Another year has come and gone here in Stockbridge, and I’ve been looking back on a few things that struck me as noteworthy.
The Children’s Chimes will sound again, taking us back to the days of 2017! Repairs are complete. Thanks to all in town who worked on this and voted the funds.
We are poised to make more headway on our supply of unaffordable housing at the Elm Court property. We have done well with unaffordable housing, whether we meant to or not.
The Memorial Day Parade honored our veterans, very special people. The parade was also a tribute to one of the greatest small towns in America. Including sunny blue skies and plenty of hot dogs. Classic!
The Stockbridge Bowl Commission has disappeared, having not met for several months. Any information on its whereabouts will be greatly appreciated. It’s not like Stockbridge to lose a Commission.
Speaking of the Bowl, the boat launch was packed with more than 60 vehicles for a huge fleet of kayakers, gathered to celebrate the summer solstice in June. Blessed with a beautiful evening on the water, and appreciation for what it means to so many.
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Week in June was also a memorable experience. Unsafe air quality does not sound like the Berkshires. All the more reason to respect our overworked trees and conserve what we can.
Forty per cent turnout!! Yes!! That was the registered voter turnout for the town election this year. The best we have done in ages. We can do even better — keep it up!
We realized that the Housatonic River PCB cleanup was mostly arranged behind closed doors between GE and local officials. Big scoops of poison sludge will be loaded onto huge trucks. Like toddlers and their sand toys at the town beach? It sounds like it will work about as well to clean PCBs from the river. No other issue this year was so pressing and critical to Stockbridge and the region. The biggest story this year, and for years to come.
And finally, a full circle story, the return of the north slope of Monument Mountain to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation. Does land really belong to us, or do we belong to the land? A welcome return of Mohican stewardship. More than ever, we have much to learn about our heritage as we look ahead.
