Reptiles and pizza party at Hunt Library

Jessy Haggard reached out to pet Ralphie the bearded dragon while Meg Sher maintained a prudent distance.

Patrick L. Sullivan

Reptiles and pizza party at Hunt Library

FALLS VILLAGE — Participants in the David M. Hunt Library’s summer reading program had the opportunity to get up close and as personal as is consistent with prudence with assorted reptiles on Thursday, Aug. 22.

Jessica and Zachary Decouteau of The Reptile Nook in Agawam, Massachusetts, brought several examples of reptiles to show the 25 or so youngsters that filled the children’s area.

Ralphie, a bearded dragon, was a big hit.

Clinging to Zachary Decouteau’s dark blue t-shirt, the yellowish-white lizard allowed himself to be petted by everyone who wanted to.

As Zachary and Ralphie made the rounds, Jessica Decouteu explained that while a bearded dragon makes a reasonable pet, “it can’t love us like a dog or cat.”

“It can trust us, because he knows we feed and care for him.”

However amiable a bearded dragon might be with people, the situation changes quickly when another reptile enters the picture.

Jessica Decouteau said a bearded dragon will puff its neck out and bob its head up and down by way of warming up for a fight with a rival reptile.

“We don’t let Ralphie even see other bearded dragons,” she said.

After the reptiles, the children were treated to pizza.

Latest News

From research to recognition: Student project honors pioneering Black landowner

Cornwall Consolidated School seventh graders Skylar Brown, Izabella Coppola, Halley Villa, Willow Berry, Claire Barbosa, Willa Lesch, Vivianne DiRocco and Franco Aburto presented a group research project on the life of Naomi Freeman Wednesday, April 23. In attendance were U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., John Mills, president of Alex Breanne Corporation, Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Cornwall Selectman Jennifer Markow and CCS social studies teacher Will Vincent.

Photo by Riley Klein

CORNWALL — “In Cornwall you have made the decision that everyone here matters and everyone’s story is important,” said U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Waterbury, to the seventh grade class at Cornwall Consolidated School April 23.

Hayes was in attendance to celebrate history on Wednesday as the CCS students presented their group research project on the life of Naomi Cain Freeman, the first Black female landowner in Cornwall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - April 24, 2025

Town of Salisbury

Board of Finance

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - April 24, 2025

Help Wanted

Experienced horse equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-67-0499.

Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.

Keep ReadingShow less