Editorial

Editorial: To Govern or Not to Govern

This week the Town ceded responsibility for permitting to a private entity — a condominium association (see the notes from the Select Board below for the specifics). Over the last few years, Stockbridge has ceased to impose penalties for infractions of our bylaws. There is no law without consequences.

Folks who did not wish to obey our bylaws, hired lawyers. Granted lawyers and lawsuits are chilling, but neither relieves the Town of its duty to govern. Nor should the playground-bully approach to avoiding compliance ever intimidate the Town.

“Ha-ha I did it anyway. So, what are you going to do about it, Stockbridge?”

Once upon a time, Stockbridge made them fix it — tear it down if necessary. The Town governed — our bylaws were carefully written and scrupulously enforced. Almost three hundred years later, Stockbridge has open space, clean air and water, and a low tax rate without congestion — it’s a hat trick. One that we should never take for granted or forget how to do.

Stockbridge is run by the people, really. However, to do so, they need the facts. CTSB and Stockbridge Updates works to provide the facts. Some don’t like that. I don’t know why; maybe transparency isn’t universally popular. Nevertheless, the public needs to be informed to be involved, so I watch, report, and ask questions. Here are a few:

1. For the Water and Sewer Commission (WSC): at a Select Board meeting, WSC told Patrick Sheehan (owner of 37 Interlaken), that the sewer has the capacity for the almost 300 new houses Sheehan proposed building. At other meetings, WSC said the sewer system is “at capacity”. It can’t be both, so here’s my question: which is it?
2. For the Planning Board: PB has tabled much previously on the agenda — for example, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Open Space planning. In addition, PB has suggested transferring enforcement of the Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) bylaw from PB to Conservation Commission. Here’s my question: what is PB doing?
3. For the people. This week, the Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) will submit its final recommendation. Schools are important and a major piece of the Stockbridge budget. At Town Meeting we will have to vote to participate or withdraw. Here’s my question: why aren’t we informed and involved?
4. A strong opponent of RTE wrote that he would “whole-heartedly support” RTE if wealthy primary residents would relinquish their right to RTE. That is not what the law says. Here’s my question: who decides on what basis how wealth is determined — income, net worth, property valuation, something else?

Our bylaws worked and for years we all benefitted. We the people need to pick up the reins and govern. If there is anything Stockbridge Updates can do or do better, let us know. An informed electorate can move mountains.

by Carole Owens , Managing Editor

News

SU FYI

Congratulations Stockbridge for!

From the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Geoffrey C. Beckwith, Executive Director & CEO

“The Town of Stockbridge is a recipient of the Kenneth E. Pickard Municipal Innovation Award. Your submission, Saving Ice Glen, has demonstrated your dedication, commitment, and ability to increase the effectiveness of local government by successfully implementing a unique and creative program.”

Of the 351 municipalities in Massachusetts, only three are recognized each year. In 2023, Stockbridge is one of the recipients. Select Board Chair Patrick White has been invited to Boston on January 20 to accept the award on behalf of the Town.

More kudos! The wonderful job Laura Dubester, Chair, and the members of the Green Communities Committee did. They applied for and received the grant for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Town Offices.

Even More Kudos! Our Fire Chief Vincent Garofoli was successful in his grant application for fire protection gear.

Stockbridge Generosity

To all the people, with a special doff of the hat to the members of Tuesday Club, who gave so generously to the children of Stockbridge and the female veterans of Soldier On. What a fine community! So far, dozens of gifts have been given and over a thousand dollars donated to an Amazon gift registry.

Stockbridge Updates Thanks

SU would like to take the opportunity to thank all the contributors — the talented writers and photographers — who make opening SU a much richer experience.

And Yet There Are Challenges…

Out of deep concern, Stockbridge Updates is digging and trying to unearth the details of what might be happening in our village. Some profit from a booming real estate market, but there are also victims. SU encourages our Chief of Police and Town Administrator to help us find the answers. Are there renters whose heat and lights have been turned off to force them to move? Have there been even worse consequences than these alleged actions? It is our Town, and we want to know what is going on in it. Maybe we can help; maybe we can put a stop to unkind treatment.

