Editorial

Editorial: The Characters Who Formed Stockbridge Character

Have you ever thought about how many schoolteachers stepped in and served our Town? Terry Flynn, Jack Spencer, John Beacco, and the one closest to me, but Miss Mary Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.

6:26 A.M. July 19, 2013, Mary Veronica Flynn died. In the intervening nine years people still ask — “What would Mary say? What would Mary do?” Mary was clear, sure, open, and right.

Our elderly lay alone in half-lit rooms waiting to die. The only sound is the TV — an imitation of people gathering. As Mary lay dying there were friends, flowers, gifts, cards, the constant slamming of the screen door and ringing of telephone as friends checked in.

“And in the end…the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

Spinster, teetotaler, Catholic, teacher, proselytizer, and politician: if there ever was a woman who was greater than the sum of her parts, it was Miss Mary. Neither the single descriptor, nor the total description was why she was so loved.

Mary was funny. She could tell you “Which trees make shingles” without making you mad. She could explain that she could not vote for you while simultaneously making you believe that she wished you well and valued you as a person. She was a shameless flatterer, yet no one dismissed her compliments. Everyone walked a little taller around Mary because they felt better about themselves. She called it her “empathy,” – the ability to compliment you for that thing you wished in your heart were true.

Contrary to what some thought, Mary did take advice from others. Two pieces resonated for her all her life. Her mother taught her: give a good dog a bone and a bad dog two bones. Her elementary school teacher told her: don’t bother being friends with the popular kids, they won’t value it; embrace the lonely, and they will be grateful for life. The second was easy to understand; it took all whole thirty years of our friendship before I understood the first.

We all hide our foibles and our failures. We are a country of liars and deniers – not Mary. She told you everything — the rough and the smooth. It made her open, honest, and the greater truth? It made her the consummate politician. She controlled the story; she brought us along on her journey.

Like all politicians, she loved to argue and debate, and it was never personal — never. Mary though that is how we reach the best decision.

She thanked everyone. She meant it; she never forgot a gift, a kindness, a helping hand. Even years later, she methodically repaid every kindness. Mary believed that was the soul of politics and Mary was simply the greatest politician in a time before that word was a pejorative.

What would Mary say? She would see what you did or listen to what you planned and say, “That’s not Stockbridge” with a teacher’s disapproving look, or she would say, “That’s Stockbridge” with warm approval.

The last time we spoke, I told her about my son’s engagement. He was a special love of hers, and like all good spinsters, she wanted him married. She fantasized about finding a girl for him. She was in some pain, weak, and facing her own mortality, but when she heard about the engagement, her whole face lit up and she said, “Things are falling into place.”

Yes, Mary, you are old and sick and leaving us, but you are deeply and genuinely happy because my son found love. That was why Mary was so loved: “in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

The last words she said to me were “maybe later as the afternoon wears on” but on that day there was no later.

Carole Owens
Executive Editor

Editor’s note: this is over long, but Miss Mary always deserved more.

News

SU FYI 

Housing Authority

1. On April 5, the Housing Authority Executive Director Andrea Lindsay hosted a round table on affordable housing in Stockbridge. Attendees included Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus; State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D — 3rd Berkshire District); State Sen. Paul Mark (D — Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District); and Eden Hill residents. The event was part of Augustus’s pledge to visit all 231 of the Commonwealth’s public housing venues. 

“I thought it was important that I come out and see firsthand…talk to the folks…” Augustus said. 

Stockbridge was his 35th stop.

Solar Eclipse

2. The Solar Eclipse, 2024. On April 8, folks sought the best vantage point in the Berkshires, or traveled to points north, to get a good view. They waited, protectives eye cover in hand, for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Some were dazzled; others were disappointed. I just stood on my balcony with two friends and had a clear view. Tell SU about your experience.

Children’s Chimes

3. Children’s Chimes Inaugural Re-opening Day

On Monday, May 27th, at the end of the Memorial Day parade, the Town of Stockbridge will celebrate the grand re-opening of the Children’s Chime Tower.

In 2017, the tower closed for repairs. One hundred forty years after David Dudley Field donated the Children’s Chimes to the town, they fell silent.

