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

Housatonic FFA introduces new officers at annual picnic

NORTH CANAAN —Housatonic Valley Regional High School FFA held the annual alumni summer picnic at the former Lindell’s Lumber building July 25.

The change of scenery gave the picnic a new touch to stay out of the weather. Community members, past and present FFA members, family, friends, and alumni who show continuous support and provide the ability for events such as the picnic were in attendance.

The picnic began with a potluck meal as the newly inducted officers read off the activity reports from the previous year. They provided information and incredible accomplishments to all who attended, sharing essential updates to the coming year’s program, such as the generosity of the late Katherine Gannett, who included the FFA chapter in her will.

The funds donated to the FFA program were acknowledged to the audience and will be set forth to the program. Cricket Jacquier spoke about the current agricultural issues and the incredible worth the FFA program provides its students.

The prior school years FFA officers: President Kara Franks (Kent), Vice President Kayla Jacquier (East Canaan), Secretary Riley Mahaffey (Amenia), Treasurer Brandt Bosio (Canaan), Reporter Lauren Sorrell (Canaan); Parliamentarian Tyler Anderson (Sharon), and Historian Taylor Christen (Kent), passed down their responsibilities to the incoming 2024-25 HVRHS FFA officers.

The new officers were then officially introduced: President Chris Crane, junior (Canaan), Vice President Riley Mahaffey, junior (Amenia); Secretary Hayden Bachman, sophomore (Falls Village), Treasurer Tyler Anderson, senior (Sharon), Reporter Hannah Johnson, junior (Canaan), Parliamentarian Lauren Sorrell, junior (Canaan), and Historian Alanna Tatro, sophomore (Canaan).

Kayla Jacquier

Latest News

Maureen A. Moore

Maureen A. Moore

Amenia — Maureen A. Moore, 79, a longtime resident of Amenia, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT. Maureen worked as a registered nurse at Taconic Developmental Disabilities Office in Wassaic, NY for 40 years retiring in 2008.

Born on August 12, 1947 in Poughkeepsie, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Quinlan and Jean (Martin) Quinlan. She was a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School Class of 1965 in Poughkeepsie, NY and Villanova University School of Nursing in Villanova, PA. On October 5, 1975 in Hyde Park, NY, she married Norman Moore who survives at home.

Keep ReadingShow less

Frederick Reel Jr.

Frederick Reel Jr.

CANAAN — Frederick Reel Jr., 89, passed away on Oct. 5, 2026.

Fred was born on April 22, 1937, in Canaan, Connecticut, to Augusta Bagnaschi and Frederick Reel. Following Augusta’s passing, Fred and his siblings were raised by their aunt, Dorothy Wilson.

Keep ReadingShow less

Gary V. Ackerman

Gary V. Ackerman

ANCRAMDALE — Gary V. Ackerman, Jr., 60, of 233 East Ancram Road, died Monday morning Oct. 5, 2026, at Sharon Hospital.He was the husband of Camille M. Mastropolo. Gary was born Aug. 16, 1966, in Poughkeepsie, New York, son of the late Gary V. and Betty Jane (Wilbur) Ackerman Sr.

Gary had last worked in the maintenance department of the Indian Mountain School in Lakeville. Prior to that he had worked in the same capacity at the Maplebrook School in Amenia, New York for 30 years. Gary enjoyed cars and target shooting, in his spare time, and was a member of the Ancram Land-Owners Association.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

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

Jam leaves Sharon, prepares for Salisbury opening

Jam leaves Sharon, prepares for Salisbury opening

Jam Food Shop’s future home at 19 Main St. in Salisbury. The shop ended service in Sharon on Oct. 3, but an opening date for the new location has yet to be set.

Patrick Stachniak

SALISBURY — Jam Food Shop has officially closed its Sharon location, with its much-anticipated standalone store still under renovation in Salisbury.

Jam Food Shop, previously operating out of the Sharon Farm Market, is in the middle of renovating its new location at 19 Main St. Construction crews are renovating the former Neo Restaurant and Bar space as locals await the deli’s opening.

Keep ReadingShow less
business

Dinner with the dog

Dinner with the dog
Georgie, enjoying a late-summer “pup cup” on the porch at Grassland Dessert Cafe in Lakeville.
Natalia Zukerman

Dog owners know the dilemma: You’re out for the day with your four-legged sidekick when hunger strikes. Fortunately, a number of area restaurants, cafés and breweries welcome dogs, mostly at outdoor tables. Policies and outdoor seating can change with the season, so calling ahead is always a good idea.

The White Hart and Provisions in Salisbury is particularly pet-friendly. The inn welcomes pets on request, and its front porch and sprawling lawn make inviting places to settle in with a canine companion. They even welcome well-behaved patrons — bipedal and quadruped alike — in the cozy dining area.

Keep ReadingShow less
pets

A day in the life of a rescue dog

A day in the life of a rescue dog

Marsala is eager to go home with you.

Jennifer Almquist

“It’s unbelievable that this sweet, loving boy hasn’t found his home yet,” said Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager of The Little Guild, whose mission is to rescue, love and heal homeless cats and dogs. She smiled at the small dog wagging his tail. “This is one of the most deserving dogs you could ever meet, with so much love to give.”

Marsala is an energetic, 1-year-old, 45-pound black Labrador mix waiting to be adopted. He arrived March 25 as a stray named “Chicken” from Toccoa, Georgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
pets
google preferred source

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