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Amenia officials prepare for impending Comprehensive Plan update
Leila Hawken
May 13, 2026
Amenia Town Hall on Route 22.
Photo by Nathan Miller
AMENIA — Town Board members began to discuss their duties in updating the town’s comprehensive plan in preparation for an update to the document that serves as a guide for officials.
The discussion began on Thursday, May 7, as volunteers work to complete the first update to the town’s comprehensive plan since 2007.
During public comment, Ken Topolsky, a member of the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, said that zoning code regulations relate to the Comprehensive Plan.
“The Comprehensive Plan is aspirational,” Topolsky said.
He cautioned against any changes to zoning laws while the Comprehensive Plan is being updated, a process due to be completed within a few months.
“Wait for the Comprehensive Plan,” Topolsky advised. Later in the meeting, Bill Flood, CPRC chairman, spoke in support of Topolsky’s viewpoint.
Topolsky also noted apparent confusion about the meaning of “workforce housing” and “affordable housing,” saying that the two seem to be used interchangeably in discussion, but in fact, they are different.
“The distinction needs to be worked out,” Topolsky told the Town Board.
During wide-ranging discussion regarding code enforcement relating to fences and outdoor storage of junk, including cars, Town Board Attorney Ian Lindars recommended that the Town Prosecutor be consulted. He had undertaken an evaluation of existing imprecise town code sections that have been difficult to enforce.
“You can’t do things magically,” Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm said, regarding residents who have complaints about such things as junk stored in yards. “The Code Enforcement Officer cannot force removal of junk without a process.
“There is a process that people need to go through,” she explained.
Councilwoman Vicki Doyle pushed back, saying enforcement has been lacking in the town. “But there have been decades of yard junk infractions,” Doyle said.
Hamm cautioned that enforcement can be difficult without proper legal support. “The first step is to invest the time to tighten the codes,” Hamm responded.
Discussion continued, turning to the responsibilities of the Housing Board.
“The ultimate question is whether or not the Housing Board is responsible for administering the workforce housing code,” Lindars said, having conferred with the Planning Board attorney.
Lindars advised that the Town Board has the authority to hire a professional to oversee the implementation of the Housing Codes that the volunteer Housing Board is responsible for, if necessary.
In other business, the board voted unanimously to appoint Ericka Howard to the position of Secretary to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The appointment will be effective on June 1, upon the retirement of long-term Secretary Judy Westfall.
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Two democrats seek open seat on Amenia’s Town Board
Joseph Brennan
May 13, 2026
Amenia Town Hall on Route 22.
Photo by Nathan Miller
AMENIA — Voters will have a chance to fill the vacant seat on the Town Council this year after the board has spent nearly two years with an incomplete roster of four voting members.
Two candidates — democrats Damian Gutierrez and Kimberley Travis — are eyeing the seat. Both are seeking the democratic party line on the ballot in November, and will face off in a primary election on June 23.
The local head of the Republican party, Jaime Vitiello, said they will not run a candidate for supervisor or councilperson as no one showed interest.
Travis, who’s best known around town for organizing the regular anti-Trump protests at Fountain Square in Amenia, said local Democratic Party leadership asked her to run because of her skills with organizing people and events. She said she wants to focus on listening to others and serving all townspeople if she is elected to the town council.
Travis emphasized a desire to push Amenia forward on issues, lamenting projects she said have stalled such as the Route 44 sidewalk.
“I want to see our local tax dollars go toward the betterment of our community,” Travis said. “Not get stuck in a quagmire.”
Damian Gutierrez has already served the town as a councilman and a member of various committees. He said he is looking forward to possibly rejoining the current board.“I’ve only ever worked with Vicki before and we accomplished a lot together, Gutierrez said. “To me it’s not about personalities or party.”
He believes his private sector experience could help. “I spent a lot oftime when I was in office working on legal matters,” Gutierrez said. “I helped migrate the town from a 1980’s email back office technology to a cloud solution intended for small governments.” One of the “big idea projects” he is interested in is the creation of a Facilities Director to look over town properties and lands and buildings as a paid position.
