Editorial

Editorial: Closing Arguments

Whether it was a shining moment or a sad necessity, the Democratic party has shifted gears. The program at the Colonial Theater celebrating the moment was pitch perfect. That statement is separate and apart from politics. Put political associations aside for the moment, forget what the event was about, and look at how well it was run — by us!

From the start, it was clear the new candidate for President of the United States was not visiting hicks in the sticks. Our theater — saved and restored with great care and foresight — looked magnificent. Our local police on horseback (what a fine image!) and on foot were nothing short of grand. The Colonial staff distinguished itself demonstrating that fine New England combination of polite and efficient. “We got this” was written all over their faces. 

The entire event ran smoothly and almost on time. Along the way: four times the anticipated amount of money was raised.

Our “local talent” was simply three of the best performers that this country has to offer. Where but here could you see James Taylor singing accompanied by Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax?! 

Our former governor and current federal representatives distinguished themselves as they doffed their hats to the old and ushered in the new with unity and focus. With all our prominent pols in the building, who introduced the Vice President of the United States? Hey, this is The Berkshires, JT did, of course.

Finally, a deep and sincere thank you to my benefactress who said the ticket was given to me in gratitude for my writing. Gosh, thanks.

* * * * *

VOTE! 

Although the primary is not until September 3, 2024, many of us received our ballots in the mail last week. This primary will decide who runs in the general election on November 5, 2024. Many candidates are running unopposed, but the race to fill the seat Smitty Pignatelli vacated has three contenders.

I have made clear that I as an individual support Patrick White. While journalists do not relinquish their right to support a candidate or hold political opinions neither do reporters relinquish their obligation to report objectively. Even columnists, the writers paid for their opinions as I am, do not relinquish their obligation to inform readers of personal choices. Readers cannot decide without the facts and who is writing a piece is a salient fact.

I urge you to vote — just that – your choice is your own. The Berkshires produced a world class event. Let’s follow with a world class turn out in early voting and on September 3rd. 

Carole Owens
Executive Editor 

News

SU FYI

1. Here is a copy of the instructions for ticket holders

SOLD OUT: A Special Event with Vice President Kamala Harris. Pittsfield, MA 01201

It’s happening! Here are the instructions…

Dear Friend, 

Thank you so much for your generous support of the Harris Victory Fund! We are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, July 27, 2024 for our event with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Please read the following event details carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions:

Event Time: Doors will open at 12:00 PM. We ask that you please arrive by 1:15 PM to ensure adequate time for check-in and a security check. Please note that doors will close promptly at 1:30 PM. If you arrive after this time, we cannot guarantee entry.

Location:

Colonial Theatre
111 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201

Arrival Instructions: Public parking will be available in the McKay Parking Garage (55 Depot St, Pittsfield, MA 01201). Other parking options nearby are available, but please be aware of road closures and security in the area of the venue. We strongly encourage the use of ridesharing and carpooling. 

Due to additional security and street closures, there will be increased traffic in the area, so please allow plenty of extra travel time to get to the event. 

Security: All guests will go through a U.S. Secret Service security check before entering the event. Large bags and other bulky items are not permitted as well as aerosol cans (i.e. hairspray), glass, thermal, metal water bottles/containers, and umbrellas with metal tips. Unfortunately, these items may be confiscated if brought onsite. 

Attire: Summer business casual. Please note that this event will take place indoors in a theater.

Sequence of Activities: Once you arrive at the theater, you will be directed to check in at the corner of South Street and E Housatonic Street. After check-in, staff will direct you to your seat. We expect the program to begin at approximately 1:20 PM ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 PM ET. The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue. 

Accessibility Needs: If you require accommodations or need additional assistance, please reach out to VPinPittsfield@bidenvictoryfund.com and we will be sure to accommodate you. 

Press: Please note that members of the press may be present during the Vice President’s remarks.

Video recordings of the event are prohibited.

Should you have any questions, please contact us at VPinPittsfield@bidenvictoryfund.com.

Thank you again, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Warmly,

Team New England
Harris Victory Fund

2. Stockbridge Library Museum and Archives presents Artist of the Month Lionel Delevingne. August 2024, Signs from the not so-distant Past by Lionel Delevingne.

Opening reception on Tuesday August 6, 2024, 5pm to 7 pm 

Delevingne, a resident of Stockbridge, is a French-born photographer and author whose work has taken him all over the world. His works have been published in the New York Times, Mother Jones, Figaro magazine, Die Zeit, and more.

