A New Bookmark

I feel like someone who is cheating on his spouse.

The Falls Village Blog is no longer my only website. For the past few months, I have been working with Marilyn Bethany, a colleague from my days at New York Magazine and The New York Times, who now lives full-time in Columbia County. We have created an online magazine called Rural Intelligence that I hope will become a part of your lives. Our goal is to be the best source for information about dining, the arts, shopping, parties, charities and controversies for the residents of our region who work and play in three states and four counties--Berkshire, Columbia, northern Dutchess and northern Litchfield.

Every story and every restaurant review is "bloggable" so you can leave comments and share tips about everything from where to get the best steak and where to see the best Shakespeare to where to go for a Sunday outing and the most scenic shortcut for driving there. Like the Falls Village Blog, it will be updated frequently and it will be a living, dynamic and evolving forum for our unique and beautiful regional community.

"Transparency" at Kellogg

What a difference a year makes. Last year at about this time it was announced that changes would be made in the class structure at the Lee H. Kellogg School, which upset some parents who felt they should have been consulted. This year, changes are again being considered and the parents have been invited to be part of the process. There is a meeting today, February 27, at 4:30 that concerend parents should attend. There is also the regular Board of Ed meeting on March 4. Here is the letter that Principal Maria Bulson had sent by email yesterday to the Kellogg community.

Dear Parents,
On Wednesday afternoon we have the last scheduled Board of Education Budget Workshop for the 2008-2009 school year. After several administrative meetings with the Grade 3-5 team, it has been assessed that the multiage classroom needs further support. There are four different options that are presently being discussed. These options have been discussed with the faculty and with the Board of Education. After a presentation of the four options, the Board of Education will give both teachers and parents an opportunity to speak at the Budget Workshop on February 27th at 4:30 and again before the regular Board of Education meeting on March 4th at 7:00.
We encourage parents to take part in this decision-making process by attending either or both of the meetings, listening and voicing their opinions.
Sincerely,
Maria Bulson

Two More Reasons To Love Falls Village (Especially When It Snows)

Jesse Haggard and Elijah Stone sledding in front of the Kellogg School, 1:30 PM today.

Sunshine in the Forecast

The frame for our poolhouse is a beautiful sight to behold. Its construction was a joint effort and contribution by Trevor Soule, President of the Falls Village Sawmill; Trevor's brother, Zach Soule; John Foster and Louis Timolat. Originally, they were just going to donate materials, but in order to get the pool house completed and prevent any further delay, these four took on the labor for framing. Their hope is that volunteers will come forward to help with completion of the detail work. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Jim March at 824-0218.

The pool house will contain changing rooms and bathrooms which must be in place before the health department will allow the pool to open. And the fact that work is happening in mid February suggests that the pool will be ready for us come June.