Berkshire Regional Planning Transportation Survey

From Christine Rasmussen, Stockbridge representative to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) BPRC is updating the region’s long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP is a 20-year-horizon planning document that outlines transportation challenges and priorities for the Berkshires. Updating the document is vitally important as it allows the region to remain eligible to receive much-needed federal transportation dollars.

Stockbridge residents that drive, walk, bike, or use transit in the Berkshires are encouraged to take this survey! Use BRPC’s interactive map to identify specific travel challenges or priorities. The survey is open until December 31, 2022.

RTP Community Survey (open thru 12/31/22): https://www.surveymonkey.com/survey-closed/?sm=RFWi73iCayYN7ijOkSRntuUTAAmeetHPKRGhio_2FUeVFP0VPl0sIGbR0p4yNjiNAE0EeEnuspVfhM5vDekle_2BEyYhu2SC1YpMOcp1Q69nsUjj75rdjeL6UfbNASRpLOdr

RTP Mapping tool: https://berkshire.maps.arcgis.com/apps/CrowdsourceReporter/index.html?appid=51afbc759a934a24b27e6971da50c1ee

BRPC information page: https://berkshireplanning.org/initiatives/RTP/

News

Stockbridge Cultural Council (SCC) Announces 2023 Grants

from Judith Wilkinson, Chair, SCC

The SCC received 37 applications and awarded 26 grants ranging from $250 to $1,000 to support cultural programs in Stockbridge and the surrounding area. The total awarded was $11, 865 — more than double the amount awarded last year. Funding was provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and $5,000 from the Town of Stockbridge.

The SCC is grateful for the additional Town support and redoubled its efforts to encourage and fund artists and events in Stockbridge. It is pleased to report that all approved Stockbridge projects were fully funded.

The projects funded were:

Austen Riggs Center, Inc./Coming to America: An Exhibition on the Contribution of Refugees and Emigres to Psychoanalysis in North America
Berkshire Garden Center, Inc./Rooted in Place
Berkshire Pulse, Inc./Spirits of Chesterwood
Berkshire Theatre Group Inc./BTG Plays! Summertime
IS183, Inc./Resources for Local Artists
Olga Dunn Dance Company, Inc. “Nutcracker Seedling and More”
Shakespeare & Company, Inc./2023 Fall Festival of Shakespeare
Stockbridge Library Association/Stockbridge Ice Festival
Terry Wise/Mohican Art Exhibit at Stockbridge Library
Sean Fullerton/Acoustic Memories
Nanette Wells/Seasonal Theme Assorted Crafting

In addition, the Stockbridge Cultural Council provided all or partial funding for the following projects that it believes benefit the Stockbridge and Berkshires cultural community:

Berkshire Bach Society, Inc./Messiah Sing
Berkshire Children’s Chorus, Inc./Circles: A Multimedia Concert
Berkshire Music School, Inc./DRUM TO THE BEAT: A Musical Enrichment program
Berkshire South Regional Community Center/Berkshire Ukulele Band and Berkshire Sings!
Festival Latino of the Berkshires, Inc./Festival Latino of the Berkshires
Great Barrington Public Theater, Inc./Berkshire Voices Reading Series
Greenagers, Inc./Climate Action-Environmental Education
Pittsfield Shakespeare, Inc./Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park
Sculpture Now/Sculpture Now @ The Mount
Susan L. Smith/Fantastical Felt Paintings
The Artist Book Foundation/Book donation to Monument Regional High School
The Stockbridge Sinfonia, Inc./The Stockbridge Sinfonia: Intergenerational Community Orchestra of the Berkshires
Tom Truss III/ReWritten
Vocalis Youth Choir, Inc./Vocalis Scholarship Fund
WAM Theatre, Inc./WAM Theatre’s 2023 Season and Community Engagement Program

The Council regrants funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to individuals and organizations for projects in the arts, science, and humanities. Decisions about which projects to support are made at the community level by a board of municipally appointed volunteers. The current members of the Stockbridge Cultural Council are Judith Wilkinson (Chair), Janet Egelhofer (Treasurer), Barbara Cooperman, Terry Moor, Maureen O’Hanlon, Isabel Rose, Joe Tonetti, and Rena Zurofsky.