His photographs have been collected and exhibited widely at home and abroad. In a significant milestone, in June 2024 the University of Massachusetts at Amherst’s Dubois Library’s Special Collections recently acquired all of Delevingne’s work for its archives. This recognition by a prestigious institution further highlights the enduring impact and value of Delevingne’s artistic contributions. 

Earlier Delevingne’s work captured the 1976 bicentennial and on to the 1980’s Reagan years, where he found elements of concern in the expression of patriotism. Some of these images, while innocent to most seem to recall the ghosts of old Europe.

All images shown here are excerpts out of “Glory, Glory” a well-reviewed exhibit in the US and Europe. More of his work can be seen locally in Owen’s Stockbridge Updates.’ All 16×20 prints are archival Silver gelatin. For further details and pricing, please email lionel@delevingne.com or go to www.lioneldevelingne.com

Stockbridge Updates is so pleased that Lionel is a regular contributor and more than that he started a series of portraits of Stockbridge folks. We are taking a summer hiatus but will resume this fall. Contact SU or Lionel if you have suggestions for whom Lionel should photograph.

3. Offerings at the New Stockbridge Farmer’s Market August 7, 2024

The Abode Farm will bring USDA-certified organic kale, rainbow chard, bagged lettuce, frisée, Napa cabbage, caraflex cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, summer squash, dill, scallions, parsley, scapes, fresh garlic, purple and green beans, baby beets, and bagged Arugula.

Abode Farm accepts cash, Venmo, paper checks)

Gaetanos farm will have USDA-certified organic cherry tomatoes, green, yellow, and Mexican zucchini, blueberries, kale, Swiss chard, scallions, cucumbers, eggplant, and peppers.

(Gaetanos accepts cash and Venmo) 

Berkshire Mountain Bakery will have sourdough breads and pizza crusts, croissants, muffins, cookies and other baked goods 

(BMB accepts cash and Berkshares)

Mill Brook Sugarhouse has pure maple syrup, maple sugar, maple cream and maple granola.

Mariah’s Repository will bring medicinal herbal teas, dried medicinal mushrooms, herbal body salves, flower bundles, and elderberry syrup

James Lawson will have locally produced honey.

We may also have a flower vendor.

All vendors accept SNAP through the Market Match Program (which makes this wonderful nutritious food available at half-price). Come to the Market desk anytime from 3pm to 6pm to obtain tokens using your SNAP card. (This applies to SNAP-eligible food.)

These food tokens never expire and can be used at all future markets.

If you want to be on the direct mailing list, send your email to:

farmersmarket@stockbridge–ma.gov

News

Events

Berkshire Botanical Garden

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden: Hmmm…A Caterpillar Lab is coming to the Garden, August 9 to 11, 2024, Caterpillar Lab is free with Garden Admission, Aug. 9, 10, and 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Caterpillar Lab provides the opportunity for visitors to follow the ever-changing lives of these wondrous creatures. The Lab’s professional education staff will teach about caterpillar biology and help participants safely touch (and maybe even hold!) a caterpillar. Participants will witness the enormous diversity of native caterpillars as they explore the various sizes, colors and forms displayed in this exhibit. Installed concurrent with “The Lost Birds Project” exhibition and outdoor sculptures. Caterpillar Walk on Friday, Aug. 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 

Moth Lighting on Saturday, Aug.10, from 9 to 11 p.m.

Caterpillar Walk admission is $15/Members and $30/Nonmembers and Moth Lighting is $25/Members and $40/Nonmembers.

Be-a-Better-Gardener is a community service of Berkshire Botanical Garden, located in Stockbridge, Mass. Its mission, to provide knowledge of gardening and the environment through a diverse range of classes and programs, informs and inspires thousands of students and visitors each year. Thomas Christopher is a volunteer at Berkshire Botanical Garden and is the author or co-author of more than a dozen books. berkshirebotanical.org/growinggreener.

Stockbridge Sinfonia

2. Stockbridge Sinfonia: Tracy Wilson, Music Director, Stockbridge Sinfonia Summer Concert Series announces a Concert to Pay Tribute to Ukraine, August 3, 3pm, Lenox Memorial Middle and High School, East Street; August 10, 3pm Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield, and August 11, 6pm, Saint James Place, Great Barrington. The concerts are free and open to the public. Donations at the door are always welcome.

Compositions by Ukrainian composers include Troika by Prokofiev; Sailors Dance by Gliere; Melodiya by Skoryk, and the Ukrainian National Anthem. The Ukraine Anthem will be sung in Ukrainian by members of three Berkshire choruses. The choruses will begin each concert with America the Beautiful. 

The first half of the concert will conclude with a piece by Pittsfield High School junior Davis Albayeros, El ltimo Baile, for strings featuring Sinfonia’s students. The second half is a performance of Beethoven Seventh Symphony.