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

Alas, as some people might expect, our Town Meetings do not resemble episodes of "Gilmore Girls" (even if Falls Village resembles the fictional Stars Hollow in many other respects.) Nevertheless, Town Meetings are proof that democracy works and it is a privilege to participate and an opportunity to speak up (though you cannot remain anonymous.) Here's the official "call," as it is known, for the meeting on February 25.
WARNING
TOWN OF CANAAN TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008 AT 7:00 PM
LEE H. KELLOGG SCHOOL, 47 MAIN STREET, FALLS VILLAGE, CT
To the electors of the Town of Canaan and others qualified to vote at Town Meeting:
AGENDA
1. To receive, review and act on the Annual Auditor’s Report for Fiscal Year 2006-2007;
2. To receive, review and/or act on the reports of the officers of the Town of Canaan;
3. To appoint the following as the official depositories for the Treasurer of the Town of Canaan: National Iron Bank, Salisbury; Salisbury Bank and Trust Company, Salisbury and North Canaan; Torrington Savings Bank, Canaan (Falls Village); Litchfield Bancorp, Salisbury; and Webster Bank, North Canaan;
4. To consider and act upon:
a. a proposal to accept a deed from the State of Connecticut to the Town of Canaan for a certain parcel of land, situated in the Town of Canaan, County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut, located on the westerly side of U.S. Route 7, Lime Rock Road, containing 15,524 Square feet, more or less, and more particularly shown on a map to be filed in the Canaan Town Clerk’s Office entitled, “TOWN OF CANAAN MAP SHOWING LAND RELEASED TO TOWN OF CANAAN BY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION U.S. ROUTE 7 – LIME ROCK ROAD AT SIX ROD ROAD SCALE 1” = 40’ OCTOBER 2005 ARTHUR W. GRUHN, P.E. CHIEF ENGINEER – BUREAU OF ENGINEERING AND HIGHWAY OPERATIONS TOWN NO. 21 PROJ. NO. 21-000, SERIAL NO. 9C, SHEET NO. 1 OF 1, Revised 8/1/07”; SUBJECT TO the following full and perpetual easements and agreement to the State of Connecticut, its successors and assigns: 1) an easement for existing utilities, as shown on said map; 2) an easement to drain, as shown on said map; 3) rights to pass and repass reserved in favor of others; and 4) an agreement that said premises are conveyed with the special limitation that the Town of Canaan shall use said parcel of land for municipal purposes in connection with the Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department; and if, in the case of the said parcel, the Town of Canaan does not use said parcel for said purposes, does not retain ownership of all of said parcel, leases all or any portion of said parcel, the parcel shall revert to the State of Connecticut.
b. approval of an expenditure of One Thousand ($1,000) Dollars for the purpose of purchasing the above described land from the State of Connecticut, such finds to be taken from the General Fund.
c. a proposal to grant to the Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. an Access Easement for the use of the above described parcel of land acquired from the State of Connecticut, which parcel is adjacent to property owned by said fire department, and to authorize the First Selectman to sign said Access Easement on behalf of the Town of Canaan.
5. Shall the Town of Canaan approve the expenditure of $5,200 from the General Fund for a roof repair on the central portion of the Town owned building situated at 35 Page Road in the Town of Canaan.
6. Shall the Town of Canaan adopt An Ordinance Concerning Establishing Citation Procedures and Fines for Violations of Zoning Regulations.
7. Any other business to properly come before the meeting.
Procedure for the proceedings: Roberts Rules of Order will prevail, where not in conflict with Parliamentary Law. In accordance with the principles of a deliberative meeting under both Roberts Rules and Parliamentary Law, participation will be reserved for those present.
Dated at Canaan, Connecticut this 11th day of February, 2008.
Canaan Board of Selectmen

Patricia Allyn Mechare, First Selectman

They Don't Make Doctors Like They Used To!

Happy Valentine's Day to one of the best.
Love from the Earache Girl

For the Greatest Dad

Pooch Smooch

Happy Valentine's Day to the hot new couple in town.
xoxo
Anonymous

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY GRANDMA AND GRAMPIE

Love,
Emma, Grace & Shea

"My Guiding Light"

Hazel McGuire is original to Falls Village and a Falls Village original. She meets each challenge with implacable strength and a glowing smile.

Happy Valentine's Day to my guiding light.

-- A Secret Admirer.

My Funny Valentine

Vous trois remplissez ma vie d'amour tout les jours.

Vous etes les plus chers de tout mes Valentine et Valentines!

"Our 24/7 Valentine"

Curt Mechare is one fine old Yankee - fueled by determination and guided by good old country wisdom. He joined the fire department in 1976, served as chief for 15 years, and continues to respond to those in need. Having retired from high command he can leave his pager at home this year and take his wife to dinner on Valentine's Day in ONE CAR.

Thanks, Curt, from a grateful community

"Somewhere there waiteth in this world of ours for one lone soul, another lonely soul"

Carrie,

Twenty-five years as husband and wife, thirty-two years as partners and best friends. Healer, mother, lover, pal: You have given me and our girls a life.

Forever together.

V

An Amesville Enigma

The spindly pine tree at the foot of the iron bridge on the Amesville side has suddenly sprouted red hearts, presumably for Valentine's Day. Does anyone know who's behind this winsome and unexpected bit of holiday decorating? I suppose it is the same mystery person who decked the Charlie Brown tree with tinsel at Christmas . . .

