Children's theater wants town to apply for state grant for renovations


FALLS VILLAGE — The Falls Village Children’s Theater Company has approached the Board of Selectmen about getting a grant from the state.

In a March 23 letter to the selectmen, theater company board member George F. Elling asked the town to consider applying for a grant from the Small Towns Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to be used to renovate and develop a downtown building the company is planning to buy.

First Selectman Pat Mechare said there was little discussion at this month’s Board of Selectmen meeting when she presented the letter. She added that competition for the popular grants has grown considerably over the last few years, while state funding will probably decrease. The selectmen will likely discuss the issue further at next month’s regular meeting before deciding whether to pursue the grant.

"We are not suggesting a specific amount for this grant until the available funds for each town are determined," Elling wrote.

In an interview, Elling said the theater company has formed a committee to coordinate the use of the R&D Emerson building as a performing venue and a cultural and community center. The theater company plans to close on the property, which it is buying for $150,000, on April 25.

"We are in the final stages of acquiring the building," Elling said.

At a town meeting in December, voters overwhelmingly approved a donation by the town of $25,000 to the nonprofit theater company to help with the purchase of the building. In January, voters also approved granting an easement to the theater company to repair a septic system on town-owned land behind the property.

The purchase of the property has been delayed because one of the owners is in a nursing home, which tied the matter up in probate court for several weeks, Elling explained.

Theater company Executive Director Denise Cohn has said the 100-year-old former church and bookstore would require an estimated $350,000 in renovations and improvements.

The first floor of the approximately 3,000-square-foot building features two large rooms and a vaulted ceiling with 15 stained glass windows, an altar and a church organ. The building was constructed around the turn of the last century to replace the Second Methodist Church, which had just burned down in a fire that consumed much of downtown.

Elling said the group plans to hold an open house next month at the facility, which they plan to call the Falls Village Cultural and Community Center.

Latest News

HVRHS Varsity golf swings into action

Dan Moran, left, and Wiley Fails, right, walk down the fairway to the green with a competitor from Lakeview High School, center. Moran shot 52 on nine holes and Fails shot 57 during Housy's first preseason golf match.

Photo by Riley Klein

LITCHFIELD — Housatonic Valley Regional High School took on Lakeview High School for a Berkshire League preseason match Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Hosted at Lichfield Country Club, the two teams put forth six official golfers to pair up in three foursomes with the lowest four scores contributing to team totals. Additional players from each side matched against each other for practice play.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ann Marie Nonkin

LAKEVILLE — Ann Marie Nonkin, 80, of Millerton Road, passed away Aug. 25, 2024, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. She was the loving wife of the late Dr. Paul Nonkin.

She was born April 12, 1944 in Queens, New York, the daughter of the late John and Ann Vallen.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cornwall considers taking tax collector off ballot

CORNWALL — Long standing tax collector Jean Bouteiller will step down at the end of her two-year term this November.

With no qualified residents stepping forward to run for the position, the Board of Selectmen discussed the prospect of making the role an appointed job at a meeting Aug. 20.

Keep ReadingShow less
Farmers air struggles at Dutchess County Fair’s annual Ag Forum

Hans Pedersen, age 7, of Sharon, showed his Guernsey, Paisley, at the Dutchess County Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24. The calf was born Dec. 12, 2023, and is from Coon Brothers Farm in Amenia.

Photo by Olivia Valentine

RHINEBECK, N.Y. — The Dutchess County 9th annual Agricultural Forum was held on Aug. 22 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.
Local farmers, elected officials, and representatives from conservancy organizations attended the forum to discuss agricultural history and how the industry is a critical component of the county’s economic success, generating over $45 million in sales.

A. Gregg Pulver, Dutchess County Comptroller and farmer, began the forum by introducing representatives of the agricultural community and elected officials who share the same vision: “the promotion of agriculture, horticulture, mechanical and domestic arts, fine arts, and allied sciences through education, instruction, display, and competition.”

Keep ReadingShow less