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Memorial Service — Walter E. DeMelle
Millerton News
Jun 10, 2026
Nicholas Gandolfo Jr.
Millerton News
Jun 10, 2026
CANAAN- — Nicholas Gandolfo Jr., 94 of East Canaan passed on June 4,2026, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer and CLL Leukemia.
Nicholas was born and raised in East Canaan to Nicholas Gandolfo Sr. and Marie Zucco Gandolfo both Italian immigrants, a heritage Nicholas embraced with pride.
During his youth Nick had a passion for the outdoors especially hunting and fishing which he enjoyed throughout his lifetime.
Nick served in the Korean war as a Marine. During his heroic service he received many medals and citations,most notably for saving his platoon even while sustaining injury himself during the famed Battle Of The Hook. Nick showed selfless dedication to serving the needs of others. He was involved with the Marine Corps League with whom he established a scholarship fund, the Canaan Couch Pipa VFW, providing durable medical equipment (and Girl scout cookies)to various VA homes and hospitals including Walter Reed in Washington. Nick also aided and assisted in other charitable causes not just limited to veterans, he served his community, for example, by providing thanksgiving dinners to needy local families.
Nicholas served as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Canaan for 25 years.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, and his fiery disposition. He was a shameless flirt who competed with his pals on who would receive the most hugs at any social gathering. With his charm, he always won.
Nicholas is predeceased by five brothers and his longtime partner Marlene Strattman. He is also predeceased by his daughter, Karen Gandolfo.
Nicholas leaves behind his loving daughters and their partners, his grandchildren and their partners and his great grand children. He is also survived by his only remaining brother, Robert Gandolfo, with whom he greatly valued his love and support. Nick also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. In his words, he had a special relationship with nieces Melissa Gandolfo and Lynne Gandolfo.
The family wishes to thank Salisbury Visiting Nurses.
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Francoise Albertine Kelz
Millerton News
Jun 10, 2026
SHARON — Our beloved and greatly respected Francoise Albertine Kelz of Sharon passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the age of 103. Born on Sept. 10, 1922 in New York City, she was the first and only child to Albertine Durand and Francois Kelz. She grew up in New York City and eventually moved to Scarsdale, New York in 1926 and finally to Sharon in 1967. She grew up during the Depression and upon her graduation from Scarsdale High School in 1940, France had fallen to the Germans during WW II. D-Day coincided with her graduation from Barnard College in 1944. These milestones were often repeated in her love of storytelling over the years. She shared countless and amazing tales as she reminisced about her life.
Her father’s family was from Bavaria, Germany and he was one of nine children. He and several of his brothers came to the US by boat and settled in the Bronx in the 1890’s. He was Maitre’d at the Old Ritz Carlton where he met mother who worked as a receptionist. Mother was from Normandy, France where her family owned a large farm. Father was also employed at the Rainbow Room and Savoy Plaza as well as the famous 21 Club in NYC. Francoise was a treasure of information and spoke of the days of prohibition and other fascinating tales of history. Mother was an artist and a weaver. She designed and taught weaving and produced many tapestries on her looms passing this talent along to Francoise who was also a skilled weaver and loved to sew, embroider and knit.
Francoise was strong willed and possessed a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She learned early on the value of an education, especially for girls. Her maternal grandmother had been “cheated” out of an education years ago and so she vowed to get the best education and the best opportunities that she could. And so she did.
She attended Barnard College in NYC where she studied Botany. She was the winner of the Herman Botanical Prize and graduated in 1944. In her later years she referred to the college as the “Barnyard.” She would intone this in a teasing way but with great pride and loving affection. She was deeply devoted to Barnard for over 85 year. In 2004, Francoise received the Award for Service to Barnard at her 60th Reunion. She held nearly every position of class leadership, serving multiple terms as president, vice president and fundraising chair. With her characteristic generosity of time, energy and spirit she spearheaded the creation of the Class of 1944 Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of classmates who had passed away and to continue the link with future generations of Barnard students. She also established the Durand-Kelz Scholarship Fund, recognizing her maternal grandmother, who was not given the opportunity to pursue a college education of her own.
