Dr. Austen Riggs said Stockbridge, with its good New England manners, natural beauty, and comity, was an extension of the treatment he provided.

Comity is an old word and a good old New England ideal. It is out of fashion as a word but not as an ideal. Comity, from community, means an association for mutual benefit. The meaning implies simple courtesy and consideration toward others. It implies a little bit more: an awareness that the association as neighbors is more important than the outcome of any disagreement; an awareness that your neighbors’ wellbeing is related to your own – not theoretically but actually.

Vlada Rousseff owns and operates Vlada Boutique. It is a marvelous shop for women’s clothing and gifts at 9 Elm Street. It is filled with great “finds” and has been for the last forty years. It was in Stockbridge even longer. Vlada Boutique opened in 1970 at the Red Lion Inn.

Now after 50 years, the doors are closing. Covid forced her out.

“I am old enough to retire,” Vlada said, “but I was hoping to stay a little longer. I ordered great stuff for this year.”

As neighbors, please do stop in. Say fare-thee-well and help make sure Vlada’s shelves are empty when her doors close.

The closing might prompt the question: Is the money the Finance Committee put aside “due to Covid” available to help businesses?

On the same street, amidst the worst of Covid, Elm Street Market is refurbished and reopened. By all accounts, it is doing well. Go from Vlada’s to the Market. There are excellent things available to wear and to eat. With Sidetracks, Stockbridge Coffee Shop, Nejaime’s and Michael’s in between. Meander and enjoy our Stockbridge shopping street.