Editorial

Editorial: Neighbors

My neighbor dropped in for a chat. He is an engineer who graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a degree in Environmental Engineering. He followed with a master’s degree and a forty-year professional career. Now retired, Alan Wilken is an avid and accomplished bicyclist. He rides all over our village and notices. He came to discuss the Curtisville Bridge. 

In the March issue of Stockbridge Updates, Town Administrator Michael Canales reported on the Curtisville Bridge. Constructed in 1842, it is among the oldest stone-arch bridges in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) required the town to close the bridge in 2012. An engineering report from Foresight Land Services, Inc. and JDB Consulting Engineers was done in 2015, and they made a site visit in 2020. Both determined the bridge was significantly deteriorated — perhaps had outlived its usefulness.

Alan was more optimistic. He thought there might be other choices for saving that fine old bridge. Alan brought his ideas to Patrick White. He was thrilled, “Patrick listened.”

“Get a second opinion” Patrick advised.

Alan did. He contacted a number of fellow engineers and found two experts on historic bridges. They visited Stockbridge, inspected the bridge, and offered alternatives for saving the historic structure. Now our village has choices.

We are blessed, and always have been, with bright, talented, and engaged village residents.

Wilken is a neighbor who stopped in and an idea informed by his education, experience, and close observation. Know the best part? Just like in the old days, when my Granny called it visiting, and my mother called it dropping by, a neighbor stopped in for a chat. 

by Carole Owens , Executive Editor

News

SU FYI

1. Get Well Soon!

Warm wishes for a speedy recovery to Karen Marshall

2. Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV)

Building the Future of Food in our Community

By Patrick Grego

[This] July has been both a vibrant growing season for our farming communities, and one of extreme weather and unpredictable precipitation. 

As flooding, extreme heat, air quality and tornado warnings become alarmingly more common in our region, one thing is increasingly clear: we must prepare our farms for climate change.

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) can assist in building on-farm resilience that helps safeguard agribusinesses on the front line of climate change with technical assistance, professional support, low-interest loans, and small resiliency grants. 

f you are a farmer in need of resources and information, refer to BAV’s emergency response page on our website to learn what support is available. 

One of several services BAV provides through our Climate Smart Agriculture Program are free climate risk assessments for farms in our service area of Berkshire, Litchfield, Columbia, and Dutchess counties.

These assessments are a prevention tool that aid in the process of identifying climate related risks to current and future farm operations. BAV will even help develop a risk management plan and provide guidance for implementation.

Interested in learning more about this offering? Contact Program Manager Ben Crockett, about how BAV can help you conduct a climate risk assessment on your farm. 

BAV is pleased to announce we recently welcomed Patrick Grego as Communications & Development Associate. Patrick previously served as a Communications Assistant for The Olana Partnership. He is a passionate storyteller who won the 2021 New York Newspaper Publishers Association award for distinguished feature writing. 

Patrick will tell the stories of our farmers, farms, and food businesses in our community.

3. Save-the-date Laurel Hill Day, August 26, 2 PM

For the past 170 years local Stockbridge residents and other friends have gathered in front of a rock outcropping in Laurel Hill Park located behind the Stockbridge Town Offices. This year the keynote address will be delivered by Starling (Star) Childs. 

Childs has spent a lifetime managing forest lands and teaching young people about the challenges facing them. 

“We are delighted to have Star speak at Laurel Hill Day” said association president Hilary Somers Deely. “He has had a distinguished career as a hands on forester and as an advisor to his alma mater’s Yale Forest School. Star’s expertise, insight, and easy, humorous manner guarantees that our program will be especially engaging this year.” 

