Editorial

Editorial: Story Telling with all the Characters

History is storytelling. All the stories have heroes and villains and rousing good plot lines. Those who reduce it to dates and data points do a disservice. They scare off the audience and spoil the fun. 

History is like playing with children’s blocks: one account rests on another. Every historian is deeply indebted to the ones who came before: authors, scholars, and plain folk who contemporaneously recorded their lives and times in diaries, journals, and pictures — in pencil, ink, pastels, and oils. 

They say history is told by the victors; sounds right but it is all wrong when it is told to the exclusion of, or the dehumanization of, the losers. It does happen but it does no service to anyone. 

How long did we tell American history by moving from great man to great man to the exclusion of women? We told about the Whites to the exclusion of the Blacks, the settlers to the exclusion of the Indians. Told a story jumping from war to war to the exclusion of the accomplishments in peacetime. Let’s not do that. 

Now that we are wiser, we have Black history month and Indigenous People’s Day. It enriches us to tell all the stories because we all made this country what it is. It will not enrich us if we start to tell the story of the Blacks without the Whites or the women without the men. Let’s not do that either. All the stories have heroes and villains and rousing good plot lines. Even the bad guys and gals did a couple of good things; even the good ones made mistakes. Let’s tell all the stories….

News

The Hill Update 

Overview of Commonwealth Climate Control Legislation as proposed

In Boston, House and Senate negotiators reached a deal on a new climate bill. They are inching closer to something that could pass this session.

The compromise bill is expected to speed up the siting and permitting of energy infrastructure projects by giving an existing state board power over local zoning and planning boards and setting a fixed time limit on challenges. The siting and permitting language was a high priority of Gov. Maura Healey.

The language, as the language in the Affordable Housing Trust and the Affordable Home Act, appears to rest on an assumption that local control of zoning and permitting will slow the Commonwealth from reaching the goals set by the governor. Whatever the reason, it shifts control from municipalities to Boston.

For example, a plan to clear cut a stand of Berkshire forestland and place solar panels, even if, opposed by local zoning, would proceed because local zoning would be overridden by the state. The rationale? Opposition to the Healey administration’s goals is overridden to increase production and remove any local bylaws seen as obstruction. 

Some of the goals include: decarbonization; electric transportation; clean tech innovation; emissions reduction in state operations; and natural gas infrastructure. The bill also includes first-of-its-kind language extending renewable energy subsidies to fusion power if and when it becomes a reality and also redefines clean energy under Massachusetts law to include power from existing New England nuclear plants.

The bill, if passed, will have a profound effect on local control over land use. There is still time. The Climate Bill has not passed, and the regulations for implementation of then Affordable Home act are not in place. Therefore, if our Planning Board, perhaps Conservation Commission and Select Board would review the language of the bills and work to put in place protection for then open spaces and forests of Stockbridge we may preserve more of what makes our village so healthy and beautiful.

News

Notes from the Planning Board (PB), October 21, 2024, Hybrid meeting

Chair Kate Fletcher introduced the agenda item, the Affordable Home Act (AHA), passed by the Commonwealth early in August 2024. She said AHA will go into effect the first week in February giving the PB a short deadline requiring some speed. She wished the Commonwealth would extend the deadline set for local boards to review and comment on the legislation but gave no indication why PB waited two months to begin the review process. 

Fletcher then turned the meeting over to Town Administrator Michael Canales who reported on his work reviewing AHA and comparing it to our local bylaws. Here is his report.

Affordable Homes Act (AHA)

The Affordable Homes Act (AHA) introduces significant changes that affect local zoning bylaws, including those in Stockbridge.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):

1. ADUs as By-Right:

The AHA mandates that ADUs (as defined in the statute) must be allowed by-right in single-family zoning districts, removing the need for special permits or discretionary zoning approval. In contrast, Stockbridge’s zoning bylaws currently require a special permit for multi-family dwellings and conversions of single-family dwellings into multi-family units. This new law overrides local restrictions for the first ADU on a property.

2. Parking Requirements:

The AHA limits additional parking requirements for ADUs to one space, and no additional parking is required if the property is within 1/2 mile of a public transit station. Stockbridge zoning bylaws, however, currently require two parking spaces per unit for multi-family uses. This new law will override those requirements for ADUs.

3. Owner-Occupancy and Rental Restrictions:

The AHA prohibits municipalities from requiring owner-occupancy or banning ADUs from being rented (except for short-term rentals). Stockbridge’s current zoning bylaw does not include specific ADU regulations for short-term rentals, but the town has restrictions for short-term rentals in the general bylaws, ARTICLE XXXI, 4.2, which could apply more broadly.

