Editorial

Select Board Meeting, August 11: I Never Would Have Believed It

Many years ago, Ida Mae, put on her hat and sallied forth, the perennial candidate. She stated the issue and her position.

A reporter said, “but Ida Mae, that’s not a correct statement of the issue.”

Ida Mae positioned her hat more firmly on her head, and replied, “I’ve made up my mind, sonny, don’t bother me with the facts.”

In Stockbridge, in a public meeting…

Folks were defining an important issue in divisive self-serving terms

I never would have believed it

There was name-calling and sharp words were used

I never would have believed it

Truth was held hostage to grievance

Unheard of in Stockbridge

Assertions were running ahead of facts

Not in Stockbridge

There was carping at expense of advancing either the issue or the discussion — ganging up like schoolyard bullies

I never would have believed it

The issue was buried in verbiage and tamped down in emotion

Snide asides in a chat-sidebar

Threats if one side did not get their way

I never would have believed it — any of it — it could never happen Stockbridge — not in a public meeting — not recorded for posterity.

A long time ago, in another Berkshire village, there was a kerfuffle. It devolved into far more heat than light with nasty attacks on Select Board members.

In the midst of the nastiest bits, someone wrote the newspaper and reminded everyone that members of town committees, commissions, and boards were volunteers. They worked tirelessly for the benefit of the town without any but slight remuneration. If they were also working without support, an occasional thank you, and a soupcon of civility — why would they continue? They didn’t. They quit and it was hard, for a while, to find replacements.

There are the facts, the positions people hold, and their reasons for holding those positions. Some are concerned about the Town, others self-concerned; some are well-informed; others not. Please consider it all, and please, please modify your tone.

by Carole Owens, Managing Editor

News

SU FYI

1. Tanglewood opts out —

Tanglewood will no longer allow the finish line of the Josh Billings RunAground to be on Tanglewood grounds. They say it is not a “mission-based activity”. SU makes this announcement with deep regret. Tanglewood is in our Town and we wish being a part of the Stockbridge community were a part of Tanglewood’s mission.

2. VOTE — September 6 Primary information

Early Voting — Town Clerk’s Office: Saturday, August 27, 29, 30, 31, and September 1 and 2 from 9am to 5pm

Mail-in ballots may be returned using the drop boxes located at Town Offices

Last day to submit vote by mail applications is 5pm August 29

Last day to register to vote in the Primary Election is August 27

Link to both Democratic and Republican sample ballots: https://stockbridge-ma.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SKM_454e22072714380.pdf

Thanks to Anita Schwerner

3. Special Thank you —

To Wheeler & Taylor, Doug Goudey, President, for their generosity to the Food Bank — no one should go hungry

4. Condolences —

To the family and friends of John McInerney (Mac) Morris

5. Condolences —

To the family and friends of Stephen Campetti

6. The Red Lion Inn —

RLI is offering display space in shadow box windows on their property. If you wish to participate YOU are responsible for inserting, hanging, monitoring, and removing your display. Call Red Lion to make arrangements and thank you to The Red Lion Inn for offering the space and to Barbara Zanetti at the Chamber of Commerce for letting us know

7. Cultural Council —

Applications for this year’s Stockbridge Cultural Council grants will open september 1, 2022

The Stockbridge Cultural Council invites applicants for its 2023 grant cycle beginning September 1, 2022. Together, the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) and the Town of Stockbridge will provide approximately $10,000 (based on last year’s MCC allocation) to projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities that directly benefit Stockbridge residents and that enhance the cultural experience of the Stockbridge and Berkshire communities. The Council is pleased that, as a result of action taken by the town of Stockbridge, the grant money available this year is double the amount we were able to award last year.

With these additional funds, the Council is redoubling its efforts to provide meaningful support to Stockbridge-based applicant, to applicants whose projects take place in a Stockbridge venue, and to projects that positively impact Stockbridge residents. We are distributing fliers with application information in order to build awareness of the Mass Cultural Council’s grant funding process, the Stockbridge Cultural Council’s grant approval criteria, and application deadlines. We are also soliciting applicants directly, where possible.

These funds are available to support artists, teachers, musicians, poets, photographers, historians and others in their endeavors to enhance our collective cultural experience. You can help us in this effort by spreading the word.

For guidelines and information on how to apply please visit our website at massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/stockbridge. Applications will open on September 1, 2022. The deadline is October 17, 2022.

Judith Wilkinson, Chair, Stockbridge Cultural Council

8. Volunteers Needed at the Stockbridge Cemetery

Become a Stockbridge Stone Cleaner… The Cemetery Commission is starting a Repair/Restoration/Cleaning project of the oldest stones Fall, 2022. As part of that, we are gathering volunteers to work on cleaning the stones. Training, all materials, and supervision, provided by restoration experts. Training and cleaning days happening this September and October 2022.

