Latest News
Patrick L. Sullivan
SALISBURY — The Grumbling Gryphons came to the Scoville Memorial Library Saturday, April 6, to mark Earth Day with poetry and music.
“Hold Fast to Dreams: Bringing Poetry to Life” featured poems in honor of Earth Day, including works by Langston Hughes, Robert Frost and Edward Lear.
Joseph Daniel Sobol provided the music, playing a 12-string cittern.
The program originally included an outdoor component, but Gryphons chief Leslie Elias reluctantly said the unpleasant weather ruled that out. But there was plenty of energy inside to keep the mostly young audience entertained.
The Grumbling Gryphons will be holding more Earth Day-related performances in Cornwall on Saturday, April 27 and Noble Horizons on Sunday, April 28. Go to https://grumblinggryphons.org/ for more information.
Keep ReadingShow less
Housatonic Railroad to remove dead trees
Apr 10, 2024
CORNWALL — Trees that likely died as a result of herbicide spraying along the railroad track are due to be taken down by the Housatonic Railroad Company (HRRC) this spring.
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the proposal submitted by HRRC at its regular meeting Tuesday, April 2. The work is expected to remain within the railroad’s right of way.
“Along River Road is the primary area,” said First Selectman Gordon Ridgway. “They’ve got some big trees to take down.”
Herbicide has not been confirmed as the cause of death for these trees, but it is suspected. Concerned citizens and representatives have lobbied state officials to revise the herbicide laws in Connecticut to prevent further impact to vegetation along the track.
State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) and State Sen. Stephen Harding (R-30) both sit on the Environment Committee. Both met with HRRC on March 26 to discuss adopting the regulations in place in Massachusetts.
Tree Warden Bruce Bennett added that he has been invited to a meeting with HRRC April 15. Bennett is a member of the Housatonic Herbicide Working Group, a coalition of concerned citizens representing the towns through which the railroad runs.
“We’ve been wanting them to adopt the Massachusetts regulations, which are much more strict that Connecticut,” said Bennett. “Finally we’ve gotten through and they are actually going to sit down and speak with us.”
Road sealing
BOS reviewed plans to reseal town roads this spring. Ridgway reported that 11 miles of road have been identified to start. Seymour Sealing was selected to complete the work. Funding for the job will need to be approved at the April 19 Town Meeting.
Keep ReadingShow less
Patrick L. Sullivan
FALLS VILLAGE— The Falls Village Children’s Theater production of “The Jungle Book” played to packed houses at the Center on Main April 5 to 7.
The relatively short show (about 35 minutes on Sunday, April 7) featured strong singing and dancing, creative stagecraft and costumes, and an overall seamless, crowd-pleasing production.
The director and choreographer was Dana Domenick, with musical direction from Michael Siktberg. Gail Allyn handled the costumes, and Jaimie Sadeh and Devin Boyden headed up the Tech Squad.
Keep ReadingShow less
HVRHS bands throw down
Apr 10, 2024
Patrick L. Sullivan
FALLS VILLAGE — Kate From Baltimore won the Battle of the Bands after a spirited set that had the audience dancing.
The fundraiser for the Housatonic Valley Regional High School Class of 2025 was held at the high school Friday, April 5.
There were only three acts. The judges were Joe Bouchard, Joan Levy Hepburn and Ram Miles.
Bouchard was the bass player for Blue Oyster Cult during that band’s heyday.
Opening the show was 19th Blossom of Boredom, with Abram Kirshner (lead vocals), Adam Hock (drums), Peter Austin (guitar), Aden Manes (keyboard). The group played with considerable energy.
Next up was Elizabeth Forbes, playing as Autumn Nostalgia. She noted before she started that her drummer couldn’t make it and she was a little under the weather.
It didn’t seem to affect her performance of three original songs.
Closing the show was the band Kate From Baltimore, with Lou Haemmerle (lead vocals and guitar), Danny Lesch (piano), Aron Ladanyi (bass), Hudson Sebranek (drums) and Jerome Maury (guitar). They charged through a set of originals, plus an encore, and inspired dancing in front of the stage.
Afterward the judges announced the winners: 1. Kate From Baltimore 2. Autumn Nostalgia and 3. 19th Blossom of Boredom.
Hepburn offered comments. She praised 19th Blossom’s energy but advised them to tighten up their rhythm. She praised Forbes’ willingness to proceed despite difficulties and her pitch. And she urged better enunciation from the singers in Kate From Baltimore, while lauding the overall set.
Bouchard said after the show that “there is a lot of talent here.”
The show was hosted by Tess Marks and Andy Delgado.
Keep ReadingShow less
loading