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

HYSB Falcon 5K benefit draws 100-plus runners

LAKEVILLE — The inaugural Falcon 5K at Indian Mountain School took place on Saturday, Oct. 22, to support the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. Over 100 runners set off on the hilly trails behind IMS on what proved to be a challenging course for runners.

“We couldn’t ask for a better day for this,” said Matt Andrulis-Mette, HYSB board member and unofficial race director.

Competitors in the race included students, faculty, area running enthusiasts and members of the Run 169 Towns Society, a group of runners who aspire to run a race in every town in the state of Connecticut.

Due to confusion over the official start time, the event occurred across two heats. The first group of runners set out at 9 a.m., the second at 10 a.m.

After both heats, the fastest time belonged to Kramer Peterson, cross-country coach at The Forman School in Litchfield.

“These were some of the hardest hills I’ve seen,” said Peterson.

Peterson crossed the finish line with a time of 21:25, more than 2 minutes faster than runner-up Leo Lussier’s time of 23:50. In third place, with a time of 23:52, was IMS student Miki Barrant.

In addition to the 5K, there were two fun-runs for youth competitors: a 100-meter dash and a 1-mile race. Both fun-runs were won by 11-year-old Finn Wallach.

“This is my first time racing,” said Finn. “Next year I’m doing the 3-mile race.”

The 1-mile race came down to a photo finish between Finn and older brother Jack Wallach, 12.

“He blocked me,” said Jack. “I didn’t know that wasn’t allowed,” said Finn.

Runners set off from the starting line of the inaugural Falcon 5K at Indian Mountain School on Saturday, Oct. 22. The race included more than 100 runners and benefited the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. Photo by Riley Klein

A photo finish for the winner of the 1-mile fun-run between brothers Finn Wallach (red), the winner, and Jack Wallach (blue) during the Falcon 5K. Photo by Riley Klein

Runners set off from the starting line of the inaugural Falcon 5K at Indian Mountain School on Saturday, Oct. 22. The race included more than 100 runners and benefited the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau. Photo by Riley Klein
Related Articles Around the Web
Riley Klein

Latest News

Fall Photo Contest

Fall Photo Contest

Roy Wildlife Management Area, Sharon CT

Patrick Stachniak

Fall in our region is quickly becoming one of the best times of the year. Everyone is still riding the high of a summer full of activities, but now, instead of lemonade and ice cream, we’re indulging in pumpkin spice and apple crumble.

Even better than the seasonal treats, fall festivities and no mosquitos is the beautiful scenery that transforms our backyards, commutes and evening walks.

Keep ReadingShow less

Lelah M. Somers

Lelah M. Somers

DOVER PLAINS — Lelah M. Somers, 97, a longtime Dover Plains, New York, resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, New York. Lelah was born on July 3, 1929, in Pawling, New York, to the late Byron and Lelah (Watts) Brill. Lelah grew up in Pawling and on Nov. 22, 1946, in Pleasant Valley, New York, she married James F. Somers, Sr. Mr. Somers passed away on Sept. 3, 1970. Lelah worked for New York State as a therapy aide for thirty-years and as a senior companion for New York State for thirty-two-years, with specific care provided to the mentally disabled.

She enjoyed taking care of the mentally disabled, was a wonderful mother to her four children, always putting her family first. She is survived by her son, James F. Somers, Jr. and his wife Donna of Dover Plains; two daughters, Doreen Monica of Wingdale, and Frances “Fran” Horton of Dover Plains, who was also her caregiver for many years; seven grandchildren, Debbie, Margie, Leah, Stephanie, Deirdra, Benji and Jimmy and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and her step-son, Kenny Elliott. In addition to her parents and husband, Lelah was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol “DeeDee” Maile and Gil Maile, her son-in-law, Stephen Monica, and her son-in-law, Benny Horton as well as her companion of over forty-years, Andrew “Mac” McAlravey and her siblings, Ferris Brill, Eleanor Barryann, Richard Brill, William Brill and Barney Brill.

Keep ReadingShow less

The art of getting into art school

The art of getting into art school

Hudson Valley Regional Portfolio Day returns to Poughkeepsie.

Provided

For a young artist considering college, the question isn’t simply whether the work is good enough. It’s which work to show, which school might be the right fit and even whether a creative life can lead to a sustainable career.

On Friday, Oct. 16, hundreds of aspiring artists will have the opportunity to explore those questions at Hudson Valley Regional Portfolio Day, presented by The Art Effect at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie.

Keep ReadingShow less
education
google preferred source

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

A colorful life together at Atelier Valla

A colorful life together at Atelier Valla

Textile designer Justine Valla sits in her father’s chair, which she painted, alongside her husband, illustrator and muralist Victor Valla, in their Atelier Valla studio.

L. Tomaino
I lost the ability to paint after the accident. I struggled to paint again.
— Justine Valla

Husband and wife Victor and Justine Valla share a lavender and pink studio, Atelier Valla, across the driveway from their pink house, nestled into a hillside in Salisbury. The colors, said Justine, “were inspired by Monet’s house at Giverny.”

Creating art has been a lifelong pursuit for both.

Keep ReadingShow less
our community

David Ruchman’s “Acquired Taste”

David Ruchman’s “Acquired Taste”

Filmmaker David Ruchman

Bleacher and Everard Photography

In a region known for its vibrant but geographically scattered arts community, discovering something new can require a little effort. The same might be said for finding a new place for an extraordinary meal. While the Northwest Corner, Berkshires and Hudson Valley have no shortage of creative talent, opportunities to experience it — whether on a stage, in a gallery or on a plate — aren’t always just around the corner.

In David Ruchman’s short film “Acquired Taste,” that challenge becomes the premise for an unlikely friendship between Nick, an aspiring young food critic living in an area with limited dining options, and a gruff New York City master chef.

Keep ReadingShow less
film

Follow the Clay Way for ceramic delights

Follow the Clay Way for ceramic delights

Jane Herold’s beautifully simple dinnerware.

Provided

As the leaves across Litchfield and Dutchess counties rush to make it to the ground, your last chance to peep autumn is fast approaching. On Oct.17 and 18, the 10th annual Clay Way offers peepers a route to follow lined with unique art that rivals the area’s natural beauty.

The two-day event is a ceramics-focused open studio tour through northwestern Connecticut, with a few studios peppered in just over the border in Dutchess County. Featuring nine open studios and 25 participating artists, the tour promises a wide variety of work, from decorative objects to grand vessels and a whole world in between.

Keep ReadingShow less
open-studio
google preferred source

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