Editorial

The More Things Change the More They Remain the Same

Berkshire Eagle Headline, September 17, 2015: “Discontent in Stockbridge led to Cardillo election”

What was the discontent about a decade ago? Transparency and public comment. In her letter to the editor, Mary Hart wrote: “If people do not have a voice, then we do not have a democracy.”

Ten years later almost to the day, Select Board (SB) Chair Jamie Minacci, responding to discontent about the lack of public comment at meetings, told the Eagle that the issue would be discussed at the August 21, 2025, SB Meeting.

It was not discussed, it was addressed. There was no time for voters to express their discontent or suggest solutions. The Chair made a pronouncement “pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 30A, Section 20F.” She read:

• After notifying the chair of the public body, any person may record or transmit this open meeting.

• This hybrid meeting is being reported by the Town of Stockbridge.

• The names of members participating remotely will be announced.

• Any member of the public wishing to speak must first receive permission from the chair.

• The agenda items listed are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair, but not all may be discussed.

• And other topics not listed [on the agenda] may be brought up for discussion by the public body as permitted by law”

Maybe it’s the law, but it does not sound friendly or encouraging. Without making any further comment or requesting comments from the floor, the Chair asked for a motion to approve the minutes of seven previous SB meetings held over a period of (at least) 14 weeks, that is, 3 1/2 months. Unapproved, minutes cannot be made public.

It has been reported previously that the Town Administrator withholds Zoom recordings from CTSBTV although the will of the people, expressed at Town Meeting, was to record all meetings and send them to CTSBTV as another way for voters to tune in and find out what’s going on.

So here’s where we are:

We can speak with permission of a Chair who has not permitted any public comments at meetings, or when permitted, limited the time to speak to 2 minutes. If attending by Zoom, images of attendees are blocked — we cannot see one another. We can find out what’s happening by attending meetings in person, but sadly, dates and times of all meetings are not being listed.

A couple of questions:

Are we better off with citizen involvement or better off ruled by those who believe citizen involvement wastes time and interferes with good government?

What are the outcomes when citizens can speak freely and be part of the process or when they cannot?

Consider this:

The least transparent process in the last more than ten years was the Rest of River which was the group appointed to negotiate a contract with GE regarding the PCB cleanup. Each of five towns had one representative and the group had one lawyer. Lenox and Lee received $25,000,000 from GE and Stockbridge received $1,500,000. We all know three things: $1.5million is way less than $25million; none of us know why we received less, and none of us had a voice in the process. Charlie Kenny and Denny Alsop posed questions at Town Meeting, and Patrick White posed questions at the SB meetings. No answers were given. The reason given was that there was ongoing litigation. Wait, that is a fourth thing no one knows about: in what ongoing litigation was Stockbridge involved?

Another question: there’s an egg shape painted on the pavement at the intersection of Main and South Streets. Why? How does it work? What relationship does it have to our safety? Don’t know? Why not? We paid for it. Why is it flat not raised? What happened to the money we voted to paint and raise it?

Want a third? How come, for the first time in Stockbridge history, there are sirens being used? Who decided that and by what process?

Here’s a fourth: 2026 is the 250th birthday of our nation. At Town Meeting, we voted $25,000 to celebrate. The Community Preservation Committee awarded us $32,500 for a Revolutionary War Monument to be unveiled on July 4th, and the Town matched it. The celebration and the monument will commemorate our birthday. How come there are no open meetings on how to spend this money?

It is 2015 again. I hope we voted correctly this time. Maybe this time we will get the transparency and citizen involvement we have always wanted and sometimes enjoyed.

Carole Owens
Executive Editor

Editor’s note: Herein, Mass General Law Chapter 30A Administrative Procedure, is not quoted verbatim. For full text of the above 30A Sections F and G go to https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleIII/Chapter30A/Section20

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

News

SU FYI

1. The Democratic Town Committee has a Facebook page. Go to:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577075034959

Question: why don’t we have a Republican Town Committee? Also, one reader asked, can we have an Independent/Unaffiliated Town Committee?

