Editorial

Editorial: Maybe Ignorance Is not Bliss

We may not always know enough about the issues or the candidates to vote wisely. I learned a lot covering board, committee, and commission meetings when I began writing Stockbridge Updates. One of the things I learned is how little I knew before. Nonetheless, throughout, I voted.

It gets harder when accurate and useful information is mixed in with alternate facts and opinions. It is also complicated for Stockbridge when lots of things outside of the village affect us.

Luckily this is a problem with a built-in solution. Stockbridge Updates is adding new sections. NewBerkshireNews which will cover information from around South County that can inform us about our neighbors, underscore the similarity of our problems, possibly point to opportunities to share resources and lighten a burden by sharing it.

To all the other towns and villages in the Berkshire 3rd District — send us your events and your news. We are interested!

SU is also adding Hill Updates will cover news from the Statehouse. SU is very lucky to have State Senator Paul Mark writing a column every few months and to have our own Christine Rasmussen, Stockbridge representative to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, writing for us about state legislation. We are working on a n expert to tell us all about state grants available.

From our first issue, the first week in August 2020, our single purpose was to educate voters. That remains our purpose; we are just expanding the ways we are doing it.

News

Events 

Norman Rockwell Museum – Virtual Program: Coming of Age with MAD

Saturday, September 28, 2024 @ 3:00pm EDT

Join Steve Brodner, co-curator of What, Me Worry?: the Art and Humor of MAD Magazine for an illustrated talk about political satire, the art of caricature and Brodner’s reflections on his formative experience growing up reading MAD magazine. The presentation will touch on the many ways MAD Magazine with its rich mix of satire, anti-establishment critique, and irreverent humor helped shape the ethos of an entire generation and set Brodner on his path to becoming one of the nation’s foremost political cartoonists.

Steve Brodner is an illustrator, caricaturist, journalist, author, educator, lecturer, and political commentator, He is a regular contributor to The Nation, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times. His work has also appeared in most of the major magazines and newspapers in the United States, including Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Esquire, and The Atlantic. His weekly newsletter, The Greater Quiet, can be found at stevebrodner.substack.com.

Tickets are $10, Members free

For more information, please visit https://www.nrm.org/events/virtual-program-coming-of-age-with-mad/

Annual Housatonic Heritage Walks in the Berkshires (and Litchfield County, CT)

Every Saturday & Sunday on September and October weekends from September 7 & 8 through October 5 & 6. Celebrating 22 years of Heritage Walks!

This 22nd annual event, the 2024 Housatonic Heritage Walks program offers 70+ FREE guided walks to the most interesting historic, cultural and natural sites in Berkshire County, MA, and Litchfield County, CT.

For more information, contact Betsy Morcom-Kenney: etmorcom@hotmail.com

Berkshire Botanical Garden’s annual Harvest Festival

Where: Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, Mass.

When: Mark your calendars for the Berkshire Botanical Garden’s annual Harvest Festival, Oct. 12 and 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Again this October, the Garden’s 24-acre grounds will undergo a remarkable transformation into a vibrant hub for celebrating community, the natural world and our agricultural heritage. This year, the Garden is celebrating its 90th birthday with an array of family-friendly activities, live music and a wide selection of regional artisan food and crafts vendors.

Children’s activities include pony rides; a haunted house; the ever-popular obstacle course; a hay maze and hay jump; face painting; a cider press and photo op. A full lineup of live entertainment for all ages will take place on the Main Stage, featuring performances by Wanda Houston, Katherine Winston and more.

The event is also a prime shopping opportunity with more than 50 craft vendors, a plant sale and the “Accessorize” pop-up shop, offering gently used clothing, jewelry, hats, scarves, and accessories.

