In the past, our Town meetings were posted on CTSBTV in a timely fashion. I could “attend” at a time convenient to me. Even if I attended a meeting in person, I could revisit it to clarify an issue. I am deaf, and I appreciate being able to turn up the volume. I appreciate having the Town meetings available, and I know many of my friends do too.

Recently fewer Town meetings are posted in a timely manner. For example, it took days and days to view a Zoom of the Public Hearing about the proposal submitted by 35-37 Interlaken Realty Trust – a very important issue.

I am asking on my own behalf and many others, that meetings are sent to CTSB and get posted as close to real time as possible.

Thank you, Denny Alsop

Responses to the Stockbridge Updates News Report about the April 5 Hands Off Rally
 

Hi Carole,

I totally agree – the Hands Off Rally really did make a difference! We had 150 people in little West Stockbridge! Soaked but laughing and joyful to be together and doing something! And we’re going to do it again on April 19th.

Thanks for all you do,

Ruth

Editor’s note: Ruth Tremblay Hanley is ISP & Human Rights Manager, Riverbrook Residence, Inc.

Carole,

This is great! We are in NYC. It was inspiring and energizing to be with hundreds of thousands — millions across the country in 1200 towns and cities! The madness must be stopped.

Caren Lobo

From Lisa Sauer re: News report Hand’s Off

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

To the Editor:

So proud of our Berkshire communities

Marvin Schwartzbard

To Stockbridge Updates from the Dalton Dems–and Other Interested Voters:

As Berkshire Eagle columnist Carole Owens reported from her rally in Stockbridge, “I stood in the rain and a woman said, “I am glad I’m here even though I don’t believe it will do any good.” I looked around and thought–it already has. You know why? Two hundred people were smiling. That’s a win. When was the last time you saw a Democrat smile? No since a pre-election Harris rally. Today Trump lost.”

Let’s translate that powerful sense of community into concrete action. There’s a lot each of us can do–and we’ll need to keep this momentum going in order to effect change.

In solidarity, Michele Marantz, Chair of the Dalton Democratic Town Committee

Carole

I was wondering who this woman was, and now I know.

Feel free to use or pass this on to her.

Barbara Woike

Carole,

How much does an ambulance cost? Are these numbers right? I just googled used ambulances, and you can buy them for under 40k. What am I missing?

Jon Budish

Jon,

On your behalf I asked our Town Administrator. Here is his response.

Carole

Hi Carole

Thanks for the inquiry regarding ambulance pricing. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify how the town is planning to operate our proposed ambulance fleet and why the cost may appear higher than a simple online search might suggest.

It is true that used ambulances can sometimes be found online for under $40,000. However, the vehicles available at that price point are typically older models, often with high mileage and significant wear and tear. These may be suitable for private use or as specialty vehicles, but they are not appropriate for frontline emergency response in a municipal system where reliability and safety are paramount.

Our department’s plan is not to purchase a used ambulance for frontline service. Instead, we are committed to maintaining a professional, dependable fleet. To ensure that, our standard is to keep our primary, front-line ambulance less than five years old. This is critical not only for mechanical reliability but also to ensure compliance with evolving safety standards and compatibility with current medical equipment and technologies.

We are planning to maintain a backup ambulance that is between 6 and 10 years old, which serves as a reserve unit when the frontline vehicle is out of service for maintenance or during high call volume. This vehicle has already been acquired from the Town of Lee as part of a grant reimbursement and will be used strategically to support ongoing operations without compromising service.

The approach we are taking—investing in a modern frontline ambulance while keeping a reliable backup—is a deliberate strategy. It ensures that we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies, reduces long-term maintenance costs, and helps us avoid relying on outdated or unreliable equipment. The last thing we want is to be forced to respond to a life-threatening situation with a vehicle we cannot count on.

We hope this helps clarify the reasoning behind our ambulance replacement policy and the costs associated with it. Ensuring the safety and reliability of our emergency medical services is not only a priority but a responsibility we take seriously.

Michael J. Canales

Dear Professor Owens–

My name is Warren Hoskins. I’m the new chairperson of the National Council of Gray Panthers Networks. I understand from Randy Block, the former chair, that you are interested in exploring how to start a new Network in your area.

Please call me or email me to set up a time to call, and we can discuss how this could be accomplished. I have some materials in writing and some experience now with sharing information for starting up new Networks.

I understand you’ve done research into the Gray Panthers. I would love to see any articles. Perhaps we could help bring your writing to a wider appreciative audience. I have been reading up on Maggie Kuhn recently.

Peacefully, Warren

General Reminder:

Hi all, Just a general reminder that submissions (even mine) are limited to 400 words or less. There is a margin granted out of affection of up to 50 words. There is also the option of dividing a long submission into two parts. Thanks for remembering! Carole