For Further Information Contact Phil Deely at www.laurelhillassociation.org

News

Events

Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum presents the 5th Annual Art of Brewing Festival, Saturday, August 12, 2023, 1 PM – 4 PM. Tickets $40 Not-Yet Members – $30 NRM Members. 21+ for Tasting — All ages are welcome for games and art appreciation

Curator Tour: Genius of Tony Sarg August 17 and 26, 2023, 12:30PM to 1:10PM

Puppeteer, animator, and illustrator Tony Sarg was a one-of-a-kind artist, and jokester. Join Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett for a 40-minute Guided Tour of a very special exhibition. Tours are limited to 25. 

https://www.nrm.org/events/curator-tour-genius-of-tony-sarg-5

Stockbridge Library presents:

Play With Clay

Wednesday, August 2 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Cookbook Club: The Beetlebung Farm Cookbook: A Year of Cooking on Martha’s Vineyard

Thursday, August 3 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Book Club: Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Thursday, August 10 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

LEGOs in the Library

Friday, August 11 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Author Adam Shatz in conversation with James Lasdun on the book Writers and Missionaries: Essays on the Radical Imagination Saturday, August 12 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

News

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents “Family Fridays,” July 28 through Aug. 25 

STOCKBRIDGE, MASS. — Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 2023 summer family programming continues with “Family Fridays.” This series includes four programs on animals large and small and explores the lives of mammals, animal habitats and birds of prey. Presenters will encourage an innate curiosity about the natural world and promote a deeper connection to the Berkshire landscape and world at large.

August 4 — Musician, Puppeteer and Videographer Tom Knight. Combining elements of Mr. Rogers’ gentle spirit and the unbound creativity of Jim Henson, Knight has created an original show that entertains and enlightens young children and adults alike.

August 11 — “Storyteller: Earth Rhythms, A Song and Story Celebration” featuring Davis Bates. This program will include traditional and contemporary folk songs and stories about nature and animals from New England and around the world.

August 18 — “Nature Matters” with Jen Leahey. Nature Matters, based in Lee, Mass., cares for animals that are unable to survive in the wild either due to an injury or because they were born in captivity and never learned how to fend for themselves. This program will explore humans’ relationships and connection with animals, explore how animals came into the care of Nature Matters and discuss responsibilities to other species, both wild and non-wild alike.

August 25 — “Birds of Prey” with Tom Ricardi. In this program, learn about the natural history of these magnificent birds, observe some of their unique behaviors, and inspire us to appreciate and respect these important members of our wild kingdom.

Family Fridays are free with Garden admission, and BBG members are admitted free of charge. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Rd., Stockbridge, Mass. Visit BerkshireBotanical.org for more information.

News

Key Take Aways from The Housing Production Plan — Assessment of Need — July 17, 2023

Sponsored by the Affordable Housing Trust, this presentation was the first part of creating a plan for housing. Chair Ranne Warner welcomed the attendees, and Vice Chair Jan Ackerman introduced the program. 

A Housing Production Plan has four parts: understand local data; identify the need; prioritize strategies; create the plan for housing.

What followed was an enthusiastic public sharing ideas ad opinions based on the local data as follows:

Stockbridge has both the lowest income and the highest income in the area. It also has the highest priced houses.

Stockbridge has 1638 homes, 80% were built before 1980. Of the 1638 homes, 811 are full time residents and 827 part-timers. There is a very low vacancy rate — there is very low inventory for rent or purchase. 

Stockbridge exceeds the 10% requirement for affordable housing. 10% would be 81 units (only full-time households counted by state) and Stockbridge has 113. 

61 units, senior housing, Heaton Court

30 units, affordable, Pine Woods

22 units, women with disabilities, Riverbrook School

Change over a decade: 2010 — 2021 (Only counts full-time residents and houses)

More houses — from 724 to 811

Fewer people in a household

Decline in student population.

Increase in elderly population. 

Median age rose from 41 years old to 60 years old.

Median income dropped from $55,000 to $46,000 annually.

Both wealth and poverty grew as follows: 

Earning $100,000 or more grew from 128 to 223.

Earning $35,000 or less grew from 219 to 371. 