The 50-piece community orchestra consists of students ranging in age 13 through 22, and amateur and semi-professional adults up to age 90. All players are volunteers, and the participating students earn scholarships for their involvement with the organization. Last year, over $5,000 was awarded. The Sinfonia season runs from the beginning of June through mid-August, is open to all interested classical musicians, and is conducted by Tracy Wilson. Stockbridge Sinfonia is Berkshires’ longest running community orchestra. 

This summer series program is supported in part by grants from the cultural councils of Pittsfield, Lee, Stockbridge, Lenox, Great Barrington, Alford/Egremont, Richmond, and West Springfield, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Other grants come from Berkshire Bank, Greylock Foundation and The Feigenbaum Foundation, in addition to private individuals’ donations. The concerts are free and open to the public; however, donations at the door are always welcome. More information can be found at StockbridgeSinfonia.org.

2024 Annual Housatonic Heritage Area Walks

3. 2024 Annual Housatonic Heritage Area Walks – 5 Weekends of Free, Guided Regional Interpretive Tours

The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area announces the 22nd annual autumn Housatonic Heritage Walks in September. 70 free, guided interpretive tours will be offered throughout Berkshire County, MA, and Litchfield County, CT.

The public is invited to participate in these family-oriented, interpretive walks, offered in partnership with our region’s historic, cultural, and outdoor recreation organizations and the National Park Service. The Heritage Walks are the ideal opportunity to experience and learn about our region’s rich and varied local history.

Historians, naturalists, and environmentalists will lead participants on explorations through historic estate gardens and town districts, behind-the-scenes cultural site tours, nature walks, trail hikes, and tours of many of the industrial-site ruins that were once thriving local industries. There will be Native-American and African American history walks & a bike tour on scenic country roads. 

Detailed Heritage Walks brochures are available at libraries, post offices, and newspaper racks in major grocery stores in the region. The Walks schedule is also available at: https://housatonicheritage.org/events/heritage-walks/

To request a brochure by mail, email programs@housatonicheritage.org

Chesterwood

4. Chesterwood: Tableaux Vivants or “Living Pictures” to revive a favorite Victorian entertainment at Chesterwood, August 3, 5:30pm. Tickets are $25, Chesterwood members $20, and free for under 18. Reservations can be made at www.chesterwood.org/arts-alive-2024

Arts Alive! at Chesterwood presents a special theater performance that revives a favorite Victorian-era form of entertainment, tableaux vivants, or “living pictures” set in the historic garden and artist’s studio. Meet the actors at a complimentary reception afterwards. 

Created and directed by actor Doria Bramante, the ensemble cast invites you to join “Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Chester French” in their garden and studio to play one of their favorite parlor games – the creation of “live pictures” using costumes, props and a large frame. Tableaux vivants are a form of “pantomime” whose origins go back to the very beginnings of drama. Tableaux are representations of well-known works of art and seem to have been invented by Lady Emma Hamilton late in the 18th century. Daniel Chester French’s daughter Margaret reminisced, “My father made a large frame (still stored away on the ceiling of the studio cellar) and stretched a layer of mosquito netting across the front to give a softer appearance to the picture. Then he would drape various members of the family and friends with yards of lovely materials, pose them behind the frame, which was clearly lighted by kerosene lamps and supporting reflectors, and lo! a charming living-picture would result.”

Contact Margaret Cherin, Senior Site Manager, E mcherin@chesterwood.org

P 413-298-2034 M 413-446-9741 for more information.

Book Launch Event, August 8, 5:30pm

Monument Man will be available for purchase at a book signing event with the author at Chesterwood on August 8th at 5:30 p.m. following a short Lincoln-themed program narrated by Harold Holzer and actor Rufus Collins. The program “Mr. French takes on Mr. Lincoln” will explore the themes of democracy, freedom, sacrifice, and French’s gift for capturing all these attributes in art. General admission $25, Chesterwood Members $20, under 18 free, includes complimentary refreshments at the book signing following the program. Reservations at www.chesterwood.org

Monument Man: The Life and Art of Daniel Chester French. Daniel Chester French (1850–1931) is the sculptor of some of America’s best-known public monuments, including the iconic statue of Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial, John Harvard in Harvard Yard, The Minute Man in Concord, Massachusetts, and the Alma Mater at Columbia University.

Harold Holzer’s authoritative, lavishly illustrated, biography combines rich personal details from French’s life with a nuanced study of his artistic evolution. This paperback edition (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024) includes a thoughtful new foreword by Thayer Tolles, Marica F. Vilcek Curator of American Paintings and Sculpture, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in which she considers the scholarly inquiries and complicated layers surrounding French’s public monuments in the five tumultuous years that have passed since the first hardcover edition was published in 2019.

