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Amenia Town Hall sits in town along Route 22. The town board considered installing a sign along the road that would inform passersby on upcoming meetings and other town news.
Photo by John Coston
AMENIA — Progress was made on a variety of topics at the regular meeting of the Town Board on Thursday, Sept. 5, including installation of an electronic information sign at the Town Hall, concern about maintenance of the trail to the train in Wassaic, and drafting of a law to govern local cannabis sales.
In a continuing effort toward improved information access for residents, the board discussed installation of an internally lit LED sign to be installed at the Town Hall. Easily visible to passing motorists, the new sign will carry announcement, upcoming meetings and town events.
Town Supervisor Leo Blackman said that he had heard from residents with concerns that they are not informed about what is happening in the community. He also noted that the town has immunity from zoning regulations, allowing the town to move ahead on plans for an electronic sign to hold messages that will be able to be posted by remote computer.
“Because it’s the town, we need to get messages out to residents,” Blackman said.
Councilman Brad Rebillard agreed, feeling that the sign is a public service.
During public comment, resident Tonia Shoumatoff of Wassaic raised two issues of needed maintenance, the first describing urgent action needed along the boardwalk of the Trail to the Train and the other concerning the trails around the retired landfill property.
Warped wooden handrails along the boardwalk have separated from the guard rails creating a hazard, said Shoumatoff who served as chairwoman of the Trail to Train Committee. She also said that vegetation has overgrown the boardwalk in places, damaging the wood underneath. Feeling that maintenance is likely to be a town responsibility, she asked that the Town Board take necessary action.
Blackman agreed to research the issues raised by Shoumatoff and report back at a future meeting. Rebillard confirmed that snow removal along the trail to train boardwalk is the town’s responsibility and town Finance Director Charlie Miller also confirmed that the town is responsible for boardwalk maintenance, suggesting that snowplowing may have contributed to wood surface damage.
Reminding the Town Board that Thomas Young Park and walking trails around the decommissioned town landfill were to be kept open to the public for recreation, Shoumatoff said that the gate is now locked and the park and trails inaccessible, although there is what she termed a “nice parking area.” She noted that the Town of Sharon is charged with maintenance and mowing of the landfill expanse in perpetuity, and asked how their maintenance crews are managing access.
Having reviewed maps showing areas where a cannabis dispensary could be allowed while meeting all requirements for distance from parks, schools, and churches, the board continued discussion of the drafting of a law by the board attorney. The drafted wording would then be passed on to the Planning Board for their review.
Blackman noted that the Planning Board will be likely to consider its regulations about agricultural growers allowed to have a farm stand that sells cannabis. He also asked about parking requirements.
Councilmember Paul Winters responded that New York state regulations governing cannabis sales fully specify parking arrangements.
Board attorney Ian Lindars agreed to draft a local dispensary law for consideration at the next Town Board meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19.
Resident Judy Moran suggested that the Town Board implement a second “Public Comment” segment near the end of each meeting to allow residents in attendance to comment on what was discussed. Blackman and the board seemed amenable to the idea.
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Virginia Cables
Sep 06, 2024
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.
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Linda Kaplan
Sep 05, 2024
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
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