New for 2024: Buy tickets in advance at BerkshireBotanical.org and save. Advance tickets are $10 for adults; children under 12 are admitted free. Same-day tickets will be available at the gate (Adults $15, Children under 12 free). There is no charge for parking in the Garden’s adjacent fields. Pets (except for registered service dogs) are not permitted. ATMs will be available on-site. For more information, visit www.BerkshireBotanical.org

Tickets:

Advance Tickets (Adults $10, Children under 12 FREE), visit www.BerkshireBotanical.org.

Same-Day Tickets (Adults $15, Children under 12 FRE

Lee Founders’ Weekend

The Town of Lee will be celebrating their 247th birthday from September 20-22.

There will be a full weekend of events. The fun starts on Friday evening with the local favorite, “Taste of Lee”. Main Street is closed from 5PM-9PM. Main Street will be lined with local restaurants and food vendors. There will be live music at different locations throughout Main Street.

Carr Hardware will host their children’s CARRnival at 221 Main Street from 5PM-8PM. 51 Park Street will be hosting a beer tent at the Chambery Inn with live music where Canna Provisions will be hosting an informational table. Founders Weekend would not be complete without the amazing fireworks show put on by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks. The show will be visible from Main Street and will begin at 8PM. If you are interested in continuing the fun, The Locker Room will have live music, Brian Benlein, from 8PM-11PM.

The celebration continues on Saturday with the Wildcat Main Street Mile Race starting at 10AM. Runners will run on the parade route as the parade spectators cheer them on! All proceeds for the race will benefit the Lee Middle High School Cross Country Team. The Lee Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 100 years this year (1924-2024). This year’s Grand Marshal will be hometown legend, Dick Shields. Dick is representing Dresser Hull, one of the Lee Chamber of Commerce’s original members. After the parade, there will be a display of antique fire trucks in the Lee Bank parking lot where they will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. This event is provided by SPAAMFAA (The Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America). After “Cruising” in the parade, there will be a Classic Car Show in the parking lot between Zabian’s and the Morgan House. There will be crafters in the Park all weekend and on Saturday, the Sons and Daughters of Italy will be selling their homemade grinders in the Park. Also on Saturday afternoon, the Lee Chamber will be sponsoring a Slider Cook Off. Tickets are available to purchase before the event at the Lee Chamber Information Booth. Many children’s events will take place on Saturday at the Athletic Field. There will be an obstacle agility course set up by Neighborhood Ninja’s. Berkcirque will be offering circus activities. Bowey the Magic Clown will perform some magic, balloon creations, and face painting from 11-1. Terry a la Berry will be performing from 12:00-1:00 and returning this year there will be a skateboard and fingerboard competition at the Athletic Field starting at 1:00. Also, Boy Scout Troop #3 will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and the Pittsfield Police Department Copsicle van will be giving out sweet treats from 11:00-2:30.

On Sunday the ever-fun Lee Lions Club Duck Derby will take place at 2:00 at the Athletic Field. Duck tickets will be available all weekend. For more information go to: Director@Leechamber.org For a complete schedule of events, visit www.leechamber.org/festivals

Susan Merrill Open Studio

Susan Merrill Open Studio 11 Yale Hill Road, Stockbridge: Friday, September 13 and Saturday September 14, noon to six.

Stockbridge Farmers Market 

The Stockbridge Farmers Market will be open on Wednesday, September 18 and Wednesday, September 25 from 3 PM to 5:30 PM.

We will have fresh picked organic sweetcorn, and a variety of baked goods from the Berkshire Mountain Bakery, as well as honey, maple syrup, fresh flowers, and a variety of organic produce such as kale, cherry tomatoes, raspberries, beets, and garlic.

SNAP recipients can double their purchasing power. Come to the market managers desk to get your food tokens.

In addition to cash, most vendors accept Venmo.

The Abode farm and the honey stand accept Senior coupons.

Berkshire Theatre Group

Berkshire Theatre Group presents The Weir on the Larry Vaber Stage of the Unicorn Theatre, September 26, September 27 and 28th at 7pm. Tickets $50 – $58 each. Tony-nominated playwright Connor McPherson tells the tale of a scene set in a small Irish pub on a stormy night that is eerie and enchanting. For ticket go to: www.berkshiretheatregroup.org or call 413-997-4444

Send your events information to Stockbridge Updates whether in Stockbridge or elsewhere in South Berkshire!!