Contact Karen Marshall, Cemetery Commission for more information: kmarshall@stockbridge-ma.gov

News

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden Gears Up for Grow Show August 20 1pm – 5pm and August 21, 10am – 4pm. Celebrating a 52-year tradition, beautiful floral arrangements and summer harvest are spotlighted and judged. Displays in the Exhibition Hall. “Challenge Class” at 3 p.m., featuring State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli, Tom Romero; Matt Tannenbaum, the owner of The Bookstore and Get Lit Wine Bar, Chris Ferrero, a gardening speaker, writer and consultant, from Stockbridge; Chis Masiero, owner of Guido’s; and Linda O’Connell, of Stockbridge, an avid gardener and a Trustee of Berkshire Botanical Garden. For more information, call 298-3926 or visit Berkshirebotanical.org
2. Stockbridge Sinfonia, Berkshires’ only community orchestra, celebrates its 50th anniversary season with two upcoming concerts, free and open to the public. Masks required. Saturday, August 13 at 11am Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield; Sunday, August 14, 6pm Saint James Place with a gala following the concert.
3. Austen Riggs VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS Friday, August 19, 12:50pm, 1.0 CE/CME Credits FREE — “Relationship & Resilience” Kate Wheeler PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN
4. Laurel Hill Association — Laurel Hill Day – August 27th at 1pm – Laurel Hill Association joins The National Celebration of Frederick Law Olmsted — RSVP info@laurelhillassociation.org
5. Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce Arts and Craft Show, August 20 10am – 5pm and August 21 10am – 4 pm — admission free

News

Notes from the Select Board (SB) meeting, July 28, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Patrick White, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Jamie Minacci
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Attendees named as they speak

1. Chair invited public comment
   1. Steve Fradley asked about progress on the Cat and Dog Fountain. Canales answered that it was slowed when discovered that the foundation under the basin had crumbled — should be completed this fall
   2. Eric Tarlow pointed out that as you cross Main Street onto Pine Street there is a dip in the road and wanted Highway Department to fix it
   3. Anita Schwerner wanted to thank the SB for her appointment to Cable Advisory Committee and point out (given the weather that evening) the importance of hybrid meetings. She wanted everyone to know the Governor had just extended hybrid meetings until March 2023
   4. Patty Caya asked about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) bylaw. White said the current bylaw allows ADUs and bylaw may be updated in future
   5. Joseph Newburg was concerned about large dead trees near roads as a looming safety issue. A man from Beachwood said it was a problem in that area; “no way to get out of the way” if tree falls
2. Minutes approved as written
3. Fire engine purchase authorized — estimated life — 20 years
4. Munsee burial ground. White said Town interested in transferring ownership if that is what the tribe desires. Munsee representatives said the most important thing is that the burial ground be maintained and “ground not disturbed”. White motion to authorize Canales to discuss with Tribal Council. Passed
5. Harvesting
   1. White — moved to exempt harvesting from regulations. Harvesting is maintenance and could be exempt. Cardillo opposed, wanted state oversight and permission. Minacci agreed with Cardillo. Motion tabled
   2. Request to leave harvester in the water in September
6. White opened Second Homeowners meeting
   1. Thank you to Town and Hugh Page for upgrades to Town Beach and kayak racks
   2. Wish list — Challenging roads in lakeside communities especially in winter (ice)
   3. Wish list — could there be pathways to the Town Beach
   4. Jane Karin — thank you for hybrid meetings, applaud Parks and Rec Committee for additional kayak racks, and upkeep of cemetery
   5. Jay Dubner — opposed to Residential Tax Exemption (RTE)– penalizes second homeowners; “pennywise and pound foolish” because second homeowners would then not give to library and Tanglewood
   6. White said there is a classification hearing in October on RTE — all invited to attend. Everyone who lives here pays taxes and the “penalty” could be as little as an $700 increase per year ($300 per tax billing period) on a $600,000 house. White pointed out the taxes pay for necessary maintenance and improvements in Town
   7. (Unclear who was speaking) said the Finance Committee opposed RTE
   8. Cardillo — complex — should be discussed
   9. Patty Caya — strongly opposed to RTE. Caya frames issue as Town residents receiving a benefit and second homeowners a penalty. Caya said it will create ill will
   10. Barbara Kornfield — wanted the October Tax Classification meeting on Zoom, and she wanted to know “average [increase in taxes] for second homeowners” broken out. White said the meeting will be on Zoom, and a chart will be made.
       (Please see chart at end of this issue created by Michael Canales at White’s request)
   11. Red Lion Corner: what’s happening? Studies were done. Best solution deemed to be the painted oval in the middle if accepted at a Special Town Meeting (perhaps in August) it would be raised so cars will drive around it as intended not over it. Also plan shrinks intersection deemed to be too wide. Kornfield asked if intersection is dangerous. White answered “NO” not identified by Commonwealth as dangerous — very few accidents
   12. Conversation returned to RTE — Caya felt RTE discriminatory — second homeowners place no burden on schools, can’t run for office so everyone pays fair share — no exemption by residency
   13. White explained this is state law and Stockbridge can’t change it
   14. Karlin called new tax law “social engineering”
   15. Dick Jaffee — how can anyone justify automatic exemption by virtue of full or part-time residency?
   16. White real estate tax by assessment for example full time resident with house over $1.6 million does not benefit from RTE and second homeowner with house assessed at $600,000 will only pay $700 more per year — White asked all to be involved — come to meetings and be part of decision-making process
7. The Stockbridge Cane
   1. Steve Fradley told story of Stockbridge Cane (See articles in this issue and the August 1 issue of SU)
   2. Jorja Marsden explained it was given to oldest citizen. At times not given back. However now it is in Town Offices and Marsden suggests that it be permanently there in a shadow box and the recipient be given a certificate.
   3. White moved that Marsden chair this and the scholarship funds (generated by an option on tax bill) — passed
8. Bob Leveret and Ken Gooch on Ice Glen
   1. Ash trees injected but process slow — White asked can we insist on faster method? Gooch said yes if put it in the Request for Proposal (RFP)
   2. Treat again next year, add bark spray, and then go on a 3-year cycle
   3. Cardillo moved to adopt this plan — motion passed
9. Canales
   1. Averic bridge done — move onto second Averic bridge
   2. Tuckerman bridge — foundation ok therefore $2million approved should cover cost
10. Jay Bikofsky discussed the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
    1. Bikofsky chaired the committee that established the Trust documents and the initial funds — ($100,000/year and $125,000/year for two years from the Community Preservation Committee – CPC). That work is done
    2. Now the Trust will be quasi-private and be operated by a seven-member board — five of seven will be primary residents
    3. White asked that anyone interested in serving write a letter to SB
    4. The Board may expand current low-income housing at Pine Woods or Heaton Court, or buy land, and build more.
    5. Decisions guided by Housing Production Plan — to be completed by Board
    6. Board will be audited and monitored
    7. Motion to accept Trust Fund documents — passed
    8. Motion to accept CPC grants — passed
11. One day liquor licenses for Chesterwood, Handcrafted (at train station), and Berkshire Botanical Garden passed
12. One day extension of closing time from 11 – 11:30 for a wedding at Wheatleigh passed
13. Question about “abuse of property” at an Airb&b
    1. Ad corrected
    2. Keeping track of noise complaints — they have decreased
    3. Enforcing care of property where feasible
14. Fire Chief’s contract accepted

