What's in a date?

AMENIA — Don’t ever say Arlene Iuliano, the recently appointed town historian, is slacking on the job.

A seemingly innocuous question from Supervisor Wayne Euvrard got a rather complicated answer from Iuliano at the March 11 Town Board meeting.

Euvrard, who was away on vacation during the meeting, had sent Iuliano an e-mail wondering how old the town of Amenia actually is.

Turns out that’s a tricky question. The year 1704 might be the most common answer, seeing that the town celebrated three centuries worth of Amenia a few years back. A giant turquoise flag left over from those festivities is pinned on the wall behind the Town Board during its meetings.

But a closer inspection of the flag, and Amenia’s history, leaves some room for interpretation.

Technically, 1704 is the date that a land patent was granted to Richard Sackett, the first settler of the area, who hunkered down in Wassaic.

However, the patent was ultimately found to be invalid; the land was already included in the  Nine Partners Patent, which had been granted seven years earlier.

And even more technically, the (not yet) United States of America was still under British rule and English law, meaning it wasn’t legally a town until the Act of the 7th March, 1788, after the revolution, when the term “town� replaced “precinct.�

The long and short of it is that Iuliano isn’t quite sure yet, but like any dedicated historian, she’s sure the answer is out there somewhere.

“I’ll keep on pursuing it,� she said. “I am keeping busy.�

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less