FALLS VILLAGE — The National FFA Organization is developing the next generation of leaders.
Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. It’s a time to share what FFA is and the impact it has on members every day.
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA helps members discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success.
A combined 850,823 students from throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have chosen to be a part of FFA. Of those members,116 are from our chapter. Each year these numbers grow as more young people become a part of the organization. FFA was chartered in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America.
The organization changed its name from the Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization. The name changed because FFA is not only for future farmers, but it is for any and all students despite what their plans are for the future. It is an organization that provides countless opportunities and develops leadership skills that can carry over to all careers.
Housatonic Valley FFA (HVFFA) members are involved in local, statewide and national events throughout the year. This past summer, students attended the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC), the Sound School chapter exchange, and the Alumni Picnic hosted at Laurelbrook Farm. While at WLC, students spent the week with fellow FFA members from all over the U.S. to develop leadership skills and ways to help their community.
This summer, HVFFA partnered with the Sound School in New Haven for a chapter exchange program. Members from our chapter were invited on a deep fishing excursion, and in exchange, we gave their chapter members a tour of agriculture in our part of the state. The Housatonic Valley FFA Alumni Association sponsors both of these summer activities.
HVFFA also has many activities and events throughout the school year to help members learn and grow. Students prepare for and compete in numerous state competitions called Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs). This past November, the Ag Communications team (Anne Moran, Simon Markow, Hannah Johnson and Chris Crane) and Creed speaker (Riley Mahaffey) competed at the National FFA Convention representing Connecticut.
In addition, students attend IMAGE, COLT, JLC, State FFA Convention, and the National FFA Convention. We give back to our community by helping with the Falls Village Car Show, volunteering at the Big E and the Goshen Fair, and sponsoring a rabies clinic over the summer.
HVFFA chapter members are looking forward to spring competitions, conferences and our annual ag open house. We appreciate all the ways that the community supports our program.
Lauren Sorrell is a student reporter at HVRHS and a member of HVFFA.
Submitted
Melanie Rundall and Tyler Anderson worked at the FFA Holiday Store at HVRHS this past winter.
St. Paul's lone score came in the fourth quarter on an 80-yard scramble by RB Jack Dennehy.
GNH's Everett Rigby rushed for two touchdowns Nov. 28.Photo by Riley Klein
The Turkey Bowl marked the end of the season for both teams. St. Paul finished with a record of 2-8 and GNH ended at 3-7.
GNH Coach Scott Salius earned his 101st win with the team and wrapped up his 17th season.
It was about 39 degrees during the game with unrelenting precipitation Nov. 28.
Both teams struggled to hold on to the hard, wet ball, resulting in a combined five lost fumbles and two interceptions. About a dozen more botched snaps and hand offs were recovered by offense.
Fumbles were common in the cold, wet weather.Photo by Riley Klein
Wes Allyn, tight end for GNH, reported the field was "actually not that bad. There are spots that are slippery but for the most part it's not awful." The stadium announcer reported 400 in attendance, most of whom sought shelter beneath raincoats, umbrellas and tents.
To start the game, GNH's defense forced two consecutive turnovers in St. Paul's territory in the first quarter. Both resulted in rushing touchdowns: the first was a five-yard run from Owen Adams and the next was one-yard sneak by Owen Stimpson. GNH took a 12-0 lead.
Early in the second quarter, GNH's Owen Riemer rushed down the middle and powered through contact, dragging several St. Paul defenders with him to the one-yard line. Everett Rigby finished the job with a one-yard touchdown. Riemer scored later in the quarter on a 19-yard run to give GNH a 24-0 lead at half time.
GNH's Owen Riemer ran in one touchdown and caught another Nov. 28.Photo by Riley Klein
Rigby added to GNH's total with another touchdown in the third quarter. He faked out the St. Paul defense with a reverse play for a nine-yard rush to the end zone.
GNH scored again in the fourth with a 28-yard passing touchdown to Esten Ryan, extending the lead to 36-0.
St. Paul responded on the next drive with an east-west scramble by RB Jack Dennehy that eventually found daylight and went the distance for an 80-yard touchdown. St. Paul connected on the two-point conversion and brought the score to 36-8.
GNH got the ball back with enough time for a drive. Owen Stimpson threw a screen to Owen Riemer, who sprinted 60 yards past the St. Paul defenders down the sideline and into the end zone. GNH scored the two-point conversion and ended the game 44-8.
St. Paul's jerseys didn't stay white for long.Photo by Riley Klein
The season finale marked the end of high school football for seven GNH seniors: Jeremiah Robles, Everett Rigby, Jackson Campbell, Leif Johnson, Owen Adams, Owens Stimpson and Nick Mambrino.
GNH's 22 juniors played considerable minutes this year and many were present for postseason runs in 2022 and 2023. The experienced roster will have its work cut out in the 2025 season as they look to return to tournament play in the Naugatuck Valley League.
Wes Allyn, no. 6, is among the 22 juniors expected to return for GNH in 2025.Photo by Riley Klein
Provided
Movie Posters is a comprehensive collection of movie poster art that spans decades. From silent masterpieces to the psychedelic imagery of the 1960s (like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars), this extraordinary collection (which comes with its own “suitcase”) will thrill both film lovers and anyone interested in advertising and design.
Provided
Stylish Living for Cool Climates covers a wide range of residences from across the globe. Illustrated with design examples for warm and cozy houses in wintery conditions. Beautifully illustrated and best enjoyed with a hot drink in front of a warm fireplace.
Provided
Come and see our incredible Great Wall of Pens, including high quality fountain pens from Kaweco, Lamy, and OHTO. Our ballpoints range in price from $2.25 to $20 with fountain pens reaching a higher price point to make a long-lasting and thoughtful gift.
Provided
A World of Flavor invites children to explore more than forty countries through the universal language of food. Accessible to all cooking skill levels, these mouth-watering recipes range from Vietnamese pho and Mexican salsa verde cruda, to Italian focaccia and Nigerian jollof rice. Perfect for young chefs and families who love to spend time in the kitchen together!
There are dozens of options at 100 Main, and the best way to proceed is to just wander around and take it all in. One thing’s for sure — you won’t have to worry about giving someone the same thing everyone else is giving.
Patrick L. Sullivan
We started with the least expensive items: Soaps from Hudson Naturals ($10). These come in scents such as “Woods” or “Lavender and Orange.” Just the thing to spring on someone who stubbornly insists on using whatever’s on sale that week at the supermarket.
Patrick L. Sullivan
McCarron steered the reporter to a noodle bowl from Daniel Bellow Pottery in Great Barrington, and a pillow with an Alice in Wonderland motif. McCarron said the stock at 100 Main consists of “things that are not found elsewhere.”
Patrick L. Sullivan
A British officer campaign chair caught the eye. Constructed of wood, leather and brass and sporting buckles, it’s also comfortable to sit in.
Patrick L. Sullivan
There is a display of jewelry made by Salisbury’s Adelaide Harris. McCarron, sensing the reporter’s complete ignorance of the subject, pointed out necklaces and earrings and a paper clip chain.
