Pete Rourke, 61, is shown here at the flagpole recently dedicated to veterans outside the FISH NWCT shelter, where he has been staying since Sept. 20. With the help of a network of social services, Rourke, an Air Force veteran, recently signed a lease for a studio apartment.
TORRINGTON — Pete Rourke, 61, credits the wrap-around support he received while staying at the FISH NWCT shelter since Sept. 20, with helping to turn his life around. The Air Force veteran recently signed a lease for a studio apartment that will mark his return to his hometown of Farmington.
The road to sobriety and a roof over his head has been paved with decades of hardship.
“I was self-medicating with alcohol,” said Rourke during a mid-December interview.
Diagnosed with severe depression in 2002, he had been in and out of shelters and no longer drives since racking up DUIs and road rage incidents. Several times he attempted suicide, the first time by cutting his jugular with a utility knife.
“I wouldn’t be here now if not for my dad, who came home from work and found a pool of blood in the bathroom,” said the soft-spoken Rourke, sporting sweats and a green Dave Matthews Band knit cap.
On another occasion he was violently attacked and punched in the throat while sleeping outdoors on the New Haven green in between shelters. “I had my backpack with all my paperwork” and feared being robbed, he said.
But Rourke’s life took a turn for the better, he recalled, upon arrival at the Torrington shelter, away from the big cities like Hartford and New Haven. “I had to make the decision” to receive needed help, “and I’m now on meds.”
His first night at FISH, he said, was the happiest he’d been in years.
“I actually heard crickets. I was so thankful for that. And I did my laundry when I came in. I felt like I was back at my family home.” And he made friends for a lifetime, said Rourke, including those in the five-bed dorm for veterans.
With a fresh, new start before him, he is anxiously awaiting the move into his apartment, located a short distance from his mother’s home: “It’s a roof over my head.”
While waiting approval for disability benefits, Rourke said he may do odd jobs, including snow removal at his mother’s home, to earn money for living expenses.
“I hope it’s a bad winter,” he said with a smile.
LJMN Media Board Chair Dan Dwyer, right, presents the 2025 Estabrook Community Leadership award to Bunny Williams, center, for her contribution to regional community organizations. Betsy Smith, left, chaired the Jubilee host committee.
The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News presented the 2025 Estabrook Community Leadership Award to Bunny Williams on Nov. 22 at the Town Grove in Lakeville.
The award, named for longtime Lakeville Journal and Millerton News owners Robert and Mary Lou Estabrook, honors individuals who exemplify community spirit and leadership. This year’s presentation took place during the newspapers’ second annual Jubilee.
Addressing more than 100 attendees, Brian Ross, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, underscored why Williams was chosen. “Bunny has always believed, as we do at our newspapers, that community matters, and that local matters,” he said.
Williams has spent decades bolstering local organizations. She helped launch Trade Secrets 25 years ago, turning it into a major fundraiser for Project Sage, the region’s domestic violence agency. She has hosted events for local libraries, supported the Falls Village Daycare Center and Music Mountain, and founded The Great County Mutt Show to benefit The Little Guild.
Board Chair Dan Dwyer urged attendees to follow Williams’ example. “Get informed, stay informed and get involved in your community to make it a little better than it was – that’s what Bunny has done,” he said.
In her tribute, Betsy Smith — a close friend of Williams and chair of the Jubilee — called the honoree honest, energetic and warm. “She’s the essence of being civic minded,” Smith said. “I could not be prouder to be in her orbit of friendship, warmth, commitment, and making our community a better place.”
Michael Trapp, left, and Hillary Cooper
Ross presented Williams with the award, which she immediately dedicated back to the community.
“What I learned is that the best part of this community – as beautiful as it is – is the people. I may have an idea, but it’s just an idea,” Williams said. “It is the effort and the commitment and the generosity of people who step up to the plate to make these events happen and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
James Clark, CEO/Publisher of The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News
Publisher James Clark congratulated Williams before highlighting the vital role of local journalism. “When you read The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News, you become more informed about what’s happening in your communities – and more connected to your community,” he said, adding his thanks to the attendees whose support helps the newspapers thrive.
The newest video by Eric Veden follows a tour of town led by Bill Beebe, pictured above, and Judy Jacobs.
FALLS VILLAGE — Eric Veden’s 36th installment of his Falls Village video series includes an October 2024 Housatonic Heritage walk through downtown Falls Village led by Judy Jacobs and Bill Beebe.
In the video, participants gather at the Depot, home of the Falls Village–Canaan Historical Society. As the group sets out along Railroad Street, Jacobs notes that the Depot was constructed between 1842 and 1844 to serve the newly established railroad.
Jacobs pauses by one house, explaining that it was originally built by the railroad, has a murder in its history, and is said to be haunted — supposedly.
The footage follows the group along Prospect and Miner streets as they admire the architecture and discuss the stories behind the houses. The tour spent some time examining the largest cottonwood tree in Connecticut, on Beebe Hill Road. The tree with its massive base has been significantly pruned in the upper reaches.