Will You Be Mine?

Dear Erica,
We cannot imagine life in town without Story Hour. We live for Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Your creativity, ingenuity and big heart are an inspiration every day of the week.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Your Secret Admirers on Canaan Mountain Road


Tell someone in town that you admire, cherish, or love them this Valentine's Day on the Falls Village Blog. This first-time fundraiser will benefit the Falls Village Children's Theater Company's production of "Annie."

Here's how it works. Email me Dan.Shaw@att.net
a JPG of a drawing or photograph, along with a message up to 100 words), which will be published on the blog from February 12 - 14. You can use your name or be a Secret Admirer. Then send a check for $10 to the "FVCT" at 25 Deer Road, Falls Village, CT 06031. (Since this is Falls Village, we are working on the honor system.) The great thing about a blog is that there is unlimited space so everyone can be on it and it will be archived for years to come. And you can buy as many messages as you want!

Let's spread love and help the kids get their show on!

See another example of a Blog Valentine below.

Whose Baby Are You Now?

XOXO Your Constant Admirer

Falls Village is Obama Country

I am told that Falls Villagers cast 118 votes for Obama versus 37 for Clinton.
Here's Obama with Connecticut congressmen Rosa DeLauro and our Chris Murphy.

Election Day Roundup: VOTE!

* 1:15 PM
I just came from Town Hall and according to the vote counter on the machine that scans your ballot only 103 people had voted before me. That is not a good turnout. Every vote counts, so please get out there and make your voice heard.

* Our neighbor on Undermountain Road, Bill Drenttel, is the brains behind the Polling Place Photo Project in association with The New York Times that is described as "a nationwide experiment in citizen journalism that encourages voters to capture, post and share photographs of this year’s primaries, caucuses and general election. By documenting local voting experiences, participants can contribute to an archive of photographs that captures the richness and complexity of voting in America." So take your camera to Town Hall today.

* I just got a "phone call" from Jack Nicholson encouraging me to vote for Hillary. I thought it was a practical joke at first. The first character of his that came to mind was The Joker from Batman. He seemed an odd actor for the Clinton campaign to choose to try to sway my vote.

* My sister who lives in White Plains, NY, just called and she was very upset. She did not understand why candidates like John Edwards and Joe Biden were still on the ballot in her voting machine. She said that Clinton was on the top line and that Obama was the fourth or fifth name. And she thought that the Clinton line seemed to be shiny and the others were not. She had already called the Board of Elections to complain.

The Rap on Our Rep

I couldn't make it to Chris Murphy's appearance at Kellogg School yesterday, but my friend Dale McDonald did, and she offered this report:

Chris Murphy's visit was a raging success by any measure. There were over 100 people in attendance, largely Democrat, with a sprinkling of Republicans. Chris spoke briefly, proud to highlight the fact that elected representatives of the people have wrested Congress back from special interest groups, pacs and lobbyists.

*He feels that the Iraq question remains a central issue, even as he notes a cooling interest of late.
*He is passionate about land conservation, and has become the Chairman of the Land Conservation Caucus, a committee he shares with two Republicans from Pennsylvania.
*Chris is nothing if not passionate about health care and in particular, mental health care. He is soon to sponsor a bill.
*Obama: Chris said that he had endorsed Obama and spoke about the 50 + 1 theory with which "all" new candidates are imprinted: One needs simply 50% plus one vote to win, and then manage and tend those voters
to sustain viability. Obama is reaching beyond that. While it is recommended that a freshman Congressman avoid endorsing a candidate, he received a big round of applause as he said, "I love the fact that somebody's gonna try."
*He was asked about how to justify Bush's budget --- heavy in defense and light in domestic issues: It cannot be justified - It will be rewritten in Congress, as was last year's.
* He is "agnostic" about a specific path toward universal health care: Could be a "hybrid" moving toward a form of single pay, as our current system is largely inefficient through its myriad of entries.
*He was asked to consider length of military service term: He supports equal tour of duty/time off, currently wending its way in Congress.
*He was asked about supporting taxpayers right to choose NOT to pay taxes, largely as 51% military budget: He said he could not support that cherry-picking.
*He feels we can reach across the aisle on the subject of energy independence: It is inextricably linked with defense.
*Asked about signing statements, he got huge applause. He said they are unconstitutional.
*Defense Appropriation Bill: He has refused to sign any appropriation bill not tied specifically to withdrawal. Other congressional members fear smear of "unpatriotic" attached to that vote, although it is growing in popularity from 40%, currently

