Before we jump on the “midnight train” to Pittsfield, we should take another look at the worthiness of re-establishing passenger rail service from Danbury north to Pittsfield, Mass.First, the obvious question is, why was passenger service north of Danbury canceled? The answer is, lack of use. Where is the market research to support re-establishing this service? Who conducted the research and who paid for it? Has the area changed enough to necessitate the need for this service? Is the demand there? I doubt it.Restoring meaningful passenger service would involve several major expenditures. First, the rails must be upgraded to accommodate frequent rush-hour trains up to 50 mph. This upgrade would also benefit the freight service by allowing freight trains to go faster. Imagine trains speeding past Hatch Pond in Kent (an area that has already had its share of train wrecks) or barreling into the small towns of West Cornwall or Falls Village several times daily.Commuters will need parking, which is severely limited north of New Milford. The Metro-North train station at Wassaic, N.Y., has a large parking lot provided for a busy commuter group coming all the way from Massachusetts, many from Great Barrington, for the two-hour ride to Manhattan. This proposed line east of the Housatonic River would take closer to three hours to reach New York City with less frequent service. Even a few commuters would necessitate building parking and station facilities.New Milford has a large parking area and a business district within walking distance of its train depot. Perhaps it would make sense to extend the line north from Danbury to New Milford, but no further. Full disclosure, I endorsed this idea more than 10 years ago to relieve congestion on Route 7, but only as far as New Milford.If there aren’t enough commuters to pay the bills, would tourism generate enough revenue? A few years ago, someone ran a fall foliage excursion by train up to Kent. The passengers filled three cars – the riders were treated to a lovely day traveling at 15 mph along the Housatonic River, past the landmark Merwinsville Hotel and the magnificent countryside with a two-hour stop in Kent. There, passengers disembarked to shop and dine, patronizing local establishments before returning to New Milford. This seems to be an excellent use of the rail line and might be continued even as far as West Cornwall or further. But this type of tourist activity is seasonal. Would there be enough usage to sustain the service?How about looking at the costs. Estimates vary, but $1 million a mile is not unreasonable to upgrade the rails and parking.All that said, getting people to ride trains instead of using cars is a good idea. But tourists come to Litchfield County to enjoy the drive through this unique corner of the USA. The money for this project would be better spent right now where it is desperately needed — repairing our roads and bridges which are in great need of attention after a rough winter and years of delayed repairs.As this area continues to grow and demographics change, there may be a time to think about this again. Often what looks good on paper presents major problems when examined in the harsh reality of daylight. Let’s give this idea additional thought and revisit the proposal after we have taken care of more immediate needs.Richard P. Levy, a retired television executive, lives in Kent and is a former selectman and planning and zoning officer for the town.
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.
