Editorial

Editorial: Dignified and Caring

John Beacco died last week. He grew up in Stockbridge and graduated from Williams High School. After attending Amherst College (where he played varsity baseball with David Scribner), Beacco returned to Stockbridge to teach, coach, and run the town. 

He was elected to the Select Board in 1974 and served for 24 years. His defeat in 1998 was a loss for John and a much greater loss for Stockbridge.

In Bruce Blair’s remembrance below, John is quoted describing Stockbridge as “a dignified and caring way of life.” What others called Stockbridge exceptionalism or a special quality they tried and failed to describe, was easy to describe for John. It was just seven words — a dignified and caring way of life — as simple as that and as extraordinary.

Someone asked me to write an editorial in keeping with the season. Maybe about menorahs and dreidels, lighted trees, the smell of balsam, music, gifts, and sugar cookies. Wonderful things, but equally wonderful is what Mary Flynn called “the Stockbridge way” and John called a dignified and caring life. What is the recipe for that?

I wish us all joy this holiday but also a moment for consideration. Those who remember John remember he preserved and protected the beauty of Stockbridge, and with all his might, tried to protect the spirit of Stockbridge. How do we preserve and protect that? How do we guard against the crass and the selfish? How do we substitute gratitude and a smile for entitled and demanding? How do we drop clever criticism and give instead a helping hand and a supportive word? How do we lay aside conflict and name-calling and strive for understanding and gentle speech?

Anyone with the recipe — write it down. It is the dish we all crave. The enduring spirit of the season — regardless of the holiday you celebrate — is more than the trappings. The enduring gift is dignity and caring.

Thank you, John, for all you did and for every email supporting Stockbridge Updates — there was one almost every issue and there were days when those emails breathed new life into SU.

by Carole Owens , Executive Editor

News

Notes from Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission, December 8, 2023

The agenda included naming a new chair and scheduling future meetings after a three-month break. However, a quorum was not present. Meeting will be rescheduled.

News

From the Desk of the Town Administrator Michael Canales

I am pleased to announce an initiative involving the collaboration of the towns of Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Sheffield, West Stockbridge, Lee, and Lenox. This collective effort, undertaken in partnership with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, is geared towards addressing the pressing concerns of residents regarding internet access, affordability, and adoption.

At the heart of this endeavor is the statewide initiative known as Internet for All, a comprehensive program with the overarching goal of ensuring that every individual, irrespective of their geographical location or economic status, has the means to actively participate in the economic, educational, health, and civic opportunities presented by our ever-evolving digital landscape.

Over the forthcoming months, the staff of BRPC will be immersed in community engagement efforts, conducting public meetings, facilitating focus groups, and conducting interviews throughout Southern Berkshire County. This multi-faceted approach is designed to cultivate a profound understanding of the nuanced local needs and opportunities concerning digital connectivity, accessibility, affordability, and literacy.

The fruit of these endeavors will be a municipal digital equity plan, a strategic blueprint that BRPC will collaboratively draft with us and our neighboring towns. This plan is not only aimed at addressing the immediate concerns of our communities but also strategically positions us to access historic levels of funding made available by both state and federal governments. The funding is specifically earmarked to bridge the digital divide, with a heightened focus on rural communities that often face unique challenges in this regard.

To ensure the success of Stockbridge in this initiative, residents are strongly encouraged to actively participate in the this Internet for All survey. By sharing your insights, you contribute to the identification of Stockbridge’s unique digital needs, ultimately shaping the course of this groundbreaking project.

For those seeking additional information or with specific queries, please feel free to contact BRPC Community Planner Andrew McKeever at amckeever@berkshireplanning.org. Your engagement in this initiative is crucial, as we collectively work towards a more digitally inclusive and connected future for our community.

News

Notes from Board of Selectmen, December 14, 2023, hybrid 

Patrick White read a tribute to John Beacco (see full text above). 

The permit for 17 Mahkeenac was granted on condition that the lights installed strictly adhered to the Stockbridge Lighting Bylaw.

