Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Cool weather extends syrup season in Falls Village for Maple Fest

Cool weather extends syrup season in Falls Village for Maple Fest

Jody Bronson (standing) and Denny Jacobs discuss all things maple syrup at Maple Fest on Satuday, April 25.

Patrick L. Sullivan

FALLS VILLAGE — Maple syrupwas the primary focus on a chilly morning, Saturday, April 25, as sweet steam could be seen – and smelled – over the town green during the village’s annual Maple Fest.

Three of the town’s maple syrup operations were represented – Wangum Valley, run by Jody and Jean Bronson; Whiting Brook Farm, operated by the Jacobs family; and Acer Creek Farm, owned by the Gallagher family.

The prime spot to be was near the repurposed oil drum that Denny Jacobs converted into a propane-fueled maple syrup boiler. Using frozen syrup that was about half-finished and left over from the spring’s production, Jacobs had a small saucepan filled with sap handy in case the mixture needed topping up.

As he chatted with fellow syrup maker Jody Bronson – and whoever else wandered by – Jacobs kept a watchful eye on the thermometer in the boiling syrup.

This year, Whiting Brook Farm collected 1,700 gallons of sap and produced 35 gallons of syrup.

Conversation turned to how best to store the finished product before bottling. Bronson said plastic jugs can darken the syrup over time, while glass containers sometimes result in a lighter color. The best containers are made of tin, he said, which have the least impact, though they are no longer common in retail and must be sourced from wholesalers.

Northwest Passage played at Maple Fest in Falls Village Saturday, April 25. From left, Ed Thorney, Greg Reiss, Rachel Gall and Scott Cameron.Patrick L. Sullivan

At the Center on Main, Susan Scherf from the Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut, gave a presentation on how Native Americans used maple sap.

Rather than boiling it into syrup, Scherf said, they produced maple sugar, sometimes mixing it with dried corn for a low-bulk, high-energy snack. Maple sugar could also be used to make alcohol and vinegar.

She added that Native Americans often used containers made of fire-resistant birch bark to boil their sap, and there is archaeological evidence of using a moose hide for the same purpose.

Back on the Green, local band Northwest Passage began playing around 11 a.m., as visitors, many of whom had filled up on pancakes and waffles with real maple syrup at Off the Trail Café, lingered in the cool air.

The band consists of Ed Thorney (harmonica, vocals), Rachell Gall aka “The Falls Village Fiddler” on violin and vocals, Greg Reiss on guitar and lead vocals, and Scott Cameron on guitar.

Latest News

Sally Sterling Ellis Quale

Sally Sterling Ellis Quale

NORFOLK­ — Sally Sterling Ellis Quale, of Norfolk, Connecticut and St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Bronxville, New York, died unexpectedly of heart failure on July 7 at the age of 87.

Sally will be remembered for her deep commitment to her family and communities and for her warmth, kindness, intelligence, creativity …and, of course, for her beautiful smile and deliciously sweet sense of humor. She was a gentle leader, contributing her talents as a teacher, writer, musician, athlete and organizer.

Keep ReadingShow less

Dorothy McEnroe Casey

Dorothy McEnroe Casey

KENT­­ — Dorothy McEnroe Casey, 93, a longtime resident of Kent, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at New Milford Hospital in New Milford. Born on July 28, 1932 in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late Leo McEnroe, Sr. and Dorothy Belter McEnroe.

Mrs. Casey was a graduate of Amenia High School and a homemaker. On Dec. 1, 1951, at Immaculate Conception Church in Amenia, New York, she married John Finn Casey who died on April 17, 2006.

Keep ReadingShow less

Louise R. Black

Louise R. Black

MILLERTON — Louise R. Black, 86, born July 16, 1939, in Queens, New York, died on July 15, 2026, with her partner of 26 years, Mary Howard, by her side. She is also survived by her nephews David Black and Jason Black, and his wife, Kerri; and niece Tiffany Black and her husband, Shlomo Toledano.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina Women’s College and earning two master’s degrees, Louise taught physical education for 35 years at Scarsdale (NY) High School, chairing the department and serving as the first woman Athletic Director. An accomplished fencer, tennis player, and swimmer, Louise’s enduring fondness for sports included a love of the Brooklyn Dodgers, though she never quite recovered from their move to the West Coast.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Mary Simmons

Mary Simmons

MILLERTON — Mary Simmons, 96, a fifty‑six‑year resident of Millerton, New York, and formerly a lifelong native of College Point, Queens, New York, died peacefully on July 26, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Sharon, Connecticut. Mary devoted her life to her family; to know her was to love her.

Born July 15, 1930, in College Point, Queens, New York, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Sarah (Longo) Marano. On Oct. 26, 1952, in College Point, New York, she married Ray Daniel Simmons II. Their marriage lasted nearly sixty‑two years; Ray passed away on April 24, 2013. Mary was a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick’s and Immaculate Conception Churches, where she belonged to the Rosary Altar Society. For many years, she enjoyed spending winters in Florida with family and friends. Mary was famous for her Sunday macaroni dinners, which she lovingly prepared for her family and many dear friends throughout the years. All were welcomed, and it was always a packed house. Her greatest joy was spending time with her siblings, children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and her large extended family. She will be deeply missed by all.

Keep ReadingShow less

Margaret Anita Layton

Margaret Anita Layton

STANFORDVILLE —Margaret Anita Layton passed away on April 30, 2026, after a recurring battle with cancer, surrounded by friends and loved ones. She was predeceased by her parents, Anita and Jack Egan, brother John P. Egan, III, and nephew Michael Egan. She leaves behind a brother, numerous nieces and a nephew, as well as a community of chosen sisters who loved her very much.

Margaret was born in the Bronx, New York, and moved to Clinton Corners as a small child. Margaret spent her adult life in Stanfordville, where she owned Margaret A. Layton, E.A. Tax and Business Consulting. Margaret was a lover of all animals and an avid horse enthusiast with an active presence in the draft horse community. Midge lived out loud. Her vibrancy left a mark that will never be forgotten and will be sorely missed.

Keep ReadingShow less

Join us for

Join us for


Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.