The SCC will seek grant applications again in the fall. The Council encourages applications from individuals or organizations seeking to enhance the cultural offerings in Stockbridge and surrounding areas. For further information, please visit www.massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/stockbridge/. If you have questions or ideas for the Council, please email them to jwilkinson@stockbridge-ma.gov.

News

Events

1. Berkshire Lyric Presents: 2022 Christmas Concert

December 17th at 3pm, Stockbridge Congregational Church

Tickets sold at door — $20

Children and students 18 and under — free

2. Mass Humanities Council and Smithsonian Institution present:

Always Adapting — Rural Berkshires — A Juried Art Show

Submission deadline — February 1, 2023

The show will be held April 14 — 28 at the Bushnell-Sage Library in Sheffield www.bushnellsagelibrary.org/crossroads

Questions? Patty Owen, 6973ptowen@gmail.com

3. December School Break Week at Norman Rockwell Museum — “Being Bored is Not Allowed” Family Activities

Storytime in the “Eloise Gallery” at 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm

Enjoy a reading of favorite tales from the collection of Hilary Knight. Free for kids, teens, and members, or included with admission. No reservation required; adult accompaniment required.

Art Activity: Prime Time Me! at 11 am & 2 pm

Family activities inspired by Eloise in Hollywood, Hilary Knight’s Broadway posters, and fashion designs. Create a self-portrait, poster for a show starring you, photo ops, and more. Free for kids, teens, and members, or included with admission. RSVP required, walk-ups accommodated. Details and reservations at NRM.org/events

The NRM NEW ONLINE SERIES

Drawing Life with Illustrator Noa Denmon

from Norman Rockwell’s Studio

Available on demand Thursday, December 15, beginning at 1 pm

An hour-long program of sketching and conversation about creative expression, the power of persuasion, and the people’s art. Part of a new, monthly on-demand web series, this episode features Noa Denmon an award-winning illustrator who has worked with clients such as The New York Times, Google, Penguin and Macmillan Publishers, and a Caldecott Honor Award winner in 2020 for her debut children’s book A Place Inside of Me.

$5 per Episode or $50 for Series of 12. Details at NRM.org/events

4. Stockbridge Library

Legos in the Library Tuesday, December 20 from 3:30 – 4:30pm

Snowman Graham Cracker Snack Craft Friday, December 23 at 3pm

Hot Coco & Paint Party (ages 12 – 18) Tuesday, December 27 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Marshmallow & Toothpick Building Challenge Wednesday, December 28 from 2 – 4pm

Legos in the Library Friday, December 30 at 3pm

Telescope on Front Lawn with Rick Costello Friday, December 30 from 5 – 7pm

Don’t forget the Winter Wonderland Walkway. Walk around the library and experience the beautiful holiday trees. Presented by the library and the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce

5. Austen Riggs Grand Rounds

December 16, 12:50pm, Eric Plakun will conduct “Intervention for Suicide” — 1 CE/CME credit

6. Council on Aging

The Council on Aging programs have been very successful and widely attended. COA will present programs in January and February — details will be posted in the January 1 edition of Stockbridge Updates

News

Notes from the Kampoosa Stewardship Commission (KSC), November 21, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Laura Beasley, Chair
• Lisa Bozzuto
• Louise Gachet
• John Hart
• Rich Bradway
• Arthur Dutil

1. Minutes of the last meeting approved as amended
2. Documents relating to Kampoosa appear to be in the Conservation Commission (ConCom) office files
3. Create mission statement
   1. Review past activities
   2. Determine current condition
   3. Educate the public
   4. Restore Kampoosa
   5. Become clearinghouse for Kampoosa info
4. Determine the Commission’s authority — who owns land? Who are stakeholders?

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s note: Apparently Kampoosa, though commonly called Kampoosa Bog, is not a bog and the word might be dropped. 2. A letter went out that began “You are receiving this notice because your property abuts or is within the watershed of the Kampoosa Bog” It is signed by KSC Chair Laura Beasley. It explains Kampoosa is an “Area of Critical Environmental Concern” and encourages involvement. The meetings — on the third Monday of each month — are open to the public.

