Reviving the Village Gardeners

Last summer, many people in town were grumbling about how shabby the public plantings looked (right). All those beds of hydgrangea that dot the village were overgrown with weeds and they had not been mulched as in previous years. Jack Limpert decided to do something about it and talked to Debbie Munson about organizing volunteers to take care of the public beds. While the Board of Selectmen has budgeted for some maintenance, there are still other garden areas that will go to weed again unless volunteers step in to help. Jenny Law (below) and Karen Lindquist were weeding outside Town Hall on Sunday, and if you would like to volunteer to keep Falls Village looking its best this summer, call Jack Limpert, who is organizing weeding teams, at 824-5958.

Your View Counts!

Community Forum to discuss
The Future of Housatonic Valley Regional High School
Tuesday April 29, 7 PM
Lee H. Kellogg School


From the Region One Press Release:

Strategies are needed to ensure Housatonic Valley Regional High School students the best possible preparation for life and work. Difficult decisions will have to be made by the Board of Education as enrollment figures shift and economic factors continue to put pressure on limited resources.

To inform the Board's decision-making; a Long Range Planning Team has been established and has begun work. The Team, made up of community members, staff and faculty, has scheduled a series of public forums in each of the member towns, at which they will present important information as well as solicit citizen responses. A survey to record public opinion, accessible online and in print, will also be introduced.

The community's participation in this planning process is essential to the direction of Housatonic Valley Regional High School. All citizens in Region One are urged to participate in the forums, and respond to the survey

The Spring Wish List

The Falls Village Daycare is always looking for volunteers and donations. Here's the not-for-profit pre-school's Spring Wish List


Building & Grounds

Back door needs to be repaired
Tile by front door, and in I/T program needs to be replaced
Plastic window boxes for flowers – 5
Seed packets – vegetable and flower
Gardening tools
Someone to build and install shelves throughout the Center
Handy man to construct a covered sandbox, coat hooks for preschool, and build a baby swing set on the toddler play area.
Electric Dryer
Storage cabinet with doors
Computers: we need someone who can fix them!
Someone who can sew? We need a creative person to make us curtains. (Fabric to be provided by the Center)
Bookcases – 3 or 4 needed
DVD player
CD/Tape/Radio players – 1
2 sets of speakers for computer
Four or six passenger stroller for the infants under 12 months
Double Stroller
Picture paper for our computer and Kodak printing dock
Batteries – All sizes
Toddler outdoor climbing toys
Baby swings - 2
Our screens keep falling out! Any ideas for installing them so the children are unable to push them out?
Power washer – The Center is in need of a bath!
Plastic storage bins with lids (shoe box size)

DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE?
Fabric – for creative art projects
CD’s – burn you child’s favorite music (dancing and rest time music)
Dress up clothes – do you have any old Halloween costumes
Old magazines, grocery store flyers, or catalogs for activities

Falls Village Daycare Center Inc
35 Page Road
Falls Village, CT 06031-0261

860-824-0882

The Next Great Website: Real Memories.com

Last year at this time, Kimberly Rock and I were sharing our fantasies about what we'd do if we won the lottery and could buy the Falls Village Inn. In the meanwhile, we have each developed websites and if we're successful enough maybe one of us can buy the Inn someday. (Or maybe we'll buy it together.) Kimberly and her husband, Eric Haggard, who live in the sweet yellow house with the white picket fence on Main Street, have launched an awesome new business called Real Memories, where you can upload your digital photos and choose custom frames for each picture and add a personalized caption to the mat as well. Real Memories prints your pictures for you with high quality paper and ink and eliminates the guess work in trying to find a frame that fits your pictures and your decor. What's more, they will gift wrap and UPS every purchase, which makes it a great gift source for birthdays, anniversaries and Mother's and Father's Day. They manufacture their products in downtown Torrington, creating local jobs and boosting the regional
economy.

Real Memories reflects Kim and Eric's loving family life and devotion to making happy memories for their daughters, Jessy and Jordan (who are pictured above in their colorful playroom), which is why I decided to write about them for my new website, Rural Intelligence. Hopefully, this small-town synergy will someday rescue and revive the Falls Village Inn.

The Real Deal: Kim and Eric are offering a 15% discount for their friends and neighbors in Falls Village. When you visit the site, enter code: intro15rm

The Newest Website in Town

Roberta and Tommy Scott, who run the meticulous Falls Village Flower Farm on Kellogg Road, now have their own website. All last year, they took photographs of the plants and flowers they grow themselves, so now you can browse their site and preview their stock in bloom before heading over to the farm to shop. The Scotts kept the site simple on purpose, because they wanted it to reflect the farm itself, which is all about exquisite, healthy plants and hands-on, personal service.