There was a growth in disparity reflecting national trend.

The median cost of a home for purchase today is $575,000. It is estimated that would require a $112,000 down payment and an annual income of $148,000. The median cost of a two-family home is about $100,000 less and the annual income necessary is $62,000 — reduced by the rental income. Either way, 77% of the current full-time population could not afford to buy a home in Stockbridge. 1 in 3 pays 30% of annual income for carrying costs and 1 in 8 pay 50%.

Overview: fewer people 35 — 50 years old live in Stockbridge; there are fewer families and fewer school children; there are more elderly and smaller households (1 or 2 people). With both wealth and poverty up, the disparity is greater.

Editor’s note: There will be more open meetings and opportunities for the public to share. The regular, monthly AHT meetings are also open to the public in person and via Zoom. Mull over the data and consider the needs. Is it to create more affordable housing or more workforce housing? Is it to help seniors remain in their homes or young families to buy homes? Is it to increase opportunities to rent or buy? Is it all the above? If all the above, how do we prioritize? Prioritizing is the next step in the Housing Production Plan.

Unless otherwise noted ALL Town board, commission, and committee meetings are available via Zoom and at CTSB.org

News

Key Take Aways from Parks and Recreation, July 18, 2023

There was concern as Parks and Rec went over budget last year. Would the amount due be deducted from this year’s allocation? Town Administrator explained, no, the committee would receive the full amount allocated at Town Meeting — the overage would be paid from Town reserves.

Monument Mountain Regional High School (MMRHS) students and staff drew up a list of plantings to create a native rain garden in the Beach parking lot. $2700 was allocated and the plantings would be done by MMRHS in the fall.

During public comments, the concerns were: Goose poop (working diligently to clean and clear but geese are persistent this year — see Reader to Reader), parking overnight in the Beach parking lot (not allowed), replacing beach sand annually (not allowed by state Conservation rules), and bringing in boats. (Boats can be moved from one part of lake to another but cannot be brought in and launched on Stockbridge Bowl except after being washed to prevent transport of Zebra Mussels. They can only be launched from one place — the designated boat launch). Town Administrator Michael Canales would like the police to help with enforcement of all of the above.

The tennis courts will be resurfaced, and nets for basketball court replaced. The committee considered if the basketball court also should be resurfaced.

It was suggested that this year the Fire Department resume doing the Halloween bonfire and hot chocolate following the Ice Glen walk.

News

Key Take Aways from the Select Board Meeting, July 27, 2023 (Second Homeowners’ Meeting)

34 attended via Zoom and an estimated 25 were in the room. SB Chair Chuck Cardillo asked for each speaker to limit remarks to three minutes, to remain calm, and respectful.

The first question came from Jay (last name inaudible) at 11 Lakeview Drive. He asked why don’t we have cannabis shop(s) in Stockbridge to raise the money needed to help those who need help with their taxes? (There was no visual for the first few minutes so hard to determine, but someone heard to say “instead of RTE.” (Residential Tax Exemption)

Selectman Patrick White responded that Stockbridge passed a bylaw to allow cannabis shops in Stockbridge, but since it passed, no one has expressed interest in opening one here.

Bob Jones, Chair, Select Board, Lee MA, was asked about income from cannabis shops in Lee. He anticipated that the revenue would decrease as “pot” was legalized in adjacent states.

Select Board member Minacci said there was help available if any local has trouble paying taxes and no one has ever been foreclosed on in Stockbridge. White said Stockbridge residents have been foreclosed on.

Sandy Baron asked how can second homeowners be appointed to boards? White and Cardillo explained all they have to do is apply. All openings are advertised on the Town web site, in newspapers and Stockbridge Updates. 

Eric Tarlow was interested in the Curtisville Bridge being repaired as were Tom Perlmutter and Lucy Malatesta (sic).

Two women wanted to give a “shout out” to the “transfer station” and how well it is run.