Praise for Monument Man

Monument Man is a winner of the New England Society Book Award. Ron Chernow has praised the author as “one of the foremost living authorities on Abraham Lincoln, Harold Holzer has long straddled the crossroads of history and art with his own inimitable brand of scholarship.” Chernow also says that the book, “will surely rank as the authoritative life of a man whose creations in stone and bronze have become inseparable parts of our historical memory.” The Wall Street Journal adds, “It is a thing as rare as it is welcome—an authoritative book about a visual artist that is both well written and jargon free, and that seamlessly addresses a professional audience as well as the general reader… He has mastered an enormous amount of research and from it drawn entertaining anecdotal accounts regarding family, friends and competitors, commissions, and sculptural procedures. He gives by far the best available account of an artist who, in his public art, contributed greatly to American sculpture, political iconography and national memory.”

News

Notes from the Select Board (SB) July 18, 2024

It’s summertime, summertime, sum- sum- summertime….

A power outage left Zoom access limited to no video and inferior audio

News

Notes from the Planning Board (PB) 

Once more the meeting was cancelled

News

Notes from Kampoosa Bog Committee

No quorum present

News

Notes from Water and Sewer Commission, July 16, 2024

1. Red Lion Inn — unspecified violation

2. Park Street pump station up and “running well” according to Mike Buffoni (Tony not present)

3. Near Glendale Fire Station — road work necessary to access pipes perhaps as much as 9 feet down. Will wait until September to dig up road and repair.

4. Stockbridge has contracted for a Geological Study of our water supply, and the agreement is signed. There will be sampling, thermal imaging and other techniques to determine water sources and quality. (See letter from Denny Alsop in Reader to Reader) 

5. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) writes, “A lake really is just another component of Earth’s surface water. A lake is where surface-water runoff and ground water seepage have accumulated in a low spot, relative to the surrounding countryside. It’s not that the water that forms lakes gets trapped, but that the water entering a lake comes in faster than it can escape, either via outflow in a river, seepage into the ground, or by evaporation. And if humans live nearby, then water levels can be affected by water withdrawals for human needs. A reservoir is a manmade lake that is created when a dam is built on a river. River water backs up behind the dam creating a reservoir.”

The survey will tell us the quality, the makeup, and the sources of the water in The Bowl and The Reservoir. The Commission plans to have a report next month at the regularly scheduled meeting.

6. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a Level 1 Draught warning, however, our water supply is good perhaps due to underground springs and streams feeding our reservoir.

7. The Commission wants to add wording tothat our regulations. It will be written and reviewed by Town Counsel and considered at next month’s meeting. The intent is to clarify that going forward land owners around the lake can no longer hook up more than one house to the water main. Going from one house to the next and then to the main (joint hook ups) has caused problems in the past with repairs, sales, and even billing. New language will make clear that each house has to have an individual hook up: one dwelling — one hook up to the water main. 

8. The Bowl is in excellent shape — fewer weeds and very clear water. Everyone thanked the harvesters — Michael Nathan and others for the job they have done this year harvesting as much as 3 times per week.

Adjourned

News

Notes from the Conservation Commission (ConCom), July 23, 2024

1. Berkshire Gas not present — postponed

2. Laurel Hill Association not present — postponed

3. 50 Lake Drive request for a Certificate of Compliance — granted

4. 1 Ice Glen Road — name requesting work is different from the name on title — owner must request permission for work

5. 2 Castle Hill Road is a question of jurisdiction — does ConCom have jurisdiction?

6. Kampoosa Brook — runs behind Yale Hill. From the old mill the water, the flow, has stopped. A letter will be sent to explain that any interference with water flow is illegal. Usual flow “stopped to a trickle.”

7. A letter from ConCom requesting that a private landowner stop using herbicide was answered immediately in the affirmative — they will desist.

8. Question about whether the land on Wheatleigh Drive that was clear cut is 10,000 sq ft or larger has to be solved. If it is 10,000 sq ft or larger, it is illegal to clear cut. There would be a fine and required re-planting.

Perspective

From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon

Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

Our July 25th School Committee meeting was electric as we met our new administrative team. I urge you to watch part of the meeting on CTSB and to introduce yourself to our new leaders.

We introduced three new principals and one assistant principal.

Cynthia Carey is Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School’s new Principal. 