In accepting the gift, Stockbridge agreed that the chimes would play each day at 5:30pm from apple blossom to the first frost on the pumpkin” (Memorial Day to Labor Day). 

Field’s intention was, “It will be a memorial to those who are enshrined in my heart, while the ringing of the chimes at sunset I trust will give pleasure to all whose good fortune it is to live in this peaceful valley.”

For the first forty-five years, Field himself played the chimes. In addition, at 5:30pm, the children of Stockbridge were invited to play. 

Claire Williams was six years old when she first played and became enchanted. For eighty-seven years, she climbed the tower and commanded the keys. She carried on the tradition. Now ninety-six years old, she hoped to hear them played again and on May 27th she will because now the chimes have been fully restored. On that day, Claire, and all of us, will listen once more. From that day, the Children’s Chimes of Stockbridge will resume the tradition of playing the restored chimes every day at 5:30pm from May 25 to September 2nd, 2024.

Overseeing the project is Berkshire County conductor and music educator, Dr. Andrea Goodman who will serve as the Stockbridge Children’s Chimes Coordinator. 

About Andrea: She is the director of the Cantilena Chamber Choir with a five-concert series at Trinity Church in Lenox, MA. She currently teaches prek-8 at the St. Agnes Academy in Dalton and has taught at the Montessori school for ten years.

About the carillon: The Stockbridge carillon (bell tower) is located in front of the old Town Hall and Congregational Church in Stockbridge. This tall structure was gifted to the town in 1878 by Field in memory of his grandchildren. 

The tower has a stone base and wooden belfry surmounted by a pyramidal roof with clocks on all four sides. The chimes themselves are a unique and historic instrument. The playing console, now restored, holds wooden levers for each of the eleven bells. They are played entirely by hand, one of the last of their kind in the country. 

Canna Provisions

4. Canna Provisions, Lee Massachusetts, proudly announces its transition from a privately held company to an employee-owned company.

With this move, the company seeks to have a more sustainable business model, emphasizing employee empowerment, community, and sustainability. The transition to an ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan) signifies a commitment to its business practices. With the ESOP in place, Canna Provisions is transforming into an employee-owned company.

News

Events

Arbor Day

Arbor Day Event, Friday April 26, from noon — 3pm at the corner of Elm and Main St.

Sponsored by the Stockbridge Forestry and Agricultural Commission, with the Austen Riggs Green Team, and students from the Monument Mountain High School Horticulture Program.

This is a popular and important annual program. Free tree seedlings including American Hazelnut, Black Walnut, Witch Hazel, and more with some surprises are given out for free. Just plant them and watch Stockbridge glow green. Go early for the best choice selection! 

A huge thank you to Forestry and Agricultural Commission member Lisa Bozzuto for her work in organizing this event, to the whole Commission and its partners — MMHS and Austen Riggs

Berkshire Theatre Group

The Berkshire Theatre Group — From The Young Frankenstein (June 27) to A White Christmas (December 5), Berkshire Theater Group has a varied season — discover Stockbridge Theater 2024. www.Berkshiretheatre.org

Stockbridge Library

KIDS

Slime Squad (Ages 4+, signup required) — Tuesday, April 16 @ 3:45 pm — 4:30 pm

Play with Clay (Ages 3+) — Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 3:30pm — 4:30pm

NEW!! Family Movie Afternoon Featuring Encanto — Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 2pm 

LEGOs in the Library (Ages 3+) Thursday, April 18, 2024, 3:30 pm — 4:30 pm

ADULTS

Author Maggie Jackson in conversation with Anastasia Stanmeyer on the book Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure — Saturday, April 27, 2024, 3pm -4pm

Alan C. Miller, News Literacy Project, in conversation with Martin Baron — Sunday, April 28, 2024, 2pm — 3pm

Stockbridge Library Annual Golf & Racquets Challenge — Tuesday, June 11 — New this year: Pickleball!

Catherine Willows’ on Getting a Better Night’s Sleep — Saturday, April 20, 2024, 3pm — 4:00 pm

Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell Museum presents Collage Workshop with artist Joan Hall May 18 at 11am — 3pm.

