The annual classic car show drew big crowds in downtown Falls Village over Labor Day weekend. Hundreds of vintage vehicles lined the streets before hitting the road to avoid the rain.
FALLS VILLAGE — In 2023, the question of the former firehouse at 35 Railroad St. was finally resolved.
At a town meeting that ran concurrently with the municipal elections Nov. 7, voters approved the sale of the property for $300,000 to James Gillispie, who ran through his proposal for a gym. A related issue was also settled Nov. 7. The former firehouse encroached on the Falls Village Inn property. Voters approved a land swap with the Falls Village Inn, which makes 35 Railroad St. a legal lot and grants two easements to the Inn.
Also on Nov. 7, with an impressive 63.2% of registered voters turning out, Dave Barger was elected the new First Selectman in Falls Village. He is joined on the board by Judy Jacobs and Chris Kinsella.
In January, the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) approved an amendment to the town’s zoning regulations that allows for two types of cannabis manufacturing activities in the town’s Light Industrial Zone.
The amendment does not allow for any retail cannabis operation.
Housing and traffic dominated the discussion of the PZC’s draft of the 2024 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) at a meeting at Lee H. Kellogg School Saturday, Sept. 30.
The PZC held a discussion on the POCD with about 70 residents in March. Residents were asked to identify their top areas of interest, which turned out to be: “Community Character,” “Housing Affordability and Needs,” “Economic Development,” and “Village Center.”
This generally reflected the priorities identified by some 231 residents who responded to the January online survey.
During the Sept. 30 meeting residents expressed concerns about problems arising from increased activity in the downtown area and batted around ideas on affordable housing.
There will be a public hearing on the POCD Thursday, Jan. 26, on Zoom. The draft POCD is available on the town website.
The Center on Main named Brook Martinez as the Center’s new creative administrator, and Adam Sher said in March that the Center had three immediate goals: to hire the creative administrator, to develop an annual program of events and activities, and to “take care of the building.”
The Center hosted a variety of events and performances throughout the year, including the Joe Bouchard Band, “Folk Tails” from the Falls Village Children’s Theater, and a community forum with the candidates for the Board of Selectmen.
After numerous hearings, meetings and discussions, on April 10, the Board of Finance voted down a motion to recommend to town meeting a deal with Frontier Communications to extend fiber optic access to about 60 addresses in town for $350,000.
Frontier is in the process of building a statewide fiber optic network. As explained by company representatives, some addresses in Falls Village are too remote for the company to extend the service without a financial contribution from the town.
There were two well-attended public hearings on the matter.
In May, the Falls Village Housing Trust completed a deal to buy 17-21 Miner St. The property has five apartments in two buildings.
Trust president Jandi Hanna said the purpose of buying the property is to keep it as “organic affordable housing.”
The nonprofit FVHT will be in a position to apply to the state for funds for renovation. The FVHT also successfully applied for a $750,000 federal grant for infrastructure at the site of the River Road Homes.
On Memorial Day, five residents were recognized for their contributions to the town: Tim and Andrea Downs, for their continued participation in the AFS Intercultural Program; two town officials who retired, assessor Hazel McGuire and treasurer Linda Paviol; and the town’s emergency chief, Michelle Hansen, for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hometown baseball hero Steve Blass gave a talk at the South Canaan Meeting House on July 25. The 1971 World Series champ shared tales from his youth in Falls Village, his time as a major league pitcher, and his career in broadcasting.
“I can’t imagine growing up in a nicer place, a nicer area, nicer people and a nicer time,” said Blass.
The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) will host its annual Junior Jump Camp, a two-day introduction to ski jumping, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill in Salisbury.
The camp is open to children ages 7 and up and focuses on teaching the basics of ski jumping, with an emphasis on safety, balance and control, using SWSA’s smallest hill. No prior experience is required.
The cost is $50 per child and includes instruction and lunch on both days. For more information or to register, visit www.skireg.com/swsa-camp or email info@jumpfest.org
Jesse Bunce, first selectman of North Canaan.
