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Frank Camille Grusauskas
Millerton News
Aug 05, 2026
FALLS VILLAGE — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Camille Grusauskas of Falls Village, Connecticut, on July 22, 2026, at the age of 70. Frank was born on Nov. 14, 1955 in Goshen. He was a beloved father and grandfather, uncle, brother, and partner. He was a fine woodworker and craftsman, an insatiable library patron, a musician, and a lover of life and the natural world. He was an extraordinary and talented man.
Frank spent his boyhood exploring the woods behind his childhood home, on Pie Hill Road in Goshen. He was the youngest and only son of Francis and Doris Grusauskas, with four older sisters, who he called his “Other Mothers.” From an early age he embraced Native American culture, and one of his favorite pastimes was walking local cornfields after a rain, in search of arrowheads, points, and stone tools.
Curious by nature, Frank spent his lifetime learning about earth science, history and art. He loved to sit outside on his front patio pondering crossword puzzles. He was a voracious reader and read until the day before he died. The book he reached for most during his final week was To Catch a Fish, by Mark Kurlansky.
From an early age, Frank lived his life enjoying one pleasure as he anticipated the next. He taught himself to play guitar and mandolin, and loved to camp with his family and instruments at bluegrass festivals, jamming with friends and strangers into the night. He loved seafood, the ocean, homegrown cannabis, throwing dinner parties, stoking the woodstove—his house often approaching 90 degrees in the dead of winter—gardening, and creating. From basket weaving to bread-making, and carving wooden birds and spoons, to tying flies and feather earrings, Frank was almost always working on something. He was resourceful and unconventional in his life and in his creativity. Even the sandcastles he built with his kids while vacationing in Cape Cod were works of art—giant sea serpents and elaborate pyramids and ziggurats with precisely sculpted stairways.
Frank’s passion for woodworking began at the age of five, when his father gave him a pearl-handled jackknife, a block of wood, some nails, and a hammer in their tiny basement. Frank learned to appreciate wood, as his father would only give him a piece of wood if he planned to use it wisely. He banged together a crooked birdhouse, then taught himself to whittle—which, he recalled, was how he learned to work with and against the grain. Frank attended Wamogo High School, and one year of college at Eastern Connecticut State University, before choosing his path of self-taught artisanship. To anybody interested in working with wood, he recommends starting with Bruce Hoadley’s book Understanding Wood—or, “traveling way back in time to watch the Viking ship builders,” which he did via books.
At the age of 26, Frank realized his dream of building a modest and beautiful house on a shoestring budget and with his own two hands, and with the help of his father and his close friends Richard Zimany and Mike Minnick. His children still call that house their home. While raising his three children, he worked as a carpenter, sheetrocker, roofer, painter, sculpture builder, cabinet maker, caretaker, and gardener.
Frank’s deep respect for trees and a reverence for the wood that they produce kept him inspired through his prolific retirement years. In his home workshop, which looked out over his beloved Robbins Swamp, he produced fine bowls, hundreds of spoons and cooking utensils, abstract sculptures inspired by the natural world, tables, chairs, and so much more. Following a brief hospitalization in 2016, during which his son brought him a book on lutherie, Frank spent the next three years building guitars and mandolins, many of which his musician son still plays.
Frank was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on June 10, and the disease progressed rapidly. He was kept mostly pain-free and remained curious and present throughout the end. He is predeceased by his parents, and sisters Joan Crown, Patricia Rickard, and Denise Garrett. As was his wish, Frank died at his home on Robbins Swamp, where he loved to watch the beavers and murmurations of starlings. He was surrounded by his family.
Frank is survived by his longtime partner of 28 years, Trudy Schaelchli, his sister Barbara Costello and her husband Tom, his first wife Norma DeMay, his children Caitlin, Maria Rose, and Jonathan, and his three grandchildren, Arthur, Eloise, and Phoebe. He is greatly missed, and will never be forgotten. “Love you to tears.”