Several commented on the condition of the roads in Mahkeenac Heights. Are they public or private roads? Who is responsible for maintenance? Joe Newberg was certain “it was the Town’s duty in all seasons.”

Highway Department Superintendent Hugh Page said the paved entrance to Mahkeenac Heights is Town property and was repaired this week. Fire Chief Vini Garofoli explained that in an emergency there is a process in place that the road is immediately cleared even if private.

Another resident from Mahkeenac Heights was concerned that the water lines and utilities she thought were under the roadbed would be disturbed.

Hugh page wanted to add that anyone can attend a board, committee, or commission meeting and offer ideas and opinions even if not appointed or elected to sit on it. He hoped people would attend.

Patty Caya thanked Town for beach upgrades, but objected to the Accessory Dwelling Bylaw as it excludes second homeowners. Cardillo explained the ADU bylaw was withdrawn “off the table”. White said if it is reviewed by proper committee(s), it would then go to Town Meeting and only become law if voted on by the people and approved by the Attorney General.

Caya then objected that second homeowners are not allowed to vote.

White explained that was the law — you can only vote in one place; however, it is the householder’s choice. Caya, and any second homeowner, can choose Stockbridge as their primary residence and vote here. It is up to the second homeowner.

At that point the tone of the meeting changed —

Joe Newberg, a long time second homeowner, accused White of “intentionally discriminating against second homeowners”. Until the close of the meeting others joined in accusing White of causing division by proposing RTE. They offered other solutions, including zoning changes, that would not raise the taxes of second homeowners as they perceive RTE would.

White said, “When it comes to zoning changes, I am an incrementalist” because all these decisions are trade-offs.

The room came together smiling with a woman (name inaudible) who expressed her pleasure in “winning” a place on the kayak rack in the Town “lottery” only to discover her assigned space was too high for her to lift her kayak onto it. 

Editor’s Note: 1. RTE is never “off the table”. According to Massachusetts General Law (MGL), RTE must be considered as part of the tax classification hearing and voted on by the SB every year. 2. The Curtisville Bridge will not be repaired until the conditions placed by Mass Historical Commission are lifted. 3. It was suggested MA should adopt a Florida law allowing any developer willing to build low income housing to avoid some zoning laws. We do. In MA it is called Chapter 40B. “Chapter 40B helps communities meet the Commonwealth’s housing needs, by providing a flexible zoning approval process that allows for the creation of new homes for individuals, families, and older adults, across a range of incomes.” What is built is more often a function of the marketplace not the bylaws. 4. Tradeoffs in bylaw changes, for example, reducing the amount of acreage necessary to build (from 2 or 4 acres to 1/2 acre) would reduce costs at the same time that it would increase density. The Center for Disease Control identifies increased density as an enabler of the transmission of disease. There are obvious and less apparent tradeoffs to be carefully considered before zoning changes. 

News

Key Take Aways from Planning Board (PB) July 18, 2023

There was only one agenda item: consider Form A for 212 Old Stockbridge Road. A single LLC bought two adjacent parcels — estimated at 2 acres and 6 acres — and want to combine them into one. All the frontage is in Lenox and the backyards are in Stockbridge. With no frontage in Stockbridge, there may not have been action necessary by Stockbridge PB. Apparently, they endorsed it anyway with a caveat recommended by Town Counsel: “endorsement of this plan does not constitute an attestation of compliance with either zoning requirements or subdivision conditions.”

One PB member asked if Lis Wheeler (member of both PB and AHT) could give report on the Housing Production Plan meeting (See report above). The Chair declined. Meeting adjourned.

Editor’s note: “Form A (also referred to as an ANR Plan) is the division of a tract of land into two or more lots, whereby every lot within the tract so divided (a) has frontage on an acceptable way as specified in MGL C.41, S. 81L, (b) meets the minimum frontage requirement required by zoning for the district, and (c) is determined by the Planning Board to have vital access to the buildable portion of the lots.”

