Editorial

Editorial: The Characters Who Formed Stockbridge Character

First a word: some find “character” a pejorative. In this case, it is a loving title for the grand and unique folk who shaped a grand and unique village.

Charles Southmayd, 1824 — 1911, Oxbow Farm, Stockbridge, was a New York lawyer and a prominent citizen of Stockbridge. He purchased land previously owned by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His law partners Charles Butler (Linwood) and Joseph Hodges Choate (Naumkeag) also maintained homes in Stockbridge.

Southmayd was said to look like a character out of Charles Dickens: round in the middle with a generous mouth, bulbous nose, and fringes of hair on either side of a bald head. Also, he was said to be boring. Every year for sixty years he sent the same message to his tailor: “Two suits like the last.” He was frightened out of Stockbridge by the Gentleman Burglar, and in love with a woman who did not love him. It is said he built Butler Bridge (one of the most beautiful in Stockbridge) to shorten the daily walk to her house. 

Diagnosed as bilious, he was restricted to drinking only water and milk. He ordered all his wine and liquor emptied out on the gravel path in front of the house. If he couldn’t drink it no one could?

Judging him mean, Natalie Sedgwick wrote, “Thousands of dollars’ worth soaked into the old world; enough to inebriate it and send it reeling out of its orbit.”

His junior partner, Choate was told, it was a lawyer’s duty “to accumulate and save his entire professional income.” Choate argued that was not always possible as “one must live.” Southmayd denied the logic of Choate’s argument. And yet…

Of Southmayd, Ellery Sedgwick, owner/editor of the Atlantic Monthly, wrote: “I want to pay Southmayd’s memory a personal tribute which I have carried in my heart for 60 years.

One day my father said to me, ‘Ell, if I am to save the old house, I must borrow $7,000 and I have decided to ask Mr. Southmayd for it.’ [It was 1866 and $7000 is equivalent to $136,000 today)

I see my father approach Southmayd’s door with the desperate look of the dead or doomed visible across his face. We were homeless; I had little doubt of it. Then suddenly the doorway flung open and out came my father, his ruddy face glowing with happiness. 

There was no need for words, but as we trotted home, my father kept exclaiming: ‘What a kind man! What a good man!’ 

Sedgwick added, “The full extent of Mr. Southmayd’s generosity my father never knew.”

In his will, Southmayd left the meadows Sedgwick put up as security to the Sedgwicks. 

Southmayd was undoubtably brilliant. Southmayd prepared the briefs Choate used to plead the case against income tax in 1894. The Supreme Court ruled income tax unconstitutional. It was 1913, with the Eighteenth Amendment, that the Constitution was amended and income tax allowed. 

Southmayd held that the right of property was foundational and therefore, any Act of Congress instituting the income tax would require an amendment to the Constitution. 

Asked how he won so handily, Choate said, “Most men are endowed with only five senses. Mr. Southmayd has a sixth— the sense of property.”

by Carole Owens , Executive Editor 

News

Events

Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell Museum presents: Mystery Narrative Still Life Workshop with Teresa Fasolino, April 27 at 11am — 3pm

This program is for all ages and is free with museum admission.

If you would like to attend the talk as well, you will be prompted to reserve your space in the checkout below your Museum Admission.

Join the Norman Rockwell Museum education team for a drop-in artmaking workshop inspired by the mystery book cover illustrations of Teresa Fasolino. Participants will be introduced to Fasolino’s multi-faceted artistic process and will have the opportunity to make a mystery still life painting of their own.

Artist Talk with Teresa Fasolino

April 27 at 3pm

$10 with museum admission. Members are free. Reserve your seat online. Seating is limited. If you plan to visit the galleries, please plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the start of the talk. Please note: museum admission is separate from the talk.

Join artist Teresa Fasolino and Norman Rockwell Museum Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett for a lively discussion exploring Fasolino’s richly painted illustrations for mystery book covers and detailing the fine art of creating memorable images that entice viewers to read the book without giving too much away. Fasolino’s work is featured in the current exhibition Mystery and Wonder: Highlights from the Illustration Collection.

Stockbridge Library

Stockbridge Library presents: Charlar y Comer (Chat and Eat): A Spanish Conversation Group – Monday, April 1, 2024, 5:30pm. Join other Spanish language learners of all levels for a guided group conversation

April Cookbook Club – Thursday, April 4 @ 12pm – 1pm. Prepare a recipe from this month’s cookbook and bring it to the library for a potluck and discussion.