2. Now it is real. The construction is complete; the Berkshire Waldorf High School has a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, and once again, Stockbridge has a high school.

3. Thanks to the efforts of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, the disturbance of the land at the building at the Marian property on Prospect Hill Road was overseen on this important location. It was the original site of the Mission House — important to all of us.

News

Notes from the Select Board meeting, August 21, 2025, Hybrid meeting

The SB meeting lasted approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds approximately. The required Mass Gen Law 30A Section 20 f- g was read, minutes from the last three months were approved as was a one-day liquor license. They voted to adjourn, and Chuck Cadillo said “cool.”

News

Notes from the Planning Board (PB), August 19, 2025, Hybrid meeting

The PB meeting began with Chair Kate Fletcher reading the statement based upon Mass Gen Law 30A Sections f, G that the Town Administrator requested be read at start of every meeting.

Minutes from July 15. 2025 were approved.

Request for Special Permit to restore barn at 41 Main Street and convert it from space Country Curtains was used as storage to a residence. The footprint will not change. No well or septic is required, external alterations limited to replication of original elements and removal of siding to place insulation and then restoration of same siding. Request approved.

A request was made on August 1, 2025, for a Form A for by applicant Michael C. Kammeyer and Elisa Garza Kammeyer, deed of property recorded at the Berkshire County Registry of Deeds in book 7043, page 152 (Parcel I) and shown on assessor’s map 216 as Parcel 6. Location shown on application as: Parcel I: On the westerly side of the road leading past the premises over the hill to Interlaken (South Hill Road), containing 4.682 acres by deed. Said Parcel I to be divided into Parcel A and Parcel B.

If no action taken by PB within 21 days, it is automatically approved by law. Chair announced the surveyor was not present.

It was decided to review the materials and if there were unanswered questions, continue the matter.

The question arose: could PB continue it since the next meeting was after the 21 days allowed? Would the state determine that since no action was taken within 21 days, it was automatically approved? No one knew — Chair Kate Fletcher called Michael Canales who apparently did not know. They decided to review and continue the matter and see what happened.

The review resulted in two questions. They continued the matter until they received answers and risked what the state decided. Meeting adjourned.

News

Notes from the Green Committee, August 13, 2025, Hybrid meeting

Submitted by the Chair as DRAFT minutes; sincere thank you to Laura Dubester and please see her letter in Reader to Reader

Present were Laura Dubester, Chair, Steve Averbuch, Miles Moffatt, Tim O’Brien, Michael Canales, and guest Neel Webber

Per Michael Canales, the following Chair’s announcement should appear on future Agendas and be read at the start of every meeting:

“Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, paragraph 20(f), after notifying the chair of the public body, any person may record or transmit this open meeting. This hybrid meeting is being recorded by the Town of Stockbridge. The names of members participating remotely will be announced. Any member of the public wishing to speak must first receive permission from the chair. The agenda items listed are those reasonably anticipated by the chair, but not all may be discussed, and other topics not listed may be brought up for discussion by the public body as permitted by law.”

Committee members introduced themselves, noting the length of time serving on the Committee, as well as work experience, skills and interests. Neel Webber, Guest, expressed his interest in serving on the Committee and shared his background (teacher at Monument Mountain, recently retired, eager to serve Stockbridge, experience with non-profit organizations).

Following a brief conversation with Neel and unanimous sense among Committee members that Neel has a lot to offer, the Committee reviewed the process for Selectboard consideration and approval. Neel will send a letter to Selectboard and Laura will send a recommendation letter on behalf of the Committee.

Potential Visit from Leigh Davis and House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability:

Steve Averbuch has been in touch with Leigh Davis’s staff intern. At this time, they will not be meeting with the Stockbridge Committee during the legislative committee’s site visit to South Berkshire. Steve reminded the Committee that she is a resource to Town.

