Editorial

Editorial: Trickle Down

Finally, something trickled down. Sadly, it wasn’t money. Instead, it was the bad behavior in our politics.

We all see the same things, and it makes all of us, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, unhappy. There are quick tempers, self-righteousness, the cold shoulder to opposing points of view, and the bit of jealousy of the grifter who gets away with it. It makes all of us a tad less trusting and a bit more apathetic.

What do we do about it? Don’t imitate it.

Let’s not figure we’ll do it if we are pretty sure we won’t get caught.

Let’s figure we won’t do it because it’s wrong.

Let’s not do something wrong and figure out how to blame someone else. Tell the truth and take the consequences – we might be surprised to learn we garner respect for our courage and honesty.

Don’t take money from a nonprofit or the government till, or office petty cash because, after all, no one will miss it? We all miss the trust and respect we once had for each other.

Nonprofits, don’t keep passing the begging hat after you actually raised the money needed. Town Hall don’t pad the budget to create “free cash,” and businesses, don’t treat workers like cogs, they are your friends and neighbors. We will miss the ability to trust our institutions.

If we find ourselves justifying backbiting, name calling, and spreading dirt because that person is no good; remember, it is just as easy to justify mistreating us.

Caring about each other, being willing to defend one another’s rights, sharing the wealth as well as the financial burdens, and obeying the law are the underpinnings of our form of government.

Make sure your word is good: if you said you would do it – don’t renege. If someone “does us wrong,” we have every right to protect ourselves and quietly walk away. We may have less right to retaliate.

The corrupt will seek power. They will run for office. We see them, no reason to support them or ever seek to be like them.

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Watch Now!

Stockbridge Updates on Air: Lenox Historical Commission members Olga Weiss and Tom Romeo, About Spring Lawn – Where are we? What next?

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

In an accidental death, we have lost a wonderful doctor and a warm, funny, and very kind man. Dr. Bruce Evenchik, ophthalmologist and one of the founders of Berkshire Eye Center, took his dog for a walk in Kennedy Park, Lenox on September 26, 2026. It was a windy Saturday. Near the parking lot, not far along the trail, a tree fell on him. Hikers found Dr Evanchik and called the police. Dr. Evanchik left a favorite restaurant of his, On A Roll, at about 11 or 11:30am. Lenox police responded and found his body at 1:20pm. The good doctor was unresponsive. The death was a terrible shock, a tragedy, and a deep loss felt by friends, family, and all who knew him.

The 78 year old Evanchik was recently widowed. He lost his beloved wife, Reba, in January of this year.

News

SU FYI

1. Stockbridge Cultural Council Seeks Applications for Grants The Stockbridge Cultural Council invites artists, cultural institutions and arts organizations to apply for FY2027 Annual Grants that support local individuals and groups. The annual grant cycle is open September 1 through mid-October.

For information, application forms and guidelines, visit the Stockbridge Cultural Council page on the Massachusetts Cultural Council website at https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/Stockbridge/ Applications must be submitted through the MCC website, not by mail or email. The Cultural Council’s mission is to promote a rich cultural life for residents, to support a vital local economy and to promote excellence in the arts and humanities. Emphasis is placed on education, diversity, accessibility and inclusion. For additional information, contact

AnneFeril@stockbridge-ma.gov

2. The Horse Trough is back! (See SU article, May 5, 2026Trough is back see article in SU, May 5, 2026 issue). The Horse Watering Trough, dated 1881, was fashioned out of rough-hewn, white, Alford marble. It was a gift to the village from Giovanni Albinola. Albinola, an Italian patriot, was imprisoned in Austria for his political activism in support of Italian autonomy. When released, he settled in Stockbridge. According to a document next door in the Stockbridge Library Museum and Archives, Albinola gave the gift of the horse trough as an expression of his “gratitude for the peace and hospitality he had found here [in Stockbridge].” The words carved into the face of the trough read: “Merciful Man is merciful onto his Beast, Utility is Preferable to Grandeur.”

Piece by piece, the repaired trough was returned and reassembled beginning on September 18, 2026. It traveled from Vaugn Tower’s shop in Richmond, MA., to its place on the corner of Main and Elm Streets in Stockbridge. However, there is more to come: the marble back piece that contains the waterspout has not been delivered yet.