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s note: 1. The Governor’s extension allows voting members to participate via Zoom and other amendments to the Open Meeting Law established during COVID19 2. The intention of the oval painted in the center of Red Lion corner is that every car keep the oval on the left as they proceed and as they turn. NOT drive over it. This slows traffic and creates “lanes” so more cars can proceed more safely 3. The perks in any state in the USA are always granted to the citizens of the state only. 2. Please see chart prepared by Michael Canales in response to White’s request giving examples of tax increase/decrease under RTE

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, August 1, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Gary Pitney, Chair
• Doug Goudey
• Michael Blay, Assessor

1. Certain buildings are tax exempt such as our Firehouse and Town Offices — 157 exempt parcels but Assessor still has to attach value to exempt properties
2. In midst of doing certifications for Department of Revenue
   Commercial properties, utilities done — residential and wireless companies to complete
   1. Preliminary certification end of August
   2. Public disclosure of new values can be seen by public at Library or call Town Offices
   3. Then final certification
3. Discussion of Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum request for 501c3 status
   1. Board has questions in order to decide
   2. Contact Town Counsel to review and/or add to questions
   3. For example, do they have displays or programing for the public? Is it self-guided or docents? What percent of time is for benefit of the public?
   4. They have a catering company for profit events — what percent of time?
   5. Questions should be consistent for every applicant so that the basis on which decision made will be consistent.

Meeting Adjourned

Editor’s Note: Every five years the DOR completes a comprehensive audit of the Town’s records and procedures for certification.

News

Notes from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting, August 2, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Thomas Schuler, Acting Chair
• Patricia Andrew
• Mark Mills
• Jim Murray
• John Hyson
• Catherine Chester
• Also present: Daniel Pincus (owner) 8 Hawthorne
• Atty for 8 Hawthorne from Cain Hibbard and Myers
• Marc Volk, Foresight Land Services for 8 Hawthorne
• Steven Silver, Abutter
• John Hart
• Peter Strauss

1. Schuler called the meeting to order, reviewed the proper steps that precede a public meeting, introduced the ZBA members, and turned the floor over to the attorney for 8 Hawthorne
2. Attorney, in Elizabeth Goodman’s absence, requested two variances
   1. Sideline variance — he said it was no more nonconforming than the prior variance, but it was on the other side (the east side) of the property
   2. Front variance — on front (roadside) the 8′ wall will be 10′ from the road (50′ required)
   3. Wall could “step” — be as low as 2′ in places — but not on roadside and planted with Virginia Creeper
   4. Attorney characterized these as hardship requests — property does not allow for other possibilities.
3. ZBA queries
   1. How large is lot .9 acre
   2. How large is house? 3700 sqft — 2784 sqft ground coverage — over twice as much coverage as prior house (997 sqft) but does meet code of not more than 10% coverage
   3. If the proposed house were smaller, then couldn’t the septic system be smaller? If the septic smaller then would decrease nonconforming setbacks on the front and side — allowing for less variance?
   4. Is there any other septic system possible? No. Is there a possibility for sewer connection? No.
   5. SB did not approve project but attorney for 8 Hawthorne stated, “We think we would win on the law if SB decision challenge in court.” (They did file)
   6. Acting Chair asked if there were any abutters among the people present who wished to comment?
   7. Silver, an abutter, did not object; Strauss, not an abutter, thought it was a much better-looking house than many now on the lake. Hart, not an abutter, asked the following: the house is one structure, but when considering lot coverage, is the septic system another structure?
   8. No, but the wall is.
   9. “Then,” Hart concluded, “it seems the structures exceed the 10% lot coverage.”
   10. How many feet of wall? 105 feet. How many feet of wall that is 8′ high? 35′
   11. Chair asked, weren’t these the conditions when the lot was purchased? Yes.
   12. Did the owner know that the septic failed Title 5, and the house was uninhabitable. Yes.
4. ZBA will go on site visit in a week to better understand variables after which they will reconvene and vote.

