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

Nonprofit brings furry friends to David M. Hunt Library

Nonprofit brings furry friends to David M. Hunt Library

It was guinea pigs galore at the D. M. Hunt Library July 2 with Sheffield-based nonprofit Le Petit Ranch.

Patrick L. Sullivan

FALLS VILLAGE – About 18 children gathered around half a dozen guinea pigs at the David M. Hunt Library on Tuesday, June 30, as Marjorie Borreda and Katie Hamilton of Le Petit Ranch in Sheffield, Massachusetts, led an educational program. The nonprofit organization provides educational and community-based opportunities through animal-assisted activities.

The young children and their parents filled the children’s area as Borreda explained that the furry, cute critters are generally friendly with people and always appreciate a steady supply of treats in the form of lettuce and carrots.

Guinea pigs do not like a hubbub, however, so Borreda asked the children to lower their voices.

“Hush, hush” she said, motioning with her hands until the room was quiet. “The guinea pigs get very anxious when it’s noisy.”

The ratio of children to guinea pigs meant that each animal got to meet a group of three children. Following Borreda’s instructions, the children gently petted the guinea pigs before offering them bits of lettuce.

The animal enthusiasts then had an opportunity to build either a guinea pig house or a guinea pig maze. The houses, made from cardboard boxes, took a little longer to construct than the mazes, which involved setting up plastic walls and ramps on a cloth on the floor.

Once the children had constructed their maze, a guinea pig was introduced. With bits of lettuce and carrot to entice the animals, they soon navigated the mazes.

Borreda is the founder and program director of Le Petit Ranch, and Hamilton is a volunteer.

The organization provides animal-assisted activities, defined as “structured interactions with animals that promote comfort, connection, and overall well-being.”

Guided by trained handlers, each session ensures safe and meaningful engagement between people and animals.

Borreda said the organization also visits hospitals, schools, libraries, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers with guinea pigs, miniature horses, greyhounds and chickens.

community

Latest News

Join us for

Join us for


Keep ReadingShow less

Karina Powers and the power of tradition

Karina Powers and the power of tradition

Karina Powers teaches traditional dances from Mexico in Millbrook.

Lucia Iandolo
This is an art and the arts unite nations.
—Karina Powers

Karina Powers began dancing at 4 years old. A professional dancer, singer, performer and Mexican folklore dance professor from Baja California, Mexico, she is the youngest of three sisters who were all involved in the arts. Powers now teaches traditional Mexican dances to adults through her company, Compañía De Danza Folklórica Regional Mexicana, in Millbrook. She said she has a strong passion for the history and art that exist within the dances she teaches, and she hopes to instill that passion in her students.

“Many of them have never danced this type of dance,” said Powers. “They’re from Mexico, but they came to the United States at a young age to work. They have that dream to learn, and now they have this opportunity.”

Keep ReadingShow less
our community

Across generations at Litchfield Jazz Festival

Across generations at Litchfield Jazz Festival

Bucky Pizzarelli and Brandon Goldberg at the Litchfield Jazz Festival in 2017.

Lindsey Victoria Photography

The Litchfield Jazz Festival opens its 2026 season on Friday, July 24, at the Frederick Gunn School in Washington, Connecticut. The evening will feature a gala and a concert led by saxophonist Don Braden featuring the Litchfield Jazz Fest Dectet.

The festival began in 1996 and has been going strong ever since. The list of past performers reads like a who’s who of modern jazz greats, including Christian McBride, Soulive, Joshua Redman, Dave Douglas, Brad Mehldau and John Scofield, all of whom helped revive the genre for a new generation of fans at the turn of the millennium. Vocalists like Diana Krall, Dionne Warwick and Dr. John have made appearances as well. And, of course, the festival has been graced by established masters like saxophonists Sonny Rollins and Wayne Shorter; guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli; bassist Rufus Reid; drummers Roy Haynes and Tito Puente; the Preservation Hall Jazz Band; and pianists Dave Brubeck and local legend Ahmad Jamal.

Keep ReadingShow less
music festival
google preferred source

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

No grumbling here: Children’s theater camp returns

No grumbling here: Children’s theater camp returns

Danny Saed, assistant director of “Pinocchio”; his mother and co-founder of Grumbling Gryphons Leslie Elias; theater arts camper Joyce Sun; artist and counselor Natalie Resto; and Steven Sun, Joyce Sun’s father.

Jack Sheedy

Leslie Elias wants you to understand something about the group she calls Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children’s Theater: “I like to say that we try not to grumble.”

For 46 years, she has used the nonprofit to educate and entertain children in the performing arts. Summer after summer, young campers learn about acting, singing, mask-making, costume-making and scenery painting. This year, as in years past, a five-day theater arts camp will culminate in a live performance of one of Elias’ original plays, guaranteed, she hopes, to quell all grumbling.

Keep ReadingShow less
camps

Sea bass and shrimp gumbo

Sea bass and shrimp gumbo

Sea bass and shrimp gumbo

Bobby Graham

Each month, Dugazon owners Bobby Graham and Matthew Marden share a recipe inspired by the traditions, stories and sense of welcome at the heart of their shop in Sharon, Connecticut. Visit Dugazon at 19 W. Main St. Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and online at dugazonshop.com.

This month we’re sharing one of our favorite comfort foods: sea bass and shrimp gumbo. While gumbo has a reputation for being a labor of love, this version skips the traditional roux, making it surprisingly approachable. The ingredient list may seem long, but once everything is prepped, it comes together quickly, rewarding you with a rich, flavorful bowl that’s perfect any time of year. Many of the pantry staples you’ll need for this recipe can be found right here at Dugazon.

Keep ReadingShow less
what's cooking at dugazon?

Falcon Ridge returns to Goshen

Falcon Ridge returns to Goshen

Falcon Ridge Folk Festival regulars The Slambovian Circus of Dreams performing at the 2025 summer festival.

Stuart Berg

One of the area’s most beloved summer music traditions returns July 24-26 as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival fills the Goshen Fairgrounds with three days of music, workshops, dancing and community.

Now in its 38th year, Falcon Ridge has long been a launching pad for emerging singer-songwriters while welcoming acclaimed folk and Americana performers. This year’s lineup includes Susan Werner, Jim Lauderdale, Eileen Ivers and the Brigideens, Vance Gilbert, Joe Jencks, Nerissa and Katryna Nields, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Alice Howe and Freebo, Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience, and many more.

Keep ReadingShow less
concerts
google preferred source

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