4. Dimensional and Site Plan Regulations:

Stockbridge’s zoning bylaws allow for regulations related to size, bulk, height, and setbacks, and the AHA continues to permit these controls. Stockbridge can still regulate ADUs through site plan reviews to ensure compliance with local dimensional standards. However, guidance from EOHLC issued for similar legislation (the MBTA Communities Act) indicates that the site plan review for development covered by the new legislation cannot be more onerous than existing site plan review requirements. I expect that EOHLC would take the same position for site plan review applied to ADUs.

The AHA sets a maximum ADU size of 900 square feet or half the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is smaller. In contrast, Stockbridge’s bylaws establish a minimum size of 300 square feet for one dwelling unit. This creates both a minimum and maximum size for by-right ADUs in Stockbridge.

5. Second ADU:

The AHA requires a special permit for any additional ADU beyond the first on a single-family lot. This aligns with Stockbridge’s existing practices for special permits for multi-family dwellings.

In summary: The AHA will require Stockbridge to adjust its zoning bylaws to allow ADUs by-right, reduce parking requirements, and remove owner-occupancy and rental restrictions.

Adjacent Lots under Common Ownership:

Section 10 of H. 4977 amends the Zoning Act to prevent adjacent lots under common ownership from being treated as a single lot for zoning purposes, provided the lots meet specific criteria.

1. Adjacent Lots Not Merged:

Stockbridge’s existing zoning bylaws assume that adjacent lots under common ownership may be treated as a single lot in some cases, especially when nonconformity is involved. The new law prevents this, ensuring that adjacent lots meeting the following criteria retain their individual status:

• Conformed to zoning requirements at the time of recording,
• Located in a single-family residential district,
• Contain at least 10,000 square feet and 75 feet of frontage.

2. Restrictions on Home Size and Use:

The AHA limits homes built on such lots to 1,850 square feet of heated living space, requires a minimum of three bedrooms, and prohibits their use as seasonal homes or short-term rentals. These rules override local restrictions.

In summary: This law overrides Stockbridge’s previous practices, preventing automatic merging of adjacent lots and adding restrictions on home size and use.

Seasonal Community Designation:

The AHA introduces the concept of Seasonal Community designation, which could affect Stockbridge’s zoning if accepted.

1. Designation:

Communities, in Berkshire County, with at least 40% seasonal housing units are automatically designated as Seasonal Communities. Stockbridge by Town Meeting vote can either accept or decline this designation.

2. Housing for Municipal Employees:

Stockbridge could create a year-round housing trust fund to provide affordable housing for municipal employees. This fund could be established independently or with other towns, requiring the town to amend its bylaws to allow for this type of housing.

3. Tiny Homes:

Seasonal Communities must adopt bylaws that allow for the construction of tiny homes (400 square feet or less, excluding lofts). Stockbridge’s current bylaws do not address tiny homes, so the town would need to adopt provisions for them, particularly on undersized lots, while prohibiting their use as seasonal or short-term rentals.

4. Attainable Housing on Undersized Lots:

The AHA requires Seasonal Communities to allow for attainable year-round housing on undersized lots, provided they are not used for seasonal homes or short-term rentals.

5. Real Estate Tax Exemption:

Seasonal Communities may increase the real estate tax exemption for principal residence owners from 35% to 50%, shifting the tax burden from year-round residents to owners of seasonal or higher-valued homes.

In summary: If accepted, the Seasonal Community designation would allow Stockbridge to develop year-round housing for municipal employees and adopt tiny home regulations. Under AHA, whether the seasonal community designation is accepted or not, there will be updates to our zoning bylaws as described above.

News

Notes from the Board of Assessors, October 21, 2024, Hybrid meeting

The Tax Classification hearing is Monday October 28, 2024. A Tax Classification is mandated by law and occurs every October. 

During the meeting, three issues will be taken up and voted on. It is a Hearing so public comment is welcome.

The tax rate is determined by the state Department of Revenue. How the rate is applied constitute the three issues:

1. Will the Town of Stockbridge split the tax rate or have a single tax rate?

The Board of Assessors supported a single tax rate across commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Advice: vote a residential factor of 1.

The reasons were that (a) it is what Stockbridge has always done because (b) its commercial and industrial tax base is less than 10% of taxes collected whereas the residential taxes account for 90% 

2. Will Stockbridge approve the Residential Tax Exemption (RTE) and if so at what level — between the 10% — 35% allowed.

The Board was opposed to RTE citing (a) this is moving too fast (b) perhaps a consultant should be hired to advise (c) should only be used when really needed. 

The Assessor opposed it because he did not know how to implement it and it seemed too much work determining who was a part-time or full-time resident.