Cynthia previously worked as Muddy Brook’s assistant principal and as an assessment coordinator, math coach and teacher in the Pittsfield Schools. Ms. Carey completed a master’s in education at MCLA and bachelors from Rollins College.

“We’re excited for Cynthia to join us in this new role. She has context to listen to and support students, families, and staff in developing and growing as learners and people.”

Ms. Carey shared, “I’m thrilled to have been offered the position. I look forward to continuing the good work we’ve been doing at Muddy Brook. I also hope to take this opportunity to work with the staff and the community to improve in areas where we could be doing better. Muddy Brook is a wonderful school with a fabulous staff and a diverse, vibrant community; I couldn’t be happier to have the privilege to be their principal.”

Betsy D’Agostino is Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School’s new Assistant Principal. 

Betsy worked in the North Adams school district as a fourth grade teacher at Greylock Elementary School teaching ELA and Social Studies for the past seven years creating safe, rigorous, and supportive environments for her students. Betsy served on the Social and Emotional Leadership team, the Instructional Leadership team, and PBIS team, as well as, serving as a PLC team facilitator for the school. She also served on the district’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice team where she was responsible for leading and training all three elementary schools for the district.

Previously she worked at Pittsfield’s Herberg Middle School as Behavior Specialist, Case Manager, and Special Education Teacher Grades 6-8.

She earned a bachelor’s degree at then North Adams State College, a master’s degree from American International College, and is a Graduate of the Leadership Academy at MCLA.

Betsy is excited to share her student-centered approach to teaching and her commitment in building strong and lasting relationships with her students. Betsy exhibits a genuine passion for fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment. She has an unwavering ability to go above and beyond to ensure that every student in her care receives the attention and guidance needed for their academic and personal growth. Lastly, she shared her ability to foster strong relationships with teachers, families, administrators, and community organizations in the service of supporting all students. 

Jake McCandless is Du Bois Regional Middle School’s new Principal. 

Jake previously worked as a superintendent at Mount Greylock, Pittsfield, and Lee school districts. He was the principal of Lee Middle and High School and an assistant principal and teacher in Virginia. 

Jake earned a bachelor’s degree at Grove City College, a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Boston College.

Jake is committed to continue to serve students, families, and the educators and community who make school happen for the students in the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. “I am very honored to serve the communities that comprise the BHRSD and to work in a school where great things happen every day for young people in the middle grades.”

Superintendent Dillon shared, “Every so often the stars align. We are so happy with Jake joining our team. His deep commitment to supporting every student and valuing all members of the school community will serve us well. His commitment to excellence and rigor will help us engage all learners.”

Christopher Barnes is Monument Mountain Regional High School’s new Principal. 

He’s served as Principal at Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Regional School, Associate Principal at Mount Anthony Union High School, Principal of Arlington Middle/High School, and Acting principal and Assistant principal of Mount Greylock Regional High School. He was also a staff developer, assistant principal and teacher in Baltimore. 

He has a B.A. in English Literature from Western Washington University, a master’s in curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College and Administration and Supervision Certification from Loyola University, Maryland. 

“I feel very fortunate to be coming on board at this time. The school has a great history and strong traditions, and it is my intention to begin building relationships with students, staff, and community members right away. I have an open door policy, and I welcome conversations with all of our constituents. I will be working with Superintendent Dillon and the school leadership, which includes the administration and many teachers, to further understand where we are and how we want to move forward. I am very passionate about this work. I love working with students, as they bring immeasurable life and energy to our work; I am excited to meet them, to hear their concerns and ideas, and to build upon the school they love. I plan on reaching out to the community members as soon as I begin, and I welcome them into the school, so that we may begin to get to know each other and to start our work together.”

Dillon says of Barnes, “He impressed us as thoughtful, collaborative, and innovative. He cares deeply about including all voices. We look forward to his impact on our learning community.”

We’re excited to welcome this new team and to be planning together for the new school year.

In future Stockbridge Updates, I will introduce you to some of our new teachers and staff, share what’s happening with the high school project, and share updates on our budget process for next year.

Perspective

Updates To Housatonic River Efforts

It has been four-and-one-half years since the Rest of River (RoR) agreement was unveiled to the residents in the Housatonic River Corridor. The agreement was negotiated behind closed doors without any public input. Agreement was arrived at through mediation between representatives of the towns of Sheffield, Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lenox, Lee, and GE. 

The agreement remains controversial since only twenty percent of toxic PCB’s dumped by the General Electric Corporation (GE) will actually be removed from the river. Moreover, it will result in the creation of yet another toxic waste dump in the Berkshires. 