An alcohol license was granted to the Inn at Stockbridge. They plan to serve mimosas in the am and drinks at night until 11pm

The short-term rental at 7 Hawthorne was denied a permit to operate due to three or more violations of the Stockbridge Short Term Rental Bylaw. (Advertising rental space for more people than are allowed by the size of the septic system as determined by the Health Department.

An initiative by Tom Erwin from Dalton for paint disposal was endorsed by the SB.

The Town Administrator reported that the Horse Trough and Cat and Dog Fountain, fixtures on Main Street, will be repaired and returned by spring. Paving will resume in spring and the new crosswalks will be repainted in spring.

Also we should have a full count of all short-term rentals in Stockbridge from the consultant very soon.

A draft letter proposed to be sent to EPA New England from all five towns (Lee, Lenox, Stockbridge, Sheffield and Great Barrington) about transport of the PCBs is attached — click here to read and comment. The SB will vote to approve or reject sending the letter at the next SB meeting.

Click here to read the draft letter to the EPA. Please send comments to: townadministrator@stockbridge-ma.gov

News

Notes from Tri-Town Boards of Health, December 13, 2023, Hybrid

The Tri-Town Health Department FY25 Draft Budget Presentation included mention that the offices will relocate. No firm decision has been made, but one possibility is a building in Lenox for the future home of Tri-Town Health. 

Chair Charles Kenny offered a report on the meeting with MA Senator Paul Mark in which Dr. Kenny and Parker Rodrigues, Berkshire Railroad, delivered a strong case for rail being the better moder of transport of the PCBs with respect to health, safety, and cost.

News

Notes from Conservation Commission, December 12, 2023, hybrid

Harrison Pesce, Superior Propane did not attend and report on actions taken to satisfy local bylaws.

John Hart, an abutter of 13 Rattlesnake Road, reported on the excess wet soil on the property. It was so wet to such a depth that Sally Underwood Miller sunk in almost to her knees and an excavator also sunk very deep into the mud and had to be hauled out. It raises concerns. Although Underwood-Miller pointed out the wet soil may not mean hydric (making a lot unbuildable) voiced concerns about the amount of clear cutting — trees taken down — only 10,000 square feet is allowed. There was also concern about no notification to abutters, and wet soil. Consultant David Cameron noted that ten days elapsed since approval to build and therefore complaints would no longer be reviewed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The Certificate of Compliance for 19 Lakeview was approved.

At 82 Interlaken, changes were made based on the last ConCom meeting including making the second dock a floating dock, moving the driveway, and assuring ConCom there was “no intention” to sell second lot. The Amended Order of Condition was voted and approved as was the extension to compete building.

The Rufo property on North Church is for sale. An endangered species was discovered on the lot precluding building — the plan is to sell and preserve.

Certificate of Compliance for 50 Lake Drive required site visit as did request to demolish and rebuild house and garage on .46-acre lot at 6 Maple Lane.

News

Notes from Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), December 11, 2023, hybrid

HPC met to consider applications for alterations at 6 Main Street (Proctor Hall) and 24 Pine Street. 

Pam Sandler is the architect on both. 24 Pine (at the corner of Pine and Vine Streets) is a small shingle-clad house. The Commission determined it was not in the historic district and not individually listed as an historically significant house. Moved that it was not a significant historic building. Therefore, work can proceed. Passed.

6 Main Street is a significant historic building — listed on the Register of Historic Places and within the Main Street Historic district.

The work on the interior creating an entrance with atrium and another entrance with direct access to the elevator, classrooms, offices, bathrooms, Arlo Guthrie’s jail cell, and more, on the main floor are outside the jurisdiction of the HPC as are the minimum alterations on the second floor creating a commercial kitchen and preserving the large community room.

The alterations to the exterior are within the jurisdiction of HPC. 

Sandler said the building is actually two buildings: the original Town Hall was spun around and moved to back of site with the new addition in front. The restoration will preserve and reuse original elements and correct changes made to the building in later years returning the façade to the original. HPC moved that it was an historically significant building, but the alterations were not substantial. Passed and work can proceed.

