By JIMMY LAWTON

RENSSELAER FALLS -- A Rensselaer Falls couple is asking the community to join in on their second annual "First Night in the Falls" Dec. 31 at The Sanctuary.

Located at the former Methodist Church, Tammy Cotton and Donald Sendlak are hosting a "ball drop" to commemorate the New Year.

"We are asking everyone to gather around 11 p.m.," she said. "It's a family friendly event and we are hoping people will come and join us."

Cotton said hot cocoa and baked goods will be served. She will also host a special 50/50 raffle. She said the winner will be able to ring in the new year with the church bell.

"Everyone here has been so great to us since we moved here," she said. "We feel it’s our responsibility to try and bring people together for the holiday," she said.

There is no charge for attending the event.

"It's absolutely free. Everyone is welcome to come out and celebrate with us," she said.

Cotton moved to Rensselaer Falls about two years ago and plans to open an art gallery and lounge in the former Methodist Church.

She hopes the gallery can be opened by summer of 2013, but said a time frame for the lounge hasn't been pinned down.