Editorial

Editorial Our Job, Our Reward

We were innkeepers to the outlanders since the Revolutionary War. In 240 years, we got good at it. It has been our job and our pleasure to keep our village lovely and welcoming for the tourists and the permanent summer residents. 

“Permanent summer residents” is what our second homeowners were called 125 years ago. It has a nice ring — friendlier and more inclusive. They came every year from “apple blossom to apple drop”. The village made ready for them — lovely, welcoming, and relatively unchanged. As we protected beauty and low density, we protected property values. 

We welcomed them — they appreciated us. It was a congenial and well-understood relationship. The roles were fixed and friendly — fine with everyone. Stockbridge primary residents have the obligation of electing, hiring, appointing, and directing the hands that labored — making ready. 

We live in an era when everyone wants to be heard, moreover, take charge. Locals just trying to get on with it are confronted by three people with three different opinions but hardly ever three people with one opinion. Oh well, Stockbridge, tough or easy, it is our obligation. We have always done it and we will continue to do it on behalf of all in the village.

Our Reward

It was a sunlit Berkshire day; it was perfect. The women were gathered outside the post office chatting and smiling. There were two gorgeous dogs for all of us to fuss over. One woman pointed out that we had disagreed on many issues but always remained friends. That is the Stockbridge way: any person is more important than any issue; the relationship is more important than the outcome. Knowing that — that is our reward. 

We disagree without discrediting. We remain friends. There aren’t that many of us — we need each other. We cut each other’s lawn, fix each other’s plumbing, and invite everyone to the party. Because we respect the work; we respect the worker. What is the name of our reward? Community.

Never give up the reward of this village — never let it be taken from us. Okay, folks come in and want their way — they influence, shout, name-call, sue, and denigrate those who disagree — that is not the Stockbridge way. Hold out against it. Curb it because that stuff divides and destroys community. 

Answer with respect. Say good morning and ask after the family. Pop in and see if your neighbor is okay. Lend a hand if you see the need. Community is our reward — our pearl beyond price — protect it. 

by Carole Owens , Executive Editor

News

SU FYI

1. Thank you! Through the Hyman Family Charitable Foundation, Allen and Valerie Hyman…

…donated money to purchase a big-screen TV for the Heaton Court community room. Now folks can watch TV together — much more fun. 

2. Acknowledging generosity? Do you know Olga Weiss? 

See article below. She donated 64 acres to Lenox and received a plaque (forty-nine years later). Her cousin, David Rothstein, architect and co-founder of Music Inn, donated 30 acres to Stockbridge around Lily Pond. Even though it is 50 years later, doesn’t David deserve a plaque? Never too late to say thank you. By the way, it’s just grand they are both still here!! 

3. SBPHC Shared Regional Health Agent

The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative, through the Tri-Town Health Department, is seeking a Shared Regional Health Agent.

Position is full-time with benefits. Compensation negotiable depending on the qualifications/experience. Duties include conducting sanitary code inspections, helping member towns, and related operations of the SBPHC.

Experience: Two years in public health or related field, or any equivalent combination of education or experience. Position is hourly, non-exempt, tobacco and vape free. Willing to train the right person. This posting will remain open until filled. Salary range $23.00-$28.00/hr. but negotiable based on experience and qualifications. 

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Executive Director of Public Health, 45 Railroad Street, Lee, MA 01238 or jim@tritownhealth.org. To access the full job description, please visit www.tritownhealth.org.

4. Jim Wilusz, Executive Director, Tri-Town Health Department

Tri-Town has added the recent Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Air Quality advisory to the Tri-Town Site. 

We’ve received quite a few inquiries related to the impact of the Canadian wildfires that are impacting the Berkshires. In addition, the Tri-Town Boards of Health Chair Charles Kenny and I recommend the use of n95 masking for those that feel it will help. Folks should contact their primary care physicians if they experience any side effects of respiratory concerns. Hopefully, this will pass in the next 24 hours. We are not issuing a formal advisory but rather sharing important information that will help those that are seeking it. As follows:

N95 masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including small particles and liquid droplets. They are highly effective in protecting against particles such as dust, smoke, and various pollutants. N95 masks are commonly used in situations where there is a risk of airborne transmission of infectious diseases or exposure to hazardous particles.