News

Notes from Sewer and Water Commission, December 5. 2023, hybrid

Camp Mahkeenac and Lake Drive Association were both present to inquire about the Sewer Master Plan. When will it be done? Where will the sewer be extended and when. The Camp is facing an issue very soon and would prefer to spend money to connect to Town sewer rather than building separate sewage plant (septic system).

Apparently, there will be a report (final or preliminary?) in January.

News

Notes from Agricultural and Forestry Commission (AFC), December 4, 2023, hybrid

The last forestry plan was submitted in 2021 and another is due.

Farmer’s Market — six farms have expressed interest. In the meanwhile, the manager hired has been working with Heaton Court and Berkshire Bounty on “The Mobile Market” — a program to deliver fresh food to those who need and want it.

The plans for composting at the Transfer Station continue. Everyone seems supportive. Of concern: sufficient space at the transfer station for bins, addressing the problems of bears, and odors.

Patrick White attended and discussed housing for farm workers. To farm, we need housing from April to November in a tight and expensive real estate market. White arranged a Zoom meeting between AFC members and Anne Gobi, Rural Affairs for the Commonwealth, to discuss the issue and “brainstorm” solutions. White invited members of AFC to attend.

News

Notes from Board of Assessors, December 4, 2023, hybrid

Real estate tax abatements (3) and automobile abatements (2) approved in November in executive session following November meeting.

Chapter 61 of the Massachusetts General Laws allow tax reductions for land preserved as forestland, agricultural land, and recreational land. Some approved lands must remain “nonproductive” while others may be productive in activities allowed by law. The tax exemptions are renewed every ten years through application. This year there was one request for renewal. Since there was no change in the acreage or other conditions in the one application for renewal, Blay assumed it would be renewed.

2024 tax bills were due on December 8, 2023.

Selectman Patrick White noted that on the tax bill it seemed easier to select a contribution to the educational fund than to the fund for seniors. He suggested they be equally easy to select.

Moved to close meeting and open executive session to consider real estate tax exemptions.

Editor’s note: Stockbridge Updates requested from the Assessor the complete list of lands in Stockbridge approved under Chapter 61. Click under SU FYI to review. 

News

Notes from the Conservation Commission, November 28, 2023, hybrid

Harrison Pesce, Superior Propane, formerly Osterman Propane, reported on work at their property with respect to storm water run-off, and 23000 square feet of impervious surface. To satisfy Stockbridge bylaws, they must determine distance to the resource area and determine if certain tanks are empty. Superior was asked to document their presentation at the next ConCom meeting as local laws have been skirted in the past.

82 Interlaken — permits granted two years ago, but White Engineering, on behalf of the Brause family, is requesting an amendment to their Order of Conditions. 

Consultant David Cameron was asked to comment but was unable. He was on Zoom and therefore could not see the plans and documents. No one on Zoom could. It seemed, though, that they were asking for major changes — moving the driveway “12 feet to the south.” That driveway will cross more than one lot line. There are three separate and contiguous lots owned by the Brauses, what happens if they sell one and driveway bridges more than one? Also, since there is more than one lot — they are requesting more than one dock — the bylaw allows one per property.

Ben Handy, native arborist, requested an emergency permit to remove a red oak on Shamrock Street which is leaning dangerously. Permit granted on condition that three trees are planted when the one old tree is removed.

News

Events

Stockbridge Senior Center December 20, 11am — 1pm. Enjoy a meal of lasagna, salad, garlic bread and a special dessert from Devonshire Estates. Jack Gremli will be entertaining us on piano with a game of trivia and a sing along. 

Norman Rockwell Museum: Rockwell’s Life & Art Guided Tours Throughout December

at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm

Discover Rockwell’s artistry, the social impact of his storytelling, and learn about the arc of his life and career. Tour includes highlights from the new exhibition Winter Wonderland. Tour & talk with a Museum docent; 40 min.

Vacation Week Family Activities

December 26, 28, 29

11:00am — 2:00pm

During December School Break Week, enjoy fun-filled family art-making activities inspired by the colorful stories of Leo Lionni. Join in on a story time of a classic Leo Lionni book.

Free for children!