After Barnard, Francoise attended Wellesley College and Columbia College to obtain her Master’s degree in Botany. She taught at Columbia Pharmacy College in NYC from 1946-1965, and eventually became chairman of the Scholarship Committee at the college.
Francoise began to teach at Kent School in the Fall of 1965 where she taught Biology until her retirement in 1988. Francoise was considered a pioneer as one of the first full time female faculty members and completing an illustrious career on the Hill Campus in an ever developing science department. She is dearly remembered by her former colleagues and students for her deep love of science and her tremendous energy and enthusiasm. She led a long and distinguished career as a teacher and never slowed down after retirement.
Francoise and her mother were very close and they loved to take long drives off the beaten paths. On one of their many trips, Francoise found and instantly fell in love with the “story book” town of Sharon where she bought her home in 1963. She was so proud to have purchased her own home and eventually she moved her parents in from Scarsdale. Mother and Francoise were avid flower and vegetable gardeners and loved to cook while Father enjoyed long walks and star gazing.
Once she settled into her home in Sharon, Fran brought the same energy and curiosity into her volunteer work with the Sharon Historical Society. She took on the task of cataloging the Society’s textiles, bringing several microscopes retired from the biology lab with her. Her meticulous notes on every item remain a testament to her knowledge and patience. Being an artist, several of her sketches survive in the collection records. Her dedication as a volunteer caught the attention of the SHS Board and she soon became a Board member and later served as President. During Fran’s tenure, SHS hired its first Executive Director and together they recognized the historic Gay Hoyt House needed an addition to the properly house the Society’s growing collection. Funds were raised and Francoise’s vision was matched by her generosity. The addition opened in 2000 complete with a full kitchen that would serve receptions and openings that could be held without any impediment to hospitality. After her presidency, Francoise continued to support the Historical Society by attending openings and fundraisers and making frequent visits.
Francoise was also a member of the Sharon Garden Club and served as President in the 1990’s.
Francoise was a devoted member of Christ Church Episcopal and a beloved parishioner. She held countless seats on their Vestry over many decades. She supported all aspects of the church, including Alter Guild and generously backed many projects including the kitchen, the steeple and organ restorations. She served as president of the northwest corner towns’ chapter of Church Women United and worked in outreach for Church World Services. Their women’s ministry and children’s programs feed, educated and provide community grants around the world.
After retirement, Francoise traveled extensively.“I’ve seen the world!” She certainly did and she shared many stories of her adventures.
As her best friend Bonnie wrote, Francoise never married or had children but she created a “family” through her generosity, care and kindnesses over the years. She was also a “mother” to so many of us.
In keeping with her generous nature, Francoise established the C. and F. Kelz Fund through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, which will continue to support her most cherished institutions. Because she has arranged a planned gift to her fund, it will become endowed and her giving will go on after her lifetime.
As Francoise aged she never let go of her tremendous energy. She was never shy about standing behind projects, fighting for a cause and always held strong opinions and determination. She will be deeply missed. May she rest in peace and rise in Glory!
Francoise leaves behind her many friends and neighbors as well as her dear friend Bonnie Kerr of Arizona, Audra Lewton from Barnard College and her parish family from Christ Church Episcopal in Sharon. Special thanks to Dr. David Kurish for his care over the years and to the SVNA Home Assistance Program, especially to her devoted caregiver and dear friend Betty Maddock also known lovingly as “Mama.”
There will be a celebration of Fran’s life held on Wed., June 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church Episcopal and followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage people to send donations in memory of Francoise to The Little Guild Animal Rescue in West Cornwall. (See website: littleguild.org) The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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Let's hear it — June 11, 2026
Millerton News
Jun 10, 2026
This Week
Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, who represents parts of Dutchess and Columbia counties, is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Sam Hodge. This is a race within one party, but the questions behind it are familiar to voters of any affiliation.