News

Key Take Aways from Conservation Commission (ConCom), July 25, 2023

Jessica Myler from Mass DOT reported on Route 7 periodic flooding. The cause was traced to clogged pipes and blamed on beaver activity (and maintenance).

5 Wheatleigh Drive has a failed septic system and a challenging lot for replacing it. The 20′ x 26′ septic field will be placed within the wetlands buffer zone abutting Lily Pond. A site visit will follow. The owner was asked to stake out old and new septic fields and create a replanting document for trees that will be removed.

Sally Underwood-Miller was concerned that any septic failure dumps waste onto the wetlands and into the pond.

Lisa Bozzuto speculated that with climate change, the buffer zones will change and become part of the ponds, lakes and wetlands. She saw completion of the Performance Standards as important and even more important to enforce all Lake and Pond Overlay District regulations to the letter. Buffer zones should be strictly enforced and even widened to 50-100 feet allowing absolutely no building, vegetation removal, or land disturbance within the buffer zone.

With the increased rains, storm water will also be a greater problem. The Performance Standards let the public know the rules.

Selectman Patrick White suggested extending the sewer around the lake might help.

The Housatonic Railroad did not respond to conditions articulated at the last meeting. ConCom will send an enforcement letter. The RR pleads no responsibility since they sold the tracks to Massachusetts. Underwood-Miller wanted David Cameron involved in the creation of the letter. It may be sent to both the Commonwealth and the RR.

Perspective

8 Town Board Votes “Yes” on Merger

Communities to Vote this Fall

On July 18, the RSDPB voted 16-2 (with two abstentions) to recommend the merger of the Berkshire Hills Regional School District and Southern Berkshire Regional School District. 

The Board was formed in March 2020 to study a possible merger in the face of declining enrollment and rising operating costs. In April 2021, the Board voted to develop the merger model recommended by its experts which keeps the elementary and middle schools in place and constructs a new merged 9-12 high school, with new vocational facilities, on the Great Barrington campus. Since that vote, theoard has been developing and testing the assumptions supporting that recommended model. 

“After three years of careful research, our board has concluded that the proposed merger presents the best path forward for our students and our community,” said Lucy Prashker, Chair of the 8 Town Board. 

Prashker added that the Board’s recommendation identifies important educational benefits and opportunities as well as significant cost savings. Its decision was also informed by broad community outreach, including surveys, student forums, focus groups, forums, and open community gatherings. 

“South Berkshire, like other parts of Berkshire County, has experienced staggering declines in student enrollment over the last two decades, a trend that is expected to continue,” explained Prashker. “Those declining enrollments put a tremendous strain on our ability to just maintain what we have. By joining together, we will be able to provide the educational enhancements our children need and deserve in a way that is sustainable and our 8 towns can afford.”

According to the findings of its educational quality subcommittee, a merged high school would allow for new and expanded vocational opportunities as well as expanded academic choices for college-bound students, more electives and extracurricular activities, optimized class sizes, and a more inclusive and diverse school population. For all grades, a merger would result in broader access to resources for English Language Learners, special education, and social-emotional support, and more professional development and other opportunities for teachers. 

While transportation was identified as a potential concern of a proposed merger, an independent study demonstrated that the time most students would spend on a bus would either stay the same or decrease. The maximum bus time is expected to decrease from 1 hour to 45 minutes. The merger would also allow elementary school students to ride separately from high schoolers. (Currently only BHRSD has a two-tier system.)

“Building a state-of-the-art high school will be a huge win for the students of all 8 towns,” said Deb Phillips, chair of the Board’s educational quality subcommittee. “Merger would also allow us to increase the salaries of the Southern Berkshire Regional School District faculty to achieve parity with those at Berkshire Hills.” 

The Board’s July 18 vote included approval of a draft regional agreement, which the board has been working on for close to a year. 