3. The Literacy Network to Honor Lee Bank at its Annual Fundraising Celebration, Let’s Celebrate: 35 Years of Transforming Lives, which will be held at Barrington Hall on Saturday, October 3, starting at 6 PM. LitNet’s annual celebration is a significant source of funding for the organization’s free, flexible, and individualized tutoring programs in English for Speakers of Other Languages, US citizenship preparation, adult basic education, and first-generation college support. LitNet has served over 300 individuals throughout 2026, 90% of whom are adults working on English language skills.

Lee Bank has been a community institution since 1852 and has supported LitNet’s programming since its inception, awarding 253 grants totaling $1,271,080 to nonprofits serving Berkshire communities.

The evening will feature authentic Brazilian BBQ catered by Octavio Nallin of Amici Restaurant and live music by Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra. Lee Bank employees who are also LitNet learners will speak at the event along with their LitNet tutors. Limited tickets are still available. To purchase tickets or support LitNet, visit LitNet’s website at www.litnetsb.org/event .

Events

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden presents “The Oldest and Greatest” Harvest festival, October 10 and 11, 10am to 5pm, children under 12 free. The garden center was founded by Irene Botsford Hoffmann with a donation of more than eight acres from her estate in the 1930s. Hoffman’s book, The Book of Herb Cookery, was published in 1940 and the proceeds, all or in part, were donated to the garden center to help sustain it. The book is still available today.
2. Norman Rockwell Museum is proud to announce the debut of  Exploring Calvin and Hobbes, a major exhibition devoted to Bill Watterson’s beloved comic strip, paired with George Herriman, Krazy Kat, and the Path to Calvin and Hobbes. Running from November 14, 2026, through May 31, 2027, the exhibitions offer an in-depth look at Watterson and Herriman’s creative process, iconic characters, and enduring storylines.

Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Walking Tours on October 3, 10 and 17, at 1pm. Take a guided walking tour of downtown Stockbridge and discover how the town and its inhabitants both inspired Norman Rockwell and appeared in some of his most iconic works of art. Explore the history of this 1734 village–including its Mohican origins. Stops include: Norman Rockwell’s home on South Street, his first studio on Main Street, the Old Corner House (site of the original Norman Rockwell Museum), Chief John Konkapot’s property, the Red Lion Inn, the former site of Alice’s Restaurant, and more! $20; separate from Museum Admission. Limited capacity of 24 – advance reservations required. Event is rain or shine. Contact Riley Andersen
randersen@nrm.org

3. The Stockbridge Film Festival announces its inaugural year in the historic Berkshires. Created to champion bold storytelling, the festival provides live screening opportunities for audiences, as well as connections, and professional resources for visionary and progress-eliciting filmmakers from around the globe. The event offers a new cinematic hub in the Berkshires, with a rich lineup of short films, documentaries, narrative features, live Q&As, and industry-led panels. According to organizer John Tedeschi, “The festival aims to build directly upon the deep cultural roots of the region. and literature,”

Schedule: Friday, October 16th – Welcome Reception & Screening, Saturday, October 17th – Official Selections & Panels, Sunday, October 18th – Screenings & Awards Program

Filmmakers interested in participating or for more information: Email: info@stockbridgefilmfestival.com

News

From the Statehouse

Christine Rasmussen

This is a follow up to the September 15th article in Stockbridge Updates about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION BASES FOR NEW REGULATIONS:

Massachusetts’ ADU regulations went into effect on January 31, 2025. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has tracked how many have been approved (over 2,000 as of June 30), and has also conducted outreach surveys, focus groups, and interviews to learn about the remaining barriers and cost drivers preventing more widespread adoption.

All that information went into proposed regulatory revisions released for public comment recently https://www.mass.gov/info-details/accessory-dwelling-units

The goal is to improve definition clarity, ensure consistent health and environmental standards across municipalities, authorize new tools for Seasonal Communities, and establish additional guardrails on municipal requirements. The state asks if you have thoughts or comments on their proposals to share your feedback through the ADU Public Comment Form: https://www.mass.gov/forms/protected-use-adu-draft-regulations-public-comment-form

Written comments on the proposed regulation may be submitted from September 11, 2026, through 11:59 p.on October 9, 2026, by: (1) sending written comments electronically to EOHLCRegulationComments@mass.gov

Issues that have been identified as important for residents to share their opinion on:

Regulation via Environmental and Historic Overlays

Definition of “Reasonable” Setback and Dimensional Standards

Enforcement of the Short-Term Rental Restriction

Clarification on Condo and HOA Covenants Banning ADUs

Can You Build An ADU on Your Property? To find out, click on the link: https://goclean.masscec.com/adu/

