1. Watch Solo Creative on CTSB, a chat about the founding of Stockbridge Updates, its goals and its growth. (On You Tube at ctsbtv.org after June 28, 2024 or at TV Channel 1301 after July 1 2024) Watch Episode 2: July 2 at 11am
2. Our best wishes for Gary Johnston’s speedy recovery and continued good health.
3. The Commonwealth has received $147 million to prioritize bringing affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to every home in Massachusetts in a program called “The BEAD Challenge Process.” BEAD is an acronym for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment.
Since The BEAD program prioritizes unserved broadband serviceable locations (below a 25/3 Mbps threshold) and underserved (below a 100/20 Mbps threshold), followed by community anchor institutions and organizations like libraries and schools, that are facilitating internet use, it is essential to learn what the internet speed is where you live and work, thereby providing a precise picture of broadband needs in Stockbridge by:
Between June 20th and July 20th, 2024, residents and businesses are asked to test their internet speeds to ensure they have the high-speed internet connection needed for today’s world.
Doing it is as easy as 1,2,3:
a. VISIT HowsYourInternet.org and click on the Broadband Map to search for your home address.
b. SELECT Take a Speed Test under the Service Challenges window in the bottom left corner of the screen to complete the speed test.
c. COMPLETE the speed test and enter your personal information, if prompted. Check your inbox for reminders to take two additional required speed tests*.
For assistance with this important process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission at 413.442.1521, or email digital@berkshireplanning.org. We’re happy to help!
4. Farmers Seeking Transfer Planning Assistance
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources creates a Farm-Pass program.
The year-long Farm-Pass program is no-cost and seeks to match existing farmers and their successors with a planner, to help them plan for retirement, create next steps for asset transfer and management, and set goals for the future farm business.
5. Stockbridge Farmers Market Update: In addition to the variety of fresh organic produce that will be available at the market, there will also be high-quality baked goods from the Berkshire Mountain Bakery. And we will have a vendor providing organic herbal tea blends, herbal salves and oils, and flower bundles. There’s been some confusion about the exact location of the market. It will be at 50 Main St., on the grounds of the Town Offices, not at Old Town Hall.