Environmental Preferable Products Purchasing Policy:

Michael will share a proposed addition to the Policy to the Selectboard in the early fall after there is a full board in place. The proposed addition will prioritize battery operated small engines (SORE/Small Off-Road Engines e.g. weed whackers) when feasible per Town’s needs, including performance and budget. In addition to not using fossil fuels, they are healthier to operate for Town employees.

Town Environmental Needs/Gaps:

Laura and Steve reported that they had a positive meeting with the Forestry Agriculture Commission. At this point, the Committee is pursuing its priorities and Matt (Chair) agreed that it was good to know what Committees are working on (especially pertaining to environmental considerations) and person-to-person conversations are positive.

Based on interest expressed by a few Town residents, Laura asked Michael whether the Town has a policy vis–vis native plants/shrubs or plant maintenance. Mike suggested contacting Lisa Bozzuto directly as she is the appointed Tree Warden and also a member of various Town Committees. Tim will contact Lisa to initiate a conversation to see whether or not the Green Communities Committee can serve as a resource to her.

Updates — Next Steps:

• Climate leader application: Submitted to DOER and most likely approved by staff and awaiting governor’s signature.

• FY 25 Annual Report: Laura will compile the data and information provided by Town staff related to energy consumption for Town buildings, vehicles, and operations. The report will be submitted late fall 2025.

• Streetlighting: Mike will be in contact with National Grid to find out of retrofit of downtown streetlights has or will be scheduled soon

• EV Charging Stations: Steve has been taking the lead on raising community and visitor awareness about the charging stations. A new sign has been installed inside the Chamber of Commerce kiosk with an arrow towards the ev charging stations and public restrooms. He also raised the idea of providing information or helping businesses develop sustainable practices.

• Municipal Aggregation: The new aggregation plan and pricing will be announced by Mike when it goes into effect. He always reminds Committees and the public that the purpose is to provide rate stability. The new rates include options for greater amounts of renewable energy.

• Updated energy audits of town buildings: Laura reported that, assuming Stockbridge is approved as a Climate Leader Community, it makes sense to move expeditiously to develop a Technical Assistance proposal to DOER. (Climate Leaders can apply for up to $150,000 for technical assistance and/or $1,000,000 for implementation). In line with the Town’s commitment to become fossil-fuel free by 2050 (as feasible), we had been focusing on the Town Office building, a major user of energy. The issues/challenges include the 100+compressor units that have reached their useful life and are beginning to fail, a natural gas heating system that ‘mimics’ the failed geothermal system, and plastic piping in the walls. At this point, however, The Roadmap describes a plan that still makes sense to follow especially because it is highly likely that technology and/or costs will change in the next 5 years or so.

However, there are a variety of issues in the new DPW building that could benefit from a comprehensive review. Laura Dubester and Michael Canales will meet with Guardian Energy to discuss a technical assistance grant application to be followed, hopefully, by a implementation grant application. A possibility would be to install solar panels on the roof. In addition, it was noted that the Salt Shed also has potential for solar (an eligible installation in the Climate Leader grant program). Neel noted that plans for the new high school (if approved) include “solar ready” and geo-thermal heating.

Adjourned

Editor’s query: When and by what process was it decided to read the statement at the start of every committee, commission and board meeting? Who made the decision? At what public meeting? Was public comment allowed?

News

Notes from the Conservation Commission, July 22, 2025, Hybrid meeting

Chair read the requisite paraphrase of Mass Gen Law 30A Section 20 f-g

1. A discussion ensued about whether a Conservation Restriction (CR) on a portion of Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) property can be modified to increase parking. Town Counsel ruled it cannot be modified and the restriction “stands as written.”

A representative from Berkshire Native Habitat (apparently, but not introduced) and PB Chair Kate Fletcher seemed to favor less mowing in general. She said, “allow meadows to go” as too much mowing kills native plants. (SU welcomes correction on this point — it was unclear).

