Joyful news… Stockbridge Updates is a whole two years old and going strong. I believe I was there on that January afternoon when Carole Owens shared her concept of a local newspaper. A simple task, not too hard, a nice gift to the neighbors… Why not?
By the end of the conversation that day, I learned something. This was to be an undertaking that would become an almost essential part of a small town’s ability to get the facts on events, local government, schools, nonprofits, the arts… The list goes on and on. The content supplied by talented local contributors, writers, artists, photographers. The mission guided by an editorial panel, pondering ethical questions and challenges. This was to be much more than a soft-serve community newsletter. And, it is.
Stockbridge Updates is an ingredient in a product of which we are in short supply these days. It has been said that, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” Stockbridge Updates provides that light to all who want to see it. The product is straightforward local news, written by locals, read by locals, clearly discerning fact and opinion. Debate and the exchange of ideas is paramount. Contributions are welcome and encouraged. What could go wrong?
We, as a nation, as a culture, are suffering from a malady that I never would have dreamt possible even a few short years ago. Democracy being threatened is a topic we see almost every day in news journals and on television. We see it on a national scale. We can see it locally. What used to be news is now often editorializing, pushing an agenda or particular point of view. There are those displeased with “the sunlight.” Thankfully, in Stockbridge, there is a desire for accurate information and thoughtful exchange of ideas. This is what Stockbridge Updates is built upon.
We now have hybrid local government meetings. We can attend the meeting in person, or we can “Zoom.” We have CTSB, another essential ingredient in getting out the word. And we have Stockbridge Updates. If we are to aspire to, achieve and maintain democracy and the ideals set forth by our ancestors, we need to continue to step up and make sure all the aforementioned are protected. It defines who we are, and who we will be.
Happy Birthday, Stockbridge Updates… Long may you run!
Editor’s Note: Jones, who was there at that first meeting, is a member of the Lee Select Board and of the SU Editorial Board