The film captures the group pausing to view, from a distance, an 18th-century home once known for its Revolutionary-era dances — a house that still bears a couple of bullet holes in its old windows.
Viewers then see the group mosey down Beebe Hill to Main Street, with Jacobs and Beebe providing interesting tidbits about the buildings, such as:
100 Main St., now devoted to fine home furnishings, was automotive legend John Fitch’s shop.
The video also includes the former Toymakers Café site, which was once a hardware store. Jacobs recounts hearing stories of a spur line from the railroad running to the property for deliveries, with the cars likely pulled by horses.
With the property up for sale and its future uncertain, programming is winding down at the iconic Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield, Massachusetts. But there are still events on the calendar designed to carry music lovers through the winter and into spring.
From Friday, Nov. 21, to Monday, Nov. 24, Race Brook Lodge will hold its Fall Gratitude Festival. Celebrating the tail end of fall before the colder depths of winter, the festival features an eclectic mix of music from top-notch musicians.
The festival begins Friday, Nov. 21, with an evening of Indian classical music with Eric Fraser (bansuri flute), Abhik Mukherjee (sitar), Mir Naqibul Islam (tabla) and Vinay Desai (santoor). Fraser is one of the few exponents of the original “gayaki-ang,” or vocal style, of bansuri flute. He is also a key member of Brooklyn Raga Massive, a nonprofit musicians’ collective that creates cross-cultural understanding through the lens of South Asian classical music. Fraser’s playing rings with authenticity and pure Indian tone, carrying a distinct and masterful sound imbibing a pure gharana, or lineage. He is also a multi-instrumentalist, educator, composer and songwriter.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Palestinian multi-instrumentalist Zafer Tawil (qanun, violin, nay) performs alongside friend and collaborator Rabbi Zachi Asher (oud), offering Arabic maqam, Sufi trance, piyut and tarab sounds that bring ancient desert traditions to life. Tawil and Asher present a rare vision of collaborative futures at the crossroads of art and justice, music and spirituality. For this performance, Duo al Rouh will be joined by vocalist Zahra Zubaidi, percussionist Rich Stein, violinist Megan Gould, belly dancer Myrto Daskaloudi and other special guests.
Rabbi Asher will also lead a special Shabbat gathering, ceremony and dinner with songs, teachings, dance, stillness, silliness, poetry and wilderness time for adults and kids on Friday, Nov. 21. Everyone is welcome. Shabbat dinner is included.
On Sunday, Nov. 23, master Senegalese sabar percussionist Aba Diop performs with fellow griot artists and global collaborators the Yermande Family. The group’s full-length release, “Family,” affirms sabar as a rhythmic language that has shaped music across continents and centuries and continues to shape what comes next. The group takes its name from the Wolof word “yermande,” which means compassion, care for others and deep respect for community.
Closing out the festival on Monday, Nov. 24, keyboardist John Medeski, along with bandleader Mike Rivard on bass and sintir, Will Bernard (guitar), Mister Rourke (turntables) and Dean Johnston (drums), performs as Club d’Elf. Club d’Elf has been helping audiences lose track of time for 27 years with its synthesis of Moroccan traditional music and electronic, dubbed-out funk.
Race Brook Lodge is a restaurant, inn and event space that provides a place for guests to engage with nature, culture and community. With a commitment to sustainability and accessibility, Race Brook Lodge is a unique Berkshire institution. The property is for sale and long-time owners Dave Rothstein, Casey Rothstein-Fitzpatrick and Saadia Khan hope that the new owners “will care for the property in a way that is respectful to the land and our local community,” said a social media post.
For tickets to the Fall Gratitude Festival, visit rblodge.com/fall-gratitude-festival-2025.
Ayni Herb Farm will be one of themany local vendors at Foxtrot’s Farm & Friends Market Nov. 22-23 in Stanfordville.
As the days grow shorter and the first hints of winter settle in, galleries, studios, barns, village greens and community halls across the region begin their annual transformation into warm, glowing refuges of light and handmade beauty.
This year’s holiday fairs and DIY workshops offer chances not just to shop, but to make—whether you’re mixing cocktails and crafting ornaments, gathering around a wreath-making table, or wandering markets where makers, bakers, artists and craftspeople bring their best of the season. These events are mutually sustaining, fueling both the region’s local economy and the joy of those who call it home.
This year, there is an especially community-driven spirit to area craft fairs and makers markets. Nowhere is that clearer than at Foxtrot’s first annual Farm & Friends Market, Nov. 22-23 in Stanfordville, a new collaboration between farmers, makers and neighbors designed to bring people together in an intentional, deeply local way.
“Farm & Friends Market is a collaborative, warm and cozy, pre-holiday gathering,” said co-organizer Kate Farrar of Foxtrot Farm & Flowers. “It blends the charm of a winter market with the connection and quality of a local food and makers fair. Think fresh produce, pantry goods, handmade gifts, twinkle lights, good smells, warm beverages and friendly faces.”
