The Falls Village Blog

Battle Hill Forge at Hunt Library: Opening Reception February 10

2012-01-28T15:59:00.003-05:00

The new art wall at the library is being well used, and the next exhibit will be work by the great guys at Battle Hill Forge. If you don't know Willy, Izzy and Jeff, read "Alternative Metalworkers with Indie Spirit" from Rural Intelligence, and see you at the library next Friday.

LILLY WOODWORTH: RECENT PAINTINGS OPENS JAN 13 at HUNT LIBRARY

2012-01-02T08:45:00.004-05:00

Lilly Woodworth, Paris Roses, 2011, oil on four panels, 32 x 32"

The David M. Hunt Library is pleased to announce its first exhibit of the New Year, Lilly Woodworth: Recent Paintings. The free opening reception (with refreshments) will be Friday, January 13, from 5 to 7 p.m.

In the genres of still life and landscape, Lilly Woodworth uses the language of oil paint to express the changing nuance of season and light. Personal emotive connections to her subject matter and to the paint itself result in a rich variety of familiar views from the region of her relatively new home in Sharon, Connecticut, where she embraces what she observes as the "real poetry in these hills and valleys."

Whether she presents a lushly dense bunch of roses in a Parisian florist's window or a view of the SharonValley, Woodworth's oil paintings reflect a heart-connection to nature. Several recent works break the confines of a single frame by using multiple panels to expand an emotion or feeling. Her images are a deeply personal response to what she sees and feels at the moment she is making the painting, allowing the fluidity of the medium of paint itself to "lead the way."

Lilly Woodworth: Recent Paintings will be on exhibit at the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village from Tuesday, January 10 through Saturday, February 4.

HOLIDAY HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR OF FALLS VILLAGE - DECEMBER 4

2011-11-16T08:39:00.010-05:00

Presented by The Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society
Sunday, December 4, 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM; Snow Date, Sunday December 11

The Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society is pleased to announce The Holiday Historic House Tour of Falls Village to take place on Sunday, December 4. The tour will begin with a brief welcome and introduction to the five houses on the tour at P.D. Walsh's Country Store, 11:30 AM at 107 Main Street in the village, within walking distance of two of the houses featured on the tour. At Noon, tour pass holders may begin their self-guided tour with guidance from the Society's brochure and map, researched with the help of the homeowners and photographed by the Society. Each of these homes has a unique ambiance which reflects an earlier time in Falls Village and celebrates the spirit and endeavors of residents who came before us, as well as the creativity of present day owners in preserving this history.

Tickets: $20. Children 8 to 16 are free. Tickets are available at P.D. Walsh's Country Store, Toymaker's Cafe, The Falls Village Inn, Jacob's Garage, Crossroads Deli, D.M. Hunt Library, Falls Village Town Hall or by calling the Historical Society at 860-824-8226. Cash or checks only.
Houses on the tour are not wheelchair accessible and strollers are not permitted inside them.

The tour coincides with the village's annual tree lighting ceremony and visit from Santa Claus later in the day. After the tour, stick around, grab a hot cup of cocoa and enjoy the village's tree lighting on the town green at 4:30 PM.

For the day, tour guests are encouraged to stop for a snack or meal at Toymaker's Cafe (7 AM-4 PM) and The Falls Village Inn (Brunch 11 AM-3 PM, Dinner 5-10 PM). When guests show their tickets, a portion of the proceeds from each meal will benefit the Society. Proceeds from the tour will help replenish funds of the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society. The Society spent $11,000 to replace the platform roof at the Falls Village Railroad Depot that collapsed under the weight of heavy snows earlier this year. Insurance would not cover this expense.

The Holiday Historic House Tour is designed to offer the community a peak into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the village including five of the oldest homes in the area. Each home on the tour will be open from Noon until 4 PM. Protective shoe covers will be available at each home.

The house at 55 Belden Street (above), once known as the Hogoboom House, was built around 1730 by Peter Hogoboom, one of the original Dutch settlers who founded the area in 1722. The house, a post and beam center chimney colonial, was built into the hillside near a spring, which still runs today. The property is currently owned by Sergei and Zoe Fedorjaczenko.

The small and elegant Greek Revival Brewster House, at 42 Brewster Road (above) on the corner of Brewster Road and Rt 126, was built for Daniel Brewster and his wife Mary Ann Canfield, probably at the time they were married in 1842. Daniel's father, Jabez Brewster, lived in the large house across Point of Rocks Road. The property, now owned by Bunny Williams and John Rosselli, is currently used as a guest house.

The main part of the Greek Revival-style house at Grassy Hill, 18 Brewster Road, was built by miller and farmer Cornelius Brown in 1852. Also known in more recent memory as the Arvidson farm, additions and renovations have taken place over the years. The property is currently owned by Richard and Mary Lanier.

The Burrall-Belden House at 6 Barnes Road was built around 1780 by Col. Charles Burrall who led Burrall's Regiment in the Canadian campaign of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Owned by a succession of prosperous family members, the frame house in the Federal Style faces the South Canaan Meeting House and is currently owned by Susan Pinsky and Marc Rosen.

The house at 155 Johnson Road, a classic New England colonial saltbox, started out at as a small barn on the Nathan Hale property in the 1740s and was later converted as a residence for tenant farmers. Briefly owned by Doris Day early in her career, the building survived a fire in the 1990s that almost destroyed the structure. The house is currently owned by Diana Burroughs who is enthusiastically restoring and adding attractive gardens.

3rd ANNUAL ARTISAN CRAFT MARKET AT HUNT LIBRARY - DECEMBER 7

2011-11-15T08:53:00.007-05:00

Wednesday, December 7, 5PM to 8PM

The Friends of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village are pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Artisan Craft Market to be held on Wednesday, December 7 from 5pm to 8pm at the library. This event is free and open to the public, refreshments will be served and free on-site childcare will be available.

Come fulfill your holiday shopping needs as over a dozen local artisans display their goods for sale. Among the many offerings will be holiday metal work by the Battle Hill Forge, whimsical handmade jewelry by Jocelyn Krodman, home décor by Heather Allyn, ceramics by John Dildine and stoneware by Joey Jablonski, cards and illustrations by Sarah Martinez, hula hoops by Diann Franson, one-of-a-kind bird houses by Bob Reed, weaving by Karin Gerstel, knitting by Sarah Clawson, and Amesville wool blankets from Jenny Law and Alan Lovejoy.

A portion of the each artisan’s proceeds will benefit the library.

Weaving by Karin Gerstel

Ceramics by Joey Jablonski

Bird houses by Bob Reed.

11th Annual Ed McGuire Memorial Culligan Cannonball 5-K Run: Saturday November 5, 2011

2011-10-18T09:59:00.002-04:00

Edward Gordon McGuire
July 21, 1939 – April 12, 2000

Ed McGuire graduated from the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in 1957, and attended Southern Connecticut State University. He served in the US Army in Germany as a radio operator until 1964. Upon returning from his tour of duty, he became a supervisor at Becton Dickinson Company in North Canaan. Within a few years he owned and operated the Falls Village based Culligan Water Conditioning of Litchfield County and New Haven County. McGuire ran Culligan Water Conditioning with his wife, Hazel, for over 30 years. During his career with the company, he earned many awards and much recognition for his success and outstanding business practices.

