Fire departments from across Connecticut participated in the show on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan
Latest News
Alec Linden
14K Gold filled & Sterling Silver Signature Swirl handmade earrings ($30-$98)
Alec Linden
“We offer 3 different sizes in 2 different metals,” DeCarlo said. “These hand hammered, hand forged lightweight swirls are elegant, and classic - perfect for a variety of styles and ages.”
Blithe and Bonny candles, room sprays, and soaps ($12-$30)
Alec Linden
“We have a variety of scents and flavors including Palo Santo, Rose, Sandalwood, Wintergreen & Honey Almond. These products made excellent stocking stuffers for those who’d like a special calming fragrance in their office or home.”
Handcrafted stud earrings by Jessica DeCarlo ($68)
Alec Linden
“We find these cosmic hand crafted studs suitable for a variety of people to be our best sellers. They are also available in 14k gold, as well as in matching pairs.”
Vintage antique locket necklaces($68 - $350)
Alec Linden
DeCarlo offers these in a variety of metals, including 14k gold, silver, and brass. “This is a sentimental gift that can become a family heirloom. We can help you add the photos you’d like to put inside when you’re ready.”
Kelly & Jones perfumes and roll-on oils ($35 - $140)
Alec Linden
“These luxurious and unique fragrances are made locally and sustainably. A portion of the proceeds go towards family-run farms in Mexico. The scent choices range from earthy to floral.”
Provided
Grow Against Poverty
Provided
“These amazing wooden toys and pens are made by a nonprofit that supports education and community development projects in Kenya. We love stocking these items here and they’re very popular.”
Earthywear
Provided
“These are handmade earrings using repurposed textiles, ephemera, and bits and bops by Heather Price, who is an artist living in Chatham. She also happens to be my mom and I’m so proud of her.”
Daniel Bellow Pottery
Provided
“Daniel Bellow is another local artist whose work we love. We’ve been carrying his pottery since we opened six years ago!”
Common Hands Farm Chili Crisp and Fire Cider
Provided
“Common Hands Farm is a local farm whose mission is to provide healthy, affordable food to the community. The chili crisp is super yummy and the fire cider will help keep you healthy this winter.”
Greeting Cards by Mayuko Fujino
Provided
“Mayuko Fujino is a local artist from Japan who makes these incredible stencil and paper cut outs. She created our very own Random Harvest branded card featuring our store and the birds of the Hudson Valley and we just love it so much.”
Robin Roraback
Wilderdog Utility Fanny Pack ($36)
Robin Roraback
“Great for walking. Makes carrying treats, phones, clean up bags, and leash easy.”
Wilderdog Biothane collar ($29) and leash ($38)
Robin Roraback
“Waterproof and easy to clean if you are out walking and the collar or leash gets dirty or wet. Available in many colors.”
Woof Pupsicle ($22), Refills ($17)
Robin Roraback
Refillable treat that promises 20 plus minutes of play. It comes in small, large, extra-large and “There is also one for heavy chewers. Pupsicle keeps them busy.”
Tall Tails Dog Toy ($25)
Robin Roraback
“A great toy for chewers. Tall Tails Toys are very good!”
Wild N Fresh Duck Wing Treats ($48)
Robin Roraback
“Great for the teeth. My dog loves them.”
Lola Francoline, Elsie Carr, Eloise Vaughn, Sawyer Rose Turner and Alex Philipp face the first day of school at Crunchem Hall in SOAR’s production of “Matilda Jr.”
Aly Morrissey
SOAR is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing enrichment programs to the students of Salisbury Central School. Founded in 2000 by Zena Block, SOAR offers after-school classes, in-school programs, community events and teacher grants. “Matilda Jr.” is the third full-scale musical production put on by SOAR, following “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” in 2023 and “Annie Jr.” in 2022.
Owen Saylor as Bruce wrestles with Miss Trunchbull’s chocolate cake in SOAR’s production of “Matilda Jr.Aly Morrissey
Each year, the number of students signing up for the musical has grown, presenting some logistical challenges. Previous productions included third through eighth graders, but this year the minimum age was raised to fourth grade due to overwhelming interest.
“I’m just thrilled that 39 kids want to do musical theater,” said Darcy Boynton, one of the directors of the play and Program Liaison of the Board of Directors. “They don’t all fit on the [Salisbury Central School ] cafeteria stage, but we squish them in.
Boynton’s co-director is Stephanie Hahn, a member of SOAR’s Program & Event Committee. The two have worked together on all three productions.
“We didn’t even know each other,” Hahn said. “But we both said 'yes'.”
Boynton and Hahn are volunteers who have dedicated too many hours to count. They both praised Lauren Brown, SOAR’s Executive Director and only paid employee, for her support and dedication. And when asked why they said "yes" to such a venture, their answers were similar.
“I’ve always been a theater person, I love it so much,” said Hahn. “To be able to give these kids this experience is just so rewarding.”
“I believe so strongly in theater education,” Boynton added. “Theater is an essential part of education but it’s thought of as extracurricular. It helps with physical skills, emotional skills, and it creates empathetic people. It’s a team sport without the competition.”
Maris Jenter performed the title role in SOAR’s production of “Matilda Jr.”Aly Morrissey
On the subject of teamwork, it’s worth mentioning the sheer number of adult and teenage volunteers who jumped in to help. More than 20 individuals are listed in the program, along with a half dozen sponsors and organizations. The families of the performers also committed to a robust rehearsal schedule.
Choosing a play with a large ensemble is key to the program’s success.
“Matilda” allowed some of the younger actors to be highlighted as the title character’s rebellious classmates. Maris Jenter, a sixth grader, led the way as Matilda, capturing both the humor and the pathos of the role. Jackson Magyar, another sixth grader, stole every scene he was in as the terrifying Agatha Trunchbull. And Mollie Sosin, an eighth grade veteran of all three productions, shined as Miss Honey, using her quite grown up voice to captivate the audience.
“This is a wonderful group of kids who are so supportive of each other,” Boynton said. “Their enthusiasm is what pulled it together. They really cared about it.”
SOAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more about how
to support them at soarkids.org.