If the air quality in the Northeast United States is severely compromised due to pollution, smoke, or other harmful particles, wearing an N95 mask can provide a certain level of protection. However, it’s important to note that N95 masks are designed to fit tightly to the face to create a seal, and proper fit is crucial for their effectiveness. If the mask doesn’t fit properly, it may not provide the expected level of protection.

Tells: Dr. Kenny agreed with SU that ducks herding their ducklings back into the water is a tell that the algae is not poisonous and Kenny adds, when the smell is gone so us danger from the smoke. Not science, folks, just a tell — an indication. 

News

Events

1. Organized Escape — 

Psychoanalysis in Exile: The Erikson Institute at Austen Riggs in collaboration with the Sigmund Freud Museum in Vienna brings an historical exhibit to Stockbridge — Where: Corner House Community Exhibition Space at 48 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA When: Thursdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm (Eastern), June 3 through October 16, 2023. More www.austenriggs.org/Freud-Riggs 

2. Get to Know George and Suzy

Opening June 22nd at the Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio, 92 Hawthorne St, Lenox. The exhibition traces the lives of the couple and their individual paths to artistic expression. Contact: Linda Frelinghuysen, linda@frelinghuysen.org

3. From Chesterwood:

The Many Faces of Love by choreographer Ian Spencer Bell — Chesterwood presents a reconstruction of Isadora Duncan’s 1912 solo on Wednesday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. $25, Chesterwood members $20, and free for all under 18. Advance registration is recommended at www.chesterwood.org/schedule-2023.

Chesterwood, in partnership with The National Sculpture Society, welcomes Artist-in-Residence Edward Fraughton. Award-winning sculptor Edward Fraughton will be at Chesterwood for a month-long residency. Fraughton’s studio will be open to visitors and a free artist’s talk will take place on Sunday, June 25th at 2:00pm. Chesterwood is open for touring every day except Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.chesterwood.org/calendar.

4. From our Stockbridge Library:

To all who have kindly donated your gently used books to our annual book sale, a hearty thanks! Our annual book sale is scheduled for July 7 to July 9, 2023. If you wish to donate books, please do so before June 23. After June 23, we will no longer accept book donations.

Please join in on the fun at our book sale in July.

With great appreciation,

The Stockbridge Library Association Book Sale Committee

Hybrid event Author Talk — Primatology, Ethics and Trauma The Oklahoma Chimpanzee Studies

Dr. Anna Scarna & Bob Ingersoll in conversation with Dr. Joyce Butler, Thursday, June 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Youth and Adult Summer Reading Begins Friday, June 16

Informational Workshop: Obtaining a MA State Driver’s License for Undocumented Immigrants

Thursday, June 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Online Poetry Series Inquiry — The Power of Poetry featuring Darla Himeles, Tuesday, June 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Bubble Wrap Painting Craft for Kids, Friday, June 23 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Author Talk with Maria L. Carr , Marking Stockbridge’s past monuments, plaques, and markers — In memory of the events and people that made the town what it is today. Saturday June 24 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

News

Key Takeaways from the Stockbridge Historic Preservation Committee, May 5, 2023

Chair Carl Sprague called the meeting to order and indicated there was just one order of business. Lori Robbins on behalf of 9 Birch Lane. Demolish house which is 50 years old or more. Peter Williams did historical determination study and indicated that his research uncovered nothing of historical significance. With a finding that it was not historically significant, the committee voted in favor of the applicant. The house will be demolished.

News

Key Takeaways from the Zoning Board of Appeals, May 23, 2023

Chair Tom Schuler called the meeting to order. There was one agenda item. Under consideration was an appeal by Jeffery and Amy Grossman. Work they contemplated on a nonconforming lot at 9 Mahkeenac was denied by the Building Inspector. 

ZBA made a site visit, and then the Chair consulted Town Counsel. The determination was that there were two parts to the appeal. 

1. According to TC, ZBA did not have jurisdiction over a request for expansion/alteration of the structure on a nonconforming lot. TC referred the Grossmans to the Select Board (SB).

2. ZBA did have jurisdiction over an increase in the lot coverage if more than 10% allowed by the zoning bylaw. 

The Chair advised Grossman’s to withdraw without prejudice their appeal to ZBA. Appeal to the SB and if the SB allows the extension/alteration, then return to ZBA for second part.

The Grossmans withdrew their appeal.