Calling hours for Frank Grusauskas will be held from 1-3 pm on Saturday, August 8 at the Conklin Funeral Home in Millerton, NY. Please save the date for a celebration of Frank’s life at the Salisbury Town Grove on Saturday, November 14, time TBD. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County, at vnhlc.org/giving/donate.
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Stacie A. Weiner
Millerton News
Aug 05, 2026
SALISBURY — Stacie A. Weiner passed away on July 7, 2026. Born on March 2, 1945, Stacie lived her last 51 years with her partner and spouse, Danella Schiffer, as well as with many adopted stray cats. Important people in her life include her beloved cousin Ellie Voss, Jenn Scott, a dear friend and colleague from RBC Wealth Management where she worked, Kevin Prell, also from RBC, Peter Menikoff of Salisbury and Rob Breakell, her trainer at the Canaan YMCA. Stacie was indebted to Dr. Sharynn Hall, MD, a brilliant, compassionate and supportive medical oncologist from Yale New Haven Health. Diagnosed with advanced cancer in Dec. of 2024, Stacie spent her last 1-1/2 years with determination and resilience; never complaining about her situation. She stayed active until her last month.
Stacie grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, and obtained a BA degree from Goddard College in Vermont in 1966 with a major in drama. She then earned an MA degree from New York University in 1974 also in drama and studied toward a Ph.D. in Japanese theater. While pursuing studies at NYU, she worked as an elementary school teacher.
Realizing that experts in Kabuki and Noh theater had limited career paths, Stacie joined Citibank in its training department. With an interest in finance, she transferred to the bank’s finance division where she became a commercial lender in 1979. This launched her 47 year career in the financial services industry. In 1985, Stacie was recruited to Chemical Bank to head a lending team that focused on law and accounting firms. Six years later, she joined U.S. Trust as a private banker responsible for the company’s high net-worth individuals. Wanting to provide full brokerage services to individuals and small businesses, Stacie joined Merrill Lynch in 1995.
Having bought land in Salisbury with Danella, they built a passive solar home in 1980. Eager to live there full time, Stacie relocated in 1998 and joined A. G. Edwards and Sons as a financial consultant in its Farmington, Connecticut office. There, she provided a full range of investment advisory services to individuals, business owners and not-for-profits. With the eventual acquisition of A.G. Edwards by Wells Fargo, she left in 2010 to join the highly respected asset management firm of RBC Wealth Management in Farmington. Eventually, she transferred to its Great Barrington, Massachusetts office. With her financial acumen, Stacie was past president of the Connecticut Estate and Tax Planning Council. She held annuity and insurance product licenses in addition to those required for financial planning and investment.
Throughout her life, Stacie was an avid reader with a breadth of knowledge. She relished all learning opportunities. So for example, when people rang the door bell to proselytize their religion, Stacie would invite them in to learn what she could; and perhaps convert them to Judaism. Her magazine subscriptions weighed on average five pounds weekly and she amassed shelves of murder mysteries. Twice weekly, she took Spanish lessons online with the goal of speaking and reading the language. Stacie’s serious side was complemented by her wry sense of humor as exemplified by a Mae West quote that hung in her office...”Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.”
Stacie welcomed pastime activities that were challenging and helped her to be physically fit. She obtained a student pilot’s license and enjoyed exploring the Berkshires from above. She also taught Tai Chi and took boxing lessons at the local YMCA.
Very importantly, Stacie was committed to supporting her community. At the time of her passing, she was Chair of Salisbury’s Zoning Board of Appeals as well as one of two Salisbury representatives to the Housatonic River Commission. Some years back, she was Salisbury’s representative to the Region 1 High School Board of Education. Stacie also served on the investment advisory committee of the Northwest Community Foundation of Connecticut. With a deep concern about protecting the environment, child and animal welfare, world peace and social justice, Stacie generously supported dozens of charities.
In cleaning out Stacie’s home office, buried in her filing cabinets, were scores of letters thanking her for her friendship and support when in need. Stacie led a rich and giving life that touched many of us.
