Editorial

Editorial: I Love Stockbridge

Come on, who doesn’t? The folks who come and want to stay. The folks who stay and greet the day saying, not “hi, how are you?” but, “hi, aren’t we lucky?” The ones who were born here, who stand back nodding.

It was October 29, 2023, 6pm, one night after the full moon. It was an unbelievable 67 degrees. The faces were like those old-timey images of really happy people — broad grins — happy from the inside out. Faces shining in the moonlight, eyes glittering, they looked from Hunter’s Moon to the world’s perfect bonfire. Children running hither and tither, not one holding an adult hand. The whole looking like, as Stockbridge so often does, a Rockwell image. It was Halloween in Stockbridge.

Why so happy? It’s the simple things that make Stockbridge. The safely milling in the dark. A village gathered on the Green. People who know one another, and if not, happy to get to know each other. The low-cost, low intensity, low decibel fun!!

I remember every step (no kidding) of the first time I walked Ice Glen on Halloween. The torches, the declines into crevasses, the scramble up and over rocks. I wore the wrong shoes, (who could have imagined Ice Glen) but no matter, hands reached out from dark perches catching us and holding us steady — Arthur Dutil, Rick Wilcox, Norm Charbonneau.

I was so looking forward to the return of the event, and yet all the way down from The Hill, I was anxious — where would we be able to park?

Silly. Stockbridge was prepared. Easy as pie, nose in on the grass off the Park Street pavement. When in Stockbridge, so much of the anxiety of urban strategy sloughs off and the fun begins.

Now the commercial break: the underpinning of all this — the secret of Stockbridge — is low density. With low density, Stockbridge has open space. 

Depends on where you live: in some places Job One is change and progress; here Job One is to preserve and protect the magic we have. The technique is do less — allow less. Even if what you are promoting is something that sounds good — resist. Wherever you came from, let’s join hands and protect Stockbridge together.

by Carole Owens , Executive Editor

News

SU FYI 

Ice Glen

Thank you, thank you, to the Chief and the entire Stockbridge Fire Department for a wonderful Saturday night get together Stockbridge style.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Eighteen-year-old Stockbridge resident Olivia Netzer for saving the life of Butler University Professor Dr. Susan Adams. (See Notes from the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Thursday, Oct. 26.) At birthday party was held in July at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club. Adams suffered a heart attack, and Netzer, a part-time employee, immediately performed CPR, stabilizing Adams until emergency personnel arrived.

SBSC?

The Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission has not met since August. It has a statutory obligation to meet and who hope they do soon. They have been involved in important work such as a Lake Management Plan and Dredging — dredging number one on everyone’s To-Do list. Congrats for past performance and here’s to future accomplishments.

Housatonic Water Works

The Commonwealth seeks a settlement with the Housatonic Water Works (HWW). Earlier this year, HWW requested permission to institute a major rate height increase to cover repairs. West Stockbridge, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington, on behalf of the residents in their towns who are HWW water recipients, “intervened.”

The towns questioned why HWW should compel the rate payers to pay for repairs rather than paying themselves. They also argued that the problems were caused by delayed maintenance. In addition, Stockbridge argued that it should be granted a more favorable rate because, since 1958, it has maintained, repaired, and replaced certain HWW equipment.

A decision should be reached soon, and SU will report.

Prospect Hill: Dumpster Fire

Dumpster Fire on Prospect Hill At approximately 6pm, Saturday, October 28, a fire broke out on Prospect Hill Road. The house was built in the 1950s by Mrs. Adele Brennen and has been under perpetual construction by new owners. Chemically soaked rags in a dumpster, roughly on the spot where the former Daniel Chester French structure stood, ignited. There were no personal injuries or damage to the interior of the house.