News

Key Takeaways from Agriculture and Forestry Commission, June 5, 2023

Making note of the damage from freeze, Chair Matt Boudreau took a moment to mention what a rough month it has been for farmers.

The handouts at Town Meeting describing invasives were appreciated according to Boudreau.

According to Ken Gooch, consulting tree expert, the ash trees in Ice Glen look good but the hemlock do not. Lisa Buzzuto asked if there is any indication in the understory of what will replace the hemlock. Gooch said he saw red maple, sugar maple, birch, and pine.

Chair introduced Stewart Kelso, hired a supervisor of proposed Stockbridge Farmer’s Market.

Kelso reported that there was no interest in a Stockbridge Farmer’s Market this year and suggested, subject to commission’s approval, planning now for 2024.

After a robust discussion, it was decided to plan for 2024; seek an anchor farm; limit it to traditional fresh items and not prepared foods; consider Wednesdays as the day for Stockbridge Farmer’s market.

In addition, the Commission was very interested in the Berkshire Mobile Farmer’s Market. It is run by Berkshire Grown and Berkshire Bounty on a federal grant that is based on income and immobility. The suggestion was for service to Heaton Court and Pine Woods.

Editor’s notes: In the May 15, 2023 issue, SU reported that Stockbridge qualified for the Biden Administration’s Justice40 initiative. This designation means an area is “marginalized, underserved, overburdened”. While this is not how we usually consider Stockbridge, the median income of full-time Stockbridge residents is $41,000. The Justice40 designation allows Stockbridge to qualify for grants including the Mobile Market.

News

Key Takeaways from the Board of Assessors, June 5, 2023

Town Assessor Michael Blay reported applications for motor vehicle abatements are now being accepted. The board determined to dispose of records for a five year period as allowed by law. 

Real Estate sales were exceptionally high. However, as prices go up, the tax rate goes down, so many people actually had a smaller tax bill.

Tax Exempt

a. Even though Berkshire Theater group is tax exempt, it was determined that specific land gifted to the BTG is taxable. The determination is based upon use of that land. BTG can apply for an exemption. 

b. The Aso Tavitian property on Prospect Hill is currently tax exempt and on the voluntary Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program. That will be reconsidered — is current use taxable?

News

Key Takeaways from the Planning Board, June 6, 2023

Chair Kate Fletcher called the meeting to order. As the first meeting after the election, new officers were elected: Fletcher was reelected chair; Gary Pitney, Vice Chair; Wayne Slosek, Clerk; Lis Wheeler, rep to Community Preservation Committee. 

There was one item on the agenda: review a preliminary plan from 35-37 Interlaken, owner, Pat Sheehan. Immediately, Attorney Jonathan Silverstein, on behalf of Sheehan, explained they had no intention of developing the land according to the plan submitted. Submitting the plan was the first step in “effecting a zoning freeze under Commonwealth law.” 

PB members seemed shocked — apparently believing it was a plan to be implemented. Town Counsel explained Sheehan was within his rights and it was correct about the law: if there is a change to the zoning law, Title 7, Chapter 40A, Section 6 (see below) allows the developer to preserve their options prior to the change in the law provided they submit a plan — followed by a definitive plan within 7 months and those conditions are then good for 8 years.

There was further confusion about whether there was any change to zoning laws (see below — Residential Inclusionary By law). After some questions, meeting adjourned — total meeting time 18 minutes. 

Editor’s note: On May 15, 2023, the Town voted to change our zoning bylaws to include the Residential Inclusionary Bylaw. 

From Mass.gov “The purpose of an Inclusionary Zoning By-law is to increase the supply of housing that is available and affordable to low or moderate income households…The Inclusionary bylaw requires that market-rate housing developments with 10 or more units and in need of zoning relief support the creation of income-restricted housing through: Inclusion of income restricted units within their building development or pay to have them created elsewhere.”

To avoid this obligation, 35-37 Interlaken filed a plan prior to Town Meeting according to:

Section 6: Existing structures, uses, or permits; certain subdivision plans; application of chapter — Section 6. Except as hereinafter provided, a zoning ordinance or by-law shall not apply to structures or uses lawfully in existence or lawfully begun, or to a building or special permit issued before the first publication of notice of the public hearing on such ordinance or by-law required by section five…

News

Key Take Aways from the Select Board meeting, June 8, 2023

Chair Chuck Cardillo called the meeting to order. The appointment of Karen Levy to Conservation Commission was postponed to give other interested parties an opportunity to express interest in serving (also there may be 2 seats available).

