Site visit to the Trail to Train underscores need for repair

Residents’ concerns about the condition of the Trail to Train between Wassaic and the train station, particularly the presence of warped planks, led local officials to meet with county and state officials for a site visit on Sunday, Sept. 15. Left to right are Anil Beephan, 105th district state assemblyman; Deirdre Houston, 25th district Dutchess County legislator; and Amenia councilmembers Nicole Ahearn and Rosanna Hamm.

Photo by Leila Hawken

Site visit to the Trail to Train underscores need for repair

AMENIA — Severely warped planks distorting the handrails along the Trail to Train boardwalk led to a site visit by county and state officials accompanied by Amenia town council members on Sunday, Sept. 15.

During the brief inspection, discussion turned to responsibility for maintenance and any funding that could be available through county or state sources.

“The Town Attorney needs to read over the agreement that is likely to be a town contract,” said Anil Beephan, state assemblyman representing the 105th District. He noted that the majority of towns maintain their own stretches along the rail trail.

About some of the wood planks warping, Dierdre Houston, Dutchess County legislator said, “any wood will dry out,” particularly the wood that is directly exposed to the sun.

Councilwoman Rosanna Hamm observed that she believes that the town owns the trail and would therefore be responsible for the repair.

“You have to address the issues that are in front of you,” Houston agreed.

Doubting that any state or county funding would be available for the repair of the 6-year-old boardwalk, Beephan suggested that Town Attorney Ian Lindars begin by examining the contract. He suggested that the town obtain some estimates on cost of repair or replacement.

Beephan felt that the cost of replacing the warped planks could be as little as $2,000.

The original construction of the Trail to Train, from The Lantern to the station, had cost more than $1M, Beephan noted.

Hamm agreed to follow up on some of the questions raised during the site visit and she intends to report on the issue at the next meeting of the Town Board on Thursday, Sept. 19.

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Amelia R. Wright

Falls Village – Amelia Rosalie (Betti) Wright, 91, of Falls Village died September 30, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Robert Kenneth Wright.

Amelia was born September 6, 1933 in Torrington, CT, daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary Eliza (Passini) Betti. Amelia worked at Camp Isabella Freedman as the Head Housekeeper. She was employed there for 35 years. She attended the Falls Village Congregational Church and had been very active at the Senior Center in Falls Village. She enjoyed collecting. She also enjoyed the craft classes offered by Adult Ed at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the Cape, Vermont and New Hampshire. An avid flower person, Amelia had traveled to the major flower shows in both Boston and Philadelphia.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Osborn and her husband David of Falls Village, her son, Robert H. Wright of Falls Village and her son, Donald Wright and his wife Kate of Millbrook, NY; her sister, MaryAnn Betti of Falls Village; her grandchildren, Benjamin and Katie Osborn and Jacob Wright. Amelia is also survived by her great grandson, Gunner Osborn. Amelia was predeceased by her brother, Donald Betti.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in the Mountain View Cemetery, Sand Road, North Canaan, CT. Calling hours will be held at the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, North Canaan, CT 06018 on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Falls Village Volunteer Ambulance Association, 188 US-7 South, Falls Village, CT. 06031

Stissing Mountain faces tough challenge in Rhinebeck rematch

Makayla Robinson, no. 3 of Pine Plains, dribbles the ball down midfield past Rhinebeck’s Ellie Firestone, no. 13, at a soccer match at Stissing Mountain High School in Pine Plains Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Photo by Nathan Miller


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Photo by Nathan Miller

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