Playdough Playdate (Ages 2+) – Friday, April 5 @ 10:30 — 11:30am

Owen Lewis: Poetry and Aging – Saturday, April 6 @ 3pm — 4:30pm

Democratic Caucus to Endorse Democratic Candidates in Town Election

SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY APRIL 13, 2024, 10am, Town Offices 

Local Elections

Last Day to Submit Nomination Papers (with 25 signatures) is tomorrow! 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 and returned papers:

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

News

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.

News

Town of Stockbridge Fire and EMS Inter-Municipal Agreement Advisory Committee, March 20, 2024, Hybrid

Please see Stockbridge Fire Chief’s excellent report above. Stockbridge is a community of involved citizens that cares and really appreciates being informed. 

Stockbridge Updates wants to take this opportunity to thank the Fire Chief, Police Chief, School Superintendent, and Town Administrator for keeping us informed through the SU series “From the Desk of..” 

If you have a question for one of our officials, send it to me, SU will get an answer and post the answer.

News

Select Board meeting, March 21, 2024, Hybrid

According to the bylaw, there are nine members on the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC) — 7 voting and 2 nonvoting. The purpose of SBSC is an advisory group to the Select Board as they work together to protect Lake Mahkeenac and its watershed. SB appointed the following:

Harbor Master Gary Kleinerman, statutory advisor and attendee, non-member. 

Two non-voting members: Rachel Rivest and Louis Korman. 

Seven voting members: Michael Nathan, Tom Fynan, Laurie Richman, Don Chabon, Jamie Minacci, Daniel Pincus, Sally Underwood Miller, 

The SB also considered placing an article on the Warrant that would change two local government positions, town clerk and tree warden, from elected to appointed positions. There was discussion about the possible pros and cons but no vote was taken. Instead, the SB will decide at the next meeting (April 4). 

Member Jamie Minacci said these should not be elected positions because they were “too specialized.” Chair Chuck Cardillo said if Town Clerk were appointed, the SB and Town Administrator would have “a little more authority over the position.” Member Patrick White said that if appointed, the positions could be filled by anyone; if elected they could only be filled by town residents. Cardillo explained if approved by the Town at Town Meeting on May 20, then votes for Tree Warden would be void May 21. (Town Clerk is not on the ballot this year).

Discussion relative to the 2025 budget: should the Town take out a five-year note to purchase $580,000 of highway department equipment considering the interest would be approximately $90,000?

Should transfer station permit fees be increased by $15 (from $50 – $65) to increase revenue?

Should Town Lifeguards be eliminated to decrease costs? Decision also related to liability — if beach posted “no lifeguard” Town may have less liability for accident or injury.

Discussion related to the Warrant: should SB place an article on the Warrant to establish a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit on the town’s streets that don’t already have an established regulation. Town roads with speed limits already posted as a result of a speed study will be excluded, and so will state highways. According to Canales, roads that do not fall under the proposed 25-mile-per-hour speed limit by virtue of having had a study establishing their speed limits include Glendale Middle Road, Prospect Hill Road, Mahkeenac, West Hawthorne, Yale Hill, and Lee roads, as well as state routes – Routes 183, 102, and 7.

Unanimously approved.

Upbeat

SU FYI Stockbridge Upbeat Updates

Thank you, Marie Raftery. 

Marie has served this Town in various capacities for many years. She was Stockbridge Representative to Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. She was both a member and vice chair of the Planning Board. She was Town Representative to the Stockbridge Bowl Association and member of the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission (SBSC). As Marie limits her involvement, we want to say, Marie, thank you for all you have done.

Stockbridge Updates thanks everyone with the courage, commitment, and generosity to step up, run for office, accept an appointment, or volunteer to serve Stockbridge.

Congratulations Volunteers in Medicine (VIM)!!

VIM is Twenty Years Old! For twenty years VIM has been working providing an equal opportunity for a healthy life.

On Thursday July 25, 2024, VIM is throwing a party. Mark your calendar — details to follow.

Perspective

From the Desk of the Town Administrator, Michael Canales

The town of Stockbridge is gearing up to facilitate a pivotal public input session designed to gauge the community’s needs and optimize the advantages of high-speed internet access across various vital sectors, including economic prosperity, healthcare, education, and civic engagement.