Dedicated to public service, Ed was the first member of the Canaan Fire Commission, and went on to become the commission’s chairman. He was the burning official for the Town of Canaan for many years. He was a member and chairman of the Recreation Commission and the Democratic Town Committee in Falls Village. He was a member and served as President of Eastern Water Quality Association. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #372 in Torrington, CT.

Ed McGuire was an active member of the Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department (FVVFD) in the northwest corner of Connecticut, and the department’s chief from 1979 to 1989. He also served as the company’s treasurer, deputy marshal and was on the board of directors. In addition, he participated with the Falls Village Ambulance Squad as an emergency medical technician for many years. Ed also served as Fire Marshal of North Canaan, Deputy Fire Marshal for Canaan-Falls Village and was the President and Financial Secretary of Litchfield Fire Chief’s Emergency Plan. Ed’s dedication to the wellbeing of his town and its residents was continuously demonstrated.

In 2000 Edward McGuire was honored posthumous with the Falls Village public service award. Sponsored by the Culligan Water Company, the Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department has been holding the Cannonball 5-K Run every October. This annual fundraiser, organized by Ed’s family and friends, is in honor of one of our communities outstanding citizen who to-this-day continues to contribute to the town and Volunteer Fire Department that meant so much to him.

Seen in Salisbury: Jack Limpert's Paintings

2011-10-08T11:47:00.005-04:00

Falls Village resident Jack Limpert's beautiful landscapes are being displayed at Chaiwalla, 1 Main St. in Salisbury during the month of October. Chaiwalla features exotic teas and a luncheon and dessert menu Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Meet Author Mary Atwood on Friday, September 9, at the David M. Hunt Library

2011-09-06T12:04:00.003-04:00

The David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village is pleased to announce a presentation by village resident Mary Atwood on her recently published book, I Drank My Tea: Family Adventures in Kyrgyzstan (2011, CreateSpace). The event will take place at the library on Friday, September 9 from 6 to 8 PM. A slide show will be featured and the author will sign copies of her book during a brief reception following the presentation.

Mary and Tracy Atwood have long traveled the globe and lived in some remote places while Tracy worked for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As newlyweds, the Atwoods went to Yemen in 1981 and were in Mali from 1987-1991. In 1999, after anchoring for eight years in Washington, DC to raise their three young children, the Atwoods were posted to Kyrgyzstan, part of the former Soviet Union, where Tracy would serve as the USAID Country Representative. Their teenagers, John, Joseph, and Catherine, would continue their education through correspondence courses. All of them would study Russian. Preparations were made for the big move including the purchase of consumables and the transportation of the family cats, Nibble Toes and Cloudy Spy.

Mary's memoir of four years in Central Asia contains stories of everyday life mixed with accounts of adventurous travel throughout the country. She makes a home in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, copes with the challenges of independent study, discovers a Baptist church on a snowy Christmas morning, entertains guests including her eighty-six year old mother, and makes trips into the mountains for encounters with local people, yurts, fermented mare’s milk, vodka and slaughtered sheep.

Though Mary found the Russian language to be her biggest challenge, she and her family nonetheless made many Russian and Kyrgyz friends. John, Joseph, and Catherine successfully completed their studies and went on to college. Kyrgyzstan was a wonderful experience for the whole family. Lasting ties were developed. The Atwoods helped a Kyrgyz friend Medina come to the US to study nursing, and brought home a new cat, Dudley, a native of Kyrgyzstan.

AUTHOR PRESENTATION:
I DRANK MY TEA: Family Adventures in Kyrgyzstan by Mary Atwood
David M. Hunt Library, 63 Main Street, Falls Village, CT 06031, 860-824-7424
Friday, September 9, 6-8 PM
Refreshments, on-site free childcare; wheelchair accessible
Free

Last Chance Absentee Ballots

2011-08-20T21:45:00.003-04:00

If you won't be around on Tuesday, August 23, to vote in person from 6 am to 8 pm for the referendum on the new emergency services center, you can pick up at absentee ballot on Sunday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 or on Monday. Here's what First Selectperson Pat Mechare told me when queried.

You have to come to Town Hall. You have to complete an application for an absentee ballot. Once that is completed and returned to Mary, then you are given the actual ballot with the directions for completion and then that is returned to her. If you appear in person the whole process can be done all at once. it is my understanding that Mary will be at Town Hall, tomorrow, Sunday from 8:30 AM-9:30 AM to accommodate those who might want an absentee ballot. If that is not convenient you can get a ballot on Monday during operating hours and do the process then. Mary usually takes her lunch between noon and 1 PM so you might want to call to make sure she is there if you thought you'd come somewhere around that time.

Shouldn't there be a big sign outside Town Hall reminding everyone about this important vote?

Can Falls Village Afford a New Firehouse?

2011-08-19T08:22:00.003-04:00

That's the issue at the special election/referendum on Tuesday from 6 am to 8 pm at Town Hall.. There are supposed to be absentee ballots for weekenders who will not be here to vote. This is what is being voted.

SHALL THE TOWN OF CANAAN APPROPRIATE $2,500,000 FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE FALLS VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY SERVICES CENTER, AND AUTHORIZE THE ISSUE OF BONDS AND NOTES IN THE SAME AMOUNT TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION?

TOWN MEETING TONIGHT

2011-08-16T15:46:00.002-04:00

There will be a VOTE tonight at the town meeting at the Kellogg School at 7 pm on the new firehouse. I am told there will most likely be paper ballots so your vote can be confidential. If the proposal is not passed tonight, there will not be a referendum vote next Tuesday. If the proposal is passed, there will be a vote (with absentee ballots) on August 23.

What's the Future of Falls Village?

2011-06-23T10:52:00.010-04:00

The Northwest Planning Collaborative is hosting two public forums. The June 27th forum will focus on housing issues (description below) and the July 11th forum will focus on "creating jobs and supporting local businesses" - both will be held at the senior center at 6:30pm and there will be pie & coffee for all.

WHAT Falls Village Pie & Planning Focus Group Session:
Encouraging age & housing diversity in Falls Village
Come hear about actions Falls Village could take to create housing options from community experts and provide your input about housing needs and strategies.
Pie & coffee will be provided.

WHEN Monday, June 27th at 6:30pm
WHERE Falls Village Senior Center (across from Town Hall, 2nd floor)

WHO Sponsored by the Falls Village Planning & Zoning Commission. All who live & work in Falls Village are welcome to attend.

DETAILS Through the Town Plan update survey (April 2011), respondents said that the town should pursue housing and job creation strategies that would bring/keep more young families with school aged children in town. Many respondents also agreed that there is a need for housing that young emergency volunteers and school teachers can afford.