This program is for all ages and is free with museum admission. If you would like to attend the lecture as well, you will be prompted to reserve your space in the checkout below your Museum Admission.

Join artist Joan Hall for a drop-in workshop focusing on collage techniques and composition. Learn about Hall’s collage practice and try your hand at creating your own unique collage.

Artist Lecture with Joan Hall May 18 at 3pm

Collage & Assemblage: Past & Present

Join artist Joan Hall for an illustrated lecture on the history of collage from 12th century Japan to contemporary photo illustration. Learn how artists recycled everyday items into artwork using such materials as money, spare tires, and even their own blood. This presentation promises to be both educational and entertaining. Hall’s work is featured in the current exhibition Mystery and Wonder: Highlights from the Illustration Collection. 

$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 lecture. Please note: museum admission is separate from the lecture.

Breaking News

Top Democrats to Visit Stockbridge

Citizens from Berkshire County and beyond will come together for a fundraiser to help ensure a Joe Biden victory in November. The event, slated for May, is hosted by George Manley, Caitlin Infantino, and Patrick White at Taggart House in Stockbridge, and will be a cocktail party where guests can meet our nation’s top Democrats. Email George at george@souler.com or Patrick at patrick@patrickwhiteberkshires.com to learn more.

Conversations

SU Interview: Stewart Edelstein 

Stewart Edelstein has lived in Stockbridge for thirty years, and he loves it. He enjoys culture in the country — from our museums and library to hiking, biking, and Kayaking. Edelstein gives back to preserve and protect all those Stockbridge things he loves. Click the image to listen.

Election 2024

Get to Know the Candidates

Local Elections

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
• Tree Warden — The Select Board is considering an article on the Warrant to change Town Clerk and Tree Warden from elected to appointed positions. If the article passes at Town Meeting, then neither of the two candidates (Hugh Page and Lisa Bozzuto) would have to run. However, since Town Meeting votes the day before Election Day, SU hopes both these worthy candidates continue the process, remain on the ballot, and introduce themselves in SU. In that case we will know who is doing this very important job.

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.

Carole Owens for Stockbridge Moderator

Why are you running?

I love where I live, I love what we stand for, and I love our history. I have served on the Community Preservation Committee for many years because it funds the very things — historic preservation, open space, affordable housing — that are the basic values that make Stockbridge what it is. Moderator is an apolitical, historic position. I respect, even revere Town Meeting as the People’s Meeting. I asked a few friends to read and comment and received this: 

“Carole, you haven’t even hinted in your answer at the passion you have for preserving and nurturing the things that make our little corner of the universe so wonderful. That’s what I see in almost every interaction with you, and it is what makes me want to see you in the office of Town Moderator.” Brent, thank you, no one said it better.

If elected what would your primary focus be?

Making Town meeting and the Finance Committee work for the best interests of the Town and the people.

Here’s an example: do you like waiting until the end of the meeting to put in your two cents worth about the most anticipated article? Nope and neither do I. Did you ever feel like someone put it at them at the end to outwait folks who wanted to go home to bed? Hmmm, maybe.

I would move those articles up — citizen petitions and the ones everyone is talking about. 

What would you like voters to know about you?

I work hard. This is the 99th issue of Stockbridge Updates. When I decided to run for Moderator, spent hours meeting with moderators from all the surrounding towns. They had a combined experience of 120 years. I laughed a lot — they are great people — I learned a lot. There are tricks to the trade, and I will put them all at your disposal so we have the Town Meeting that serves you best. Mary Flynn told me candidates don’t deserve votes they don’t ask for. I humbly ask for your vote for Town Moderator.

Perspective

Stockbridge Exceptionalism

It was a beautiful day. It was one of the Berkshire’s “aren’t we lucky” days. I went to the dump, the post office, and bank — the usual run — and I was thinking. If I had the pick of all jobs, what job would I want?

I decided I would be the person who gives the dog a bone. What fun. And the response? Unconditional love, licks, and wags. What job satisfaction — best job in the world.

I would not run for office — no licks and wags. I was advised, “Don’t be the first to say why you are running. That just gives the opposition material to attack you with.”

