
Russell Russ, Weather Observer of Record at Norfolk 2SW in new location.
Photo by Jennifer Almquist
Russell Russ, Weather Observer of Record at Norfolk 2SW in new location.
NORFOLK — The Icebox of Connecticut is the rather whimsical nickname of Norfolk, yet it is rooted in the fact that it is often the coldest town in the state.
In 1956, the record shows it snowed 175 inches in one winter in Norfolk. For the past 92 years, a daily record has been kept of the temperature, precipitation, and the water content of the snow on the ground at Great Mountain Forest (GMF), the 6,000-acre conservation area and woodland habitat that straddles Norfolk and Falls Village.
The official name of the weather station is Norfolk 2SW, because the station is 2 miles southwest of the Post Office in Norfolk. At 1,400 feet, GMF is one of the highest National Weather Service (NWS) station elevations in Connecticut.
The week of Thanksgiving, after nearly a century of steady weather reporting, Norfolk 2SW has officially been relocated by the NWS from its original location in Norfolk to a more prominent and accessible location at the working headquarters of GMF in front of the forestry office. This month, a three-man crew under the direction of Deanna Marks, lead NWS representative for this region, arrived from the Albany, New York, office. With the help of GMF staff, excavators and tractors, they dug new holes, trenches for coaxial cables, and placed the array of measuring instruments within a split-rail fence.
According to Russell Russ, weather observer of record at Norfolk 2SW: “The idea of the relocation came from me. The idea was to consolidate it at the GMF forestry office area where it could continue for many years, no matter what happens to the private land it was on. The original location was on private land owned by the Childs family. My request for the move had to be thoroughly reviewed by the NWS, and they approved it. When I asked the NWS people how many stations they have moved, they said that relocations are rare. Only one had done a relocation and that was 20 years ago.
“NWS really likes the Norfolk station — for its location, for its long and unbroken length of time of observing, for the station’s meticulous record keeping for nearly 100 years, and for the exceptional care of the station and equipment that all observers have done here over the years. “
Once a family-owned forest, GMF is one of the oldest conservation areas in the country. In 1909, Frederic C. Walcott, U.S. Senator from Connecticut, and his Yale roommate Starling Childs initially purchased 400 acres around Tobey Pond that had been laid bare by the charcoal industry in the early 1800s. Childs and Walcott began restoring and conserving the land, planting native species, eventually amassing thousands of acres of forestland that became GMF.
GMF is a “working forest,” which means it is “actively managed to generate revenue from multiple sources, including sustainably produced timber and other ecosystems services,” according to the definition established by the World Resources Institute.
In 2021 GMF gained membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), whose mission is to assess the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
The Childs family legacy continued as Edward “Ted” Coffin Childs grew into his father’s role and began managing the forest. His interest in the weather began as a boy. Ted credited his love of weather to his boyhood in New York City where, he claimed, “You could tell the temperature in New York by the squeaking of the milk wagons.”
Recording the weather became part of his master’s thesis at the Yale Forest School (its original name) in 1932. Ted began his official daily observations of Norfolk weather at his home on Windrow Road on Jan. 1, 1932, and GMF became a volunteer NWS Cooperative Weather Observer Station, one of 165 in Connecticut. He and his wife, Elisabeth Calder Childs, raised their four children at GMF.
Since 2003, forester Russell M. Russ, property manager of GMF, has been the daily weather observer of record for the Norfolk 2SW. Each morning without fail, he treks up the mountain to read the data, recorded by precision instruments, of the previous 24 hours of weather, including high and low temperatures and precipitation. The discipline of his work comes from the example set by his father, Darrell Russ, who worked as a forester at GMF for 50 years, and was a longtime weather observer at Norfolk 2SW, one of a small group that garnered some of the highest honors given to private citizens by the NWS.
In 1992 Ted Childs received the Helmut E. Landsberg award for his 60 years of weather-observing service, as well as the Thomas Jefferson Award from the NWS for outstanding achievements in the field of meteorological observations. Paul K. Barten, an assistant professor at what is now called the Yale School of the Environment said: “Childs’ data is one of the most complete and precise meteorological records in this part of the world. It will add an unparalleled opportunity to study the long-term effects of climate on hydrologic processes.”
