Editorial

Editorial: Happy Women’s History Month

In a doff of the hat to women, here are some little-known facts. In 1871 Margaret Knight invented a machine that produced square-bottom paper bags. Charles Annan claimed credit for the invention. When he was challenged, he replied it was not possible for a woman to invent anything so clever. 

Nonetheless, a woman invented:

Duct Tape 

Vesta Stoudt, an ordnance-factory worker, and mother of two Navy sailors, worried that problems with ammunition box seals would cost soldiers precious time in battle. She wrote President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1943 and suggested sealing the boxes with a fabric tape that she created and tested at her workstation in the factory.

FDR handed the letter to the War Department. The War Department gave the specs to Johnson & Johnson to manufacture. After the war, Melvin A. Anderson Co of Ohio bought the rights from Johnson and Johnson and manufactured the tape for household repairs. When it was found ideal for repairing duct work, it finally got its name.

Not only did Stoudt not profit from her invention, but credit was given to Richard Drew of Johnson & Johnson.

The Car Heater

When she was cold, Margaret Wilcox invented a heater. When she was worn out, she invented both the washing machine for clothes and the dishwasher. She received a patent for the heater in 1893. Nonetheless Thomas Ahearn is given credit for the first electric car heater.

Monopoly

Play Monopoly? Are you fairly confident Charles Darrow invented the game? Certainly, he profited, but he based it on the Landlord’s Game invented by Elizabeth Magie in 1904. Magie carefully created the game and game board to expose injustices and promote Georgism — only own the value you create yourself. 

All the details of the game were stolen by Darrow who sold it to Parker Brothers in 1934. When caught, they paid Magie $500.

Spread Spectrum Technology

Actress Hedy Lamar was not just another pretty face. She invented a secret communications system during World War II for radio-controlling torpedoes and many other applications. Most importantly, the “spread spectrum” technology formed the technical backbone for cellular phones, fax machines and other wireless operations.

Lamar worked with George Anthiel. They received a patent for their invention in 1941. He was publicly credited immediately. Lamar was credited 56 years later in 1997. 

Fire escape, Life Raft, Solar Heating, Medical Syringe 

Yup — all invented by women but more often men profited. Are you sensing a trend here? Women do and men take a bow. The electric refrigerator and the ice cream maker were both invented by women.

The Computer

You may not have heard of Ada Lovelace. She was the first computer programmer (1842). You probably have heard of her co-worker Charles Babbage. Nonetheless it was her notes, not his, that were instrumental in developing the modern computer.

Touch-tone Telephone

Dr Shirley Jackson invented the technology that led to touch tone phones, caller ID, and call forwarding. 

The Grocery Bag

Women invented closed circuit, central heating, and Kevlar. To end where we began: Annan was granted the patent; Knight sued, won, and ever after was called, “Mother of the grocery bag.”

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

News

Events

Monument Mountain: Once Upon a Mattress

The National Honor Society at Monument Mountain High School is inviting local seniors to the final dress rehearsal of their Spring Musical, Once Upon a Mattress, on Wednesday, March 20th at 7 p.m. This is a free performance. Tickets are not necessary but they would like a count of those interested. Please let me know by March 19th if you are interested and how many tickets. Nancy Wilcox nwilcox@stockbridge-ma.gov

Berkshire Waldorf High School: Our Town

The students of BWHS of Stockbridge will present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town on March 15 at 2pm and 7pm and March 16 at 7pm at the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge, MA. Tickets are available at the door!

The Energy Efficiency Forum

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission presents “The Energy Efficiency Forum” — Wednesday April 10, 5:30pm — 8pm – Berkshire South Community Center

Learn how to save money on energy efficiency upgrades with Mass Save and other incentives. 5:30pm — 6pm complimentary refreshments and networking; 6pm — 7:30pm — guest speakers; 7:30 — 8pm Q/A

For more information and to RSVP go to www.berkshireplanning.org or call (413) 442-1521

Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum Exhibitions Now Open! — Mystery & Wonder: Highlights From the Illustration Collection

NEW! Virtual Exhibition: Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom

Between Worlds: The Art and Design of Leo Lionni

Norman Rockwell: The Business of Illustrating The American Dream

Rockwell Re-Interpreted: Highlights from the Permanent Collection

Norman Rockwell’s 323 “Saturday Evening Post” Covers

Stockbridge Library

Stockbridge Library is now accepting books for the annual book sale.