Meeting adjourned

On August 9, after a site visit, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) granted variance for 8 Hawthorne by a vote of 4 – 1. The Chair disagreed saying the conditions vary from the bylaw and do not meet the condition (hardship) alleged for granting a variance.

Editor’s Note: 1. Certain things said in previous meeting seemed to change: the square footage of house changed from 3700 to 6,500 square feet and the position of the 8′ section of the wall stated as 35′ long appeared to change from the front to the east side. 2. It was surprising that the ZBA voted without taking advantage of tools at their disposal — they can hire an engineer at the applicant’s expense to answer the questions they asked. They can ask Stockbridge Town Counsel to attend meeting to interpret law. It is not the job of the attorney for the applicant to interpret the law for Town Boards. It is the job of the applicant’s attorney to make the best case for the applicant. Finally, ZBA can ask for a continuance to inquire of Town employees if their opinions were accurately reported.

News

Notes from the Water and Sewer Commission, August 2, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Don Schneyer, Chair
• John Loiodice via Zoom
• Peter Socha
• Also present: Jennifer Carmichael, secretary
• Tony Campetti, Supervisor Sewer Department
• Michael Buffoni, Supervisor Water Department
• Michael Canales, Town Manager

1. Minutes of the last meeting approved as written
2. Report by Buffoni
   1. Contract for Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)
   2. Equipment trailer to be delivered in two weeks
   3. Two quotes for roof painting
   4. Turbidity meter to be installed
   5. Supply chain problems easing
3. Tuckerman Bridge — Canales reported they did borings and the foundation “is solid” so repairs can be done for amount budgeted
4. Even in drought, reservoir only 2-3″ below normal
5. A group including Patrick White, Buffoni and others met with geologists. Town will go forward with a study of Stockbridge drinking water including the age of the water and the sources of the water
   1. Age is determined by molecular structure
   2. Good guess that sources are underground (accounts for abundance even in drought)
   3. White said study may cost $50,000 – $60,000 per year and worth it — Buffoni agreed — need to know about our water
6. Loiodice report as rep to Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC)
   1. Board of Heath concerned about septic systems and wants to know more — but homeowners around lake would have to cooperate invasives
   2. Hand pulling recommended for invasives– worked well with aquatic chestnut
   3. Only have one harvester — still waiting for engine for the other
   4. Dredging plan and permit application under consideration for 10 years
7. White met with many second homeowners this summer and their primary concerns ares harvesting, dredging, and sewer connections
8. Sewer report
   1. Campetti said received bid for electric and 7 bid forms were taken out for Park Street Pump Station
   2. Campetti said “fingers crossed” that this second bidding would go well

Meeting adjourned

News

Update on Mysterious/Disturbing Event at the Cemetery

Someone dug a shallow rectangle behind a grave site in the oldest section of the Town Cemetery. The area was approximately 18-20 inches wide, 3 feet long, and 6 inches deep. A shovel was left leaning against a headstone right next to the dig.

Sadly, another headstone (next to the rectangle) was broken and soil piled on top. Fortunately, we are beginning a Repair/Restoration Project in that section this fall.

It should be stressed, the dig was shallow, approximately 6 inches deep. Anyone buried in that area was buried six feet deep, so at no point did the digging get near a body, or any grave artifacts buried there.

Based on the estimates of people working regularly in the cemetery this happened around two weeks ago. They didn’t tell anyone when they first found it, but they will now report if they see something again.

The police took photos and fingerprinted the shovel. They also worked to find where the shovel was purchased, using the SKU number. Unfortunately, that shovel, with that specific number, is sold to both small hardware stores, and mega stores like Home Depot and Target. But we do have the fingerprints if something happens again.

The Highway Department has replaced the soil and uncovered the damaged stone. Preservation, Inc (the consultants on our upcoming Repair/Restoration Project) has been alerted that we have new broken headstone.

We have no idea why this was done, but as far as we can tell, nothing was taken.

If anyone in the public sees any new digging, or individuals acting odd in the Cemetery, please alert the Police, the Town Administrator, and the Chair of the Cemetery Commission.

Editor’s Note: Karen Marshall is Chair of the Cemetery Commission

by Karen Marshall

Perspective

From the desk of Chief Darrell G. Fennelly, Stockbridge Police Department

Visitors to Stockbridge

The question was asked about how many people visit Stockbridge and the challenges involved for the Stockbridge Police Department. There is an estimate of about one million people that visit Stockbridge in any given year. While I have not been able to verify guest numbers with some of our attractions such as the Rockwell Museum, Eden Hill, Kripalu, Chesterwood, Berkshire Botanical Gardens and Wheatleigh and Tanglewood, which despite popular belief, are actually in Stockbridge, one million visitors truly seems low to me. If you think about it, in the height of summer and with these attractions full of visitors we could have up to thirty thousand people or more in town at any one time. That includes the people passing through or making a quick stop to peruse Main Street or visit Olivia’s Overlook, also in Stockbridge, by the way. Our busy times are summer especially, but also fall, the holidays and ski season during school vacations to a lesser degree. We used to have a slow season in Stockbridge from New Year’s to Memorial Day but since the Covid pandemic we have not had the typical slow down due to all of the people who migrated here from the cities.