Doug Goudy made clear the advice of the Board of Assessors, the Finance Committee, or Town employees is not invited or required by law. Only the vote of the Select Board is mandated by the Commonwealth. 

3. The Small Commercial Exemption

This is a shift in taxes from Small Commercial to Commercial and Industrial. The definition of a small commercial business one with fewer than 10 employees in a building worth $1,000,000 or less. Last year we had 9 commercial entities that met the definition. This year it is 6. The reduction in tax due would be between $approximately $280 – $680. Advice: do not implement.

Regardless of advice or comments from any Town employee, board or committee, the determination is made by the three-member Select Board.

Editor’s Note: On October 28, 2024, at the Tax Classification Hearing: the Single Tax Rate (#1 above) was adopted. The other two, RTE and the Small Commercial Exemption, were not voted on; they both died for lack of a second. The tax rate last year was $7.37 and for the coming year it is anticipated to be $7.09

News

Notes from the Cemetery Commission meeting, October 22, 2024, Hybrid meeting

Seven people attended the meeting to discuss the permanent placement of a flag and flagpole in the Town Cemetery.

Chair Karen Marshall spoke first citing historic references that explained why there had never been a flag in our cemetery (See Stockbridge Updates, October 15, 2024, Reader to Reader). She also consulted the Historical Commission and read their letter into the record. They concurred that flags were unusual un New England cemeteries, and while they did not oppose it in general, the Commission did oppose placing it in the oldest, historic part of the cemetery. 

The seven attendees stated their desire to honor Stockbridge veterans and demonstrate patriotism.

Vice Chair Candace Currie presented a map and suggested a location in the new section.

The five-member Commission voted as follows: Marshall (no) Currie, Pat Flinn, Hugh Page (yes) Peter Williams (absent — no vote)

The request passed and a permanent flag will be placed at the lower, newer end of the cemetery, subject to any of the suggestions made by the chair at the end of meeting.

News

The Commonwealth Honors Stockbridge

Sponsored by Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Forestry Program, the Town Forest Stewardship Conference, October 19, 2024, was in person only. 

150 participants from all over Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont attended. There were exhibits, refreshments, and lunch included. From 9am — 1pm there were presentations about preserving and protecting forest land including the trees themselves.

After lunch there were field trips to Gould Meadows, Ice Glen, and the Berkshire Botanical Garden.

EXTRA! EXTRA!

Welcome to the 2024 Naturalization Ceremony at the Norman Rockwell Museum

Twenty-eight new citizens to the United States were sworn in. It was heart-warming. It was moving to hear the kind and welcoming words of President Joe Biden’s taped message were moving in contrast to the undeserved ad hominem attacks too often spoken by political leaders. 

There was the presentation of the colors followed by the National Anthem, the Oath of Allegiance “…that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law…”

We sang “America the Beautiful” and stood as the flags were re-furled and ceremoniously removed.

It was a beautiful day in the Berkshires.

News

Events

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce presents the 35th Annual “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas,” December 6, 7, and 8. The weekend will be filled with festive events including historic property tours, holiday concerts, and Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas re-creation.

The Historic property tour is an exciting part of this weekend. It is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th from 11:00am to 3pm.

The houses are: Merwin House, Chesterwood, and Inn at Stockbridge in Stockbridge, High Lawn Farm in Lee, and the Gilded Age Museum at Ventfort Hall in Lenox.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!! As a volunteer you will be offered a complimentary ticket to view the homes. If you can help, contact the Chamber office by November 8th at (413)298-5200 or info@stockbridgechamber.org. 

Stockbridge Council on Aging Calendar

MONDAYS: 10am- Quilting Guild (every third Monday of the Month)

4pm – Yoga with Crystal in the Gym

TUESDAYS: 8:30 AM- Pickleball in the Gym

10 AM- Walking with Friends in the Gym

11:30 AM- Congregate Meal in the Senior Center

12:45 PM- Bingo in the Senior Center

WEDNESDAYS: 10 AM- Chair Yoga in the Gym

By appt. only- Foot Care Clinic (every third Wednesday) in the COA Office

THURSDAYS: 10 AM- Walking with Friends in the Gym

11:30 AM- Congregate Meal at Heaton Court

Noon- Watercolor Painting (ever other Thursdays) in the Senior Center

4 PM- Yoga with Crystal in the Gym

CLASSES COMING UP: Afternoon Tea- November 14th at 3pm in the Senior Center

Learn about tea, create a loose-leaf tea bag and enjoy some nibbles!

Local Bazaar/Vendor Showcase- December 13th at 4pm in the Senior Center

Do a little holiday shopping while supporting local vendors! 

Clark’s Holiday Potting Party – Date and Time are TBD—STAY TUNED! 