The reaction to the news of this agreement was immediate. The residents of the Town of Lee, at town meetings, and on the ballot demanded the rescinding of the agreement. Residents of other towns were a bit slower to respond, given the secrecy of the process. Recently, this has changed dramatically.

The Town of Lee acted immediately to find ways to stop the building of a chemical dump over a major aquifer, and to negotiate an effective cleanup of the river. The current plan does not provide destruction or remediation of the poisons, just for moving and burying them. There are better ways. 

Currently, Lee has filed a lawsuit against GE and Monsanto, who first produced PCB’s. The suit alleges that the companies acted in concert and without justification to do harm to the residents of Lee by covering up the ill effects of the chemical, and further, by dumping them in the river. There is ample documentation to show this is so. The suit is being challenged of course. GE and Monsanto want the court to dismiss the case. Should the Town of Lee prevail, Lee will ask the court for a jury trial in Western Massachusetts. 

The Town of Lee has formed a PCB Committee, whose meetings are open to the public. It consists of approximately a dozen members of varying backgrounds and expertise. The purpose of the group is focused on working with consultants and experts in order to enlighten the public. To make clear the harmful effects of PCB’s, the flawed and ineffective RoR plan, and to offer alternatives that will better serve the residents of the river corridor. An environmental consulting firm has been hired to assist in getting the word out on a larger scale. 

These efforts do not conflict with Lee’s settlement in the RoR agreement. That remains in place, with the town having received $25,000,000+. It is only through the activism of Lee residents that we have come this far in a relatively short time. Perhaps residents in the other RoR towns might demand their town governments bring this to the forefront. We all have a say in this matter. Let’s say it.

by Bob Jones

Perspective

Why Not Plan?

People who moved to Stockbridge in recent years would likely agree with the rest of us that we want the town to remain committed to its values, character, and heritage. This benefits our quality of life and the thousands who visit and support our economy. 

Norman Rockwell’s town: a town that didn’t commercialize its Rt 7 corridor, a town that met its affordable housing needs years ago while balancing density and sensible development. Whatever brought you here, it probably wasn’t posh resorts, big housing projects, or shopping outlets.

It turns out that we have a right to insist that the town not be substantially altered by overdevelopment. Other towns like ours have legislated to preserve character and scale. Sometimes “by right” is invoked when someone is more concerned with personal economic gain than the welfare of the town. “By right” in the broad sense also includes allowing us to preserve what we invested in.

Look around you. Why are you here? Why stay? Do you talk to town officials? Neighbors? Some agendas here are not always clear or agreeable, or even known to us. But preserving this town and passing it on intact as it was passed to us is agreed on by almost everyone.

Our Master Plan, is the oldest, most outdated in the county. We are a hodgepodge of sometimes disconnected committees and boards. The common thread is no longer clear. Not everybody is involved and aware.

Communication and transparency have declined. Who knows how we dealt with GE on the toxic river? You paid big tax dollars for negotiations, but it’s a secret. Now we are stuck with a terrible outcome that may not even work. The Affordable Housing Trust was appointed, not elected, without a results-based accountability plan. The “why” remains unclear. The numerous living-wage jobs that drive new affordable housing are…where?

Master Plans are costly, time consuming. Can we revise the old Plan, using best practices for updated polling and stats analysis? Pass a bylaw limiting building permits for five years, giving us time to plan? Other towns have done this.

The Housatonic “clean up” health/environmental threat, emergency services, overbuilding the Bowl, infrastructure, short term rentals, wild lands conservation, enforcing permit restrictions, big development plans that will keep coming… How do we find out what’s going on? Town officials point out all the ways to get information, but are these things working? What might this town look like in ten years?

Community relations are at the heart of the democratic process. It’s not just about voting. Turnout depends on outreach. There can be no planning in a democracy without informed citizens. The FIRST step in planning our future is reaching out more effectively to all of our residents. Sixty percent of us don’t vote. Maybe some prefer drinking coffee in town in a cloud of diesel vapor. Or they just don’t know. Saving Stockbridge for the future is the agenda that could unite all of us. Look ahead. Your happiness here depends on it.

Editor’s Note: 1. The Affordable Housing Trust is apppointed, not elected, according to Massachusetts General Law. 2. “How do we find out what’s going on?” We warmly and cheerfully suggest you read Stockbridge Updates and pass it along to your friends.

by Bruce Blair

Perspective

Local Permitting Being Regulated

Republican Governor Charlie Baker enacted a law in 2021 to have Massachusetts achieve ‘net zero’ emissions (based on 1990 levels) by 2050, with 50 percent of the goal being reached by 2030 and 75 percent by 2040. Since removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere is difficult, electrification was determined to be the viable option to create clean energy. However, unlike fossil fuels, electricity needs power lines and energy-generating facilities to work. 