Fire Chief Vincent Garofoli adds, “The dumpster fire that occurred that night involved disposal of carbon-based animal or vegetable oils, such as linseed oil, cooking oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, soybean oil, lard, and margarine rags. These can undergo spontaneous combustion when in contact with other rags, cardboard, paper, wood scraps, and sawdust. There was a large amount of sawdust and wood scraps in the dumpster that burned Saturday Night. Several oil-based stains, varnishes and Oil base polyurethanes have one or more of the oils listed above in them so in order to prevent spontaneous combustion fires with the items used to apply them the items should be laid out to dry in a safe location and once thoroughly dried they should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours and then, if possible, they should be disposed of in one of the used containers of oil-based stain, varnish or oil-based polyurethane. These used containers should be filled with water and the lids sealed tightly before disposal. It should also be noted that any type of oil saturated items including cooking and motor oils of any kind should not be washed and dried in your home washer and dryer as they can spontaneously combust in the dryer when they off-gas during the heating process. These items should be commercially dry cleaned, washed by hand with a degreasing soap like dish soap and hung to dry outside or just discarded altogether. 

For the purpose of discussion, let’s take as a hypothesis that there are aspects of the Governor’s Commonwealth Community Block Grant has aspects that re not good for Stockbridge. Although CCBG is meant to be applied statewide, maybe, one size does not fit all. So if that is possible, how would the discussion go? Which aspects do not serve us? Since the laws are applied statewide, is there anything we can do locally to mitigate the negative elements? What are those things?

What if no aspect impacts us negatively? Nice thing to discover.

News

Key Notes from Kampoosa Bog Committee, October 16, 2023, Hybrid

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has applied for more than $3million to build a “critter highway”. It will extend across the two parts of the Kampoosa Bog and allow the animals of the bog to cross Route 7 in safety. David Paulson from DOT described it as an “oversized culvert for more than water.” He explained that the Commonwealth submitted on behalf of Stockbridge, and Paulson thought the chances were good that it would win a grant award. If awarded, it would be completed over five years.

The state representatives were excited on behalf of the project mentioning the unique characteristics of Kampoosa — unique in the state.

David and Stephany Adler live adjacent to the Berkshire Gas Company and Osterman Propane Supplier (now Super Plus) at 9 Lee Road. They were attending to report a problem. Following a change in ownership and a site visit by the Stockbridge Fire Chief, it was discovered proper permitting and inspections procedures may not have been observed in many years. Hopefully that is being corrected now. Perhaps an environmental Impact Study of the years of neglect.

Here is the Kampoosa Vision statement:

To preserve, protect and restore the fen by fostering community support and stewardship of the Kampoosa Bog Drainage Basin ACEC and environs, while preventing further deterioration to the flora, fauna, water, and environment. 

And Mission statement:

Through the union of stakeholders, we will educate the public, coordinate baseline environmental data, coordinate cultural and environmental research, communicate research results and activities, review and comment on proposed developments, all in order to preserve, protect and restore the Bog.

Editor’s note: From the Kampoosa Bog Drainage Basin Designation Document — Part of the Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) : Kampoosa was designated in 1995, and is 1,350 acres, part of the Housatonic watershed located in Lee and Stockbridge. The heart of the ACEC is Kampoosa and its associated surface waters, wetlands, groundwater and rare species habitat. Scientifically, Kampoosa is not a bog, but a fen, contained in a small basin (the Kampoosa drainage basin), with an inflow of calcareous cold groundwater. Scientists refer to Kampoosa Bog technically as a Lake Basin Graminoid (grass-like) Calcareous Fen. Due to the critical ecological importance of surface and ground water to the fen and the high concentration of rare species found there, the boundary of the ACEC is designed to approximate the sub-drainage basin of Kampoosa Bog. The Kampoosa Bog ACEC contains one of the Commonwealth’s most significant rare species habitats.

News

Key notes from the Planning Board, October 17, 2023, hybrid

A new business, Township Four, located in the Red Lion Inn has adjusted their business sign to meet the requirements of the Town Bylaw.

For future agendas, the PB decided:

To table consideration of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) until the SB takes up ADUs

To discuss Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) overlap. Aspects are regulated by both ConCo and PB. Any overlapping jurisdiction should be decreased.

To discuss Boosters on Cell Towers to enhance cell service — to be discussed.

Editor’s note: Any decision about ADUs will be made on the state level if the Governor’s Housing Bond Bill legislation passes. Localities cannot pass bylaws that conflict with state law.

News

Key Notes from the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), October 17, 2023, hybrid

In preparing the Housing Production Plan (HPP), AHT discussed:

Obstacles to building affordable housing — infrastructure, community perception, zoning strategies.

