Editorial

How It Should Be

The day started with an email from a Town employee who was “disappointed” in Stockbridge Updates.

I went to the post office and a man I did not recognize said, “Wait.” I stopped, he reached around me, opened the door, and said, “It is a pleasure to open the door for such a good writer.”

I went to the hospital, and a woman said, “I don’t want to interrupt you.”

I was in Radiology, staring at the ceiling, beginning my second hour waiting for a scan. It was a delight to be interrupted.

She said, “I so appreciate Stockbridge Updates — just knowing what is going on in Town. I wanted to thank you.”

That is how it was, and that is how it should be.

The people appreciate the press; the government does not. Press and government are opposing forces and that too is how it should be. It’s like the checks and balances between the three branches of government. Without the press checking the government, it can run amok. The government also checks the press by pointing out errors. (See the next section — Correction.) As long as the public is the beneficiary, and receives the most information, it’s all good.

Facts are immutable. With respect to opinions, in a democracy, to disagree is acceptable even desirable. It ignites discussion through which the most information is brought forth, and the best solutions are found.

To dislike because you disagree is less than desirable. It may be the underlying cause of our current national problems. Let’s not open that door in Stockbridge. Just because we disagree, let’s not cast aspersions, make false accusations, use the law like a cudgel, or vandalize one another’s cars. That is indeed undesirable.

Stockbridge has been a model for all sides working together. We acknowledge we disagree, make clear on what topic, and define why. Throughout we remain good neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Whatever the disagreement was about, for the common good, we solved it.

Issues come and go: win some lose some. The disagreement was always separate from, and less important than, getting along. Let’s do that again.

Carole Owens
Executive Editor

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

News

Events

Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Walking Tour, September 20th at 3:00pm -4:30pm 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!

$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. Limited capacity – advance reservations required. Event is rain or shine. Group size maximum of 15. For more information, visit: https://www.nrm.org/events/norman-rockwells-stockbridge-walking-tour-3/

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents Dancing in the garden — 5-8pm on September 14th — You may be reading this after September 14. SU us posting it because it is such a delicious idea and for as long as the weather permits we hope BBG with repeat the event. Berkshire Botanical Garden Announces New Art Exhibition: ‘Flock: Watercolor Paintings by Robin Crofut-Brittingham’ on view from Oct. 18 through Nov. 30. This showcase features the original paintings from the artist’s new book, “The Illuminated Book of Birds” (Timber Press), alongside selected works from her broader fine art practice. Join BBG for a public opening reception on Friday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Berkshire Botanical Garden. Gallery Hours Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. For more information, visit BerkshireBotanical.org.

Monument Mountain High School Building Project presents an informational session and school tour on September 16, 2025. Tour 5:15; presentation 6pm. Free

Stockbridge Council on Aging events at Senior Center: Sept.30th at 1pm: Tour of Berkshire Botanical Garden (meet outside BBG gift shop). Sign up by calling Katie Szwyd at 298-4170, ext.8; October 1st: Walking Tour of Main Street with Josh Hall (time to be determined).

Please attend the Select Board meeting September 18, 2025, 6:30pm in Town Offices or via Zoom and support public comment

News

Notes from the Statehouse

Following are news alerts from Boston regarding the Season Community section of the Affordable Homes Act, its regulations, and another initiative from the Healy administration to boost housing production. These are sent to SU by Christine Rasmussen — our Statehouse watcher. Rasmussen suggests we watch and determine how these regulations and initiatives will impact Stockbridge and Berkshire County. To that end, SU has invited Senator Paul Mark to write a piece for us in the next issue and also join me the Stockbridge Updates program on CTSBTV.

Watch for Senator Mark on air and in the issue on October 1st issue.

From: Christine Rasmussen

Governor Healey Unveils Nation-Leading Plan to Cut Environmental Regulations to Fast-Track Housing Development. Reforms will cut environmental review times from 1+ years to 30 days for housing projects to expedite housing and bring down costs The Healey administration stated that lengthy environmental reviews for new housing developments can delay projects for months and years and can result in significant, unexpected added costs which have the potential to render projects financially infeasible. “We don’t have to choose between building the housing we desperately need and protecting the forests, farmlands, wetlands, and biodiversity that makes Massachusetts one of the best places to live in the country,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer.