News

Notes from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), November 29, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Thomas Schuler, Chair
• Miles Moffatt, Acting Chair
• Jim Murray
• Mark Mills
• John Hyson
• Catherine Chester
• Patricia Andrews

1. Attorney Elizabeth Goodman, on behalf of 22 Beachwood, appealed the finding on a special permit to subdivide a 3.89-acre lot into two lots — one two acres and the other 1.89
2. Stockbridge Town Counsel advised against the appeal because the requirement in Beachwood is for a minimum of 2-acre lots. She cited precedence
3. Goodman argued that the ZBA has discretion
4. Schuler argued that the ZBA does not have discretion. They are not a policy-making board. ZBA is a policy-implementing board and the policy, in this case, the zoning bylaw is clear.
5. Perlmutter explained his love for Stockbridge and his desire to gift each of his two sons a buildable lot
6. ZBA members expressed sympathy for the position Mr. Perlmutter finds himself in, but said their hands were tied.
7. Schuler suggested Perlmutter go to Town Meeting and ask the policymakers (the people) to change the zoning bylaw.
8. The vote denying the appeal was unanimous.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), November 29, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Thomas Schuler, Chair
• Miles Moffatt, Acting Chair
• Jim Murray
• Mark Mills
• John Hyson
• Catherine Chester
• Patricia Andrews

1. Attorney Elizabeth Goodman, on behalf of 22 Beachwood, appealed the finding on a special permit to subdivide a 3.89-acre lot into two lots — one two acres and the other 1.89
2. Stockbridge Town Counsel advised against the appeal because the requirement in Beachwood is for a minimum of 2-acre lots. She cited precedence
3. Goodman argued that the ZBA has discretion
4. Schuler argued that the ZBA does not have discretion. They are not a policy-making board. ZBA is a policy-implementing board and the policy, in this case, the zoning bylaw is clear.
5. Perlmutter explained his love for Stockbridge and his desire to gift each of his two sons a buildable lot
6. ZBA members expressed sympathy for the position Mr. Perlmutter finds himself in, but said their hands were tied.
7. Schuler suggested Perlmutter go to Town Meeting and ask the policymakers (the people) to change the zoning bylaw.
8. The vote denying the appeal was unanimous.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), December 1, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Sally Underwood-Miller, Chair
• Carole Owens
• Tom Stokes
• Linda Jackson
• Patrick White
• Jay Bikofsky
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator
• Ericka Oleson, Town Treasurer/Collector

1. There were three items on the business agenda
   1. It was suggested, voted and approved, that Ericka Oleson will do “the paperwork” of the CPC (with the exception of the minutes which Underwood-Miller will continue to do) for a fee of $5200/year
   2. Rolling application period was suggested but was a hardship for Linda Jackson, chair, Historical Commission, which must review the applications in a timely fashion. It was agreed that “rolling” was the wrong word — it would be an extended period with a deadline
   3. Underwood-Miller said she anticipates the same schedule as in previous years — 3 meetings — to listen to applicants, accept and review applications with applicants, and vote the awards
2. The meeting was then turned over to Stuart Saginor, Executive Director, Community Preservation Coalition
   1. Saginor shared what the coalition does and how CPC might take advantage of its existence
   2. He explained the three “pockets” allowable by the Community Preservation Act (CPA): Historic Preservation, Affordable Housing, and Open Space (including Recreation)
   3. Saginor told us CPA requires we have a CPA plan (Stockbridge has never had one beyond the requirements in the CPA)
   4. He discussed the CPA prohibition of funding religious organizations. Underwood-Miller said we fund the Congregational Church as an historic building. Saginor said, okay, as long as not funding religious iconography or ritual.
   5. Saginor recommended “not handing money” over to private organizations without a grant agreement although Stockbridge has for decades awarded grants to 501c3 organizations such as Norman Rockwell Museum, Chesterwood, Pine Woods and many more. Evidently, he considers those private as opposed to giving the money to the Town. Saginor wanted Town “to claw” back the money if 501c3 property is sold.
3. Stokes asked about an issue important to him — does CPC have to hand out all the money? Can CPC turn down some applicants and save that money? Saginor said in that decision making process a CPA Plan would help.