Example: Marblehead Planning Board

With the new ADU regulations, the town of Marblehead Planning Board spent nearly three hours dealing with two ADU applications weighing concerns about building size, neighborhood character, emergency access and existing zoning restrictions against the state’s protections for qualifying ADUs applications:

New Construction Costs:

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that on average, government regulations at the federal, state, and local levels add $131,734 to the cost of a new single-family home, equal to about 26% of the average new-home sales price. Of that total, $84,939 comes from regulatory costs incurred during the construction phase, including building codes and permit requirements, while $46,795 is tied to regulations related to land development, such as zoning, approvals, and site preparation. These costs have grown significantly since 2021, when regulatory costs accounted for about $93,870 per home. For more information on housing stats, visit: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2026/08/04/new-homes-existing-homes/

SOBERING THOUGHT:

Massachusetts was ranked number 50 in a national survey on housing affordabilitywith a median listing price of $781,758 and median income $80,711.00.

https://www.realtor.com/research/state-report-cards-2025

SHOULD THE POVERTY LINE BE INCREASED?

Morning News Beat report 9/24

A survey from the Harris Poll last year found that 64% of six-figure earners said their income isn’t a milestone for success but merely the bare minimum for staying afloat.

“In fact, even those making $200,000 or more have resorted to financial tactics that are often associated with less wealthy consumers. For example, 64% said they’ve used rewards points to pay for essentials, 50% have used buy-now-pay-later plans for purchases under $100, and 46% rely on credit cards to make ends meet.

Michael Green, chief strategist and portfolio manager for Simplify Asset Management, wrote a viral Substack post last year arguing the real poverty line should be $140,000..

SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT DECISIONS (SJC):

September 3, 2026

The MA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION reports on Town of Nahant v Northeastern University

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) unanimously reversed a Superior Court ruling, upholding Nahant’s legal authority to acquire conservation and public-access easements on property owned by Northeastern University through eminent domain.

Key Findings of the SJC Ruling:

Valid Public Purpose: The SJC held that land conservation and open space preservation are constitutionally recognized, legitimate public purposes. The ruling strongly reaffirms the legal rights of Massachusetts cities and towns to exercise eminent domain to protect local environmental and public-access interests.

by Christine Rasmussen

News

Notes from Lenox Historical Commission – LENOX letter from LHC

In a three-page letter dated September 16, 2026. responding to Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Lenox Historical Commission (LHC) Chair Davis Dyer made clear the LHC position with respect to Spring Lawn, 10 Kemble Street, Lenox.

Just to recap prior events. The current owners/developers bypassed the local commission, thus bypassing local bylaws including the demolition delay bylaw, and went directly to the state agencies, DCR and MHC. MHC sent a memo agreeing to the demolition and requesting signatures from DCR and LHC.

Chair Dyer apprized the state agencies of the its actions taken at its September 10, 2026 meeting.

Dyer wrote, “The LHC again deferred action on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s (MHC) Memo of Agreement (MOA) on Spring Lawn following advice from the Lenox Town Counsel that signing it would conflict with the Town’s Demolition Delay Bylaw. The LHC continues to push for an independent and complete assessment of the Spring Lawn mansion by an individual or firm with extensive professional experience in conducting such assessments and in the restoration and preservation of historical buildings.”

Dyer expressed appreciation of DCR letter of September 10, 2026 in which DCR appeared to support the independent assessment before a final determination was made.

Both DCR in its letter and LHC proposed conditions prior to signing the Memo Of Agreement such as a report from a licensed architect with experience in reconstruction or rehabilitation of historic structures documenting compliance of the final design for the rebuilt Spring Lawn mansion with Standards for Reconstruction; verify that the Design documents comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Statements for Reconstruction and Guidelines for Reconstructing Historical Buildings; LHC recommends that DCR require the developers to take out a construction bond in the amount of the estimated cost of the Spring Lawn mansion demolition and replication, and that the developers secure the mansion to prevent future deterioration during the assessment and permitting processes.

“The LHC recalls that in the year 2000 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts granted $500,000 to the then-owners of the Spring Lawn estate in return for them accepting a Historical Preservation/Conservation Restriction in perpetuity. The LHC questions whether the current developers will be required to reimburse the Commonwealth in today’s value or perhaps compensate the Town of Lenox in the event the Mansion is not rehabilitated.”

Copies were sent to Senator Paul Mark, Representative Leigh Davis, members of the Lenox Select Board, and Town Administrator.