Added April 15:
Here's a story about another new garden website that should interest any serious plant person.

A View from Backstage

Betty Tyburski, who now lives on the Twin Lakes, left her heart in Falls Village, where she lived for 35 years. A familiar face at the David M. Hunt Library, she volunteered backstage at the Falls Village Children's Theater production of "Annie". She writes:

Well, I woke up this morning and as I dressed, I sang silently to myself "Easy Street, (drum drum drum) "Easy Street," (dah dah dah dum dum)! At odd moments I have found myself singing "It's A Hard Luck Life" and other Annie tunes. Scenes from the play come forth again and again, such as Daddy Warbucks dancing with Annie or Miss Hannigan going off stage to let off a scream. I guess you can say that I caught the Children's Theater fever pretty bad, and that's good. What fun it was to be involved with the show! I was so high after opening night that when I returned home I could not get the electricity out of my body for several hours. It was such a incredible undertaking and it all ended so beautifully. I never saw the show from beginning to end until dress rehearsal night, and even then there were still some rough spots. (Holy Cow! The kids learned how to take their bows just before the opening night curtain!) And, when I attended rehearsals at Kellogg or the Town Hall I saw actors not knowing their lines and the general enthusiastic chaos of dozens of high-spirited kids running wild (until Lannie tamed them down with a few well-placed shouts). And from this organized chaos came forth a beautiful, mesmerizing, intoxicating play starring young children from tiny Falls Village. And I must single out six-year-old Elijah Stone: Seeing him on stage singing his solo, gently rocking side to side, tore my heart to pieces. Being behind stage was something to behold too. Some actors were high-strung, others were low-key. One scene that was especially fun to watch was when the kids formed a circle and played a hand-slapping, sing-song game and Lannie joined in. His back-stage presence, so calm and full of fun, was especially good for the children. His private pre-show pep talk with the actors, complete with nerve-calming screaming was perfect. He is a magician whose professionalism and devotion to theater turns untrained children into disciplined actors. Anyway, I thank the Falls Village Children's Theater for letting me take a small part in the production of Annie. I thank all the other adults whose hard work and devotion to a dream made the play Annie come to life for all who participated or came to watch. It was a memorable experience, to say the least. And now I sign off as I feel, once again, the urge to sing "Easy Street".
Director Lanny Mitchell helps his cast calm their nerves and let off steam backstage

Photos by Betsy Howie

What's Going on Inside 107 Main Street?

Annie Bidou knows, and she reports:

Since Clifton Jaeger moved out of the Old Town Hall space, I’ve heard rumblings in Toymakers Café that people are intimidated by the new tenants. No friendly pieces of art in the windows; no signs of who or what dwells within. In fact, it is Michael Klemens the herpetologist and Ken Leabman, his partner, who have settled in.(They're with Michael's son Robert in the photo below.) “We LOVE Falls Village,” they say. “It’s a magical, charming town.” I have been pleased to make their acquaintance through their visits to our café. First, let me clarify – a herpetologist is someone who specializes in the study of amphibians like reptiles, lizards, turtles and snakes. (During the recent bog turtle controversy surrounding the proposed golf course in Norfolk, Michael was consulted as an expert.) And he is wondering if there are any artistic young people out there who would like to draw some amphibians to post in his window! (Drop your artwork off at Toymakers and we’ll be sure they get it). As for Ken, I’m excited to report that he is helping Michael open a small antiques store in the front of the left side of the building this spring! The shop will specialize in antiques and decorative objects from the 1880’s to the mid-20th century. Signs of life on Main Street! Yes!! Michael and Ken are a quiet burst of fresh energy here in town.

Rather than providing privacy, the shades currently on the windows are there to protect the furniture, books and fabrics from U.V. sun damage. When the antiques store is ready, the shades on the left hand side of the building will be gone.
The two live in Amesville but dine frequently at Toymakers, where I hope some of you have met and spoken with them. Ken seems more easy-going, whereas Michael often is immersed in intense business or scientific conversations. But both of them have terrific senses of humor and delightful smiles, and I look forward to their visits. I think the most heartwarming moment was when I heard Michael say, “You know, everyone gets caught up in the politics of it all, and no one really cares about the bog turtle.” I have not followed, or taken sides in, the turtle controversy, but I am proud to have as a neighbor on Main Street a man who could make such a caring, intelligent, big-picture statement.