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission, December 2, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Roxanne McCaffrey, Chair
• Patrick White
• Michael Nathan
• Gary Kleinerman
• Sally Underwood-Miller
• John Loiodice
• Michael Buffoni, Water Superintendent
• Pat Kennelly, President Stockbridge Bowl Association via Zoom
• Anita Schwerner, via Zoom

1. Minutes of November 4 meeting – approval postponed; Minutes of November 18 meeting – approved as corrected
2. Lake Management Plan complete. Motion made and passed to send to the Select Board
3. White wanted to give it to Fleetwood consultants for review before sending to State
4. Jim Wilusz, Board of Health, was not present, so tabled discussion about educating the public
5. McCarthy asked that members get their ideas to Wilusz as he is coordinating the education piece
6. Kleinerman mentioned software that would help folks identify trees and invasive plant species. Kennelly recommended another (cheaper) software that identifies plants
7. Buffoni suggested to control Zebra Mussels — alert B&Bs (visitors bring in boats and should wash bottom to control invasives)
8. Kennelly and SBA wrote a proposal to expand harvesting — McCaffrey said send to Michael Canales, Town Administrator
9. White wants to be prepared to apply to CPC for funds for dredging in January
10. The valve at the dam should be checked to assure it is operable (this is a valve used to lower lake level in winter — not used in years as Commonwealth does not want water level lowered)

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors (BOA), December 5, Hybrid meeting

Present:

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

1. $8.14 tax rate approved by MA Department of Revenue (DOR)
2. Tax bills should be mailed by December 15
3. Exemptions for the elderly, blind and veterans can be applied for now until April 2023 — applications available at Town Offices and on Town Website
4. Berkshire Scenic Railroad has completed answers to BOA’s questions — will be sent to Town Counsel and BOA will vote to approve or not approve their request for 501c3 (tax exempt) status
5. No report from Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT Committee)

Meeting adjourned

News

Notes from the Water and Sewer Commission, December 6, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Don Schneyer, Chair
• John Loiodice
• Peter Socha
• Tony Campetti, Sewer Superintendent
• Michael Buffoni, Water Superintendent
• Paul Sundberg via Zoom

1. October 4 minutes approved
2. Special Thank You to Hugh Page, Campetti and Buffoni for work on Cat and Dog Fountain
3. Campetti reports:
   1. Inflow and Infiltration study (I&I) — camera work done and sent for findings and recommendations
   2. Pump Station contract awarded — waiting for parts — work starting perhaps in March
4. Buffoni reports
   1. Water testing in Bowl done for season
   2. Meeting on “raw water turbine” (using water to create power). Testing feasibility: plenty of flow but may not have the elevation
   3. DEP does not want drawdown at Stockbridge Bowl dam — testing valve anyway to be sure it still works
5. White passed on compliment from Agricultural and Forestry Commission about good job Buffoni does with forest management around Lake Averic
6. White recommended that American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) money be used to study feasibility of expanding the sewer. This money can be leveraged against future federal funding to do the expansion. Two members seemed supportive but the Chair did not.
7. Sundberg was supportive of sewer expansion for himself and his Interlaken (Averic Road and Train Hill Road) neighborhood. He was very enthusiastic that it might proceed and supported White’s suggestion to use ARPA funds to move forward. He pointed out that there is a connection to the sewer in the neighborhood but the “owner won’t share”. It “made no sense” to Sundberg that a private party controlled a sewer connection and asked why the Town didn’t have ownership or influence. Chair said their “hands were tied” but did not explain why

Meeting adjourned

Editor’s Note: At other meetings, the Commission has explained that only 30% of capacity is currently being used. What is the problem with expansion? Is it the cost of connections? Then there could be discussions about cost sharing and/or grants. Is it to save capacity? Then there could be discussions about what it is being saved for.