However, in Western Mass, environmentalists are gravely concerned that the combined needs for affordable housing and clean energy will decimate large areas of wooded land and pen spaces. The governor’s office defines the initiative as “Housing-Centered.” It is not environmentally centered. Rather than requiring developers a detailed Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the proposed rules will allow qualifying housing projects to complete Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA) review with only the simpler Environmental Notification Form (ENF).

Additionally, an appeal of a local wetlands order would no longer trigger MEPA review for single-family homes. Review of urban renewal plans that do not propose individual projects will also be reduced to a 30-day ENF filing.

Overall, these draft regulations go beyond recent changes to environmental review processes in other states by allowing developers to qualify for quicker approvals while still addressing critical climate and environmental concerns.

It is too easy to see how they could negatively impact a rural area. Senator Paul Mark is speaking out against aspects of the proposed initiative.

SEASONAL COMMUNITIES MEETING – https://www.mass.gov/doc/20250911-seasonal-communities-advisory-council-meeting-notice-agenda/download Members of the public can provide feedback on the draft regulations until 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. Virtual information sessions and public hearings on the regulations are scheduled for Oct. 14 and Oct. 15.

News

Notes from the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), August 28, 2025, Hybrid meeting

Chair Patrick White chose not to read the statement about Citizen Speak as read by other Chairs, but instead, simply said questions and comments were welcome. He then called for acceptance of the minutes.

The agenda included a request from the Riverbrook School for money. This was continued to next meeting pending review by Town Counsel.

A request from Construct for money to repair the roof at Pine Woods — that is — replace solar panels four at a time for a total of $90,000. Passed.

Second request from Construct to augment the fund for Emergency Rent Assistance. This is a one-time grant when a renter has an emergency. Evidently this is a program available in Lee, Lenox, and Great Barrington. Sheffield has a similar, but not exact, program called “The Good Samaritan Program. Construct is now proposing that Stockbridge should offer the program and fund it. Apparently, last year there were requests for this assistance.

Passed subject to approval by the Community Preservation Committee.

This led to a discussion of whether AHT would consider mortgage payment assistance on the same basis. It would be a one-time payment granted in an emergency situation. How would people find out about the program? Would there be a ceiling on amount that could be granted to any recipient?

Last, the Stockbridge Housing at Heaton Court requested money to repair decks.

The next agenda item was discussion of “new directions.” The Chair explained that the Glendale Middle Road proposed project to build affordable housing “did not work out.” The apartment purchase on Pine Street, another proposed project in the first years of AHT existence, was too expensive. White suggested a mixed use development of 40 — 60 units in the Stockbridge Industrial Park might be possible.

He also proposed subsidizing purchase of affordable home not in Stockbridge but for Stockbridge residents. “A down payment in Pittsfield for a family when the people work in Stockbridge, for example.” He added, “Why not?” It is a regional approach.

Editor’s note: Approval by CPC was mentioned as all money in the AHT account was granted by CPC over the last couple of years and carries conditions.

News

Notes from the Select Board (SB), September 4, 2025, Hybrid meeting

The newest SB member was welcomed. Toward the end of the meeting she suggested:

Consideration of the fate of a the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program which she noted has been inactive and has just two members

Funding possibilities for the Community Preservation Committee

Digitizing town records

The five-member SB — an idea floated during the election

Chair Jamie Minacci suggested the discussion of Public Comment being added to the September 18 meeting agenda.

Neil Weber was approved as newest member to the Green Committee

A one-day wine and Beer licence was granted the Lenox Fire Company at Tanglewood for the Josh Billings Post Race Party on September 14 21pm to 5pm Also for the Stockbridge Library and The Brewery at the Botanical Garden

Town Administrator Updates

Chime Tower work is anticipated to be complete before winter

Second bridge on Averic Road is moving more slowly due to a change in the engineering company and the desire for a new review

Smaller projects included Town Offices roof repair, the new pickle ball court adjacent to Town Offices, a new dumpster at Transfer station, and the many decisions made by the Revolutionary War memorial committee Including the names of Stockbridge Munsee tribal members as well as the Stockbridge Munsee Mohican Nation flag.