Five one-day liquor licenses for Chesterwood and one for Berkshire Botanical Garden were approved.

A request for $5000 for planters on balconies and a large TV at Heaton Court. $1000 was donated by the Allen and Valerie Hyman Foundation. Motion — to use $4000 of the American Rescue Program Act (ARPA)money for planters so residents can garden standing up. Passed

Canales alerted the SB that of the $564,934 in ARPA funds, the Town has $260,210 unspent that must be spent by December 31, 2023.

Canales: Speed bumps on Train Hill may not be legally installed and if they cause an accident, especially to bikers or motorcycle drivers, could be liability for the Town. He suggested a redesign of the entrance to Train Hill from 183 and a sign or signs indicating a winding road and suggested speed. The money could come from funds remaining in the Winter Road Assistance allocation — $20,000. Passed

Canales praised the algae protocol — err on the side of caution — and recommended we help fund equipment for Tri-Town Health to do our own preliminary testing followed by state testing to determine toxicity when algae blooms appear.

Second Homeowners’ meeting — planning postponed to decide between a Thursday evening hybrid meeting as part of regular SB meeting or a Saturday in-person meeting. 

Jan Ackerman, Vice Chair of Affordable Housing Trust, introduced the Housing Production Plan — with public meetings and planning meetings resulting in an action plan. 

Patrick White followed by suggesting production of Open Space and Master Plans. Canales suggested completing the work of the Open Space Plan begun by Berkshire Regional Planning.

Editor’s note: There was a brief contretemps between Patrick White and Patty Caya. In the Mahkeenac Heights Association email group, one member asked Patty Caya, “What is the name of the Selectman who is so anti-second homeowner?” Caya answered, “Patrick White.” White took exception to that characterization. “I don’t hate anyone.” Caya said he was “conflating”.

Maybe you think this exchange should not have happened or maybe you think it should not have been necessary. For SU, it was another second homeowner who asked the salient question — why is the email group closed?

Perspective

From the Desk of Stockbridge Chief of Police Darrell Fennelly

During the night of Tuesday, June 6th our town experienced a rash of breaking and entering into motor vehicles. The streets and neighborhoods that were targeted were the Cherry Hill Road, Castle Hill Road, Glendale Road, Interlaken Road, Trask Lane, Willard Hill Road, Interlaken Cross Road, Hawthorne Road and the entirety of the Mahkeenac Road neighborhoods on both sides. We have also learned that several other towns were targeted too. Sheffield, New Marlborough, Gt. Barrington, West Stockbridge, Richmond, Lee and Lenox. It appears that the criminals made their way heading south to north. In all of the cases the vehicles were left unlocked. Anyone experiencing anything suspicious that night we encourage you to contact our department and if anyone has any home camera footage that may have captured footage of the suspect or suspects we would invite you to share that with us. While we enjoy the benefits of living in such a beautiful and trusting area, we are still not immune to this type of crime. Please remember to lock your vehicles and homes anytime they are left unattended and remove all valuables from your vehicle at night. If you see or sense anything suspicious, please don’t hesitate to call 911. We are staffed 24/7 and will respond immediately. 

Perspective

From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon

Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

Thanks to the Stockbridge voters who joined those from Great Barrington and West Stockbridge in overwhelmingly approving the school budget. We will continue to work hard to invest those resources in meaningful ways that benefit students and families.

As you may know over the past two years, we’ve made two major shifts in our approaches to learning and teaching. 

1) We’ve “levelled up our classes” which means students are in mixed ability groups in 9th and 10th grades. Students still have the option to earn honors in those classes by demonstrating deeper understanding. Wonderfully, more and a wider range of students are earning honors distinction now than previously. 

2) We’re also shifting to and piloting models of competency-based assessment. This work includes the use of rubrics and focuses on both growth and continuous improvement.

We’ll be talking about this work at future school committee meetings and sharing specific data and research on the emerging outcomes. Please feel free to join us on-line or in person. 

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

For future Updates, I’ll share some details on our summer planning, curriculum work, and shifts for the start of next school year.

Perspective

The Frelinghuysen Museum

“Get to Know George and Suzy” includes never-before seen paintings and original audio of George’s voice thanks to a newly digitalized oral interview from the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art. Selected works from the collection of Cubist masters, which instructed George and Suzy’s own art, will also be on view. Enjoy greater access to the House as we re-open more rooms.