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Gary R. Cunningham
Millerton News
Aug 05, 2026
SHARON — Gary R. Cunningham, 76, of Hilltop Road, passed away peacefully at his home on July 1, 2026, following a long illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Kimie (O’Hanlon) Cunningham.
Born on May 14, 1950, in Sharon, Gary was the son of the late Robert and June (Parsons) Cunningham.
He worked as a painter throughout his career, but his true passions extended far beyond his trade. A talented guitarist, Gary enjoyed playing with several local bands during his younger years, and music remained an important part of his life.
Gary also had a lifelong love of auto racing. Whether attending local flat-track races, following NASCAR, or traveling throughout New York, New England, and Delaware for racing events, he was happiest at the track. Lebanon Valley Speedway was among his favorite destinations, and Tony Stewart was one of his all-time favorite drivers. Gary and Kimie even celebrated their marriage at the Racing Hall of Fame in upstate New York—a fitting tribute to a passion they shared together.
Gary is survived by several cousins.
In keeping with his wishes, all services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 357, Sharon, CT 06069.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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Colaine Alicia Duntz
Millerton News
Aug 05, 2026
CANAAN — Colaine Alicia (Davide) Duntz, 80, of 112 Canaan Valley Road, passed away peacefully at her home on July 28, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Howard Duntz Sr.
Born on Jan. 24, 1946, in the Bronx, New York, Colaine was the daughter of the late Colaine Gardner.
Colaine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love and kindness touched everyone who knew her. She dedicated many years of service to the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, where she was valued for her hard work and caring nature. She found great joy in caring for others and took immense pride in creating a warm and welcoming home.
In her free time, Colaine enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with her animals. Above all else, she treasured time with her family. Some of her happiest moments were those spent with her beloved husband, with whom she shared many wonderful years.
She is survived by her three children: Colaine Korie Duntz (Danny), Howard Clarence Duntz Jr. (Connie), and Fawn Korene Duntz Marshall (Wayne), all of Canaan; her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Mary, Abbiegail, and Sarah; her great-grandchildren, Thomas, Susan, Greyson, Charlie, and Jase; and one great-grandchild expected to arrive soon.
Colaine will be remembered for her caring spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and the love she shared so generously throughout her life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
There are no services planned. Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St Canaan CT 06018.
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Jeffrey George Hamlin
Millerton News
Aug 05, 2026
SALISBURY — Jeffrey George Hamlin, 79, died on July 29, 2026, in Sharon Hospital. He was a loving husband to his wife, Inge Heckel.
Jeff and Inge spent 28 happy years together at the Daffodil House in Lakeville until moving five miles down the road to Salisbury last year.
Jeff was born on Oct. 14, 1946, the son of George Eldridge and Joanne Capen Hamlin.
In 1968 on graduating from Principia College, he spent two years in the Peace Corps teaching English at the Lycée Ibn Khaldun in Safi, Morocco.
Returning to the United States, he married Marilyn Hengst, his college sweetheart, later mother of his son James. He also enrolled in the MFA program at Columbia University with the intent of becoming a theater director.While attending Columbia, he worked at the New York Shakespeare Festival Public Theater, which in turn led him to be hired by the Director/Choreographer Michael Bennett to be his Production Stage Manager for what became “A Chorus Line” and forever changed the arc of his career. After almost ten years working with Bennett on subsequent productions, in 1985 he became the Production Manager for Lincoln Center Theater where he spent the next 29 years before retiring in 2014 and where he worked on over 150 productions.
He is also survived by his son James, a professor of Physics at the University of Florida in Gainesville, James’ wife Natalie Hadad, and their two children Adam and Liora.
No memorial service is planned at this time. Gifts in his memory may be made to The Little Guild, 285 Sharon Turnpike West Cornwall CT 06796 or to a charity of your choice.
The Kenny Funeral Home has taken care of arrangements.
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Police hunt for couple, Center for aged, Millerton burglary, Rattlesnakes, Mascot review
Millerton News
Aug 05, 2026
The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.