He thanked everyone for coming out...skillfully slipped in his Giants preference in the Super Bowl, and went on to say,
"It's a fascinating time...Chills go down my spine every day I go to work."

I'm feeling chills, too.

Want to See Our Next President?

I just got this email and wanted to share it:

Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama in Hartford

XL Center (formerly known as Hartford Civic Center)
One Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103

Monday, February 4
Doors Open: 3:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 5:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged, so sign up now:

http://ct.barackobama.com/hartford

Mardi Gras Menu at Toymaker's

To celebrate Mardi Gras, Annie and Greg Bidou have a special menu this weekend that includes traditional New Orleans specialties like jambalaya, Muffuletta sandwiches and King Cake. Besides serving you delicious food, Annie will bedeck you in sparkling Mardi Gras beads that you get to take home with you.

Now and Forever

Everyone who cares about preserving the rural character of Falls Village (and isn't that all of us?) should say thank you to Mary and Richard Lanier whose farm on Brewster Road across from the library helps give the village its picture postcard quality. Last week, the Connecticut Farmland Trust announced that an agricultural conservation easement for the 38 acre farm known as Grassy Hill had been donated to the Trust. This means that the property will remain farmland forever.

According to a press release issued by the Trust, "Grassy Hill is an integral part of the Falls Village landscape. It has been farmed continuously for over 260 years, first under the name of Grassy Hill and later, in the early twentieth century, as the Mead Farm. In 1992 it was bought by Mary and Richard Lanier, who revived its original name, which appears in local land records as early as 1753. The Laniers have a small number of all natural, grass-fed beef cows and provide pasture in the spring, summer and fall to the last full-time dairy farmer in Falls Village.

An aerial photographic survey made by the State of Connecticut in 1934 shows almost all of the 38 acres of Grassy Hill to be open farmland. But between then and the Laniers’ purchase of the farm, only a portion of the property was used for farm-related purposes, including a period in the 1940s and 1950s, when it was the site of the Berkshire Mink Farm. As a result, the once open fields became overgrown with cedars, wild roses, barberry bushes and other invasive species. The Laniers have worked for the past 15 years to reclaim the open farmland by clearing the property and returning it to its previous state. Thanks to those efforts, almost 25 acres are again usable, primarily as pasture. They estimate that restoring the remaining 13 acres may require an additional 3 years."

And if you enjoy the view of the Lanier's farm from the road, you should see the view of the town from their property. It's another postcard view, and the hill behind their house is where the Congregational Church has its Easter sunrise service.

Move On

Though I do not have the power to unearth the identities of who is commenting anonymously on this blog, I do have the power to "hide" entire postings, which is what I am about to do with "False Alarm." (I will probably restore it in a few weeks, because it serves as some sort of history lesson.)

I did not start this blog to create strife in this town and I feel at this point that the "conversation" about the new fire house is becoming counterproductive and divisive. Our volunteer firefighters who give up so much to protect us deserve better than this. If you want to know more, walk into town hall and ask to speak to Pat Mechare, call someone you know on the fire department or attend a Board of Selectmen meeting. Democracy requires participation, and it can be uncomfortable and difficult. But do we have any alternative?

Our Sweet Library

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
--Charles M. Schulz



It's no secret that children's librarian Erica Joncyk is a chocoholic, and she was the inspiration for a new library fundraising party called Chocolate in the Village, which will take place at the D.M. Hunt Library on Saturday February 23, from 6 to 8 PM.

