By Rebecca Davis, Chesterwood Public Relations

The summer home, studio and gardens of American Renaissance sculptor Daniel Chester French (1850-1931) – will reopen its doors to the public after a multi-faceted, four-year renovation and rehabilitation project to preserve the French family residence. The $4 million project has resulted in three new exhibition rooms, ADA upgrades, and a state-of-the-art collections and resource center available for research and academic work. A site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation since 1969, Chesterwood boasts nine buildings, enveloped in a 122-acre landscape with mountain views, formal gardens and woodland trails forged by French. Daniel Chester French created some of his most iconic work at Chesterwood, notably the seated Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated in 1922.

Chesterwood’s 2025 season unveils the fully renovated main residence of Daniel Chester French and his family, designed by American Beaux-Arts architect Henry Bacon and completed in 1901. Although French’s daughter, Margaret French Cresson, made some changes in furnishings and decoration after Chesterwood passed to her ownership, the house is essentially the same as it was when it served as the family’s summer retreat. Patrons will now have access to view the second floor of the residence, which will host three new exhibition rooms, curated with works from Chesterwood’s vast art collection.

“I arrived at Chesterwood at an exciting time following the completion of the beautiful preservation work on the property,” says Miguel Rodriguez, the newly appointed Executive Director of Chesterwood. “I’m thrilled to help bring the site to its full potential through engaging programming and to share Chesterwood’s rich collection—much of which has rarely been seen before.”

Chesterwood displays a collection of French’s original sculpture, plaster maquettes, paintings and furnishings throughout the French family residence, the sculptor’s studio, and exhibition galleries. This summer, three bedrooms on the second floor of the main residence will be opened to the public for an exhibition celebrating the important role of French’s female models and spotlighting the works of two female artists active at Chesterwood: French’s protégée Evelyn Beatrice Longman (1874-1954) and his daughter, Margaret French Cresson (1889-1973).

Modeling Women brings together over 25 sculptures and paintings—many never before exhibited—to explore themes of collaboration and mentorship. The exhibition highlights women who modeled for some of Daniel Chester French’s most celebrated monuments

Summary of the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee (SDTC) Caucus

By Don Chabon
 

• The caucus was called to order — 34 people attended, 32 Stockbridge Democrats and 2 Others.
• Appreciation for the good attendance was noted, particularly due to conflicts with the proximity to Passover as well as the sudden return of winter weather.
• The first order of business was the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.
• Stockbridge was allotted three Delegate and three Alternate positions.
• The following were elected to be delegates: David McCarthy, Susan Kreeger and Jamie Minacci. The SDTC Chair will provide them with attendance information.
• It was noted that this will be a platform convention. And as such –
• Our resolutions will be forwarded to be considered for inclusion.
• Opportunities exist for our citizens to participate in the process.
• David McCarthy expressed interest in this
• Info will be provided by the SDTC Chair.
• The second order of business was the Caucus to endorse candidates for town offices as our “Democratic Caucus Nominees.” Ballots were provided and tabulated.
• The following were endorsed:
• Housing Authority – Barney Edmonds
• Parks and Recreation – Linda Barbadoro
• Board of Assessors – Doug Goudey
• Planning Board – Peter Barenski Jr.
• Select Board – Lisa Sauer

In the only contested position (Select Board) Lisa Sauer prevailed over Jamie Minacci. Our thanks to both candidates for engaging in this important exercise of democracy. Noted that no endorsement was made for Board of Health or Sewer and Water Commission. Voice call to write in Alan Wilkin for Sewer and Water, and several votes were written in for him.

Following presentations by the candidates, the caucus was open to general comments, statements of support, questions and discussion. This continued for approximately 45 minutes. Primary subjects included the proposed DeSisto development, taxes, the residential exemption, housing, and environmental impact.

Included in the discussion was a proposed resolution by Charlie Kenny. Justification for that resolution was enumerated. Discussion ensued. A modification of the proposal was suggested and adopted. The final wording is as follows:

Be it resolved that everyone has a right to make their home in a residentially zoned district whose essential character will not be changed by commercial development.

The resolution was seconded and approved by ballot. It will be forwarded to the State Party for consideration of inclusion in the state platform.

In conclusion: I want to thank everyone for attending, for your engaged participation, for your concern for the good of our town and its environment, and your caring about our fellow citizens. We had a good caucus. Thank you.

Save Social Security

By Randy Block, MSW, Chair, National Council of Gray Panthers
 

On April 8th, 21 U.S. Senators sent a letter to Leland Dudek, the Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Commission, strongly opposing attacks on Social Security (SS) made by the Trump Administration and Elon Musk. Musk, the unelected head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has made cuts including: cutting thousands of workers, closing SSA offices, and limiting phone services that are urgently needed by older and disabled persons who need full access to Social Security offices. Social Security, a government program that issued its first check in 1940, has always sent it payments on time. However, that could change.

Former Social Security officials are warning about delayed Social Security checks and a “Musk Blueprint” to destroy the program from within. Elon Musk – and President Trump – have made false claims that Social Security is a “Ponzi Scheme” and have tried to make the case that the SSA should be cut because there was “waste, fraud and abuse”. This outrageous position is even more troubling because Trump and his MAGA supporters want to privatize Social Security and use the funds to help pay for massive tax cuts to wealthy persons and corporations.

Call your U.S. Senators & U.S. Representatives

202-224-3121 (the Capitol Switchboard)

Tell Them: 1.

1. Restore funding for Social Security staffing 2.
   1. Stop closing Social Security offices 3.
   1. Restore full access to Social Security phone services 4.

Tell your Senators you OPPOSE delays in making SS payment and Don’t use SS funds to pay for massive tax cuts
Together, we can do great things!