Editorial

Descriptive Statistics — One Year Later

Email views: 37,387
Total visits to website: 26,384*
Website page views: 32,999

Happy Anniversary Stockbridge Updates

*All numbers are anonymous; they record an action not a name.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

Notes from Agriculture and Forestry Commission, July 12, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Matt Boudreau, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Eric Rasmussen
• Shelby Marshall

Also present Michael Canales, Kevin “Moose” Foran

1. “Moose” Foran introduced himself and said he manages a “six-acre stand of old growth tree in Bullard Woods”. He would like to connect with this Commission and determine if it could help Bullard Woods. He was welcomed.
2. Chair reported that he contacted Mark Faber, Tree Warden, about Tree City – a program “greening communities across the country” and the Old Growth Network.
3. Awaiting estimate which will be a cost-per-tree fee for spray treatment in Ice Glen. As many trees will be treated as possible with the $70,000 awarded in Town Meeting. Using the spray method (as opposed to soil drench or injection) should protect about 150 trees for 1–2-years.
4. Suggestion to communicate with the Old Growth Network and Laurel Hill Association – LHA owns the adjoining property.
5. A Forester (name unintelligible) was recommended for Ice Glen and there seemed to be general agreement as to his qualifications. It was moved and approved to pass name to SB (as SB does thew hiring).
6. Discussion moved to Forest Stewardship grants.
   1. Rasmussen suggested there was “not much money” in these grants.
   2. Bozzuto agreed these were small money grant, but application was “worth it” to provide experience; also the smaller grants help qualify for larger grants.
   3. Marshall explained that to qualify there must be 10 acres or more of forest. He explained there are large forest areas in Stockbridge, e.g. 275 acres on Rte. 102 at the town line. Also, there are small and important plots such as forestland around Lake Averic. These small plots that might be put together to form 10 + acres to qualify for a grant.
   4. Chair suggested, for now, focus on Ice Glen only – accepted. Action: put together Stewardship Grant for Ice Glen and pass to Canales for completion and submission.
7. Suppression Grants — these apparently relate to fire suppression in forested areas. It was suggested that Stockbridge might have a better chance at receiving a Suppression Grant in coordination with another town(s).
8. Chair arranged to communicate further with “Moose” re: Bullard Woods.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Select Board, July 15, Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Patrick White

Also present, Michael Canales (Town Administrator), Michael Buffoni (Water Dept), Tony Campetti (Sewer Dept), Michael Blay (Assessors), Vincent Garifoli (Fire Chief), Hugh Page (Highway Dept.)

Thirty Stockbridge residents were present. (Not visible)

1. Last minute appointment of Mark Mills to Zoning Board of Appeals as alternate – Chair expressed urgency. Voted and approved.
2. Minutes approved as written.
3. Canales reported:
   1. Due to rain, level of river up and work on Larrywaug Bridge shut down until it recedes. Canales explained that is because the first work scheduled is the foundation and wing walls which are built in the water.
   2. Evidently there was prior discussion about using historically appropriate (wooden) posts and rails on bridge(s). Current staff unaware but looking into it.
4. This SB meeting also included the annual Second Homeowners’ meeting:
   1. Peter Strauss was concerned that homeowners around the lake are being “double taxed”. Apparently because there is a rate based on acreage and an addition for lake frontage. Blay explained that there is “one system for evaluation [on which tax is based] dictated by the Commonwealth.”
   2. There was a request that if and when the meetings cannot be Zoomed, that the Second Homeowners’ meeting be held on a Saturday as many are not in Town during the week.
   3. Chair encouraged them to come to more meetings.
   4. In response, a Second homeowner explained, “Without Zoom, we are not available to meet during the week.” Another Second Homeowner said the Zoom option should be continued to allow Second Homeowners to attend more meetings or “hold meeting(s) when we can participate.”
      
      The Chair, “we are one community”.
   5. Two questioned were posed: what is happening with the DeSisto property and what is happening with the Curtisville Bridge?
      
      With respect to DeSisto, the Chair responded, “Nothing – there is nothing before us.
      With respect to Curtisville Bridge, Chair said, “we make that decision.” She emphasized, “there is a decision to be made and important for this year.” White added the bridge could be demolished or rebuilt, and, if the latter, there are choices as to how.
      
      Now that the water and sewer lines were moved, it is time to address the bridge and determine what to do.
      