Designed as an antidote to the late winter blues, the party promises to be a chocolate-lover's dream come true with chocolate desserts donated by the town's best amateur and professional bakers; wines, teas, coffee and hot cocoa; a live auction of chocolate gift baskets as well as a wine tasting; door prizes and live music. The event is being organized by Zoe Fedorjaczenko, Mary Elling, Candice McRee, Laura Munson, Sharon Hamilton and Erica Joncyk. The event's charming, hand-drawn logo--a chocolate tsunami engulfing the D.M. Hunt Library, Toymaker's Cafe and the Falls Village Community & Cultural Center--is the work of Sergei Fedorjaczenko. (If you click on the image, you can see more detail.)

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 824-7424 for tickets and information.

Super Sunday

UPDATE, Jan 27: Chris Murphy must really like Falls Village: He was at a private party on Belden Street on Saturday night, Jan 26, where he was photographed chatting with Loek Neimeth of Point of Rocks Road.

If you are wondering which team our freshman Congressman Chris Murphy is going to be rooting for in the Super Bowl, you can ask him when he comes to speak in Falls Village on Sunday, February 3, at the Lee H. Kellogg School from 2 - 4 PM.

Let's Go Giants!

I have never liked baseball so I don't pay much attention to the great divide between Red Sox and Yankees fans. But as a lifelong Giants fan, I am suddenly aware that I probably live in enemy territory. Oy vey. I can't imagine that Patriots' fans felt the same elation as us Giants fans did yesterday as New York upset the Packers in a nail-biter that went into overtime in sub-zero weather.

It's made me wonder: Does one's identification with either the Giants or Pats have any larger symbolism about identity? Falls Village is a quintessential New England town but there are more than a few of us ex-New Yorkers living here full-time. The big question is: Will New England change us or will we change New England?

For now, I say, Let's go Giants!

Mazel Tov!

First time grandmother and Town Clerk Mary M. Palmer is kvelling: Marc Mittaud Hafner was born to Lara Mittaud and Patrick Hafner early today. She reports: "The baby is perfect, healthy, gorgeous, long fingernails, and weighs 8 pounds 8 ounces; 21-1/4 inches long, born @ Sharon Hospital. Mother, father, grandmothers, grandfather (Sharon & Pat Hafner arrived from Pennsylvania), all doing fantastic. A very special thanks to Gloria Jeanne Tatsapaugh, who worked all day and then joined us at the hospital at 5 PM. She gave a lesson in nursing at 2:30 AM; the baby eats like a horse and has a powerful set of lungs."

*"Mazel tov" is Yiddish for "Congratulations"; "kvelling" is Yiddish for "beaming with pride."

A Knit-In for Peace

The Falls Village Congregational Church has come up with an innovative and fitting way to commemorate Martin Luther King Day. On Monday, January 21 at the church's Miner Hall, the congregation will host Knitting for Peace, which is open to all members of the community. Organized by (above, from left) Akke Jasmine, Ashley DeMazza and Mary Atwood, the day's goal is to make sweater vests, mittens and scarves for orphans in the former Soviet Union, Mongolia, China and Nepal. The sweaters will be delivered overseas by an organization called Warm Woolies. The church will donate wool for anyone who wants to participate, and master knitter Akke will offer expert guidance.

Already, some twenty people have promised to spend part of next Monday knitting and crocheting, and the organizers hope more people will attend and share a pot-luck lunch. The Knit-In goes from 9 AM to 3 PM, and you can come for an hour or stay all day. For more information, email Ashley DeMazza or call her at 824-1437

The New Blog in Town

What does a farmer's wife do in the winter? She gets herself some dairy cows and starts a Farmwifery blog. If you miss being in touch with Chubby Bunny Farm's Tracy and Dan Hayhurst during the winter, make sure to check out Tracy's new online diary.

Here Comes Congressman Murphy

Congressman Chris Murphy is coming to Falls Village on the eve of the Connecticut presidential primary. At tonight's Democratic Town Committee meeting, First Selectman Pat Mechare announced the Rep. Murphy would be speaking here on Saturday, Feb. 2, although the time and place have not yet been set. It will be inteteresting to to see if Murphy lets us know whom he'll be voting for in the primary . . .

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow...