Stockbridge Library Museum Hours: Tuesday 1pm — 8pm; Wednesday and Thursday 1pm to 5pm; Friday 1pm — 5pm, and Saturday 9am — 2pm. Research by appointment.

Berkshire Art Center’s Annual Dance Party

Berkshire Art Center’s Annual Dance Party Returns on April 6 — 5:30pm on — at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. 

Discover the unexpected with this year’s theme, Rococo Raku Revelry.

5:30pm for guests attending “L’Apéro – Ooh La La!”, a cocktail party with first access to the Silent Auction, featuring ceramics from artists across the county (and more!). These guests can enjoy drinks at an open bar and snack on delicious bites while bumping elbows with talented artists from the Berkshire region before making their way inside the theater to dance the night away.

Tickets can also be purchased by guests to reserve a “Bento Box”, or a private opera box in the theater, complete with a bottle of bubbly from Spirited Wines and sweet treats from The Cake Lady. This ticket level includes “L’Apéro – Ooh La La!” & the dance party.

The dance party kicks off in the theater at 7pm for all guests, including General Admission ticket-holders, with music by DJ BFG and projections by local artist, Joe Wheaton, lighting up the stage. Partygoers are already devising their costumes as they creatively combine ornate French Baroque with Japanese minimalism. Just like in Berkshire Art Center’s art programs – there is no right or wrong way to express your creative self here! Come in your finest wigs & lapels, your Louis-heels and Pagoda sleeves, or wear it all. More more more meets less less less. Who will you be? 

Tickets $32 GENERAL ADMISSION 7-11pm: Dance Party

$125 L’APÉRO – OOH LA LA! 5:30-7pm: Enjoy drinks and bites while bumping elbows with our region’s talented artists! Guests will have first access to the Silent Auction – featuring ceramics from artists across the county (and more!). Includes General Admission.

$500 BENTO BOX Your own private opera box in the theater, complete with a bottle of bubbly & sweet treats. Includes L’Apéro – Ooh La La! & Dance Party.

To book these special tickets, call Berkshire Theatre Group directly: (413) 448-8084 x21

Questions? www.berkshireartcenter.org

News

Local elections

Last Day to obtain Nomination Papers is Friday, March 29, 5pm

Last Day to Submit Nomination Papers (with 25 signatures) is Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 5pm

Last Day to Object or Withdraw is Thursday, April 18, 2024, 5pm

Town Meeting May 20

Town Elections May 21

OFFICES FOR ELECTION:

3 Year Term

• Moderator
• Select Board
• Tree Warden
• Board of Assessors
• Board of Health
• Sewer & Water Commissioner
• Parks & Recreation

5 Year Term

• Planning Board
• Housing Authority

Candidates who have taken out papers:

• Don Schneyer: Water and Sewer
• Gary Pitney: Board of Assessors
• Charlie Kenny: Board of Health
• Nick Fredsall: Parks and Recreation
• Katie Szywd: Parks and Recreation
• Gary Johnston: Moderator
• Carole Owens, Moderator
• Anne Rabinowitz: Housing Authority
• W. Eric Egan: Planning Board
• Chuckie Cardillo: Select Board Member
• Lisa Sauer: Select Board

Candidates who have taken out and returned papers:

• Gary Johnston: Moderator
• Carole Owens: Moderator
• Katie Szwyd: Parks and Recreation
• Nick Fredsall: Parks and Recreation
• Charlie Kenny: Board of Health
• Gary Pitney: Board of Assessors
• Lisa Bozzuto: Tree Warden
• Anne Rabinowitz: Housing Authority
• Don Schneyer: Water and Sewer
• Chuck Cardillo: Select Board Member
• Lisa Sauer: Select Board Member

Get to Know the Candidates

Stockbridge Updates will spotlight all the candidates and invites all those running to send Stockbridge Updates the answers to The Candidates’ Q&A:

What prompted you to run?

