![Decisive election for Millerton](https://millertonnews.com/media-library/poll-watchers-edie-greenwood-and-debbie-middlebrook-waited-until-11-30-p-m-on-tuesday-june-20-as-votes-were-counted-in-the-vi.jpg?id=48195634&width=980&quality=90)
Poll watchers Edie Greenwood and Debbie Middlebrook waited until 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, as votes were counted in the Village of Millerton election.
Photo by Christine Bates
The results the Village of Millerton election on Tuesday, June 20, were a decisive victory for the two incumbents, Mayor Jenn Najdek and trustee David Sherman, and for Lisa Erdner, the Democratic candidate for the vacant trustee position. In a record turnout, 208 people showed up at the polls at the Village Hall and another 13 sent in absentee ballots. In the last mayoral election in 2021, there were 147 votes cast.
The unofficial results were not announced until almost midnight after hand-counting the ballots. Edie Greenwood, head of the village Republicans, explained, “The counting had to be done carefully and then recounted.” Democratic Party leader and former Mayor Debbie Middlebrook commented on the turnout: “People had a choice. People were forced to pay attention and knew their vote would count.” Greenwood observed that, “This is democracy in a contested election.”
The mayoral contest was especially contentious with Najdek, the incumbent and Democratic candidate, winning a second term with 129 votes. Kelly Kilmer, the Republican challenger, received 69 votes on the Republican line and 14 on the “Working Together” independent line she created, for a total of 83 votes.
Three candidates ran for two trustee seats, with Republican Sherman, like Kilmer, creating a nonpartisan independent party line: “Common Ground.” Sherman received 134 votes with 105 on the Republican line and 29 on the Common Ground line. Erdner received 132 votes running only on the Democratic line. Ray Nelson, the only candidate who received the endorsement of both the Republican and Democratic parties, received a total of 108 votes, 39 on the Democratic line and 69 votes on the Republican line.
The public election campaign sported colorful yard signs for “Jenn” and “Lisa” designed by Tom Parrett and paid for by the Democratic Committee, letters to The Millerton News supporting the candidates, letters to voters, social media posts and door-to-door campaigning. Republicans, except for Nelson, had traditional campaign signs, with Kilmer’s often appearing in yards with “Support the MPD.” The scheduled debate just before the election was canceled due to a death in Kilmer’s family.
There was also, as usual in village elections, a “whisper” campaign. The biggest mystery of the campaign remains unsolved: Who wrote the anonymous four-page letter signed by “A Coalition of Concerned Neighbors” with a fictitious Millbrook address postmarked in New York City and mailed to some, but not all, residents of the village?
Kilmer went on record as not having anything to do with the letter, which was titled “Concerns Regarding Mayor Jenn Najdek’s Performance.” One village resident found the tone and allegations of the letter so unsettling that he ripped it up in disgust. His wife had to tape it back up to read it. She said, “It made me ashamed for the village.”
Post-election reflection
The Millerton News asked all the candidates to comment after the results were in. Nelson, who has lived in the village for 23 years, was out of town on family business and had only a few days to campaign before the election. “I had a blast campaigning,” Nelson said. “I met people I have never seen before and gave them a list of my priorities. I was surprised that people were fully aware of the issues.” As for the Millbrook letter, he stated he had no idea who wrote it but, “I thought it was pretty accurate.”
In keeping with his fiscal conservatism, Nelson did not print any campaign signs: “It seemed like overkill in our tiny village.” Nor did he wage a social media campaign. All in all, it was a positive experience for Nelson, who said of his trustee opponent, “Lisa Erdner is great, very nice. I wish everyone luck.”
The Millerton News questioned Dave Sherman, who received more votes than any other candidate, while mowing his backyard on Main Street two days after the election. “I campaigned carefully, going door to door focusing first on active voters and leaving my campaign card,” explained the reelected trustee and veteran of past elections. “With the support of the Republican Party, I printed street signs and my hand card. Also, supporters wrote letters to the editor in favor of my candidacy. I am not on Facebook and many political mailings are wasted, just ending up in the recycle bin at the post office.”
Asked what he thought the election was about, Sherman said. “I could not pick just one word to describe what this election is about. I think that varies upon the individual candidates, what they stood for and what was presumed by voters that candidate stands for, and the qualities the candidate is perceived to have or lack. As for myself, I believe I am a reliable person, experienced in government. I strive to be fair-minded and, in being reelected, provide continuity in the management of the village.”
Erdner is a newcomer to village politics and very involved in many community organizations. “I think and hope I won because people have seen how active I’ve been in the community and how much I care about Millerton and seeing it continue to improve,” she said. “From what I heard when campaigning people thought I was very friendly and liked that I was a young, fresh candidate. I’ve also had some people say that they like that I’m savvy with technology and seem like a smart, levelheaded person. I worked really hard the week before the election to get out and personally meet our residents.”