News

Stockbridge Select Board, September 5, 2024, Hybrid meeting

It was a brief meeting. Major topics were the Farmer’s Market, dredging Stockbridge Bowl, and the Town Accountant position.

1. Stuart Kelso reported that the Farmers’ Market is a success. They will extend the market through September and Kelso expects all current farmers to return next year. Select Board member Patrick White asked about including food trucks.

2. Response: local food purveyors would have to be consulted first and asked if they want to provide food for sale before asking food trucks from elsewhere.

3. Dredging Stockbridge Bowl has been discussed for years. Money was raised by the Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) specifically for dredging. Yet nothing has been done. To jump start the process, Town Manager Michael Canales will take over the program. He will set out a plan that will accomplish the task in three years.

4. Don Chabon, former Select Board member, indicated his delight and approval. Motion made and passed.

5. Town Accountant resigned. Canales put together an interim solution, to be evaluated in December, that will accomplish the task at a reduced cost to taxpayers.

News

Stockbridge Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), September 9, 2024, Hybrid meeting

1. Vice Chair Jan Ackerman reported that on September 17, for the third time, AHT will present its proposed housing plan to the Planning Board (PB) for consideration. This step is required by law. It was first presented months ago. After it is presented, Ackerman hopes the PB will take a vote to approve/disapprove.

2. Parts of the Affordable Home Act, recently passed by the state, will affect local zoning, particularly the following parts: Accessory Dwelling Units, Short Term Rentals, Tiny Homes on Tiny Lots, and Stockbridge’s new designation as a “Resort” also called a seasonal community. AHT member Patrick White expressed a sense of urgency in addressing these matters.

3. White said, since the measures will go into effect in February, he suggested a Special Town Meeting otherwise there would be a gap which White called “the wild west” when the state law would be in effect, but any mitigating local bylaws would not be.

4. Chair Ranne Warner expressed understanding that local governments would have few options — state law would supersede — and postponed discussion until following meeting

5. The Chair expressed support for Dawn Odell Lemon, Manager, Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG). It funds the Housing Rehabilitation programs — repairs of homes when the owner/occupant qualifies economically. AHT discussed ways to alert eligible Stockbridge homeowners that money is available.

6. Chair requested a motion to approve an additional $5000 to complete the land survey on the Glendale Middle Road property. Passed.

7. Chair announced that the playground at Pine Woods is complete and AHT received a thank-you note from the children.

8. At a reduced rate of $150/hour, the Trust voted to approve the services of Kathleen O’Donnell, an attorney with a specialty in housing.

9. Approved $7900 for DPC (engineers) to do an analysis of requirements and costs for a 60- bedroom development. One member questioned spending all this money for a development AHT does not have the money to build. Another questioned the number of bedrooms and asked if they needed another analysis, if the number of bedrooms increases or decreases. The answer was yes, but the costs associated are cheaper and easier to analyze when you go down in number of bedrooms. The motion to spend the $7900 was made and passed

10. Eileen Peltier, CEO, Hearthway (present) and also a representative from Mass Housing Partnership (not present) will serve as consultants to AHT.

11. The discussion of development of Glendale Middle Road was wide-ranging. Ownership or rental? Rent with option to buy? Attached units or single-family units? At what price point can a buyer afford the unit? If the sale has to be subsidized, where is there money to do it?

Every decision will impact density and the character of the community.

12. There is a major developer in nearby Lenox — Penrose. They will complete 65 units on Route 7 at Brushwood Farms. One AHT member is in discussion with them.

13. Stockbridge, which is 60% seasonal residents, is automatically a resort community according to the new state definition. That designation and what it allows could change the housing picture and fill some of the housing needs, because as a resort community, things are possible that were not previously allowed. For example, tiny homes on tiny lots.

