FVCT "Rocks" Housy This Weekend

The Falls Village Children’s Theater Company will present the musical School House Rock Live Jr, on November 15 at 7pm and November 16th at 2pm, in the HVRHS auditorium. Like the classic television series, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Junior is a hip, entertaining and educational treat that shows young people that learning can be as fun as you choose to make it. Tom, a school teacher nervous about his first day of teaching, tries to relax by watching TV. Suddenly, the Schoolhouse Rock bunch appear in his rec room and proceed to show him how to win his students over with imagination and music, through beloved Schoolhouse Rock songs that cover a variety of subjects: math, science, history and grammar.

Directed and Choreographed by Lanny Mitchell, this show is sure to please. It will be performed by 25 kids from all across the Northwest Corner and beyond. It will include the hit songs ““I’m Just a Bill”, “Great American Pot”, “Three is a Magic Number” and who could forget “Conjunction Junction”? Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. For more information please call (860) 824-4303.

Support Our Fire Department

Yes We CANaan!

Yes we did. Falls Village (aka the town of Canaan) overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama with 429 votes (68%), while John McCain got 189.
According to the Hartford Courant, 69% of supported Chris Murphy with 408 votes and 166 voted for Cappiello.

Scenes From A Scarecrow Contest

A highly arbitrary selection of entries in the second annual Scarecrow Contest sponsored by the Falls Village Community & Cultural Center and the Falls Village Children's Theater--especially arbitrary because I accidentally erased two dozen photos from my camera. (And thanks to Ed Herrington for donating the lumber for the crossbars.) If you click on an individual picture, you can see a slightly larger version of it.

RAIN DELAY: Scarecrow Contest Rescheduled for Sunday Oct 26

If you click on the poster you can make it bigger and easier to read. You can start the day with the Falls Village Day Care's Pancake Breakfast at the Senior Center and spend the afternoon judging scarecrows, dancing in the street and chowing down on chile and donuts.

Donate Your Leaves to Chubby Bunny

Give your fall leaves a second life at Chubby Bunny Farm. Tracy and Dan Hayhurst (above) are currently accepting all of our backyard fall foliage for their leaf drop at the farm. They'll mix your leaves with manure in the magical composting process which will give them a fantastic local source of nutrients (known in some circles as Black Gold) come springtime. Their fields, animals and veggies will thank you. Come any time. There are signs on Undermountain Rod leading you to the farm and0 also signs at the farm to show you where to drop off your leaves.

Calendar Dinner Dazzles

Not all the tables for Saturday Night's Falls Village Fire Department Calendar Dinner fundraiser were set early on Saturday morning when I stopped by, but here are pictures of those that were by, in order, Toymakers Cafe (July), the Falls Village Historical Society (May), Falls Village Day Care (November), the Falls Village Children's Theater (January), and the Sweet William's centerpiece, his new jumbo gingerbread man for Christmas.

The Scarecrow Contest Returns

It's not too late to register. Call 824-5961 to find out how to get a crossbar and hay.

Christo in Connecticut?

I thought these new orange road signs were some sort of conceptual art project that I hadn't heard about. Well, I was way off base. Yesterday, when I crossed the Amesville Bridge, I discovered that they are detour blazes for the Appalachian Trail, because the Route 7 bridge is now closed to all foot traffic.

A New Look at the Library

The David M. Hunt Library has a new sign at the corner of Main Street and Beebe Hill Road. In this photo by Mary Elling, Friends of the Library president, Laura Munson, stands by the new sign, which is a gift from the Friends Association. Karl Munson and Kneeland deserves thanks for digging, sawing, leveling, cementing, and "planting" the sign for the ages.

Words & Music Library Benefit at Music Mountain

Like the Memorial Day parade and 8th grade graduation, the Words & Music benefit for the Hunt Library that is held at Music Mountain each fall embodies the essence and goodness of small-town life. It's always a community-minded evening of unparalleled joy.
(Click on the poster to see a bigger version.)

Hunt Library Auction: Saturday, Sept 20

Every year for one night only, Falls Village becomes a shopping mecca, when the David M Hunt Library holds it annual cocktail party and silent and live auctions. There are more than a hundred great items for sale, and you can do some early holiday shopping or treat yourself to an extravagance without guilt since every penny raised goes to help operate the library, which is brilliantly (and frugallly) run by Cookie Kubarek and Erica Joncyk . Sharon Hamilton and Garth Kobol have been working overtime to make this auction enticing, elegant and entertaining. It's the best form of retail therapy.

