MILLBROOK — After a period of relative quiet, the Thorne Building Committee (TBC) recently announced that architect Michael Sloan and his firm, Michael Sloan B.C., of Millbrook, has been retained as the architect who will develop the long-awaited plans to turn the Thorne Memorial Building, formerly the local high school in the village, into the hopefully thriving, all-purpose Thorne Building Community Center (TBCC).
Sloan established his business in Millbrook in 1997 and reportedly has an excellent reputation for working closely with clients and providing innovative answers to their needs. Not only that, but his great-great-grandfather, William Thorne, was one of the original donors of the Thorne Building, and Sloan has “always viewed the Thorne Building as one of the village’s anchors,” believing “it’s so important that the building remain community-based,” according to a statement released by the TBC.
There have been multiple meetings over the past two year to discuss the future of the Thorne Building, at least three of which were open to the public. The future of the Thorne Building — a beloved and familiar piece of Millbrook architecture — was discussed in detail, with residents from teens to senior citizens offering suggestions.
One major step was establishing the Thorne Building Committee. It’s headed by Charles Pierce and assisted by other committee members, such as Ann Gifford, Oakleigh Thorne and George Whalen III. Their work has been hard and tedious, but is described by its members as a labor of love.
Before anything could begin, however, a reverter clause had to be dealt with by the village. This was because there was a stipulation in the original granting of the building to the village of Millbrook in the late 1800s that if the building ever stopped being used as an educational facility, it would revert back the Thorne family. Those involved in the matter said there were more than 100 family members to be notified, who had to agree to release any claim to the property; family members were scattered far and wide across the country and it took some time to locate them.
However, in January of 2020, the Supreme Court of Dutchess County issued a judgment eliminating the reverter clause, allowing the village to transfer ownership to whomever it desired.
Pans for the building include creating an auditorium and large meeting space, which would accommodate a variety of programs, including theatrical, cultural and educational programs. There would be a music studio, with space for rehearsals, podcasts, an exhibition gallery and other technology. Many of these ideas were generated by the public at open meetings. There would also be smart classrooms and seminar rooms, shared offices and space for after-school activities. Outdoor spaces would include a new a band shell and a garden for picnicking. Most impressive, perhaps, are the plans for a kitchen that could be used for catering events, cooking classes or as a small café area.
A time frame for construction has not yet been set, but some of the initial exterior work will likely take place this summer. The hope is plans will be finalized by fall.
The TBCC is now placing its focus on fundraising. The TBCC is a nonprofit, 501(C)3 entity; while some money has been set aside for construction, the majority of the funds still needs to be raised.
The committee is currently researching operating and maintenance costs and ways to produce revenue, including possibly renting the building out for weddings, concerts and other cultural or educational events.
“This could also be an economic magnet,” said Pierce, “bringing people from all over to shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants and enjoy the life we live in Millbrook.”
The Thorne Building was originally donated as a school in 1895, and was the reason Millbrook became incorporated as a village; it served as the high school until 1961.
The community met multiple times to plan for the project, often with Millbrook Mayor Rodney Brown, Washington town Supervisor Gary Ciferri, local clergy, Village and Town Board members and local residents. Community liaison Carole Martin was hired by the TBC to conduct surveys with various groups to discover what the community wanted to do with the site. Now that plans are starting to materialize, the challenging part will be the fundraising, said Pierce.
“We hope that everyone will have the opportunity to give at a level that is comfortable for them,” she said.
Bill Schmick
In keeping with the administration’s return to its own brand of 16th-century mercantilism, could the next colony they seek be Cuba? It appears to be a strong bet, but for what purpose?
Given the actions and words of our government officials, the next country, or in this case, island nation, it seeks to conquer lies 90 miles from Key West. Cuba sits at the intersection between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Historically, the U.S. considered it a natural barrier controlling vital sea lanes and a dominant landmass that protected or threatened the southern U.S. coast.
It may be that its long-term strategic military and economic value remains viable, but the country’s economy is in a mess. The Economist, in a recent article, indicated that the Cuban economy was on the verge of collapse. Aside from rum, cigars, and a little tourism, Cuba suffers from decades of economic mismanagement, a lack of structural reforms, and mass migration.
Inflation is at 15%, the peso is tumbling, tropical diseases are surging, and in cities like Havana, the municipal waste system has ground to a halt. Blackouts are increasingly common. Hospitals are canceling surgeries, and public transportation is scarce. It wasn’t always that way.
