Editorial

Guest Editorial

Stockbridge Updates has enjoyed the wisdom and support of an Editorial Board since inception. After our last meeting, members had a few words to say. See this guest editorial and Reader to Reader — look for more in coming issues.

Elections are over. The results are in on races for office; all warrant articles presented and discussed. Once again, voters have spoken. In Stockbridge, the voters have multiple and enviable resources for making decisions on a local level.

Residents have a daily newspaper (well, almost). They have a radio station in Great Barrington that covers local events (sometimes). They have gatherings at the Post Office (in and out) to exchange information and get up to date. They have a Town website, and perhaps more importantly, access to public meetings and the workings of Town government from Stockbridge Updates.

When Carole first discussed the possibility of a local online newsletter, I thought, sure… Why not? I grew up in Great Barrington. We had the Berkshire Courier, a weekly newspaper (hardcopy) that gave residents a more than adequate overview of happenings in town. They even had the “Police Blotter” that told you how your neighbor got into trouble and why. But this was going to be different. This was going to be straightforward and factual, covering public meetings, local events, the nonprofits, social happenings and celebrations, interspersed with great photographs provided by talented residents. It would allow residents (and others) to weigh in on all of the above and share opinions. It was always implied, if not clearly stated, that this would be done with civility and adherence to the facts. And, it was to be purely Stockbridge. Hence, Stockbridge Updates came to be.

I was asked to sit on the SU Editorial Board. The members of that group were called upon to debate almost any question that came up. It has been a privilege to work with other members who share the same values: Trust, accuracy, fairness, impartiality, and a desire to let the sun shine on all. It has worked.

A newsletter can be a tricky thing (not to mention, a ton of work). Fortunately, I think Carole Owens has hit upon the formula. Stockbridge Updates has become the common thread of communications for locals, second homeowners, businesses, and anyone interested in the village. It is a catalyst for dialogue, debate, and enlightenment.

None of us dreamed SU would become the mainstay it is. It is a reflection of ourselves. That residents look forward to it, and depend on it, is a reward in itself. To see that it thrives is necessary; to see that is endures an imperative.

by Robert Jones , SU Editorial Board. Lee Selectman

Editorial

The Great Debate

The great debate is about whether Stockbridge Updates is a newspaper or a newsletter. Call it what you will, SU is the wave of the future — less paper, more narrowly focused. More important, most important, SU has the power to knit folks together through information sharing about our hometown and providing a forum for all in our community.

Stockbridge Updates is now 22 months old, just short of its second birthday. In that time, SU has included 150 contributors, 30 photographers, and posted over 600 articles. A paper that shared the news with the community (especially from Town Government) amplified the voice of our community.

Because this is a generous community, kind and enthusiastic readers have asked if they could help. Make a contribution? Pay for a subscription? Pay for a news alert (yup, those alerts do cost money to send out)? Support the effort with a few dollars? I always said no — thank you so much — but no. Money confuses the message.

Besides, I’m a kid from Minnesota and up there we have to earn it. Now we have. So, here’s what we want to do to stabilize SU and assure that it is a permanent part of our community life. No subscriptions: a free press should be free. No advertisements: say what you will, a newspaper endorses those businesses it advertises, and those businesses sometimes hold sway. Moreover, charging for subscriptions and advertising is the model from another century, and SU is moving on.

Folks who know about this digital stuff say they have never seen numbers like ours. I know why: it was an idea whose time had come. Newspaper or newsletter, SU is the wave of the future. What will we do? Stay tuned — we will not make a move without informing our beloved Stockbridge.

I believe in community. I believe in coming together. I believe we are less significant and less effective alone and a powerhouse together.

by Carole Owens , Managing Editor

News

Notes from the Agriculture and Forestry Commission, June 6, Hybrid meeting

• Matt Boudreau, Chair
• Lisa Bozutto
• Erik Rasmussen
• Shelby Marshall
• Michelle Zhu and Aviva via Zoom

1. May 2 minutes approved as written
2. Treatment of trees in Ice Glen to begin June 7. Check that signage is in place alerting public. Ask consultant Ken Gooch to monitor and report.
3. Farm workers Zhu and Aviva joined the meeting and discussed the difficulty of farm workers who relocate to the Berkshires to find housing. Cost is one issue — rent is often � their total income. Another issue is community, that is, racial and sexual diversity.
4. The commission discussed ways to help — matching farm workers with housing, encourage residents to welcome workers to their homes and other possibilities.
5. In anticipation of the SB appointing members to committees, commissions, and boards, Chair wished Rasmussen, Fredsall, and Marshall to let SB know they wish to be reappointed (Rasmussen) and made regular members (Fredsall and Marshall) creating a 5-member commission.
6. Chair would place discussion of Stockbridge farmer’s market on next meeting agenda. He preferred an evening market for folks going home from work. Will ask SB to hire someone to manage it
7. Bozutto wanted to complete Tree City application and to ask SB to make a proclamation that Stockbridge is a Tree City before December 31, 2022
8. Marshall introduced his serious objection to the logging that the Water Department does on a regular basis on the 370 acres surrounding the reservoir as part of “water shed management”. Marshall could not imagine that cutting down the trees increased the quality of the water and said he was “seriously disturbed” by the practice.
9. Chair said perhaps the Commission should develop a “land ethic” but was not inclined to interfere with a traditional plan — “a long-time ritual” — of the Water Department.
10. Marshall said the ethic could be “eco-health, biodiversity, and climate change — that’s it”
11. Bozutto asked if they had any authority to impose a land ethic?
12. Agreement that more people should be encouraged to come before the commission and the commission should perform site visits. Bozzuto (a member of Conservation Commission) sited long-standing Open Meeting rules about care not to deliberate during site visits. Marshall challenged that.
13. Chair suggested they do not meet in July and August and reconvene in September. Agreed

