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).

Latest News

Developers withdraw application to expand Wake Robin Inn

Wake Robin Inn is located on Sharon Road in Lakeville.

Photo by John Coston

LAKEVILLE — Aradev LLC has withdrawn its application to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a special permit to redevelop the Wake Robin Inn.

In a letter submitted to P&Z Chair Michael Klemens on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 17, law outfit Mackey, Butts & Whalen LLP announced its client’s withdrawal.

Keep ReadingShow less
North Canaan antique mall fills resale niche

The 403 Group is located at 403 Ashley Falls Road, where the old This N’ That for Habitat used to be.

Photo by Robin Roraback

NORTH CANAAN — The 403 Group Antique Market is “A hidden secret, a little off the beaten path, but worth the drive,” said Carey Field, who has a booth called “Wild Turkey” there.

“It’s a really fun group of dealers,” Field said. “A really eclectic group of antiques and the prices are reasonable.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Shooting the breeze with Christopher Little

Martin Tandler

Little with his dog, Ruby.

"What I really feel lucky about is having had the chance to meet and photograph so many people who had a real impact on our lives,” said Christopher Little whose new memoir, “Shooting the Breeze: Memories of a Photojournalist” was just released. The book is as eclectic and colorful as the man himself and offers an intimate look into Little’s globe-trotting career spent behind the lens, capturing some of the most iconic figures, events, and human stories of the past half-century.

In 2021, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas acquired Little’s photographic archive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cold Spring, a not-so-hidden Hudson Valley gem

“Cold Spring, NY” depicts life in a notable Hudson River town with a rich history and much natural beauty.

Krista A. Briggs

According to Alissa Malnati, co-creator of the new coffee table tome, “Cold Spring, NY”, after twenty-five years in the urban jungle, it was time to go in search of a cure for the angst which, for some, can come with metropolitan living. “My husband and I were soul sick,” explained Malnati of the couple’s move to Cold Spring, a Hudson River town located in leafy Putnam County. “We were seeking restoration and quiet, and to be in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

The time was right for a move in 2021. The Malnatis relocated from busy Brooklyn to a tranquil mountaintop abode which allowed them to decompress without the intrusion of cell phones and ceaseless city noise. With the shift to the Hudson Valley, Alissa, a writer and fashion executive, and her husband, Will, a podcaster and television producer, found the peace they were searching for in Cold Spring, a semi-rural town known for its boutiques, antique shops, and world-class hiking trails.

Keep ReadingShow less