If elected, what would be your primary focus?

What would you like voters to know about you?

In addition, SU will offer space for The Candidates’ Opening statements – 400 words or less posted in an issue between now and Election Day.

There are three contested races, (Select Board, Moderator, and Parks and Rec) but even if you are running unopposed, send your answers and your statement to SU — introduce yourself to the voters. An informed electorate is the bedrock of democracy.

Katie Szwyd running for Parks and Recreation 

Hi Carole,

Here are my answers to the Get to Know the Candidates questions.

What prompted you to run?

As a mother to two adventurous girls, I spend a great deal of time at our playgrounds and our town beach. I would love to participate in discussions, share my views, and actively participate in the committee that oversees these spaces. 

If elected, what would be your primary focus?

My immediate focus would be to address basic matters, such as much-needed repairs to playground equipment and facilities. Beyond upkeep, I would like to explore upgrades to our playground equipment. As an avid playground hopper, I’m aware of current trends in equipment and structures around Massachusetts and adopting some of these elements would help improve our playground experience all around. My other ideas include a summertime splash pad that fits Stockbridge’s aesthetic, a pavilion with picnic tables and game tables for enjoyment year-round, a seasonal communal concert series in the park, as well as bringing back our beloved ice-skating rink that I’ve heard so much about from our longtime residents. 

What would you like voters to know about you?

I love our town and I am blessed to raise my family here, just as I was raised here. I attended the Plain School and remember waiting in line excitedly for my turn to try the newly-installed swings. I watched my girls learn how to swim at the town beach. They learned how to ride (and fall off) their bikes at the skatepark, just like I did 25 years ago. I have formed many memories in our parks, both as a child and now as a mother, and I feel a responsibility to join in the conversation for their preservation and development. 

News

Meetings Canceled

Editor’s Note: Tuesday March 5 was presidential primary day and the 4:30 pm SEWER & WATER COMMISSION and the 6:30 pm PLANNING BOARD were cancelled

News

Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), March 4, 2024, Hybrid

AHT had discussed and approved a playground to be built at Pinewoods in the footprint of the old playground for a total cost of $40,000 – $10,000 from AHT and $30,000 from Town of Stockbridge. However, the plan presented was $46,000 and much larger — 3000+ sq. ft. rather than 1000 sq. ft. Pinewoods is the property of Construct Inc. which would have to approve the new plan. A meeting was planned.

AHT member Janet Ackerman reported the draft of the Housing production Plan (HPP) is complete. It is 100 pages long. The next steps are to present to other Town boards, committees, and commission, have another public meeting to share the plan and receive public comments, incorporate the new comments, and submit the finished copy to the Commonwealth for review and approval.

The Community Housing Forum will be on Thursday, March 28th at 6 pm in Town Offices. You can read the draft HPP here.

The discussion of a proposed vegetable garden at Pinewoods was as follows: AHT proposed a vegetable garden at Pinewoods, however, AHT cannot go forward without Pinewoods approval. The AHT grant application submitted to the Fitzpatrick Foundation to fund the project was turned down because Pinewoods did not approve, nor did Pinewoods submit, the proposal and only the owner can.

There was a brief discussion about applying for grants to offset cost of heating, install solar in Justice 40 communities as well as apply for community block grants — all to enable people to afford to stay in their homes.

News

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), March 6, 2024, Hybrid

The ZBA only meets when there is an appeal made to them. In this case, the Building Inspector (BI) cited David Rosenthal of 2 Field Road for not complying with the terms of a special permit. 

Rosenthal applied for a special permit to build an addition. The permit was granted on condition that he screen the neighbors’ view of the addition. 

The neighbor, Eric Plakun, who lives above and behind Rosenthal, complained. That may have started the process, but the Chair Thomas Schuler, explained, Plakun was not present and had no standing. The BI found Rosenthal was not in compliance, therefore, the matter was between the BI acting for the Town and Rosenthal who agreed to the condition. 