Catherine Chester, VP, Stockbridge Land Trust (SLT) spoke as SLT holds CR. BBG needs a larger parking lot as they have had to turn away people who wanted to attend events for lack of parking. She suggested the TC opinion did not quite answer the question — the SLT and BBG were not seeking to alter CR but to have a temporary informal agreement to not to “strictly enforce it.”

2. Loveless property on Route 102 — Laurel Hill Association is requesting a CR on the land and submitted the draft to ConCom who asked:

Would there be a prohibition on camping?

Would the CR permit archaeological digs?

Would mowing be allowed?

The first was evidently part of the state law governing CR by state. The second would be determined by the Mass Historical Commission and perhaps the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe. Finally, it was stated it would be mowed infrequently.

3. 40 Prospect Hill Road — near Interlaken Cross Road. There are wetlands and an intermittent stream within 50 and 100 feet respectively. There was a building permit granted previously, but it expired. There is a new owner seeking a new permit.

There is ledge and some blasting may be required to build. They will use extant driveway. Con Com requested a written Notice of Intent (NOI)

4. 28 trees are due to Stockbridge by Mass Electric because of cutting down trees to install a power line. Parks and Rec determined they should be planted on the perimeter of the green next door to Town Offices Building. There may be a number left over and for those Town may be reimbursed or may identify another area where they could be planted.

5. 2 Wallace Road permit to control phragmites

6. 1 Housatonic Road permit to build

7. Address? There is a “hazardous tree” — likely to fall onto adjoining property. Lisa Bozzuto (ConCom member and Tree Warden) will speak to the owners of the tree and explain they must remove it.

8. Consultant David Cameron reported on storm water runoff in two locations – Eden Hill and Dugway Road. In both cases too much runoff from impervious surfaces.

On Eden Hill the water is even crossing Prospect Hill Road — very large building with very large roof — must be addressed

On Dugway it is off the driveway and must be addressed.

Both are in opposition to requirements in Storm Water Bylaw.

News

MA Government Updates

By Christine Rasmussen

Roads and Bridges

Chapter 90, created in 1973 by the legislature, is a state-funded reimbursement bond program to fund roads and bridges. After years of rural governments lobbying for changes in the program to recognize their unique needs for additional funds, because the reimbursement formula did not account for the miles of roads that rural communities must maintain due to a lack of transportation infrastructure, like the T that serves metro Boston, Governor Maura Healey heard us! This year, the legislature approved legislation she filed authorizing $1.5 billion in bonding for the Chapter 90 program over five years, which will raise the amount of money distributed each year and give cities and towns the multi-year commitment they have long been unable to secure from the Legislature. Additionally, $200 million per year — the same annual funding level that has been in place for most of the past decade and a half — will continue to be distributed according to a formula that takes into account roadway mileage, population, and employment. However, an extra $100 million is being allocated based solely on road mileage, effectively giving greater priority to more rural communities with long stretches of roadways.

“We know that municipalities rely on the Chapter 90 program to fund critical improvements to their roads and bridges,” Healey said in a statement. “Under our bill, and with this new, mileage-based formula, every single city and town — including our small towns and rural communities — will see a significant increase in Chapter 90 funding. This means that local officials can put these dollars to work easing congestion, strengthening resilience, and improving safety and quality of life for all of their residents.” She continued that dozens of cities and towns in central and western Massachusetts will see a 75% to 90% increase in combined Chapter 90 funding.

Stockbridge is fortunate to have an administration and highway department that does an excellent job managing our roads/bridges, and now with this 90% increase in funding to $429,779.82, over the next year, one should expect to see wish list projects move to shovels in the ground.

Energy Costs Are Rising

Utilities requested $29 billion in rate increases during the first half of 2025—more than double the amount from the same period last year. Several factors contribute to these rising costs, including investments in aging infrastructure, higher natural gas prices, and the most significant driver, extreme weather events disrupting service and requiring costly repairs to the poles and wires that transport power to homes and businesses. Unfortunately, this situation is expected to worsen due to increasing power demand, shifting energy policies, and the demand for energy-intensive data centers for AI operations.

