Carole,

Many thanks for publishing SU as a labor of love and civic gift.

How can we contribute to help with costs?

Laura Flint, with Mike Pelle

Dear Laura and Mike,

Thank you for the complimentary words and thank you for the generous offer. From the first issue, it was important to me that SU be a volunteer effort and, as you say, a labor of love. SU has a simple aim, a simple format, and all for love of Stockbridge. Money confuses the issue (pun intended).

If there ever comes a time when I cannot go on without funds, I will let everyone know, and I have no doubt Stockbridge will step up. For now, SU will be in your inbox, and we welcome your input. For now, we’re good.

Best wishes and thank you again,

Carole

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In the last issue, there was an editor’s question as follows: It was mentioned at previous meetings that harvesting could continue into October or even later for a clearer weed-free lake. However, it does not appear that there was any harvesting after the Josh Billings Run Aground. Is that true?

The Chair, Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC), answers:

Yes Carole,

Last round of harvesting was prior to race. This was a town Hall decision not a Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission decision.

Additionally: The overturned harvester is being repaired (Town received insurance money towards this.) The harvester that cut prior to the race will return (hopefully) to Town garage.

NOI [Notice of Intent] for harvesting is for three years, consequently Harvesting will begin again in April/May 2022.

Jamie Minacci, Chair SBSC

Dear Jamie,

Thank you for answering the question posted in the last issue of SU. It is important folks in Stockbridge get answers from our representatives.

Best wishes,

Carole

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Dear Carole,

Recently the Tri-Town boards of health from Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge voted to continue the directive issued this past September that instructs people how to manage social and economic behaviors so that the current epidemic can be controlled. The boards charged the Tri-Town Health Department with clarifying some of the language. Let there be no doubt, the boards are not ordering anyone to do anything. What the boards are doing is being very clear about what needs to be done to win against this unforgiving virus. It is our primary responsibility in an epidemic to educate people.

Those who don’t care about beating the disease can of course ignore what the directive instructs. Why would they want to do this? Incredibly, some misinformed misinformers believe local boards everywhere have formed a conspiracy with a corrupt CDC and the Democratic party to perpetrate a hoax: they don’t believe that three quarters of a million Americans have died from the disease. This filters down locally as the illusion that when you ignore the directive, and nothing bad happens that you can detect, nothing bad happens, period. But, the fact remains that all 750,000 Americans, including over 300 in the Berkshires, who died from Covid-19 got it, ultimately, from someone who was not careful enough about spreading the disease.

Some people are fed up with government ordering them what to do. Don’t try to use that argument to defend not following the directive. The directive tells you how to protect your fellow Americans. It does not order you to feel patriotic; that is up to you.

Charles Kenny MD
Stockbridge Board of Health

Dear Charlie,

Thank you for providing a constant flow of information in this difficult time of COVID-19.

Carole

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Carole:

Listed below are current updates for Gould Meadows:

1. Restoration of the Milk Shed, located on Hawthorne Road, foundation was completed this summer by Phil Bock of Lawns and More Landscaping
2. We received a grant from the State’s Community Forest Stewardship department which is used for controlling Invasive plant and shrubs at Gould Meadows. Work was completed by Native Habitat Restoration.
3. We continue to stump-grind the hedge rows over at Hawthorne Road lot.
4. This year the town of Stockbridge helped cut the side banks along Route 183, and it was very much appreciated.
5. This fall we will construct a 70-foot walkway over the wetland area south of the Milk Shed and just past the small bridge that joins the large Mary Flynn field with the Hawthorne Field.
6. We continually spread wood chips on the trails which helps make a safer walk for all trail walkers.

Tim
(R. Timothy Minkler Insurance Broker)

Dear Tim

Thank you for keeping Stockbridge Updates up-to-date and thank you for all you do.

Carole

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Hi Carole,

I so appreciate your newsletter.

It keeps the residents of Stockbridge informed without attending EVERY meeting.

Thank you for all your efforts and love the photos!!

Best,

Beth Laster-Nathan

Dear Beth,

Aren’t you nice. SU is a labor of love but no less a labor. Letters like yours ease the task. Yes, the photographers that generously contribute to SU are grand — wonderful — talented and lift every issue.

Best wishes.

Carole

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Good morning Carole,

I hope all is well. I wanted to ask about what could be done about speeders on my street? By the time the police are called, these people are long gone. [personal information removed] When I walk my dogs, they speed way above the 20mph limit, scaring my dogs.

James Lawson

Dear James,

Thank you for writing although, the police are the ones who oversee speeding. Perhaps, if they know it is a recurring problem, they might station a patrol car or respond more quickly? It really is up to them. I do know there are residents on other streets with the same complaint.

Best wishes, Carole

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From the Stockbridge Updates Inbox — To All the New Subscribers:

Thank you. Last month, the SU inbox was brimming with new subscriptions. It’s grand that folks are interested in a local, very local, newspaper. Welcome, we are so glad you joined us.

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