Year in review: Cornwall’s community spirit defined the year

CORNWALL — The year 2025 was one of high spirits and strong connections in Cornwall.

January started on a sweet note with the annual New Year’s Day breakfast at the United Church of Christ’s Parish House. Volunteers served up fresh pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and real maple syrup.

February brought a focus on housing, as legislators, local officials and affordable housing advocates gathered on a cold morning Feb. 7 on Town Street to celebrate the launch of a regional affordable housing program.

State Rep. Maria Horn, D-64, said, “What better than a cold, windy day to remind you of the importance of having a warm home,” she said.

Two new homes were completed later in the year on Town Street, and the Cornwall Housing Corporation invited the community to an open house celebration.

On the housing front, the Planning and Zoning Commission also worked throughout 2025 to address regulations that may have been restricting new home construction in town.

In March, a heroic effort by bystanders likely saved the life of a driver in a one-car accident on Route 7. The car had struck a utility pole and was surrounded by live wires when nearby residents rushed to help.

“The woman was pulled from the car with, by my estimate, 90 seconds to spare before the flames would have reached her,” said Kent Volunteer Fire Department Chief Alan Gawel.

Two of the responders, Niya Borst and Emil Urbanowicz, both students at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, were recognized in front of the student body. Borst said she and her aunt used a sledgehammer to break the rear window in an attempt to free the driver.

In April, Cornwall Consolidated School’s 7th graders completed a research project honoring Naomi Freeman, Cornwall’s first Black female landowner. As part of the project, a portion of Great Hollow Road was renamed for Freeman on an honorary basis.

Cornwall Consolidated School seventh graders take part in a project honoring Naomi Freeman, Cornwall’s first Black female landowner,Lakeville Journal

In May, Cornwall held a powerful ceremony to honor local veterans of the Revolutionary War and replaced 10 refurbished grave markers in the cemetery on Route 4.

Cornwall’s Manny Matsudaira earned valedictorian honors at HVRHS.

The Village Green was the destination for summer fun with July Fest, Taste of Cornwall in August and the Agricultural Fair in September.

In the fall, Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department launched a major fundraising campaign to replace two outdated firetrucks. The effort was a huge success and CVFD successfully met its goal of $600,000.

At the fire department’s open house in October, Resident Richard Schlesinger spoke of his experience being rescued by the volunteer ambulance corps after experiencing cardiac arrest about four years ago. “They saved my life because they had the right equipment and the dedication and the skill.”

December saw the addition of a new event in Cornwall: The Parade of Lights. The illuminated procession brought cheer and joy as Cornwall concluded another trip around the sun.