In 2002, Darrell Russ was given the Edward H. Stoll Award for his 50 years of weather observation. His son Russell observed that, “Weather observation is critically tied to forestry and tree growth. It enhances research studies of insects, trees, plants, animals, fish, disease, and maple syrup production.”
Recently there has been a flurry of interest from researchers in the data from Norfolk 2SW, as it is a rare bellwether for scientists studying climate change. Over time, subtle variations begin to show up as patterns indicating change. Russ explained that “The forest area hasn’t changed in the past 100 years, reducing the effect that a changing landscape has on temperature. Our conditions have remained constant, and that makes GMF attractive to researchers and others who use our weather data.”
Russ shaded his eyes against the beams of light from the sun setting beyond the pine woods, saying: “My feelings of honor and duty are mostly due to Ted and my father [Darrell] and continuing their hard work and dedication — much more of a reason for me than doing it for the NWS or GMF. Those two men watching from above help get me there at 8 every single day.”
NORTH CANAAN — In an effort to improve pedestrian safety, accessible crosswalk landings and flashing beacons are coming to Railroad Street (Route 7).
Connecticut Department of Transportation Engineering Administrator Mark Carlino informed North Canaan Town Hall of the plans April 22.
In a letter to First Selectman Brian Ohler, Carlino stated a project is being initiated to install two rectangular rapid flashing beacons and ADA compliant sidewalk ramps at the mid-block crosswalk on Railroad Street.
The crosswalk in question is between Olde School Deli and Industry Kitchen & Bar. At present, the crosswalk abuts a tall curb.
Improvements were initially proposed when Ohler, Carlino, CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and State Senator Stephen Harding, R-30, toured the location April 4.
Beginning in the next two months, North Canaan will coordinate with state traffic engineering staff to plan the project.
CTDOT will be completing the work “and providing the funding themselves,” Ohler explained.
FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School varsity baseball won big at home Wednesday, April 16, with a 15-3 win against Terryville High School.
Housatonic performed well on both sides of the ball. Offensively, HVRHS batters combined for 12 RBIs and seven stolen bases.
Defensively, the Mountaineers played a bullpen game and swapped pitchers at the top of each inning. Together. Wes Allyn, Carson Riva, Chris Race, Anthony Foley and Dan Moran threw seven strikeouts to win by mercy rule after five innings.
Anthony Foley logged 2 RBIs against Terryville April 16.Photo by Riley Klein
The game was played during spring break, resulting in limited rosters for both teams. Several HVRHS players went on the school trip to Europe and were touring Siena, Italy at game time.
Conditions back home in Falls Village were chilly. The sun peaked through for a moment or two, but otherwise it was overcast and 46 degrees with high winds.
Allyn pitched the first inning and held Terryville scoreless. In the bottom for the first, Foley singled and Race got walked before Hunter Conklin brought them both home on a 2 RBI double.
Carson Riva threw two strikeouts when he pitched the second inning against Terryville.Photo by Riley Klein
Riva pitched the second inning and let up one run. Offensively, HVRHS loaded the bases early in the bottom of the second and scored four runs before the inning was out.
Race brought the heat in the third inning and put the Terryville batters out in order. HVRHS did not score in the bottom of the third and score remained 6-1.
Foley pitched the fourth inning and threw two strikeouts. A series of errors in the infield loaded the bases, but Foley got out of the inning letting up just one run. HVRHS added to the scoreboard in the bottom of the inning with nine more runs.
Moran stepped to the mound for the fifth inning. One run scored, but a strikeout and two putouts ended the game by mercy rule —up by 10 or more after five innings.
From left, Wes Allyn, Anthony Foley and Dan Moran each pitched one inning in the 15-3 win April 16.Photo by Riley Klein
Offensively, Chris Race led HVRHS with 4 RBIs. Hunter Conklin, Aidan Miller, Logan Labshere and Anthony Foley each had 2 RBIs.