LITCHFIELD — The Northwest Hills Council of Governments welcomed six newly elected municipal leaders Thursday, Dec. 11, at its first meeting following the 2025 municipal elections.
The council — a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut — coordinates transportation, emergency planning, housing, economic development and other shared municipal services.
Barkhamsted First Selectman Meaghan Cook, Goshen First Selectman Seth Breakell, Kent First Selectman Eric Epstein, Norfolk First Selectman Henry Tirrell, North Canaan First Selectman Jesse Bunce and Torrington Mayor Molly Spino were each elected to their post in November.
They filled the seats of their predecessors on the COG, who were each given a toast of appreciation: Nick Lukiwsky (Barkhamsted), Todd Carusillo (Goshen), Marty Lindenmeyer (Kent), Matt Riiska (Norfolk), Brian Ohler (North Canaan) and Elinor Carbone (Torrington).
COG Executive Director Rob Phillips said the outgoing members were given a going away mug that read “You’re living the dream still.” Members voted to appoint Warren First Selectman Greg LaCava to fill a vacancy on the Council’s Executive Committee. COG members voted by paper ballot, and LaCava defeated Burlington First Selectman Doug Thompson for the vacant seat.
Ryan Segalla takes a fadeaway shot over a defender.
FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys basketball team defeated Pine Plains High School 60-22 in a scrimmage Tuesday, Dec. 9. The non-league preseason game gave both sides an opportunity to run the court ahead of the 2025-26 varsity season.
HVRHS’s senior-heavy roster played with power and poise. The boys pulled ahead early and kept their foot on the gas through to the end.
By halftime the score was 33-8. Junior varsity players subbed in for the second half, but not before the starters got some in-game dunk practice. By the end Housatonic totaled 60 points to Pine Plains’ 22.
Nick Crodelle dribbles the ball up the court during the game.By Riley Klein
Nick Crodelle led the Mountaineers offensively with 13 points. Anthony Labbadia and Wyatt Bayer scored nine points each. Anthony Foley scored eight points. Owen Riemer and Ryan Segalla each scored seven points. Peyton Bushnell hit a three-pointer. Jaxon Visockis and Henry Berry each scored two points.
HVRHS begins Berkshire League competition on the road at Nonnewaug High School Tuesday, Dec. 16, with a 6 p.m. tip off.
Anthony Labbadia By Riley Klein
Owen Riemer block By Riley Klein
Katie Moore delivers toys to the Stuff a Truck campaign held by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department last weekend. Donated toys are collected so that parents, who need some assistance, may provide their children with gifts this Christmas. Accepting the donation are elves Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci
KENT — Santa’s elves were toasty warm as they collected toys for the children of Kent.
Keeping with annual tradition, Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci manned the Stuff a Truck campaign sponsored by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Sitting in front of a fire pit in the firehouse parking lot between donations from residents, they spoke of the incredible generosity displayed every season. That spirit of giving was clear from the piles of toys heaped on a table.
“This is always so gratifying,” said Goodsell, noting that certain businesses, including High Watch Recovery Center, Wilson’s, and Kent and South Kent schools needed a “shout out” for all they’ve done. She said South Kent School focuses on gifts for older children, which is a group that often is overlooked.
Unwrapped contributions are sought for children 1 to 15 years old who might otherwise find little or nothing from Santa, they said. The bounty will be set up at the Community House on Thursday, allowing parents to come and take what they want. If there are still items left, grandparents are invited to “shop.”
The atmosphere was festive Saturday, as a stuffed dog began barking a Christmas tune whenever someone walked in front of it. A large decked-out bear posted at the parking lot entrance reminded passersby of the event. Visiting children were able to get a close-up look at the fire truck and walk through the firehouse if they wished.
Goodsell and Iannucci were very grateful to those who donated wood for the fire pit. “And so many asked if they could bring us coffee or hot chocolate,” said Iannucci.
Goodsell said many who came talked about having grown children who were recipients of the gifts when their families were struggling. “They are so glad to be able to give back,” she said.