With the influx of people the challenges to our police department are certainly increased during these times. Calls for service for things such as neighbor disputes, disturbing the peace calls, larceny’s, dog/animal complaints etc., all go up. Car accidents and speeding violations are increased. Medical calls and alarm calls surge as well as everything else in between. Included in the midst of all of this is the summertime bear wrangling we have had to do on Main and Elm Streets. With a staff of six full time around the clock patrol officers, who also desire their earned time off in the good weather, covering shifts and answering all of these calls for service can be daunting. However, with the way we have the work schedule set up it very much provides us with the extra coverage needed during the most hectic times of day. We will also add officers to the schedule to help when there are events such as large to capacity events at Tanglewood or for Mercy Sunday weekend for example. None the less, our little town has always been busy and hopefully will continue to thrive. Obviously, our town is doing something right as so many people want to be a part of it. Your police department will continue to do our part to make Stockbridge remains the most desirable location in the Berkshire’s.

Life Saving

Also of note, On Friday, July 8, 2022 at 4:32 pm Stockbridge Police Officer Shauna Slater responded to a medical call in town for a person with a laceration on their foot. Upon arrival Officer Slater realized the severity of the wound and applied a tourniquet to the victim. EMS and paramedics reported to me later that due to the amount of blood lost and considering the patients age they would have most certainly gone into shock and died if not for Officer Slater’s quick action. I would like to think that this is a direct reflection of the training and professionalism long associated with the Stockbridge Police Department. So if you see Officer Slater out on the street please offer her a compliment for a job well done.

Perspective

From the Board of Health — Cyanobacteria 102

Cyanobacteria are single-celled germs that produce harmful toxins. You can think of them as tiny sacs filled with different kinds of poisons. Depending on the kind of cyanobacteria and the way you are exposed, the toxin may affect your nervous system, eyes, skin, nose and throat, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract. The toxins are not released until the cell dies. Thus, there may be a lot of cyanobacteria in the water, but testing for dissolved toxin is negative. Once all the cells die, toxin levels still may remain high for a week or two.

You may be exposed if you touch or drink the water or breathe in the spray from a propellor or someone splashing. Cyanobacteria are not contagious, like coronaviruses, but you may become ill from petting your wet dog’s fur.

The amount of toxin exposure is important: you will not get sick from one cyanobacteria. A small child or or pet becomes ill with less toxin than would an adult. If there are enough germs that you can see them on the surface as a blue-green or reddish scum, there is probably enough toxin to make you ill.

A cyanobacterial bloom (cyanoHAB) occurs when a large number of germs rise to the surface all at once forming a visible scum. The wind can blow them elsewhere as soon as they come to the surface, so you can’t tell from the location of the scum where all the cyanobacteria are.

If a visible scum is reported, the TriTown Health Department will confirm it and report it to the Department of Public Health. An advisory will be posted not to drink or enter the water or come into contact with it. The water will be tested weekly for dissolved toxin and cell count. Once the visible scum has dissipated and the tests are negative for two consecutive weeks, the advisory will be lifted.

by Charles Kenny MD, Chair

Perspective

The Boston Post Cane, Part Two

Who is the Manufacturer?

How Edwin Grozier, the Publisher of the Boston Post came to choose a gold headed cane to promote his newspaper we will probably never know. There were certainly other novel ways he could have considered to increase sales.

However, a cane it was meant to be.

The cane was crafted from an ebony shaft, a steel ferrule and an engraved 14 karat gold head. The ebony shaft was imported in 7′ lengths from the Congo (under Belgium rule at the time) allowed to season for six months, cut to length, turned on a lathe to specifications, lacquered and polished.

The gold heads were inscribed “Presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of (name of town) ” – “to be Transmitted”. The Board of Selectmen of each of the towns were to be the trustees of the cane for safe keeping and presented to its oldest citizen.

The manufacturer of the canes was a NYC 2nd generation immigrant named Joseph F. Fradley. He was by trade a silver chaser having learned his trade as an apprenticeship with a firm named Wood & Hughes, NYC.

Joseph Fradley opened a factory in 1868 on the corner of Broadway and Cortlandt St, NY and began chasing for the trade. It wasn’t long before he had a staff of between 25 – 30 chasers under his employment.

By 1870 the business grew allowing him to move to 68 Nassau St. where he introduced the production of gold headed canes which were fashionable at the time. The venture proved so successful he moved his office and factory to 18 John St in 1873 and added silver novelties to his production.

J.F. Fradley and Co. moved his office to 21 John St and then to 23 John St. circa 1875. His factory was located at the corner of Pearl and Frankfort St’s. Another move to Silversmiths’ Hall, Union Square, NYC in 1891 completed his moves.

According to The Jewelers Circular, dated Fed 20, 1894. “The silverware produced by the firm shows the result of artistic workmanship, and to secure the latest novelties, Mr. Fradley takes annual trips to Europe.”

Stockbridge is fortunate to have kept its cane. Hundreds have been lost throughout New England.

Editor’s note: The author of this article is a Stockbridge resident and the Great Grandson of Joseph F. Fradley.

by Stephen Fradley

Perspective

Of Litmus and Loyalty, Civics and Civility

Sometimes I hear grumblings, mostly second hand, that folks wonder whom they can trust, as if there is a litmus test one must pass to be accepted in one camp or another.

If you ask the question, “Does this elected leader agree with me on every single issue?” I assure you, the answer is no. Your boards make tough calls, and no one agrees on everything.

My singular approach to decision-making is to answer the question, “What is in the best interest of the community?”

Now, one might argue that’s trite: that the interest of the community is a subjective determination. To this I would answer, yes, and therein lies the subjective component of decision-making.