In late August, the agreement together with a written statement of the reasons for the merger, will be presented to the Selectboards of the 8 towns. The Boards will announce additional public forums where community members can learn more about the benefits. The voters of the 8 towns will decide whether to merge at special town meetings, which are expected to be held in October. 

by Lucy Prashker , Chair, 8 Town Regional District Planning Board (RSDPB)

Perspective

A Walking Street

Stockbridge Updates: What if we were to create a pedestrian-only thoroughfare—aka Pedestrian Mall, Zone, or Plaza—on Main Street Stockbridge? 

Let’s consider the section between Pine and Elm Streets. Some may argue that a closure there would redirect and overburden the traffic on side streets such as Vine and Shamrock. But here’s where we may need to be thinking bigger: what about the area beside the railroad tracks? Carole Owens wrote a compelling piece in the Berkshire Edge last month about the history of Stockbridge Train Station. If we can’t bring a train back, shouldn’t we at least use the space somehow—or research the possibilities? By minimizing or redirecting traffic from Main Street, we may also solve long-standing and controversial issues with the RLI intersection.

Austin Cassidy, an advocate for New Urbanism, asks an important question: “Can typical rural towns in America match the walkable and vibrant atmosphere similar to their European counterparts?” Many of the towns and villages he studies throughout Europe were built before the automobile. His captivating piece, “Rural Urbanist Towns: A Contradiction or the Future?” appeared on CNU.org (the Congress for New Urbanism) earlier this year.

In a 2021 article, “Lessons from the Rise and Fall of the Pedestrian Mall,” Cornell professor Stephan Schmidt offers insight into today’s pandemic-inspired street closures and where city officials may miss opportunities. Linda Poon, Feargus O’Sullivan, and Amy Yee do an admirable job looking at the bigger picture in their 2022 article, “The Cities Keeping Their Car-Free Spaces,” with a “non-exhaustive list of the most transformative projects.” Meanwhile, there is a fascinating Wikipedia page on the history of pedestrian malls in the United States.

Ann Arbor, Michigan’s City Council voted to approve a resolution to partially or fully close one of their main streets in June. In a statement, they noted that such a plaza would serve as “a gathering space for special events such as concerts…and a space for bordering restaurants and retailers to serve and vend…it also would align with the city’s transportation goals by creating a safe pedestrian space along a key downtown block and help facilitate a transition away from car-centric infrastructure toward a more sustainable, people-friendly design.” 

The RLI intersection feels more dangerous now than ever before, and, to my eyes and ears, truck traffic has increased significantly. We may have to take drastic measures to ensure that pedestrians remain safe.

by Haas Regen

Perspective

Contemplation

As a Select Board Member from the Town of Lee, I sit on the committee organized to discuss shared services of fire and emergency services. It is comprised of the two Fire Chiefs, both Town Administrators, one Select Board member from each town, experienced fire fighters, and a paid consultant. 

The task, an immense responsibility, is to help Lee and Stockbridge prepare for the future. It is a quest for facts and, ultimately, sound judgment in determining the best course to provide fire and emergency services for our neighboring towns. It will be a long and detailed task.

After last Thursday’s meeting, I was buoyed by the input, enthusiasm, and knowledge displayed by all my colleagues. I was elated, impressed by the determination of every individual at that table. It was clear they all understand the job at hand and put the well-being of the residents of Lee and Stockbridge first. Each is committed to doing the best job possible in doing so. This is small town government at its best.

I thought about other services we share. Our Tri Town Health Department is an excellent example. Comprised of Lee, Stockbridge, and Lenox Boards of Health, it has been in existence since 1929, continuously serving our communities. While based in Lee and chaired by Dr. Charles Kenny of Stockbridge, the three communities work in unison to address health and safety issues affecting all of us. Borders melt away. Again, the well-being of all is the paramount concern. 

