Carole,
Although Stockbridge Updates is an attractive, vital and most informative piece, I write today, however, to praise the Berkshire Eagle. The Eagle has one particular op-ed contributor, Carole Owens, who is right on the mark. She always has important, reasoned and unbiased thoughts to share about democracy, our state of affairs, U.S. history. Terrific.
Carl Bradford
Dear Carl,
Thank you very much.
Carole
Carole,
As a new resident to Stockbridge, I am so grateful for Stockbridge Updates. It has been a vital component regarding learning about the town, past and present. Thank you so much for your good work.
I have noticed that my name is spelled incorrectly in the Conservation and Agr/Forestry Commission reposts. The correct spelling is “Bozzuto”.
Thanks!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I am so glad SU helped you to get comfortable in your new home in Stockbridge. The spelling of your name was corrected in all archived issues, thank you for letting us know, and thank you for all you do for Stockbridge. (Lisa serves on both the Agricultural and Forestry and Conservation Commissions.)
Carole
Dear Carole,
Thank you for your well-constructed and well-articulated editorial about the Residential Exemption and why it should be adopted. The most compelling parts of your letter were toward the end.
First, the idea that donations and charitable giving might bridge the gap. You write that “this is stiff-backed Yankee country. No one is in front of their house with a tin cup. They are inside soberly and silently deciding between paying the tax, buying food, or buying medicine.” Bravo! This is deeply true and reflects a fundamental building block of our town’s identity, which is unlikely to change.
Second, you state, “Never forget what Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote from his “Little Red Shanty” in Stockbridge. “Better a small right than a large favor.” The Residential Exemption is a small right; charity is a large favor. If we do nothing, the marketplace — not we the people — will shape Stockbridge.” Indeed, all things considered, it is a small right — one that residents deserve who may be struggling with paying their taxes as well as their grocery bills.
The notion of simply keeping everyone’s taxes “low” is a simplistic argument that ignores the human condition that is present in our community. Let’s be big, as well as smart, and figure out how to implement the Exemption as soon as possible.
Larry Ackerman
Dear Larry,
High praise coming from a writer as good as you are.
Thank you, Carole
Dear Carole,
On October 28, based on a press release from our Town Offices, the Berkshire Eagle ran an article saying Stockbridge Updates got it wrong. It stated that “The Stockbridge Bowl Association and the Town of Stockbridge continue to work cooperatively to ensure the health of the Stockbridge Bowl.”
Public figures may not always like what’s reported but that doesn’t make it “fake news”.
Readers can rely on Stockbridge Updates because reports are accurate; editorials and opinions are identified. Stockbridge is fortunate to have a free online newspaper that includes interesting articles, letters from townspeople, and fantastic photographs. Thank you for all your hard work on our behalf.
Best wishes,
Anita Schwerner
Dear Anita,
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for all your volunteer services to the town.
Carole
[Anita is Chair of the Democratic Town Committee]
Dear Carole,
Your piece today again reminds me how rapidly Stockbridge is losing its’ Institutional Memory; it’s story tellers, history rememberers, and legend installers. It is particularly telling in our local government and on the Boards many occupy.
Gary
Dear Gary,
Oh, I hope not. I hope all who remember and want to tell the Stockbridge story will do so. We will post them all on SU.
Thank you, Gary for all you do.
Carole
[Gary Pitney is Chair of the Board of Assessors and serves on the Planning Board]