News

SU — FYI

Microtransit… Almost

Congratulations Stockbridge! With its partner, Great Barrington, the Town was awarded the pilot program grant (SU, May 15, 2022) for “Demand-response Transit” (DRT). As soon as all the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed, DRT will be available. For 1-year, in Great Barrington, Egremont, and Stockbridge, folks can call and get a ride to wherever they are going (for a fee TBD). It will be available Monday – Friday 6:30am – 7:00pm; Saturday 9:00 am – 7pm; Sunday 8:00 – 11:00am and 3 – 6pm. Thank you, Tate Coleman, Chairman, RTAC, tcoleman@townofgb.org and Jamie Minacci, Stockbridge Representative, RTAC, jminacci@stockbridge-ma.gov

PSA from the Berkshire Waldorf High School

School in Talks to Renovate Old Town Hall in Stockbridge as Future Home

Berkshire Waldorf High School is pleased to announce that now a multi-year fundraising campaign makes it possible to begin the renovation of Procter Hall as the future home of the school.

The school will retain an architect to design the space and an engineer to assess the building’s needs. Once this is complete, renovation of old Town hall will begin.

Executive Director and Faculty Chair Stephen Sagarin said the capital campaign donations will enable the school “to double our current square footage, creating more and larger classrooms and a science lab, while remaining in Stockbridge within walking distance of the town center.”

“Stockbridge can finally realize its dream of finding a permanent use for this 1829 historic structure,” added Teresa O’Brient, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Berkshire Waldorf High School, a longtime Stockbridge resident, and owner of the Stockbridge Country Store. “We are so excited to finally have the resources to fund the extensive remediation and renovation effort that will be required to open a new chapter in the story of the Old Town Hall.”

The First Congregational Church, UCC, in Stockbridge voted unanimously on Sunday, June 26, to approve a memorandum of understanding between the Church and the School to partner in bringing the building back to life. The Church and the School have formed a close working relationship over the past years of the pandemic, and see this partnership as “win, win, win,” according to pastor Brent Damrow, “for the Church, the School, and the Town.”

The Town of Stockbridge will need to approve aspects of any plan, probably later this year. Sagarin noted, “While we understand the complexity of a successful completion of this transaction, we believe that Procter Hall is uniquely suited to the long term needs of the High School, and we are excited to partner with the Church and the Town to negotiate a transaction that is in the interest of all parties.”

Berkshire Waldorf High School is currently located in rented space on Pine Street in Stockbridge. The school is 20 years old and just graduated its 16th senior class. The school’s tagline, “Small school, big world,” conveys its commitment to the community and beyond.

It offers Honors-level, college preparatory academics and is integrated into the larger community, including renowned artists’ studios, labs, libraries, and gyms, Shakespeare & Company’s Fall Festival of Shakespeare, field trips to events and museums in the Northeast, and international travel, including Germany, South and Central America, and France.

Please contact Stephen Sagarin at ssagarin@berkshirewaldorf.com or at 413-207-2507 with questions or for more information.

From Michael Canales/Stockbridge Town Administrator

FY 2023 (Effective July 1, 2022) Select Board Appointments

Agriculture and Forestry Commission
Mathieu Boudreau
Lisa Bozzuto
Eric Rasmussen
Shelby Marshall
Abigale Fredsall

Animal Inspector John Drake

Animal Control Officer John Drake

Board of Registrars
Nancy Clark
Nancy Wilcox
Jennifer Carmichael

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Rep. Jamie Minacci

Berkshire Regional Planning Rep. Christine Rasmussen

Building Inspector, Alternate Paul Green

Building Inspector, Alternate Matthew Kollmer

Cable Advisory Committee Rep. OPENING, Michael Canales

Cemetery Commission
Karen Marshall
Candace Currie
Cemetery Consultant Rich Atwood

Community Preservation Committee Reps.
Carole Owens
Patrick White

Conservation Commission
Ron Brouker
Lisa Bozzuto
Jaime Minacci
Tom LaBelle
John Hart
Joe DeGiorgis
Sally Underwood-Miller
Chuck Kohrer (alternate)
William Loutrel (alternate)

Council on Aging
Chris McCarthy
Ronald Muir
Nancy O’Brien
Diane Sheridan, Chairman