New installations include radar signs to be installed on Massachusetts Route 183 at Train Hill Road and a new flagpole at Town Offices

A hybrid police cruiser and a hybrid truck for the Water and Sewer Department have been ordered.

Roof work on the cemetery mausoleum has begun.

Council on Aging Director Katie Szwyd, planning for Stockbridge’s 250th anniversary celebration is underway. Adding to the committee may be Norman Rockwell, Chesterwood, Naumkeag, Stockbridge Library representative. A committee to coordinate the anniversary program is being formed, and those interested can contact the Select Board or Canales.

Watch Now!

Stockbridge Updates Video: Moose Foran

OOPS

Correction

Please read Mr. Weston’s entire letter in the Reader to Reader section below. In part, he writes: “In the September 2nd issue you stated, “How come, for the first time in Stockbridge history, there are sirens being used? Who decided that and by what process?”

Mr. Weston is correct to point this out, and SU is wrong. It was never all sirens. Mary Flynn and John Beacco, Select Board members, discouraged the use of sirens, but it was not uniform. They did not discourage fire engines and EMT sirens as much as police sirens.

Flynn and Beacco were ardent about protecting the beauty of Stockbridge. For them, it was a quality of life issue as well as an economic issue. They both felt too much light and too much noise were pollutants. Thus, their attitude toward sirens and cars honking.

The Town as a whole appeared to support their position and the underlying values. I was noting that both seem to have changed and asking at whose instigation and by what process.

I wrote too hastily, created a misconception, and now correct it. I do stand behind pointing out changes in Town and posing questions about them. Those are proper functions of the press.

Analysis

SU FYI

1. Good news: Thank you, Director Katie Szwyd

A woman sent an email to Katie Szwyd, Director, Stockbridge Council on Aging, alerting her that a Town event was scheduled on Rosh Hashanah. Adding, “I want you to know that this potentially eliminates every Jewish person in town from attending.”

Here is Katie’s response. “Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concern about the Fall Potting Class being scheduled on Rosh Hashanah. We fully understand the conflict this creates. While we will not be changing the date of this session, please know that we will make every effort to avoid scheduling programs on major religious holidays in the future. This class was set based on the instructor’s availability and scheduling constraints and this will sometimes limit our options, but we take your feedback seriously and will do our best to be more mindful going forward. I do have a few more potting classes for the rest of this year—I will make sure to personally let you know so you can come and enjoy this class…Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. Best, Katie Szwyd, Town of Stockbridge, Council on Aging Director cc: Town Administrator”

It is a polite note, it explains, it apologizes, but does not change the date of the event.

This exchange was sent to SU. Those who wrote and called SU felt:

“The scheduling was probably inadvertent, but once it was brought to the attention of the Town, it should have been corrected.”

“What would the response have been if the holiday were Easter?”

“The traditions and rituals of any religion should not be dismissed or disregarded.”

“No one should be excluded from a town event because of religion.”

“SU has to print this email in the name of transparency.”

Finally, one member of the Stockbridge community wrote to SU, “The position is expressed by a Town employee ostensibly speaking on behalf of the Town. Regardless of what religion, it is doubtful the people of Stockbridge want anyone excluded because of it.”

Dara Kaufman, Executive Director, Berkshire Jewish Federation had a productive conversation with Szwyd, and Katie changed the date. That decision restores respect for the traditions and rituals of someone else’s religion and allows them to attend a town event. Apparently, it also made Szwyd feel good.

Szwyd wrote: “I had such a lovely chat with Dara—she was wonderful and so insightful. She also shared some great ideas for future COA projects, which I am excited about. The Clark’s Potting Class is rescheduled for October 7th at 10:00 a.m. Best, Katie”

It is difficult for someone not to listen to a superior. There are many ways to be a hero and create a happy ending.