14. This was intended as a discussion meeting and no further decisions were made. Adjourned

Editor’s note: 1. On July 25, 2024, Governor Maura Healey announced that the towns of Lenox and Lee received $1,000,000 in CDBG funds, while the Town of Great Barrington (including Egremont and Stockbridge) received $1,375,000. 2. AHT did not state how many units make a 60-bedroom development.

New Berkshire News

NewBerkshireNews — A new feature covering South County

Report — The Berkshire 3rd District votes: here is a report of 100% of votes cast by candidate

Leigh Davis: 3961 (55.9% for Davis)

Patrick White: 2667 (37.6% for White)

Jamie Minacci: 456 (6% for Minacci)

TOTAL VOTES CAST: 7084 (100% of votes cast)

In 2022 (the last official count), the total number of registered voters in Berkshire County was 95,390. Of that number, 33,290 were registered in the Berkshire 3rd, broken down as follows:

ALFORD: 371

BECKET: 1,814

DALTON: 4,804

EGREMONT: 1,115

GREAT BARRINGTON: 5,152

LEE: 2,559

LENOX: 3,853

MONTEREY: 760

MOUNT WASHINGTON: 140

NEW MARLBOROUGH: 1,219

OTIS: 1,548

RICHMOND: 1,289

SANDISFIELD: 658

SHEFFIELD: 2,609

STOCKBRIDGE: 1,688

TYRINGHAM: 368

WASHINGTON: 410

WEST STOCKBRIDGE: 1,194

That means approximately 20% of registered voters in the Berkshire 3rd District voted — 80% did not. 20% of possible voters elected the Democratic candidate who will run in the general election for our next state representative.

The other candidate on the ballot in November will be a registered Independent and therefore only needed 150 certified signatures to get on the ballot. So, with 33,290 voters in the district, roughly 4100 voters, or just over 12%, selected the two candidates in the general election.

It is true: decisions are made by those who show up.

The estimated populations of the 18 municipalities in Berkshire 3rd listed do not add up to 33,290. The figures are from two different sources — federal and state – one differs from the other by about 1000 voters. Furthermore, 33,290 was reported in 2022 and has increased steadily since. For example, Sheffield reports an increase of 115 voters and Lee of over 300 voters. Nevertheless, the approximations make the point. Vote! The true number of registered voters has increased, and the total number that actually voted remains 7084, therefore, the actual percentage is less than 20%. We should all vote!

A Snapshot of Primary Election Day September 2024

SU asked Town Clerks in the Berkshire 3rd District if the very low turnout was surprising. Sadly it was not. One clerk agreed that the turnout was “definitely not good,” and definitely expected. “It was par for a primary.”

One clerk said she thought primaries confused voters. For example, one asked her, “why isn’t Kamala on the ballot?” another told her later, “Oh, I missed it. I was waiting for November.”

Thank you to all the Town Clerks who spoke with SU.

To The East

Our Neighbor — Lee MA

About the Town of Lee

The Town of Lee, Massachusetts, is a picturesque town known as the “Gateway to the Berkshires”. Originally settled in the 1760s and incorporated in 1777, Lee played a significant role during the Industrial Revolution, particularly in papermaking and marble quarrying. The town’s marble has graced notable structures like the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Today, Lee boasts a charming downtown with historical architecture, cultural landmarks, and modern amenities, making it a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience. Its scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular destination for tourists and a beloved home for its residents.

“Lee, Massachusetts, with its rich historical roots and vibrant community spirit, stands as an ideal location to host an exhibit on the history of democracy,” said Town Administrator, Chris Brittain. “Lee’s charming downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its deep connection to American heritage make it a perfect backdrop for exploring the evolution of democratic ideals.”

Smithsonian Exhibition on Democracy Coming to Lee

The installation highlights the fascinating history of “Voices and Votes” at the local, state, and national levels.

