Royal Arcanum Changes Hands

Sale benefits affordable housing, firehouse project by Avice Meehan Norfolk’s iconic Royal Arcanum is now in the hands of a new generation. The historic building was acquired on Sept. 8 for $1.4 million by American Folk & Heritage LLC, a non-profit focused on preserving American craft and handwork. The three founders are Norfolk residents and […]

Making Hay When the Sun Shines

Rain, drought dictate farming strategies By Jude Mead Hay production is always influenced by weather and this year producers faced a challenging dry season. Drought conditions are known to reduce yields, compromise hay quality and force farmers to make difficult choices about cutting. Duncan Wilbur and Mark Jurgilewicz, two local farmers who cut many of […]

Backyard Bird Chronicles

Sandhill Cranes Have a Tough Summer By Susannah Wood For more than 10 years, North Norfolk residents Marie and Stan Civco have recorded the coming and going of the Sandhill cranes that nest in nearby wetlands and spend much of each day feeding and hanging out in their yard or across the road at Drew […]

Matt Riiska Takes a Bow

First Selectman Matt Riiska was recognized for eight years of service with a Sept. 6 program on the Village Green and a commendation from state Rep. Maria Horn (D) (left) and state Sen. Paul Honig (D) (at rear). The evening, organized by the Democratic Town Committee, included hot dogs, chips and homemade desserts, in addition […]

Scouting the Past

Norfolk resident Daniel Moran, a junior at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, identified a practical project as one of the requirements of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout: Assembling a team from Boy Scout Troop 22 to spruce up the older section of St. Mary’s Cemetery on North Street. Working under the guidance of Richard […]

Meeting House Gets a Wash and Brush Up

What takes 20 gallons of primer, 35 gallons of paint and no fear of heights? That would be carefully sanding and repainting half of the iconic Church of Christ meeting house on the Norfolk Green. Last painted in 2004 by Carl Gabelmann and Todd Jessup, the east and south facades received a glow up from […]

All Aboard for Tacos

By Colleen GundlachHave you wondered what that delicious smell in the air is in Canaan recently? As soon as you pass McDonald’s in Canaan headed west you will notice a distinct change. Suddenly your stomach rumbles with hunger for whatever is creating the amazing smell. As soon as you cross the railroad tracks, your nose will be […]

Other Duties as Assigned

On most days, Tyler Yelsits works as the popular daytime custodian at Botelle Elementary School. On special days, however, he masquerades as the school’s mascot, Spark the Eagle. These photos, taken on the first day of school, demonstrate that the transformation is not as straightforward as it appears. Happily, for Yelsits at least, the costume […]

Know Your Neighbor

Keith Goring Drivers headed west on Route 44 towards Canaan have probably noticed the low-slung stone garage that hugs the left hand side. There are always a few interesting vehicles to be seen. Although many commuters may be frustrated waiting in line for the stoplight to change—a reality of life while the retaining wall across […]

Cuts in SNAP Benefits Put Pressure on Food Pantries

Federal reductions will be felt locally By Elizabeth Bailey In the harvest season, food is all around us. From the neat rows of corn filling the fields along Route 44 to backyard gardens bursting with tomatoes and choked with zucchini, many of us can see just where our food comes from. Others are worried that […]