Spring pops at Smithfield Church

The Smithfield Chamber Orchestra will perform its fifth annual Spring Pops Concert on Saturday, May 31, at The Smithfield Church in Amenia. The popular concert will begin at 3 p.m.

“With something for everyone, the eclectic program ranges from Duke Ellington to Willy Wonka, from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ to Brazilian Bossa Nova, from Irish folk tunes to Big Band Jazz,” said concert organizer Matt Finley, who will perform on trumpet with the 13-member orchestra.

The audience will toe-tap to pieces such as Ellington’s “Caravan,” enjoy classical favorites and be introduced to new original music.

Finley noted that the performers gather only twice a year, ensuring a spontaneous performance in The Smithfield Church, describing it as “a most unexpected and beautiful place.” The church retains its architectural character, remaining in appearance as it was constructed in 1847 and completed in 1848.

The Bang Family Series suggests donations of $20 to keep this music program going, but everyone is welcome regardless of payment, and children are free.For more information, go to www.TheSmithfieldChurch.org/concerts. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

The Smithfield Church is located at 656 Smithfield Valley Road in Amenia. For more information, call 518-598-8276.

Latest News

School lunch prices to rise at select District No. 1 schools

Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where the price of school lunch will increase to $4.00 beginning Jan. 5.

Nathan Miller

FALLS VILLAGE -- School lunch prices will increase at select schools in Regional School District No. 1 beginning Jan. 5, 2026, following a deficit in the district’s food service account and rising food costs tied to federal meal compliance requirements.

District officials announced the changes in a letter to families dated Monday, Dec. 15, signed by Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley and Business Manager Samuel J. Herrick

Keep ReadingShow less
North Canaan Santa Chase 5K draws festive crowd

Runners line up at the starting line alongside Santa before the start of the 5th Annual North Canaan Santa Chase 5K on Saturday, Dec. 13.

By John Coston

NORTH CANAAN — Forty-eight runners braved frigid temperatures to participate in the 5th Annual North Canaan Santa Chase 5K Road Race on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Michael Mills, 45, of Goshen, led the pack with a time of 19 minutes, 15-seconds, averaging a 6:12-per-mile pace. Mills won the race for the third time and said he stays in shape by running with his daughter, a freshman at Lakeview High School in Litchfield.

Keep ReadingShow less
Regional trash authority awarded $350,000 grant to expand operations

The Torrington Transfer Station, where the Northwest Resource Recovery Authority plans to expand operations using a $350,000 state grant.

By Riley Klein

TORRINGTON — The Northwest Resource Recovery Authority, a public entity formed this year to preserve municipal control over trash and recycling services in northwest Connecticut, has been awarded $350,000 in grant funds to develop and expand its operations.

The funding comes from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection via its Sustainable Materials Management grant program. It is intended to help the NRRA establish operations at the Torrington Transfer Station as well as support regional education, transportation, hauler registration and partnerships with other authorities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28
Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28
Photo provided

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) will host its annual Junior Jump Camp, a two-day introduction to ski jumping, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill in Salisbury.

The camp is open to children ages 7 and up and focuses on teaching the basics of ski jumping, with an emphasis on safety, balance and control, using SWSA’s smallest hill. No prior experience is required.

Keep ReadingShow less