News

Notes from the Select Board, December 8, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Patrick White, Chair
• Chuck Cardillo
• Jamie Minacci
• Michael Canales, Town Administrator

1. The attorney for White Pines Condominiums suggested alterations to the proposal submitted at last SB meeting. The proposal would allow some building without a special permit as follows:
   1. Rather than a 500 sq ft, a 300 sq ft addition would be allowed without special permit
   2. The space would be unheated three-season to disallow it being converted into an interior room
   3. This would be a one-time addition
   4. Minacci said the Condominium may have “even more regulations than the Town”
   5. Cardillo said, “By the time it gets to Ned [the Building Inspector] it has been vetted [by the Condo Association]
   6. A motion was made and passed unanimously
2. Announcements
   1. Minacci announced that bus rides are free in Massachusetts during the month of December
   2. White announced that the Town will present the Red Lion Inn with a proclamation at the annual Senior Holiday Luncheon. It will mark the 50th year that the Red Lion has hosted Stockbridge seniors for the annual holiday luncheon.
3. The Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission presented the Lake Management Plan (LMP) to the SB. White recommended it be reviewed by consultant David Cameron to assure acceptance by the State. Agreed
4. White said McCaela Donovan has requested a seat on the Affordable Housing Committee. That would fill the seven seats required. Moved and approved.
5. There was a motion to approve the changes to the Stockbridge Golf Club officers. Approved
6. Liquor licenses and entertainment licenses were all approved. However,
   1. White recused himself from Tanglewood liquor and entertainment licenses as he is an abutter to the Linde Center parcel.
   2. The Berkshire Botanical Garden entertainment license was approved with the “same conditions as last year” — which were conditions on Music Mondays — amplification and changed site to across the street.

Meeting adjourned

News

Lake Management

In a landmark moment for the town, the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission has submitted a lake management plan to the Select Board. This plan represents countless hours of hard work by the SBSC members, with contributions from SB, Conservation Commission, Water and Sewer Commission and Board of Health, as well as from the Stockbridge Bowl Association and many individual citizens.

Equally laudable is the SB’s decision, at the behest of the Con Comm, to consider further inputs so that the plan is assured to sit well with state regulatory agencies.

I personally would like to see more watershed protection. This is especially important considering the calcitic-dolomitic infrastructure of the Stockbridge Basin.

Editor’s Note: Charles Kenny was the founder of the committee that preceded Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Committee (SBSC) and one of the original members of SBSC.

by Charlie Kenny

News

Reader to Reader

Hello Carole — I just want to thank you for putting this informative update together and let you know that your thoughts on kindness and decency are definitely shared! Want to inquire what, exactly is being collected for Female Vets? Would love to contribute.

My husband, Hilary Scott and I own the house [address omitted] which my in-laws bought in 1964. Currently we split our time between Somerville MA and Stockbridge but are hoping to participate more fully in Stockbridge civic life. We are pleased to welcome visitors on the Main Street at Christmas tour (Old Rectory) — if you participate, please come by, and say hello!

Hilary is the photographer for Tanglewood as was his father before him. If you ever need photos for your Updates, he will be happy to contribute.

Again, I want to emphasize how much we appreciate the emails. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

Warm regards,

Gretchen Wehrle-Scott

Dear Updates,

Interlaken residents on Averic Rd. and Train Hill Rd. are thankful that the Town has plans to expand sewer lines. We feel that the Town should fund the engineering and installation of all new sewer lines. This approach would be inclusive, serving all residents. In the past, some lines have been installed with private funding, but that method excludes residents who can’t afford to pay for the sewer lines.

We are asking the Town to give our neighborhood top priority for two reasons. The primary concern is that we are close to Lake Averic, the Town Reservoir. Failing septic systems could contaminate underground springs which feed the Reservoir. Were that to happen, the Town would have a serious problem with our water supply. Secondly, since our project is rather small, the cost would not be onerous. We hope that some of the ARPA funds can be used to cover the Town’s cost for this project.

With new sewer lines in Interlaken, all town residents will benefit from a safer supply of drinking water and a cleaner environment.

Paul and Lenore Sundberg

Dear Carole,

I think this admirable addition to our town government process [the Pledge of Allegiance at Select Board meetings] deserves special recognition.

Charlie Kenny

Dear Carole,

Just a quick note to thank you for another year of Stockbridge Updates. I’d also like to celebrate the volunteers, staff, and elected officials who are the people that make this such a great town. Finally, I’d like to thank the many businesses and organizations that make the town look beautiful during the holidays, and indeed year-round.

Patrick White