Our neighbors have donated generously as have local businesses. The items up for bid include:
--Four pressed glass bowls from Gilmor Glass in Millerton
--One night's lodging and breakfast for two at the Wake Robin Inn in Lakeville
--Full-day use of a Pontoon boat on the Twin Lakes from O' Hara's Landing
--Luncheon for ten in Bunny Williams's conservatory and a personal garden tour
--Two hours of Joshua Stone playing the piano at your next party or special event
--Ten yards of topsoil from Steven Dean Excavating
--Gift certificates to Toymaker's Cafe, Irving Farm Coffeehouse, Sweet William's Bakery, Old Inn on the Green, Smokin BBQ, Red Lion Inn

Auction in the Village
September 20
5- 7 PM
$25 per person
Tickets:824•7424

Peddlers Flea Market, September 13

The Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society will hold its annual Peddlers Flea Market on Saturday, September 13, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the South Canaan Meetinghouse, Routes 7 & 63. The raindate is Sunday, September 14. Antiques, books, flea market items and food will be for sale. Vendor space is still available for $20 per space. For more information or to reserve a space, call 860-824-5546 or 860-824-8226.

Saturday Night Live: "Seussical Jr" at HVRHS

The Falls Village Children's Theater Summer Workshop presents "Seussical Jr" on Saturday night, August 23, at 7 PM. As always, you will be amazed how director Lanny Mitchell can pull together a show in just three weeks. As always, you will be awed by the passion and determination of the two dozen youngsters in this FVCT production. As always, admission is free but donations for the not-for-profit Falls Village Children's Theater Company are gratefully accepted.

Free Family Day at Music Mountain

On Saturday August 16 from 11 - 4, Music Mountain will be brimming with jugglers, dancers, mimes, puppeteers (including Mark Alexander's Mortal Beasts & Deities), story tellers, with music ranging from folk and country to rock. There will be continuous performances in Gordon Hall, including the Bergonzi Quartet's unique interpretation of Prokofiev’s, Peter and the Wolf, an engaging introduction to the orchestra for children of all ages, at 2 PM. No admission charge, free parking. Picnicking on the lawns. The Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and baked goods.

Swimming Lessons

The Falls Village Recreation Commission is offering swimming lessons through the Y at the new pool. Registration this week (until Aug. 10) for three, one-week sessions starting Aug 11, Aug 18, and Aug 25. The lessons are Monday thru Thursday from 10 to 11am. Please contact Northwest YMCA at 824-2790.

The FVCT "Little Kids" Perform Friday Night

The Falls Village Children's Theater Company Summer Theater Program presents, The Fuzzball Nobody, a musical with libretto and lyrics written by Joshua Stone and directed and choreographed by Lanny Mitchell. The story of Blueby, a bug on a journey to discover who he really is, is portrayed by children ages 4-9 who sing, act and dance through this wonderful adventure of bumblebees, centipedes, ants and all the creatures who live by the brook. This musical is a delight for kids and adults of all ages. August 1, 2008 at 6:30 pm. Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Warren Turnpike. Falls Village, CT. As always, admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated. For more info call 860-824-4303.

In Our Own Backyard

If you haven't been to Music Mountain recently, consider going this Saturday night at 6:30 when Betsy Howie's friend Joyce Lyons, a fabulous jazz artist, will sing from the American songbook. "I'll be there and would love to see some friendly faces," says Betsy. (And remember, children under 18 are admitted free when accompanied by a ticket holder.)

Everyone in the Pool!

The pool opened today as promised. If you don't know how to find it, the entrance is next to the transfer station on Route 63 (between Routes 126 & 7)

The Pool to Open on July 16

The word from the Rec Commission: Opening Day is Wednesday, July 16 at 11 AM.

The Children's Theater is Back!

If you've had FVCT withdrawal, you can cure that on Saturday night, July 12, at 7 PM at Housatonic Valley Regional High School

The story of Aladdin is set in Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tale! All the favorite characters are here in this stage adaptation of the Disney hit, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and of course, the Genie. This musical is filled with magic and mayhem and is certain to entertain an audience of all ages. The award-winning score includes “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me”.

Aladdin is presented by the children (age 10-16) in the first session of the Falls Village Children’s Theater Company’s summer theatre program. Not only do the children learn their lines, songs and dance routines, they also learn and practice the art of set and costume design.

As always, admission is always free but donations are gratefully accepted. For more information: call 824-4303.

Free Shakespeare!