The focus group session on June 27th will seek to identify community supported strategies for creating housing options young families, volunteers, and teachers can afford. Guest speakers include: Bill Bachrack, Kent Affordable Housing, Lea Davies, Sharon Housing Authority, and Pat Hare on Accessory Apartments.

Survey results on housing related questions:
74% of respondents agreed that the town should pursue housing & job creation strategies that would bring/keep more young families with school aged children in town.

80% of respondents agreed the town should do more to encourage and support housing opportunities for families earning between $50K and $90K. (only 59% agreed for families earning less than $50K)

80% of respondents would like to see Falls Village be a community with residents of all ages-

60% of respondents would like to see Falls Village be a community with a diversity of incomes.

64% of respondents agree there is a need for housing that young emergency volunteers and school teachers can afford (22% don’t know).

BTW- full survey results and more info on the Town Plan update is available on the website

The BIG Hunt Library Sale June 4 & 5

2011-06-01T18:08:00.002-04:00

Remembering Christopher R. Morley on May 28 at Music Mountain

2011-05-17T11:40:00.005-04:00

Christopher Morley, the Falls Village resident whose generosity and support of the arts was legendary, will be memorialized at a free concert at Music Mountain on Saturday, May 28, at 7 p.m. Morley died unexpectedly in April at the age of 58 at his home on Undermountain Road.

Two of Morley’s favorite organizations were the Falls Village Children’s Theatre and Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, and each group will present performances in his honor. Every year, Morley paid for tickets so all interested children in Falls Village could attend a Shakespeare play in the Berkshires.

In his memory, four actors from Shakespeare & Company will perform at Music Mountain: Kate Abbruzzese and Sam Parrott will stage the great fight scene from “Hamlet,” and Dana Harrison and David Joseph will perform excerpts from “Shakespeare & the Language That Shaped a World.” The children of the FVCT will sing a selection of greatest hits from the first five seasons, and there will also be performance by Vance Cannon and Donald Sosin.

Morley was also a major benefactor of the D.M. Hunt Library in Falls Village, where he underwrote the new Art Wall, and the library will offer readings in his honor, too.

Friends and neighbor are invited to picnic on the majestic Music Mountain grounds beginning at 5 p.m., before the 7 p.m. performance.

Bingo for Scholarships: May 6, 2011

2011-05-04T08:29:00.002-04:00

FVCT at Housy This Weekend Aprl 1 - 3

2011-03-31T12:41:00.001-04:00

A Hot Night to Benefit the Library - Feb. 26

2011-02-21T19:21:00.004-05:00

Banish the winter and heat up your taste buds!

The Northwest Corner’s hottest winter event is back. The D. M. Hunt Library in Falls Village will be sure to melt snow and ice with their annual fund raiser Chocolate & Chili in the Village on Saturday, February 26th at the Old Town Hall from 5 to 8 pm. This year’s event will be held upstairs in the Senior Center .

This popular event will feature a lineup of competing chili varieties prepared by local community organizations. Each attendee will have the opportunity to taste each chili and cast votes for their favorites. Some of the competitors this year include The Falls Village Inn, the Fire Department, Daycare Center , Historical Society, Great Mountain Forest , Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, Toymakers Café, and Crossroads Deli.

Dozens of delectable chocolate creations from sweet to savory will be on hand for tasting and buying. Amazing baked goods, truffles, chocolate mice, chocolate granola, and chicken with mole sauce are just some of the treats that chocolate lovers can sample.

Joshua Stone, Falls Village ’s own Emmy Award-winning composer, will host “Name that Tune” a musical game with prizes which always draws a crowd after the chili awards are announced. A live auction featuring gift certificates for chocolate desserts, 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 at 860-824-7424.

Chocolate & Chili in the Village
To Benefit the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village
5pm to 8pm, Saturday, February 26
The Old Town Hall – 107 Main Street , Falls Village , CT 06031
Tickets $25 / Information: 860-824-7424
Wheelchair accessible
Interest: Adult

Chris Murphy Is Coming to Town!

2011-02-04T13:14:00.003-05:00

He will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on the economic future of the northwest corner on Monday February 7 at 5 pm at the Kellogg School.

The Fire Department's Future?

2011-01-21T16:58:00.004-05:00

The Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department is hosting an open forum on Saturday, January 22, at 10 am at Town Hall. If you have questions about the new firehouse on Route 7 and the options for funding it, this session is a must-attend event.

Hallelujah! The Falls Village Inn Reopens

2010-12-10T08:39:00.003-05:00

It's kind of like a fairy tale the way Bunny Williams stepped in to help redecorate the inn for new owners Colin Chambers and Susan Sweetapple. And everyone seems VERY happy with the results! You can read more about it on Rural Intelligence

Special Board of Ed Meeting December 7

2010-12-07T13:53:00.003-05:00

From Andrea Downs:

The Board of Education will be having a special meeting tonight at 6pm to discuss the budget situation for FY 2011/2012. We are
currently looking at a significant increase in our portion of the high school tuition for next year. We have 47 in the high school. This is going to have an impact on both the local school and town budgets. We invite you come and be part of the process early. The Board of Education has already been in communication with both the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen and we hope to have several of their board members at the meeting tonight.

The meeting will only last one hour, we have our regular board meeting starting at 7pm. We hope many of you will come and be part of the process.

I do apologize to those of you who would rather not receive these e-mails. I have included everyone in my address book that has a connection to either Falls Village or Lee H. Kellogg school in hopes that anyone who wants to participate can. Please spread the word.

The FVCT Holiday Show - December 4

2010-12-03T07:38:00.001-05:00

The Annual Tree Lighting

2010-11-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

Halloween Party on Oct. 31 @ 4 pm

2010-10-26T15:57:00.000-04:00

Our Hometown Fall Festival - October 23

2010-10-13T23:24:00.003-04:00

Words & Music at Music Mountain Oct. 3

2010-09-28T07:57:00.004-04:00

This year the D. M. Hunt Library’s free Words and Music Program is for and about kids of all ages at Music Mountain in Falls Village on Sunday October 3 at 2:00. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras and video cameras to record their children's performance on the historic Music Mountain stage.

Falls Village native and Bennington College graduate, Jon Grusauskas, will direct his Millerton Knights Children’s Ensemble in traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms like samba and salsa to funky versions of Michael Jackson and more. The musicians, ranging from 8 years old to younger, know their music well and play trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, drums, percussion, and keyboards.

Hunt Children’s Librarian, Rita Delgado will ask children in the audience to join her on stage and teach them American Sign Language to tell Goldilocks and the Three Bears to the audience.

The program will close with a tribute to well-loved books for or about children that were turned into musicals. Broadway actress, playwright and author, Betsy Howie, will read short passages from Dicken’s Oliver Twist, J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, and William Steig’s Shrek! Then Callie Carter, Lydia Downs from Falls Village and Brianna Hoyt of Salisbury will sing a song from each of the musicals inspired by these classic books.

Hunt Library Auction & Cocktail Party - September 25

2010-09-13T20:57:00.006-04:00

It's the best party of the year, for the best possible cause: our beloved David M. Hunt Library.
And the live auction promises to be the best in memory!