An unfilled board seat has become part of the local political scene over the past three election cycles, beginning with Leo Blackman being elected to the supervisor position the same year that two new board members, Paul Winters and Brad Rebillard, were elected. At the time, the council rejected the appointment of Vicki Doyle. Instead, the Board voted to interview other candidates in executive session and Nicole Ahearn was appointed when Rosanna Hamm, a Democrat, chose to support a Republican because she thought they could work well together, all political power aside.
Then Paul Winters’s sudden death created another open term that would require a second appointment.
This time, the board decided not to fill Winters’s position and chose to function as two Democrats and two Republicans. That vacancy continued after the November 2025 election, when Rosanna Hamm was elected supervisor and left an open year on her board seat. Once again, the board chose to function as four, and while it was technically three Democrats and one Republican, working together across party lines prevailed and the major issues facing the town — the new town garage, sidewalk, water projects, and pending lawsuits — were addressed with compromise, town officials said.
Current membership has focused on functioning smoothly and keeping tempers calm since the elections last November, working hard to avoid the acrimony of recent past boards. A new member, Walter Dietrich, and veteran Doyle — who was reelected to a seat on the board in 2025 — have voted almost unanimously with incumbents Hamm and Ahearn on the current issues facing the town.
“All four of us want the best for Amenia and that’s the point,” Dietrich said.
Doyle similarly emphasized a commitment to work fairly with anyone, regardless of party affiliation. “I will work with Republicans,” Doyle said. “We should fight for the town, not each other.”
Ahearn summarized the mood of the current board. “Not a lot of 2-2 votes,” Ahearn said. “We’re trying to come together for the town.”
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Gregory Phillip Sheridan
Millerton News
May 13, 2026
NEW MILFORD — Gregory Phillip Sheridan died peacefully surrounded by family on May 5th in New Milford, Connecticut at the age of 77. He was born on March 19th, 1949 in Poughkeepsie, NY, to Phillip and Catherine Sheridan.
Gregg is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy, his son Matthew Sheridan of Glastonbury, CT, his son Lucas Sheridan and his wife Allison of Malverne, Long Island, his daughter Anne Sheridan and her husband Aaron Miller of Boston, MA. He is also survived by his sister, Regina Hagstrand and her husband Charlie of Rexford, NY, his sister-in-law Barbara Steele and her husband David, and by seven adoring grandchildren; Colin, Delaney, Elliot, Lucy, Leo, Abel and Eliza.
Gregg grew up in Pawling, NY and attended SUNY New Paltz where he majored in art and met Judy. They married in 1971 and later moved to South Kent and started their family. Gregg ran his own contract design business from the barn next to their home and found success and meaning in his work for over four decades.
Gregg will be remembered as a bright light. He was a warm, generous, kind man who loved his family deeply, especially his wife, Judy. He was an active community member who would happily lend a hand when needed. Throughout his time living in Kent, he coached youth sports, volunteered for Habitat For Humanity, and worked on local affordable housing. His Catholic faith was central to how he lived his life. Gregg took pleasure in the small things in life. He loved to sing and dance and always enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people. He was a passionate fan of Notre Dame football and UConn basketball. Gregg loved driving with the windows down, telling stories, drawing and painting, watching his grandchildren swim in the pool, and cutting into a slice of pie with a cold glass of milk. He was light hearted, optimistic, full of energy and always made time for the people he loved. He will be greatly missed.
Visiting hours will be held at Lillis Funeral Home in New Milford, CT on Tuesday, May 19th from 5-7 pm. A funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th at 11 am at Sacred Heart Church in Kent, CT. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gregg’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Kent Affordable Housing, PO Box 265, Kent, CT 06757.
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John Michael Barry
Millerton News
May 13, 2026
NORFOLK — John Michael Barry, 83, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2026, at Moffitt Cancer Center, after a brief period of illness, in the presence of his loving family.
John was born on June 4, 1942, in Winsted, Connecticut, and raised in Norfolk, Connecticut, where he developed the values of faith, service, hard work, and deep devotion to family that defined his life.
A lifelong Catholic, John’s faith was a constant source of strength and guidance. His final parish was St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, Florida, where he remained spiritually grounded and closely connected to his faith community.