Both candidates for mayor provided written statements for the paper. Najdek provided a brief comment: “It was great to see that so many people got out to vote. I am honored and humbled by all of the support throughout the campaign and to be reelected as the mayor for the next two years.”
Kilmer provided a lengthy response: “I am proud of what I accomplished in this election. I put myself out there and hopefully gave the people of this a village a voice. I am happy with the turnout of voters and am elated that more people are now taking the time to listen to what is happening in our village. Even though the outcome was not what I would have liked, I do not feel defeated, I feel like I have just opened the door to a new path. Many people like me might feel that it’s not their place in politics for one reason or another and that is simply not true. Where you come from, what your education status is, or who you are affiliated with should not matter as long as you are willing to take pride and dedication in what and who you stand for. You sit with a board of four other individuals that all bring something to the table and work together for the good of the village. I wish the best to the Village board and hope that everyone in Millerton stays vigilant to what is happening in their hometown.”
Each candidate and political party was uncertain about the outcome of Tuesday’s election. Everyone knew that there would be a big turnout and that the election was about unsaid issues like the Millerton Police Department, the cost of the wastewater system, and the profile of the candidates. The contested election was hard-fought and the results were an endorsement of the priorities of incumbent Mayor Najdek and the board of trustees.
CANAAN, Conn. — Virginia “Ginny” Cables, 81, passed away peacefully on Aug. 28, 2024, at Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canaan, surrounded by family. Born to the late Marie K. Negri and George Ralph on Dec. 7, 1942, Ginny lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to her family.
A devoted homemaker, Ginny took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home. She had a deep love for gardening, cooking, baking, and thrifting. She took pride in nurturing flowers and plants that brought beauty to her surroundings. Animals always held a special place in her heart, and she was known for her kindness and care towards them.
Ginny’s greatest joy came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She cherished family gatherings, whether they were simple picnics or special events, where she could share stories, laughter, and love. Those who knew her will forever remember her quick wit, sense of humor, and the radiant smile that brightened every room she entered.
Ginny leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and warmth that will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be remembered by her nicknames “Aunt Squeak” “Grandma Gin” “Ginny” to everyone she met.
Ginny leaves behind her daughter, Michele M. Cables Wilkinson of Sheffield, Massachusetts and her son Frederick E. Cables Jr. and his wife Anita Cables of Canaan; grandchildren, Chelsea Quenneville Brown (Joseph Brown), Blake Wilkinson, Logan and Miranda Cables; great grandchildren, Jade and Kristina Brown and Ethan Robles; her siblings, Richard Ralph (Cecelia), Stanley Ralph (Rosemary), David Ralph (Vicky) and Donna Roux (Ronald). She was also survived by her several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Marie K. Negri and father George Ralph, her husband, Fredrick Cables Sr., her siblings, Burt Veronesi and Valerie Poley.
Calling hours will be Friday, Sept. 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in Canaan, CT. A celebration of life will be held at the Canaan VFW on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 1-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Litchfield County, Salisbury Branch, 30A Salmon Kill Road, Salisbury CT 06068 or The Little Guild of St. Francis in Ginny’s memory.
MILLERTON — Linda Kaplan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend, passed away Sept. 3, 2024. Linda will be remembered as a deeply kind woman guided by faith, family and love.
Linda was born to Francis Crawford and Lydia Johnson (nee Snyder) in Sharon, on Sept. 14, 1942. She attended Webutuck High School in Millerton, and then started her career in banking, where she worked until her retirement as a Vice President. Linda was a loving mother who raised her two sons and instilled in them her love of faith and family.
Linda met her future husband, Sanford (Sam) Kaplan, at a dance in Millerton, and they were blessed with 30 years of marriage during which they enjoyed their time on Simmons Street. Here, Linda enjoyed tending to her garden where she could be found picking green beans and tomatoes. She also enjoyed solving the daily crossword puzzle, knitting, and listening to Sam play his guitar. Together, Linda and Sam enjoyed hosting their family for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Passover celebrations. They especially enjoyed annual summer visits by their granddaughters which always included visits to their farm where they rode ATVs. Linda and Sam’s interest in dairy farming led them to travel to Europe where they toured dairy farms; a trip they fondly recounted to their family for years.
Linda’s faith was evident, not only through her family, but also through her involvement with the Millerton Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed community outreach, singing in the choir, working with children, teaching ESL classes, and helping to develop and implement programs.
Linda is predeceased by her husband, Sam Kaplan, her mother, father, and brother Thomas Crawford. She is survived by her two sons; Lorin Stapleton and his wife Mary Stapleton of Brewster, New York, and Brian Stapleton of Sandisfield, Massachusettds; her two granddaughters, Bridget Stapleton of Jersey City, New Jersey and Colleen Stapleton of Boston, Massachusetts; her sister-in-law, Susan Crawford; nephew David Keys and his wife Barbara; niece Susan Jenkins and her husband Rick Herring.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Church of St. Mary in Lakeville, CT. Rev. Dennis Arambasick will officiate. Burial will follow at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton, NY. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com
David Colbert with one of his sculptures on the sculpture walk he has created over 35 years.
