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Deborah Barlow Merwin
Oct 16, 2024
MILLERTION — Deborah Barlow Merwin, 72, a thirty-seven-year resident of Millerton, and formerly a ten-year resident of Amenia, died peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024 at her home in Millerton, surrounded by her loving family. Debbie had a decades long career as a Medical Secretary for the Sharon Hospital in Sharon, and former Hudson River Community Health Center in Amenia, as well as others.
Born Aug. 19, 1952, in Brockport, New York, she was the daughter of Duane Barlow of Brockport and the late Patricia (Rayburn) Barlow. Following high school she attended Central City Business Institute in Syracuse. On Aug. 25, 1973, in Brockport, she married John M. Merwin, together sharing over 51 years of marriage. Mr. Merwin survives at their home in Millerton. The Merwin’s were longtime members of the Congregational Church of Salisbury in Salisbury. Debbie’s greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family and her adoring grandchildren.
In addition to her husband John, Debbie is survived by two daughters, Melissa A. Merwin of Meriden, Conn., and Sarah M. Thomen and her husband Corey of Falls Village; two grandchildren, Ian and Gabriel Thomen of Falls Village; her brother, David Barlow and his wife Debra of Holley, New York; two sisters, Rebecca Conrow and her husband Thomas of Brockport and Cynthia Wilson and her husband Robert of Albion, New York; her nieces and nephews, Spencer, Matthew, Joy, Jill, Andrew, Peter, Nicholas and Avery and several additional family members and close friends.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Congregation Church of Salisbury, 30 Main Street, Salisbury, CT 06068. A reception is Debbie’s honor will follow in the fellowship hall at the Congregation Church of Salisbury. Burial will be private at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Debbie’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com.
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Northern Dutchess Paramedics Station Two is a few miles south of Millerton on Route 22. The ambulance averages less than one call per day in the town of North East.
Photo by Nathan Miller
MILLERTON — Northern Dutchess Paramedics’ (NDP) five-year contract with the Town of North East, Dover and Amenia is coming to an end in December.
The new proposed contract between the Town of North East and NDP increased by 71.5%. Over the past five years NDP increased its payments by two percent annually, making the new proposal a significant increase.
“With its population of around 3,000 people, the Town of North East has less than one call per day for ambulance service,” Chris Kennan, the town supervisor, said, “Which makes it very expensive for us and a big piece of the Town’s annual budget.”
NDP shared its contract with the Towns of North East, Amenia and Dover. Under the contract, an ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulance must be stationed in each of the three towns.
A possible 70% increase in service pricing would impose expenses on residents, Kennan said, increasing property taxes at an “unacceptable” rate. According to Kennan, every municipality in Dutchess County is dealing with similar EMS problems. This calendar year the Town is spending $376,858 on EMS services, which is about 10.5% of the Town’s budget. NDP has requested $646,300 for their services next year.
“I’ve been in the rescue service for 37 years now as a fireman. We need that and it is the cost of doing business,” Richard Yeno, the Town of Dover’s Supervisor, said. “The problem is it’s a substantial hit, a 70 plus percent increase is a major hit to the budget. And it will make taxes go up but my people will have an ambulance service in place Jan. 1, 2025.”
Both Kennan and Yeno have expressed the importance of a future meeting with NDP to discuss logistics and as an attempt to lower their previous approach.
“We’re going to do our due diligence, shop it where we can shop it, negotiate where we can negotiate, such as NDP,” Yeno said. “We do have a future meeting planned with them. We are back on the table and both parties agreed that this needs to come to another serious discussion. So hopefully it’ll get better.”
According to Kennan, the emergency medical services (EMS) crisis is not unique to North East, Amenia and Dover. “It is a problem for smaller, less-populated towns across New York State and around the country,” Kennan said. “Put very simply, the larger the population, the more customers the EMS providers have to spread the costs around. We have to remember that we are paying for a fully-staffed ambulance sitting in our town around the clock.”
Last year, the Town of North East had 256 calls for EMS services, which is less than one call a day, leaving the ambulance sitting without callsfor long stretches. The town of Dover has roughly 8,400 residents and is dealing with a similar, over 70%, increase in its EMS service budget.
“The problem is in five years, the prices of everything has gone up. The cost of wages has gone up to be competitive. They need to increase their worker’s wages,” Yeno said. “I understand that, and that’s where we’re at.
“My people deserve this service. They need this service,” Yeno said. “And I will find a way to provide this service. I won’t go backward. I will maintain what we were receiving in service, and nothing but up.”
As of Sunday, Oct. 13, NDP has not responded to requests for comment from the Millerton News.
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Karen Blakey Fisher
Oct 16, 2024
CORNWALL - Karen Blakey Fisher, born on May 26, 1956, in Torrington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2024, at Hartford Hospital, Hartford Connecticut. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend who touched the lives of many with her infectious laughter and unwavering spirit.
Karen dedicated her life to her family and her passions. She and her husband, Gordon, spent countless hours nurturing their garden, sharing their love for flowers, and creating beautiful planters. An avid cook, she delighted in preparing meals for loved ones and cherished moments spent by the water, especially during family trips to Cape Cod. Karen was known for her adventurous spirit, often embarking on exciting outings with her daughter, Melissa, and granddaughter, Devyn. She had a remarkable ability to keep everyone entertained and was always the happiest person in the room.
Karen was a proud graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School and dedicated her professional life to helping others. After working in home healthcare, she and her sister, Lori, opened an environmentally conscious product store in Torrington. Later, she ran a deli in Cornwall, managing it from start to finish with her characteristic flair.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon Fisher; daughter, Melissa Root; granddaughter, Devyn Root; father, Gerald Blakey; mother, Patricia Benedict Blakey; brother, David Blakey; sister, Lori Blakey-Welles and her husband, David Welles; and cousin, Pamela Blakey-Hart. Karen’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Karen will be remembered by her family at a private burial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society, honoring Karen’s compassionate spirit and her desire to help others. Her favorite quote, “What are they going to do, take away your birthday?” will always remind us to celebrate life, just as she did.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton picked a contractor to begin Phase II of the Eddie Collins Memorial Park construction.
During the Village Trustees Meeting Monday, Oct. 7, the contractor LaBella was chosen to proceed with the park’s new raising. Bidding for professional services opened on Thursday, Sept. 26 and the Village received three different proposals.
The firms’ offers ranged from $518,500 to $705,500 for their services during Phase II. According to the Village’s Mayor, Jenn Najdek, LaBella happened to be the lowest bidder but money was not the only factor. Board members also considered who has been working with the Village.
LaBella was the prime contractor to help complete Phase I of the Eddie Collins Memorial Park project. The company and the Village worked together to create a master plan to refurbish the space.
Phase I enhancements focused on revamping the playground, a natural soccer field, basketball courts, little league field, seating areas, parking and a new entryway. According to LaBella’s website, “Enhancements included accessible and creative surfacing, dynamic pathways, existing equipment rehabilitation, installation of new equipment, shade trees, rain gardens, green infrastructure, and various site furnishings.”
LaBella will be assisting the Village in the new design for Phase II which includes a 3,600 square foot pool house and community room and a 5-lane Olympic short course swimming pool. The Village is hoping to begin construction by spring 2025 and complete the project within six to eight months after.
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