2. Thank you, Linda Barbadoro, newest member to Parks and Rec. Our own SU copy editor, Lenore Sundberg, reports that the new Pickle Ball Court on Main Street next to Town Offices looks as if it is approaching completion. Linda Barbadoro has taken a leading role. Contact her to say thanks and learn about scheduling.

3. A letter from The Trustees of Reservation President begins, “I know this is a time of profound uncertainty…We have a responsibility and an opportunity to meet the moment together.” It is a stark reminder that these are challenging times for all of us. When we stand together, with respect for all, we are stronger.

4. Literacy Network’s First-Generation College Support Program

Leigh Doherty, Executive Director of Literacy Network, shared that (LitNet’s) First-Generation College Support program hosted a Transformational Leadership Retreat for first-generation high school and college students on Sunday, August 10th at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. The retreat’s purpose was to empower participants to confront and overcome personal and professional challenges by cultivating resilience, with a particular focus on overcoming obstacles as immigrants and/or the first in their families to navigate the United States’ higher education system. Speakers encouraged them to become leaders of tomorrow. Groups were led by Kripalu’s Transformational Leadership Retreats and the Railroad Street Youth Project Started in 1991, LitNet is a 501 (c)(3) organization with the mission of transforming lives through the power of literacy, education, and advocacy.

Perspective

From the Desk of…

In this spot, in Stockbridge Updates, there was a column from those who work for Stockbridge — it was From the Desk of Town Administrator, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, and Superintendent of Schools. Add in columns written by elected officials, and there was a column in almost every issue for the last 5 years from those at work on our behalf. I think it benefitted all of us. There is a beloved member of our Community named Kevin “Moose” Foran. When on Stockbridge Updates CTSBTV show, Moose explained why he subscribes to Stockbridge Updates even though he is a Lenox resident. (Go to video tape above and listen to the last two minutes) It is a tribute to the job SU and the Town did together in creating transparency. Now, there is no text in this spot and that is a real loss to our community. So what’s up?

The short answer is I don’t know but I did receive a strange email from Michael. Not trusting my judgment alone, I shared it with many folks whose judgment and experience I trust. So far no one understood what Michael was saying.

Michael,

The underlying problem is that you reference a complaint I made against a Town employee, and the email proceeds from there. Let me make perfectly clear: I filed no complaint against anyone. I would know if I did. A complaint is an official document. My guess is a complaint would be a form maybe, signed and dated surely. Even notarized? In triplicate? Submitted officially? Come on, Michael, I made no complaint. You are well aware that I told you a story as the basis for a question I had. As you correctly point out, I emailed a pleasant note to that same person the same day.

You and I have done great work. You and your team have informed us on the pages of Stockbridge Updates, and SU has been happy to facilitate. Together we informed the Town. It was as it should be — it was practically a model for good government.

If the town loses it, it is serious. We contribute to this becoming a different country if we allow government to become punitive when displeased. This becomes a different village if government is allowed to choke off the news, choke off public comments, and invent reasons to have private meetings.

Once SU exposed a “work session” you immediately opened it to any citizen who wants to volunteer as a member. Good! Thank you.

You told someone in full voice in the Town Offices that you would apologize for scheduling a Town program on Rosh Hashanah, but nobody could make you change it. You changed it after complaints were voiced. Right on! Thank you!

That’s how government and the press work. Tell me, do those things happen without SU? Do I correct copy if a government volunteer doesn’t point out the error? I hope so but maybe not every time. I think it is part of your job to keep the public informed. I think it is part of SU‘s job to help you do that. Let’s get back to doing that. Once we were good at it, and you know what happened?

Everyone loved it.

Carole

Perspective

From the Desk of SuperIntendent Peter Dillon

Statement of the Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee Regarding Its Vote to Ask Voter Approval for a New Monument Mountain Regional High School

At our September 11, 2025 meeting, we, the Berkshire Hills Regional School District School Committee unanimously voted to approve a ballot question and endorse the construction of a new Monument Mountain Regional High School building at the existing site to be funded in part by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Voters will be asked to approve the project on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. We endorse the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) funded project because it is the best option for our students, for taxpayers and for our community.

