SALISBURY — The Town Grove was filled with food, frolic and friendship last Thursday as the park and recreation directors from around the area hosted their annual free senior luncheon.
While most activities throughout the year are focused on individual towns and residents, this event brings together folks from Region 1, including Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Salisbury and Sharon.
The directors said they always enjoy putting on this luncheon, which has become a popular tradition. They love seeing the nearly 75 guests visiting with one another. “It’s good to get seniors out and see them enjoying each other’s company,” said Sharon director Matt Andrulis-Mette.
Seated at tables around the large room, with windows providing a sweeping view of Lake Wononscopomuc and the town beach, diners mingled with those from their own towns, as well as others to whom they were introduced. Conversation was lively as they partook of a meal of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and salads, topped off with a cherry cake provided by Freund’s Farm Market in East Canaan.
Following the meal, the directors each gave a brief description of the activities going on in their towns, including exercise classes, bus trips to such destinations as Elizabeth Park, Goodspeed Opera House and museums, a knitting group and pickleball, among others. They also noted that most towns have summer concert series with local musicians performing. They encouraged attendance at these gatherings, noting it’s a great way to spend an evening.
Andrulis-Mette told the group that everything they offer is shared. “You can call any one of us,” he said. “If you want something, we can try to put it together. If you want to join with others, we can try to coordinate that. Just run it by us.”
As it does every year, the lunch ends with a host of door prizes distributed. Nearly everyone walked off with one of gifts donated by local businesses, including beach chairs, mini desk fans, games, candy and plants.
Students to raise awareness about violence in Haiti
FALLS VILLAGE — Two students from Housatonic Valley Regional High School will be holding an event on June 10 at 5 p.m. in room 133 of the school to raise awareness of the current gang violence being witnessed in Haiti.
Titled “Seeing Haiti Through a Different Lens,” Daniela Brennan and her partner will be selling Haitian-made art and handcrafts, local food and will host speakers who will share what they have been doing to help refugee families. This is a project for their class on human rights. All are invited.
Trails Day hike planned at Mary Moore Preserve
SHARON — The Sharon Land Trust is hosting a hike of the trails of the Mary Moore Preserve, 24 Williams Road, on Sunday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a guided hike in celebration of CT Trails Day.
Led by Sharon Land Trust Stewardship Director Tim Hunter, this moderate, 2-mile loop along the Cliff Trail winds through a variety of landscapes, including open fields, a boulder-strewn forest, quiet ravines and a ridge with a 30-mile view of Bear Mountain, Mount Everett and Mount Greylock.
Along the way, hikers will pass the state champion chinkapin oak, Beardsley Pond and maybe even a few curious cows. The difficulty of the walk is labeled “moderate.” Call 860-364-5137 or go to [email protected].
Talk on mushrooms at the Scoville Library
SALISBURY — A talk titled “The Amazing World of Mushrooms” will be presented by David Paton, a mycelium expert. The program will be hosted by Scoville Memorial Library in partnership with the Salisbury Association Land Trust on Saturday, June 14, from 3 to 4 p.m. Paton will introduce the world of wild fungi, including a wide variety that reside locally, including species that are beautiful, edible, medicinal and even deadly. Register at scovillelibrary.org.
Two walks planned by Cornwall Conservation Trust
CORNWALL — Cornwall Conservation Trust will be sponsoring two walks as part of CT Trail Days on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.
On Saturday, those attending will meet at the Foote Field pavilion at 9:30 a.m. They will split up to walk the preserves and trails from Cornwall Village. Trails will be of varying type and difficulty.
Those coming should bring a sandwich and something to share. Dogs are welcome.
On Sunday, the walk will be at the Trinity Forest Preserve on Dibble Hill Road from 2 to 4 p.m. led by Barton Jones. Participants should meet at the parking spaces between 134-152 Dibble Hill Road. Register at Housatonic Valley Association website.
Bird walk at Schlesinger Bird Sanctuary
SALISBURY — Salisbury Association Land Trust will be holding a bird walk at Schlesinger Bird Sanctuary on Scoville Ore Mine Road on Sunday, June 8, starting at 8 a.m. George Wallace, an avid birder, will lead the walk.
Those participating should meet at the parking area on Scoville Ore Mine Road, just off Route 41, north of the village and bring binoculars and dress for tick prevention.
This is a weekly look at happenings throughout the Region 1 towns of Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Salisbury and Sharon. Send items of interest about residents and events from our Northwest Corner to [email protected].