Click on the image to read the details

Tuesdays at Six

2010-07-19T14:01:00.003-04:00

The 12th annual speakers series sponsored by the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society is well underway at the South Canaan Meeting House. Here's the lineup for the rest of the summer.

July 20 Malcolm McKenzie, head of the Hotchkiss School, speaks of "International Aspects of Education."

July 27 Linda Ruggles, a historian at the University of Maryland, talks about "The Hartford Convention and the War of 1812."

August 3 John Demos, a professor emeritus at Yale, discusses "Cornwall's Heathen School-Hope and Betrayal in the Early Republic."

August 10 David Ward, an historian and assistant librarian at Hotchkiss, on the "Battle of Gettysburg: The Principle Commanders."

August 17 Alfred Dietzel, an historian, discusses "An Unfinished Journey: Women Who Changed America."

All sessions take place at the South Canaan Meeting House near the junction of Route 7 & 63. Admission is free. Musical prelude at 5:45. Program from 6 - 7.

Save the Date September 18: Annual Peddlar's Flea Market

FVCT presents "Cinderella" on July 23

2010-07-12T11:37:00.002-04:00

These little kids will break your heart.

Happy Anniversary Jacobs Garage!

2010-06-30T07:11:00.003-04:00

Jacobs Garage has been part of life in Falls Village for 80 years! More than taking care of our cars, Denny, Judy and Dave take care of our jangled nerves when our cars break down with their incredible kindness. And they take good care of our village with all their work for the Historical Society. Let's hope Jacobs Garage is around for another 80 years.

Commerce Comes to Main Street

2010-06-28T05:46:00.002-04:00

The downtown revival has begun! Just a few weeks about the Falls Village Inn was purchased and it was learned that decorator Bunny Williams will work with the new owner on the inn's redecoration, Patricia Walsh has rented the old Town Hall space and will be opening a Country Store/Antiques Center any day....

It's Not Too Late to Join Chubby Bunny's CSA

2010-06-22T12:26:00.004-04:00

Chubby Bunny, the wonderful farm on Undermountain Road, still has shares available in its CSA. If you want to eat the freshest, healthiest local produce and be part of a sustainable community, visit the Chubby Bunny website or visit Dan & Tracy Hayhurst at the farm.

"13" Comes to Housy on June 25

2010-06-15T21:45:00.002-04:00

Cookie Day at the Hunt Library - June 12

2010-06-07T13:12:00.003-04:00

The library will be serving food and asks that you RSVP so they have a head count: 860-824-7424

Downtown Sales Mayhem June 5 & 6

2010-06-04T15:23:00.005-04:00

What a weekend it will be: Both a plant sale and a book sale at the Hunt Library, a tag sale and bake sale at the Congregational Church, and a mega-tag sale at the Kellogg School. Bring cash!
Volunteers organizing the plant sale on Friday afternoon.

The quiet before the storm at the Congregational Church.

The Annual Kellogg Tag Sale

2010-06-02T17:42:00.002-04:00

Behind the Scenes with FVCT : A Video Preview of "13"

2010-05-25T10:22:00.001-04:00

Click here for a video preview of the upcoming performance of "13" at Mt. Everett Regional School.

Free Concert at Music Mountain - May 22

2010-05-21T17:20:00.002-04:00

FVCT presents the musical "13" in the Berkshires: June 4 - 6

2010-05-19T13:15:00.004-04:00

The Falls Village Children's Theater (FVCT), the five-year-old northwestern Connecticut not-for-profit troupe, is expanding to the Berkshires, where it will present the Broadway musical "13" at the Consolati Performing Arts Center at Mt. Everett Regional High School in Sheffield, MA, on June 4 - 6.

A musical about contemporary adolescence, "13" is the story of Evan Goldman of New York City whose parents get divorced, and he must move with his mother to Appleton, Indiana, where he will have his bar mitzvah away from his family and friends. Evan's new best friend in Appleton, the nice girl next door, knows that her hometown is, as she sings, "The Lamest Place in the World." A classic fish-out-of-water story, Evan's songs include "Being A Geek" and "A Little More Homework." When it debuted three years ago in Los Angeles, Variety said, "If the prospect of watching an all-teen company enact an all-teen musical accompanied by an all-teen band makes you cringe: Chill, dude, "13" is sheer bliss...Librettist Dan Elish's simple narrative about middle-school outsiders tiptoeing their way through a minefield of cliques and gossip is the framework for a celebration of the kind of teen spirit that soars rather than smells."

Featuring a cast of 18 experienced actors from the tri-state area who range in age from 12 - 17 under the direction of former Broadway dancer Lanny Mitchell, "13" is a funny, buoyant look at a young man's culture shock in his own country on the eve of his becoming a man in the Jewish faith. It is a poignant, exuberant and universal tale about trying to find one's place in the world. A five-piece high-school band will perform the score.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students (the show is rated "PG"), and they are available at Tune Street in Great Barrington, MA, the Canaan Apothecary in Canaan, CT, the Falls Village Citgo or online at FVCT.org.
The show is a fundraiser for the not-for-profit FVCT.

Falls Village Children's Theater presents "13"
Consolati Performing Arts Center at Mt. Everett Regional School
June 4 at 7 p.m.
June 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
June 6 at 2 p.m.

Bingo for Scholarships - May 7

2010-04-27T08:05:00.004-04:00

Take the Survey

2010-04-26T13:13:00.004-04:00

Our neighbor Ruth Skovron encourages everyone to take this survey to have input into the economic development of the northwest corner and to save our village centers

At Long Last!

2010-04-18T16:17:00.002-04:00

Are burgers and beer in our future?

What's Cooking in Falls Village?

2010-04-11T10:11:00.004-04:00

Erica Joncyk, the new director of the D.M. Hunt Library, is helping to organize The Falls Village Day Care Cookbook Volume 2, and she is inviting everyone to submit recipes:

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! One and all!! You may have heard through the grapevine that there is to be a second edition of Friends of Falls Village Day Care Cookbook! Remember the first one? Back in 1990, Norma DeMay (formerly Grusauskas), Jean Bronson, Fran Chapell and Karen Lindquist put together a treasure of a cookbook. I know because my copy is so stained, written in and 20 years later, with out a cover. It is the only cookbook that I know of that when mentioned at a local party and one of the people at the party wasn’t around in the ‘90’s to have purchased one, that there is a collective sigh of ‘aw too bad for you’ from the ones who do have a copy. There are so many fantastic recipes that my family grew up with and continues to use in their lives and I trust, will pass those recipes on to their children.
Here is a great opportunity for all Falls Villagites to gather their favorite recipes and share them with their neighbors. Those of you who have contributed before and may have changed their recipes to fit our now ‘healthier life styles’, please submit those changes….we would love it! Melissa Lopes has spear headed this fundraising project and her timing couldn’t be better to help the Day Care earn some needed funds to keep our excellent Day Care center running smoothly. The committee has decided for the sake of continuity to bestow the title of Friends of Falls Village Day Care Cookbook, vol. 2. You can pick up recipe forms at the D. M. Hunt Library right here in town or the Douglas Library in North Canaan. Even if you don't have a recipe, you can pre-order your cookbook by sending your check payable to FVDCC". Our hopes are to gather 200 recipes and the target date to get all of the recipes in is April 30th, 2010 so we can have the cookbook published by September 1st, 2010. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Melissa at mannymelissa@sbcglobal.net.
Thank you and can’t wait to read your recipes,
Erica Joncyk

Click on the form for a full-size version to print out

"Guys & Dolls" is a Smash Hit!