Cultural Council
Andrea Sholler
Joe Tonetti
Barbara Cooperman
Janet Egelhofer
Rena Zurofsky
Selena Lamb
Terry Moor
Maureen O’Hanlon
Isabel Rose
Judith Wilkinson

Elderly & Disabled Tax Committee
Maria Carr
Beth McCormack
Helen McCormick

Emergency Management
Scott Muir

Deputy Fire Chief Neil Haywood

Gas Inspector Greg Pilling

Alternate Gas Inspector Robert Gennari

Alternate Gas Inspector John VanZandt

Fountain Committee
Kate Fletcher
Carl Sprague
Gigi Kingston
Robert Jones

Green Communities Committee
Laura Dubester
Mike Buffoni
Pat Flinn
Miles Moffatt
Starbuck Smith

Historic Preservation Committee
Carl Sprague
Jorja Marsden
Peter Williams
Gary Johnston
Chantal Rhind
Pam Sandler
Lisa Sauer

Historical Commission
Maria Carr
Linda Jackson, Chair
Peter Williams

Kampoosa Bog Stewardship Committee
Arthor Dutil — National Shrine of The Divine Mercy
Laura Beasly
Lisa Bozzuto
Rich Bradway
Louise Gachet
John Hart

PILOT Committee (Payment in Lieu of Taxes)
Tom Stokes
Jay Bikofsky
Roxanne McCaffrey
Peter Strauss

Planning Board Secretary Jennifer Carmichael

Plumbing Inspector Greg Pilling

Plumbing Inspector, Alternate Robert Gennari

Plumbing Inspector, Alternate John VanZandt

Sewer and Water Commission Secretary Jennifer Carmichael

Stockbridge Bowl Association Chuck Cardillo

Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission
Patrick White — Select Board
John Loiodice, Sewer & Water Commission
Mike Buffoni, Water and Sewer Department
Open, Conservation Commission
Roxanne McCaffrey, Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club
Michael Nathan, Stockbridge Bowl Association
Jim Wilusz, Tri-Town Health Department
Gary Kleinerman
Board of Health — OPEN

Town Counsel Donna Brewer

Veterans Agent: Laurie Hills, District Director

Wire Inspector Nick Fredsall

Alternate Wire Inspector Henry Blanchard, alternate

Zoning Board of Appeals
Tom Schuler
Jim Murray
John Hyson
Patricia Andrew
Miles Moffat
Mark Mills — alternate
Catherine Chester — alternate

Editor’s Note: Read over the list — it is nice to see how many new people are getting involved in Town government. Also check for the word “opening” and volunteer to take a seat.

News

Stockbridge: Chesterwood announces its 44th annual contemporary sculpture show

July 1 – October 24 Thursdays – Mondays 10am – 5pm

Berkshire artist Jonathan Prince brings “Elemental Matters” to the historic landscape at Chesterwood

Elemental Matters: The Sculpture of Jonathan Prince will feature 12 large-scale works sited throughout Chesterwood’s 122 acres.

Recognized as both a National Historic Landmark and a Massachusetts Historic Landmark, entry to Chesterwood is by ticket only.

Grounds-Only and Guided Buildings Tour tickets can be reserved online or upon arrival.

Special tours of Elemental Matters: The Sculpture of Jonathan Prince, will be listed throughout the season at www.chesterwood.org

Commenting on Elemental Matters, Chesterwood’s Guest Curator, Cassandra Sohn, Director of Sohn Fine Art, was drawn to the way Prince’s metal works are often mistaken for wood, stone or liquid. “Though monumental in structure, rooted in geometry and made of metal, Prince’s sculptures possess an innate vulnerability. They are a meditation both in process and concept.”

Chesterwood’s Executive Director, Donna Hassler, believes Prince’s work will take on whole other dimensions “considered against the ever-changing sky and forest backdrop.”

All of Jonathan Prince’s sculpture is for sale, with a portion donated directly to Chesterwood to advance its mission to support contemporary artists.

About Contemporary Sculpture at Chesterwood

Chesterwood is notably one of the earliest venues in the United States to showcase large-scale works in an outdoor setting. Since 1978, Chesterwood has exhibited sculpture by more than 600 emerging and established artists. Chesterwood is the former summer home, studio, and gardens of America’s foremost sculptor of public monuments, Daniel Chester French (1850 – 1931). French is best known for his sculptures of the Minute Man (1871 – 75) in Concord MA, and the seated figure of Abraham Lincoln (1911 – 22) for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Contemporary Sculpture at Chesterwood is supported by the Lillian Heller Sculpture Endowment.

Chesterwood proudly celebrated the centennial of the Lincoln Memorial in May 2022 with the launch of the documentary film Daniel Chester French: American Sculptor. The film will be released on the streaming platform Kanopy later in 2022

News

News from the Stockbridge Senior Center

The Stockbridge Senior Center, located in the Town Offices, lower level, closed with the onset of COVID and has been without a director since. Minimal activities such as Yoga and Bingo have returned. Our seniors in town deserve more!

Recently, a small, dedicated group of citizens have been volunteering to bring back our Senior Center. We hope to develop an active, thriving, and most welcoming environment for all! With guidance from the Town Administrator, Michael Canales and Administrative Assistant, Theresa Zanetti, we are hoping to create a senior/community center that can provide camaraderie, support, and guidance. A center that can provide activity for the mind, body, and spirit.

Andrea Lindsay, Executive Director of The Stockbridge Housing Authority is working with us to coordinate joint activities at Heaton Court, on the corner of Pine Street and Prospect Hill.

We currently offer:

Mondays: Chair Yoga with Antonette 10:00am — Heaton Court

Yoga with Crystal 4:00-5:00pm. — Senior Center

Tuesdays: Bingo 12:45-3:00pm — Senior Center — resuming in September

Thursday: Yoga with Crystal 4:00-5:00pm — Senior Center

Blood Pressure Clinic: First Tuesday of the month at 10:30am — Heaton Court

A grand reopening event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21st at the Senior Center.

Lunch will be served, catered from a local restaurant/cafe TBA. Entertainment will include music and sing-along with Jack, Great Barrington tap dancers, and a guest speaker. More details to follow!

A survey will be sent out soon so that you may express what you would like to see in your senior center. If you have any talents, thoughts, time, or energy to contribute, we would love to hear from you! Any activities you would like to have offered? Games such as chess, checkers, bridge; art or knitting classes; or a book club? We welcome your thoughts!

Bingo will be back in the fall along with a walking group in the gym.

We are also planning to establish a new Senior Center Board of Directors. If you have any interest, please contact Theresa Zanetti at 413-298-4170. Ext 250

by Chris McCarthy

News

Greetings from the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Historic Preservation Manager

Stockbridge-Munsee Community is looking forward to re-opening our “Mohican Miles” exhibit this month at the Mission House Museum in Stockbridge, MA. This year we have expanded our exhibit to include a Mohican medicine garden, a medicine preparation area, and residencies of Tribal members coming out to offer on-site workshops. I wanted to share the dates and registration info for these “Mohican Miles” Community-led Workshops:

Saturday June 18 and Sunday June 19th 11:00am – 12:00pm

MEDICINE WALK

Misty Cook, Mohican herbalist, and author of the book “Medicine Generations,” will provide an interactive Medicine Walk at the Mission House for participants. We will walk through the grounds and talk about all of the traditional medicines growing in the garden and their preparation, answering questions along the way.

Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26 11:00am – 12:00pm

PLANTING SEEDS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

Lucille Burr, traditional teacher, operates Ancient Roots Homestead in Bowler, Wisconsin. She works to connect her community, Stockbridge-Munsee Community, to ancestral knowledge of Indigenous ways of life. In this child-friendly workshop, Lucy will share seed keeping and plant knowledge. Participants will “make and take” a seed cup home from the workshop.

Free of charge thanks to our partners: Stockbridge-Munsee Community, the Trustees, and Housatonic Heritage.

Please register and share with others!

Hope to see you there.

Oneewe,

Bonney

by Bonney Hartley

News

Stockbridge Bowl Association celebrates 75 years with a summer of events.

Saturday, June 25th at 3pm — Stockbridge Library (Bement Room)

“Celebrating the Stockbridge Bowl” an exhibit on the history of the Bowl (opens for the summer thru September 6th).

Saturday, July 16th 10am – 1pm — Beach Island Day — Stockbridge Town Beach

11:00 Boat Parade from Stockbridge Town Beach to the Island. Pontoon boat rides, kayak, canoe, paddle board to Kwuniikwat Island. Join a drum circle with Terry ala Berry.

Decorate a canoe, send wishes to the Bowl, guest DJ, snacks, and prizes.

(Rain date, Saturday, July 23rd 10am – 1pm.)

Saturday, August 6th 11am — Stockbridge Bowl Association Annual Meeting at the Mount.

Hear updates on Stockbridge Bowl and Reminiscences of Life on Stockbridge Bowl. Special prize drawings to celebrate our 75th anniversary.

Sunday, August 14th 9am – 11am — Bullard Woods

Join us for “Old Growth Forests Walk” with Bob Leverette, Cofounder of the Native Tree Society, president of Friends of Mohawk Trail State Forest, and a senior advisor to American Forests.

Followed by New tree dedications, planting, and presentation of 2 plaques honoring Stockbridge Land Steward Commissions and first responders. Parking at Bullard Woods.

(Rain date Sunday, August 21st 9am – 11am)

Saturday, October 1st — 10am – 12pm — Bullard Woods

Housatonic Heritage Walk. Parking at Bullard Woods.

(Rain date Sunday, October 2nd 10am – 12pm)

Volunteers needed for Beach Island Day and Bullard Woods; Old Growth Forests walk. Go to the SBA website@https://thesba.org to volunteer. Just click the volunteer link to sign up to assist with a program.