Tours are self-guided with the aid of audio or guidebooks with our knowledgeable guides standing by. Tickets can be booked on the website (and becoming members).

Director and nephew Kinney Frelinghuysen will highlight paintings on view and from the Collection in Director’s Corner, a short conversation held Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:15am.

Introducing Exercise Your Creativity every Sunday from 11-1 pm. Relax and create with no rules and no judgement. A variety of mediums and some examples will be supplied.

Painting demonstrations by professional artists of all genres each Friday @ 11am on the Museum grounds.

Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio is located at 92 Hawthorne Street in Lenox and will be open for self-guided tours from 10-4pm Thursday-Sunday. Located on a 46-acre estate in the heart of Lenox, in the Berkshire hills of Massachusetts, Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio was the home of artists George L.K. Morris and his wife Suzy Frelinghuysen. They were founding members of the American Abstract Artists, championed American abstract art, and collected some of the 20th century’s greatest Cubist art including paintings by Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Juan Gris and Fernand Leger. Morris was instrumental in building the collection of the fledgling Museum of Modern Art. At the same time, he collected for himself, often from artists he knew including Henri Matisse, Fernand Leger, Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and Joan Miro among others. This collection, as well as works by Frelinghuysen and Morris are on display in a home which embodies the spirit of Modernism.

by Linda Frelinghuysen

Perspective

Chesterwood Presents 

Chesterwood, the historic home, studio and gardens of sculptor Daniel Chester French, presents a special program with choreographer Ian Spencer Bell to kick off the third season of its Arts Alive! performance series. Bell will dance a reconstruction of Isadora Duncan’s 1912 solo The Many Faces of Love on Wednesday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Studio Garden. He will be accompanied by pianist Lauren Aloia. The program will also include a new dance and poetry piece, Rosing, created by Bell. The performance will take place in two outdoor locations, both with seating. A talk and a reception follow. General admission to the event is $25, Chesterwood members $20, and free for all under 18. The rain date is Thursday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. Advance registration is recommended at www.chesterwood.org/schedule-2023.

Bell began working on the project last year as a Dancer-in-Residence at Chesterwood, when he learned that the sculptor Daniel Chester French (1850-1931) and Isadora Duncan (1877-1927) not only knew each other but also that Duncan had danced for French in his Studio Garden during the summer of 1898. Duncan was a pioneer of modern dance and her celebration of classical ideals combined with her natural, athletic movement revolutionized dance and theater. 

Bell was taught the Duncan choreography from Lori Belilove, a third-generation Duncan dancer, and the founder and director of Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation and Company in New York City. For Bell’s own work, Rosing, he recites six original, intimate poems about a past relationship as he falls, swings, lunges, and leaps. Bell states that “Like Isadora Duncan, I often dance in silence and make the very personal public.”

Bell has danced his solos at the Boston Center for the Arts, Jacob’s Pillow, the Poetry Foundation, and the Queens Museum. Classical pianist Lauren Aloia has performed with Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and Newtown Chamber Orchestra.

Chesterwood, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 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) and the seated figure of Abraham Lincoln (1911 – 22) for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

Situated on 122 acres in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, Chesterwood is recognized as both a National Historic Landmark and a Massachusetts Historic Landmark.

by Margaret Cherin, Senior Site Manager

Perspective

New Feature!!!

Editor’s note: In the nineteenth century every Berkshire newspaper was anchored locally — the Pittsfield Sun, The Stockbridge Evening Star, the Great Barrington Currier, the Valley Gleaner (Lee) and more — but in their pages, each had columns for other towns. If your town has a story to tell, a problem or a solution to share, let us know. So feel free to send SU your news periodically, and we will run a Dateline: Sheffield, Dateline Monterey, Dateline: Lee etc.

Dateline: Lenox

Olga Weiss is a long-time resident of Lenox and a major contributor to its beauty and culture. Olga is possibly the proud possessor of the oldest, extant, house in town. 

It was built in the eighteenth century on what was probably a land grant to a member of the Beldham family. By 1806, it was occupied by the multi-generational family — members from 73 to 3 years — of Henry A. Beldham.

Olga has a passion for her community and its history. How lucky for Lenox! In the 1970s she owned Blantyre, Wheatleigh farm (not the house), and approximately sixty-four additional acres in Lenox. 