Set to take place on April 13th at 3 p.m. at the Stockbridge Library, this session promises enlightening presentations by Berkshire Regional Planning Commission staff. These presentations will delve deep into the comprehensive statewide digital equity initiatives. These initiatives encompass accessing federal and state funding aimed at bolstering high-speed internet accessibility, addressing affordability challenges, and augmenting the digital literacy of Stockbridge residents.

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute has graciously extended an opportunity for Stockbridge to apply for funding of up to $100,000. This funding is specifically allocated for initiatives directed towards enhancing internet accessibility, providing essential skills training, and reinforcing the infrastructure within the community. The insights gathered during this session will be instrumental in determining the most effective utilization of these funds for the community’s benefit.

This project places a special emphasis on supporting populations that have been disproportionately affected by the digital divide. This includes individuals living in poverty, older adults, veterans, persons with disabilities, those facing language barriers, members of racial or ethnic minority groups, individuals who are currently or formerly incarcerated, residents in rural areas, and the youth.

The funding for this crucial planning activity has been made possible through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. It is noteworthy that this funding has been allocated from the Massachusetts ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund, emphasizing the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to essential resources for all communities.

Perspective

From the Desk of the Stockbridge Fire Chief, Vincent Garofoli

The Town of Stockbridge Fire and EMS Inter-Municipal Agreement Advisory Committee convened for its March meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Town of Stockbridge Select Board Meeting room. The primary agenda items included reviewing the comprehensive study conducted by JB Consulting Group, LLC, and assessing a preliminary proposal by the Town of Lee for joint Fire and EMS services under the Lee Fire Department.

The JB Consulting Group, LLC study meticulously analyzed Stockbridge’s current Fire and EMS capabilities and proposed changes to enhance service delivery. Three proposed models were examined, all indicating significant improvements with the implementation of a full-time 24/7 staffed Ambulance in Stockbridge. Furthermore, cross-training Ambulance staff as Firefighters demonstrated enhanced Fire service delivery. Additionally, the study identified the construction of a new satellite station in the Larrywaug Crossroad or West Stockbridge Road area as crucial for optimal Fire and EMS service provision.

Following a thorough evaluation of Lee’s proposal, the Stockbridge Fire and EMS Inter-Municipal Agreement Advisory Committee opted to not recommend the offer. Instead, the committee is committed to developing a delivery model managed by the Stockbridge Fire Department. This model prioritizes incorporating an Ambulance licensed under the Stockbridge Fire Department and welcomes future discussions with the Town of West Stockbridge regarding a potential Inter-Municipal Agreement, pending completion of their JB Consulting Group, LLC study.

The committee emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to a 24/7 staffed Fire and EMS model to ensure sustained service excellence. The proposed model’s details are expected to be finalized for presentation to the Town of Stockbridge Select Board before the Annual Town Meeting in Spring 2025.

It’s crucial for Stockbridge residents to recognize that while current Fire and EMS services are adequate, long-term sustainability requires proactive measures. The establishment of the Fire and EMS Inter-Municipal Agreement Advisory Committee underscores the Town of Stockbridge Select Board’s commitment to safeguarding the community against future declines or interruptions in essential services.

Perspective

Our Latest Update, and Hopefully Our Last…

We have negotiated an exit strategy as regards the ongoing dispute with the Gas Companies (Berkshire Gas and Superior Plus) that are operating an industrial business in a residential zone at 9 Lee Road in Stockbridge.

The reason that we entered into negotiations are numerous, but we will attempt to sum them up here:

1. We would have needed a unanimous ruling by the Stockbridge Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) that our zoning appeal be upheld. The Gas Companies had made it crystal clear that even if we were successful, they would be appealing the ZBA’s decision, and they would not give up the right to further appeals, if necessary for them to attain their satisfactory outcome.

2. If we were unsuccessful, and the ZBA did not unanimously rule in our favor, then the Gas Companies would be allowed to operate 24/7/365 unencumbered. While we could have appealed the ZBA ruling, we had made an internal decision based on our time, energy and cost, that we would choose to not appeal the ZBA ruling if they chose to rule against us.

Because of the above, we felt it prudent to negotiate in good faith, rather than wait for the ZBA to render their decision.