Simultaneously, the new administration’s policies are jeopardizing the clean energy transition. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed in July, is set to eliminate federal tax credits that incentivize solar and wind development, which are typically cheaper to build than fossil fuel plants. Plus, they are tightening the Treasury rules, making it harder for wind and solar projects to access remaining tax credits.

The deadlines for the federal program incentives require systems to be installed and operational by December 31 to qualify under the current program. So now is the time to act if you are considering upgrades. See IRS 25D Details.

by Christine Rasmussen

Watch Now!

SU TV

Peter Strauss and Patrick White

Events

Events

1. Stockbridge Library presents a Chamber Concert, September 12, 2025, 7pm, First Congregational Church, $35. Support the local Library, Museum and Archives. Tickets can be purchased at the library.

2. Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Walking Tour, September 6th and 13th at 3:00pm -4:30pm, $20; separate from Museum Admission

These tours do not take place at the Museum. Tour groups will meet on Main Street. Transportation to Main Street from the Museum is not provided.

Take a guided walking tour of downtown Stockbridge and discover how the town and its inhabitants both inspired Norman Rockwell and appeared in some of his most iconic works of art. Explore the history of this 1734 village–including its Mohican origins.

Stops will include Norman Rockwell’s home on South Street, his first studio on Main Street, the Old Corner House (site of the original Norman Rockwell Museum), Chief John Konkapot’s property, the Red Lion Inn, the former site of Alice’s Restaurant, and more!

Limited capacity- advance reservations required. Event is rain or shine.

Meet in front of The Old Corner House, 48 Main Street; public on street parking, or designated spaces at Town Hall. Tour route is mostly flat, and on sidewalks.

Group size maximum of 15.

Click here: Buy Tickets for September 6th

Click here: Buy Tickets for September 13th

Perspective

On Transparency

By Patrick White

When the Chair announced on June 5 that her desire to remain the Chair was so that she could continue to learn, I might suggest this as a teachable moment: embrace transparency and public dialog.

There’s been some discussion of how to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. Here are but of a few of dozens of quotes from leaders of that era:

“The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.”

– Patrick Henry

“A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or, perhaps both.”

– James Madison

I would add to that a quote from a 20th century Supreme Court justice:

“Sunshine is the best disinfectant.”

– Louis Brandeis

Many of us worked for many years to ensure that “the town’s in great shape” — taxes are low and the roads are paved. This is about process, not policy. It’s about encouraging, not discouraging, public participation in their own governance. Local small-town government is the last vestige of pure democracy in this country. It should be participatory, the people must be allowed to be involved.

What will the Board do if folks just start showing up and do not limit their words to agenda items? Call in the constable? If that’s the case, the Finance Committee might want to add some more police officers and perhaps an expansion of the jail to the town budget. We might just need the extra help and extra space.

The Chair proclaimed she wanted to stay as chair to learn. Well, this is a teachable moment: embrace transparency. Allow the public to speak at the beginning of meetings. Stop hiding behind legalese to justify a dumb policy. Get answers and put those discussions on future meetings. You work for the people, not the other way around. Make your 3 minute meetings 30 minutes by adding robust public discussion on whatever topics your employers, the citizens of this town, want to discuss. Who knows? You just might learn something.

Reader to Reader

Reader to Reader

Dear Carole,

Can you please include the following details in a Stockbridge update (hopefully before September 12)? There will be a benefit concert for The Stockbridge Library, September 12, 2025 at 7 PM. The concert will take place at the First Congregation Church, 4 Main Street Stockbridge, and will include music by Brahms, Clara Schumann, and Sheila Silver. Tickets are $35 and 100% of the proceeds will benefit The Stockbridge Library. Sweet and savory treats to be provided by The Lost Lamb at a reception following the performance. Tickets are now on sale at the front desk of the Library and will also be available at the door.