Berkshire Botanical Garden: December 16, Winter Tree Identification; December 16, Chainsaw Maintenance; January 6-7: Plant Propagation; January 10-12: The Language of the Flowers on Vellum.

News

SU FYI

Help out the Town Administrator’s new initiative and fill out the Internet for All survey.

Congratulations, Selina Lamb, you won! Birch Realty and Lamb were in the top three People’s Choice for Berkshire County and #1 Realtor. 

Click here to review all properties in Stockbridge with Tax Exemptions under Chapter 61 of Mass General Laws. For further explanation, read Notes from the Board of Assessors below) 

The Berkshire Botanical Garden has wreaths! Visit the BBG Pop-Up Shop for wreaths and amaryllis! Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 8:30am to noon.

Conservation Commission — As is customary, the Conservation Commission will not hold its regularly scheduled meeting on the 4th Tuesday in December. 

Tuesday, December 26, 2023, 7:00pm, Stockbridge, MA — Town Hall & Remote via Zoom

We wish you all a happy holiday season and New Year!

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

To the Editor:

In November I received an email from Christine Goretti who works at the highway garage. She wanted to know the history of the lights on the town holiday tree so that she could ensure that the tree was ready for the holiday season. Christine took the initiative, time, and care to find out what the history of the tree was. After speaking with Christine, I knew that the tree was in very good hands and would be beautiful for the holiday season and the annual Christmas in Stockbridge festivities. Thank you to Mike Canales for recognizing that Christine was the right person to oversee this project and our very sincere thanks to Christine for making the tree look the best it has ever looked.

Sincerely, Kate Fletcher and the former town holiday tree volunteers GeGe Kingston, Gary Pitney, and Bob Jones

To the editor: 

It is absolutely wonderful to have the Stockbridge Library Museum & Archives open again.

If you look to the right as you enter the door of the museum, you will notice a plaque on the wall. Mrs. Wilcox and Mrs. Pierce are each recognized for 30 years of service. They preserved the history.

There is a person who dedicated 23 years to the museum and who was responsible for designing and creating the new museum both times it was reconstructed. There seems to be no one on the library board who knows the history or appreciates the museum staff contribution to keeping the history accessible. The third person who deserves to be on that wall into the museum is Barbara Allen.

Gary Allen, Lee

Perspective

Some Thoughts on 2023

Another year has come and gone here in Stockbridge, and I’ve been looking back on a few things that struck me as noteworthy.

The Children’s Chimes will sound again, taking us back to the days of 2017! Repairs are complete. Thanks to all in town who worked on this and voted the funds.

We are poised to make more headway on our supply of unaffordable housing at the Elm Court property. We have done well with unaffordable housing, whether we meant to or not.

The Memorial Day Parade honored our veterans, very special people. The parade was also a tribute to one of the greatest small towns in America. Including sunny blue skies and plenty of hot dogs. Classic!

The Stockbridge Bowl Commission has disappeared, having not met for several months. Any information on its whereabouts will be greatly appreciated. It’s not like Stockbridge to lose a Commission.

Speaking of the Bowl, the boat launch was packed with more than 60 vehicles for a huge fleet of kayakers, gathered to celebrate the summer solstice in June. Blessed with a beautiful evening on the water, and appreciation for what it means to so many.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Week in June was also a memorable experience. Unsafe air quality does not sound like the Berkshires. All the more reason to respect our overworked trees and conserve what we can.

Forty per cent turnout!! Yes!! That was the registered voter turnout for the town election this year. The best we have done in ages. We can do even better — keep it up!

We realized that the Housatonic River PCB cleanup was mostly arranged behind closed doors between GE and local officials. Big scoops of poison sludge will be loaded onto huge trucks. Like toddlers and their sand toys at the town beach? It sounds like it will work about as well to clean PCBs from the river. No other issue this year was so pressing and critical to Stockbridge and the region. The biggest story this year, and for years to come.

And finally, a full circle story, the return of the north slope of Monument Mountain to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation. Does land really belong to us, or do we belong to the land? A welcome return of Mohican stewardship. More than ever, we have much to learn about our heritage as we look ahead.