Monument Mountain was built in 1968 and while the building has been well maintained it is now obsolete and at the end of its life cycle. It is no longer safe and is incredibly cost inefficient. More importantly, despite the brilliant work of teachers and staff, the building is disadvantaging our students and preventing us from moving forward with the next generation vocational and college preparatory education our students and our local economy deserve. Every other high school of its era in Berkshire County has been rebuilt or renovated. The District commissioned a construction cost estimator firm to study our options. They determined that the cost of necessary repairs that we must undertake to simply bring the building in compliance with modern codes and laws is $89 million. The cost of this “Base-Repair” or “Code-Upgrade” would not receive any state funding so the cost will fall directly to taxpayers.

The proposed project that we now submit to voters has been planned for over three years by the School Committee, the local building committee made up of officials and volunteers from all three towns, the MSBA and professionally retained architects, engineers, data analysis, cost estimators and financial analysts. The proposal is for a new, three-story high school just west of the current building partially set into the existing hill to reduce the building’s overall scale. Once the new school is complete, the existing building will be demolished to make way for improved parking, circulation, and new fields. The construction will not interrupt school operations at the existing building. Most importantly, the new building will be fully ADA accessible, net zero-ready and with modern design and security features to protect our students.

Monument is one of the largest high schools in Berkshire County and serves, and will continue to serve, a lot of students. The MSBA has been running accurate estimates of school enrollments for a long time, and it has determined that a future Monument should be built to serve 485 students per year. This is in line with the numbers served by the new Wahconah High School in Dalton and the new Mount Greylock High School in Williamstown.

The building will include expanded and modernized vocational spaces for the existing Automotive, Horticulture and Early Childhood Education programs, bringing those popular programs in line with their much newer counterparts in North Berkshire County. The project will also enable us to add an entirely new vocational program to train the next generation of electricians. Academic and CVTE classrooms will be adjacent rather than siloed, allowing for greater integration. Science labs, a welcoming library/media center and an ample auditorium/ community gathering space will all be brought up to modern specifications. To put it simply, this new building will allow us to continue and build upon our nationally ranked college preparatory program and dramatically expand our vocational offerings to rival any CVTE program in the state. Additionally, the new building will be designed and accessible to many community needs and events, much like the original building was in its early years.

We made the final decision to put the new building project to voters after the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) affirmatively voted to provide between $59 and $61 million in funding to the project on August 27th. The MSBA funding represents the largest single investment by the state in the District and the southern Berkshire economy in history. Also, the District received $1.6 million in incentives from Mass Save. The total cost of the project will be $152 million, so with the MSBA’s contribution and the Mass Save grant, the local share of the obligation will be $89 to $91 million, almost exactly what it will cost us to bring the existing building up to code. The local share will be funded through a fixed rate, 30-year bond, therefore spreading out the cost and stabilizing the impact on taxpayers.

The building project, in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is a generational opportunity and investment in our future. It makes the most financial sense because, as counterintuitive as it sounds, a new building will cost us less than fixing the old one. More importantly, like the first iteration of Monument Mountain, it will secure the viability of our community for generations. It will provide a world class education to generations of students, provide a skilled workforce that will fuel our local economy and continue to be the anchor that retains and attracts working families.

BHRSD School Committee Members:

Stephen Bannon, Chair
Richard Dohoney, Vice Chair
Sarah Bourla
Diane Singer
William Vogt
Andrew Potter
Jason St. Peter
William Fields
Alison Read
Sarah Tonetti

Perspective

Public Comment

By Anita Schwerner

At their Sept. 4 meeting the select board members agreed to include on their Sept.18th agenda the discussion of Public Comment as a standing agenda item.

Setting reasonable expectations for participation such as a time limit and the need to be recognized by the chair will help maintain decorum and address the concerns of select board members.

