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Most of Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s senior football players caught up with The Lakeville Journal Thursday, Sept. 11. Back row from left, Cole Simonds, Owen Riemer and Wes Allyn. Front row from left, Cohen Cecchinato, Tyler Roberts, Hunter Conklin and Nick Crodelle. Not pictured is Logan Labshere, who was absent from school that day.
Riley Klein
FALLS VILLAGE — This football season, eight Housatonic Valley Regional High School seniors will play for the Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op team.
This class marks the first grade of HVRHS students to spend four years with the GNH team, which Housatonic joined in 2021.
The players got a taste of the postseason in their first two years, advancing into the state tournament in 2022 and 2023 before entering a rebuild year in 2024. This season, they’re ready to make a comeback.
Wes Allyn was named captain of the co-op team. At 6-foot 4-inches and 210 pounds, Allyn has proven himself a force on both sides of the ball as starting tight end and linebacker. He is being recruited by college programs in the region and said he was offered a roster spot at University of New England.
On being named captain, Allyn humbly said, “There’s a ton of seniors on the team that deserve captain just as much as I do... I just get to go out and do the coin toss.” When asked if he’ll choose heads or tails, he said, “[Coach] Big Sal said heads but I’m kind of a ‘tails never fails’ guy.”
Owen Riemer was the leading touchdown scorer on GNH last year, playing nearly every snap as either running back, wide receiver, defensive back, punter or kick returner. Riemer took a beating as the primary ball carrier and almost didn’t return this year for the sake of his body. But his love for the game and his teammates drew him back for one last ride.
“I just missed it, so I had to play,” said Riemer after rejoining the team before the first game of the regular season.
Nick Crodelle is listed at quarterback this year. Crodelle played some snaps as back-up QB last season and said the GNH offense is ready to take on Naugatuck Valley League competition. Crodelle is also listed as a defensive back and running back.
“The offensive line is probably the best we’ve seen in the last couple years,” said Crodelle. “We’re running ‘full house’ this year, so a lot of backs in the backfield.”
Tyler Roberts and Cole Simonds will be two of those backs in the backfield, and they both expect to play on both sides of the ball as defensive corner and safety respectively. Simonds started at safety most of last season. Roberts made impactful plays last year, including a late fourth quarter onside kick-off recovery against rival Torrington High School under the lights with a packed crowd.
Looking ahead, Roberts said, “I just want to make the most of it as my last year. I haven’t really been a big contributor and I want to contribute more.”
Hunter Conklin, Logan Labshere and Cohen Cecchinato are three of GNH’s senior linemen. Coach Scott Salius said this summer the linemen are the most important component of a varsity team and he has high hopes for the big men up front.
Conklin said the experience and athleticism of the line will help on both offense and defense.
“Being big and strong is just as important as being fast,” Conklin said.
“As long as they stay disciplined, that’s the most important thing,” added Riemer.
GNH began the regular season with a non-league game at Plainville High School Friday, Sept. 12.
NVL competition begins at Woodland Regional High School Friday, Sept. 19.
GNH’s home opener is scheduled against Derby High School Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m. at Gilbert School’s Van Why Field.
“Hopefully we win,” said Conklin. “And make memories with the guys that I’ll think about for the rest of my life.”
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Author Thomas E. Weber, left, was in conversation with John Coston at Scoville Memorial Library Sunday, Sept. 7, to discuss the changing field of meteorology.
Patrick L. Sullivan
SALISBURY— Technological advances make it possible for people to get more information about what’s happening with the weather. It’s up to those individuals what they do with it.
That was one takeaway from a discussion between Thomas E. Weber, author of “Cloud Warriors: Deadly Storms, Climate Chaos—and the Pioneers Creating a Revolution in Weather Forecasting” and his former colleague at The Wall Street Journal (and current editor of The Lakeville Journal) John Coston at the Scoville Memorial Library Sunday, Sept. 7.