“We have been delayed in getting things going because of the ongoing renovations to the roof and windows,” Michael laments. At this point, they even struggle to get in the front door due to warping caused by water damage. With so much to contend with, let’s give them LOTS of encouragement to bring their trades to our fair town. And LOTS of business once they open their antiques store. Leaving a comment of support (or bringing amphibious artwork to the cafe) would help right now!

Bravo!

Everything you ever wanted to know about why Falls Village is such a special town could be seen and heard at the FVCT's production of Annie. It's next to impossible to sit through the show without getting teary because every child onstage shines. Annie is an inspiring reflection of the tiny town itself, a community of charitable, creative and passionate people.

A Day To Celebrate (Twice!)

Talk about timing! On the eve of the FVCT's production of Annie, the Falls Village Community & Cultural Center learned that it had been awarded a $200,000 STEAP Grant from the State of Connecticut, which should go a long way towards opening the doors of 103 Main Street.

'Annie' Opens Tonight!

I haven't seen a rehearsal, but I am told that this year's Falls Village Children's Theater production will be the best ever--and if you saw The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella then you know that means Annie is going to be spectacular. I hear that a couple of the numbers are old fashioned show-stoppers. If you want good seats, get to Housatonic Valley Regional High School early for this limited engagement: Friday, March 28 at 7 PM, and Saturday March 29 at 2 PM and 7 PM. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. And the Kellogg 7th grade will sell refreshments, including Sweet William's special Annie cookie (below), during intermission to fund their 8th grade trip to Canada.

How Cool is our Congressman?

If you sign up for Chris Murphy's newsletter, you will get emails occasionally from him asking for your opinion on important issues. Today, for example, he asked: Should the federal government be stepping in to help shore up Wall Street banks? He truly wants to know what we think.

Anticipating the 'Annie' Intermission

It's becoming a tradition for baker Jason Young (aka Sweet William) to make a special cookie to be sold at the intermission of the Falls Village Children's Theater's spring musical (this year on March 28 & 29.) Last year for Cinderella, Jason made a sweet glass slipper. This year, he has made what is no doubt the most adorable (and tastiest) Annie cookie ever created.

Thank You, Guys

Ten of our neighbors spent Saturday working for free to put a roof on our future pool's post-and-beam bath house, which is architecturally quite stunning. Pool committee chair Jim March wanted to publicly thank all the volunteers and to give special recognition to the "young guys, Jamie Fox and Will Fox, who really rose to the occasion. Because of their roofing experience, they made a big difference in the completion of the roofing project.

(And thanks to Wayne Collier for sending in the photograph.)

Let's Raise the Roof

An aerial view of the new pool.

Noelle LaMuniere sent me this announcement.

Calling all able volunteers to finish the roof of the new pool house on Route 126 this Saturday from 8 AM on. Bring your own hand tools.
If you want to help, but do not have roofer/carpenter experience, bring your brawn to help move shingles and assist in other ways. If you want to help but do not have a whole lot of brawn to spare, come over with coffee or sandwiches and cheer on the effort of your fellow citizens (or be available for a hardware store run).

Weather call will be made on site Saturday morning.

After the roofing is done, interior framing of the pool house comes
next...so if you can't help this weekend, come for the next one. For more information, contact Jim March at 824-0218

Dinner Theater

This is not only mud season; it's pasta dinner fundraising season. Following in the foosteps of last week's amszingly successful 8th grade lasagna dinner, the Falls Village Children's Theater is hosting a fundraising dinner on March 15 that will help pay for the free production of Annie featuring more than 30 kids (ages 5 - 16) from Falls Village on March 28 & 29.

First Class First Responders

If you're lucky, you never have to call 911. If you're unlucky and must place that call, you're still lucky if you live in Falls Village because your neighbors will come to your rescue.

When I came home this afternoon and my carbon monoxide alarm was chirping away, I called 911 as the back of the device instructed and the Falls Village Fire Department and Ambulance Squad were at my house in minutes. As the guys checked out the situation in my basement and tested the air, Beckie Seney calmed my nerves and took my blood pressure and made sure I was OK. I was, because it seems that it was the alarm that was faulty, not my heating system. I feel extremely grateful to live in a town with such a responsive and professional volunteer force of emergency workers. Thank you all for your dedication and hard work.

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.