Berkshire Botanical Garden

Berkshire Botanical Garden Announces 10th Annual Ecological Gardening Symposium. It will take place Sunday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Berkshire Botanical Garden.

The theme is “Pollutants and Climate: Hopeful Applications in Berkshire County and Beyond.”

Held in collaboration with Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), the symposium will seek to inspire participants with insights into our region’s ecological past, present and future.

The cost to attend is $85 for BBG members; $100 for non-members; and $20 for students. Register at BerkshireBotanical.org

Norman Rockwell Museum

The Norman Rockwell Museum presents a rare series of Edison Mazda Lamps advertising illustrations by Rockwell, Parrish, Wyeth, and other Golden Age artists. Norman Rockwell Museum is honored to present Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection, an exhibition featuring a rare series of paintings created to illustrate early twentieth-century lighting advertisements. This special exhibition highlights the artworks of Rockwell and fellow Golden Age illustrators Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, Dean Cornwell, Stanley Arthurs, Worth Brehm, and Charles Chambers. On view from November 23, 2024, through January 4, 2026 

Exhibition Related Programs at NRM

Exhibition Opening: Illustrators of Light: The Edison Mazda Collection

Friday, December 6, from 5 to 7 pm

Sharing Light: Exhibition Opening & Holiday Reception

Join NRM for a festive evening celebrating the exhibition of rarely-seen paintings in Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection. 

On Saturday, December 21 at 11:30am, enjoy informal gallery tours with Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and holiday treats and libations. Also featuring Norman Rockwell’s holiday paintings and Stockbridge Village recreation. $35; Members free. Reservations and tickets at NRM.org/events.

Curatorial Gallery Tour

See the Light: From Maxfield Parrish to Norman Rockwell

Join exhibition Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett for an in-depth tour of a rarely exhibited collection of work by Norman Rockwell and Golden Age illustrators Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, Dean Cornwell, Stanley Arthurs, Worth Brehm, and Charles Chambers. See how Rockwell and other artists depicted the wonder and beauty of electric light in a series of paintings originally created for Edison Mazda Lamps, the division of the General Electric Company that manufactured light bulbs. $20 plus Museum admission; $10 Members. Reservations and tickets at NRM.org/events. 

Agrippa Hull’s Certificate of Discharge

Stockbridge Library announces: Public Unveiling: Agrippa Hull’s Certificate of Discharge Saturday, November 2 at 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Stockbridge Library Museum & Archives is pleased to announce the acquisition of the discharge certificate of Agrippa Hull. This document, dated July 24, 1783, is signed by George Washington as well as Joseph Trumbull and Lt. Jacob Town, 2nd Massachusetts Regiment. Hull was a free African American soldier from Stockbridge, who served for six years in the Continental Army, two as orderly to General John Paterson of the Massachusetts Line, and the remainder of his service in the same capacity for General Tadeusz Ko?ciuszko. Hull served in several battles from Saratoga, NY to Eutaw Springs in South Carolina.

News

SU FYI

Congratulations to Berkshire Waldorf High School

With their rich educational program and their vigorous fundraising efforts, BWHS has raised 90% of the funds necessary to restore Old Town Hall. Once again, it will be a vibrant part of Stockbridge Main Street.

Many of us remember the town dances and movie nights as well as Town Meetings at Procter Hall, and that space will be open to the public for town events once again, just like it was in the past. Space for public events was a stipulation of the Community Preservation Act grant awarded to this project. 

Ninety percent is no small amount, it is eight million raised (or $8,000,000 of the $8,800,000 needed0. It came from an anonymous donor, our Community Preservation Committee (CPC), and other mostly local donors. To benefit BWHS, its students, and our whole Town, in whatever amount that is comfortable for you, let’s help them get to the finish line. 

The Non-Profit Center of the Berkshires

The Non-Profit Center of the Berkshires has one question for your non-profit: Are you struggling, surviving, growing, or thriving? Contact Executive Director Liana Toscanini with your answer and consider how NPC can help you move the needle toward your goals.

The Nonprofit Center also publishes “Giving Back”, a guide to all our nonprofits and how you can help. Copies available for free.

The Berkshire Art Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce Laura Dickstein Thompson Named as the New Executive Director. Thompson is a visual artist and former Director of Education and KidSpace at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MOCA) in North Adams. She began her new role at Berkshire Art Center in October 2024 succeeding Lucie Castaldo, who stepped down after 15 years of service to the organization.

The Community Preservation Coalition projects: With the annual CPA Trust Fund distribution scheduled for next month, many CPC’s have been asking for an updated projection for this year’s match. Earlier this year, the Department of Revenue (DOR) projected a 14% base match for eligible communities – but Trust Fund collections over the last three months have demonstrated an unexpected turnabout, and now this year’s base match is likely to be a few percentage points higher than expected!” 