      There was a question: are there funds available? White/Canales said there are loans, grants and taxes. White added: “Funds are not the problem; the decision about what to do should be made with public input.” (See Town Square and join the discussion).
   6. Peter Ungaro returned to the original comment and asked for “consideration”. That is, he wanted no Second Homeowners’ meetings on Thursdays; he preferred Saturday and Zoom– prefer Zoom.
   7. Ungaro then asked about the Residential Tax Exemption. He thought it hard not to see it as adversely affecting Second Homeowners.
      
      Blay offered that qualification for the exemption would be an ongoing process.
      
      White said we wanted to aid seniors to remain in their homes.
      
      The Chair said it was not up to the SB it was up to the Town. She was quickly corrected as it is a decision of the SB.
   8. Patty Caya mentioned the kayak rack. She preferred they add a rack at another location but not move the single rack.
   9. White mentioned a “Second Homeowners’ Forum” apparently established by Sandra Barron and asked that it be open – perhaps inviting the Chairs of Town committees.
   10. Richard (last name not given) wanted to address the beach area. He felt issues that had been brought up year after year were “kicked down the road”. He was especially disappointed that no one from Parks and Rec was present. Canales asked that he list the issues. They were the goose droppings and the general condition of beach front, condition of entrance and parking lot, and the kayak rack. Canales said the entrance and parking lot will be addressed this fall. White suggested they put up the goose fence once more. Chair said then they will fly in – however White offered that the gate will work since, at this time of year, Geese don’t fly, they are molting and unable to fly during.
   11. Peter (last name not given) was surprised by a sign on Park Street that says, “Residents only”. SB moved to remove sign. Vote 2/1 – White opposed; motion passed.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission July 16 Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Jamie Minacci, Chair
• John Loiodice
• Michael Nathan
• Charlie Kenny
• Gary Kleinerman
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• Mike Buffoni

Also present Anita Schwerner, Elaine Cohen

1. Minutes approved as corrected.
2. SU correction: “Mike Buffoni and Pat Kennelly from SOLitude did water testing and will have analysis later”. It should read: “Mike Buffoni and coworker Mark Viola did water testing and will have analysis later.” (Chuck Kohrer took them out in his boat.)
3. Although now a commission, SBSC still does not have a secretary, Loiodice took minutes.
4. Going alphabetically a Commission member will take minutes until secretary appointed.
5. Harvesting – Minacchi reported ConCom signed the Notice Of Intent (NOI) and now must wait the 10 days mandated for approval from the Commonwealth.
6. Nathan suggested the commission send photographs (aerials he took) to NHESP to show percentage of lake covered with lily pads. McCaffrey seemed to disagree. Buffoni feared the inlet would fill in completely if not harvested. Kenny pointed out apparent disagreement between Nathan and McCaffrey and asked each to define position as step toward resolution. Nathan wanted to submit to NHESP; McCaffrey wanted to submit question to Town Counsel.
   
   Kleinerman stepped in and suggested he submit the photos to Michael Gorski, Regional Director, Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP). General agreement.
7. The trees near the boat launch – a stand of oaks and a maple — were discussed. There was agreement that immediate action was needed. A question arose: would the trees be removed or saved?
8. Again, the chain link fence was discussed. Apparently, the only issue is removing part from the water. Kleinerman said he understood SB said chain link fences were illegal. McCaffrey said “no, only Patrick White thinks that, not the SB.” She said her reading of bylaw was that chain link fences are illegal only if they can be seen from the road. There was a question about whether that fence was grandfathered but determining that would necessitate knowing two things – when the bylaw was passed and when the fence was installed. Kleinerman guessed Ed and Diane Darin installed it in the 1990s.
9. Kleinerman mentioned a “Section 91 that makes it permissible for people to walk along the shoreline and over docks.” Kleinerman continued, “It requires dock owners to have steps on either side of dock, but no one does.” Kleinerman was probably referring to the Public Waterfront Act Chapter 91 that “Preserves pedestrian access along the water’s edge for fishing, fowling and navigation…provides facilities to enhance public use and enjoyment of the water. Seeks to protect and extend public strolling rights, as well as public navigation rights.”
10. With the heavy rains the parking lot at the boat launch is washing away. Buffoni was asked what to do and suggested partial paving and directing the water so it does not go straight into the lake.
11. Buffoni said that Shadow Brook Pond, Lily Pond and Duck Pond Brook are very full from from the heavy rains. Kenny asked about runoff into lake. Buffoni said the rain presents as opportunity to check Infiltration and Inflow (I&I).
12. Loiodice reported on Lake Drive Association desire to be on town sewer and the problem associated with asking them to absorb the cost. Question: could some or all of the $500,000 (discussed in last issue of SU Town Square) be used?