Each year the Falls Village Children's Theatre is fortunate to be able to treat several children to a day of Shakespeare at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox. This year our program will be on August 9th. A bus will leave Kellogg School parking lot at approximately 11-ish and return approximately 7:30-ish. It is a wonderful day and the shows are unbelievable. Last year one five year old laughed so hard he fell off his seat (literally!) The final details have not been worked out but will include:
Arrival and a picnic lunch (packed by parents)
All will see Mad Pirates and the Mermaid,a spectacular show
Then the group will be split in two. Children entering 7th grade and older (NO exceptions) will see Othello on the main stage. Please review information about Othello to decide if its appropriate for your child.

Younger children will participate in interactive workshops with the Shakespeare actors and their education team. Go to Shakespeare.org for more information.

Admission to the theater and the programs that day are being donated by John Harney & Associates. The FVCT does ask that each child contribute a minimum of $5 for the bus.
Attendance is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Denise Cohn before July 10.
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Look Familiar?

A new poster, 100 Doors in Falls Village, which, amazingly, originated as Sean Caiati's first grade "First 100 Days of School" project, is now for sale to benefit F.O.L.K.S. (Friends of Lee Kellogg School) for $10. You can even get it beautifully framed by Real Memories for $75. To purchase, contact Betsy Howie at 100Doors@comcast.net or go to Toymaker's Cafe between noon and 4 PM on Saturday and Sundays in July & August.

Click on the poster to see it bigger

A Few Good Men

At 6 PM on Sunday night, I drove over to look at the new pool and found Jim March and Tim Downs hard at work (when they could have been home having dinner with their families.) We should be thankful to them and all the other volunteers for their hard work trying to complete the pool project (which has to meet all sorts of health department and state requirements.) It's looking like it may still be ten more days before we'll be able to dive in . . .

Rain Delay

Everyone keeps asking me if I know when the pool is opening and if there is going to be any fee for residents or guests. I posed this question to First Selectman Pat Mechare, who responded promptly. Here is her reply:


The best way to get the latest update on the pool is to call me at this office or at home. I would again encourage you to ask those who ask you to do that. At this point in time we are not sure of the exact date of the pool opening. The rain has put a crimp in the plastering of the inside of the pool so they are behind in finishing that task, which puts us behind in re-filling it and properly chlorinating the water. The State won’t conduct their inspection until that is complete. The finishing touches on the pool building are being completed and if all goes well should be done by early next week. Tim is working on some things that need to be done in the parking area. A potable water sample is being collected tomorrow for testing, an order is in to install the phone and on it goes. It doesn’t look like the pool will be opened by July 1st, but we’re hoping that within a week after that date we’ll be all set. However, there are no guarantees.

The Recreation Commission just this afternoon submitted a recommendation to the B of S regarding fees. I hope to be able to address that at a special B of S’s meeting on Thursday. Their recommendation is no charge to residents this year and $5 a day or $120 charge a season for non-residents. It’s hard to know if the B of S will make any modifications to that recommendation.

Be assured that the Town will announce the opening date when it is set in several different venues, but again have people contact me and I’d be happy to give the update.

Bummer!

Check out Terry Cowgill's blog for information about the closing of the iron bridge that links Falls Village and Amesville. With work beginning on the bridge near the high school, now there is likely to be even more traffic and delays on Route 7 . . .

Cell Phone Tower Concerns

Dina Jaeger, who lives on Beebe Hill Road, asked me to post this letter:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am writing to you regarding my grave concerns over the proposed cell tower to be erected on Route 7 at the location of the future Falls Village Fire Department building site. I have always supported and continued to support the FVFD and the vital work that the members provide to our community. And I do understand that there is a need for increased radio frequency communication at this site. But that support not withstanding, I am vehemently opposed to the construction of this tower. There are many reasons to oppose this tower. The most important, to my mind, is public health. These towers emit radio frequencies, a form of electromagnetic radiation, (EMR) for a distance of up to two and a half miles. They are essentially these same frequency radiation of microwaves in a microwave oven. Numerous studies have shown that even low levels of exposure to this radiation cause damage to cell tissue and DNA. There is strong scientific evidence that links exposure to brain tumors, suppressed brain function, depression, miscarriage, Alzheimer’s disease, and numerous other very serious
illnesses. To learn more, go to www.bioinitiative.org (find the summary for the public PDF) and www.safewireless.org.