The Cornwall Open Studio took place on Saturday, Aug. 31. It is a Cornwall tradition and has been taking place for eighteen years.
It is a day when Cornwall artists invite the public into their studios to see what they are working on and how they do it. The artists work in various media, including painting, sculpture, photography and artistic shoes.
To participate, prospective tourists go to cornwallct.org/event/cornwall-open-studio-2024/ where a map and a list of the artists is available to download and print. The event is free, there is no registration, and so armed with the map, those taking the tour are set to explore not only artists’ studios, but the beautiful drive through Cornwall.
David Colbert, sculptor, is the initiator of the event. He said of his work, “I was smitten by the geometry and eventually the geometry led me to art.” Behind his studio in Cornwall Bridge he has a quarter mile sculpture path which he has been building for the past thirty-five years. Those on the tour could meander down the path and enjoy the beauty of the geometrically derived works.
Asked if there were any special artists and studios that should not be missed, he said, “I can’t help but mention Tim Prentice, whose shop, barn and whole place is pretty amazing.” At Prentice’s studio in West Cornwall, an old barn, mobiles, and other kinetic works of art hang from walls and ceilings and populate the surrounding fields. Across the road, another barn holds larger sculptures.
At 93, Prentice still works most days in the studio beside his house. He said he works on “small things.” He struggles with fading eyesight due to macular degeneration. He will be in a film by The Vision and Art Project, which seeks to bring awareness of macular degeneration by featuring artists like Tim Prentice. The film will be shown at the Cornwall Library sometime in the coming months.
In spite of his failing eye sight, he enjoys getting out to the studio and working and was welcoming visitors on the tour.
Another interesting studio is that of Lauren Brinkers Shoes in Cornwall Bridge. The shoes are hand painted and “one of a kind.” “I studied in London and went to shoe making school there,” Brinkers said. “I studied traditional men’s shoe making and transitioned into women’s.” She wanted to bring “more color and expression into shoes.” She learned how to work with leather dyes and paints the shoes to accomplish this goal.
A display of Lauren Brinkers handmade, one of a kind , hand paintied shoes on display at her Cornwall studio.Robin Roraback
Next to Lauren Brinkers’ studio is that of Stephan Sagmiller, who shows with his photographs that “The world is worth looking at closely. You’ve got to look at them up close. That’s my ethos as an artist.” His photos are large and colorful and invite you to do just that — look up close.
In West Cornwall, the abstract landscapes of Suzan Scott were on display at the Souterrain Gallery. Scott says of her work, “I’ve always had a strong connection with nature. I see everything, every blade of grass.” It was overwhelming for her. She began to paint still lives thinking they’d be easier, but in doing so she realized that still lives are similar to landscapes in that she could break down the parts as she did for still lives. “Why not go out and do landscapes and simplify them — abstract them?”
Her process is to layer tinted glazes, sometimes as many as thirty. She will work on a painting, let it rest, go back to it, work some more, and continue this until the painting is finished, which can take a week or months.
Scott paints scenes from the northwest corner and has “favorite spots” that she revisits. “The more I see it, the more I can interpret it, and it becomes mine.”
These are just a few of the artists on the tour. There were also Curt Hanson’s beautiful landscapes and the looser, colorful paintings of Magaly Ohika, Katherine Freygang and Sally Van Doren. Photographers Nick Jacobs and Bela Selendy also opened their studios. They use their cameras to explore life and nature.
If you missed the tour this year, be sure to keep an eye out for it next Labor Day Weekend. It is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday. To contact these artists or find out more about their work, go to: cornwallct.org/history-culture/arts-artists/ or go to the tour website to find links to their websites.
Fresh donuts by Hanna Rybolt at ILSE Coffee.
Something scrumptious is cooking beneath Colonial Theatre.
Pastries by Hanna was established in February of 2024 at 27 Railroad St. in North Canaan. The owner, Hanna Rybolt, is a resident of Canaan who studied in the pastry program at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Her interest in baking is rooted in fond memories with her family. The baked goods and pastry products are sold locally at ILSE Coffee just next door, as well as the Great Barrington farmer’s market. Her pastry kitchen is located below Colonial Theatre.
Rybolt aims to ensure the goods are produced with locally grown products and sold in community businesses. Pastries by Hanna’s best-selling product is brioche-style donuts.
The business is solely owned and operated by Rybolt, who stated she is looking forward to what the future will bring for the bakery and is hoping to collaborate with more companies in the area.
Customers can custom order goods online at pastriesbyhanna.com or check out her Instagram page @PastriesbyHanna.