The first, Blantyre, she ran as an inn and luxury destination. She renovated the carriage house, added fine dining and “Below Stairs”, a popular night spot.

The second, Wheatleigh farm, she transformed — with cousin, David Rothstein — into the famous Music Inn. 

The last, the land, she donated to Lenox.

Her current passion is the barns of Lenox. Buildings are the repositories of our memories. Through them we tell the story of our people and places. We stand in front of a building, point, say “that is where I grew up”, and so our story begins.

The structure of the old barns of Lenox — English and Dutch style — tell of the people who came here. They also tell us of the agriculturally based economy they created. Though the barns are worth saving as historical artifacts and beautiful structures, it is hard to do.

It is expensive to restore and stabilize, and difficult to think of alternative uses. So, over avocado toast and cowgirl cookies, Olga and I brainstormed.

Money for restoration? There is money from the Community Preservation Committee of Lenox. There are tax credits from state and federal programs. There are private contributions from the likeminded.

Uses? There are many. Accessory Dwelling units to expand the ever-dwindling availability of reasonably priced, long-term housing. Or perhaps for short-term rentals or commercial space? In Egremont an old barn is now a swinging restaurant and dance hall cleverly called The Egremont Barn.

If you restore it, they will come. Let’s save the history of Lenox one building and one barn at a time. I promise this: restore it and the tourist economy will flourish and real estate values will soar.

by Carole Owens

Video

Video: Denny Alsop Talks About Beavers

Local legend Denny Alsop talks about how his aunt reintroduced beavers to the Berkshires in 1938.

Analysis

Reader to Reader

Carole,

I’m an occasional visitor to Stockbridge and have long admired your updates about what’s going on civically in the town.

Your messaging is in the finest tradition of de Tocqueville about citizens coming together to solve problems.

Thank you for all your positive encouragements and for keeping Stockbridge voters so thoroughly informed about the issues of the day.

My great-great-great grandfather Theodore Sedgwick would be proud of you.

All the best,

Tod Sedgwick 

To South County Partners, 

Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative is excited to announce that SBPHC has started the process of searching for a Regional Health Agent to join our dynamic team whose mission it is to improve public health in south county. 

Please distribute this so we can build a candidate pool that will expedite this important work. This is an exciting time in our region!

Warm regards from

Jayne Smith, RS

Editor’s note: Smith is the SBPHC Shared Services Coordinator

To: Carole Owens,

I haven’t seen any coverage in the media about the loss of the fruit crop in the freeze a few days ago. My crop is totally gone, and I’m told that Bartlett’s lost about 75% of theirs. 

Harold French

To Stockbridge Updates: 

In the “key updates” from the Annual town meeting, I was misrepresented with the comment regarding what I had to say about using Free Cash to fund part of the project at the Boat ramp. If one will review the tape of that meeting, they will hear that I objected to using our town’s FREE CASH for any part of this project, due to it being on property owned by the state of Massachusetts, and, further with the 4.3 to 5.4 BILLION the STATE received in ARPA funds they should be contacted to fund the entire estimated cost ($125,00 -150,000). 

The state has been dragging their feet in making the needed improvements at the Stockbridge Bowl boat ramp for some years now, and I mentioned that using state ARPA funds would allow this project to get completed as quickly as possible. The “small” amount of funds coming from the state ARPA funds don’t even amount to a “rounding error,”

It is still my opinion that our town tax money should not be used for any part of this project, but the town voters approved it, so in my opinion, the matter is settled.

So much for being concerned about saving our town taxpayers money, eh?

Frankly, Ms. Owens, if the then Selectboard Chairman was planning to use Town received ARPA funds for a State property, without bothering to check on all the “Legal” definition and inclusion of what is town tax money, the idea is to have the STATE pay for this project. Further, Free Cash is money that Stockbridge taxpayers have paid, and is therefore to be considered income derived from SB taxpayers. 

Thank you, Jim Balfanz

Here ends the 71st issue of Stockbridge Updates. In the first 70, SU covered over 500 Town meetings, published over 1,000 photographs, and welcomed more than 600 contributors and letter writers to our pages. SU is a purveyor of news and provider of a Stockbridge forum. Jump in — we can’t do it without you — send a letter, an article, an idea, or a voluntary contribution (To P.O. Box 1072 Town). We appreciate all you do.