What makes the most sense to include in HPP? For example, highest density in downtown location, tiny houses, ADUs, renovate big houses into multifamily dwellings, regional participation in housing development, “on campus housing” at, for example, Tanglewood or other not-for-profits.

News

Key Notes from the Special Town Meeting, October 23, 2023, hybrid

In Moderator Gary Johnston’s absence, Town Clerk, Terri Iemolini led the meeting. There were two agenda items.

The first, the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work Off Abatement Program, passed unanimously.

The second, the 8Town School merger, after some discussion, passed handily.

News

Key Notes from the Cemetery Commission, October 24, 2023, hybrid

The Commission acknowledged a number of issues in the cemetery unaddressed for many years. For example, the Town garage, the historic building in the cemetery, the posts and fence around the cemetery. They set a goal of generating a list of issues and determining how best, and in what order, to address them.

There was a request from the Highway Department for continued training in setting old stones and maintaining them

The Commission has a trust fund (presumably for maintenance and repairs) and money remains to cover some but probably not all the costs — there may be money available from grants, Community Preservation, the Town, and other sources.

News

Key Notes from the Select Board Meeting (SB), October 26, 2023, hybrid

Pre-meeting: a walk down Church Street to review problems with drainage/run off, sidewalks, and obscured vision (trees)

First item in SB meeting was presentation to Olivia Netzer of a Life Saving Award from Stockbridge Fire Chief Vincent Garofoli, and a $2,500 check from Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club President Rob McDermott for saving the life received of Butler University Professor Dr. Susan Adams.

The SBSC was mentioned — why hasn’t it met? Jamie Minacci, SB rep to SBSC, will look into it.

Polly Mann Salenovich was approved as the new (part-time) Director of the Senior Center. Formerly, she was Director of the Great Barrington Senior Center 

Patrick White suggested we appoint someone to oversee the next phase of the EPA/GE PCB project which is transporting the material to the PCB dump. Maximum numbers of trucks over years traveling the wrong routes could badly interfere with tourism and impede traffic.

News

Upcoming Road Work 

By Michael J. Canales, Stockbridge Town Administrator 

This is a notice from the Town of Stockbridge that we will be milling and paving various roads over the next three weeks. We will also be installing raised crosswalks on Main Street. Please plan for additional time during this period. We apologize for any inconvenience. A list of roads can be found in the news section of the town website and below.

• Prospect Hill
• Stone Hill Road
• Nielsen Lane
• Larrywaug North
• Larrywaug South
• Indian Hill
• North Church Street
• Bean Hill
• Old Meeting House Road
• Field Road
• Brookside

News

About Community Television South Berkshire (CTSB)

CTSB became invaluable to transparency in local government during COVID by providing live streaming as well as posting town committee meetings. Their public and educational channels provide a variety of high-quality programming featuring local talent and public events including the upcoming Fall Festival of Shakespeare. 

Funding for CTSB and all community media centers in the state is based on a portion of cable subscriptions. Cable subscriptions are going down as subscriptions to streaming services increase. There is a need for an additional funding source for community media centers. 

The state legislature is considering legislation that would add a tax on streaming services for their use of public land. The tax would be paid to the state and a portion would be distributed to community media centers.

Rich Frederick, the executive director of CTSB, spoke at the Sept. 24 Select Board meeting and explained the need for additional funding for CTS. He asked for support from residents of the five towns that are serviced by CTSB — Stockbridge, Lenox, Lee, Great Barrington and Sheffield. 

Please write to our state legislators and ask them to support passage of House Bill 74 and Senate Bill 34: An Act to Modernize Funding for Community Media Programming. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity and the next step is to get it out of committee and to the governor’s desk for her approval. 

Please take some time to write or call these legislators and others to ask them to support passage of House Bill 74 and Senate Bill 34: An Act to Modernize Funding for Community Media Programming. 