Robin Dumas

Dear Robin,

Always a pleasure to help our library. It is an asset to Stockbridge and is now even more vibrant.

Carole

Carole –

I am reluctant to send the draft minutes until they have been reviewed/approved by the Committee. I try not to do anything “unilaterally”. If there is something important, please call and I can fill you in.

THAT BEING SAID….

Unfortunately, we may not have a September meeting because there isn’t very much NEW. So it would mostly be reviewing the updates.

The June minutes have been posted (hopefully on the website) and there wasn’t a meeting in July (zoom wasn’t working)..

August was mostly “updates” (you can see on the agenda) – and the Committee voted to recommend that Neel Webber be appointed by the Selectboard to the Committee to replace Pat Flinn.

One cool thing is that there is now a sign in the chamber of commerce kiosk, with an arrow pointing to the EV chargers and public bathrooms.

I feel so good about the current committee – technical expertise, thoughtful, practical — care for Town and environment and our mission to “do good for both”….

Hope this helps. we meet the 2nd Wednesday of every month…. HOWEVER, we may not meet in September because again it would only be update… In that case, I will ask if there is any problem sending you the draft minutes from August.

Maybe easier if we have a brief conversatio…. AND, I can check in with the committee to see if all are okay with sending draft minutes….

Warmly,

Laura Dubester, Chair
Green Committee

Dear Laura,

Thank you for the draft minutes. I admire your leadership style of collaboration.

Carole

Hi Carole,

I was hoping you could put an update in the next issue about our new vendor at the farms market, Stuart Kelso wrote a little something about it and sent it to me. Let me know if its too long we can make it shorter. Also he sent photos for it if that is warranted.

For the August market, our newest vendor is Lion’s Tooth Farm, a small family farm in Windsor MA.

“Our products are made as cleanly and organically as possible. Our beef, lamb, and goat are entirely grassfed and finished. Our pork is pasture raised and fed a local certified organic soy-free grain. All of our animals receive no antibiotics. They forage on pesticide-free trees and grasses as well as our own hay.

We grow and blend our own herbal cosmetics, herbal wellness products and animal-based cosmetics. Everything is organically grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.

We will have organic sweet corn available every Wednesday afternoon at the Stockbridge farmers market.” – Lions Tooth Farm

Come out and enjoy fresh local certified organic produce and fresh baked goods at the Stockbridge Farmers Market every Wednesday from now to September 24.

Market hours are 3pm to 6pm.

In addition to sweet corn we are also planning to have kale, radishes, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, a variety of leafy greens, a wide variety of baked goods from Berkshire Mountain Bakery, honey, maple syrup.

The Stockbridge Farmers Market is located at 50 Main Street in Stockbridge.(the front lawn of the Town Offices Building.)

Our vendors are The Abode Farm, Gaetanos Farm, Berkshire Mountain Bakery, Konkapot Apiary honey, Millbrook Sugar House maple products and Lion’s Tooth Farm.

SNAP recipients can purchase food at half price. Come to the market manager’s desk for details.

Hope all is well, Matt B

Matt Boudreau, Chair
Agriculture and Forestry Committee

Thanks Matt — Carole

Hi Carole,

Thank you for your caring involvement in numerous issues dear to you that we all benefit from. Although I’m not on staff [at Kripalu] I do volunteer work attempting to keep the standard of care beyond life support. I pushed the conversation of the Gatehouse collapse along for several years. My guiding philosophy and passion is eco-friendly grounds-keeping without borders transforming blight into beauty. Seeing the Gatehouses neglect has been like a pebble in my shoe. The Gatehouse is not only a reflection of Kripalu but I consider it visual introduction (Gateway) to the Town of Stockbridge for visitors arriving from the North. A branding if you will be complimenting Gould meadows. Jennifer, COO, would be the contact person.

How ever I can be of help keep me informed. Sometimes getting things moving can be like pushing a wet spaghetti up hill. Also sending some attached pictures of before and now. Hope you get them.