News

Notes from the Select Board (SB), June 9, Hybrid meeting

• Patrick White, Chair
• Jamie Minacci
• Chuck Cardillo
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Anita Schwerner
• Roxanne McCaffrey
• John Hart

1. April 28 minutes approved as written
2. Chesterwood — request for one-day alcohol license for an event on June 11 — approved
3. White asked for comments/questions from public
   1. Schwerner congratulated Minacci on her win, thanked McCaffrey for her service and comment to White that she appreciated having public comments first on agenda. She had two questions: will harvester be on lake soon? Answer: have to deal with water chestnuts (an invasive) first. Will the second room for Zoom meeting be set up soon? Answer: not until there is a need due to more than one meeting scheduled
   2. Report from Lucy Prashker and Peter Taylor from the Regional School District Planning Board and Peter Dillon, Superintendent
   3. The purpose of establishing the Board was to consider merging 8 towns into one school district.
   4. Meeting since March 2020, this is second annual update
   5. Spent $300,000 on consultants and experts to date and may need more money
   6. Report to date suggested merging, and keeping all elementary/junior high schools in place and in use and building one regional high school on GB grounds
   7. The Board voted to adopt the recommendation 16 — 6 (24-member board; 3 from each of 8 towns)
   8. Taylor talked about outreach to 8 towns — approval from each necessary
   9. Details online @ 8towns.org
4. Christine Rasmussen has been the SB representative to BRPC and made a report. Her particular interests were: education, mental health, affordable housing
   1. 31% of renters could not buy
   2. 50% of seniors are burdened by housing costs
   3. White said there was an increase from 4 – 6% in the occupancy tax. That money goes to Commonwealth and then an amount is returned to locality. However, the Commonwealth does not share how much they collect, from whom, and by what formula they return it to us. White would like them to share information for planning purposes
5. Canales reports:
   1. Treatment of trees in Ice Glen underway
   2. No progress on Swap Shop because materials and products (like prefab building) are unavailable. Town has the money and manpower but no materials
   3. McCaffrey wanted to know if the old building could be used for pets? Canales said, No, the ramp would still not be up to code and would have to be replaced even for dogs
   4. Hart wanted to know where new building would go. Canakes said, to the left of entrance in cleared space
6. Town web site — low bid was Civic Plus ($9700)
   1. White wanted to see demo
   2. Intent is for info to come to residents rather than residents going to web site
   3. Plan suggested by Civic Plus just like what Lenox has
7. White repeated that Town Counsel should be present when applicants bring lawyers so board/commission members are not getting legal opinions from applicants’ attorneys but are getting advice from Town’s attorney. Canales worried about cost containment
8. What followed was the very long list of appointments done annually to different committees, commissions, and boards as well as the SB rep. to each. SU will post completed list when available.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Planning Board (PB), June 7, Hybrid meeting

• Marie Raftery
• Nancy Socha
• Wayne Slosek
• Lis Wheeler
• Gary Pitney
• Kate Fletcher
• Carl Sprague
• Michael Canales

1. Marie Raftery, Vice Chair called the meeting to order and thanked Bill Vogt for his service. Welcomed Lis Wheeler. Slosek also thanked Vogt and welcomed Wheeler. Pitney suggested Carmichael, as secretary send thank you note to Vogt for his service
2. Rafferty opened floor to nominate new chair. Gary Pitney and Kate Fletcher were nominated. Pitney declined — Fletcher chair.
3. Minutes approved as written
4. 44 Main Street — sign request — White Construction. The size of sign within bylaw. What is written on sign, design, and colors are beyond purview of PB — sign approved
5. Canales pointed out that the PB has had 5 different planners (as consultants) within relatively brief time “without much advance.” He said the PB was awarded $40,000/2 years — $80,000 of which $40,470 remains. That is, PB still has money voted at Town Meeting for planning consultants and Canales wants PB to handle it better with sharper focus.
   1. Does PB want no planner, to call on consultants per project or continue with once per week or how use money? Canales has to write contract and wants direction.
   2. Slosek asked if there was enough work to justify one day per week
   3. Raftery wanted PB to start one project at a time and complete it before moving to another
   4. Slosek wanted to be sure why they are looking at a bylaw — be sure any change is necessary, or were bylaws or ok as written?
   5. Someone asked if money is use or lose. Canales said no, if money not spent in a single year, it carries over.
   6. Decided to have planner from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission in Town Offices once/week for 6 months and then evaluate.
   7. Pitney suggested PB work on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and sign bylaws
   8. Kara (BRPC) presented Bylaw as prepared so far.
      1. Slosek asked if it was necessary in addition to what is currently in bylaws
      2. Fletcher said original purpose of ADUs was to provide affordable housing.
      3. Raftery asked how does PB or Town enforce that?
      4. Canales said have to determine if and how something is enforceable before adding language to a bylaw. For example, if require 50% of ADUs be affordable — who determines what is affordable and how does Town enforce the requirement? Canales said do not put wording in that is not “verifiable and enforceable”
      5. Kara will continue work and present a draft bylaw
   9. Raftery asked Fletcher to put on the agenda discussions re: Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) transfer from PB to ConCom until that issue resolved. Also asked that Kara be on agenda once a month to update PB

