WINSTED — James Gagnon, a designer of gold, silver and pewter jewelry, objects and sculpture, works in his studio located within the Whiting Mills complex.Gagnon began his love of design and sculpture while apprenticing for Winsted resident Francis Felton for four years. He then studied metal and wood technology at Central Connecticut State University where as a student assistant he worked on the creation of the famous Blue Devil mascot sculpture. Gagnon grew up in Simsbury. He always longed for the country, so moved to the woods of Colebrook. Friends soon introduced Gagnon to Highland Lake, and he fell in love with the area. “When an opportunity came up, I just couldn’t resist,” Gagnon said. “The lake is really my resting place where my wife and I can often be seen slowly cruising at sunset. Highland Lake is a magical place. My Winsted clients have become so loyal that I have known them through my many career turns, yet they continue to return. I appreciate them immensely.” During an eight-year stint in the U.S. Marines, Gagnon continued to develop an in-depth understanding of form and function through hands-on experiences with machinery.After serving his country, Gagnon opened his first shop in 1972 out of his home. “I started by making small gifts and a lot of wedding rings for couples in the area,” Gagnon said. “I hope they are all still married!” Gagnon’s first gallery opened up in Riverton and lasted for six years until selling the shop in 1983, moving to Willow Street.He then concentrated his efforts on supplying around 50 high-end gift shops throughout the country with his creations.With the changing economy of 1990, the demand from specialty shops slowed down so Gagnon moved the operation back to his home in Colebrook.During this period Gagnon went to work for Formula One race car driver and Lime Rock race track owner Skip Barber. Utilizing his many years of experience, Gagnon worked developing and repairing auto parts for the race team. The Barber team was also involved with the training of military personnel in high speed driving, sending Gagnon all over the country.Gagnon explained that the job was very rewarding until the tragedy of 9/11 put the entire military on high alert, and all nonmilitary people were removed from the bases. His job was eliminated. Gagnon settled back home and found work with a good friend and his old occupation of carpentry.“Maybe it was fate,” Gagnon said. “The recession then hit and took its toll on the building trades and I guess told me it was again time to strike out on my own. Whiting Mills was in its infancy and seemed to be a great fit for me with other artist and craftsmen.” The shop is approximately 1,200 feet within two rooms, filled end to end with tools, props, equipment and amazing creations. “Success really took off after I did a show at the old State House in Hartford,” Gagnon said. “Someone saw my pieces and then asked me to create a one-of-a-kind vase for First Lady Nancy Reagan.”That vase now sits in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.Gagnon explained that a buyer for the world-renowned designer Cartier observed his vase and asked him to create pieces of jewelry for them. Gagnon jumped at the opportunity and traveled the world for five years, solidifying his own world fame.Gagnon can be visited at his studio on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached at 860-309-5898.
Latest News
Marsala is eager to go home with you.
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
The Little Guild is an animal shelter at 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike in West Cornwall. Founded in 1957, the organization rescues animals from local surrenders and under-resourced shelters. When a rescue animal arrives at The Little Guild, staff begins a careful intake and transition process to ensure the animal is safe, healthy and ready for adoption.
New arrivals are quarantined in-house. Vaccinations are verified as up to date, and staff assesses each animal’s medical, behavioral and placement needs. Rescues receive medical care, daily support and behavioral training to ease shelter stress. Once a dog has finished quarantine and is ready for a home, its profile is published at littleguild.org.
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Prospective adopters fill out an online application with information about their household and veterinary and personal references.
The next step is for the prospective adopter and family members to meet the dog. If there is already a dog in the household, a meet-and-greet is scheduled so the dogs can get acquainted.
The animal care staff offers guidance based on its knowledge of each animal’s personality, needs and quirks to help families find the best fit.
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Once a match is made, the adoption contract outlines aftercare. Adopters agree to return the animal to The Little Guild if the adoption doesn’t work out. The organization’s commitment continues after adoption, with six months of free training and follow-up from staff to answer questions or address concerns.