2010-04-09T22:15:00.001-04:00

The kids (and parents) have done it again! You have two more chances to see "Guys & Dolls" at Housy at 2 and 7 pm on Saturday, April 10.

"Guys & Dolls" Opens Friday Night

2010-04-08T12:40:00.000-04:00

There's no question that "Guys & Dolls" will be a hit as the FVCT raises the curtain on its 5th all-town musical. The only question is how fantastic it will be!

Easter Egg Hunt - April 3

2010-03-16T09:38:00.002-04:00

For the Love of Our Library

2010-03-14T12:32:00.005-04:00

Zoë Fedorjaczenko reports that the Chocolate & Chile library fundraiser was a huge success:

What do you get when you take twelve simmering crockpots of chili (from vegetarian to venison) made by organizations (from the Fire Department to the Historical Society), add fifteen chocolate desserts (from Scotch truffles to white chocolate cheesecake) and ten different selections of artisanal chocolate (from Chocolate Springs Café to Berkshire Bark), mix in silent and live auctions (with items from a hand knit bamboo yarn scarf to a Harney Tea gift package), toss with a Name that Tune game (with composer Joshua Stone), and combine with in a cold month - otherwise known as Chocolate & Chili in the Village - 2010 style. That’s what those who attended this Falls Village event to benefit the D. M. Hunt Library enjoyed on Saturday at the Old Town Hall in Falls Village. This event brought together the talents of many local bakers and chili-makers; it was even hard to find a parking space, an unusual circumstance in this small town. For all of us on the C/C committee, I thank everyone who came, contributed to, and worked on making this event a fun way to end winter’s tough month of February and benefit the library. We’ll see you next year!150 people (from Falls Village to Kent) in a spacious site? You get a hot time

TONIGHT! Chocolate & Chile Fundraiser for the Library

2010-02-27T06:18:00.002-05:00

IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT PARTY AT THE OLD TOWN HALL. TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!

Save the Date: March 5

2010-02-18T15:12:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-31T15:11:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-27T08:45:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-09T10:20:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-08T11:08:00.004-05:00

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!"

Cell Phone Tower Meeting December 9 at Kellogg School

2009-12-08T15:34:00.003-05:00

If you click on the attached notice you can read the details

FVCT's Fall Production

2009-12-01T10:33:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, December 5, at 7 PM at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Admission free, but donations welcome.

TOWN MEETING TONIGHT - NOV 24 - 7 PM

2009-11-24T11:11:00.002-05:00

Special Town Meeting @ Town Hall. "To see what action the Town will take to advise the Selectmen regarding a proposed lease and agreement with the Falls Village Children’s Theater Company." Copies of the proposed lease and agreement are on file with the Town Clerk

Tree Lighting - December 6

2009-11-23T12:15:00.002-05:00

Hometown Holiday Shopping - December 3

2009-11-22T09:53:00.003-05:00

Click on image to see it bigger.

Searching for the Perfect Town X-mas Tree

2009-11-03T11:51:00.004-05:00

The Rec Commission (aka The Town of Falls Village) is looking for that special tree that will stand in the Town Square as the official Falls Village 2009 Christmas Tree. It should be no more than 20 feet. The Rec Commision has scheduled the Tree Lighting for Sunday, December 6th at 4:30pm so the tree would be needed in time for it to be put up and lit before then.

If anyone has such a tree and is willing to part with it, contact Betsy Howie by email at Tatiferous@comcast.net

Scenes From A Scarecrow Contest '09

2009-10-30T16:20:00.002-04:00

Hometown Halloween

2009-10-25T19:42:00.000-04:00

Rain Delay: Pancake Breakfast, Scarecrow Contest & Hoedown Postponed Until Sunday, October 25

2009-10-20T09:14:00.006-04:00

Everyday Heros

2009-10-19T17:25:00.003-04:00

I was reluctant to call 911, because I did not want to trouble the men and women who volunteer for our fire and ambulance department. But after the plug-in carbon monoxide alarm I had just bought at Lindell's started chirping (after the other one in my house was chirping and I could not interpret whether that meant the battery was dying, the alarm way dying, or I was on my way to dying). So within five minutes, the good men and women of the Falls Village Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department were at my house, and they knew right away that my plug in alarm needed to have a battery in it too as a back up and that was why I heard chirping. (If only I had read the 20 page instruction manual before plugging it in.) Oy vey, as my grandmother used to say. I am so embarrassed to have wasted our volunteers' time. But I am comforted to know that my neighbors are ready to be my heros if one day I truly need them.

Words & Music Library Benefit at Music Mountain on Sunday, Oct. 18 @ 2 pm

2009-10-15T14:06:00.009-04:00

When I heard that Betsy Howie and Lonnie Carter were going to share the Music Mountain stage on Sunday, October 18, and read 84 Charing Cross Road as a benefit for the library I immediately thought of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Why? Because Howie and Carter were once a couple and just like the Burtons, who performed in Private Lives after they split, it's kind of fun to watch a play when there's an added subtext. Besides, as everyone in town knows, Betsy and Lonnie are gifted and generous artists and the reading should be a once in a lifetime theatrical experience.

Here's the Hunt Library's press release on the event, which includes great local music too:

Come remember or learn what it was like to write letters and listen to great music!

84, CHARING CROSS ROAD will be read by Betsy Howie & Lonnie Carter as a benefit for the David M. Hunt Library on Sunday, October 18, at 2 p.m. at Music Mountain. 84 records a correspondence and a love story of 20 years in funny, warm and moving letters between a New York City book lover and her favorite London bookshop. It was supposedly the inspiration for the best seller The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society.

Joshua Stone will direct talented volunteers from the HVRHS Jazz Band and Sweethearts in great s-w-i-n-g-i-n-g songs: Blue Moon, Satin Doll, Take Five, Mr. Sandman, Something's Gotta Give, Where the Boys Are, Jump, Jive & Wail, and more!

You will hear Joshua Stone on piano and Tom Krupa, HVRHS Musical Director, on trumpet. Tom Krupa will direct the HVRHS Jazz Combo--Kellogg’s own: Jacob Horowitz, Piano; Van Daalhuyzen, Bass; Ben Paley, Guitar; Dylan Vadakin, Drums; Ben Finkelstein, Trumpet. Joshua Stone will direct several "Ensembles à la McGuire Sisters" and Alicia Simonetti-Schpurr, HVRHS Night Choir Director, will direct the Chorus--Meghan Brown, Shyla Gregory, Danielle Kearns, Samantha McKenzie, Kayla Robinson, Becky Sawicki, Cornelia Smith, Genevieve Terrall, Cassie Worthington, Ellie Yahn

And a special bonus performance: Three Generations of Falls Village Sinclairs--Mary Lu Sinclair and Laura, Lusanna & Kneeland Munson--will sing Que Sera, Sera!