Let’s not do that. Let’s not be those people. We’re Stockbridge. We know each other, we rub shoulders every day. I don’t say we need licks and wags, but let’s not go negative. 

I thank everyone who volunteers to work for this town. I thank those willing to run for elected office (it’s tough and expensive). I thank those willing to step up and volunteer, and those who accept an appointment (they don’t get licks and wags as often as criticism.) Their willingness is how we continue to govern ourselves. I thank them all and that sure includes Gary Johnston.

Oh gosh, I was also told, “don’t mention your opponent’s name.”

I said, “that’s silly. Honest, they all know his name.”

I am ignoring the advice and taking the risk. I am going first; exercising my right as a candidate to post in Stockbridge Updates and tell you the voters why I am running. I invite, entreat, all candidates to take advantage of SU. Introduce yourselves to the voters. Encourage supporters to write letters. We will print them all (unless they contain ad homonym attacks). An educated electorate is our best defense against any who would rule over us or tear us down.

I believe in Stockbridge exceptionalism. I see what goes on in national politics, but I believe that’s just not us. I am going with that.

So, I will end where I began — aren’t we lucky to live here? Stay positive. Risk, trust, that your neighbors will too.

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Perspective

Decarbonization

The Commonwealth has ambitious decarbonization goals to reach net zero emissions by 2050 while recognizing electricity demand is projected to grow by as much as 50 percent by 2035, requiring Massachusetts to more than double its supply of solar electricity and install more than 3,000 MW of offshore wind that will require electrical grid infrastructure, distribution transmission lines, and electrical substations, be upgraded to deliver the power. 

To accomplish these goals, Governor Healy appointed a Commission on Clean Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting (CEISP) to make recommendations by March 31, 2024. The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has been following the commission’s work and submitting testimony on the needs of the county, including working with numerous other groups in calling for maintaining local control in the process. The final report identified numerous barriers in the current process and made recommendations to streamline and expedite the process:

The Department of Energy Resources would work with other state agencies to develop a uniform set of baseline health, safety, and environmental standards to guide municipalities in the issuance of permits for clean energy infrastructure. 

Combining all state, regional, and local permits required for larger clean energy infrastructure projects into one consolidated permit to be issued by the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) in less than 15 months from the date of filing. All other agencies that would otherwise have a permitting role for the clean energy infrastructure project would participate in the EFSB review process through the issuance of statements of recommended permit conditions. EFSB decisions would be appealed directly to a single Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court justice.

Combining all local permits for smaller clean energy infrastructure projects into one consolidated permit to be issued by the municipality in less than one year.

The commission’s recommendations also call for an Office of Community Engagement to assist on projects with state-level jurisdiction and create a new Division of Energy Siting and Permitting within the Department of Energy Resources to help municipalities on projects at that level of jurisdiction. 

The general feeling is that Governor Healey will be working with the legislature to pass versions of these proposals into law that may occur during the present session.

As more details emerge, BRPC will continue to educate decision-makers on our county’s unique conditions that need to be considered before they are lost forever. 

Editor’s note: Christine Rasmussen is the alternate Stockbridge delegate to BRPC and the Regional Issues Committee chair.

by Christine Rasmussen

Perspective

Our Post Office

Dear Carole:

You probably know that the Post Office is again stamping mail that post office box numbers must be used, and perhaps is again returning mail or packages not so addressed. Stockbridge Updates succeeded in getting this practice stopped when it happened a while ago, and I hope will try to do so again.

This is particularly difficult for packages, since FedEx and UPS will not accept packages including a PO box address, and both frequently “dump” ground transportation items into the mail.

In the past, we were advised that the must-have-box-number policy could be avoided by including the box number in a different way in one’s address — for example, “7 Aspen Street #1234.” We’ve done that, yet today got an envelope so addressed and nonetheless stamped with “The address on this piece is incomplete or incorrect. Please contact sender to correct with address that includes PO Box.”