Aug. 8, 1935
TERA Given $34,500 Grant For August
Continued Another Month Relief Being Transferred To WPA
The Dutchess County TERA has received an allotment of $34,500 from the State TERA for the continuation of the work and home relief divisions for the month of August, at least. Some doubt had been entertained regarding the fate of the TERA in the event that no allotment was made this month. Executive Director William Wollerton stated that the August allotment is about twenty per cent less than the July allocation. This is attributed to the fact that part of the TERA work relief burden is to be transferred to the new WPA this month. The transition is to be completed in September so that by Oct. 1 all work relief under the TERA will have been concluded.
Several proposals for WPA projects will be ready for submission to the Board of Supervisors at its meeting next Monday, it is expected. Supervisor Sedgwick, chairman of the board, disclosed last week that plans were under consideration for extending the road program, for trimming brush on county and town roads, for repair and remodeling work at the county home at Oak Summit and for construction of a storage shed on property of the county high-way department on the Pleasant Valley Road.
Revival of the Taconic Parkway project for classification as a WPA job is also being studied, it was learned. Mr. Sedgwick indicated that this project must await WPA rulings, however, to ascertain whether it is eligible.
Work on the parkway, if approved as a WPA project, would include preliminary clearing of the parkway right-of-way in the county. The Taconic Park Com-mission has offered full co-operation for the advancement of the project, it was learned.
County support was also seen in Mr. Sedgwick’s statement that action of the board would depend on “whether the Taconic Park Commission wants us to do any-thing or not-it is more or less up to the Park Commission as I understand it.”
Paul T. Winslow, executive secretary to the Taconic Park Com-mission, indicated that the com-mission would give full co-operation provided no funds were required of it for this particular project. He explained that the commission is without funds at present.
About Millerton
Miss Helen Burtis of Oceanside is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hicks.
Mrs. Clayton Loan and daughter. Ethel, were in Poughkeepsie Tuesday.
Miss Leola Morrison of Lake Pleasant, a member of the Millerton school faculty, called friends in town last week.
The Rev. and Mrs. Eugene Hessel are enjoying a week’s vacation at Speculator in the Adirondacks.
Mr. and Mrs. F. Sprague and son and Mr. and Mrs. W. Evans and son visited Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Plows in Pine Plains on Sunday.
Mrs. Edward Dean has been ill at her home.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burch were Sunday guests of Mr. Burch’s parents. Mr. and Mrs. John Burch.
Mrs. Lillian Pulver of Chatham visited Miss Helen Pulver last Thursday.
Mr. and Mrs. John Shaughnasey spent Sunday in Danbury and Brookfield.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kimball of Dover Plains were in Millerton on Sunday.
Miss Sarah Bain is visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Miller on Barton Street.
Police Hunt Couple Wed In Amenia
Connecticut Bridegroom Is Accused Of Taking Automobile
Connecticut newlyweds, reported to have been married in Amenia on Monday, July 29, were sought by state police of that state, Massachusetts and New York last week. The bridegroom. Wilburt Tedford, 23 or 26, of Farmington and Manchester, was alleged to have taken an automobile from the Munnelly Motor Co. of Wethersfield without permission of the owner. Tedford was employed by the concern. The bride is Donna Platts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Platts of Reynolds Bridge. Mrs. Platts told authorities the couple had been married in Amenia and were on a wedding trip. She said that she did not know the destination of the couple, but that they expected to live in Hartford or near there.
A warrant was sworn out, accusing Tedford of taking the car without permission. State police in all three states were requested by teletype to stop a car with a Connecticut dealer’s license XB-303.
August 5, 1976
County Wants A Center For Aged In North East
A facility for the feeding and care of the aged will open in the Town of North East sometime in September if all goes according to the plans of the Dutchess County Office of the Aged. It would join 434 such nutrition sites currently in operation in 57 counties in the state and the city of New York in which citizens 60 or over are served hot, well-balanced meals.