Rosenthal applied to the ZBA for relief on the bases that he had done extensive plantings (produced bills), had planted everywhere he could given the steep grade, and the addition could only be seen in winter.

ZBA denied his appeal. Rosenthal asked if he could appeal elsewhere. He was told he could apply to the Superior Court. 

News

Select Board (SB), March 7, 2024, Hybrid

David Potter, designer, and Eliabeth Goodman, attorney, requested a special permit for 6 Maple — a preexisting nonconforming house. The prior lot coverage was 8%, the proposed coverage will be 9.6%, under the 10% limit. The new house will be less nonconforming and it will not exceed the 35 ‘height limit. Approved.

Designer Potter and attorney Lori Robbins requested a special permit to build additions on 62 Lake Drive. Even with the additions, it will occupy the same footprint — approved.

Alcohol licenses for Berkshire Botanical Gardens approved.

Don Chabon and Sally Underwood Miller approved for seats on the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission. SBSC now has a quorum and can meet. For anyone interested, two seats remain open.

The rest of the SB meeting was about the budget. 

Canales said there will be costs for Highway Department equipment. The equipment could be replaced all at once or over time. 

Highway Superintendent Hugh Page said he understands it is a year when rising costs are hitting all at once everywhere in town.

Canales spelled out the cost benefits of borrowing versus using free cash — the cost of borrowing (as interest rates rise) and the problem of spending down reserves. He also talked about the relative costs of waiting to replace, for example, the cost of interim repairs of old equipment and the rising costs of new equipment versus a large expense in one year. 

Editor’s Note: Stockbridge has money in OPEB, dedicated funds, free cash and an excellent credit rating for borrowing so these are choices not crises. However, how we make them is important for the future of our village.

Thank You

SU FYI 

Thank you to John Roberts and John Clarke — artists with a gallery at 140 Park Street, Housatonic (the old mills) – for a wonderful gift, the fossil fern. To see more, visit their gallery. 

The fern fossils from St. Clair, Pennsylvania are world famous. These plant fossils occur in black shale matrix and have a characteristic white coating of the mineral pyrophyllite. These fossils are about 300 million years old. The fossil plants are associated with coal beds, since coal is the product of thick accumulation of decayed and compacted plant material.

Perspective

From the Desk of Peter Dillon

Superintendent of Schools, Berkshire Hills Regional School District

At Its meeting on the morning of Tuesday, January 30, 2024, the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Designer Selection Panel selected DiNisco Design, Inc. (DiNisco), in collaboration with William Rawn Associates (WRA), as the design firm for future improvements at Monument Mountain Regional High School.

The Designer Selection Panel (DSP), formed by the MSBA, included thirteen (13) appointed members by the MSBA and three (3) representatives of Berkshire Hills Regional School District, including the Superintendent of Schools, Peter Dillon, Stephen Bannon, School Committee Chair, and Jason St. Peter, School Building Committee Chair/School Committee Member. Following presentations from the two shortlisted firms, DiNisco/WRA and Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc., the District’s three (3) unanimous votes for DiNisco/WRA were favorably met for a majority selection of DiNisco/WRA.

Following successful contract negotiations, DiNisco/WRA has been approved to provide the Monument Mountain Regional High School project design and engineering services. DiNisco, serving as the prime architect, has teamed with consulting architect William Rawn Associates (WRA) for this Project due their successful partnership on past projects and WRA’s deep experience creating high performing spaces for the arts that are beloved by performers and patrons and will help us create a school that builds on BHRSD strong traditions.

DiNisco is a Boston-based architectural firm specializing in the public educational sector and understand the need to educate and inspire all students. Both firms have a strong presence in Western Massachusetts, includes DiNisco’s work in Springfield and Amherst with several elementary schools and a high school as well as WRA’s work at Tanglewood and Williams College. “Starting with Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood, the Berkshire Region has been a key part of our firm’s work. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Monument Mountain Regional High School and the communities it serves.” Sam Lasky, Principal, William Rawn Associates.

