FFA Open House

FALLS VILLAGE — A crowd of some 800 people turned out Wednesday and Thursday, May 18 and 19, for the Agricultural Science and Technology Open House at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. On Thursday morning, seniors Arielle Betti of Cornwall and Alyssa Haddon of Falls Village were working with a very patient cow named Georgia, a 3-year-old Holstein from Laurel Brook Farm in East Canaan.Georgia needed steady nerves for the onslaught of small, amateur fingers grasping her nether milking-type regions.Arielle said Georgia is an even-tempered animal and looks forward to the trip to the high school.“She was waiting at the gate for me.”Georgia was feeling a little playful as well. When Arielle was stroking her nose, Georgia craned forward, as if wishing to nuzzle, and then burped.“Aaaagh,” said Arielle. “Ewww,” said Alyssa.The girls took turns showing groups of elementary school kids how to grasp the cow.Elsewhere, agricultural education teacher Mark Burdick enthralled a group of youngsters from Sharon Center School with the high school robotics teams Who’sCTEKS robot. Junior Keila Zipkin of North Canaan guided another group of children through the plant rooms and into the trailer for a hayride piloted by Dalton Jacquier of East Canaan.New Housatonic Valley Regional High School Assistant Principal Ian Strever, at his first such event, said he was surprised and pleased at the turnout. “It’s amazing to me, to get so many parents and people from the community here.”Agricultural education teacher Karen Davenport pegged the Wednesday night crowd at 800, and added that there were 115 judges for the almost 200 demonstrations and exhibits.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less