For Terryville, Aiden Legassey led the team on offense with 1 RBI. Jack Rioux batted 2-for-2 and Ethan Bilodeau hit 2-for-3.
Housatonic’s season record improved to 2-3 and Terryville moved to 1-3.
The Mountaineers play the next four games on the road before returning home May 1 at 4 p.m. for a non-league game against O’Brien Technical High School.
Hunter Conklin celebrates on second after hitting a 2 RBI double in the first inning.Photo by Riley Klein
Dancers from Pilobolus will perform at the NWCT Arts Council spring fundraiser on April 26 in Washington Depot, Conn.
On Saturday, April 26, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council will host a special evening, Arts Connected, their spring fundraiser celebrating the power of creativity and community. Held at the Bryan Memorial Town Hall in Washington Depot from 5 to 8 p.m., this event brings together artists, performers, and neighbors for a magical night filled with inspiration, connection and joy.
Award-winning designer and arts advocate Diane von Furstenberg and her granddaughter Antonia Steinberg are honorary co-chairs of the event. Their shared love of the arts informs the spirit of the evening.
Antonia Steinberg, above, President of Bucks Rock Camp in New Milford that she first attended as a camper when she was ten years old. Antonia is co-chair, with her grandmother Diane Von Furstenberg of the NWCT Arts Council fundraiser.Provided
“As someone whose life was profoundly shaped by the arts — as a child at Buck’s Rock and now as President of its Board — I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of the arts; how creative spaces can empower young people, build community, and nurture well-rounded problem solvers. That’s why I’m so honored to co-host the Northwest CT Arts Council Gala. Their work in supporting artists and cultural organizations across Connecticut is essential,” said Steinberg.
Von Furstenberg’s influence in fashion and culture, and Steinberg’s leadership at Buck’s Rock reflect the intergenerational impact of the arts,” said NWCT Arts Council board president Sunday Fisher. “Their participation underscores the power of creative expression as a defining force in our community.” Steinberg is the president of Buck’s Rock Camp, a non-profit performing and creative arts camp in New Milford that she first attended as a 10-year-old camper.
Diane Von Furstenberg, co-chair of NWCT Arts Council fundraiser.Provided
Steph Burr, executive director at NWCT Arts Council, added, “Events like Arts Connected are at the heart of what we do — bringing people together, lifting up artists, and reminding us of the essential role creativity plays in our lives. The Council works year-round to ensure the arts not only survive but thrive across our region.”
NWCT Arts Council is a nonprofit that serves as advocates for the arts. Through regranting efforts, public art support, legislative advocacy, and their regional events calendar, they work to ensure the arts are accessible and celebrated in every corner of their 25-town service area.
Burr continued, “The arts in Northwest Connecticut are vibrant, evolving, and deeply rooted in community. There’s a quiet but powerful creative pulse running through these hills — one that reflects the resilience, diversity, and passion of the people who call this region home. Over the past few years, artists and cultural organizations have navigated challenges with heart and determination, despite ongoing funding volatility. Through our advocacy and collaborative programming, we ensure the arts remain essential and accessible in our community.”
Highlights of the April 26 fundraiser include performances by Pilobolus, Sherman Chamber Ensemble, Ysanne Marshall & the Lotus Blues, hand pan musician Jeremy Driscoll, and a curated art exhibition, NW25 Gallery, featuring local artists. Sponsors Litchfield Distillery, Kent Falls Brewing Company, and Executive Cuisine catering will provide the food and drink.
Ticket prices are $125, open to guests 21 and older, available online at givebutter.com/artsconnected.For more information or to ask about sponsorship opportunities, email Katherine Pelletier at katherine@artsnwct.org or visit givebutter.com/artsconnectedsponsorship.