How much does experience matter? What about independence, new ideas or a willingness to challenge the system? What makes someone an effective representative for your community?
Send your responses to publisher@lakevillejournal.com by Monday, June 8 at 10 a.m. or comment on Facebook or Instagram.
We’ll publish a selection in next week’s paper.
Last Week’s Question
Where do you shop for groceries?
How do price, selection, distance, hours, or transportation shape where you go?
“TriCorner FEED in Millerton. As single mom and head of household they are a life saver with their income based sliding scale memberships. Plus everything is local and fresh and they do a good latte!”
— Ali DeProdocini, Salisbury
“I live in Sharon so I visit Sharon Market 3 times a week for cold cuts, bread, prepared foods or a sandwich. I also shop at Lebonne’s in Salisbury twice a month. For major shopping I go to Stop & Shop in either Canaan or Torrington.”
— Johnny Martin, Sharon
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Letters to the editor — Thursday, June 11
Millerton News
Jun 10, 2026
Misleading headline in The News confuses readers
The Our Towns article (MN date 5/28/26) about the Webutuck school budget vote was lacking in three respects: reporting, editing and headline writing.
The reporter said the vote was approved, but he failed to include the vote count. How is the voter to know if it was a squeaker or a ground swell of approval? The voter is entitled to know.
The editor failed to catch this oversight. That’s what they’re there for!
The false headline misled the reader: that it was the “first tax increase in five years.” Or, in the reporter’s words in the lede, “the first property tax increase in over five years.” That is patently false and reflects a complete misunderstanding of property taxation.
The school district’s story line was presumably that it was the first property tax LEVY increase in five years. The levy rate is the percentage increase (or decrease) in the school budget, before NYS funds are added. If true (and I don’t track school district property tax levy percentages, so let’s presume it’s true), that is commendable and deserving of driving the narrative that the school district is spinning.
But, the reader should expect a truthful, more sophisticated and balanced presentation of the news. With no modifications to my property (except depreciation), my school district taxes did not increase in 2022, but they did increase in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and they will most assuredly increase again in 2026.
The reason my school district taxes have or will increase in four of the last five years is that property assessments throughout the town of Amenia – with the notable exception of SILO RIDGE – have increased substantially over the last five years. My assessment has increased by 11% in 2022, 11% in 2023, 4% in 2024, 10% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026. Total increase 46.5% in 5 years!
I understand and can accept the need for some equalization and rebalancing of the town’s total assessment, but…1) the school district shouldn’t be allowed to get away with spinning their message without some accountability and 2) the town’s assessor and the town board need to feel a little pushback from Amenia homeowners to the pressure they feel from the Silo Ridge homeowner litigants over their property tax assessments.
I’m sure I am not alone on both these points of grievance.
Dan Brown
Amenia
Experience matters and Barrett has it
As we officially start the primary election season in June, I write to urge voters in New York’s Assembly District 106 to vote for our good friend and Assembly member, Didi Barrett, who faces a primary challenge before the general election this Fall.Early voting begins on June 13 through June 21, 2026.Election Day is June 23, 2026.
Didi continues to work hard to deliver for her Hudson Valley community every day. As a skillful legislator and relationship builder, she is responsible for a number of “firsts” in legislative accomplishments.Her bill to restore benefits for veterans discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and for PTSD became the first in the country and a role model for other state legislatures. As Chair of the Assembly’s Energy Committee, she has fought to lower utility costs and make energy bills more transparent.She recently passed legislation to create the first statewide moratorium on data centers in the country.Didi also wrote and advocated for the passage of legislation that creates a pilot project for regenerative agriculture that allows farmers to sequester carbon in the soil, reducing greenhouse gases while promoting resiliency and productivity.This is a mere sampling of Didi’s many notable accomplishments over the years.
New Yorkers need experienced leaders now more than ever.Please remember to VOTE this month for a proven leader in this race, Didi Barrett.