Lenox Historical Commission is also asking for support for their HISTORIC BUILDING PLAQUE PROGRAM Help support historic preservation and celebrate your properties unique place in time. Lenox is proud of its many historic buildings that tell a story of the town’s architectural and social history. Plaques are 12″ high x 16″ wide, made of wood with three coats of latex-based white paint front and back, and six coats on the edges. Holes are pre-drilled and screws are provided for mounting. If your house was built more than 75 years ago and you have any questions or interest, just contact Jim Biancolo (lenoxprojects@gmail.com).

News

News from Lee

Lee’s Founders Weekend was September 19 and 20 with a parade and “A taste of Lee.” It was the 249th anniversary of its founding. Lee was settled in 1760 and called Dodgetown after the first settler Asahel Dodge. Lee was cobbled together out of pieces that were formerly part of Washington and Great Barrington. It was officially incorporated and named after Revolutionary War General Charles Lee in 1777.

Founders Weekend is an annual event. Main Street is roped off and the people flood the street, eating, laughing, and generally having a good old-fashioned time – no technology necessary.

But wait – there was supposed to be more. Events planned for Sunday, September 21, were archetypal New England small town, but so was the weather. Cancelled were: a dog parade, a cornhole tournament, and a rubber duck race. What could say New England village more clearly?

News

News from Lee, Lenox, and Pittsfield

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced public office hours in Lee, Lenox, and Pittsfield alternately. The hours are as follows: October 6, from noon to 2 p.m. at Pittsfield City Hall; November 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lenox Town Hall; December 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. virtually (click here); January 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. virtually (click here); and February 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. virtually (click here). This is the publics opportunity to register comments and concerns, report experiences, and ask questions about the GE – PCB – Remediation Project.

News

News from Richmond

The Richmond Board of Selectmen voted to waive their right of first refusal (ROFR) of the 91-acre Richmond portion of the 0 Furnace Road parcel at the board’s meeting on Wednesday, September 9. The sale of the 100+ acre property at 0 Furnace Road to Kate Riley of Sweetbrook Development can now be concluded.

Prior to that vote, Selectman Neal Pilson moved that the ROFR be assigned to Mass Audubon, with the condition that Mass Audubon “agree to develop and maintain a portion of the parcel as a public park with appropriate access, including walks and pathways, a parking area, posted signage, available information about the history of the land, and other enhancements.”

The motion died for lack of a second. Then Selectman Manzolini moved to waive the town’s ROFR with restrictions. Attorney Lori Robbins, on behalf of the seller of the property, required the buyer to:

• Establish a 50-foot wooded buffer;
• Make best efforts to sell 30 acres within the portion of the property within Richmond to a qualified land management group within one year; and
• “Try” to develop shared driveways between residences [to reduce the impact of development on the land].

The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Pilson wished to state he voted in favor reluctantly.

News

News from Great Barrington

A bus called The Connector serves seven Southern Berkshire towns: Great Barrington, Egremont, Monterey, Sheffield, Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and New Marlborough. It is an on-demand microtransit service, allowing riders to schedule trips via a mobile app. Fares range from $2 to $5 per ride, depending on the distance traveled. Monthly usage averages between 2,200 to 2,500 rides each month, indicating strong community reliance.

Recently Great Barrington abruptly changed the service, and it is unknown what service will be like in the future. As the six communities wait, the Stockbridge Select Board was concerned that Stockbridge residents are not “left high and dry,” and discussed alternate transportation to doctor’s appointments, shopping, etc. The other towns may also be experiencing an unmet need as well.

News

News from Stockbridge

Notes from the Planning Board, September 15, 2026, Hybrid meeting

The owner of two lots – 20A Goodrich and 14 Cherry Hill Road – wished to reconfigure the acreage. The request was submitted to Town Counsel who reported that the proposed 6 lots would result in three unbuildable lots (lots 4, 5 and 6) and three lots (1,2, and 3) that were non-conforming. The reconfiguration was approved.
 

Notes from the Board of Assessors, September 15, 2026, Hybrid meeting

According to the Town Assessor the increase in real estate sales was by style. That is, condos increased more based on the 12 sales during the year. The Assessor characterized It as a strong market with overall sales analysis was “almost identical” to last year. New growth about the same.