Coston asked about the personal safety aspect of weather forecasting.
Weber said when he started the book he expected to get a lot of material about computer models.
But he soon met a social scientist from the University of Oklahoma who was interested in why people keep getting killed in natural disasters when the warnings keep getting better.
“It’s about how people process warnings,” Weber said, noting that the library talk was originally scheduled in August but postponed because of flash flood warnings.
Weber, who lives in New York City but was at his second home in Columbia County, New York, said that on Saturday, Sept. 6, he started getting ominous weather reports, including a tornado warning.
“Here we go again,” he said. “Every time I go near this library…”
Coston asked about advances in forecasting, with time frames expanded from a few days to a few years.
“We are getting much better information,” Weber replied, with longer time scales that make it possible to advise about the possibility of drought, for instance.
“We’re starting to see that information change lives, especially in developing countries.” Better information allows for relief supplies to be brought into affected areas in advance, not after the “bad thing” happens.
Closer to home, Weber was enthusiastic about his home weather station, a device called a Tempest.
“It’s not the fancy one,” he added.
But it’s advanced enough to detect lighting when it is still 30 miles away.
So on Saturday, Sept. 6, he was at his Columbia County home watching the storm getting closer, until he could see it with his eyes.
“It gives us a little extra awareness.”
Such devices are also connected to the internet, and data from them is added to the overall flow of information. “All of this local data feeds into forecasting.”
He also advised buying a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio, which is not dependent on the internet at all and provides constant updates and warnings from the national Weather Service.
Weber said that the danger of unusual or extreme heat needs to be more widely understood.
“A day or two of unusually high temperatures causes tremendous stress on the human body,” he said.
People who take common medications for conditions such as high blood pressure should be aware of the dangers of heat and dehydration.
He said the common measures of heat — the projected daily high temperature and the “heat index” — are now joined by measurements taken with a device called a wet bulb globe thermometer, which factors in not just temperature and humidity but the effect of direct sunlight.
He said that school administrators are starting to set limits on high school sports practices, for example, using the wet bulb globe thermometer readings.
Weber spent considerable time discussing “optimism bias,” which gets back to the question of how people react to warnings.
He said people often get used to emergency sirens, with a common observation being “that thing goes off all the time and nothing bad happens.”
“A siren is a pretty blunt instrument,” he said. The siren covers a large area and doesn’t offer any information other than there is a potential problem.
But there is more information about weather conditions than ever — and more ways to get it.
Weber said he was introduced to a phone app called “Radarscope” by stormchasers, who swore by it.
“Never have we had more direct access to information.”
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FALLS VILLAGE — Four agenda items passed unanimously at a town meeting Thursday, Sept. 11.
They were:
Rescinding an ordinance concerning trailers, trailer camps or trailer parks and mobile home parks as the Planning and Zoning Commission has adopted regulations regarding trailers.
An appropriation of up to $9,000 from the 107/108 Main St. Reserve Account for the purpose of installing closed circuit television cameras to monitor the State of Connecticut official ballot drop box (as required by state law) and an additional two cameras to enhance security at the Town Hall.
An appropriation of up to $180,000 from the Truck Reserve Account for the purpose of purchasing two trucks (to replace two trucks) for the Department of Public Works.
The transfer of the end of year surplus (fiscal year 2024/25, $8,253.90) of the Road Maintenance Account
to line items within the FY 24/25 budget that ended FY 24/25 with a deficit.
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Classifieds - September 18, 2025
Sep 17, 2025
Help Wanted
CARE GIVER WANTED: Fulltime, Live-in, Private apartment. Sharon. 407-620-7777.
Experienced Horse Equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-364-0603.
GARDENER wanted: Large vegetable garden, herb garden, decorative planted beds. Start this fall to prepare for next year. Pine Plains, NY area, private home. References requested. Contact at pineplainsgardener@gmail.com.
Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-364-0603.