“Please don’t pass Marsala by,” Lemelin said. “He loves people and other dogs. He’s a lap dog who lives for snuggles, cuddles and face kisses. Marsala deserves a family, a soft bed and a lifetime of being chosen.”
To find out about Marsala and other rescue dogs and cats, visit littleguild.org
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
Sampson, a playful and independent blind hound mix, explores the rescue’s large yard.
Though she takes in dogs of all ages, including some with disabilities — and one resident cat — the rescue’s motto is “Giving old dogs new lives.”
Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Sadie, a sweet Carolina dog, was the first to greet visitors.
“She could really use a home,” Meade said.
Then came Bonnie and Clyde, rat terriers; Negra, a small terrier mix; Sampson, a blind hound mix; and Jay Z, a terrier mix who was emaciated when Meade took him in and has since filled out, with fur regrowing over previously bald patches. Wesley, a young, shaggy mix whom Meade calls “a very good boy,” is also in need of a home.
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Meade began rescuing dogs after going to Waterbury to adopt one and learning that, by the end of the three-day weekend, the dogs she was looking at would be euthanized to make room for others.
She went home and started her rescue in New Preston, Connecticut. After five years there, she moved to California, where she rescued dogs from overcrowded pounds for 13 years.
Meade, a busload of dogs and her cat moved back to the Northeast a little more than a year ago.
Ninety-nine percent of the dogs at the rescue come from pounds, both locally and in California and New York City.
“We are more than happy to place dogs with older people, and we are also willing to give support after the adoption,” Meade said, noting that some rescues will not adopt to people over 60.
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino
For those who cannot adopt, the rescue needs donations of old blankets, dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, puppy pads and dog treats. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made through the rescue’s website. Meade also welcomes volunteers to help with the dogs.
Contact Meade at 805-239-4004, 860-866-7986 or 4dots@att.net to arrange a visit or drop off donations. For available dogs and more information, visit meadecaninerescue.org.
Newtown Veterinary Specialists
For Berkshire County residents, VCA All Caring Animal Hospital, 440 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington, can be a nearby first call. The full-service hospital offers diagnostics and hospitalization and asks clients with an emergency or a pet requiring immediate attention to call rather than use its online contact form. It is not a 24-hour emergency hospital, however. Current hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday. Call 413-528-8020.
Poughkeepsie also has several options for urgent care. Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, 64 Pine St., is a full-service veterinary hospital offering emergency and critical care during regular business hours. The hospital treats dogs and cats as well as birds, reptiles and other exotic pets. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday. For after-hours emergencies involving dogs and cats, the hospital refers patients to regional emergency facilities. Call 845-625-2474.
Community Animal Care, 269 Titusville Road, offers urgent and emergency care during operating hours and asks pet owners to call ahead. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Urgent care is available daily by calling ahead, with extended hours until 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The practice also offers after-hours veterinary triage by video to help owners determine whether a pet can safely wait or should be taken to a 24-hour facility. Call 845-471-7459.
When an animal needs care in the middle of the night, on a holiday or for a potentially life-threatening condition, the options become more limited.
Guardian Veterinary Specialists, 4 Hardscrabble Heights in Brewster, is a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital, open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Its emergency department is staffed around the clock, with on-site imaging and laboratory services. No appointment is necessary for an emergency, although calling ahead is encouraged when possible. Call 914-704-3400.
Provided
Newtown Veterinary Specialists, 52 Church Hill Road in Newtown, Connecticut, also provides emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. No appointment is required for emergency care, although the hospital recommends calling ahead when possible. Call 203-270-8387.
Pet owners should remember that emergency veterinary hospitals operate much like human emergency rooms in that patients are triaged according to the severity of their condition, so animals with less critical problems may have to wait.
The best preparation is simple. Keep the number of your regular veterinarian and at least one 24-hour emergency hospital in your phone, and know roughly how long it will take to get there. If circumstances allow, call before leaving home to confirm where your pet should be seen.
When something goes wrong at 10 p.m. on a Sunday, knowing where you’re headed can make a frightening situation a little less overwhelming.
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