In 2023, Governor Maura Healy appointed a 28-member Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting to “provide recommendations for reforms to remove barriers to responsible clean energy infrastructure development.” During the winter, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, MA Municipal Association, and Senator Paul Mark, among others, became concerned that the Commission was recommending removal of local control in the new permitting process. Unfortunately, that recommendation was in the Commission’s March 29 report to the legislature. 

Despite a massive effort to keep local control, in July, both the House and Senate passed versions of a bill with a requirement that municipalities approve only small clean energy (less than 25 Megawatts or transmission/distribution infrastructure projects of less than 100 Megawatt hours) through a consolidated permitting process within 12 months. Should a municipality not act within that time frame, the permit would be automatically approved, allowing the project to operate under standard conditions. Through the proposed consolidated process, it’s unclear whether a municipality could effectively deny a permit application, in whole or in part, beyond simply determining compliance with standards set through the rulemaking process. A state Energy Facilities Siting Board will approve large projects through a consolidated permitting process within 15 months.

Because the House and Senate bills are not identical, for instance, the Senate provides deadline relief for municipalities if they cannot complete approval within 12 months because an applicant fails to respond to information requests or changes major elements of the proposed project, a conference committee of three members from each branch is required to iron out the differences, pass identical bills in both Houses and get the bill to the Governor before midnight on July 31. If that occurs, she’ll have ten days to review, amend, veto, or sign the bill. As of this writing, no agreement has been reached. However, the feeling is that a version of the bill will be on the governor’s desk. 

Stay tuned.

Note from the Author: The most important greenhouse gas for climate change is carbon dioxide, which is why you hear so many references to carbon when people talk about climate change. We’re adding 5 billion tons of CO2 to the atmosphere yearly.

“Net zero” means the total amount of greenhouse gases we put into the atmosphere must be balanced by what we can remove by 2050. In practice, however, because we don’t have many ways to remove atmospheric carbon, this mandate means we need to drastically cut emissions by electrification.

by Christine Rasmussen

Breaking News

DPU Issues Settlement on Housatonic Water Works Rate Increase

The DPU has issued a settlement to the Housatonic Water Works Rate Increase. The following rates are tied to performance benchmarks by HWW.

Proposed Rate Increases and Associated Capital Projects

Consider This: Statement from Stockbridge Intervenor Patrick White

Stockbridge Select Board member Patrick White issued the following statement:

“I am disappointed the DPU and Attorney General neither reduced the rate of return nor mandated explicitly that the company fund improvements through publicly available financing. They put the onus on finding this funding on the taxpayers’ representatives, volunteers like me.

“The 1897 Charter gives the Town of Great Barrington the right to purchase the company under favorable terms. The Town should have done so long ago to protect the health and well-being of its residents and the users of this system in the adjoining towns.

“Under the Charter, the company may recoup its deficit. I would urge the Town of Great Barrington to litigate any claim of deferred compensation by the principals to protect its taxpayers from this “golden parachute” that seems to have been anticipated by management.

“Water is a human right. How about our local leaders finally have the backs of the residents of Housatonic, West Stockbridge, and Stockbridge and act quickly to finally put in place a plan to provide clean and safe drinking water on behalf of these long-aggrieved customers.”

You can read the DPU settlement here:

https://www.stockbridgeupdates.com/hww-dpu-23-65.pdf

You can read the 1897 HWW Charter that documents the acquisition provisions here:

http://www.waterworkshistory.us/MA/Housatonic/1897acts0229.pdf

Analysis

Reader to Reader

Editor’s note: This section includes letters of support for candidates during this political season. We encourage, and will post, all letters we receive for all three candidates running in the September 3 primary election, and both candidates in the November 5 general election. Please submit.

To the Editor:

As you know, I have been a proponent of affordable/workforce housing since the Town first adopted the Community Preservation Act in 2002. The vitality of this town depends on young families with children. As the residential median age increases, along with the percentage of second homeowners, we make the entire town unsustainable. Almost everything we are discussing comes with a huge price tag. We cannot afford our share of the reconstruction of the high school for 40 students! We’d be better off “school-choicing” them out or sending them to a private school. We’re talking about shared services because we have fewer residents capable of being in our volunteer fire department. Same with EMTs and town employees (two come from North Adams!). Not long ago they were paying EMTs $10/hour? These are the people who may actually be the difference between our life and death! 