These three towns (and two others) share another concern: The Housatonic River. Since the 1930s, the General Electric Corporation dumped toxic waste into the river, our landfills, on private property and along roadsides. PCB’s from GE’s Pittsfield plant show up in arctic wildlife. In 2020, unbeknownst to the residents in the river corridor, an agreement was negotiated and signed by all the towns behind closed doors, to place yet another toxic waste dump in the Berkshires – tragically, in the Town of Lee. 

The residents of Lee are working for a better, more comprehensive cleanup of the river. New information and new technologies are available which could eliminate the need for a dump in the Berkshires. Lee wants to talk about it, in public, so that all residents might have a better understanding of the challenges. The other towns, including Stockbridge, have declined. Observing the cooperation in other areas mentioned above, I know we can do it. Let’s sit down, talk, and what’s best for the residents of our towns. 

by Bob Jones, Chair, Lee Select Board

Events

Berkshire Botanical Garden Gears Up for Annual Grow Show, Aug. 12-13

Celebrating a 53-year tradition of growing and showing, Berkshire Botanical Garden’s annual Grow Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug.12-13. 

The event will include a demonstration on Saturday that compares and contrasts Western floral design and the Ikebana Sogetsu School.

On both days, floral designers and backyard gardeners are the celebrities. Beautiful floral arrangements and the peak summer harvest are spotlighted in this upbeat, judged event featuring five floral designs and nearly 80 horticulture classes on display in the Exhibition Hall.

The show times are Saturday, Aug. 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone can enter. Whether you bring a single bloom or enter every category, there is no charge to participate in the Grow Show. Gardeners of all ages and experience levels are welcome to enter the blue-ribbon event known as the Horticulture Division. Floral Design entries will take delight in the natural world’s splendor while recognizing that beauty’s intrinsic value is its harmonization of form and purposefulness. Designers focus on guiding people to make more connections between the richness of flora and the critical role it plays in the sustainability and restoration of our environment and the human condition. Designers are asked to use sustainable design practices avoiding Oasis and using materials that can be reused or recycled.

The Grow Show is free with Garden admission.

The demonstration on Saturday, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., will be led by Kaye Vosburgh, who holds the highest rank, Riji, in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana and is an accredited master judge and a flower show school design and procedure instructor for judges in the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Her demonstration will compare and contrast Western floral design and the Ikebana Sogetsu School. 

For more information, visit Berkshirebotanical.org or call 413-298-3926.

by Felix Carroll

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Dear Dr. Owens:

I’m not sure whom to inform about my observations so, if it’s not you, please let me know the right department or person to contact.

While I understand the difficulty in staffing the beach with lifeguards, I am wondering if the Stockbridge Parks department cannot be tasked with cleaning up the veritable carpeting of goose droppings that cover the lawn area closest to the lake. Those silhouettes of dogs apparently do not fool any goose out there. It is truly disgusting and makes what should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience very unpleasant.

I hope that you can direct these comments to the appropriate area which will take the necessary remedial action.

Sincerely,

Irene Bernstein

Hi Carole:

We are aware of the geese issue at the beach and have been working to combat the issue. The beach and grass areas at the town public beach is cleaned and raked seven days a week. This has been happening for the last three years but the difference this year is that a large flock of geese has decided to occupy the area. As most are aware it does not take long before the area is covered with droppings. Once we noticed that there was an issue we have added additional cleaning during the week and we reached out to other beaches and communities to look at possible solutions. We did try the installation of deterrents (moving dog post) that have worked at other beaches but they did not work here. We have been told about other possible solutions and will be looking into other methods. We have learned that West Stockbridge uses Organix Outdoors, Flight Control Max, products. This product provides a non-toxic repellent that’s safe for humans, pets and geese with no unpleasant smell once applied and is Waterproof — won’t wash away.

The bottom line is that we will be attempting to address this issue, but it may take exploring a number of options before we find a solution.

Michael J. Canales
Stockbridge Town Administrator