Washington adopts addendum for Comprehensive Plan; video conferencing question tabled

WASHINGTON —  At the Thursday, April 20, meeting of its town board, the Town of Washington finalized the adoption of the addendum to the 2015 Comprehensive Plan, updating the plan after more than two years of surveys, research, meetings, committees and much work by the consulting firm of Community Planning & Environmental Associates. With firm principal Nan Stolzenburg on hand via Zoom, the board adopted the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) Parts 2 and 3, having previously adopted Part 1.

The major points were that there would be no significant impact on the land; there are no unique forms of land in the town. There will be no significant environmental impact on surface water or groundwater. Flood-prone areas are to be avoided. Historical sites and places of significance will have resources directed toward maintaining and restoring the character of such. The energy and the transportation flow will not be negatively impacted by any changes made to local zoning laws.

The next step will be to work toward making an amendment to current zoning laws, creating overlays, and it was advised that there be communication with the Village of Millbrook as well as input from the planning board.

A public hearing for the purpose of amending the Town Code to add a chapter allowing members of public bodies to participate in public meetings via videoconferencing technology was tabled, to be brought up at the Thursday, May 11, meeting.

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Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Salisbury Association’s Land Trust seeks part-time Land Steward: Responsibilities include monitoring easements and preserves, filing monitoring reports, documenting and reporting violations or encroachments, and recruiting and supervising volunteer monitors. The Steward will also execute preserve and trail stewardship according to Management Plans and manage contractor activity. Up to 10 hours per week, compensation commensurate with experience. Further details and requirements are available on request. To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@salisburyassociation.org. The Salisbury Association is an equal opportunity employer.

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To save birds, plant for caterpillars

Fireweed attracts the fabulous hummingbird sphinx moth.

Photo provided by Wild Seed Project

You must figure that, as rough as the cold weather has been for us, it’s worse for wildlife. Here, by the banks of the Housatonic, flocks of dark-eyed juncos, song sparrows, tufted titmice and black-capped chickadees have taken up residence in the boxwood — presumably because of its proximity to the breakfast bar. I no longer have a bird feeder after bears destroyed two versions and simply throw chili-flavored birdseed onto the snow twice a day. The tiny creatures from the boxwood are joined by blue jays, cardinals and a solitary flicker.

These birds will soon enough be nesting, and their babies will require a nonstop diet of caterpillars. This source of soft-bodied protein makes up more than 90 percent of native bird chicks’ diets, with each clutch consuming between 6,000 and 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. That means we need a lot of caterpillars if we want our bird population to survive.

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Stephanie Haboush Plunkett

L. Tomaino
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— Stephanie Plunkett

For more than three decades, Stephanie Haboush Plunkett has worked to elevate illustration as a serious art form. As chief curator and Rockwell Center director at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she has helped bring national and international attention to an art form long dismissed as merely commercial.

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Provided

Craig Davis, co-founder and board chair of East Mountain House, an end-of-life care facility in Lakeville, will sponsor a March 5 screening of the documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light” at The Moviehouse in Millerton, followed by a discussion with attendees.

The film, which is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards, follows the poet Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley as they are suddenly and unimaginably forced to navigate a terminal illness. The free screening invites audiences to gather not just for a film but for reflection on mortality, healing, connection and the ways communities support one another through difficult life transitions.

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