Hunt Library’s 12th Annual Words & Music*

Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 pm at Music Mountain

$15/$18 @ the door
Teenagers: $10, Children 12 & under: $5

* All proceeds help pay for the operation (buying books, DVDs, computers, salaries) of our wonderful library and staff!

"Chairish the Arts" Auction at Mohawk Mountain on Saturday, October 17

2009-10-13T14:37:00.004-04:00

You can support arts education in our region--and the work of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council which is run by Falls Village resident Amy Wynn--at a live and silent auction of one-of-a-kind chairs at the lodge at Mohawk Mountain.
SIlent Auction 2 - 4:30 PM; Live auction at 4:30 PM
Adults: $15.00 or $25.00 (beer/wine)
Children 12 and up: $5.00
Children 12 and under: Free
For more information Click Here

You Can Still Enter the Scarecrow Contest

2009-10-05T13:33:00.002-04:00

Click on the images to read the details. Registration and hay & crossbar pickup will be October 10 at 103 Main Street from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Or contact Denise Cohn (824-4303) or Dan Shaw (824-5582) to arrange to pick up supplies at another time.

Get Jazzed to Support the 8th Grade Class Trip

2009-09-30T21:38:00.000-04:00

Renowned trumpeter and Summit Records recording artist Louise Baranger will perform with her quartet at Music Mountain in Falls Village, CT on October 3rd at 7:00 PM to benefit the Kellogg School 8th grade. Ms. Baranger has an extensive resume, including performing with Harry James, John Pizzarelli, Clark Terry and Dionne Warwick. She has worked for television and on Broadway and has recorded with the Stan Kenton Alumni Tribute Orchestra, Holly Near, and Joe Cocker among others. Tickets are $25.

Music Mountain is home to the country’s oldest chamber music festival and to Gordon Hall, a venue famous for its acoustic excellence. The grounds are perfect for a pre-concert picnic in the idyllic hills of Northwestern Connecticut.

The concert is to help cover costs of the Lee H. Kellogg School eighth grade class trip to Quebec in the spring.

Seating is limited and this show is expected to be sold out. To purchase tickets in advance contact Denise Cohn at 860-824-8025. Mastercard and Visa accepted. Tickets will also be sold at the door for any remaining seats. Visit the Trumpet Blues wesite for information on Louise Baranger and her tribute to the life and music of Harry

The Library's Not-So-Silent Auction

2009-09-28T22:09:00.003-04:00

If you would like to see pictures of Saturday night's lively cocktail party benefit for the David M. Hunt Library at the old Town Hall, click here to see the photos on Rural Intelligence.

Town Clerk Mary Palmer with actress and author Betsy Howie

Support The Library Saturday Night!

2009-09-24T07:20:00.002-04:00

There's a new spin on this year's Silent Auction. It's being held in the loft-like old Town Hall space on Main Street.

The D.M. Hunt Library will hold its 8th Annual Auction in the Village on Saturday, Sept 26. The event features both silent and live auctions. Fine wine, beer, and the library’s own special Green Man Grog will be served. Food catered by Freund’s Farm Market & Bakery in East Canaan. Magician Sandy Rhoades will perform. Mary Palmer will conduct the live auction. Tickets cost $25 and are tax-deductible.

This year’s auction will take place at The Old Town Hall on Main Street, a short walk from the library. This venue puts a fresh face on this favorite annual event while providing a more spacious layout in a historic building and wheelchair accessibility.

The silent auction, which opens at 5pm and ends at 6:30pm, features local food, goods, and services as well as tickets to museums and performance events. Many of these items are bundled together as gift baskets with specially chosen books.

Featured live auction items include a private screening event at The Movie House in Millerton, NY, a cocktail party for 20 at the home of Bunny Williams and John Rosselli, a flight in Bob Giumarro’s Piper Archer, and tickets to Lime Rock Race Park with an opportunity for “hot laps” around the track in a pace car.

Auction in the Village is an annual fund raiser to benefit the 120-year-old David M. Hunt Memorial Library and helps raise up to 20% of the library’s annual operating budget.

A second part of the library’s fund raising season, Words & Music, takes place at Music Mountain at 2pm on Sunday, October 18. This performance based event will feature a live reading of the play “84, Charing Cross Road” by James Roose-Evans based on the novel by Helene Hanff. Featuring Betsy Howie and Lonnie Carter; Music Director Joshua Stone. Tickets $15 advance; $18 door, tax-deductible donation.

Both events have been made possible by generous support from underwriter Century Aggregates and sponsored by Rural Intelligence, Salisbury Bank, Torrington Savings Bank, Elyse Harney Real Estate and The National Iron Bank.

8th Annual Auction in the Village
To Benefit the David M. Hunt Memorial Library in Falls Village
5pm to 8pm, Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Old Town Hall – 107 Main Street, Falls Village, CT 06031
Tickets $25 / Information: 824-7424 / Wheelchair accessible

Dod Adoption Days Redux

2009-09-24T07:17:00.001-04:00

New School Year! New Classes at FVCT!

2009-09-01T19:16:00.002-04:00

The Falls Village Children's Theater is expanding its offerings this year by adding new instructors and a collaboration with the esteemed Shakespeare & Company from Lenox, MA. Click on the image to read all about it.

Dog Adoption Days: Sept 5 - 7

2009-08-31T20:57:00.000-04:00

What's Cooking on Undermountain Road?

2009-08-27T13:31:00.006-04:00

Winterhouse, the design firm run by William Drenttel and Jessica Helfand from their home on Undermountain Road, is behind the Pizza Farm in North Canaan this Saturday. Learn more here

The Wassaic Project is A Must-See Happening

2009-08-15T11:13:00.003-04:00

The Wassaic Project has got to be seen to be believed. The tiny hamlet of Wassaic (just south of the Metro-North station) has been transformed into an avant garde village with site-specific installations in an old cattle-auction barn; paintings, photographs, video, and sculpture fill seven-floors of a partially-restored granary. This weekend, hundreds of young artists are camping on nearby fields and there will be music and performances all day and night. It’s an authentic art-world happening.

The FVCT Returns to Housy

2009-08-05T11:51:00.003-04:00

First Saturday Farmers Market

2009-07-30T08:26:00.000-04:00

 Includes local crafts, maple syrup, vegetables in season,
preserves, and sometimes more.
 The first Saturday of each month June through October on the
green in downtown Falls Village at the corner of Main and
Railroad streets.
 Open 9 a.m. to noon
 Local gardeners sell your extra produce. We are also looking for
jams, jellies, pickles, or any homemade or handmade products.
 A small fee will be charged for space to benefit the Falls Village
Volunteer Fire Department.
 Don’t have time to sell your stuff: Fire Department members will
sell it for you for a percentage.
 All donations of produce and crafts will be readily accepted
 Sponsored by the Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department.
 Contact Kent Allyn at 860-824-5960.