The fund provides grants for affordable housing, open spaces, and historic preservation.

The Last Word

Reader to Reader

Dear Carole,

Peter and I are avid readers of SU and thought you might be interested in printing our story. I’ve attached an essay. Thanks for all you do. 

Diane J. Abatemarco, PhD, MSW

Carole, 

This [News Alert re: Tax Classification Hearing] was very helpful, informative and upbeat! Thank you. I genuinely appreciate your efforts to keep us informed. Bravo 

Anne Ferril

Dear Carole: 

So glad to get this because I don’t seem to have received the October (1st I think) Stockbridge Updates. I thought I had taken care of this in September; I don’t want to miss an issue, even though I am back in NYC until spring (mostly).

Thanks as always,

Patti

To the Editor:

As a private citizen, I have been asked my opinion on the candidates for Smitty’s position in the House of Representatives, based on my work on energy siting. I am not endorsing either candidate. This is just my observation of their decision-making on this legislation, knowing with the anticipated passage of the bill, our new representative will be thrown into a lion’s den as necessary regulations are developed. That will require understanding technical language’s impact, sharing factual information with the public, and making substantive recommendations based on that work.

During the discussions on the legislation, I found Marybeth Mitts engaged in the vital minutia that gave her an understanding of the numerous good and troublesome parts of the legislation. She even attended a Berkshire Regional Planning Board (BRPC) Rural Issues Committee meeting to listen to the discussion on the siting bill.

I have tried but have been unable to contact Leigh Davis; however, in a Letter to the Editor, she states, “She shared Michele Marantz’s disappointment that climate change was not addressed during the recent debate’. And went on to write, “Had I been asked, I would have expressed my frustration at the delay of the climate omnibus bill—more than a year and a half in the making—which, when passed, will be a significant step toward an equitable clean-energy transition. This bill streamlines permitting for large clean-energy infrastructure and enhances local control…” 

Please see my article in this issue of Stockbridge Updates about the significant decrease in local control in the omnibus climate bill.

Christine Rasmussen

Editor’s note: Rasmussen is the Stockbridge representative to BRPC. 

International

Berkshire Waldorf High School Welcomes Afghan Students Amidst Adversity

Stockbridge, Mass. — October 31, 2024 — Berkshire Waldorf High School announces the arrival of three remarkable young women from Afghanistan. Masuda, Humaira, and Sara have journeyed to the United States in search of educational opportunities that have been denied to them in their homeland, where women and girls have been barred from attending secondary school since the Taliban regained power in 2021.

The initiative to welcome these students began on January 20, 2024, when Mike Weinstein, an advocate for Afghan girls’ education, reached out to Berkshire Waldorf High School. His email detailed the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Masuda, a top female student from Kabul. After considering Masuda’s situation, the school’s administration, led by Stephen Sagarin and Samantha Stier, expressed a willingness to support her education with a full scholarship, marking the beginning of an inspiring program.

Masuda, Humaira, and Sara faced immense challenges in their pursuit of education. With support from organizations such as Afghan Scouts and Afghan Girls Financial Assistance Fund, these young women navigated a complex and dangerous path to reach safety in the U.S. They spent several months in Pakistan preparing for their visa interviews and are now navigating their new lives in New England, with the support of their host families and the Berkshire Waldorf High School community.

“The resilience and determination of these young women are nothing short of inspiring,” said Admissions Director Samantha Stier. “We are honored to provide them with the educational environment they deserve, one that fosters growth, creativity, and community.”

Berkshire Waldorf High School initiated a fundraising campaign that has raised more than $12,000 from private donors, including Jane Iredale, Carole Owens, and Bobbie Hallig, to support the Afghan students, helping cover costs for program fees, school supplies, and much more. The commitment of the local Berkshire community has been integral to this initiative, demonstrating the power of collective action in making a difference.

“We made the decision to waive all tuition for this program,” said Patrick White, Chief Financial Officer. “The generosity of the Board will have an immense impact on the arc of these young women’s lives. Whether in America or halfway around the world, we believe we must do everything we can to combat systemic misogyny and violence directed at women and girls.”

As they acclimate to life at Berkshire Waldorf High School, Masuda, Humaira, and Sara are engaging in an education that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and personal development. They are thriving academically and socially, forming bonds with their peers, and embracing the opportunities afforded to them.

“We are grateful for this chance to pursue our dreams,” said Masuda. “Despite the challenges we face, we are hopeful for the future and excited to learn and grow in this new environment.”