And I still owe you a hike around Shadowbrook.

Moose/Kevin “Moose” Foran

Hi Moose,

Here is what Berkshire Preservation Inc (BPI) has done so far to assist with the Shadow Brook Gatehouse.

BPI Board members met with Kripalu Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Wallace, Facilities Manager Anthony Sgueglia, and Gift and Gratitude, Jennifer Joyce.

We measured and photographed the structure. I contacted an architect and a restoration stone mason. We agree it is falling down, there is a tree growing in the center of the interior, and nonetheless, it should be saved.

BPI will be helping with grant applications and architectural input from a noted restoration architect. We are so excited.

I understand you may be giving a tour of the pieces of Shadowbrook still extant after the great fire in addition to the gatehouse. So excited to tag along. Thanks Moose just for being you.

BPI is helping with every aspect. Let’s get it done. Let’s pitch in and save the last vestiges of Shadowbrook.

Warm wishes Carole

Dear Carole,

I did my presentation on the Hoffmanns and it went very well. So many in the community were simply unaware of their significant contributions, and it was great to be able to share their story. Also I did a story on them in my monthly column in a local paper.

Thanks for your help.

Cheri McKinney

Dear Cheri,

Stockbridge’s own gets recognition in California. I love it, thank you, and it was my pleasure to help.

Carole

Editor’s note: Cheri is a resident of Santa Barbara, CA and writes for the local newspaper. Among other contributions to Stockbridge, Bernard and Irene Hoffmann donated the land (8.5 acres) and founded the Berkshire Botanical Garden.

Carole,

Thanks for your opinion piece in The Eagle that ran yesterday. I enjoyed the one in Stockbridge Updates also.

Yes, we can set up Forums so that candidates – participants in democracy – can answer questions – each given the same amount of time – each give the questions in advance to be able to consider what to say… there are no tricks to this trade!

It made me very pleased for the future of Stockbridge.

Whether we have 3 or 5 Select board members for 1800 voters, I dunno. But we do need to vote IN the good ones.

Imagine if another Select board member decided to step down? That was a bold suggestion!

I asked one of the candidates after the Forum if they decided to run for the vacancy because the term was shorter and they could see how the role fitted them, rather than commit to 3 years – OH NO! She said.

I hope you are right and that they’ll both be in there by next spring.

All the very best,

Ramelle
Ramelle Pulitzer, Chair League of Women Voters

Dear Carole,

Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s nice…

Fabulous phrase.

Especially loved the column today about the two women. Not running against, running FOR. A lost concept too often. I was a selectperson with two selectmen for six years in the 1970s. It was an education!! And a great experience.

Best always

Ruthie Bass

Editor’s note: Ruth Bass is a columnist for The Berkshire Eagle and perhaps the longest running columnist still on staff.

Carole,

I realize that the piece I sent you yesterday may not be relevant when it comes time to publish your next SU issue. And, frankly, you may not love it!

I won’t be offended or upset if it never sees the light of day. It was, for me, simply an inspired moment.

Thanks. Be well. Laurence Ackerman

And then there was the rain (6:12 pm Thursday, July 31)

Started around 10 in the morning. A slow emergence of sky-water.

And then it grew. And grew. And grew, as it does even now.

The day got wet. The land soaked in the rain that became unceasing, like baby birds with open, wanting mouths.

The reservoir filled its lungs with new oxygen, feeding the fish what they had been asking for, for days. Weeks?

So quiet. No one strolling the roads. No one driving around. (Where did they — we — all go?)

Home?

The rain brought silence to Stockbridge. A badly needed silence that invited me to do nothing but stop.

Be still. Listen. Do nothing.

To the rain outside. To the rain inside myself.

What do I do now, when the morning comes and the sun arrives? The rain gone?

What do I listen to then?

Dear Carole, please post this. Thank you, Tri Town Health

Adults:

Children: