“FREE MONEY” FOR Friends of Lee Kellogg School (F.O.L.K.S.)

The ever-creative parents at the Lee H. Kellogg School have come up with a new, easy way to raise funds for school trips and other "extras." Here's their press release:

Without spending anything extra people can now help FOLKS (Friends of Lee Kellogg School) raise funds to go towards fieldtrips, cultural programs and guest artists, special classroom items, playground and afterschool program items, as well as financial assistance to help insure that all students can participate in school programs and trips. Guaranteed contributions from participating retailers go directly to FOLKS, the volunteer parent and teacher group for Lee H. Kellogg School, through the new Scrips Card program.

“I’ve raised over $60 for FOLKS in the last two months alone without even trying and without pleading for anyone to buy a ticket, an ad, a pie, or anything. I just used the Scrip cards at the check-out when I did my grocery shopping and also when I bought office supplies,” explained Amy Wynn, a Kellogg School parent.
“At every turn, we are asked to buy something for a fundraiser in our small community. This program is a great alternative that can ease this burden throughout our region. We are asking that people try it at least once and see how good it feels to know you are helping raise needed funds by simply doing your everyday shopping and paying for it with your Scrips cards,” encouraged Margaret Caiati, FOLKS coordinator for this program. “Our goal is to get at least 80 people paying for $100 of their grocery bill at Stop ‘n Shop with the Scrip cards each month for the next three months. This would meet our initial goal of raising $1,000 this spring for field trip and cultural program funds,” she added.

The Scrips cards are easy to order and use and there is no extra charge. To help FOLKS raise funds, all one has to do is purchase Scrips Cards - which are basically gift cards - through the FOLKS Scrips program. The Scrips card purchaser receives the exact value paid for the cards; there are no added fees. The specific retailer for each type of card donates from 2% to 17% of each purchase directly to FOLKS. The whole community beyond Kellogg School and Falls Village is encouraged to participate.
The Scrips cards can be used for things bought each week such as groceries and drug store items, seasonal items like home improvement/gardening items and clothing, as well as gifts for holidays and special occasions. The Scrips Program has over 250 retailers to choose from, such as Stop ‘n Shop, CVS, K-Mart, Best Buy, Lands End, Applebee’s, Amazon.com, TJ Maxx, Barnes & Noble, Staples, ITunes, Wal-Mart, JC Penney, Home Depot, and many more. A full list of retailers and the order form is available at the FOLKS webpage housed at www.kelloggschool.org.

Questions about the FOLKS Scrips program and ordering cards can be directed to Margaret Caiati at (860) 824-1415 or mcaiati@comcast.com.

A Hot Time in A Cold Month

The D. M. Hunt Library in Falls Village will turn up the temperature with Chocolate & Chili in the Village on Saturday, February 27th at the Old Town Hall from 6 to 9 pm.

For the past two years, Friends of the D. M. Hunt Library has held its winter fundraiser Chocolate in the Village – an event featuring all things chocolate – at the library. This year the Friends have added chili to the mix and will hold the newly named Chocolate & Chili in the Village at the Old Town Hall.

As before, this event will feature dozens of delectable chocolate creations made by Falls Village’s accomplished culinaristas. Chocolate treats from sweet to savory - amazing baked goods, truffles, chocolate tortilla chips with cranberry salsa, chicken with mole sauce, chocolate cherry “mice” – are just some of what chocolate cravers can sample.

For those looking to heat things up, there will be at least ten tempting chilis to tingle the taste buds. All of the chilis will be made by local community organizations including Falls Village’s Fire Department, Daycare Center, Historical Society, Great Mountain Forest, Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, and Toymakers Café. These groups will compete to be named Best Chili.

Joshua Stone, Falls Village’s own award-winning composer, will host “Name that Tune” a musical game which was so popular last year – with prizes of course. A live and silent auction where you can bid on gift certificates for chocolate desserts, chocolate and chili “flavored” hand knit scarves, books and more will round out the event.

Tickets are $25 per person and include all the chocolate and chili you want, beer and wine, and ten tickets to vote for best chili. All proceeds benefit the library. For information and to reserve tickets call the library 860-824-7424.

The Rec Commission Wants You

If you would like to help make Falls Village a wonderful place to live and play, you might consider joining the Recreation Commission, which is looking for new members. Click on the image to read the particulars.

That Small Town Magic

Mary Elling who lives on Point of Rocks Road writes:

"THANK YOU, THANK YOU to whatever good soul decorates the little-
bridge's little-tree for many holidays throughout the year!!!!!
You are obviously whimsical, kind, thoughtful and a lovely, generous
person(s).
It makes me smile every time I cross the bridge.
All of us who live in Falls Village or Amesville are very lucky that
you believe in good deeds.
People who drive over the bridge for the first time must think what a lovely community this must be.
And it is.
Happy New Year to Everyone!"