“I had a hard time with homesickness, as we don’t know if we will see our families… honestly, ever again,” said Sara. “But I’m not afraid to speak out. People all over the world need to know what is happening in Afghanistan. They cannot ignore it. None of us can. We are strong, and our families have all said that education is the most important of all things.”

Berkshire Waldorf High School remains committed to supporting these students and exploring opportunities to welcome more Afghan girls in the future. The ongoing collaboration with various organizations and local families demonstrates a profound commitment to education and equity for all.

“Through this work, I have a much better understanding of how much the girls and their families are risking for them to come here, and how much they are giving up,” said Stier. “They are bright, upright, motivated, talented young women with stellar academic records and English fluency. Their dream is to be able to continue their education. What these organizations are doing is truly remarkable. I hope we can continue this program and accept more Afghan students in the future.”

Perspective

Do You Believe in Magic?

I have been reading people’s earliest memories of Stockbridge in the Stockbridge Updates and it brought to mind my Stockbridge memories that date back to 1974. My husband, Peter and I were attending Stockton State College in south Jersey and met a professor who had a summer place in Lanesborough, he referred to it as “the land”, complete with a pond. Actually, the pond was better established than the outbuildings where we would sleep on beautiful summer evenings. We explored the area, intrigued by the Berkshires. 

One day we stumbled into Stockbridge and from then on Stockbridge became a magical refuge for us. At our professor’s land we would help him build a house during the day, learning various skills and at night we spent hours reading political history and discussing the future of our nation. We did this over a couple of summers – that was the way it was in the 70s. On the weekend we would drive down route 7 through towns until we reached Stockbridge. Excitedly we would park and walk on Main Street always happy when we got to see Officer Obie directing traffic, as we walked by him quietly singing Alice’s Restaurant, like probably thousands of others who listened to Arlo Guthrie’s story on an album or on NPR later. 

Our second stop was the Norman Rockwell Museum located on Main Street back in the day. We would spend several hours in town before heading back to Lanesborough.

By the 80s we were a large family with five children and our days in Lanesborough were long past. However, having two children then adopting three others, a weekend away each spring, for Peter and I without the kids became life-sustaining. It was a big endeavor; it took months to plan, making sure that whoever was staying with our children and pet dog would be able to handle the responsibilities and chaos that would undoubtedly ensue.

We knew where we would go, back to the magical town of Stockbridge! So, in 1984 we began a new tradition of coming back each spring for an adult-only weekend. Typically, we would stay at the lovely Stockbridge Inn just outside of town off Route 7. We would spend the day walking around Stockbridge and going to iterations of Alice’s Restaurant. Happily, we would drive home to our love-filled chaotic life and think about next year…

The kids are long gone and just about five years ago I attempted to retire from my academic professorship but failed. One weekend I was up at Kripalu, training with Kristen Neff, in mindfulness self-compassion when I decided to go to see a house for sale across the Bowl from Kripalu. I had begun collecting social security and was now called back to work because I’d been awarded a large federal grant that the university could not get without me. So, with a full-time salary again, my social security, and a nest egg that we had begun saving, I decided to find a vacation home in Stockbridge. I called my husband to tell him I found the house in Stockbridge that I wanted to buy. He was supportive and I was again hit with that Stockbridge magical awe.

Today we spend about a third of our time in Stockbridge and it continues to feel magical. In fact, it has become more so, and we may have found out the secret magical elixir, it is the people that live in Stockbridge, work there, and want to be there – even for a day. We also read SU and become more enamored reading Carol’s essays.

So that’s my story of Stockbridge that began 50 years ago and continues to flourish as we hike, kayak, shop at the Co-op and Guido’s, eat at the most amazing restaurants and walk down the streets of Stockbridge.

Thank you, Stockbridge.

Perspective

A Call to Action

Commonwealth leadership has set a goal of a greener future for Massachusetts. New legislation aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 1990 levels by 50% by 2023 and achieve net zero by 2050. This ambitious plan requires our collective effort to double electricity from solar photovoltaic generation, install 3,200 megawatts of offshore wind, and more than 2,500 megawatts of additional energy storage by 2030. We also need to ensure the necessary transmission and distribution infrastructure is in place to deliver this clean energy to our communities.

To accomplish these goals, a special commission was tasked with developing recommendations—work I have written about previously—that were submitted to both houses of the legislature. During the spring and summer, the MA Municipal Association, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and others called on the legislators to provide local governments with more local control, not less, as recommended by the special commission’s draft report. 

The draft mandates permit granting to a new state agency in Boston. Permitting for large facilities of over 25 mWh or over approximately 100 acres with potential for causing the most environmental damage be by a new state agency in Boston with appointed – not elected – members. The agency’s goal would be to meet the administration’s energy targets by overriding local zoning bylaws rather than providing communities with greater discretionary approval authority once specific targets for renewable energy development in their municipality are met.