“We are in the very beginning stages of planning right now,” said Mary Lou Yeager, Nutrition Services Coordinator for Dutchess County. The office must first receive the approval of the Dutchess County Board of Legislators and the State Office of the Aged before it can proceed from planning to the actual implementation of the program in North East
No barriers are anticipated in gaining the necessary permission, Yeager pointed out, “since we’re not costing the County any extra funds. The money has already been earmarked for the elderly.” New York State has received $3,520,000 in additional funds to operate sites for the elderly throughout the state. Only 10 per cent of the program financing would be provided by county and local funds.
North East was one of the areas pinpointed by the County office on the basis of need. “We look for areas with a high concentration of handicapped and elderly,” Yeager explained. The office determined that in 1975, of 513 people in the North East area aged 60 or over, approximately 20 percent were in a low income bracket.
Wassaic Site
A site is currently in operation in Wassaic, serving approximately 25 to 30 people daily. It can accommodate 45.
The proposed NorthEast site would operate with a similar capacity. Yeager emphasized that “it would be more than just a meal program. We keep a lot of people out of institutions.” A variety of services such as recreation, shopping assistance, transportation, counseling and the opportunity for fun and companionship would be provided. Assistance with health and personal problems would also be available.
Outreach programs to identify persons most in need of services, as well as transportation to bring people to the meal sites, are also part of the program. “We’ll go door to door if we have to,” said Yeager, “in order to find the people who would benefit most from the program.”
Town Supervisor Frank Perotti failed to see the need for a site in North East: “I don’t see any need for wasting money when nobody has expressed any desire for such a facility. These county bureaucracies like to spend and it’s just a waste of taxes.” Perotti didn’t feel there would be enough people to use the facility and maintained that social functions and special benefits for the elderly were already in operation.
One such social function is a weekly gathering of ladies Tuesday afternoons at the Town Hall in which refreshments are served and regular meetings are held. About 10 to 15 women regularly attend these meetings and all felt that they would certainly use the new facility, at least on a weekly basis. It was also felt that the men would become more involved. But would there be enough participation on a daily basis? Answered one lady, “I think there would be enough people if they knew about it.”
Hidden Elderly
In response to Perotti’s objections, Yeager commented, “We’re looking for the hidden elderly. They don’t belong to any social clubs.” A location has not yet been found for the facility, though the Millerton Methodist Church has been mentioned as a possible site.
August 2, 2001
Sheriff Deputies Make First Millerton Burglary Arrests
MILLERTON — Investigators for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department report progress in a series of break-ins at businesses in the village.
Detective Robert Harpp told The Millerton News Tuesday his department has made arrests in connection with burglaries at Christina’s Restaurant on Route 22, Taro’s Restaurant on Main Street and the theft of cash from a parked car.
Christina’s was broken into on July 10. Mr. Harpp said a quantity of cash and beer was taken from the restaurant. That incident was similar to one in May when a substantial amount of cash and beer were taken from Taro’s along with the cash register.
Although arrests were made in both cases, Mr. Harpp said the two incidents are not connected. He said more arrests are expected and until they are complete names will not be released.
The third incident where a recent arrest was made involved the theft of $6,000 from a car last summer. He said more arrests may also be made in that case.
No Herrington’s Arrests
No arrests to report in the June burglary of the Herrington’s store in Millerton. Thieves got away with more than $9,000 in power tools and paint in that burglary.
Mr. Harpp had told the Millerton News last month that crime was committed by “professionals” and he said it “was a very clean” burglary.
He had said the Herrington’s burglary was probably connected with others including a break-in at a Home Depot site in Putnam County and Keil Equipment in Columbia County.
Rattlesnakes Found on Trail
BOSTON CORNER — There have been some rattlesnake sightings on the northern section of the rail trail between Boston Corner and Copake Falls. No rattlesnakes have been spotted in Dutchess County, according to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association.
The group is e-mailing members about the possibility of encountering rattlesnakes.