Perspective

Reflections While Binge-Watching Ted Lasso 

The world feels heavy. Every corner I turn, it’s there. So much pain: are we being asked to grieve, to weep, or to carry it? 

Even the feel-good movie, Ted Lasso, held pain. It didn’t ignore it. It did not ignore our flaws, eccentricities, keen differences, vulnerabilities, or our quest for romantic love and connection. By not bypassing pain, and longing, Ted Lasso celebrated our humanity, our hearts, our differences, our desires to be whole and accepted, our desire to be good at the very core of our beings, our desire to be loved for who we are, and never to stop trying to be our absolute best selves. 

That quest is not a straight line. It is actually a wild ride. How do we do it in this world full of killing, guns, hate, racism, antisemitism, and terrorism? The only answer I can find is: with the quest for peace, kindness, empathy, and love.

So, I ask myself, how do I show up? How do I navigate the hidden fears created by the energetic zeitgeist of unease? 

I think it’s to state it, to honor the pain, and do the work. We can grieve the pain, weep for it, but it’s not ours to hold. It is ours to be the light. To offer a healing path to those who can hear and resonate with our message and words. 

Forgiveness is the path forward. First of yourself. Do not judge or loathe yourself or blame yourself for not being perfect. Then compassion for all humans. We have no idea what’s rolling around in anyone’s head. What they were taught, how they were conditioned, or what trauma is stored in their body.

Acts of kindness. A smile. Eye to Eye connection. A hug. A beam of love from your heart to theirs. To catch yourself in judgment and stop it. Turn it into curiosity. Turn it into ascension, ascending from judgment to compassion on the path to find a glimmer of the divine spark within yourself.

Make it your choice to be kind. To be curious. 

I am asking myself to step up and show up — stare the ugly hate in the face. Feel the feelings. Stand in the fire of confusion, of disbelief, of chaos, but not linger there because I know that love is the only path forward.

by Carole Murko

Remembrance

Remembering John

(John Beacco 1942 – 2023)

The Softer Side of John Beacco, Jr.

By Christopher James (Kip) Beacco

Over the years I’ve run into many people who, when learning my last name, are moved to mention John Beacco, the Stockbridge selectman, and/or the Monument Mountain social studies teacher they had back in high school. It is true that these lifelong pursuits define a large part of his character, and deservedly so. However, when I think of my Dad, other than an unwavering support of and love for his family, it is his enormous love of animals that stands out.

Many people may not be aware of the softer side of John Beacco. For my entire life I have been surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, goats, a donkey, chickens, a rooster, geese, ducks, and even a high school lab rat that needed a home for summer vacation one year. When he wasn’t teaching and inspiring young students or sitting in a town meeting trying with all his might to stop or slow the almighty wheel of progress, one could find him raking out his horse stalls, or wrapping his goats in their winter coats to stave off the shivers. You would never see him driving his pickup truck around town without at least one dog in the front seat, and often there would be two. 

John Beacco was the kind of guy who would not drive by a turtle in the road without stopping to help it cross safely. The kind of guy who refused to let his son return a rescue dog that proved too much to handle. In fact, at the age of 70+ years, he took that rescue dog in and raised and loved her like she was one of his own children. In fact, while I sat with him for the last two weeks of his life, as his speech slowed to one or two words at a time, one of the few things he called for was ‘Rodeo’. He had to be sure she didn’t miss her dinner, that she was safe and sound, and couldn’t jump the fence. I promised him she was safe at home, anxiously awaiting his return. I am extremely grateful to have brought him home for his last two days to rest comfortably, and more importantly, to be with Rodeo one last time. That meant the world to him, I am sure of it. 

Thank You, John Beacco

by Bruce Blair

The passing of John Beacco, long time Selectman and steward of Stockbridge, is a sad loss, but his words are still with us. They remind us that unfettered vision has become a rare gift, conservative values were once about conserving, that we must be a unified community, committed to Stockbridge, if we want it to stay Stockbridge.