During the regular session, the House and Senate worked slowly on their versions of the energy bill. Even when the formal legislative session ended on July 31, without the legislation passing, we continued to educate legislators on the potential impact of their proposals on Western Mass, with the hope that our concerns would be incorporated into the final legislation.

However, according to State House News, with pressure from leadership to pass clean energy legislation bill mounting, and On October 24, the Senate passed the bill with only about ten senators in the chamber thus abandoning decades of prior precedent and the rules the legislature sets for itself to only vote on controversial issues in formal sessions. It is anticipated that the House will pass the bill before you read this.

It’s with sadness that I am writing this, but in a chin-up email I received after the bill passed in the Senate, I was told to “stop dwelling on what we lost, dust yourself off and get out there working.” 

The potential loss is significant, and it’s urgent that we act. So, with the help of a few Republicans and Senator Paul Mark, we need to work harder than ever to protect what we love about our precious environment. This is a call to action, and we must continue our efforts with renewed determination.

Editor’s Note: It is anticipated that the bill will pass this week and become law.

by Christine Rasmussen

Perspective

From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon, Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

The Monument Mountain Regional HS Building Committee will host a Community Information Session on November 25th, where updated costs will be presented, and the project will ask for final input before narrowing down to a single preferred design solution to be studied further and presented for a vote in Fall of 2025. Meeting details for the November 25th session will be announced on the project website, https://monumentbuildingproject.org, in the coming weeks.

Separately, our budget process is in full swing. It’s lead by a Finance Sub-Committee that started working in August. Each school, student services/special education, operations, technology have presented met and unmet needs. We’re now starting to look at cost implications as we build out the budget. We also presented a Budget 101 Session to school staff so they could have more input into the budget process. 

Finally, if you have a minute, take a look at the Halloween paintings in Great Barrington store fronts. This is the 75th year of the contest.

In future Stockbridge Updates, I will introduce you to some of our new teachers and staff for this year. 

Please reach out to me at peter.dillon@bhrsd.org if you have any questions, and continue to join our School Committee and other meetings. 

Analysis

Feature: Finding Treasure in Otis

On October 26, 2024, I had a wonderful day treasure hunting with my daughter, Sydney. We dug up in a cellar hole in the Otis area and found a real Berkshire treasure. It was a hand-forged ax head made by Jeremiah Stuart (1785 -1856). 

The ax head is cast steel, and it is signed — Jeremiah Stuart!!!

Stuart came to Stockbridge in 1830 when he was 45 years old and remained until his death in 1856. He is buried in Stockbridge Cemetery. During in his life, he was a blacksmith and tool make with a shop on Stockbridge Main Street.

Tom Esko, fellow treasure hunter, serious collector, and historian of axes and early tools, said, “This might be the only one known to exist.” 

Syd also dug part of an octagon barrel of an early 19th century rifle.

I have been treasure hunting with my daughter since she was nine years old. The first time out, we found an ancient clay pipe and it was intact! That was a great day too.

by Charlie Flint

New Berkshire News

Our Neighbors in Great Barrington

Housatonic Water Works Litigation 

Two of the three users of Housatonic Water Works (HWW), Great Barrington (GB), and West Stockbridge, opted to sue HWW. Stockbridge declined to join the suit. 

The GB Board of Health issued an order on September 13, 2024, modified on the 17th, directing certain corrections and imposing fines if not undertaken in the time allowed. HWW entered a motion for injunctive relief from that order. 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, BERKSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT 

HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS COMPANY, Plaintiff v. TOWN OF GREAT BARRINGTON, TOWN BOARD OF HEALTH, and REBECCA JURCZYK as GREAT BARRINGTON HEALTH AGENT, Defendants

INTRODUCTION

This litigation is based on a dispute between the Housatonic Water Works Company (Housatonic) and the Board of Health of the Town of Great Barrington (Board). Housatonic is a privately-owned public water supplier to approximately 750 customers in the towns of Great Barrington and West Stockbridge. On September 17, 2024, the Board issued a Modified Order requiring Housatonic to comply with its terms or face fines. Housatonic has filed this Certiorari action to vacate this order.

IT IS ORDERED by Judge John Agostini:

A. That Housatonic Water Works Company shall be awarded a preliminary injunction.

B. During the pendency of this action, the defendants, together with their agents, successors and assigns, are enjoined and restrained from enforcing the Board’s modified Order to Correct, dated September 13, 2024 (Modified Order), requiring Housatonic Water Works Company to take any action pursuant to the Modified Order or issuing any penalty to Housatonic Water Works Company by the Modified Order.

