-equipped to take on what is considered among the most technically difficult piano pieces. This program also includes Symphonic Dances, a work encapsulating many ideas and much nostalgia.
On Sunday, July 6 at 2:30 p.m., the next master pianist, Yefim Bronfman, joins Andris Nelsons as he conducts the BSO in the Shed. Bronfman features in an All-Beethoven program. Hear the Leonore Overture No. 2 followed by the Piano Concerto No. 3, a deeply expressive work that highlights the lively interplay between the BSO strings, winds, and Bronfman’s piano. After intermission, experience the epic Symphony No. 5.
On Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons join pianist Seong-Jin Cho in celebrating the 150th birth year of Maurice Ravel. Expressive, sincere, and wonderful, Cho’s playing is bound to create a rich evening of music that includes “Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun” (Debussy), “Piano Concerto in G” (Ravel), “Piano Concerto for the Left Hand” (Ravel), and “La Mer” (Debussy).
On Sunday, July 13 at 2:30 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen will be a superb combination, along with the energetic young Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto. Kuusisto comes from distinguished musical lineage, and he’s equally captivating whether performing classical works or masterfully weaving Northern European folk melodies. The program includes “Tumblebird Contrails” (Gabriella Smith), “Violin Concerto” (Sibelius), and “Symphony No. 5” (Sibelius).
On Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons present the Piccini’s “Tosca,” with special guest singers Kristine Opolais, Seok Jong Baek, Bryn Terfel, Patrick Carfizzi and the entire Tanglewood Festival Chorus, with James Burton conducting. Expect an unforgettable evening in the Shed, with beauty and brilliance at full volume—star power layered on star power.
Beginning Thursday, July 24 at 8 p.m. in Ozawa Hall, the TMC Festival of Contemporary Music kicks off with Ortiz and the Mexican Tradition. This year’s festival runs through Monday, July 28 and features music of Mexican music educator and composer Gabriela Ortiz Torres, Carnegie Hall’s composer in residence for the 2025 season. This superb Festival within a Festival is a proverbial “Box of Chocolates”, where you never quite know what flavor is in the middle until you bite.
On Friday, July 25at 8 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons welcome Spanish-born violinist María Dueñas. At a mere 18 years old, Dueñas has already won the 2021 Menuhin Competition, including the audience award. The BBC also named her as its “New Generation Artist 2021-2023.” This program includes “Air,” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 (J.S. Bach), and “Adagio from Symphony No. 10” (Mahler) before Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto”,“Calm Sea”, and “Prosperous Voyage.”
On Sunday, July 27 at 2:30 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons welcome pianist Lang Lang.Lang Lang is squarely in the 100% not to be missed category, and this afternoon the audience will be indulged with “La Calaca” (Gabriela Ortiz) for string orchestra, Piano Concerto No. 2 (Saint-Saëna), and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6, Pastoral.”
On Saturday, August 16 at 8 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra join with German conductor and concert pianist Anna Handler and young Italian-German-American violinist Augustin Hadelich to present the Brahms’s “Tragic Overture,” “Symphony No. 4” (Schumann), andTchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. The constellation this evening looks to become especially bright, colorful, and passionate. Plan to come early and stay late.
On Sunday, August 17 at 2:30 p.m. in the Shed, the Boston Symphony Orchestra welcomes conductor Dima Slobodeniouk, who was born in Moscow and settled in Finland.Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet is another musician not to miss; every appearance is fresh and lively. This program includes “Threnody (In Memory of Jan Sibelius)” by William Grant Still, “Piano Concerto No. 2” (Liszt), “Valse triste” (Sibelius), and “Symphony No. 3.” (Sibelius).
The 2025 Tanglewood season promises to be another exciting one. A quick note: the BSO has faced issues with ticket resellers posing as official sources and charging inflated prices. To avoid this, be sure to purchase tickets in advance only through bso.org.
SHARON — James H. Fox, resident of Sharon, passed away on May 30, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital.
Born in New York, New York, to Herbert Fox and Margaret Moser, James grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. He spent his summers in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, where he developed a deep connection to the community.
James attended Millbrook School, Ripon College, and the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, Connecticut.
He proudly served in the Navy and his dedication to his craft led him to later own several restaurants, including the renowned Fox & Fox in Gaylordsville, and most recently, Panini Cafe in Kent. He went on to become a staple at the Cornwall Farmer’s Market, known for his delicious soups.
James lived in Sharon, for 20 years, where he cherished the serenity tending to the gardens and property. Perpetually in motion, he filled his days with gardening, tending his property, and engaging in hobbies such as collecting model cars, woodworking, and perfecting his culinary creations.He never hesitated to take on a new project, no matter the scope.Not many 82-year-olds can say they fully remodeled a bathroom single handedly.After a full day of work, one of his greatest joys was relaxing at the end of the day in front of the fireplace.
James is survived by his constant companion of 22 years, Kathie Dolan; his two sons; Adam Fox of Montpelier, Vermont and Emmett Fox of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; his brother, Tom Fox of Phoenix, Arizona; his brother-in-law, Gary Sarachan of St. Louis; and several nieces, including Sydney Fox Sarachan of St. Louis, Carrie Fox of Phoenix, and Amanda Fox of Columbus, Ohio. He also leaves behind his grandson, Aidan Fox of New Hampshire, extended family, Erin Dolan, Megan Mollica, Rory Dolan, his dog, Django, and his cat, William.
James will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His unique sense of humor and culinary excellence will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
All services are private.
FALLS VILLAGE — Richard Stone of Main Street passed away June 25, 2025, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington.
Born Feb. 12, 1942, in Ossining, New York, Richard was son of the late Howard Stone and Victoria (Smith) Stone.
He attended public schools in Ossining and then studied architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. After graduation he became a licensed architect.
Richard admired contemporary architecture by Corbusier, Philip Johnson, and Louis Kahn, but also many earlier and folk designs. His projects included re-erecting, at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the 18th century Chinese house “Yin Yu Tang”, and also restoration of the historic Delaware & Hudson office building in Albany, New York. Broad cultural interests led him to travel around the world, but especially in Caribbean lands and Latin America.
Long a resident of Falls Village, Richard had a concern for the built environment surrounding him. More importantly, he cherished neighbors, church, and friends near and far.
Richard is survived by his three brothers; Thomas of Peabody, Massachusetts, William of Canaan, New Hampshire, and Kenneth of Medford, Massachusetts, their wives, and many nieces, nephews, and step siblings.
A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 484 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville, Connecticut, on Thursday, July 31, at 11:30 a.m.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.