Originally a Spanish colony, Cuba in the 1800s fell under the Monroe Doctrine after Spain formally renounced its claim to Cuba in the Treaty of Paris in 1898, and was largely occupied by the U.S. By then, massive amounts of American capital had already been invested in the country. Beyond a thriving sugar trade, American interests controlled significant percentages of the island’s railroads, public utilities, mining, and tobacco. The country essentially became a U.S. protectorate in 1903.
The Communist takeover of Cuba and the nationalization of American property in 1959 soured U.S./Cuban relations to the present day. Although there have been several false starts and attempts at reconciliation through the decades, the U.S. doctrine of isolation and embargo has continued to the present day. That policy has brought the Cuban economy to its knees today.
Trump’s decision to choke off Venezuela’s oil to Cuba, which can only meet 40% of its own energy demands, was a body blow. The oil crisis hammered the regime’s already doomed economic model. In a rare admission of crisis, President Miguel Diaz-Canel scrambled to implement an urgent economic overhaul. The Castro brothers must have spun in their graves as Diaz-Canel called for loosening the state grip, courting foreign investors, and shrinking government control.
As the mood in this communist nation soured, the state’s iron grip on the economy had already begun to loosen. In 2021, the government allowed the creation of hundreds of small businesses in the private sector with fewer than 100 employees. As such, there are now 11,000 small and medium-sized independent businesses on the island. Just recently, another series of reforms allowed private ownership of a wide range of industries, from food production to construction and beyond.
In the case of Cuba, I believe Trump would rather have a deal that would make the island economically dependent on the U.S. Unlike the war in Iran or the late-night raid in Venezuela, I am not looking for an abrupt change nor the sudden overthrow of all state control. Times have changed. Most so-called capitalist economies have evolved into a new model of state capitalism, whether we are talking about China or the U.S. I believe the approach will be different. It would be more of a bailout or bankruptcy reorganization than a regime change.
President Trump has used the term “friendly takeover” more than once in talking about Cuba. His Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, a longtime Cuba hawk, along with a Florida-based Cuban business community, has been reaching out to the private sector. I have noticed that rather than threaten regime change in the name of democracy or an end to communism, the administration is focusing on commercial, economic, and financial engagement.
From the president’s point of view, the need for humanitarian assistance is high, and what better way to deliver it than through the private sector? Exactly how a friendly takeover would be accomplished is a question for the market. The island was certainly part of the discussions Trump had with Latin American leaders at a March 7 summit at the Doral Golf Club.
For a successful takeover, Cuba’s private sector will need the skills and capital of American business, particularly the banking sector. It appears the present government would be amenable to such an approach. It also helps that they know if a carrot doesn’t work, Donald Trump is more than ready to use a Big Stick.
Bill Schmick is a founding partner of Onota Partners, Inc., in the Berkshires.Bill’s forecasts and opinions are purely his own and do not necessarily represent the views of Onota Partners, Inc. (OPI).
Millerton News
SALISBURY — Beth Harlan, 75, of Sheffield, Massachusetts, and Salisbury, Connecticut, passed away on March 2, 2026, in New York City. Her son, Zachariah Harlan Warner, and daughter-in-law, Olivia Baribeau, were by her side.
Born on July 22, 1950, in Dayton, Ohio, Beth brought a wonderful combination of energy, intellect and humor to those around her. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Stephens College in Missouri in 1970, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Emerson College in Boston in 1972, and a Master in Social Work from the University of Connecticut in 1993.
After college, her travels and life experiences included time in Ohio, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York City before ultimately setting roots in the Salisbury area in 1980.
During these travels, Beth explored her creative side, dabbling as a television personality with on air appearances in Ohio & Atlanta and pursuing stand up comedy in Los Angeles where she took acting classes alongside Robin Williams. While at Emerson College, she was a member of a comedy group that included Jay Leno and her comedic nature stayed with her throughout her life.
Beth ultimately settled professionally as a social worker demonstrating her empathy for others and her ability to listen but her most treasured and defining role was that of a mother to her beloved son, Zach. Her love for him was constant and unwavering, and she took immense pride in her time as a mother to Zach and all that life brought to them along the way.
As Beth was fighting pancreatic cancer, the dedication and spirit that she demonstrated to ultimately be a part of Zach’s wedding this past September was remarkable and demonstrated her grit and spirit. Beth is also survived by Zachariah’s wife, Olivia Baribeau of NYC, as well as her brother, Dr. Stephen H. Harlan, DDS of Dayton, Ohio;her nephews, Chad Harlan of NYC and Paula and Seth Harlan of Cleveland, Ohio; her step-children, Silas Warner of West Hartford, Connecticut, Ian and Beth Warner of West Barnstable, Massachusetts, and Eugenie Warner of Lakeville;her ex-husband, Scott Warner of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and other extended family, all of whom she held close to her heart.