Visit Sweet William's in Salisbury

2009-07-28T09:16:00.003-04:00

It's certainly bittersweet that Jason Young has moved his retail bakery to Salisbury, but it is comforting to know that Falls Village is part of the DNA forever of Sweet William's Bakery. Read more at Rural Intelligence.com

The FVCT Goes to Cornwall

2009-07-23T13:13:00.002-04:00

The Falls Village Children’s Theater presents:

Disney’s The Aristocats.

Performed by 18 children ages 5-8.
Absolutely adorable!

Friday, July 24th, 6:30pm
Cornwall Consolidated School
5 Cream Hill Road, West Cornwall, CT
Directed and Choreographed by Lanny Mitchell
Donations gratefully accepted at the door.
All proceeds benefit the Falls Village Children's Theater Company, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

Tradition at the Hunt Library

2009-07-15T09:07:00.002-04:00

Falls Village Children's Theater Is Back Onstage--in Cornwall!

2009-07-06T15:53:00.003-04:00

Click on poster to see larger version.

In Memoriam: Kaelan Alexander Palmer Paton

2009-07-06T15:32:00.002-04:00

A memorial service for Kaelan Alexander Palmer Paton, who lost his life heroically saving the lives of others in the Housatonic River last month, will be held at the Sharon Center School on Sunday, July 12, at 1 PM.

Everyone's Invited to Graduation June 15

2009-06-13T08:29:00.003-04:00

Falls Village is always at its best for 8th grade graduation. There's the slide show documenting the shared childhoods of the class who've been together since kindergarten, the flowers from local gardens decorating the stage, and a sense that a small neighborhood school provides kids with not only a good education but also a strong sense of themselves.

Spring Fling in the Village: June 6 - 7

2009-06-02T09:33:00.002-04:00

Has Falls Village ever been this busy?

All events on Saturday June 6th, some continuing on June 7th as noted.

Music on the Mountain – Concert featuring middle school, high school and grads from Region One towns performing classical, jazz and chamber works. Tickets available at the door. Call HYSB 824-4720 for information. Gordon Hall at Music Mountain 2PM

Historic Beebe Hill One Room School House open for viewing 10AM to Noon

Congregational Church Annual Tag Sale, Bake Sale and Luncheon!
Come browse the eclectic offerings, and stay for lunch! 9 AM to 2PM

FOLKS/Falls Village Day Care Giant Tag Sale at Lee H. Kellogg School
Early birds 7AM – 9AM for $5 9AM – 4PM
Continues on Sunday 9AM -3PM. Most items 50% off. ‘Stuff a bag’ for $2.50 end of sale

Outside at the DM Hunt Library: Hunt’s Homegrown Plant Sale
Perennials, Annuals, Herbs, Vegetables, Trees and More
8AM to 4PM, Continues on Sunday 9AM to 1PM

Under the tent at the DM Hunt Library: Annual Used Book Sale
Hardcover to paper backs, including rare and collectible, audio and CD books
9AM to 4PM, Continues on Sunday 10AM to 1PM

Upstairs at the DM Hunt Library: Monthly Book Sale
New books at great discounts
10AM to 1PM

Enjoy Litchfield County’s best latte at the Toymaker Café
Open Weekends 7AM to 3ish

Fortify yourself with wonderful cookies at Sweet Williams bakery
Saturday 10AM to 3PM

Stop by the future Falls Village Community and Cultural Center, and view the children’s art show ‘My Impressions of Falls Village’ 10AM to 3PM

Farmers Market at the Town Green
9AM to Noon First produce of the season, all locally grown!

Antique Tool Show, Swap and Sale
At the Falls Village-Canann Historical Society Depot Museum
Refreshments available too! 9AM to 3PM

Morris Dancers Grand Processional
Main Street in front of Town Hall
Time 6:30 PM

Cheer on the Relay for Life Teams who are helping to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer! Event starts at 4PM Saturday and ends at 10AM on Sunday at the HVHRS track field. Last minute participants very welcome!

Click on the posters below to see bigger versions

All events on Saturday June 6th, some continuing on June 7th as noted.

Summer Camp Alternative Close to Home

2009-06-01T19:08:00.003-04:00

Dominic Caiati will be offering two art programs this summer at Kellogg. Click on the image to read more clearly.

The Lakeville Journal Regrets . . .

2009-05-31T17:57:00.000-04:00

Lakeville Journal publisher Janet Manko insists that the paper meant no disrespect by omitting the page about Falls Village in this week's Town & Villages supplement. It was a printer's error and it will be in next week's paper. Click on the image to see what the LJ meant to print

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-26T05:35:00.012-04:00

Has the weather ever been more perfect for a Memorial Day Parade? The highlight of the day was seeing the Fire Department's brand new state-of-the-art truck which will allow our volunteer force to protect us more efficiently and effectively. The Fire Department served up cookies and brownies and lemonade and the Falls Village Community and Cultural Center had fresh popcorn and an art project for the kids. The art show on the walls of the FVCCC was proof that the children who live in Falls Village cherish its special attributes as they demonstrated in works on paper called "My Falls Village."

Community Concert at Music Mountain: May 23

2009-05-22T07:02:00.000-04:00

On the Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend, the youngest cultural organization in town, The Falls Village Children's Theatre, will salute the community's oldest cultural institution, Music Mountain, with a free concert of popular music from the the past 80- years. The show stars the professional performers Wanda Houston, Michael Brown and Lanny Mitchell as well as FV's own Vance Cannon.

Click on poster to see a bigger version

Fun for Everyone at Kellogg on May 19

2009-05-18T12:55:00.001-04:00

Falls Villagers Congregate at Trade Secrets

2009-05-18T09:42:00.006-04:00

Falls Village was well represented at Trade Secrets by Battle Hill Forge, the Falls Village Flower Farm, Bunny Williams's Treillage, Gardenalia's Cyd and John Emmons, and many local volunteers such as Deb Munson and Peter Felske. For more pictures. go to Rural Intelligence.

Chris Morley, Israel Fitch, and Leone Young

Be A Patriot

2009-05-15T13:05:00.002-04:00

Jane Little-Bear writes from UnderMountain Farm:

Since last year I have been sending out Soldier Care Packages to the American boys and girls deployed abroad , of much needed essential items that they can not obtain, from food to toiletries, a pillow, a blanket and even a Teddy Bear to boost Moral. I have written to many many companies trying to generate support in items to send. My son is in Lee Kellogg Schooll in Falls Village and is spearheading a collection drive there to collect items to send as well as send letters and cards etc to Soldiers . My aim is to help keep the Soldiers healthy and happy until they come home, just knowing that regardless of viewpoints of the War itself, that they are still American boys and we still appreciate their sacrifices . They do get very homesick and oftem receive no mail at all. I wanted to ask you if you could put a little note on the Falls Village Blog to let people know about the Soldier Care Package drive at Lee Kellogg, and also I have been doing this for some time and am very happy to pick up items from people, however small, even a stick of gum goes a long way to putting a smile on a Soldiers face.
Thank You

Jane Little-Bear
Undermountain Farm
413 Route 7 North
Falls Village CT
860 824 7292

Signs of the Times in Salisbury

2009-05-13T13:36:00.004-04:00

it's bittersweet news . . .
(Click on photo to read the sign)

Here's the letter that Jason emailed on Friday May 15 to his customers:

Sweet William's is expanding!