I also hear the oft-stated refrain that, “national politics has no place in town politics”. If you define national politics as the cultish adherence to a national leader, then I completely agree with you. Yet the country’s issues have quite a lot of relevance to our Town’s decisions. Take the examples of the underinvestment in infrastructure, the paucity of housing, land-use trade-offs, issues related to security and safety, and inflation’s impact on quality of life.

My approach to decision-making is to collect as much fact-based information as I can: statistics, trends, prior research, your views—and try to synthesize it all into a policy. My preference is to adopt policies that roll up into our common vision and core values widely shared within the Town. These include a community that encourages families, supports the needs of its elderly, has functioning infrastructure with prioritized investments, encourages both recreation and environmental stewardship, and balances the interests of the majority with the needs of those less fortunate.

On our most important decisions, it takes hard work to come finally to a decision. There is no failure in seeing both sides; unless and until that tendency causes inaction or paralysis. We must balance a commitment to tradition with the courage to act when a course correction is necessary.

Finally, however difficult the decision, the tenor of the debate must be respectful, rational, civil, and never personal. If I can’t convince you of the merits of my position, that’s on me, not you. If that’s the case, let’s disagree with a shared dedication to civility and community.

Editor’s Note: White is Chair of the Select Board

by Patrick White

Perspective

Happy Birthday to Stockbridge Updates!

Joyful news… Stockbridge Updates is a whole two years old and going strong. I believe I was there on that January afternoon when Carole Owens shared her concept of a local newspaper. A simple task, not too hard, a nice gift to the neighbors… Why not?

By the end of the conversation that day, I learned something. This was to be an undertaking that would become an almost essential part of a small town’s ability to get the facts on events, local government, schools, nonprofits, the arts… The list goes on and on. The content supplied by talented local contributors, writers, artists, photographers. The mission guided by an editorial panel, pondering ethical questions and challenges. This was to be much more than a soft-serve community newsletter. And, it is.

Stockbridge Updates is an ingredient in a product of which we are in short supply these days. It has been said that, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” Stockbridge Updates provides that light to all who want to see it. The product is straightforward local news, written by locals, read by locals, clearly discerning fact and opinion. Debate and the exchange of ideas is paramount. Contributions are welcome and encouraged. What could go wrong?

We, as a nation, as a culture, are suffering from a malady that I never would have dreamt possible even a few short years ago. Democracy being threatened is a topic we see almost every day in news journals and on television. We see it on a national scale. We can see it locally. What used to be news is now often editorializing, pushing an agenda or particular point of view. There are those displeased with “the sunlight.” Thankfully, in Stockbridge, there is a desire for accurate information and thoughtful exchange of ideas. This is what Stockbridge Updates is built upon.

We now have hybrid local government meetings. We can attend the meeting in person, or we can “Zoom.” We have CTSB, another essential ingredient in getting out the word. And we have Stockbridge Updates. If we are to aspire to, achieve and maintain democracy and the ideals set forth by our ancestors, we need to continue to step up and make sure all the aforementioned are protected. It defines who we are, and who we will be.

Happy Birthday, Stockbridge Updates… Long may you run!

Editor’s Note: Jones, who was there at that first meeting, is a member of the Lee Select Board and of the SU Editorial Board

by Robert Jones

Perspective

History of the Stockbridge Sinfonia

The Stockbridge Sinfonia originated in the summer of 1972 as an informal chamber group. Among the founders were flutist Joy Graubard Dronge, violinist Teresa Furtado Ouellette, and conductor Leonard Marcus.

That same year, the group moved rehearsals to a classroom at the Stockbridge Plain School and then to Procter Hall in the Stockbridge Town Hall. By 1977, the group was known as the Stockbridge Chamber Orchestra and presented concerts year-round in venues from Connecticut to New York. The musicians, many of them retired professional musicians or music teachers, ranged in age from thirteen to ninety, a statistic that is true today.

In 1989, the group became the Stockbridge Sinfonia. By 1992, weekly rehearsals beginning in May culminated in several public performances at the end of the summer. Post-concert sessions provided an opportunity for interested musicians to join the group reading through the Brandenburg Concerti, Beethoven symphonies, and other pieces suggested by the musicians.

In 1996, following the death of violinist Al Ludwig, a fund was established to encourage student participation in the orchestra. Three students joined the orchestra that year and received awards from the fund.

In 2002, the group moved rehearsals to the Berkshire Country Day School in Stockbridge.

In 2003, Simeon Loring, who joined the orchestra in 1985 as a clarinetist, became the orchestra’s conductor and music director. He encouraged young musicians and allowed participation from anyone willing to put in the practice time.

In 2006, the orchestra became a 501(c)3 organization thereby the orchestra could seek funding from cultural councils, businesses, and foundations.

In 2012, the orchestra moved its rehearsals to the Common Room at Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsfield and welcomed this site as a new concert venue. The First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield continues to serve as a back-up location.

In 2018, Tracy Wilson became conductor and music director. Her tenure has seen collaborations with other arts organizations including the Berkshire Music School and Berkshire Children’s Chorus. As Board President since 2004, Christine Singer built an amazing leadership team.

Over the years, many people have supported the orchestra as coaches, board members, volunteers, and donors.