Beth will be remembered for her energy, intellect and her sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Beth’s memory to the Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health Center who graciously assisted Beth with her cancer treatment this past year. A celebration of life will be held in Salisbury, CT at a later, yet to be determined, date.
Millerton News
AMENIA — George Ernest Phillips, 100, a lifelong area resident died peacefully on March 16, 2026, at Sharon Center for Health and Rehabilitation. From 1955 to 1972, Mr. Phillips owned and operated the Edgewood Restaurant in Amenia, with his wife Anne, and he was also a real estate broker for many years as well.
Born Sept. 13, 1925 in Poughkeepsie, New York, he was the son of the late Royal and Elizabeth (Piltz) Phillips. He was a graduate of Amenia High School and attended Cornell University. Mr. Phillips served his country in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 in the Golden Acorn Infantry Division as well as in the 3rd Army of General George S. Patton. He also assumed a variety of roles during his time in the 87th Infantry Division, including platoon messenger and platoon sergeant. On Veterans Day in 2019 he was one of 108 veterans nationally that received a pin and certificate in recognition of 75-years of continuous service to his local legion post, the Millerton American Legion Post 178. Mr. Phillips also documented his experiences in a book, “Stories of My Life”, which he presented to the Amenia Historical Society.
On Feb. 3, 1953, in Cornwall Bridge, he married Frances Anna “Anne” Sprossel who passed away on May 21, 2024. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and many caregivers.
Mr. Phillips is survived by two daughters, Diane Phillips of Wakefield, Rhode Island and Debra Phillips of Pine Plains, New York; four grandchildren;David Fletcher and his wife Amber, Peter Faggella and his wife Megan, Daniel Faggella and Shannon Fierro and her husband Frank; five great grandchildren, Dominic and Leah Fletcher, Charlotte and Joseph Fierro and Hannah Faggella and several niece and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Phillips was also predeceased by three brothers, Royal Phillips, Webster Phillips and Chester Phillips.
Calling hours will be held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday March 27, 2026, at Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY. The Millerton Legion Post 178 will conduct a service at 1:00 p.m. The United States Army will render Standard Military Honors at 1:15 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor William Mayhew will officiate. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Mr. Phillips’ honor, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com
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Millerton News
AMENIA — Valerie Anne Euvrard, 75, a lifelong area resident, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home in Amenia, New York, on March 17, 2026. Valerie worked at the Waldorf Restaurant in Sharon as a dishwasher for many years before embarking on a long career in the food service department at the Wassaic Developmental Center in Wassaic. Valerie retired from New York State in 2000.
Born July 6, 1950 in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late Walter E. and Leah (Martyn) Euvrard. Valerie attended Webutuck High School in Amenia, and was a longtime member of the Stone Church Grange in Dover Plains. Valerie was also a longtime member of the Sharon United Methodist Church in Sharon, and the North East Baptist Church in Millerton. For many years Valerie enjoyed bowling at the Early Bird League at Cove Lanes in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Valerie was an avid greeting card designer and her family members always looked forward to receiving one of her custom designed cards. She also enjoyed playing games on her tablet and spending time with her loving family. Truly a kind soul, she will be dearly missed by all.
Valerie is survived by her siblings; Wayne Euvrard and his wife Cami of McCormick, South Carolina, Jeffrey Euvrard and his wife Patty of Derby, Connecticut, Dara Simmons and her husband Bob of Amenia, New York, and David Euvrard and his wife Nora of Sharon, Connecticut; her nephew, Sean Russell and his fiancé Amanda Bezio of Palenville, New York; two nieces, Kayla Renee Kuniegel and her husband Justin of Bath, Pennsylvania, and Ashley Dautrich and her husband Mark of Torrington, Connecticut; her great-niece, Parker Wright and her great-nephew, Dawkins Wright and several cousins. In addition to her parents, Valerie was predeceased by her brother, Glen A. Euvrard in 2019.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY. A funeral service will take place at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Dr. Anna C. Camphouse will officiate. Burial will take place privately at Hillside Cemetery in Sharon, CT, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 172, Sharon, CT, 06069 or North East Baptist Church, P.O. Box 531, Millerton, NY 12546 or Wassaic Fire Company, P.O. Box 287, Wassaic, NY 12592. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Valerie’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com
Millerton News
CANAAN — Jonathan Clapp Webster, a physicist and resident of Canaan since 1978, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, at the Geer Nursing Home in Canaan. He was 88 years old.