John proudly served in the United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, reflecting his leadership, discipline, and commitment to service. He dedicated 25 years of his career as a correctional officer with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, earning the respect of colleagues for his integrity and professionalism. Following his state service, John continued his career with The Hartford Insurance Company until his full retirement in 2009.
An avid saltwater fisherman, John found peace and joy by the ocean. He spent countless weekends and summers at Race Point Beach in Cape Cod, pursuing his passion for striped bass fishing—traditions and memories that became deeply cherished by family and friends. John also was avid fan and supporter of the Boston Red Sox and UCONN girls basketball teams.
John was actively involved in fraternal and service organizations throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Southington Elks Lodge, where he served as Past Exalted Ruler, and was also affiliated with the Lions Club, the Falcon Club, and the American Legion. He was also a member of the Norfolk Connecticut volunteer fire as well as a charter member of Norfolk Ambulance.
Above all else, John’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Barry; his son, Sean Barry, and daughter-in-law, Carmen Barry, of Colebrook, Connecticut; his daughter, Erin Barry, of New York, New York; his grandson, Edward; and his granddaughters, Lillian and Sarah, who were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by Lorraine McCafferty, the mother of his children, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship.
John will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering devotion, deep faith, and the countless moments shared with family especially the time spent with Deborah, which he treasured above all else.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at The Immaculate Conception Church in Norfolk, CT. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Norfolk.
In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be made to Moffit Cancer Institute in honor of John Barry.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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Frank Lalli
Millerton News
May 13, 2026
LAKEVILLE — Frank Lalli died on April 27, 2026, of complications of multiple myeloma, at Calvary Hospital in New York City. He was born on Feb. 20,1942, and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey. He earned a BA at Miami University of Ohio and went on to have a long career in journalism.
Frank and his wife, Carole Lalli, lived in New York City where they raised their daughters, Carla and Nina. His life was enriched by his city, for its cultural treasures and for the simple pleasures of everyday life--“the street,” as he put it. The family have had second homes in Lakeville for more than 30 years where they enjoyed time off even more when their grandchildren, Leo, Cosmo, Gia and Remo came along.
Frank began his career as a 20-year-old reporter at the Bergen Evening Record, in New Jersey. He went on to be a writer and then West Coast Bureau Chief for Forbes magazine; Executive Editor at New West; City Editor at the Los Angeles Herald Examiner and spent 17 years at Time Inc, including five years as Managing Editor of Money magazine. He became Editor-in-Chief of George following the death of John F. Kennedy Jr. Frank’s journalism included his book, “Your Best Healthcare Now” (2016); he was the Healthcare Detective on NPR’s local station, Robinhood Radio, for several years. His work earned him many awards, but he was proudest of Magazine Publishers of America’s Champion of Diversity Award for his efforts to diversify the editorial staffs at Time Inc.
Frank’s greatest pleasures were reading, particularly on U.S. history and politics, travel in Italy, and the New York Yankees, but nothing came close to being at a table with family and friends. He will be missed.
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Lawrence Fredrick Twordusky
Millerton News
May 13, 2026
EAST CANAAN — Lawrence Fredrick Twordusky Jr., 79, of East Canaan, Connecticut, formerly of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his faithful dog, Barney.
Larry was born on Feb. 2, 1947, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Lawrence and Esther Twordusky. He graduated from Tunkhannock Area High School and later from Johnson Technical School. In 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda LaBar, before serving in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho.
Larry dedicated many years of service to Procter & Gamble, where he worked in various roles before retiring. A lifelong woodworker, he found great joy in carpentry and was known for his skill and meticulous craftsmanship. From building his own home to helping his daughters with home repairs, Larry’s handmade furniture and creations were treasured by those he loved. Larry had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. From a young age, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and many of his most memorable stories came from time spent in the woods or out on the water.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda; his daughters, Lori Twordusky (her fiancé, Jason English) of Bear Creek, Pennsylvania, and Amy Helminiak (Shane) of East Canaan, Connecticut; his granddaughters, Megan Woronko (her fiancé, Vance Collier) and Wren and Briar Helminiak; his great-granddaughter, Harper Collier; his sister, Sue Farrell of Montrose, Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.
The family kindly asks that, if Larry touched your life in any way, you consider making a donation in his memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research:https://give.michaeljfox.org
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