Editor’s notes:

1. Stockbridge Zoning Bylaw: 6.18 Fences and Walls
   
   “Chain link and wire mesh fences are prohibited in all but the Manufacturing District unless said fence is visually screened from adjacent properties, including roadways, throughout the entire year.”
   
   Tips on reading a zoning bylaw: The first line is the law: “chain link and wire mesh fences are prohibited”. The prohibition is followed by exceptions if any: (a) except in a Manufacturing District (b) except when fence is visually screened throughout the entire year. Further clarification may then follow: “screened from adjacent properties” even if the adjacent property is a roadway.
2. Under the heading of small world: Diane Darin was my house guest as I played the SBSC meeting. She confirmed she and Ed did not install the fence, and she does not know when it was installed.

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) Annual Report, July 2021

“It’s Back! Milfoil Reappears in the Bowl…

On July 16. 2021, one of the lead biologists from SOLitude Lake Management toured the perimeter of the Bowl by boat to inspect for the presence of milfoil…last summer it was almost absent…This year the Milfoil has returned.”

The report goes on to state the conditions established by the Commonwealth that would allow fluridone treatment. Year one: Identify and count stems Year two: treat those areas with fluridone Year three: Identify and count stems of all plants in test and control areas. DEP will authorize proceeding with full lake treatment with fluridone in year four if the year three count confirms that fluridone has controlled milfoil and allowed other native plants to survive.”

Editor’s Questions:

1. Can the identification of milfoil and counting of stems required in year one be done from a boat, or would it require being in (and under) the water?
2. May SOLitude be the official determiner of whether milfoil is present, or does DEP require a government representative, such as someone hired by the Town, or a representative from the Commonwealth, to officially establish if the year-one criterium is met?

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, July 19, In-Person Meeting Only

Agenda:

1. Last week’s minutes
2. Review and sign Motor Vehicle Abatements and Certificates
3. Remaining funds in budget to be transferred into FY22 for Utility Appraisal Cost (Follow Up)
4. Owner Unknown Properties in Town: Follow up email to Ray Miyares
5. Second Homeowner Meeting
6. Preliminary work on sales analysis for FY22
7. Update on Tax Exemption PILOT Program

News

Notes from the Zoning Board of Appeals, July 20, In-Person Meeting, Cancelled

Agenda:

Continuation of Public Hearing on the application filed by Aileen L. Bliss requesting variance from the Zoning Bylaw requirements with respect to dimensional variance of acreage and direct frontage under Section 7.2.2, to obtain a building permit on property at Train Hill Road/Averic Road, Map 212, Lot 25.1, Book 417Q, Page 71.

Meeting cancelled.

News

Notes from the Planning Board, July 20, Hybrid Meeting

submitted by Meryl Phair

Present:

• Bill Vogt, Chair
• Marie Raftery, Vice Chair
• Gary Pitney
• Nancy Socha
• Kate Fletcher
• Wayne Slosek
• Carl Sprague (via Zoom)

Also present, Thomas Matuszko, Executive Dir, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), Michael Canales, Town Administrator, Jennifer Carmichael, Secretary

1. Phil Arnold, consultant, could not be present so discussion of ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units) postponed.
2. Canales presented a process for BRPC consultant (Arnold) going forward.
   1. Last year the focus was on bylaw revision. This year, subject to PB approval, planner would take a “holistic” approach. That is, the planner would work with Canales, and other committees, commissions, and boards as appropriate given the issue identified.
   2. Based on funds available ($25,000 of the $40,000 approved at Town Meeting), the planner would spend one day a week in Town Offices
   3. The consultant would take a wider scope on current issues by providing researched background information on all options available for specific projects, assist in identifying funding sources, and present options to PB.
   4. The PB would identify the issues for the consultant to work on and the results would be presented to PB.
3. PB approved new process by unanimous vote. Canales will draw up contractual arrangements with BRPC regarding the role of the consultant.
4. Fletcher requested quarterly updates on spending from Canales.
5. PB agreed first issue to consider would be Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
6. Process to be evaluated after 6 months.
7. Chair said Jeff Lacy, never associated with BRPC, would have a different relationship.
   1. In the arrangement with Lacy and the PB, the PB chair (Bill Vogt) will be the liaison between the Board and the consultant.
   2. Kate Fletcher stressed the need for effective communication with the consultant.
   3. Carl Sprague noted that the PB needs to also have effective communication and feedback with the public.
   4. The PB discussed the Cottage Ara Estate Bylaw and NRPZ.
   5. Chair wished to approve process with Lacy and discuss whether to include Cottage Era in NRPZ or consider it separately at a later date.
   6. Reassess in 3 to 6 months.
8. Approval of the July 6 meeting postponed subject to a correction submitted in writing by Fletcher. Fletcher thought the meeting minutes should include more of the discussion that took place.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Historic Preservation Commission, July 26 Hybrid Meeting