Children are at the greatest risk due to their thinner skulls and rapid rate of growth. Also at greater risk are the elderly, pregnant women, and anybody with a compromised immune system. Siting a tower so close to two schools and a day care
center is ludicrous. Also ludicrous is the fact that our government does not allow human health concerns to be used as an argument to be used against cell tower construction. That regulation is courtesy of the FCC Wireless Act of 1996, largely written by the lawyers representing the wireless industry. There are no safety standards for electromagnetic low- frequency (ELF) safety in place AT ALL. We all treasure the natural beauty of our region. The vast numbers of migratory birds that pass through the Housatonic quarter are at great risk to EMR exposure. The creatures and plants that make this area one of the most important in this state in terms of biodiversity are also threatened by this radiation exposure. The proposed tower will affect much of Robbin’s Swamp and Housatonic State Forest lands. For information start your search at the websites listed above.

If the health of your family, community and environment are not sufficient to raise concern, consider the effects on your property values. Because my property abuts the proposed site, the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) was obliged to forward to me via certified mail a Hearing Notice on behalf of CellCo Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless. This is a very confusing document and is available for review at the Falls Village Town Hall and online at the CSC site. This notice states there will be a public field review at the proposed site at 2 PM on Tuesday, July 1st, when they will fly a balloon to simulate the visual impact of the proposed one- hundred and fifty foot tower. A semi-private hearing at Lee H. Kellogg School at 3PM, and again at 7PM at Kellogg that same evening will follow this. The general public is permitted to make short comments at the 7 PM meeting. The purpose of the hearing is to weigh in on their application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public
Need. Verizon Wireless/ Cellco contends that the public’s need for this facility outweighs any adverse environmental effects. There is cell service currently available at the FVFD site. It’s not Verizon Wireless. Is that company’s desire to increase their market share in
this region a public need?
So, what to do? Get in touch with our local government, stop by town hall, or e-
mail Pat Mechare at canaan021selectman@comcast.net. While you’re at town hall, review the Verizon application. The documents supporting my intervener status are available for review as well. Check out the status of this case online by going to
ct.gov/csc. We are docket number 360. Get in touch with our congressman, Chris Murphyand copy our senators Christopher Dodd and Joe Lieberman. Sign the petition that will be circulating around town (e-mail me if you would like to sign;
dinajaeger@comcast.net). This petition needs to be mailed by June 20th to the Connecticut Siting Council, so don’t delay. Anybody who works, lives or goes to school near this site should consider signing this petition. Most importantly, safe the date of July 1st to have your voices heard.!
I’d like to close with reasserting my continued support for our Fire Department
and others who serve as EMTs. Your health is as important to our community as
anybody’s. Please rethink your position on this tower, for everyone’s sake, particularly
our children’s. Let’s figure out another way to get the radio communication service that you need to do your work. In 2004 the International Association of Firefighters voiced its members’ opinions on cell phone towers and antennas by opposing the installation of cell phone antennas near or on fire stations until a credible study can be done to establish their safety. Go to www.iaff.org for more.

I look forward to working with this wonderful community.

Best regards,
Dina Jaeger

A Place Called Hope

The new swimming pool is looking almost ready to be used....

Suddenly . . . A Summer Festival For Us!

This coming Saturday, June 7, is looking like it will be the most exciting day in town since last fall's Scarecrow Contest and Hoedown. Here's what's happening.

The David M. Hunt Library will be holding its first Homegrown Plant Sale from 8 AM - 4 PM (and on Sunday from 9 AM - 1 PM.) The library will also be holding its monthly new Book Sale inside (10 AM - 2 PM) and its annual used book sale under a tent outside (9 AM - 4 PM on Saturday and 9 AM - 1 PM Sunday).

The Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a Farmers' Market and Crafts Fair on the Town Green from 9 AM - noon, which they will hold the first Saturday of every month through the growing seasons. The fee to be a vendor is $10. Contact Kent Allyn: 824-5960

The Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society is holding its Annual Tool Discovery Day where people can show, sell or swap tools from 11 AM - 3 PM. The suggested vendor donation is $10. The museum will be open for tours. Information: 824-8226 or 824-7893

The Falls Village Day Care and F.O.L.K.S. (Friends of Lee Kellogg School) will hold a Tag Sale at the Kellogg gym on Saturday from 9 AM - 4 PM and on Sunday 9 AM - 3 PM.For more information call Laurie Wadsworth: 824-4851
Donations will be accepted Wednesday - Friday at the school between 3:30 and 6 PM.

The Falls Village Congregational Church is holding a Tag Sale/Bake Sale on Saturday from 9 AM - 2 PM. Contact Mary Atwood: 824-7258