Notes from the Select Board, September 17, 2026, Hybrid meeting

Public Comment is at the start of the meeting. Anita Schwerner asked about that part of the Affordable Homes Act that deals with Seasonal Communities. Other stown so designated voted on whether or not to accept the designation at their 2026 Town Meetings, but Stockbridge did not have Seasonal Community on the Warrant. Schwerner asked how it would be treated: would there be a public information session? Would there be a Special Town Meeting? The Seasonal Community designation must be accepted by the Town at a Town Meeting and Schwerner wanted to know how that might happen. She also mentioned Residential Tax Exemption (RTE) — will it be voted on this year?

Without warning, The Connector has changed service. The SB wants to know if people are getting the rides they need.

At our current firehouse, folks have cut through Shamrock and Vine to Route 7. Town wants that to stop. With all the new hires, paid firemen and EMTs, in the parking lot, it is deemed a 3. public safety. The SB approved signs be posted.

With respect to Tuckerman Bridge, some state requirements would cause it to be made much bigger. Stockbridge is negotiating with State to avoid that.

Jorja Marsden announced that the Fire Chief Vini Garofoli is stepping down October 31, 2026. Evidently he is on vacation until that date. Resignation accepted by SB.

The conversation that followed was about an Interim Chief to do administrative work and the Asst Chiefs to take over operations until a new chief could be found.

Editor’s note: 1. By law, the Select Board must vote annually on RTE as part of the Tax Classification Hearing that usually takes place in October. 2. SU contacted Garofoli for a comment of the resignation – no answer as of this issue. 3. The SB takes the position that they cannot discuss or answer any questions brought up during Public Comment since the topics are not on the agenda. So, no one answered Schwerner.

Notes from the Stockbridge Fire House Planning Committee

A working group met separately from the Committee and reported as follows:

1. Developed space/function design to determine square footage. The estimated square footage based on functions is 20,000 to 20, 600 square feet.
2. An assessment of the feasibility of the site based on the size of the building necessary
3. Four sites have been suggested.

Using 4 designs – 2 one story and 2 two-story layouts, one site on Gleandale Riad was considered not feasible and the second on Glendale Road was considered feasible. The DPW site was considered optimum, and the The Industrial Park site would be considered only as a “default”

Of the 4 building designs proposed, the ones that allow drive through for large trucks rather than backing up were preferrable. Two-story buildings used and disturbed less land. Primary focus will be on the DPW site unless a serious obstacle is encountered.

Perspective

Reflections on Spring Lawn

Carole Owens

My column entitled “Where our history is housed,” I tried to demonstrate that what happens in Lenox doesn’t stay in Lenox. At Spring Lawn in Lenox, a problem is highlighted that goes beyond a single house in a single Berkshire village.

In the 1980s I participated in writing the Stockbridge Cottage Era bylaw based on the Lenox Great Estate bylaw. In 2014, Stockbridge weakened our Cottage Era bylaw to accommodate a developer of Elm Court. In 2019, Lenox weakened that bylaw significantly by requiring only façade preservation and not preservation of the historic building as a whole.

The problem highlighted has two parts: What power does a municipality have to preserve and protect that which it considers a community asset, and on what basis do we decide what we save? On the problem of power: Today folks challenge rules and regulations rather than accept that they must abide by them. Municipalities cannot merely assert; they must be prepared to fight. Lenox Historical Commission is doing a good job, perhaps demonstrating a model.

For all of us in Berkshire County, our history is very much with us. We will better understand ourselves and our current communities by understanding our history.

Today we seek to demolish, to make way for the new and to calculate profit over almost all other things. We recognize the developer’s right to profit and forget the developer’s obligation not to change the things we residents prize and the very things they came for, rather than to join us in preserving that which makes the Berkshires unique and eschew that which homogenizes us. Our past tells us where we came from, how we got here and perhaps which way to head. Save it, and everything else comes with it: our character, our open spaces and the story that is us.

I hope the Town of Lenox will enact a bylaw that requires maintenance of historic buildings and clarifies that façade preservation and whole historic preservation are two options to be decided on a case by case basis We must seek to preserve that which informs us who we are today.

Editor’s note: In full disclosure, I am president of Berkshire Preservation inc. Carole Owens

Residential Tax Exemption

By John Hart

For the past eight years or so I have stepped back and just observed what has been going on with our select boards, our finance committee and our town administrator. What I have concluded is that they seem to have put the voters, full-time residence and taxpayers of Stockbridge as secondary in favor of second homeowners and growth of the town. The absurd increase in our property assessments caused real estate axes to skyrocket. This happened during COVID as a result of the “flight to safety” of urbanites with deep pockets. That increase in assessed values increased our property taxes to the point where some are unable to stay in their homes.