Arts Connected is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors; Antonia Steinberg is sponsoring all the artists for the event and Valiant Energy and Torrington Savings Bank are presenting the event.Additional sponsors include William Raveis Lifestyle Realty, Litchfield Magazine, Housatonic Heritage, Art Bank 7, Harney & Sons Teas, Aquarion Water, The Lost Fox Inn, George Home, NKYV Rituals, and Litchfield Distillery.
Lily Al-Nemri, founder and owner, and artistic director and painter Rudy Vavra at Tyte medispa and gallery in Millbrook.
The painter Rudy Vavra once created floor collages in Texas. You could, in theory, lie on them. Now, years later and much farther north, his work graces the walls of a medispa in Millbrook, New York where he also serves as the artistic director. You can still lie down, just not on the art. Instead, you might be undergoing an EmFace non-surgical facelift while surrounded by twenty-two of Vavra’s paintings.
The space, Tyte Medispa in Millbrook, is equal parts gallery and treatment center, the brainchild of Lily Al-Nemri, a medical aesthetician and now gallery owner. She also owns the nail salon, Bryte, down the street on Franklin Avenue. A few years ago, feeling she was outgrowing that space, she looked to expand and, just a few blocks away, found this rather sprawling maze of rooms with the gallery that now inhabits the grand central ballroom. “This used to be a gym,” she said. “It was way more than I was looking for, but I went for it.”
Vavra, a self-professed “painter’s painter,” has spent decades layering pigment in his barn-turned-studio in Milan, New York. “I find paintings as much as I make them,” he mused. “Some happen quickly, others are slow.” Of this latest collection, he said, “Some people call them busy. I think they’re slow.” His marks accumulate with a kind of devotional persistence, like petals left at a shrine. “A while ago, I saw a photographic image of a shrine,” Vavra said. “I don’t know if it was a Buddhist shrine or what, but there were colors on the ground all around it, and I realized they were the stains of flowers left in the worship. That’s very similar to the way I paint.”
The collection of paintings on view at Tyte — some as large as a shrine — are meditations on color, inviting the viewer to slow down. Or speed up. Whether viewers are activated or soothed by the images is neither Vavra’s intention nor within his control. Still, he said that watching people interact with the work has been a real treat. “Now that I have my paintings here, I get to see them all together,” he said. “It’s only when they’re all together that I see how they talk to each other. It’s interesting to see people come in and go to have a treatment and come out. It’s a very interesting connection.”
And what is the connection? What could be a disjointed pairing — aesthetics and aesthetic medicine — has become, improbably, a perfectly logical continuum. “They’re related in a sense,” Vavra said.
Aly Morrissey
Al-Nemri, a former radiologist who taught for over a decade at Westchester Community College, is no stranger to layering, precision, or the quiet rigor of care. Her incredible menu of services — Botox, body contouring, pelvic floor therapies — are the cutting edge of the industry. Of Vavra, Al-Nemri said, “I fell in love with his work, and we just hit it off.” It’s a kind of kismet that seems to hover over the place. Pilates mat classes take place twice a week in the main gallery space and both Al-Nemri and Vavra have loved watching clients pause, eyes caught by a stripe of cerulean or a vibrating cluster of brushstrokes. “Something will catch their eye,” said Vavra. “They’re looking for something in it.”
So, this gallery-meets-spa (or is it the other way around?) has plans. Vavra will be curating six shows a year. Laurie Adams’s photographs will be hung in June, a group show of local artists will share the space in July and August, and a Fall show will feature twenty women artists, which Vavra is eager to anchor with a piece by Judy Pfaff. “There’s nothing like this on this side of the county,” he said of the light drenched space. “It’s been a bit sleepier here. We want to wake it up.”
He means it kindly; sleep certainly has its place. But here in Millbrook, amid the low drone of machines designed to rejuvenate, something unexpected has emerged. Perhaps that’s what both Al-Nemri and Vavra are really after — not the quick fix or the final image, but the suspended moment, the long look. A face seen anew. A painting revealed slowly, in silence.
As for Vavra’s curatorial process? “I just unpack the paintings, lean them against the wall, and look,” he said. “Eighty percent of the time, they’re already where they’re supposed to be.”