On August 15, Mass Humanities announced the selection of the Town of Lee as a host site for the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition, “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America.” The exhibit will be located at the Lee Premium Outlets. It examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.” Opening on June 7, 2025, “Voices and Votes” will be on view through July 19, 2025.

Museum on Main Street (MoMS) is a national/state/local partnership designed to bring exceptional humanities programs to rural cultural organizations. See more under Perspectives.

Local Contact: Sabrina Touhey; (413) 409-5975; sabrina.touhey@lee.ma.us

Smithsonian Contact: Jennifer Schommer; (202) 633-3121; schommerj@si.edu

Send local news items to Stockbridge Updates for inclusion in NewBerkshirenews — SU is covering Stockbridge and its neighbors!!

Hill Updates

Proposed Legislation to address Climate Change

Local Control versus Centralized Control

With scientific evidence showing the dangers of rising temperatures and Massachusetts experiencing more frequent severe storms, Governor Healey has prioritized addressing ways to reduce the impact of global warming.

On April 1, 2024, the Mass Commission on Clean Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting released a report recommending a transformative strategy to meet the state’s mandated clean energy and climate goals with green clean energy.

The strategy involves consolidating the siting and permitting of renewable energy facilities and infrastructure into a single review, with an accelerated timetable for permit issuance, promising a brighter, cleaner future for Massachusetts

That is a major change as the present local control of permitting of green energy facilities will be replaced by a consolidated permit process. That means, traditional sources of energy will be replaced with clean green energy plants of up to 25 MWh using a consolidated permit that supersedes local bylaws. The consolidated permit is required to be given within 12 months of the application for the completed permit by local boards. For more extensive facilities, the permits will be granted in 15 months by the state.

It is anticipated that the effect of the proposed buildout enabled by the legislation will disproportionately affect the western MA counties. A government report projects that “even with maximal rooftop [solar panel] deployment far above historic levels,” 60,000 acres of ground-mounted solar array will be needed by 2050 to meet the state’s clean energy and climate goals. Another official report estimates that if all thermal power plants are shut down, our state will need about 158,000 acres for solar panels by then. This has a significant impact on the Berkshire environment and economy that cannot be ignored.

It is important if we are going to be successful in maintaining the Berkshires we love that the House and Senate leadership remove those sections related to energy facilities siting from the Governor’s proposed FY2024 closeout supplemental budget bill, AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 TO PROVIDE FOR SUPPLEMENTING CERTAIN EXISTING APPROPRIATIONS AND FOR CERTAIN OTHER ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS. We believe these are sections 32 (page 27) through Section 65 (page 55).

That is because this proposed legislation imparts too much power to the energy facility siting board and not enough at the local level as the proposed provision would effectively remove local control from the approval process for large and small clean energy infrastructure facilities. Since much of the land the facilities would likely be built on is in rural areas, such as Berkshire County, local municipalities must maintain meaningful control over permitting.

Furthermore, during the last session the legislature has been using the normal process of debating the appropriate siting of energy facilities through the legislative process. It is essential that the process be continued until compromise legislation is arrived at through proper legislative deliberation, even if this means carrying over to the next legislative session, not approving a piece of legislation as important as energy sitting through a supplemental budget that is used to close out fiscal years.

Residents in Berkshire County support the transition to clean energy, but it must be done in a manner consistent with local community goals and desires, not imposed by some outside board, state agency, or commission unfamiliar with the local long-held tradition and values.

Legislators must receive hundreds of emails from residents and visitors of western MA expressing their concerns about the future of their hometowns.

YOU CAN TAKE ACTION!

Please email the following legislators to express your concerns about this legislation. You can write one email, then click on the following names and paste your message email in the body of the email. rep.smitty@mahouse.gov Tricia.FarleyBouvier@mahouse.gov Ryan.Fattman@masenate.gov John.barrett@mahouse.gov Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov

Kelly.Pease@mahouse.gov
Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov
Cindy.Friedman@masenate.gov

Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov
Patrick.OConnor@masenate.gov

Thank you. Your emails can make a difference as legislators count them as they make their decisions.