News

Notes from the Water and Sewer Commission, June 7, Hybrid meeting

• Don Schneyer, Chair
• John Loiodice
• Michael Buffoni, Water Superintendent
• Tony Campetti, Sewer Superintendent
• Michael Canales, Town Manager
• Jennifer Carmichael, secretary
• John Dupris

1. Dupris on behalf of McKearnan property 2 Interlaken Crossroad sewer hookup
   1. At Town Meeting Town approved adding property to Town sewer
   2. McKearnan family will pay for hook-up
   3. After one year (when warranty expires) Town will assume ownership and maintenance expense
2. Campetti — rebid Park Street because during last bidding process, job estimated at approx. $700,000, bid over $1 million
   1. Hoping for more competition and better outcome
   2. Keeping and reusing some of equipment both as cost containment and some equipment delivery estimated at 60-week wait (5 year!!)
   3. Rebid will take 4 weeks — will report outcome
3. Buffoni
   1. New ordinance as required by Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) completed. Approve and send copy of minutes to Commonwealth and requirement satisfied.
   2. Water flow back to normal after divers cleared screen — propose annual cleaning — flow and pressure good
   3. One check valve — 100 years old — to be removed
   4. Goodrich Street an 8-inch water main broke — losing 400 gallons/minute. Working cooperatively with Highway Department, found break, repaired, back-filled with gravel.
4. Buffoni reported logging going forward and also getting the poplar and ash stand removed (cost: $7500)
5. Chair mentioned Town Meeting this year better than the year before — thanked Moderator and liked the “clickers”. Wanted to make sure ready to spend money allotted. Canales said money available after July 1. Right now, lining everything up to start work. For example, Buffoni working on getting roof painted

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, June 6, Hybrid meeting

• Gary Pitney, Chair
• Doug Goudey
• Tom Stokes
• Michael Blay, Town Assessor
• Tammy Toupence, secretary

1. Chair called for “reconstituting Board” that is electing Chair — Pitney elected
2. Abatement for Camp Mahkeenac concluded — that concludes all abatements
3. Personal Property Forms from second homeowners due June 17 — Blay said they are being returned promptly
4. Income/expense forms for businesses were due June 1. Returns incomplete. Blay will have to go forward with information he received.
5. This year the process included site visits and Blay reported some businesses were upset and were not providing data. Blay suggested Town do the data collection annually rather than every five years.
6. Kevin Chittenden and Tim Doherty for Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (BSRM — located in the Stockbridge Train Station) requested tax exempt status.
7. Goudey was concerned about granting tax exempt status. Pitney explained there needed to be a museum display or tours or some other activities at the train station in line with their mission for the public. Having established that, they could also have their fundraising events for the improvement and preservation of the historic station. Stokes felt holding and maintaining/preserving the important historic structure was in line with their mission and they did, therefore, qualify. Pitney determined the two sides of the argument should be submitted to Town Counsel for decision. Chair would get back to BSRM

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Historic Preservation Committee, June 6, Hybrid meeting

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

1. Minutes approved as written
2. Elizabeth Goodman, Jackson Alberti, Mark Volk, and owner Daniel Pincus for 8 Hawthorne — permission to tear down extant house on the 0.9-acre lot. Determined it was not an historically significant property — permission granted
3. Sandler shared that the neighbors were alarmed by the proposed new build
4. Sarah M, owner, presented plans for One Dugway Road. Complex combination of three structures — historic but one (perhaps) not salvageable. Site visit planned

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from Tri-Town Board of Health (BOH), June 6, Hybrid Meeting

• Charlie Kenny, Chair
• Dianne Romeo
• John Loiodice
• Hank Schwerner
• Noel Blagg
• John Kearns
• Bob Wespiser
• Jayne Smith
• Jim Wilusz, Executive Director
• Bob Jones, Lee Select Board
• Tim Gray, Housatonic River Initiative

1. March 3 minutes approved as written
2. April 16 Open Meeting Law — complaint — referred to Town Counsel. “Not found to be in violation.” Matter closed
3. Jones and Gray requested a discussion with Tri-Town BOH about the Rest of River contract. Are there health implications? With additional information would BOH take a position? Wespiser said BOH should hear them out; Schwerner “more education the better”, move to hold an education session, passed unanimously
4. Smith, Shared Services Nurse, discussed “sharps” disposal. Proposed to have three disposal units in South County — one in Lee, one in Great Barrington, and one in Alford in addition to the two — one at Fairview and one in Egremont — that exist now. Discussion about pros/cons of the disposal being inside a building or outside. For now, units will be inside.
5. Questions for BOH: should BOH restrict smoking bars? Should BOH restrict flavored tobacco products? Should BOH revisit tobacco regulations?
6. Reminder that there is a collaborative program with Austen Riggs at the Marian Fathers — July 9 — about dealing with psychological effects of COVID.
7. Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Fountain Committee, June 2, Hybrid meeting

