How Paul Ramunni Spells Love: ‘Accordion’

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, the time of year when we all think of accordion music!

Well, perhaps that’s not completely true. The February holiday is a time to think of true love, and one love that no one can doubt is the love that retired accountant and Salisbury resident Paul Ramunni feels for his impressive and large collection of accordions (which he also plays).

Ramunni now has his accordion museum and shop in a building that also was a love of his life — and, as is often the case with deep love, it was also the source of a significant heartbreak. Ramunni and partner Ross Grannan owned the historic one-time railway depot in North Canaan, Conn., at the time of the massive arson fire that essentially destroyed the building.

At that time, in 2001 (a month after the terror attacks of Sept. 11), the financially sensible choice for Ramunni and Grannan would have been to knock down the remaining timbers of the L-shaped structure.

But they just couldn’t do it, in part because the depot had been so much a central part of life and identity in North Canaan. Eventually, ownership of the depot was transferred to the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association, a local volunteer nonprofit; and the depot was slowly (so slowly) rebuilt.

It is now complete, and is the home of the popular Great Falls Brewing Company. And Ramunni has returned to his beloved old building, with his beloved collection of old accordions.

There is a sale of the instruments going on now — and coming up is a Valentine’s week open house from Thursday, Feb. 10, through Sunday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The museum has two rooms with more than 400 accordions from around the world dating back to 1829. Take a tour through musical history, and sign up for lessons if you feel inspired (there is a  Beginner’s Accordion Playing Package that will be offered at 15% off during the Valentine open house).

There will be various performances including — of course — love song mini-concerts!

 

Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Face masks are requested. Go to www.neacmc.com or contact Ramunni at 860-833-1374 or ramunni@comcast.net.

Latest News

Books and bites beckon at the upcoming Sharon Summer Book Signing

Author and cartoonist Peter Steiner signed books at Sharon Summer Book Signing last summer.

Photo by Stephanie Stanton

The 27th annual Sharon Summer Book Signing at the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon will be held Friday, Aug. 1, from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 3, at noon.

Friday’s festivities will honor libraries and the power of the written word. In attendance will be 29 locally and nationally recognized authors whose books will be for sale. With a wide array of genres including historical fiction, satire, thrillers, young adult and non-fiction, there will be something for every reader.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices from Ukraine to America come to Stissing Center July 27

Ukraine Emergency Fundraiser at The Stissing Center in 2022 raised over $120,000 for Sunflower of Peace.

Photo by Michael Churton

The spirit of Ukraine will be on display at the Stissing Center in Pine Plains on Sunday, July 27. Beginning at 5 p.m., the “Words to America from Ukraine” fundraiser is set to showcase the simultaneous beauty of Ukrainian culture and the war-time turmoil it faces, all the while fundraising in support of Ukrainian freedom.

“Words to America from Ukraine” aims to remind and spread awareness for the suffering that often gets forgotten by those who live in comfortable worlds, explained Leevi Ernits, an organizer for the event. “We are trying to make an attempt to remind people that we are human, and we are connected with human values,” she said. “With very few words, poetry can express very deep values.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Grumbling Gryphons’ set to celebrate 45th anniversary with gala and summer theater camp

Celebrating its 45th year, the Grumbling Gryphons will perform at HVRHS Friday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m.

Photo provided

The Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children’s Theater is preparing to celebrate its 45th year — not with fanfare, but with feathers, fabric, myth, chant, and a gala finale bursting with young performers and seasoned artists alike.

The Gryphons’ 2025 Summer Theater Arts Camp begins July 28 and culminates in a one-night-only performance gala at Housatonic Valley Regional High School on Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. Founder, playwright, and artistic director, Leslie Elias has been weaving together the worlds of myth, movement and theater for decades.

Keep ReadingShow less
Learning calligraphy by hand

Attendees practive brushstrokes led by calligraphy teacher Debby Reelitz.

Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

Calligrapher Debby Reelitz came to the David M. Hunt Library to give a group of adults and children an introduction to modern calligraphy Thursday, July 17.

Reelitz said she was introduced to calligraphy as a youngster and has been a professional calligrapher and teacher for more than 25 years.

Keep ReadingShow less