I know the idea of higher taxes for second homeowners is controversial, but these same second homeowners will be hard-pressed to find someone to do any work on their homes if we have no one to do it. There will be no restaurants, museums or stores if there’s no one to work in them. Many businesses have already cut back hours or services — some have even closed — as there are no workers. Many used to rely on teenage summer help, but we have so few teenagers that that is no longer feasible.

While we may technically meet the requirements for 10% affordable housing, two of the complexes are restricted. Riverbrook is reserved for disabled women and Heaton Court is for our elderly with a few exceptions. This leaves Pine Woods. We need houses — houses that working families can afford and want to live in. This is the future of this town. Without it, we become a bedroom community for those who can afford such a luxury.

Sally Underwood-Miller

Carole,

I am in Maine with my grandchildren for a week. Yes, we need to:

Read the motion that passed Annual Town Meeting vote.

Talk to the Town Administrator to clarify study: who is in leadership relationship with contracting hydrogeologists?

Have a ‘scoping session’ including hydrogeologist to ensure that the hydrogeologic study will be ‘targeted’ to map & protect the bedrock aquifers associated with our Town’s present & future water needs.

[Such a meeting should] Include Board of Health, Water and Sewer Commission, Select Board, Town Administrator, and Stockbridge Bowl Association.

Denny Alsop

Editor’s note: The town is contracting for a geological survey to tell us about the condition and source(s) of the water in Stockbridge Bowl and our Reservoir. (See Notes from the Water and Sewer Commission.)

Denny Alsop is a subject matter expert in this area and has advocated for the study for some time. SU hopes he will follow these brief suggestions with a lengthy article to aid our understanding. Our quality of life is dependent upon our drinking water supply. The beauty of our surroundings and functioning of our lake is dependent upon the water supply in the Bowl. Land use decisions affect our waterways and wetlands — land use regulations are in place to protect wetlands and water supply. 

To the editor:

Patrick White has been a tremendous friend to the Mohican people.

We first worked with Patrick to gain local support for the return of found documents from the 18th century that were discovered in Stockbridge’s Old Town Hall. He built support both locally and with the State House delegation, which culminated in a law signed by then-Gov. Charlie Baker.

I then worked with Patrick on the historic opportunity to secure 351 acres of Monument Mountain for the Tribe. Patrick privately counseled me to not settle for limited access to state-owned property, but instead to pursue the ultimately successful course of action to acquire the land on behalf of the Mohican people. Finally, after two centuries, we will once again steward land in western Massachusetts. We are grateful to the many folks in the Berkshires who helped us. Patrick was one of them.

He conceived of the Stockbridge Mohican Commission, which has been approved by both the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans’ Tribal Council and the Stockbridge Select Board. He successfully advocated for new signage at Housatonic River crossings, signs that celebrate the Mohican language and include a reference to the Tribe. He is now working with our Tribal Liaison to explore the creation of a new Mohican Cultural Center in the Berkshires.

American history has been brutal to indigenous tribes. Proud patriots, Stockbridge Mohicans volunteered together 250 years ago for the Revolutionary Army, and many of them died together at a battle in southern New York. The ensuing poverty and opportunistic greed of a few resulted in our departure from Stockbridge in the early 1800s. After our own trail of tears, we eventually settled in Wisconsin, but the home of our ancestors spans the Hudson and Housatonic valleys.

Patrick has shown he understands that the hard work of reconciliation brings healing and peace. He respects the fact that we make our own history and has been a consistent supporter of ours as we reimagine for ourselves our future in Berkshire County and beyond.

We have seen local leaders come and go over and over these past 200 years. We need more like him.

I wish my friend Patrick White the best of luck as he pursues new challenges and opportunities as the State Representative for the 3rd Berkshire District.

Joe Miller 
Bowler, Wisconsin

Editor’s note: Former member of The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans’ Tribal Council

To the editor:

I am writing to offer words of support for my former business partner, Patrick White. Patrick and I co-founded a start-up company based on the plan he developed; we raised $12 million in capital and created over 30 jobs in the process. Working together to build the company from scratch, I got to know Patrick quite well.

Patrick has the ability to both have a big vision, seeing what is important in the big picture, and at the same time see the deeper details of what it will take to achieve that vision. Most importantly, Patrick understands how to get things done.

In my book, The Strategy Game: 41 Essays on Playing to Win for Competitive Advantage, I detail many of the qualities needed for leaders to thrive. Currently as a nonprofit consultant in the Boston area, building on my start-up experience, I work with leaders tasked with putting together a plan to further their organizational mission. As the CFO of a Berkshire nonprofit that has recently raised millions to secure a permanent home, Patrick has done just that.

I am confident that the people in the Berkshire region will be very well served by Patrick White.

Barry Horwitz
Newton, Mass.