• Kate Fletcher, Chair
• Bob Jones
• Carl Sprague
• Michael Buffoni, Water Superintendent
• Hugh Page, Highway Superintendent
• Dana Bixby, architect
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator

1. March 31 minutes approved as written
2. Bixby completed “field measurements” for placing stones and computing size of foundation
3. Water depth in basin calculated
4. Buffoni asked Ned Baldwin, Building Inspector who said if deeper than 26″ has to be fenced — apparently agreed upon 24″ for water depth
5. Long discussion on recycling water. Apparently very complex and expensive to install the equipment to allow recycling. For example, pool pumps and storage vaults would be required. Also requires process to prepare for winter. For continuous flow, it was estimated that it uses 110,000 gallons per year if runs Memorial Day to Labor Day. Only decision was to get a meter to calculate exact amount.
6. Page and Buffoni discussed shut offs, coping with overflow and replacing some parts of water line more than 100 years old.
7. Page recommended gunite basin.
8. Sprague said the refabricating is almost completed

News

Events

1. Stockbridge Library — Summer Kickoff — June 25 10:30am – 1pm — on the library lawn

Including “Songs Around the Campfire” Musical program fun for children of all ages. Pick up a free book for summer reading.

2. Berkshire Botanical Garden — a workshop that explores wines during the Berkshire summer — June 16 — 6-7pm “Shades of Summer”

“Fireflies in the Meadow” — June 23 — with Mass Audubon 8 — 9:30pm — an evening walk to observe evening birds, mammals, stars, and planets

3. Naumkeag — The perfect end to a Berkshire summer day is live music performed by some of the area’s most popular bands, and Naumkeag’s stunning views and gardens providing a spectacular backdrop — Thursdays at 5pm weekly at Naumkeag

4. Berkshire Natural Resources “Guided Hike on Yokun Ridge” — June 18, 9am – 2:30pm

Join us in hiking the full length of the first High Road section on Yokun Ridge.

5. CHP Vacination Van Town Offices June 29 10am – 12pm

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Letter to the Editor, Stockbridge Updates

Carole Owens has been publishing this Update for 2 years now. She does it voluntarily, without any financial benefit. The first edition went to about 100 people. The reach now is between 3000 – 5000 every 2 weeks. The Update is truly an act of community service. We, the residents of Stockbridge, are the beneficiaries of her selfless service.

Carole — Thank you sooooo much for your hard work on our behalf. For the record, I am a member of the Editorial Board of Stockbridge Updates.

Chris Greendale

Chris,

Thank you for your hard work and support on the Editorial Board — developing sound policies and keeping SU on track.

Carole

Carole,

I absolutely loved your Fish Tale story and Rick’s story about Agrippa Hull, whom I had never heard of previously. I shared these stories with the women and staff of Riverbrook on Ice Glen Rd much to their enjoyment.

Thank you,

Ruth Tremblay Hanley
ISP and Human Rights Manager
Riverbrook Residence, Inc

Dear Ruth,

Thank you, it was time for a break from all the serious political dialogue. Time for a good old-fashioned fish story.

Carole

To the Editor:

Congratulations to Jamie Minacci on her victory in the recent Stockbridge election for Selectman. Out of respect for those who supported me and in light of the narrow margin, I filed a petition request for a recount. After the recount, the final margin of victory was five votes, illustrating just how important every vote is. I want to stress that I have complete confidence in our Board of Registrars and the system, although there was a change in vote tally of two votes. This is a miniscule margin of error, to be sure. I would like to thank everyone who participated in the recount; it was an affirming exercise in democracy.

I would like to thank the citizens of Stockbridge for giving me the opportunity to serve our community on the Select Board for the past three years. It was challenging, rewarding and with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, quite grueling at times.

I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to residents and employees who have supported me throughout this time; your feedback and friendship is truly cherished.

Being an elected official gave me the opportunity to meet many community members I otherwise would never know, and I am extremely grateful for that experience — we really do have a diverse, lovely community of fascinating and talented people.

Stockbridge is a small, idiosyncratic town whose charm is undeniable. I trust we can move forward amicably without rancor, innuendo, and divisiveness.

Life and service, quite frankly, are tough enough.

Sincerely, Roxanne McCaffrey

Roxanne, Thank you for your past and continuing service.

Carole

Perspective

From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon

Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

Thank you again for your support on the education related warrant articles. All three towns — Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and Great Barrington — have approved our budget and the authorization to borrow for the feasibility study for a high school project. We will share updates on that project including the creation of building and outreach committees in the coming months.

We graduated 138 students on June 5th at Tanglewood. Congratulations to them and their families. We’re very proud of them.

Several years ago, the District received a grant from Mass IDEAS to support rethinking our approach to learning in the 9th grade. That funding continued with The Barr Foundation this past year to support de-leveling the 9th grade, shifting how we assess students, and creating more opportunities for student voice in decision making. We are seeking support for two additional years.