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S34/Bills

Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (Pittsfield) is the House Chair of the Joint Committee 
tricia.Farley-Bouvier@mahouse.gov (413) 442-4300

Senator Michael O. Moore (Worcester) is the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee 
michael.Moore@masenate.gov (508) 757-0323 x 1

Senator Paul Mark
paul.Mark@masenate.gov (413)-464-5635

Representative William Smitty Pignatelli
smitty.Pignatelli@mahouse.gov (413-637-0631)

Individuals and organizations can explore the benefits of membership at https://ctsbtv.org/#join

Editor’s note: Schwerner is Stockbridge representative to the Five-Town Cable Committee

Send a Letter

Rich Fredericks, Executive Director, CTSB has prepared a letter you might like to copy, sign, and send. As streaming overtakes cable, Spectrum loses subscribers. CTSB income is based on Spectrum subscriber income, therefore, as Spectrum loses money so does CTSB. CTSB is an asset to our community. Please click here to read letter and consider signing and sending.

by Anita Schwerner

Events

Upcoming Events

Stockbridge Library

Charlar y Comer: A Spanish Conversation Group (All levels welcome) Monday, November 6 @ 5:30 pm — 6:30 pm

Slime Squad (sign-up required) Tuesday, November 7 @ 3:45 pm — 4:30 pm

Sparks in the Dark Online Poetry with Robin Lysne Wednesday, November 8 @ 12:30 pm — 1:30 pm

November Book Club (Featuring Foreign Bodies by Simon Schama) Thursday, November 9 @ 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm

Wooden Leaf Craft (Age 3+) Friday, November 10 @ 2:30 pm — 3:30 pm 

Sparks in the Dark Online Poetry with Rolly Kent Wednesday, November 15 @ 12:30 — 1:30 pm

Norman Rockwell Museum

Between Two Worlds: The Art and Design of Leo Lionni, November 18, 2023 to May 27, 2024

The first major American retrospective dedicated to the art and design work of groundbreaking modernist designer and children’s book illustrator Leo Lionni (1910-1999). “Design is form,” the artist said, “Sometimes it is decorative form, and has no other function that to give pleasure to the eye. Often it is expressive form, related to conceptual content, to meaning. It is always abstract; but like a gesture or a a tone of voice it has the power to command and hold attention, to create symbols, to clarify ideas.” Together with Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, the exhibition is co-curated by author and children’s book historian Leonard Marcus and illustration and design historian Steven Heller. The Museum is also working closely with Annie Lionni, the artist’s granddaughter. For further information and tickets please visit http://www.nrm.org/2021/10/lionni/

The Last Word

Reader to Reader 

Carole,

Would you care to publish?

Last evening,10/23/2023, Stockbridge held a Special Town Meeting. 121 registered voters participated.

Stockbridge has 1,665 registered voters.

The resulting math shows that 7 percent were present to vote. This is less than 10 percent.

Apathy is the Silent Killer of Democracy. 

BTW, your piece today (In Eagle) was great!

Gary Pitney

Dear Carole,

Lynda Overlock’s plea for fairer sewer rates belies her mistaken opposition to a formerly proposed additional 1% tax on real estate transfers in excess of one million dollars.

Poor Lynda has mistaken Laura Dubester’s support of such an alternative proposal for funding a Stockbridge Affordable Housing Trust. From Lynda’s description of her small cottage there is little to no chance that her cottage would sell for over one million dollars. And so there is no chance her future sale of her family cottage would ever fall under the rubric of the proposed additional transfer tax.

I mean no disrespect but, as to Lynda’s complaint of unfair sewer fees, whatever has that to do with raising funds to promote the creation of more housing for those who service the needs of our community?

Now, we see our Governor visiting the Berkshires to promote, town by town, such a resolution to the entire state’s need to raise funds to provide decent shelter for all who live and work in the Commonwealth.

It has become so difficult to find the support services available to fix our plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, and general home maintenance. Clearly making more affordable housing available will bring in younger families, hopefully with children to increase our schools’ attendance rolls, and to provide this community with the man and woman power to get these everyday needs provided. And that is also to keep our police and fire departments fully functional, as well as all the other necessary occupations that keep us alive and well. Let’s face it, we are all aging. There is no one else to come to our rescue. We must be wise in keeping our community alive and thriving. 

I am thrilled with Governor Healey’s Affordable Homes Act, and her promotion across the Commonwealth of the statutory authority for individual towns and cities to enact such an additional 1/2% — 2% fee on the transfer of real estate interests on the excess of one million dollars.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bob Feuer