DiNisco has a 45-year track record of designing public schools in Massachusetts, collaborating with districts like the Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD) to help fulfill their educational goals with a school that supports their curriculum and provides optimal learning environments. WRA’s collaboration lends an added benefit to the project due to their recent experiences designing many public and private high schools across the Commonwealth. DiNisco is a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) certified by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). “We look forward to arriving at an inspiring and cost-effective solution that can be supported by town officials and citizens alike. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with BHRSD for what promises to be a transformative project.”, Donna DiNisco, President, DiNisco Design, Inc.

Since being accepted into the MSBA’s Feasibility Study Program in the Spring of 2022, the Monument Mountain Regional High School Building Committee has hired the Owner’s Project Manager, Skanska USA Building, Inc., the Designer, DiNisco/WRA, fulfilling the requirements of Module 2, “Forming the Project Team.”

The Project will now enter Module 3, the “Feasibility Study Phase.” The Project Team will work with the District and Stakeholders to develop a Preferred Design Project (PDP), due to be submitted to the MSBA this summer. 

The District is targeting a debt exclusion vote in the fall of 2025 to appropriate funding for the preferred project solution (all dates are subject to change). More information on upcoming community forums and educational visioning sessions will be shared with the community in the coming months.

Contact: Peter Dillon, Superintendent of Schools, Berkshire Hills Regional School District, (413) 298-4017 ext. 19. peter.dillon@bhrsd.org

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Good morning, Carole. 

I’ve just enjoyed reading your very informative Stockbridge Updates. This is especially helpful to me, as I don’t reside in Stockbridge, but I certainly am devoted to seeing its continued health and vitality!

Thanks for sharing information about the wonderful programming (and fun MAD Bash!) with your readers.

Best,

Hilary Dunne Ferrone

Carole,

Can you share in the next Stockbridge Updates?

Dear BHRSD Community, 

As detailed in a recent press release, the District has hired architects/designers to help us look at three possibilities for our high school through the Massachusetts School Building Authority process: 1) a renovation, 2) a renovation and addition, and 3) a new school. 

We’re very excited about this opportunity.

This is a call for volunteers.

In the coming weeks and months, we are forming several working groups to make recommendations to our Building Committee and participants for a visioning process. 

The 6 working groups will each have about 10 members. Those groups will likely meet monthly.

The visioning group will have 40 staff and students and 20 parents, partners and community members. The visioning group will meet 3 times each for 2.5 hours. The first two meetings will be on-line and the last one will be in person.

If you are interested, please complete the attached survey. We will look at responses, work to have a balance across our three towns, and reach back out. 

If you have other commitments now and would like to have input in the future, there will be more opportunities. We will need your feedback at several points. 

Thanks for your interest and support of our schools. 

Peter Dillon, Superintendent 
Steve Bannon, School Committee Chair
Jason St. Peter, Building Committee Chair 
peter.dillon@bhrsd.org

Carole,

The Agricultural and Forestry Commission (AFC) will be doing another tree seedling giveaway this year. The event will be held on Arbor Day, Friday April 26th from noon – 3pm.

We will have a table set up on the lawn of the Corner House, at the intersection of Main St and Elm St.

Seedlings will include American Hazelnut, Black Walnut, Witch Hazel and more. Distribution is limited to 2 seedlings/person.

This is a joint collaboration between the Austen Riggs Center Green Team, the Stockbridge AFC and students working in the greenhouse at Monument Mountain High School.

I would appreciate it if you could post this information in the April edition of SU.

And….. I have taken out nomination papers to run for the position of Tree Warden. I’ll submit the papers this week, and will send you answers to the questions you have posted for nominees to respond to. 

Thanks for all you do,

Lisa Bozzuto

Hi Lisa,

Don’t forget to send your answers to the questions in SU Get to Know the Candidates.

Thank you to you and all those willing to run for office and help run our town.

Best Carole

Dear Readers,

I just a heard a rumor, twice, that I am dropping out of the moderator race. Just to put that to bed and tuck it in nice and tight, I am running for moderator. And that’s no rumor.

Carole