While the work has been challenging, teachers, students, and administrators have been working hard to reinvent our approaches to learning. Our challenge is to teach a wider range of students while supporting rigor for all. At the same time, we are piloting ways that students can demonstrate their understanding beyond typical tests. One the most positive parts of these efforts is how students are joining the dialogue, raising their voices, and partnering in making their learning more meaningful. We have a 60-member student advisory board that meets regularly with their peers, staff, and a sub-group with school leadership and the school committee. They conduct surveys, focus groups, and shape how we make shifts in our practices. Again, we will be excited to hear the students’ summarized feedback at the June 16th school committee meeting.

We’ll continue to share updates on this exciting work as it expands to include both 9th and 10th grades next year. In 11th and 12th grades students will have expanded options around AP and college classes, pathways, and vocational opportunities.

As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions — Peter.Dillon@bhrsd.org.

Next issue, I’ll share some updates on grants including a new state grant we received to support different ways of assessing student growth. Did you know that last year the District was awarded more than $4 million in competitive grants supporting everything from school safety, to mental health, to curriculum, to teacher growth?

Perspective

From the Desk of Stockbridge Police Chief Darrell G. Fennelly

Tanglewood

This year we go back to full attendance at Tanglewood and we are glad to get back a bit of normalcy. The Stockbridge Police Department and our partners at the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police have a wonderful working relationship with Tanglewood and their security team. Each year our season starts off with a public safety meeting with all involved public safety officials and officials from Tanglewood. Then, as per the Town bylaw, Tanglewood submits to me for approval a public safety plan along with the traffic detail plan that includes staffing estimates for each event.

A long time ago our Police Department stopped staffing events at Tanglewood as the difficulties in hiring summer staff became too much of a burden for our small department. We then partnered with the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department to handle the public safety staffing inside and out at Tanglewood. Recent years have seen the addition of the Massachusetts State Police at the gates and on the grounds at Tanglewood. When there are large events such as a James Taylor concert or Tanglewood on Parade our department will add officers to our regular patrol to handle the extra calls for service that come along with larger events. This coordinated dance that we all do only works because of each agency’s “buy in” to provide the best public safety practices for the protection of the public and for Tanglewood.

SPD at Work

Recently, we made another stop in our town of some individuals who allegedly committed a felony crime in Gt. Barrington. On Thursday afternoon, May 26th the Gt. Barrington Police issued a BOLO (Be on the Look Out) alert for a black Honda with purple accents heading north on Rt. 7. The alert said they were wanted for stealing $6000 from the Berkshire Bank on Stockbridge Road in their town. Upon hearing the alert, Stockbridge Officer Tom Rubino, who was setting up to conduct the daily traffic control during the release of Monument Mountain High School students, realized that a vehicle fitting the description had recently passed by him. Officer Rubino radioed Stockbridge Officer Rosario Messina, who was starting to head in that direction after hearing the alert. Officer Messina observed the vehicle heading north in our town and effected a traffic stop on South Street near the intersection with Main Street. Four individuals from the greater New York City area were subsequently arrested for allegedly stealing $6000 from the counter at the bank after the teller became suspicious of a passport being used as identification by the female member of the group. While the stop and arrest of this group went without incident it could have very easily gone bad had the group tried to flee or fight. This is just another example that we are not immune to felony crime even though we live and work in beautiful Stockbridge. People should always keep their eyes peeled be aware of their surroundings. You just never know.

Perspective

From the Tri-Town Boards of Health Update

The recent extremely high rate of Covid in the Southern Berkshires is subsiding. There have been a few more Covid positive admissions to the hospital, but about half were simply admissions who tested positive; they were admitted for other reasons and not because they had Covid. Still, there have been Covid-related deaths in the county, and levels of transmission are still high enough to warrant masking precautions by those who feel especially vulnerable and by those who have not been vaccinated. The omicron version of the disease is not the same as the original delta, and our highly vaccinated population deserves to have a relaxed summer.

On a different note, the Tri-Town Board of Health was recently asked to host an educational session related to the PCB issue in the Berkshires, particularly the PCB dump proposed for Lee. The Board unanimously voted to sponsor such an educational session.

My personal understanding of educational sessions is that education occurs via balanced presentation of the issues. I will do my best as Chair to ensure that all sides of the discussion will be heard. I will expect those who requested the discussion to offer assistance to our Board by suggesting speakers to present opposing views. As this will be an open public discussion, citizens of all the towns are invited to share their opinions.

There have already been meetings about this elsewhere, but many of us could not attend. In my recollection, when questions were posed at Stockbridge Town meetings, they were routinely rebuffed because the matter was “under litigation.”

Moreover, in my opinion, when the subject of a public discussion has come up, some have inappropriately used arguments that warn about withdrawing from the existing agreement. Arguments not to withdraw may hold merit, but they should not be used to prevent discussion.

by Charles Kenny, MD

Perspective

SU FYI

CTSB is a community service and a community asset that could use a hand — reach out

Thank you Mark Faber our new Tree Warden for swift clearing of downed trees on Prospect Hill Road

Shout out to Hugh Page — the new tiered beach parking looks great

Thank you to Michael Buffoni for finding a 400-gallon-per-minute leak, repairing it, and restoring water to Goodrich Street