Town thriving in spite of recession

CORNWALL — It will be the last thing Cornwall residents remember about 2009: The historic Scoville farm barn, one of the town’s oldest structures, burned to the ground Dec. 31. It is a heart-wrenching loss for the family and the greater community.

But the tragedy won’t be the only thing Cornwallians think of when taking a look back at the year.

While others hung on tightly and waited for the recession to ebb, Cornwall thrived, drawing  on its deep roots. The same intrepid Yankee backbone that built its first homesteads and farms, coupled with a willingness to look for proactive and creative ways to foster a great place to live, kept it vital.

There is still much work to do, but Cornwall was buoyed by grant money it sought and received when others figured there was none available.

The town moved forward on the big issues. A solar voltaic system, earned by the purchase of sustainable energy, went into service at Cornwall Consolidated School just before the year was out. Affordable senior housing in the center of Cornwall Bridge moved into the final planning stages.

A meticulously revised Town Plan of Conservation and Development draft was completed.

The Sweet Peet proposal survived an appeal of its permitting just before the year ended, but it was unclear if that would be the end of it. (See story, Page A1.)

A proposed Verizon cell tower went back to the drawing board.

There were plenty of smaller high and low points as well. The Cornwall Historical Society opened a renovated and expanded headquarters and hired a new curator.

The art scene here celebrated its venerable roots as the Rose Algrant Art Show celebrated its 50th year —and Lady Audrey’s Gallery opened in West Cornwall, with several judged exhibits and parties.

It was a great year for maple syrup, the youth tennis team and Cornwall Consolidated School sports.

West Cornwall got a new fire truck, a revived beef farm, a lesson in nutrition from old friend Michael Pollan and a visit from two Chris-ses: (Congressman) Murphy and (Senator) Dodd.

The Town Hall Players performed a radio show-style production of “Arsenic and Old Lace.â€� The Cornwall Consolidated School  Walk-a-thon broke its own fundraising record.

The school said goodbye to Dr. Fitz with tears and welcomed new principal Bob Vaughan with open arms.

Residents recalled the tornado that devastated part of the town 20 years ago.

A train derailed (twice) on tracks adjacent to River Road.

The National Iron bank was robbed. The burglars were quickly caught in a series of missteps that would have been comic if they hadn’t been so tragic.

The state’s second-largest white pine fell across Popple Swamp Road.

The Dzenutis family was devastated first by legal troubles from a fateful post-prom party, and later by a fire that nearly destroyed the home they had spent years building. Community members came to their aid.

Among those friends lost were young Nicholas Givotovsky and Sam Packard, who both died in tragic accidents. Helen Tennant and Florence Gomez both passed away peacefully at the ages of 101 and 102, respectively.

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