All concerts are handicapped accessible. Venues have included the Norman Rockwell Museum, the Round Stone Barn at Hancock Shaker Village, the First Street Common as well as area churches and school auditoriums. Join us for beautiful music.

by Tracy Wilson

Perspective

A Two-Hunredth Anniversary

2024 will be the 200th Anniversary of the erection of the Congregational Church edifice at the Town Square. In Anna C. Lufburro booklet, 1734 — Two Hundred Years of Christian Service — 1934 First Congregational Church of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she writes about Agrippa Hull, the Congregational Society Sexton, and a 1795 Church Ordination Supper in the town of Lenox:

“We often hear of Peggy’s Brook — – in a house near by lived Peggy Hull and Agrippa her husband. They were negros, but not slaves. He enlisted in 1777 and was, for four years, the body-servant of Koskiusko the Polish general. After the war he returned to Stockbridge. He was well educated, very pious and witty. He and Peggy were in great demand as caterers at parties and receptions. I introduce them here for he was sexton of our church. It is said that one evening when the members were late in coming, he opened the prayer meeting himself, ‘Oh Lord, Thou knowest how I come here and rings the bell and rings the bell, and thy disciples halt by the way, paying no ‘tention to its solemn warning sound.’ As he was our sexton, and caterer for a church ordination supper served in Lenox, May first, 1795, I am going to give you the menu for a company of twenty-three persons, just a reminder of the good old days. Two roast pigs, two turkeys, ten dozen eggs, twelve bottles of Madeira, two pints of brandy, four bowls of sling, eighteen large glasses of punch, eight bottles of sherry, and twenty-four glasses of bitters. Nineteen of the guests remained overnight, while horses were entertained in the stables.”

by Rick Wilcox

Announcements

Reader to Reader

Dear Carole,

Congratulations on turning two! Thanks as always for an excellent issue.

I’m writing because I was disheartened to read this comment made at the July Planning Board: “the area around Lost Lamb has become too congested. So congested that it obstructs pedestrians — signs, flags, sandwich board, many tables, etc.”

The Lost Lamb is an absolute gem and Stockbridge is lucky to have such a wonderful business. They took up the empty space of another beloved bakery which it upgraded and expanded upon. I am proud of the flags. They speak to the inclusivity that Stockbridge represents (or should aspire to) making all people feel welcome. The seating is pleasant, much needed and has added to the friendly feeling of the town. Its popularity speaks for itself.

The Main Street Cafe across the street causes much more sidewalk congestion which, by the way, I find perfectly acceptable. Another beloved business. “Congestion” in this case means viable, hopefully profitable businesses that help lift our town up. I walk by both businesses with my dog daily and regardless of how busy they are, I have no trouble walking by.

Let’s welcome all of our businesses old and new to brighten our town.

Best, Jess Prince

Dear Jess,

Thank you so much for writing and sharing your thoughts. Indeed, let’s welcome and patronize all of our businesses.

At the same time, as you know, rules changed and loosened in response to COVID19. We were all happy to see that. Now we are slowly transitioning back and honoring all our Town rules and regulations.

Carole

Carole,

I enjoy reading Stockbridge Updates and wanted to submit this photo I took while golfing at the Stockbridge Golf Club a few weeks ago.

The geese, all in a row, appear to be enjoying their reflection in the river!

Thanks for the good work you do to keep us all informed.

Kind Regards, Julie Patton

Dear Julie,

Thank you for the photo and for your kind words.

Carole

Dear Editor,

I hope the Board of Directors of CTSB-tv and selectboards everywhere in the county hear John Hart’s message in his recent letter loud and clear.

Seniors, full-time workers, parents of young children, and anyone with medical issues making them vulnerable to Covid have been able to participate in our local governments because of the professional, high-quality recordings provided to us all by CTSB-tv. We all owe the station and its directors a great debt for keeping our democracy alive during the pandemic. This is not the time to slide backwards. The pandemic is not going away in the near future and our democracy is under assault by those who wish to accomplish their agendas without the rest of us knowing what’s going on.

If local governments are to try to take over coverage, even partially, they must assure their citizens that CTSB-tv’s reliable, professional coverage will be matched. I hope some of the new directors of CTSB-tv don’t assume such reliable quality can be provided by all the towns.

Charles Kenny MD

To the Editor:

I feel the need to weigh in on the debate over the residential tax exemption. From 1980 – 2010 my husband and I were second homeowners in a house that my in-laws owned since 1964.

The property taxes were part of the cost of owning a second home and much lower than taxes on our primary home in NJ. Even when Stockbridge taxes quadrupled, they were still low in comparison. The Stockbridge tax rate is also lower than neighboring communities.

Now a full-time resident I am totally immersed in town politics and keeping Stockbridge a wonderful place for everyone to live and visit. It is quite painful to hear some of the comments directed at the full-time residents, members of the SB, and volunteers who serve on Town committees.

This is not a case of us against them. Second homeowners may not be able to vote but they are definitely able to express their opinions and hold seats on some boards and committees. Many full-time residents started out as second homeowners so can identify with their angst.

The town is inclusive of the needs of second homeowners. In May the town voted to support hybrid meetings to make it easier for everyone to participate remotely or find out later on CTSB what’s taking place in town government. There is also an annual second homeowners meeting to address concerns.

The members of our current SB support transparency and human rights for all. The residential tax exemption is being considered as one way to help full-time residents remain in their homes as we pay the Town’s bills.

It’s not just 2nd homeowners who don’t have children in the schools. Residents voted to raise property taxes to support our schools even though few primary residents have students in the schools The vote was passed to support the greater good.

