Fenway Hopewell
Fenway Hopewell was up early this morning to go for a walk near the Woodstock water reservoir.
When Early Birders much later visited the same popular get-away location they encountered what must surely have been a road rally of dirt bikers. All suited up and quite respectfully slowing down once they saw canines and humans. However, blind curves made for a bit of a harrowing walk….
Which gives Early Bird another opportunity to mention, in that “just sayin” way how few places there are in Woodstock for dog owners and their pets to get a good SAFE, leash-free run.
Time for a dog park, anyone? Burlington, Manchester, Hartford, Vermont all have figured out a way to have ’em. We hope Sustainable Woodstock (or any private individuals ) will make this another community-building priority. Socialized dogs are better for everyone. Visitors to Woodstock with their canine buddies can be welcomed and “directed” to an appropriate dog walk and play area. Good for tourism, good for the community.
Maybe the Woodstock Foundation or Woodstock Corporation might even consider an arrangement to make Timothy Knox Meadows or its environs a potential safe-haven for the visiting pooch population. Or, as has been suggested to Sustainable Woodstock and those decisions-makers working on the future of “The Jungle”, perhaps a portion of the non-develop-able flood plain area could be set aside as a dog park.
We love our dogs. We don’t want any more free range dog road-kill. I’m sure local veterinarians have seen enough of that and the pain it causes the humans.
Speaking of the increasing lack of open, free-range space for animals, has anyone taken a drive up or down Shurtleff Lane lately? Most of that patch of dense woods where lots of deer like to browse is now being cleared for new homes. I’m sure nearby residents won’t mind that lazy hunters might soon stop shooting their deer in such close proximity to their homes if the deer disappear. But, still, the expansion of our urban landscape, while perhaps indicative of an economic recovery, does put pressure on the natural population of deer. With little cover left, seeing them so close to the Village may soon become a rarity. I know, I know. Some homeowners with gardens and shrubs will be happy. But take a walk or a bike ride and see the clearing up Shurtleff Lane. Beautiful homesites soon. But not for the deer.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 