Snakes started appearing on Section 5 of the trail last year.
The association is talking with the Taconic State Park and the Sheffield office of the Nature Conservancy about ways to educate and keep the trail users safe.
A Taconic State Park brochure: [sic] on the subject states, “Timber rattlesnakes are by nature very shy animals, much preferring to slither away unseen at the approach of a large mammal such as a human. Timber rattlesnakes are rarely known to bite people and usually will do so only after they are harassed or when they are accidentally cornered or surprised at close quarters.”
The brochure gives this advice if you should encounter a timber rattlesnake or a copperhead: “A careful retreat is advised. If the snake is in a remote area, simply leave it be and go on your way. In no circumstances should you approach or pursue or in any way harass the snake.”
Hikers are asked to report any sightings and note the location of any rattlesnakes to the state park, immediately. The park phone number is xxx-xxx-xxxx.
A handout about rattlesnakes will be in the brochure box at the rail trail head soon.
Statewide Bike Tours End in Village
MILLERTON — Forty-one bicyclists rode into Millerton Saturday afternoon, the last stop on a tour that began in Niagara Falls. The First Annual New York Ride, or FANY, ended at McArthur’s Pub and Grill where bike riders enjoyed a well-deserved meal.
FANY is a new bike tour that goes through central New York. It is open to all ages and all levels, and part of the proceeds made from the registration fees goes to the Firemen’s Home in Hudson.
Cyclists were accompanied by a van throughout the trip, which carried their belongings, as well as cyclists wishing to take a break from the road. Each night the cyclists stayed at local fairgrounds and schools.
Meals were mostly eaten at local restaurants, although several fire departments in different towns provided food, including a dinner at the Cobleskill department and a chicken barbecue in Waterloo.
Other sponsors included Saratoga Water and Saranac Brewery.
Ages ranged from 9 to 68, and the group averaged about seventy miles a day.
“Some people are maniacs,” said Karen Empie, coordinator of the program, but others went at a slower pace. Despite the varying levels, Ms. Empie said that the group was “a wonderful mix.”
“It was hard but a lot of fun,” said Kevin Donschine, 11, of Milford, Conn. He had seen the brochure in a bike shop and had showed it to his mother. Mrs. Donschine, whose husband is a firefighter, decided to take Kevin and her 9-year-old son Kenny.
Kevin explained, “I would definitely do it again if it was shorter.”
At the other end of the age range was Jim O’Leary, 68. He said that the meaning of the acronym FANY should be changed to Fully Appreciate New York, attesting to the beauty of their surroundings as they rode through New York.
The ride was advertised in both brochures and in Bicycling magazine.
Webutuck Mascot Review Continues
WEBUTUCK — The Mascot Committee met [to]sic again July 25 to discuss Webutuck High School’s mascot and whether or not it is offensive to Native Americans. Unlike the previous meeting, Wednesday evening was not a forum for discussion but focused, rather, on gathering information.
The committee was formed in response to a memorandum from New York State Commissioner of Education Richard Mills in which he asked for schools to discontinue the use of mascots which Native Americans might find offensive.
Rudy Eschbach, committee chair, said that the committee is “just fact finding at this point.” From now until the beginning of the school year, members of the committee will be conducting research, focusing mainly on the local history in regards to Native Americans.
Committee members will be gathering information from several Indian reservations, including one in Westchester County, Washington, Conn., and the Schaghticoke reservation in Kent, Conn., which has ties to the Webutuck Indians.
They will also do research at the Amenia, Millerton and Sharon public libraries, as well as the private libraries of citizens living in Amenia and Millerton.
Mr. Eschbach explained that the committee also wants to “look into the rationale behind the commissioner’s letter,” specifically, what research led to the commissioner’s memorandum.
The committee will also hear from guest speakers, including Glen Myers and his wife, who have co-authored a book which focuses specifically on correcting the misrepresentations that Native Americans endure.
Committee meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be held on Sept. 4. The committee hopes to come to a decision by October so it can respond to the commissioner.
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