Present:

• Carl Sprague, Chair
• Peter Williams
• Jorja Marsden
• Lisa Sauer

1. In Sprague’s absence, Williams called the meeting to order and introduced new Commission member Chantelle Rhind. Sprague joined meeting.
2. 320 Old Stockbridge Road (Merrywood) represented by owner Richard Lobo and architect Michael Valenti.
   1. Merrywood is a Berkshire Cottage
   2. Through word and picture, Valenti told the story of Merrywood since it was built in 1882 – Peabody and Stearns architects.
   3. Originally a private residence, then a music school, and now a private residence.
   4. Vacant and deteriorating for a number of years, possibly decades, to sustain the architectural integrity and historic authenticity, replication is more practical than restoration.
   5. Williams moved that “not a substantial alteration of a significant historic building according to the bylaw.” Passed unanimously – construction can proceed.
3. Jane Iredale – Interlaken Road. Permission to tear down a Sports Camp building (circa 1961). Moved: The building is not of historic significance. Permission to demolish granted.
4. Sprague wanted to discuss the Cottage bylaw.
   1. A list of the Cottages was distributed (Carole Owens thanked)
   2. Historic Preservation Commission will be available to Planning Board if any determination or evaluation is needed.
   3. Sauer liked the original Great Estates Bylaw. Anita Schwerner explained that version was struck down in land court.
   4. Sprague pointed out that over time there was a change. The original bylaw was intended to preserve history and the historic structure. The intent of later versions focused on the land and land development.

Meeting adjourned.

News

Visualizing the Old-Growth Trees at Ice Glen

The Town has mapped the location of all of the old-growth Ashes and Hemlocks within Ice Glen. The GPS coordinates of each tree has been logged, along with meta data such as the consultant’s evaluation of the tree’s health and the diameter at breast height (a standard measure of the size of the tree). The data was imported into Google My Maps to create the map below.

You can scale the map and inspect individual trees by clicking on the marker.

by Patrick White

Contributors

Stockbridge History — The Stockbridge Cane

It all started in 1909. There was a newspaper called the Boston Post, and that year it designed and distributed walking canes. Made of ebony with gold heads, 700 New England towns each received one. Stockbridge was one of the 700 communities that received a “Boston Post cane.”

For a century, in Stockbridge and elsewhere, an ebony and gold cane was given to the oldest male in town as a sign of respect.

Women were added to the list of cane recipients in some towns as early as 1930, but evidently Stockbridge didn’t get the memo. It continued to be handed from one to another Stockbridge men. And then, as they say, along came Mary. Miss Mary Flynn questioned why only Stockbridge men were recipients. On the other hand, Miss Mary was not a woman to disrupt tradition. So, according to Rick Wilcox, she created the Stockbridge broach and as the cane was passed from one aging male to another, Mary delivered the Stockbridge broach to the oldest female resident that year.

A hundred years is a longish time, and the end result is, we seem to have lost the Stockbridge cane. Some say the cane is in Town Hall – which one and where? No one recalls the location of the broach, and few recall the broach itself.

Many simply recount that Bob Williams was the last Selectman they recall transferring the cane from one recipient to another and awarding it. After Bob died, that seemed to end the practice.

As other towns throughout New England have done, Stockbridge might replicate the Boston Post cane and restart the tradition. Does anyone remember what Miss Flynn’s Stockbridge broach looked like?

by Carole Owens

Contributors

Stockbridge History: Echo Lake

There is more than one guide to understanding Stockbridge. One is a map of places — roads and rivers. The other is an anthology of mountain lore – stories that introduce you to the people. Some combine the two.

