NORTH CANAAN — The effort it takes to become an Eagle Scout is almost legendary. The dedication and effort that goes into attaining the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank — and the personal character required — are extraordinary. The support of family, Scout leaders and fellow Scouts is essential but also implicit.Kyle Jason Greenberg joined the ranks of the special few in December, shortly after turning 18, when he joined the 2 percent of Scouts who reach that rank. At his Court of Honor on March 4 at VFW Post 6851, attended by his parents, Sandra and William “Bill” Greenberg (who is also his Scoutmaster); Troop 22 and their families; current and former Scout leaders; representatives from the Marine Corps League; and the Masons.Kyle was presented with commendations from dignitaries including the governor and the president, along with an American flag that has flown at the White House.In his brief remarks toward the close of the ceremony, Kyle thanked everyone in the room, saying, “I couldn’t have done it without you.”He was escorted by Eagle Scouts Scott Zinke and Derek Van Deusen (a Lakeville Journal employee). Kyle is the first Eagle Scout from Troop 22 since 2006.Camping is his favorite“I started in first grade as a Tiger Cub,” Kyle said in an interview after the ceremony. “From Pack 22 through Troop 22, I worked my way up through the ranks.”Thinking back over his years of Scouting memories, it is his first summer that stands out.“We did a lot of camping over the years, and that’s probably my favorite part,” he said. “That first summer at Camp Workcoeman [in New Hartford] was a real big thing. It was full of new experiences that I will never forget. Since then, camping has always been my favorite thing.”Both of his parents were involved from the beginning. Bill Greenberg recalled helping Tiger Den 3 leaders Rob Perotti and Denise Dubay. He became a leader when Kyle got to Webelos. In Troop 22, he started as assistant Scoutmaster and is now Scoutmaster, a job he would like to continue for a while. “I really enjoy it. The kids are great and we’re almost done building the new Scout house. I’d like to see that through at least.”At the ceremony, he brought the room to tears when he began his remarks as Scoutmaster with, “I am very proud of my son.”He noted their 13 years in Scouting together, and asked all Kyle’s leaders to come up.“They built it. They made it what it is today, and got Kyle where he is,” Greenberg said.Dinner following the Court of Honor was provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in North Canaan.To obtain the Eagle rank, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, advance through the ranks of Star and Life. After becoming a Life Scout, he must be active for at least six months in his troop in a leadership role. Before his 18th birthday, he must complete a major project that benefits the greater community and demonstrates those leadership skills; included in the project are planning, obtaining funding and getting approvals as needed, and organizing helpers. Refurbished GreenwayKyle chose to refurbish trailhead signs at the South Greenway in the center of North Canaan, with help from Tom Zetterstrom, who originated the trails here, and became an Eagle Scout in 1963. That portion of the Greenway is more than two decades old now. It was overgrown from disuse. Kyle organized Scouts to remove invasive species and get the trail back in shape. He is hoping his new-looking signs, filled with maps and information (especially the one posted along the sidewalk on Main Street), will get people using the Greenway again.A senior at Oliver Wolcott Technical School, Kyle plans to continue his schooling by certifying in automotive repair. He and his dad restore cars together at their North Canaan home.He also plans to continue in Scouting.“I’m enrolled as an adult and I’d like to stay involved with Troop 22, maybe as a merit badge counselor to encourage others to go on and get to Eagle Scout.”
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.