Editor’s note: What is 60,000 acres? Well, Stockbridge is roughly 23,000 acres and Lee is 27,000 acres. To accommodate the need expressed in the proposed legislation, it would cover an area 10,000 acres larger than the area of the two towns combined.

by Christine Rasmussen

Perspective

Get Excited! Get Involved!

The November election is right around the corner — be prepared.

The Central Berkshire County chapter of the League of Women Voters can help. September 17: We are partnering with the National Voter Registration Day Organization and local libraries for a one-day event. LWV CBC will be set up to register new voters that day in libraries in Egremont, Great Barrington, Lenox, and Stockbridge.

September 21: LWV CBC will be registering voters at Lee Founders Day weekend celebration.

September 28: LWV CBC will be registering voters at the Festival Latina in Great Barrington. October 10, Lenox Library at 5:00 p.m.: Our chapter will offer a forum about the five statewide ballot questions that voters will be deciding this year. You can review a list of the ballot questions on the website of the Secretary of State hCps://www.sec.state.ma.us/.

In addition, voters in District 3 will be choosing between Leigh Davis and Marybeth Mitts for the position of State Representative.

Various dates this fall: League volunteers will visit Berkshire Community College, working together with the administration, and offering students information about voting in the U.S. Presidential Election on November 5. For questions about the status of your voter registration, you can go to any of the League registration events listed above. You can also visit the website of the Secretary of State hCps:// www.sec.state.ma.us/, or contact the town clerk of your town, or visit www.VOTE411.org. You can also write to us at lwvcentralberkshires@gmail.com. Even if you are sure you’re registered to vote, the League recommends that you check the status of your registration. You should also check your sample ballot online before going the polls. You can do this by entering your name and address on this site: https:// www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/WhereDoIVote. Be sure you know where you are voting and the times the polls are open. Early voting will begin October 19. The last day to register is Saturday, October 26 (10 days before the election on November 5). If you would like what is called a “no excuse absentee ballot,” be sure to apply for it as soon as possible. In presidential election years, typically 50% of registered voters cast their ballot. We can do better this year. Let’s break records! We are aiming to have the highest turnout in our history on November 5, 2024!

by Ramelle Pulitzer, League of Women Voters of Central Berkshire

Perspective

The Levy Limit

What is it?

A levy limit is a restriction on the amount of property taxes a taxing district can collect each year. In 1980, in Massachusetts, Proposition 2 1/2 was passed. Since then, there are limits on the property tax, and the levy limit has been a fundamental feature of the Massachusetts municipal fiscal landscape. Still some confusion about the ways in which Proposition 2 1/2 works, how the levy limit is calculated, how an override differs from a debt exclusion or capital outlay expenditure exclusion, and how new growth works.

How does it work?

The levy is the total amount of property taxes a district collects. Levy limits control the growth of property taxes by placing a cap on increases. The name tells you all you need to know: the levy limit = limit on the levy.

The limit is usually expressed in percentages. Massachusetts Proposition 2 1/2 was passed in 1980 and created a legal limit of 2 1/2 %. The limit is calculated on the overall levy — not on each individual property.

Calculating the levy can be complex, but in general, start with last year’s levy, apply the allowable percentage and raise the taxes up to the limit. Remember, a municipality raises what it needs so it may raise it up to the levy limit but could raise it less in any one year.

The levy limit can be exceeded if that action is approved by the voters. It would have to be approved every year that it is needed and usually requires a super majority of 60%.

Why do we want to know about the levy limit?

First because a levy limit can force a choice. Right here right now in South Berkshire there are towns approaching the levy limit as the pressure on the budget increases. There are the necessities of road paving and bridge repairs, a school in ill-repair, and brown water. These are serious issues that need addressing. Other towns have debt and debt service added to the problems of housing – more, better-priced housing available – but also the need to repair our older buildings.