The Select Board is required to vote on RTE and other tax-related matters annually – generally in October.

They have some choices: residential, tax, commercial, tax, and whether to enact the residential tax exemption or RTE. I urge you to write letters to these officials, attend the Tax Classification Hearing and tell them to enact the RTE before the vote. Chat GPT can be extremely helpful to you in giving perspective. Ask it what are the pros and what are the cons of RTE. You might also want to ask it what the arguments the proponents of RTE used in towns in the eastern part of the Commonwealth that adopted RTE. You can ask about Truro, Nantucket, Martha’s Vinyard, Cambridge to name a few. Fellow residents, it’s time to act this time around. We are not sheep to be led to slaughter. John H. Hart

Editor’s note: John Hart is President and CE, Berkshire Brochure Display

Tanglewood – The Beat Goes On

Bruce Blair

I recently called for the Boston Symphony to find a champion for classical music. Before taking this further, we should turn to the financial side of the BSO, with help from orchestra fiscal analyst Thomas Dinsmore, summarized below.

The BSO stated earlier this year: “… the orchestra lost $6.6 million during the fiscal year ending in August 2024” Per the BSO’s 990 tax return for 2025, Dinsmore says: “Chad Smith’s salary was $1,097,476, his bonus $210,000, adds up to $1,371,354.” And “the BSO booked $155 million in revenue, a new record…surplus of $27 million, the largest since the James Levine era. The endowment, at $603 million, hit a new high…The unrestricted endowment hit $66 million. The Board can spend that money at any time and for any purpose.”

Chad Smith has stated: “… the BSO had been in decline for a long time…the business that supports (the musicians) has been so undercapitalized and so compromised over the past 20 years that there is a real concern on the board about viability going forward.” (Berkshire Eagle, June 18)

Per Mr. Dinsmore: “The BSO is not “in decline”. In the past 20 years, BSO revenue increased by $50 million. (Source: BSO Form 990 filings, Fiscal Years 2006-2025).”

“The BSO is not undercapitalized; it has net assets of $702 million, more capital than any symphony orchestra. (Source: BSO Form 990 filing, Fiscal Year 2025).”

“The BSO is under no threat to its viability. Grant Thornton, the BSO’s outside audit firm, issued a “clean” opinion four months before Smith said this. (Source: Consolidated Financial Statements, Supplemental Information and Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants).”

So.. is the orchestra there to promote financial growth in service to the apparent commercial focus of the leadership? Or is the leadership there to support the orchestra?

The orchestra’s new contract is a plus. More money for the players, seats on the music director’s search committee. It may quiet orchestra members who lamented the dismissal of Nelsons. It’s a tough slog finding a worthy successor right now. Do Mr. Smith and the Board expect the new leader to conduct and also schmooze with donors, do PR events? There are other orchestra vacancies these days. Candidates will have concerns about the turmoil. And how much focus is on classical music? Smith and the Board’s assertions notwithstanding.

A champion may be years away.

Reader to Reader

Reader to Reader

Dear Carole,

field is an ideas festival that brings together readers, writers, thinkers, visionaries, problem solvers, and experts across every discipline for a weekend of cultivated conversation in Lenox, Massachusetts. Set against the cultural richness of Berkshire County, field creates a space where diverse voices driven by curiosity and a passion through learning engage the urgent challenges facing artists, writers, scientists, business leaders, environmentalists, health care providers, educators, policymakers, and learners of all ages, not through opposition, but through a shared commitment to listening and exploration of our world. Our mission is to ignite new thinking and foster collaboration by gathering remarkable minds and curious audiences in responsible, conscientious, and regenerative dialogue. In a time of deepening division and disconnection, field asks something simple and radical of every participant both on stage and in the seats.

October 23–25

Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, Mass.

At a time when meaningful dialogue can feel increasingly difficult, field brings together leading thinkers, artists, writers, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, and curious audiences for a weekend of ideas, entertainment, learning, and discovery.

Inspired in part by Wales’s acclaimed Hay Festival, field will be distinctly Berkshire—with national and international reach. We’re celebrating both extraordinary guests from around the world and the remarkable thinkers and creators who call the Berkshires home.

We’re thrilled to launch field and invite you to be part of it from the ground up.

See you in Lenox!

Warmly,

Hunter K. Runnette

Founder & Board Chair, field

fieldlenox.org