Farrar said the aim was to create something “not rushed or overly commercial, but festive, simple and meaningful.” The vendors are people she and co-organizer Anja Rothe, of Fat of the Land Apothecary, already knew and have worked alongside. “If we find success in this collective model, which we hope and plan to, we hope to accept new vendors in years to come,” said Farrar.
To further support the artists and creatives at Farm & Friends Market, vendors don’t pay to be there. “We are collectively hosting a market that is not pay-to-play,” Farrar said. “We build and host this market together in the spirit of collaboration and mutual benefit for the small businesses that make the Hudson Valley so special. If you love small businesses, this is the market to attend.” A weekend raffle will also benefit the Tri-Corner Feed. For more info and a list of vendor, visit: foxtrotfarmflowers.com
Here is a list of other upcoming craft fairs, markets and DIY gatherings to fill your season with creativity, connection and a little magic.
Nov. 21: Craft and Cocktails at the David M. Hunt Library: An evening of crafting and cocktails where participants will have a chance to turn old hardcovers into faux floral displays. Visit huntlibrary.org for more information.
Nov. 22: The Hotchkiss Library in Sharon will host a workshop on making woven holiday cards with Anne Cameron. More info: hotchkisslibrary.libcal.com
Nov. 23: Pre-Thanksgiving Cooking Class: Join chef and owner of Westerly Canteen, Molly Levine for a Thanksgiving cooking class and communal meal at Hammertown in Pine Plains. Info: westerlycanteen.com
Nov. 29–30: Willow Wreath Making at BES in Millerton: all-ages are welcome for this wreath-making workshop using locally sourced decorative materials. More info: shop-bes.com
Nov. 29: Kent’s Sip, Sparkle & Stroll: from 4 to 8 p.m., take a stroll along Main Street in Kent and enjoy the delightful lights, shops, galleries, restaurants and festive cheer.
Nov. 30: Cottage Courses presents a papier-mâché, hand-painted ornament workshop at Troutbeck in Amenia. More info: troutbeck.com
Dec. 7: Make your own holiday wreath at Arethusa Farm Foundation in Litchfield. More info: arethusafarmfoundation.org
Nov. 21–22: Uncle Al’s Thrift Shop’s annual Christmas sale at the St. Joseph School gym in Millbrook. stjosephmillbrookny.org
Nov. 22: Mad Rose Art Market opens in Millerton. This holiday salon of unique and inspired gifts for the holidays is open until Dec. 31 with an opening reception on Nov. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. madrosegallery.com
Nov. 22: Tivoli Artists Gallery Holiday Show & Sale. Handmade gift items in a variety of media on sale. Opening reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Tivoliartistsgallery.com
Nov. 22: 48th Annual Group Holiday Sale, Rhinebeck. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Delamater Inn and Conference Center, this show features a collection of 20 artisans. Also open Nov. 23, 10 a.m. To 4 p.m.
Nov. 23: Noxon Road PTA Craft Fair, LaGrangeville. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this holiday craft fair benefits the Noxon Road Elementary School’s PTA.
Nov. 28: Millerton’s Festival of Lights: from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., get ready for a magical day of holiday cheer. More info: visitmillertonny.com
Nov. 28 – Dec. 31: Holiday Boutique at The Spa at Litchfield Hills is a shopping haven featuring thougtfully curated gifts. Info: Litchfield-spa.com
Nov. 28: Kent Tree Lighting, 4 p.m at Kent Town Hall. Caroling, cocoa, cookies and a visit from Santa.
Nov. 28–30: Basilica Farm & Flea Holiday Market, Hudson. Since 2013, this huge annual event is part timeless flea market, part farmers market, part 21st century craft and design fair. Info: basilicahudson.org
Nov. 29: Barnspace Market at Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield. A great opportunity to discover unique options for your holiday gifting. Info: rblodge.com
Nov. 29 and Dec. 13: Salisbury Handmade at the White Hart ballroom in Salisbury. This annual event features different artisans at each market. Info: artisansale.org
Dec. 5–6: Noble Horizons Holiday Market: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the holiday market at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. On Dec. 6, there’s even storytime with Mrs. Claus! Info: noblehorizons.org
Dec. 6–7 & 13–14: Winter Wonderland Market at Wassaic. Artist alumni and local makers fill the mill with handmade creations and stocking stuffers. Info: wassaicproject.org
Dec. 6–7: Troutbeck Holiday Bazaar. Visit Troutbeck in Amenia for a thoughtful selection of wares from local shops, artists, jewelers and New York City-based boutiques. Info: troutbeck.com
Dec. 6: Santa, Cookie Contest & Tree Lighting, Sharon.
Dec. 13: Holiday Fête at Fiddlestyx in Sharon. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., visit Fiddlestyx for gifts, food and music. Info: fiddlestyx.info
Dec. 13–14: A tavern takeover at Stissing House Craft Feast in Pine Plains. 50 makers and dealers with pottery, baskets, textiles and more, curated with Deborah Needleman. Broth, carols, brooms, whittled spoons and winter cheer. Info: stissinghouse.com
