Don Lowe First Selectman Column 06/02/2025
The Sherman School graduation ceremony will be held at the Sherman School on Tuesday, June 10 at 6pm. On behalf of the Town, as our graduates carry on their education in our fine array of area high schools from which they get to choose, I’d like to wish them all great success. Life in high school is a brand new world and I’m confident that our Sherman students are ready for it. These young women and men will be receiving lots of good advice as they matriculate on, but I will offer the advice of the keynote speaker at my daughter’s college graduation ceremony from Sacred Heart University: “Be kind.” The world needs as much kindness as possible, plus, extending it makes it come back around to you – and that’s always a good thing.
We had good news last week. The State responded positively to our STEAP Grant (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) application. It was approved for $230,000. This is the third STEAP grant we’ve received during my nearly eight years as First Selectman. The first one paid for the barn and building repairs up at Happy Acres Farm, the second one paid for the new pickleball courts, and this third one will pay for the restoration of the venerable Scout House.
This last STEAP Grant was approved largely on the work of our business manager, Liz LaVia, who put together an amazing application. Among all the fine work she does on behalf of the town’s day-to-day finances, Liz still found time to put together this grant application. Thank you, Liz! The Scout House is located in the historic district, and all efforts will be made to keep this structure true to its 1827 nature. This work will improve the roof, walls, floors, foundation, and other aspects of the building to keep it standing in sturdy form for the next decades. The work will begin in the summer.
There are road signs that indicate a road closure on Taber Road, but the actual road closure is on the NY side (North Quaker Hill) of that roadway. The closure is at the bridge near the beginning of North Quaker. So, Taber Road is NOT closed, but for folks who use the NY side of the roadway to go, for instance, to Pawling will need to find a new route. This will last throughout the summer and, possibly, even into December.
The Town is asking for a volunteer to be a commissioner on our Commission on Aging as a vacancy exists yet again. This commission meets once a month, and meetings rarely go more than an hour. It’s an advisory commission that discusses and helps with issues concerning our senior population. Contact my office – 860 355 1139 – if interested. All ages are appropriate.
Just a warning about individuals who go house-to-house and promise to repair and/or repave your driveway for an incredibly low price. Last summer a slick group did this and it turned out as badly as it could have. They completely misrepresented their claims of good work for little money, and some residents lost money. Please, if someone comes along unannounced and offers any type of home services for “an incredibly low price” be careful. In fact, call me first. Cell # 860 778 3394. A minute after I get off the phone with you I’ll call the State police and inquire with them. No Sherman resident (or resident anywhere) should be taken advantage of by unscrupulous con men. That makes my blood boil.