So where are we today? As with agreements of this sort, our agreement with the Gas Companies does not allow us to publicly discuss the agreement itself. Rest assured that if the Gas Companies do not follow the agreement as is very specifically laid out, we will be filing a complaint with the Stockbridge Building Inspector, who is our Zoning Enforcement Officer, and if necessary, we will be back before the ZBA. We strongly believe that their negotiating this agreement, and then choosing to disregard it, would have the strong potential of putting the Gas Companies in peril of not being able to operate their business in a residential neighborhood. If this were to happen, we could only hope that the appropriate town entities would come to this epiphany as well, and that the legal costs would not be solely borne by us again, but rather the town would step in on behalf of our neighborhood and all the residents of Stockbridge.

If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

by David Adler

Perspective

Looking Ahead

Hey Stockbridge, it seems like a long way off. But it is not. The day is coming when we will routinely drive Rt 183 to Lenox behind a dump truck carrying 14 tons of toxic PCB sludge, or slurp coffee on our Main St. as the Diesel Particulate Matter from toxic exhaust settles on our croissants. We will routinely hear the roar of many new machines and heavy vehicles. Be amazed by new lighting for work areas. And this will be for years…

Norman Rockwell’s town has been poisoned, along with too many others. Now the price will be paid.

You may wonder about property values as the years of PCB removal work drag on. You may wonder about impact on local businesses, the fumes, noise, and traffic for the major non-profits on Rt. 183 and businesses on Main St. You may wonder about the health of your family, kids, friends, pets. You will be asked to trust the very organization responsible for the disaster to regulate the safety of the clean-up. And you will wonder if you can really clean the river with dredging. How did that work out over on the Hudson?

What about using trains to move the toxic waste? Not gonna happen. GE is an army of lawyers and bottomline executives with massive funds. We are volunteer governments and citizens, most of whom were cut out of the secret wheeling and dealing to finalize GE’s agreement to clean up its mess. Towns took the payoffs and Lee was stuck with the dump.

What about thermal desorption? Expensive, but more efficient and effective, safer. It destroys PCBs. Is it not better to destroy the PCBs on site then dump them in Lee? But that’s not the bottom line. We are not the bottom line. GE money is the bottom line. Per one of its 2023 Annual Reports, GE tells us “…our values are embedded in the purpose of building a better world.” This is great! Show us the values! Show us the better world! Can we get ours back after what you have done?

What’s that? It’s too late to do anything about switching to trains and dumping the dump? It all been settled legally on our behalf? Wow, that’s a relief! Now, if we could just dredge up some of those embedded values we might understand.

by Bruce Blair

Perspective

Structure of the Stockbridge Annual Town Meeting 

I am an Investor Relations Professional and a resident of Stockbridge. I do not have expertise in town governance, but it has struck me that the format of the Town Meeting could benefit by an Investor Relations mindset and approach. 

The goals of the Stockbridge Annual Meeting (I presume) are:

1) Inform the voters of the financial condition of the town

2) Enable voter participation in economic decisions of the town

3) Assure voters that the town’s operations and finances are in good hands and are being well-managed

These goals are similar to those of an investor meeting (absent the voting on operational budget items). If we draw a parallel to an investor meeting, the select board is the Board of Directors, the Town Administrator is the CEO, the department heads are the operational management and subject matter experts, and the taxpayers are the investors.

It would be more meaningful to begin with an overview presentation by the Town Administrator, and then mini presentations by the department heads (at least those who have the most warrants to be approved and/or the most controversial line items). 

Sample Agenda:

Presentation (with slides) by Town Administrator

Explain year to year changes in revenue

State projected budget (if all warrants are approved) compared to last year’s actual expenses 

Highlight the five largest items up for vote at the meeting and state that detail will come with the Dept. Head presentation 

(I know that some of this data is currently provided in a handout) 

Presentation (with slides) by Dept Heads 

Proposed budget compared to last year’s actuals

Major changes (represented by warrants) and explanations of why they are necessary.

Ask if there are any questions

When questions have been answered, the moderator will 

Ask for approval of all relevant warrants 

The Select Board

The most appropriate role for the Select Board is a strategic one since they are the elected town leadership. Being mindful of not making the meeting too long, some possible roles:

1. Recount accomplishments from the prior year

2. Raise and provide status on 2 or 3 “Hot Button” issues

3. Give a summary of upcoming issues and encourage voters to attend their meetings

4. Do a general Q and A for 15 minutes

These ideas are just “food for thought” on how one might make the annual meeting more cohesive and informative.

by Judith Wilkinson

Perspective

Be A Better Gardener: Co-Existence and Drawing a Line

Personally, I always rooted for Mr. McGregor. Even as a child, I was outraged that Potter allowed Peter Rabbit to ravage the McGregor garden and then escape scot-free.