For example, there used to be road signs that said Echo Lake. It was frustrating, however, that there was no Echo Lake on the map because Echo Lake was never its name. Turn on the tap in Stockbridge and your water reaches you from Lake Averic. With it comes a stream of local stories. One is the story of why locals call Averic, Echo Lake

The name change came in the 1850s. “The Swedish Nightingale”, Jenny Lind, toured America from 1850 to 1852. Mid-nineteenth century newspapers wrote that Lind was the most popular celebrity of the day bringing “highbrow music to the masses”.

The story behind the name change is this: while visiting The Berkshires, Lind was taken for a carriage ride by Senator Charles Sumner (R-MA). Lind was thrilled with Lake Averic, a local beauty spot, and burst into song. Her voice, so clear and strong, carried across the lake and echoed back. Voila! Echo Lake.

In the book Lenox, it says, “Charles Sumner came often from the Senate in Washington to stay with the Wards and Jenny Lind…” That seems to support the carriage ride to Lake Averic; however, Lind arrived in America in September 1850. On September 30, Anna Hazard Ward wrote in her diary, “Mon 30th – Moved up to Boston in the early train – Took possession of my old house in Louisburg Square.” It was twelve days later that Anna wrote she met Jenny Lind for the first time. On October 12, the Wards met Lind whom they heard in concert on Oct 1. Ward wrote, “The best music I ever heard”.

So much for Lind staying at Highwood, did Sumner visit Lind at the Ward’s on Louisburg Square? Perhaps, but then a carriage ride to Echo Lake was impossible. Did Lind ever sing and hear her voice echo back across Lake Averic? Probably not. Nice story, though oft repeated. Repetition does not make a story true, but it often makes it believable. Inaccuracy does not make a story unbelievable. Maybe we don’t know why Averic was called Echo Lake but be content that we know what Averic means: Lake of Peaceful Contemplation. Or does it?

by Carole Owens

Opinion

Town Square

Welcome to Stockbridge Updates Town Square — The gatherings in the Town Square of old were vibrant and informal. The discussions were the stuff of our nation’s history. We can replicate it here in our local — very local — newspaper Stockbridge Updates. There are issues before us that would benefit from community discourse. Weigh in.

Under discussion topic on the Town Square: What do folks want to do with the Curtisville Bridge? At the last SB meeting, Chair McCaffrey said it was “up to the Select Board”, however, it is up to the SB to propose and the Town Meeting to approve. Before the Town Meeting the vote, the public is weighing in on the Town Square.

From Paul and Lenore Sundberg: We support the creation of a wooden pedestrian bridge on top of the new steel utility bridge recently constructed next to the Curtisville Stone Bridge. We would also like to see wooden fencing installed to replace the chain link fences. Having a pedestrian walkway at that location is especially important for our neighborhood now that construction is soon to begin on the first Averic Rd. bridge. We understand that during that construction, there will no pedestrian access from Rt. 183 to Averic Rd., a favorite walking place for residents and visitors. Due to the limits on Averic Rd., we feel that reopening the Curtisville Stone Bridge to pedestrians is essential and should be completed as soon as possible. It will be well utilized and much appreciated by the many walkers in Interlaken.

The next question which needs to be addressed is the possible replacement of the Curtisville Stone Bridge. We feel that it is ill-advised to reopen the bridge to vehicular traffic. Replacement will be very costly, and the intersection of Interlaken Cross Rd. and Rt. 183 has been the site of serious and fatal accidents. It is a difficult intersection due to the curve just north on Rt.183, and the tendency of drivers to exceed the speed limit. Restoration of this bridge is a subject which townspeople should consider and discuss, and further study is needed. After study and discussion, the Selectmen should offer a proposal to be voted on at Town Meeting. We are in favor of making it a pedestrian-only bridge. Eliminating vehicular traffic will save lives at that intersection and will protect the structural integrity of this historic dry stone construction bridge which cannot handle the weight of heavy trucks. We hope to see progress soon on resolving these bridge issues.

From Rena Zurofsky: This letter is written in support of the one written by Paul and Lenore Sundberg for the last issue. The Town continues to fail the Interlaken section in a very big way. The closure of the historic bridge to walking traffic is not defensible. In putting in the new incredibly unsightly, and obviously cheapest solution for the sewer system, the town used large machines which perched together on the bit of pavement now unavailable to walkers and bicyclists. We can fight in the future about what the town has done to local property values by closing three bridges — for many years — in one neighborhood as well as erecting the ugliest fences and making quick fixes.