It was a relief when, earlier, after SU‘s intervention, this practice did stop for a while. That preserved a desirable community meeting place for the town. But now it has resumed. Is there anything SU can do to cause it to halt again? Is it, perhaps, time at last for mail delivery to our homes? Would our postal employees really prefer to come to our homes, rain, sleet or snow notwithstanding? Might they be angling for that opportunity?

Peter Strauss

Dear Peter,

I am elevating your letter to the news section because you raise a vitally important issue. “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

Except in Stockbridge…

From the first Postmaster of the United States, Ben Franklin, until May 2020 the United States postal service was a national pride and the envy of the world. During the Trump Administration, the Board of Governors appointed businessman Louis DeJoy the 75th Postmaster of the United States. There were occasional oops! Like when it took one year for a package of mine to be delivered from NYC to Stockbridge. However, look at it this way, it was one year to the day so there is a kind of symmetry if no efficiency. Now glitches in delivery are a daily occurrence. Worse, it is as if swift and efficient delivery is no longer a source of pride or even a goal.

Apparently, we in Stockbridge are between a rock and a hard place. The United States Post Office does not offer us mail delivery. Parts of Stockbridge, for example, Tanglewood and Hawthorne Street have delivery. Most of Stockbridge is reliant on post office boxes in a building on Elm Street. Do what we can about post office box numbers to get delivery from outside, there is a maddening hitch inhouse.

I was told even if I place a stamp, the name, and box number on a piece of mail going from me to another Stockbridge resident, and hand it in at the window — they will not put it in the box. There is no snow or rain or gloom of night to brave in order to walk from the window to the box. Instead, they send it to Springfield so it can go there and come back here and be out in the box.

SU will do its best. You are not the only one who approached us. Cross your fingers but this stuff is odd, and it is not going on next door. In Lenox — yup! — they take the letter, walk over, and put it in the box! They will even tell you the box number if you don’t know it. They scrawl it on an incoming letter or package if it’s missing and deliver it to the recipient!! Just lie Stockbridge did once.

There’s trouble right here: it starts with ‘p’ and that stands for post office. We need to work together to solve it.

Carole

by Peter Strauss

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Thanks, Carole, 

for your work on getting information out to residents. This one [the Commonwealth Decarbonization Program] is a sticky wicket. The original proposals didn’t recognize local control’s value. We moved the needle, but the devil is in the details, and there are numerous unknowns we’ll need to monitor. 

Take care, Christine Rasmussen

Dear Christine, 

I have noticed that with more legislation out of Boston. Every local bylaw must be approved by the Attorney General to be sure it does not conflict with state law. Increasingly, statelaw is overriding local bylaws. 

Carole

To the Editor:

I am writing to endorse Carole Owens for Moderator in Stockbridge. I have worked with Carole for several years and can confidently say she possesses the leadership qualities to facilitate moving through the town meeting agenda while maintaining order and civility.

Carole is a proven leader in the community and knows how to run an effective meeting leaving nothing and nobody short-changed. She does her homework, believes strongly in the town meeting as the People’s meeting and tries to see both sides of any given issue. 

I thank Gary Johnston for serving our town for so many decades, but I believe having a woman in this leadership position will bring diversity of thought and possibly inspire others to serve and participate in town government. 

To learn more about why Carole is running and the specific ideas and skills she will bring to the moderator job, please visit: www.owensmoderator.com.

Teresa O’Brient

To the editor: 

I would like to support Carole Owens for Stockbridge town moderator.

I have known Carole for more than 20 years. I enjoy reading her columns. I keep up with her Stockbridge Updates.

Her qualifications speak for themselves. For example, after writing 100 issues of Stockbridge Updates, it is evident she knows a lot about how Stockbridge government functions and what the issues are for its citizens.

She was president of the League of Women voters, the Tuesday Club and the Thursday Morning Club. She knows how to conduct a meeting. She is a dynamic speaker, teaching at Elder Hostel and OLLI and giving many lectures about our history.

She is prepared to do the job. I believe she will bring a fresh voice to town meetings, and it is my pleasure to support her.

Michael Roisman

Teresa, Michael,

Thank you very much to you both. I deeply appreciate your support. To all readers — write and endorse your candidates. There are 2 more issues before eection day and there is plenty of space in SU

Carole