Adelaide Camillo
Dutchess County
Barrett’s performance needs scrutiny
I’ve been receiving a lot of postcards and emails from Didi Barrett heading into the primary election on June 23rd.Each of them proudly assert Didi’s credentials on climate.
Here’s a line from a recent email: “Didi is a lifelong environmentalist and was one of the few legislators who just voted against rolling back our landmark climate law. She’s been leading the charge to lower utility costs — and the fossil fuel companies have been fighting her tooth and nail! “. I’m supposed to read this and think That’s great, I want to see action on climate and I hate that Gov. Hochul just trashed that law Didi’s talking about, I guess I’ll vote for her!
But Didi’s email uses carefully crafted language to mislead.As chair of the powerful Assembly Energy Committee, Didi has tremendous influence over State energy policy. The amendments gutting our climate law could not have passed without the cooperation of the Committee she chairs. In fact, one of the key elements of that gutting was introduced by Didi in 2023 as Assembly Bill A6039. A gift to the oil and gas industry that discounts the disastrous effects of methane on climate. Didi knows that she’s vulnerable on these issues and as is often the case she was able to vote no after Hochul rounded up sufficient votes to ensure the amendment would pass.
Didi’s claim about her vicious battle with fossil fuel interests doesn’t stand up either. Why would the utilities, companies that stand to make millions from Didi’s climate rollback work, pour tens of thousands into her campaigns if they didn’t see her as an ally?
Didi Barrett has held office for 14 years. Voters don’t need to rely on campaign mailers to judge her performance; they can examine her record for themselves. That’s exactly what I hope they’ll do before heading to the polls.
Bill Kish
North East
Didi Barrett has delivered for district
I write to remind Democratic Party voters of how hard Didi Barrett has worked for us and how much she has accomplished since she entered the Assembly in 2012.I think it is also important to discuss the disingenuous attacks on her by her primary opponent, Sam Hodge.I have received at least 3 or 4 mailers from Hodge saying that Didi refuses to support legislation to tax the rich.Since a refusal to impose higher taxes on wealthy New York State residents seemed at odds with the many progressive positions that Didi has taken and fought for during her 14 years in the Assembly, I did a little research and found out that Didi has NOT refused to “tax the rich.”
The fact is that the “tax the rich” bill, A8953, has not come up for a vote yet and is still being discussed in and not yet finalized by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, of which Didi is not a member.
Space limitations prevent me from listing anything near all of the legislation that Didi has worked on, sponsored, or passed.Some of these are: bills to protect reproductive freedom, raise the minimum wage, protect the Hudson River from federal efforts to create anchorages for petroleum-carrying barges, help farmers increase soil resiliency and productivity for their farms, support family leave, provide strong rent regulation, restore benefits to veterans denied honorable discharges due to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and support veterans with PTSD.Didi has also backed legislation to criminalize “ghost” guns and to ban “disguised” guns and “bump stocks.”
Didi currently is a co-sponsor of the New York for All Act, to better protect New Yorkers from ICE’s cruel tactics.And just this past week, the Assembly passed a bill Didi sponsored to impose a one-year moratorium on data centers and create a separate utility rate class for large energy users.
Didi’s efforts to bring money into our District – and elsewhere in the State - have also been extensive and impressive.She has delivered millions of dollars to strengthen schools, expand public libraries and day care centers, repair roads, support first responders, house community college students, block tuition increases at SUNY colleges and help create a tuition-free program for low and middle class SUNY and community college students, and support cultural spaces like the Stissing Center.
Didi’s work for us has been bold and progressive – qualities that Mr. Hodge claims for himself.However, making false statements about one’s opponent – let alone a representative who has been as energetic, hard-working, and effective as Didi – may be, in Mr. Hodge’s word, “bold,” but not in a good way.And it is definitely not progressive.The absence of honesty and integrity in government officials has a devastating effect on us.Mr. Hodge’s repeated dishonest attacks on Didi are shameful and, in my opinion, disqualify him for the job as our Assembly member.
Amy Rothstein
Pine Plains
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