Jonathan designed experiments for industrial, medical and scientific uses, including MRIs, lasers, fiberoptics and telescopes. He began in the 1960s with apparatuses he made in a machine shop and transitioned in the 1970s to designing computer simulations. Most of his career was with Perkin Elmer Corp. and Hughes Danbury Optical Systems.
Born in Boston on Jan. 25, 1938, Jonathan was the only child of Henry Kitchell Webster, Jr., a metallurgist, and Madeleine Clapp Webster, a piano teacher. He grew up in Windsor, Vermont and attended Kimball Union Academy. He earned a B.S. in physics from Boston University in 1962 and did graduate work in physics at the University of Bridgeport.
Jonathan inherited his love of mechanical devices. His great-grandfather, Towner K. Webster, invented components for grain elevators in Chicago and founded Webster Industries which still manufactures machine parts today. Towner’s son, Henry Kitchell Webster, was a popular writer. His novel Calumet “K” describes the challenges his father faced in the manufacturing business, including natural disasters, financial panics, labor disputes and business chicanery.
Henry Kitchell Webster’s three sons all worked with machinery of some kind. Jonathan’s uncle Stokely interrupted his painting career to design control systems for Grumman F6F fighter planes during World War II. His uncle Roderick curated the astrolabe collection at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium.
Jonathan’s father worked at Cone Automatic Machine Co. which made machines that operated using only mechanical principles - no computer technology. He taught Jonathan to build things at a card table in the living room. When their projects got too large, they took over his mother’s laundry table in the basement.
In 1963, Jonathan married Jacqueline Beyer, a fellow physics student. They lived in Ridgefield, Connecticut where their two children were born. In 1978 the family moved to Canaan, buying the Charles Pease house on Honey Hill Road where they had a large garden and a workshop where Jonathan made furniture and windows. The marriage ended in divorce. In 1991 he married Caroline Besse, whom he met at a contradance. Their first date was a “dawn dance” in Brattleboro, Vermont, where they danced all night. In 2007, when Caroline wrote a biography of Quaker peace activist Lee Stern, Jonathan typeset the book. His experience moving slugs on a Linotype machine in high school needed considerable upgrading. He did this by reading LaTeX typesetting software manuals at breakfast every morning at Collin’s Diner in Canaan.
Jonathan had many interests besides science. He did extensive climbing in the White Mountains and Adirondacks and volunteered as a guide and trail maintainer for the Appalachian Mountain Club. He played the fiddle, attending the Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp in the Catskills every summer for 25 years. He was a Tolkein enthusiast, reading the entire Lord of the Rings aloud to each member of his family and listening to it on audiobooks when he could no longer read.
Jonathan is survived by his wife, Caroline, his children, Ronald and Alice, grandchildren, Rowan, Lily and Pearl, stepchildren, Nancy, Carla and Bill, and step-grandchildren Jules, Amanda, Erik and Charlie. Following the family tradition, Ronald is a computer programmer and Rowan is an engineering student.
The family is extremely grateful to the staff of the Geer Nursing Home for their professional care and for their kindness. Services are private.
Millerton News
LAKEVILLE — David Munro Vickers, 80, passed away on Feb. 22, 2026, after a brief illness. He was the loving partner of Diane Landucci, with whom he shared more than 20 years in Lakeville, Connecticut.
David was born on Oct. 15, 1945, in Queens, New York, the son of John Marter Vickers and Ethlyn Marie Munro Vickers. He served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
David later moved with his family to Lakeville, where he went on to hold positions at LeBonnes Market, Noble Horizons, Hotchkiss and Lime Rock Park.
One of David’s great passions was baking cookies and cakes for his many friends in the community. He also had a lifelong tenderness for wildlife and quietly enjoyed caring for the many creatures around him. With birdseed and other treats left outside for squirrels, birds, chipmunks, and the occasional turkey or deer, no visitor ever left his yard hungry.
He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the UConn Huskies.
In addition to Ms. Landucci, he is survived by his son, Grant Vickers of Lakeville; his nephews, Damon Vickers of Martha’s Vineyard and Jeremiah Brimlow Vickers of New York City.
David will be remembered for his quiet kindness, his generosity toward both people and animals, and the warmth he brought to those around him.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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