C. As the plaintiffs’ motion was limited to a preliminary injunction, the parties shall confer and determine whether any further action should be taken prior to the issuance of a final judgment and permanent injunction. Accordingly, a status conference is scheduled for Thursday November 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., by way of ZOOM. A final judgment would permit immediate appeal of this Order.

D. With respect to the engagement of boards of health in public safety, the seminal case is Town o/Wendell v. Attorney General, 394 Mass. 518 (1985). Wendell involved preemption by the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act (PCA) of a pesticide regulation by the Town of Wendell’s Board of Health. The Legislature had established a pesticide board and promulgated a comprehensive plan governing the distribution and registration of pesticides and the certification and licensing of pesticide users. Wendell passed a regulation which required the board of health to hold a public hearing on any proposed pesticide use in the Town. Under the regulation, the board was to determine whether the applicant had complied with all the requirements of the State statute and also that the application of the pesticide was not a danger to the health, environment or safety of the town residents.

From these findings, the Supreme Judicial Court concluded: The legislature has placed in the subcommittee the responsibility of determining on a statewide basis, pesticide by pesticide, whether its use will cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment. An additional layer of regulation at the local level, in effect second-guessing the subcommittee, would prevent the achievement of the identifiable statutory purpose of having a centralized, statewide determination of the reasonableness of the use of a specific pesticide in particular circumstances.”

Therefore, the SJC held that the local ordinance frustrated the purpose of the statute and therefore was preempted by the statute.

New Berkshire News

Our Neighbors in Lee

October 18, 2024: Housatonic River Day 

Clean Water act of 1948 (CWA) was the first passed “to prevent, reduce, and eliminate pollution in the nation’s water in order to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity nation’s waters.”

It was amended in 1972 to regulate pollution giving authority over the CWA to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Town of Lee, pointing out that the EPA is now presiding over an inadequate cleanup of a major pollution of the Housatonic River, proclaimed October 18th Housatonic River Day. The proclamation read: 

“Whereas 52 years ago the Clean Water Act passed to regulate pollutants into the waters of the United States and,

Whereas the Housatonic River flows through the heart of Lee and the Berkshires, and,

Whereas the town of Lee seeks a proper cleanup of the river that General Electric polluted with PCBs and now refuses to adequately remediate,

Now therefore be it resolved that I, Gordon D. Bailey, Chairman of the Select Board of Lee Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim that October 18, 2024, be known as Save the Housatonic Day.”

Select Board member, Bob Jones, added, “By establishing Housatonic Day, Lee is drawing attention to a situation that affects thousands of us in many towns in more than one state.”

New Berkshire News

Sheffield: Attention: Everyone who Recycles, Reuses or Reduces

From Our Neighbors in Sheffield

By Rene Wood

Attached is the Environmental Protection Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Guide. This is a great guide to help achieve whatever reuse, recycle and yes, reduce goals you may have for the holiday season this year and for 2025. Click Here: https://www.epa.gov/recycle

Soon (November 16, 2024) there will be a LOCAL EDITION. It’s a great refresher on what’s accepted at individual Berkshire County municipal transfer stations as well as giving you an idea of what other communities are collecting. This may lead to the question: “Why are we doing that?” and can help improve every one’s effort to reduce their solid waste footprint. 

While textiles and mattresses are the state’s latest focus, did you know that over 90% of clothing, shoes, and other textiles can be reused or recycled? For most mattresses, it’s 95%.

Food composting is another focus where so much may be kept out of the solid waste stream and made into soil enriching compost — whether at home or through a home- or community pick up service. And of course, 2nd hand clothing and numerous other item stores continue to increase in popularity, as more people look for good clothing and other buys and people give items to such stores, many of which have an important social mission. While we may think of Goodwill, there are numerous private stores and don’t forget the Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity Restore in Pittsfield. What a gold mine!

Finally, you’ll find all kinds of help in figuring out what to do with all the stuff that doesn’t seem to have an obvious next place — from A for aerosol cans to Y for yoga mats.

The Guide is a great read, with so much information. Most people keep it for year-round usage or have their recycling coordinator put a link online for easier reference. It’s good until Nov. 2025.

Editor’s note: Rene is a former member of the Sheffield Select Board, now concentrating her appreciable talents on recycling

by Rene Wood

Updates TV

SU TV: Dr. Kevin Mitts

Stockbridge Updates is pleased to launch a new television show in partnership with Community Television for The Southern Berkshires (CTSB)! SU TV has interviewed Patrick White, Bob Jones, Michael Canales, and Marybeth Mitts in previous episodes. This issue’s interview is with renown Berkshire orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Mitts, who discusses healthcare and climate. WATCH NOW