Allowing public comment will show an openness to feedback from the community. Residents will know that there is a designated time for them to speak about issues of concern or importance to them. It is important for our elected representatives to listen to public comment to further transparency and an informed electorate.

We can look at the agendas of our neighboring towns for examples of the guidelines they include. Here are some examples:

Great Barrington has “Citizen Speak Time: Citizen Speak Time is an opportunity for the Selectboard to listen to town residents, property owners and business owners. Topics of particular concern or importance may be placed on a future agenda for discussion. This time is reserved for town residents, property owners and business owners only unless otherwise permitted by the chair and speakers are limited to 3 minutes each.”

West Stockbridge also has Citizen Speak Time: This is an opportunity for the Select Board to listen to residents. Topics of particular concern or importance may be placed on a future agenda for discussion. This time is reserved for town residents only unless otherwise permitted by the chair, and speakers are limited to 3 minutes each.

Lee’s agenda includes Public Comment as the first item after Minutes.

At the top of Lenox’s agenda is “Citizen’s Open Forum (Lenox residents are welcome to address the board for up to two minutes)”.

Sheffield has Public Comments at the end of the agenda stating: “a 3 minute time limit ONLY items within the Board’s jurisdiction

Egremont has “Citizen’s Times: (Attendees can introduce topics for a future agenda)”.

by Anita Schwerner

Reader to Reader

Reader to Reader

To the Editor:

Please remove me from your list of subscribers. At first found Stockbridge Updates factual and informative, but as time has progressed it has become more slanted towards an agenda and factually inaccurate.

In the September 2nd issue you stated “Want a third? How come, for the first time in Stockbridge history, there are sirens being used? Who decided that and by what process?” I’m not sure what your agenda is here but making categorically false statements, even in the editorial section, is both wrong and dangerous. While I do not speak for the town or any of our emergency services, I can tell you, with over a quarter of a century of serving our community in the fire service and EMS, that use of sirens is not new. In many ways we have decreased the use of sirens when the use of our four fire whistles was discontinued some years back.

At a time when we are being constantly flooded with misinformation I think it is important that we hold those doing so accountable and for me that starts locally. My assumption is that you have best interests of our community at heart, but your actions are having the opposite effect.

Daniel Weston

Editor’s note:

Please see correction above. Please be aware that we do not add or remove subscribers. At the bottom of every issue there is a click through: “We value your privacy. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list by clicking here you will be removed.” Just click. If you wish to subscribe, go to www.stockbridgeupdates.com and enter your email in the upper right corner and press submit.

Carole,

I’m still catching my breath after reading your proposal. Wow! Just… WOW!

What you’ve created for us is absolutely stunning – it’s beyond perfection, honestly. You’ve captured not just what we need to raise funds, but the very heart and soul of why this matters.

I’ve already started ordering all of your books because I clearly need to learn from someone with your extraordinary talent and vision. You’ve shown us possibilities we hadn’t even dreamed of.

I know you and Moose are having lunch tomorrow, and I’m so disappointed I won’t be able to join you to thank you properly in person. Please know that your work has left us speechless (in the best possible way) and filled with hope for what we can accomplish together.

With immense gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead,

Jennifer Joyce, Kripalu Director Gifts and Giving

Dear Carole:

I am concerned about the draft regs only being beneficial for Cape and the Islands. They are active in feeding the committee thoughts that benefit them.

The small lots are something that I think Stockbridge may look at. I don’t see Stockbridge embracing that, but I may be wrong. It is good that towns will be able to regulate movable homes.

The regs will be adopted by the first of the year giving towns an opportunity to review the regs and decide if they want to adopt it at their spring town meetings.

Cheers, Christine (Rasmussen)

Carole

I would like to write a piece advocating the denial of the funding of a new MMRHS but am unsure how you and your readers would react to such a LTE.

I could send a few new pictures if you let me know what your deadlines are for submission.

Jan Wojcik

Jan,

All articles are welcome. Whether SU likes it is irrelevant. You have the right to express your opinion. You write it; SU posts it.