It was Audition Day at the Senior Center for the Falls Village Children's Theater Company's spring production of Annie Jr. The kids seemed appropriately nervous as they sang for director Lanny Mitchell (accompanied and encouraged by the inimitable Joshua Stone.) There will be callbacks and additional readings on Sunday before Mitchell makes his final selections, which will be emailed to the cast (and their parents) early next week. Then the Hard-Knock Life begins: Intensive rehearsals every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from now until the performances at HVRHS on March 28 and 29.

Think Globally, Act Locally

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to be more eco-conscious and environmentally pro-active, look at all those pieces of paper stuffed into your Northeast Utilities bill. One of them gives you the information you need to sign up for clean energy. Connecticut Light & Power allows you to opt to have all your electricity come from a company called Sterling Planet, which makes energy from renewable sources: 33% wind, 34% landfill gas and 33% small hydro. CL&P estimates that it will cost a typical household $3.85 to $8 more per month, which seems a bargain to help free us from our dependence on oil, coal and nuclear energy. What's more, I was told at a party yesterday that if 100 household in Falls Village sign up for this program, the town will get a solar panel that will allow the town to produce its own energy, which would cut down on expenses for the town. (If anyone knows more about this program, please share the information.)

And speaking of the environment, Ruth Skovron, who sits on the P&Z Commission, and First Selectman Pat Mechare have been working to create a Northwestern Connecticut Regional Planning Cooperative. It isn't fully funded yet, but it already has a great website if you are interested in issues like open space, affordable housing, conservation easements and protecting the natural beauty of our area.

False Alarm

If you read last week's Lakeville Journal, you could have the mistaken impression that the Falls Village Children's Theater (FVCT), which is working to transform the Emerson Building into the Falls Village Community & Cultural Center (FVCCC), is trying to steal money from the Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department which is planning to build a new headquarters on Route 7. This is an understandable misinterpretation. Rather, the FVCT and FVCCC were trying to make sure the Board of Selectmen gets the maximum amount of money from Hartford for our town.

Both organizations are eligible to receive STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) Grants from Hartford. In the past, the town has applied for and received STEAP grants for the Day Care center expansion, the new (unfinished) pool, and for exterior renovations to 107 Main Street (the old Town Hall), which will commence shortly. None of these grants were construed as taking money away from the Fire Department.

This year, as in years past, all the eligible small towns in Connecticut can apply for up to $500,000 in STEAP money, which is primarily a reimbursement grant that is for capital projects only. You have to spend the money before you get all but the first $50,000. Since, as I understand it, the Fire Department has not yet used the STEAP funds it was previously granted (and, in fact, has had to apply for an extension or will lose those funds entirely), the FVCT thought this might be a good time for the town to put all its muscle and enthusiasm behind the renovation of the FVCCC, which is conceived as a place that will revitalize Main Street and be used for events by groups in town such as the Fire Department, Historical Society, Rec Commission, Ladies Auxiliary, Girl Scouts, the Library and the Falls Village Children's Theater Company. Anyone who attended the jam-packed Christmas party at the Senior Center understands how much we need a community center. Anyone who has read the Town's 2002 Plan of Conservation and Development knows that "one of the strategies of the plan is to reinforce the [town] Center's role as the community focal point, create a destination for residents and visitors, and provide an important foundation for community character and spirit. This will also provide important benefits in terms of economic development."

The FVCT and the board of the FVCCC humbly and courageously approached the Board of Selectman in December to ask the state for the entire $500,000 on its behalf. This move was seen as expedient; it was not meant to show any disrespect to the Fire and Ambulance Departments. The FVCT and FVCCC believed that the renovation of 103 Main Street is the type of project the state likes to fund and that the fire department's project is apparently stalled and thus the state would be unlikely to give it more money until it spends what it has already been granted. The FVCT and FVCCC were merely trying to make sure the town gets all the money it is entitled to from Hartford in 2008.

You can be sure that when the FVCCC opens its doors it will be enthusiastically hosting dances, Bingo parties and other fundraisers for the Falls Village Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Departments. There are no men and women in Falls Village more altruistic, dedicated and courageous than our first responders.