While contributions to nonprofits are appreciated, the town also supports the nonprofits in many ways. Consider the possible tax increase as a contribution to the town and the townspeople who help keep Stockbridge the quintessential small New England town that we all love.

In most cases the tax increase under RTE is quite minimal — as little a few hundred a year, so it is disappointing that it’s causing so many hard feelings. There are so many divisive issues in our nation, this shouldn’t be one of them.

Second homeowners are not being targeted, we are all working together to solve real problems in Town.

Anita Schwerner
Chairperson, Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee

Dear Carole,

In the talk about adopting a residential tax exemption the focus has understandably been on the desirability of relieving less well-off residents of a tax burden that can be a budget breaker. As a resident, I strongly share the wish to achieve that. What I detest about the proposal is that under the law as it now is, half or more of the cost from the RTE will go to finance tax breaks for residential property owners who do not need them, and who ought themselves to be participating in the financing of tax reductions for financially stressed residents.

This may help understand why, since the Residential Tax Exemption (MGL Ch. 59 Sec. 5C) was enacted in 1979, only 16 Massachusetts communities have elected to adopt it as a means of relieving less wealthy landowners of what for them may be excessive tax burdens. As currently worded, it provides every permanent resident of the adopting town with an assessment reduced for real estate tax purposes, so that every second home owner is paying real estate tax hundreds or even thousands of dollars higher than residents owning property with the same value as theirs, whether her property is assessed at $200,000 or $2,000,000. This creates a considerably larger tax loss than would occur if only the needs of less well-off landowners were met — resulting in a larger increase in the resulting tax rate for all taxpayers; and it has the effect of making second home owners only, not the resident owners of more valuable parcels, the ones supporting this deserved aid. The transparent injustice of this effect — taxation without representation to benefit comfortably situated property owners — has created community antagonisms where it has been adopted, and doubtless also helps explain why the RTE has been so rarely used.

We need to work with our state representatives to get a more appropriate RTE put in place. Like others owning property assessed above the community average assessment of about $600,000, if the RTE were adopted under current law, I would be paying hundreds if not thousands of dollars less in real estate taxes; My second home owning neighbor, similarly assessed, would be paying about that much more. Where is the justice in that?

Peter Strauss

Hi Peter,

1. A primary homeowner with a house assessed at $1.6million+ (certainly $2million+) does not benefit from RTE. Here’s why: at this point in time the break-even in Stockbridge is $1.6 million. The break-even is the point at which the assessed valuation of a parcel is benefit neutral. That is, a residential property at this valuation would pay the same amount regardless of whether the community adopted RTE
2. A second homeowners with a house assessed at $200,000 will see a negligible tax increase — approximately $100 per tax bill/ $200 per year. A second homeowner with a house assessed at $600,000 would pay approximately $6-700 more dollars per year
3. The reason few Massachusetts communities adopted RTE has to do with a specific and unique population distribution that does not occur in many places in Massachusetts or nationally.
4. Everyone pays the same tax rate everyone shares in support of the Town, and helps meet the needs of its primary and secondary residents. There are things we all want — the sewer for example — and this is a way to work together and pay for them. It is not a divisive but a collective measure.

SU happily prints all opinions but is obligated to correct factual mistakes. Perhaps the chart prepared by Michael Canales will help you:

Residential Exemption — Annual Total Taxes

Based on the highest possible shift of 35%.

Carole

To the Editor

Stockbridge Selectman Patrick White stated in an article that the goal of the Resident Tax Exemption is to help people on fixed incomes and Social Security “afford to keep their homes and stay in this community as they have their entire lives.”

I’m on a fixed income but as a municipal retiree I’m ineligible for Social Security! I’d like to afford to keep my (part-time) home and stay in the Beachwood community a few months per summer, as I have my entire life! My father built our cottage in 1947 and the only improvements have been a new roof, bathroom update and soon some pier work. Part-timers of modest means don’t want to be forced out by rising costs, would like to keep our cottages and NOT sell out to those who’d tear them down to build luxury second homes!

Ancestor Harry Weeks designed Heaton Hall, the second Red Lion Inn after the 1897 fire, and the 1903 Stockbridge Town Hall. Generations of my family have lived in and contributed to the local economy. I take great umbrage to the comment by Chuck Koscher of Lenox that “they (second-home owners) drive up the cost of living”. I’m burdened by higher taxes but see money entering the local economy from ‘summer folk’ who shop and dine locally, support local establishments like Naumkeag, The Mount, the Norman Rockwell and Chesterwood Museums, the Berkshire Botanical Gardens and more, plus contribute to local charitable organizations.

Is Koscher aware that MANY cottages in Beachwood have become full-time residences with owners adding to the population and finances of Stockbridge? Furthermore, our roads are private, so maintenance and plowing costs are NOT paid by the town, the town does NOT provide lighting or our water… yet my sewer fees for a few months in Stockbridge are MORE than double what I pay for an entire year at my primary residence! Stockbridge’s rates are based on the number of bedrooms and a presumption of the number of people using water, with no consideration for the number of sinks, toilets, tubs, washers, dishwashers and outside faucets! I have 3 small bedrooms, one tub, toilet and two sinks, yet I pay the same high sewer fee as large families using multiple bathrooms, washers, and outside faucets!

Lynda Overlock

Dear Lynda,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You sound very concerned. I hope the chart above will help relieve your anxiety.

Best, Carole