My current relations with rabbits are more peaceful. [When rabbits] began feasting in our vegetable garden, I simply installed a fence. I’ve learned that the so-called “pest-resistant” plants I once favored remained free of damage because they were imports from abroad that didn’t support any of our indigenous insects and thus made no contribution to the food chain. I’ve also moved away from chemical pesticides. Initially, this was because of health concerns, but experience has taught me that when left alone, garden insects typically establish a balance between plant-eaters and their predators so that damage remains at a tolerable level.

There are exceptions, such as Japanese beetles and spongy moth caterpillars. These both originated outside of North America and when they were imported [and] left their predators behind and so proliferate here without the natural controls. Treating my lawn with milky spore disease, which kills Japanese beetle’s immature grubs, has reduced that pest to a harmless level. When spongy moth caterpillars attacked my little apple orchard, I sprayed the young trees with a bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, that kills young caterpillars. By carefully targeting the spray, I avoided injuring the caterpillars of other moths and butterflies that inhabit my garden.

One effect of our more enlightened attitude toward wildlife has been the return to the landscape of creatures who had been exterminated regionally long ago. A large black bear, for example, wanders through my yard now on a regular basis. It’s a handsome creature and I rejoice in this evidence of the local ecosystem healing itself. I am not pleased, however, by the bear’s habit of tearing down my garden fence every time it visits. Last summer some creature stripped all the fruit from my dwarf cherry tree, and Suzanne found a pile of bear scat nearby. I assume that the bear, having once found a delicious meal in our garden is making sure that it doesn’t miss other opportunities. This worries me because the garden also includes young plum and pawpaw trees that hopefully will soon be adding to my harvest, and to the further whetting of the bear’s appetite. My research indicates that only a really powerful electric fence will deter the bear. I’m not looking forward to the Cool Hand Luke ambiance this will give my garden, nor to the $1,000 or more the materials are going to cost me and all the labor of installation.

So coexistence comes with costs. Setting limits is essential. Beatrix Potter wrote lovely stories, but they were fiction. 

by Thomas Christopher

Photography

BWHS Student Photography on Display at the Library

The students at the Berkshire Waldorf High School have an excellent display of their photographs at the Stockbridge Library. The class is taught by Geneve Brossard. Here is a small sample of their work. Stop in the library and see the whole exhibit.

Community

High-Speed Internet Community Forum at Stockbridge Library

Stockbridge Library and the Town of Stockbridge will be hosting a public input session to learn about the community’s needs in order to take full advantage of the economic, health, educational, and civic opportunities of high-speed internet access.

On April 13 at 3 p.m. at the library, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission staff will present on the statewide digital equity efforts, which will be accessing federal and state funding to improve high-speed internet access, address affordability challenges, and improve our community’s digital skill sets. The Massachusetts Broadband Institute is providing Stockbridge with the opportunity to apply for as much as $100,000 to improve internet access, skills training, and infrastructure. Input gathered at this session aims to identify how Stockbridge can best utilize those funds. The project is particularly focused on supporting populations who are most negatively impacted by the digital divide including people living in poverty, older adults, veterans, individuals with disabilities, people impacted by language barriers, members of racial or ethnic minority populations, incarcerated or formerly incarcerated, residents in rural areas, and youth.

This planning activity is funded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. Funding was provided by Massachusetts ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund.

by Wendy Pearson 

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

A new SU feature – Write A Rant (and put your rant right)

What really bugs you? What are your friends tired of hearing you go on about? Write it to Stockbridge Updates and let’s see if we can get your rant put right.

Dear Carole,

Thank you so much for your lovely note! I really am privileged to work for such an exceptional organization. The only words I would add to what you may be writing is that our co-founders Arthur Peisner and Matt Mandel will be honored at our GAlA. They have made extraordinary contributions toward the sustainability of ViM Berkshires and we look forward to celebrating with them, our donors, our volunteers and the community on July 25th. You may also want to mention that we are so proud of the opening of our new healthcare center in Pittsfield which has already been welcoming patients but is scheduled to celebrate the formal opening on May 2nd. Would love to see you there if you can make it!