The fourth bridge, at 102 and 183, is at least being addressed. What we need now is a way to walk safely in our own neighborhood, where the new iron link fencing prevents us. This area of 183 is incredibly dangerous with an S-curve on which virtually no one slows down, no shoulder, no signs reminding people to go slow or warning of pedestrians. We used to have a short sprint on 183 at life risk, but closing this bridge leaves many of us on the full range of dangers this road presents.

The Park bridges present less danger as closed over these past 5 years? But they still disrupt the flow of community.

This neighborhood has been walking together for the two decades I’ve lived here, and some of

our neighbors in their 90s have been walking it for many decades more. The powers in Stockbridge are destroying our historic beauty as well as our safety and convenience and turning their backs on this entire community. We want practical and attractive solutions. They must be out there. With the $500K Covid money, some fixes could be found for this well-used yet clearly neglected section of the town. And even without that money, at very minimum a walking path could be restored.

From Misha Forrester: I would like to add my agreement to Paul and Lenore Sundberg on the recent closing of the Curtisville Stone Bridge at Interlaken Cross to passenger traffic.

The fencing is an eyesore, and the closing constrains anybody from safely walking to and from Interlaken Cross. Now we have to rely on walking Route 183 to Trask Lane which is a risk, leaving one vulnerable as there is no safe shoulder strip to walk on. And Rte183 requires vigilance now but is prohibitive in the winter. Metal guard rails act as a buffer for the racing cars taking the curve in the road, and even if one were to climb over the guardrails there’s no safe space to walk.

There is also no place available to park on Interlaken Cross in which to begin a walk. A year ago we could still walk over the Curtisville Bridge directly from our front doors as there was a small walkway available. To expect people to get in their cars to drive to another neighborhood where it’s safer to walk increases pedestrian pressure on that neighborhood.

We have four places in Interlaken barricaded, all within a mile.

• Interlaken Cross/Curtisville Bridge — CLOSED
• Interlaken Fire Department -concrete blocks preventing parking
• Averic Road Bridge — CLOSED
• Rte 183/Rte 102 — CLOSED

What was once a congenial neighborhood environment is becoming estranged, and precarious, with detours everywhere we turn. Can the Curtisville Stone Bridge be at least liberated to foot traffic as it has been for decades?

A reader, Anita Schwerner, suggests a topic for the Next Town Square: What are people’s opinions about continuing to have a remote option for all Stockbridge board, committee and commission meetings?

It’s my opinion that a remote option is necessary if we want to have an informed electorate. It’s not always possible physically or logistically to attend in person whether you live here full or part-time. Second homeowners who attended the July 15 select board meeting expressed their appreciation of being able to participate remotely and their desire to have it continue. The minutes of a meeting don’t provide enough information to understand what was said in a timely manner.

Most town public bodies are already holding hybrid meetings that enable attendance in person as well as remotely via Zoom.

It’s debatable whether remote access is required by law or just desired by town citizens. I’ve had many emails and calls about whether or not Governor Baker’s June 16th extension means that it is necessary to provide remote access. Some interpret the first part of the law to mean that a remote option is not required if the meeting is held in person and the public can attend.

However, the second part requires a remote option for committee members. It states: “Second, the new law authorizes all members of a public body to continue participating in meetings remotely; the Open Meeting Law’s requirement that a quorum of the body and the chair be physically present at the meeting location remains suspended.”

Since a remote option is required for committee members, why wouldn’t the town also provide remote access for the public? Our select board gets to decide on this so please share your opinion.

I hope for a lively discussion in Town Square. Town Square provides a really interesting forum for discussion. Thank you.

Although I am the chairperson of the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee, I am writing this as a private citizen.

Around Town

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden: Each Monday, a band will play in the gazebo among the topiaries in Lucy’s Garden, while guests stretch out on the tree-shaded lawns. Stroll the grounds, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy live music and beer and wine available from Big Elm Brewing. Spontaneous dancing is encouraged! $15 non-embers and $10 members (Register online)
2. Norman Rockwell Museum: On scheduled Tuesdays in July and August, meet the international artists featured in the Fantasy Art exhibition on view at the Museum this summer. Please visit website https://www.nrm.org/events/ for details on this series. Join us in person, or online. Online participants: Free for members; $5 non-members
   
   “Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration” at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Book tickets online. On scheduled Tuesdays in July and August, meet the international artists featured in the Fantasy Art exhibition on view at the Museum this summer. Please visit website https://www.nrm.org/events/ for details on this series. Join us in person or online. Online participants: Free for members; $5 non-members
3. Laurel Hill Day August 28 2 p.m. “A Celebration of the Leadership of Women”. It will be held on Laurel Hill (behind the Town Offices).