We are opening a new retail shop in Salisbury at 19 Main Street, next to Salisbury Wines, Kinderhook Realty and J Stack Clothiers. We hope to complete renovations and be open for business by July 1st. Initially we will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 8:30 am to 2 pm. And yes, we will be making our famous cream scones every day we're open! Our new bakery will also feature a refrigerated pastry case which will allow us to offer a wider selection of desserts in a variety of sizes. We will be adding brewed coffee, fresh iced tea and hand-squeezed lemonade and of course we will have all your favorite cookies, and some new ones you might not have tried yet!

So, what's happening in Falls Village?

We will continue to use our current space for baking cookies, wedding cakes and other large volume projects. Once the new shop opens we will no longer be selling retail on Saturday in Falls Village, but if you happen to find us in the kitchen making cookies, feel free to stop in. We'll probably have a few on hand to satisfy your cravings!

We will keep you up-to-date on the progress of our new shop and when our official opening date will be. In the meantime, hope to see you on Saturdays in Falls Village!

Thank you for your continued support,
Your friends at Sweet William's

860.824.8180
www.sweet-williams.com

Pennies from Heaven

2009-05-10T20:39:00.006-04:00

Hunt Library booster nonpareil Mary Elling reports:
"The Student Council-sponsored Kellogg Kids Coin Drive for the Hunt and contributed $19.97/per student and they will celebrate with ice cream sundaes. The combined first and second grade class and fifth graders were runners-up and they will get ice cream cups. There was another collection bottle labeled “Help Kellogg Kids Coin Drive” at the Hunt’s circulation desk.
Patrons, especially from Erica Joncyk's beloved story hours, added an extra $53.03 for a grand total of $566.52. Jill Russell and Carol Mroz at the Falls Village Torrington Savings Bank branch deserve kudos for counting the coins."

4th grade winners of ice cream sundae party
Back row: Julie Horowitz, Noah Light, Quiet Thunder, Shelby Parsons
Front row: Brook Dodge, Grace Cohn, Justin Fitch, Olivia Wadsworth, Ciara McElroy

Scott Jasmine and Alex Pecha giving the Kellogg students' contributions to Margo Lewis, President of Hunt Board of Directors

The Historical Society Museum Is Now Open Every Saturday & It is Awesome!

2009-04-28T06:52:00.010-04:00

Judy Jacobs and her colleagues at the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society have done a heroic job of cataloging the collection and creating displays that are esthetic and educational. Everyone who has made this little gem of a museum possible deserves congratulations. Please visit any Saturday from 10 AM - 1 PM. You will be awed and delighted.

Wouldn't you like to see this sign reproduced and posted at the borders on Routes 7, 63 and 44?

You get a real sense in the museum of the hard-working and dignified people who helped build this town

This is what a "cannonball" looks like that was made in Amesville when it was an industrial center

The Historical Society has lots of railroad memorabilia. After all, it was the railroad that determined Falls Village's destiny.

This hand-made mouse trap is a fine example of old-time ingenuity and craftsmanship.

The old switchboard that operators used to connect Falls Villagers to one another

Bingo for Education, Friday May 1

2009-04-28T06:48:00.002-04:00

Time Out

2009-04-26T20:52:00.003-04:00

I believe in free speech but I fear that the exchanges on this blog about the proposed cell phone tower have played themselves out for now. I hope those parties who want to resolve this situation will work together face to face for the good of all.

Loving Up the Library

2009-04-25T23:05:00.003-04:00

Some two dozen volunteers showed up at the DM Hunt Library on Saturday morning ready to get down and dirty to make the library clean. They climbed on ladders to wash the windows inside and out, and they got on their knees to weed the perennial borders. They pruned bushes, raked the sod, dug up and divided hostas and left our library, the pride of Falls Village, looking tidy and terrific. Erica Joncyk sent in these photos.

Your Library Wants YOU!

2009-04-19T21:27:00.002-04:00

SPRING CLEANING DISCARDS NEEDED FOR TAG SALE FUNDRAISER

2009-04-13T11:56:00.002-04:00

Friends of Lee Kellogg School (FOLKS) and the Falls Village Day Care Center ask that when people do their spring cleaning and uncluttering, they help both local organizations by donating their usable items for a colossal cooperative tag sale to be held on the weekend of June 6th and 7th at Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village. Donated items, large and small, clean and in good working order, can be dropped off at Kellogg School (on Rt. 126/Main Street) June 2nd through June 5th from 3:30 to 630 p.m.

“This joint-effort tag sale has been a wonderful way for people to contribute to two worthy institutions, without having to purchase a fundraising item or give money,” says Laurie Wadsworth, member of the Day Care board and a FOLKS member.

Items such as furniture, clothing, books, videos, CDs, sports equipment, kitchen and house wares, lawn and garden gear, electronics, hardware, lamps, pottery, artwork, toys and games, etc. are welcome (no large exercise equipment, obsolete electronics, or damaged bulky furniture please). Spring cleaners are asked to set aside a corner of their basement, attic, or garage for tag sale items, adding good condition items that they no longer want or need to the corner pile as they clean. During the first week of June, these prepared items can then be brought to Kellogg School for the Tag Sale.

FOLKS is the volunteer parent and teacher group for Lee H. Kellogg School. The proceeds from the giant tag sale will be used to help support sports and arts programs, field trips, and special equipment purchases for student activities.

Funds raised will also support the Falls Village Day Care Center’s needs such as art supplies, science materials, playground equipment, books, music, toys and games, as well as capital improvements.

Bravo! Brava!

2009-03-29T16:33:00.004-04:00

Director Lanny Mitchell and FVCT president Denise Cohn with the cast at the closing curtain call of "Alice in Wonderland." (Click on the photo to see it at full size.)

"Alice in Wonderland" Is A Hit!

2009-03-27T21:13:00.007-04:00

If you want to see how theater helps foster joyful confidence in children of all ages, make sure you see the Falls Village Children's Theater production of "Alice in Wonderland," which opened tonight. There are two more performances on Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. The show is free and lasts one hour without an intermission. It is guaranteed to make you smile and feel proud of our community. (Click on photos to see larger images.)

FVCT Presents "Alice" This Weekend

2009-03-26T08:39:00.001-04:00

This production is going to be as amazing as the previous FVCT shows--"The Wizard of Oz," "Cinderella," and "Annie." The kids sing and dance better than ever and the hard-working parents who volunteer have outdone themselves with fantastical sets and costumes! Bravo to all!