Part Time Retail Help Wanted: Visionary Computer seeks a kind, patient, empathetic person to help us deliver excellence in customer service and sales. Email preferred, info@visionarycomputer.net or call 860-435-2211.
Local construction company seeking: a part-time billing/office assistant for 15-20 hours/week to assist with billing and administrative tasks. Must be available to work in-person in Lakeville, CT during typical business hours. Requirements include proficiency in Microsoft Excel & Word and strong computer literacy. Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented candidates encouraged to apply. To apply, please email your resume to skylarmrem@gmail.com or call 860-435-9710.
Northwest Community Bank, Branch Manager: Responsible for generating business & deepening customer relationships, providing excellent customer service, identifying cross training opportunities and personal development. Responsible to adhere to policies, procedures, and ensure operational soundness. Must maintain a civic leadership role in the Lakeville community. Strong communication, sales, and supervisory skills. Previous management experience required. Competitive wages and incentive programs. Please see full job description on our website and apply at www.nwcommunitybank.com. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.
Small landscaping company looking for help: Experience with zero turn mower and weed whipping preferred. Willing to train. Pay to go with experience. (860)639-4764.
The North East Community Center: is hiring a Social Care Network Senior Assistant. This role supports the organization’s engagement with Hudson Valley Care Coalition Social Care Network (HVSCN), including screening and referral of clients and case support as needed. Bachelor’s degree in social work or related area and two years similar experience OR four years relevant experience. Spanish speaking required. $28.57/hr, 35 hrs/week. For a full position description, visit www.neccmillerton.org/employment.
Town of Amenia is seeking applications for Dog Control Officer: Candidate must possess a valid New York State driver license. Salary $10,500 annual. Experience preferred. Letter of Interest may be submitted via email todmklingner@ameniany.gov or by mail to Town Clerk, 4988 Route 22, Amenia NY 12501. Application deadline: October 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm.
Town of Amenia is seeking applications for Part-Time Clerk: for Planning and Zoning Department Candidates must possess high school equivalency diploma. Salary $19/hour, up to 20 hours a week. Letter of Interest may be submitted via email to dmklingner@ameniany.gov or by mail to Town Clerk, 4988 Route 22, Amenia NY 12501. Application deadline: October 2, 2025 at 2:00pm.
Town of Amenia is seeking applications for Building Inspector: We are seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Building Inspector to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for checking permit applications for compliance with zoning ordinances, investigating complaints and assist in prosecuting violations of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and zoning ordinances. Zoning will be a primary focus. NYS Certification as Building or Zoning Inspector is strongly preferred. Salary $43.25/hour, 32 hours a week. Letter of Interest may be submitted via email to dmklingner@ameniany.gov or by mail to Town Clerk, 4988 Route 22, Amenia NY 12501. Application deadline: October 2, 2025 at 2:00pm.
Services Offered
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
Got a chair that needs reweaving? Caning, Rush, Reed, or danish cording? I can do that! contact: Susannah Anderson in Norfolk. www.susannahandersonart.com/chair-care-seat-repair
Real Estate
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
Houses For Rent
North Canaan Home for Rent:$2,400/mo + utilities. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2-car garage with attached workshop, sunny deck, and a large yard. For more info, please contact Brierley Lloyd Hannan at William Pitt Sotheby’s Int. Realty - blloydhannan@williampitt.com.
Tag Sales
Lakeville, CT
YARD SALE: Fri.-Sat., Sept 19-20, 10am-3pm. 448 Salmon Kill Rd., Lakeville. Antique country cupboard, mirrors, tons o’ vintage, useful to unusual. And no baby clothes or exercise equipment!
Sharon, CT
Antique furniture, vintage sale: household items, desks, clothes, books, plants, toys, and much more! Sat. 9/20 & Sun. 9/21. 10-4 pm. 116 Amenia Rd, Sharon, just past Sharon Playhouse.
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