Around Town

Reader to Reader — We Got Mail

Dear Carole,

Happy anniversary and congratulations!

Thank you for the breakdown on everything happening in our town government. It is a great reminder that people can make a difference in how the town is lead.

Thanks also for all the meeting notes. I know how time consuming it is, but informed citizens are our biggest asset.

Finally, thanks to all the contributors. The photos and historical articles help make this news outlet my favorite.

Best, Jess Prince

Dear Jess,

Thank you for the anniversary wishes.

Carole

Hi Carole,

I have been enjoying SU and I thank you and your group for doing such a great job on keeping us informed on the many aspects of life here in our wonderful and beautiful community.

As many of your readers know, I had been suffering from an extremely painful sciatica situation for many months. As the Annual Town Meeting approached, the dates for my corrective surgery and the necessary pre-op procedures and the meeting appeared to be on a collision course. Once the final dates were confirmed I realized that it would be impossible for me to conduct my duties of Moderator on June 12th.

Therefore, I followed the procedure recommended in the “Town Meeting Time” handbook for town officials. First, I contacted town Clerk Terry Iemolini to see if she would agree to moderate the meeting. Obviously, this made no sense as it is her responsibility to maintain the legal record of all business transacted at the meeting. From there I searched for someone who in my opinion might be willing to cover for me in what appeared to likely be a long and protracted assembly. My first choice was former Chairman of our Board of Selectmen and current member of our Finance Committee, Steve Shatz. After checking on the legality of Steve acting as Moderator while serving on the Finance Committee and finding that there was no problem with that dual duty, I approached Steve and thankfully he agreed after some thoughtful deliberation. My duty of finding a well-qualified, even-tempered and willing temporary replacement for me was complete. As Steve reminded me several times — he still had to be elected to the position at the beginning of the meeting, but that was out of my hands and subject to the will of the voters present that day.

I want to thank Steve for filling in for me and by many accounts doing an exceptional job in what was definitely a very difficult forum. I was confident that his integrity and his long-expressed desire to do what is in the best interest of Stockbridge would carry the day, as it did.

Finally, I am so grateful to the multitude of town residents who expressed concern for my obvious discomfort over the past many months. I am overjoyed to report that since the operation was performed, I am 95% back to being my former self; ready, willing and able to resume all of my duties as the elected Town Moderator of Stockbridge.

Gary

(Gary D Johnston is our Stockbridge Town Moderator)

Hi Carole,

The attached is a photo of the bench location at the edge of Stockbridge Bowl, on the Gould Meadows trails. You may want to use it in the UPDATES. Please keep up the good work.

Arthur Dutil

Hi Arthur,

Thank you for the beautiful photo and for all you and your team of volunteers do at Gould Meadows.

Carole

Dear Carole,

Here is my suggestion for using some of the additional Stockbridge funds [SU July 15 issue Town Square].

With use of multiple detours in Interlaken, as a result of closing the bridge connectors to many streets, there is increased traffic to include construction, delivery, and as pickups hauling lawn mowers as well as regular commuter and tourist cars using the detour side streets. The other day I counted 20 vehicles on North Church Street in one direction in the middle of the day in a ten-minute span.

Given this kind of traffic, it’s an absolute necessity to have a stop sign on North Church Street to Rte. 102, and yield signs at the intersection of North Church and Hill, and at the intersection of North Church and Larrywaug.

These Stockbridge rural roads are not sufficiently wide enough for two vehicles traveling in opposite directions to pass each other without one of them driving into the ruts of the street edge, or lawn or brush. At the intersections there is so much overgrowth, or tall flowers, that sometimes you can’t see the cars coming to the right or left of you.

Stop and yield signs would provide an extra amount of vehicular caution in an area ripe for accidents.

Misha Forrester

Dear Misha,

Thank you for your thoughts.

Carole

Hi, Carole,

Thrilled to contribute to the anniversary edition. What a gift you make with the Update to the community.

Be well. J

J

Editor’s note: The writer is talented photographer Joan Gallos.

Dear Joan,

And what a contribution you make to SU.

Thank you,

Carole