Again, thank you so much for your note.

Warm regards, 

Nelson

Editor’s note: Nelson Fernandez is the Communications Director, VIM 

To Everyone at VIM: 

I cannot believe it has been twenty years. VIM has done a superb job in providing medical, dental, and psychological services to those who otherwise might not have them.

Best wishes for the next twenty years.

Carole Owens

Thank you, Carole, for this courageous, heart-warming piece today [The Berkshire Edge, March 26, 2024].

Sharon Gregory 

To the Editor:

In the last issue of Stockbridge Updates, there was a letter by Jim Bafanz supporting Gary Johnson’s run for Stockbridge Town Moderator. He made some statements. It turns out that an actual Moderator, Michael Wilcox, was saying Balfanz is wrong on the law and wrong on the facts.

I know because I followed the link he provided and I read the law, I also read the Moderator’s letter, and I read Carole’s web site www.owensmoderator.com, and I came to the conclusion that I support Carole for Moderator.

Vlada Rousseff

Vlada,

Thank you so much. I am deeply grateful for your support. Let me take this opportunity to encourage everyone to write letters of support to Stockbridge Updates for the candidates of their choice during this election cycle.

Carole

To the Editor:

Wanted to update you. For the last week or so, the post office in Stockbridge has once again begun to return mail and put an inked notice on mail that does not contain the PO Box. Especially from places that do not allow a PO Box to be used as a mailing address because it cannot be verified. Many places do this, which creates difficulties in utility bills, etc. being returned to sender. 

I thought this issue was taken care of as long as the street address was on the mail. Which can be verified by the sender.

I asked the post office about it again and they told me to put a slash next to the street address then put the PO Box number next to that when filling out online forms, etc.

I attempted that. Only to have the address rejected because of a PO Box. 

I can show you many envelopes that the post office recently marked up stating not a proper address because the PO Box is not there. I’ve also had mail returned to sender because of this.

James Lawson

Dear Mr. Lawson: 

I also learned that if you hand a letter with the proper POBox # in at the window at Stockbridge PO, they will not put it in the Stockbridge recipient’s box. They send it to Springfield, wait for it to come back, and then place it in the Stockbridge recipient’s box. Hard to understand why.

Carole

Dear Carole,

The saga continues: the Town of Lee has refiled its suit against Monsanto. The company produced PCB’s for decades, selling them for decades to GE and others. They were then dumped along roadsides, into landfills, in bodies of water, and most notably, into the Housatonic River. This went on for years. 

As early as 1972, Monsanto formally made GE aware of the harm to humans, animals, and the environment. In order to continue buying PCBs from Monsanto, GE consented to sign an indemnity agreement. 

PCBs were produced until 1977 and banned by the EPA in 1979. All through that period, and before, the residents of the Housatonic River corridor and beyond were exposed to these harmful “forever” toxins that continue to exist throughout the Berkshires and beyond. They will be with future generations long after we’re gone. 

Lee hopes to use the proceeds from a successful suit to leverage a better, more effective cleanup of the river, perhaps alleviating the absurd plan for a toxic waste dump in Lee. There are many “gray” areas in the agreement signed by five towns. This provides an opportunity for the Towns to leverage better terms in various areas such as transportation of toxins, where they will be stored, if they will be treated, how the cleanup is implemented, etc. This opportunity should not be wasted. 

Reminder: The Select Boards from Sheffield, Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lenox and Lee agreed to secret, closed door negotiations. The residents of these five towns were kept in the dark. The residents, from which the Select Boards authority is derived, were kept in the dark. It was only after the agreement was signed that we found out that only 20% of the toxins are estimated to be removed from the river; that a massive toxic waste dump (eleven stories high and multiple football fields in diameter would be built in Lee; that thousands of trucks would be hauling poisonous waste through our streets for over a decade; that GE never made an effort to explore transportation by rail as they initially agreed… Or, that remediation efforts, methods used successfully around the globe were, and are, being ignored. 

Time is short. The EPA’s mission is to support the implementation of this flawed agreement. This is their only mission. It is our mission to continue to aggressively push our representatives (local, State and Federal) to demand a more effective cleanup, a better plan. 

Best wishes, Bob

Editor’s note: Bob Jones is Chair of the Lee Select Board