In 1988, John wrote:

“Our town is one of many that decry the erosion of a dignified and caring way of life. As people witness the disappearance of open space, forests, and meadows, the words ‘greed’ and ‘avarice’ are often heard to account for undesirable change. Increasingly there is a consciousness that there is something wrong when developers are willing to impact the environment with expensive living quarters for part-time residents while others are denied a home. And to satisfy conspicuous consumption, unattractive strips of commercial venture are laid out and the Berkshires take another step toward environmental disaster.” 

In 1987, John wrote: 

“There is an indefinable something about Stockbridge that, through the years and even today with all the changes, keeps it recognizable as the ‘heaven’ so many have attributed to it. But as the Berkshires rapidly deteriorate, can Stockbridge keep its character; can it remain an oasis surrounded by fast-food places, commercial strips, and unregulated development? This then is an overriding concern of the representatives of the townspeople. It permeates many of the decisions of town boards.”

Thank you, John, for your years of service and the broadness of your vision, John, and bless you. You will be missed.

JOHN BEACCO: My Life-long Friend, Mentor, Coach, and Colleague

By Terry Flynn

Playing for Williams H.S., John was a dominant shooter in Berkshire County basketball, and a dominant pitcher, catcher, and hitter in baseball. He went on to catch for Amherst College and to coach our Championship Babe Ruth Team. He was the best coach I ever had-a true student and teacher of the game.

At Monument, John inspired both his students and colleagues to delve deeply into the past and present, to look carefully at the forces influencing human perception, to consider the implication of these forces for their own lives, and to respect and express their own sense of things. His life as an educator was shaped by both his powerful intellect and his empathy for and understanding of others. He deepened the way hundreds of students looked at life, and year after year, he found ways to lift students whom others were writing off, letting them know how much they mattered and how much potential they had.

John loved Stockbridge. He loved natural and human-made beauty. He valued frugality. He loved simplicity. He loved deep and honest thought; and, he brought courage, empathy, wisdom and practical judgement to his efforts to defend and nurture the aspects of life he loved. During his tenure, he connected with a wide variety of people in town, and his legacy is still protecting Stockbridge today. No other person in my lifetime has guided the town better than John.

John retired in 2001, and since then, he has sent me thousands of e-mails, covering a vast array of topics. Most were just a line or 2, and many just a word or 2, but they often produced continued conversation, as 2 best friends shared their worries and wisdom. We revisited Fromm, Koestler, Dostoevsky, and “For whom the Bell Tolls”. We traded lists of all the wonderful people we had known in town, looking at them warts and all, with gratitude, generosity, and humor. The true riches of our town. 

Early in 2023, John sent me a YouTube link to the Celtic Women singing “You Raise Me Up,” commenting: “They are beautiful in all aspects. Bring me balance.” I hope everyone reading this will go to this link and listen. This captures the essence of John’s e-mails to me: a 2-way street, as we lifted each other to our better selves. Click here to listen.

John Beacco
By Patrick White
As buzzwords go, one of my favorites is “giving back.” John never needed to give back, as he gave his entire life. He gave as valedictorian, as teacher, as coach, as leader, as father, as mentor. He lived a life writ large, a life of modesty, a life peppered with so much accomplishment because for him, to accomplish was the rule and not the exception. 
Running cross country for John often involved a ten-mile journey down Monument Valley Road, from the high school to 183 and back. We’d have to keep up, keep stride, match wits the entire run. It was cardio for the body as well as the mind, an hour amidst the bucolic beauty that is the Berkshires. It was, without question, the best part of those autumn days so long ago.
The word “virtue” comes from Latin, which originally meant the qualities desirable to be imbued within one’s character. Like the last page of a tale from the classics, John’s life has come to an end. May the memory of John long live on for his selfless devotion to the Town of Stockbridge.
Missing John
by Bob Jones, Chair, Lee Select Board
I had John as a Social Studies teacher in my senior year at Monument Mountain High School (MMRHS). As I was a genius at that time and knew everything, we were constantly butting heads and had a bit of an adversarial relationship.
Years later, when I started serving on Zoning Boards and, eventually on the Select Board in Lee, John would reach out, offering support and advice in his firm and almost unrelenting way. 
We had conversations as neighbors and colleagues and came to enjoy each other’s company. He is missed.