These problems – south county bridges closed, roads that need paving, a housing problem, a regional school in poor repair, brown water and rising costs — cost money. The cost of addressing all the problems can push a municipality up against the levy limit and force it to choose what to do and what to defer.

If a town approaches the levy limit, it can ask the voters to exceed it or choose between what appears to be necessary expenditures. Or it can reach out to neighbors — us — and discuss shared resources, or finally, seek other sources of income beyond property taxes.

The levy limit keeps taxes from ballooning but may force a choice about what to do. Problem? The need does not go away and every year you defer the cost rises. The advantages and disadvantages of levy limits may come easily to mind, however. in Massachusetts it is the law.

Embrace the Complexity

Elected, appointed, and employed town workers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are brighter than others, some nicer, and some harder workers. Nonetheless, there is very little point in getting mad.

What we learn from the levy limit and other rules and regulations is that the problems are interconnected and always more complex than a quick glance suggests. These folks are not trying to thwart you, they are trying to juggle the pieces of a puzzle. So, work with the great folks who work for us and try to sort it all out and make the pieces fit.

by Carole Owens

Perspective

“Voices and Votes” — An Exhibition in Lee 

Cosponsored by the Smithsonian, “Voices and Votes” explores the action and reaction, vision and revision, that democracy demands as Americans continue to question how to shape the country. Exhibition sections explore:

• the origins of American democracy;

• the struggles to obtain and keep the vote;

• the machinery of democracy;

• the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot;

• and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

“Voices and Votes” features historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

The Town of Lee is one of six Massachusetts towns scheduled to host “Voices and Votes” in 2024-25. The tour exhibition will make stops in Buckland, Ashby, Doulgas, Holbrook, and East Sandwich. The exhibition will be on display for six weeks in each town.

“It is an honor to partner with these communities to bring the Smithsonian to Massachusetts,” said Mass Humanities Executive Director Brian Boyles. “At this critical time for our democracy, we believe that libraries and museums in our small town are vital to the future of the commonwealth. We look forward to the events and conversations hosted by our partners.”

The Town of Lee will also host free community events that take a closer look at how Lee history connects to broader conversations about democracy, the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens, participating in government, and more.

Gordon Bailey, the Chairman of the Lee Select Board, said “discussing democracy is more crucial than ever in today’s rapidly changing world. By continuing these conversations, we ensure that the principles of freedom, equality, and justice remain at the forefront of our societies, guiding us towards a more inclusive and fair future.”

“Voices and Votes” will tour a total of six communities in Massachusetts from April 2025 through January 2026. Each host site receives a $10,000 grant from Mass Humanities to develop their own programming to be displayed alongside the Smithsonian exhibition. Each site showcases the “Voices and Votes” installation for six weeks before it moves to a new location. Host sites also receive a second grant in the year following their Smithsonian exhibition, which can be used to develop additional public programs.

“Voices and Votes” is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.

The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about “Voices” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit museumonmainstreet.org.

For more information about the Town of Lee events, visit www.lee.ma.us. For further information about Museum on Main Street in Massachusetts, contact Marie Pellissier, program officer at Mass Humanities, at mailto:mpellissier@masshumanities.org.

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Dear Stockbridge Community, 

I’m reaching out from the Norman Rockwell Museum. We are hiring a new Learning and Engagement team (a full-time educator, per diem educators for school groups, and part–time museum tour guides). All the positions are paid. Visit our website for more details. https://www.nrm.org/about/employment/ Please apply directly if you are interested and/or help us spread the word if anyone in your network might be a candidate.

Thank you! 

Kathryn Potts, Chief Learning and Engagement Officer

Dear Readers,

I ran into Gary Johnston at the post office the other day. He asked me to tell everyone that he had his procedure, and it went well. He said, “I am ten years younger than I was a month ago.” He also said he doesn’t like writing and would I. I am delighted to pass the news on and so pleased it went well.

Carole Ow