Carole

Dear Ms. Owens,

I am writing in response to your recent complaint concerning the conduct of the Police Chief. In keeping with the Town of Stockbridge’s use of standard personnel procedures, all complaints are first reviewed at the initial validation stage to determine whether they warrant further investigation. After reviewing your complaint alongside your email to the Chief on September 4, 2025, I find that your contemporaneous description of the interaction matches the Chief’s account and does not support your later characterization of the exchange. On that basis, the matter does not meet the threshold for advancing beyond the initial review stage, and no further action will be taken at this time.

I would also note that your September 4 email included a request for the Chief, and a request for me in the complaint, to submit material to Stockbridge Updates. My understanding is that you manage Stockbridge Updates a private publication that solicits contributions from the public and regularly features commentary and opinion. While every individual has the right to communicate with such outlets, it raises ethical concerns when a citizen making a complaint simultaneously asks a department head or Town Administrator to provide written material for publication in a forum they operate and presumably profit from. The Town must ensure that its official communications remain impartial and avoid even the appearance of undue influence.

Thank you for bringing your concerns forward. This matter is considered closed unless new, substantive information is presented that would warrant reopening the review. Please be assured that the Town remains committed to transparency, fairness, and appropriate public access to its proceedings.

Michael J. Canales
Stockbridge Town Administrator
P.O. Box 417
50 Main Street
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Email: TownAdministrator@stockbridge-ma.gov
Phone: 413-298-4170 ext 100

Dear Carole:

I enjoyed meeting you at the Krugman/Pollock talk. I’m told your excellent article appeared in the Eagle today. Could you send me a link?

Later: Excellent column. Thanks. Come again to the Meeting House!

Ellen Sweet
Board Member, New Marlborough Meeting House
Chair, Literary Committee

Dear Carole,

The coming of October always raises the same issue with me: Why do [members of the SB]

vote down the Residential Tax Exemption? Frankly I, among many, would very much like to hear the DETAILS THAT EACH OF THEM must have for voting against it. I just returned from Chatham on Cape Cod where it was voted for to take effect in 2026. The overseer of the house we rented is a realtor who, strangely knew nothing about it. I did speak with a second homeowner from Wellfleet who had no issue with the 35% more that they paid. They, being compassionate when it comes to those it benefitted, had no issues with paying more on their second home taxes.

So, again Selectboard members, what are the DETAILS of your reasoning when it comes to your votes against in the past?

Full time Residents of Stockbridge~ let’s begin the process now of finding out their DETAILED logic when voting it down. I certainly hope it is NOT, “Someone told me to.”.

John Hart

Carole

I never have been more disappointed in Stockbridge than as of late. I was born and raised here, as were both of my parents. Seeing a reigning selectman putting up lawn signs for the other selectman running for election on the lawn of the chairman of finance was disheartening. No wonder Lisa Sauer would not run again. Then Patrick is run out, then Hugh. Who is actually running this town?

Judi Barnes

Responses to a Town event scheduled on Rosh Hashanah

Carole-

Thank you for bringing this to our attention and I share your concern.

I will reach out to the COA in the morning. Unfortunately , we have dealt with their type of issue many times.

Thanks,

Dara
Dara Kaufman
Executive Director, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

Dear Carole-

I reached out and they are rescheduling the workshop to a different date. Katie and I spoke and she now understands better. I also sent her the a Jewish calendar for 2025 and 2026.

Thank you again for bringing this to my attention.

Best,

Dara
Dara KaufmanExecutive Director Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

Carole

Elie Weisel said: Indifference is always the friend of the enemy.

Hi Carole-

Because the communication reached your desk, it is obviously up to you to determine whether to post it. If you do, transparency would be the reason.

Carole

I’m sure it wasn’t intentional however, I think it’s offensive when a scheduling mistake of this magnitude is not apologized for, corrected, and promptly rescheduled. I’ve experienced this situation a few times in my long experience as a member of various groups or organizations. Most groups were instantly apologetic and quick to change the date in deference to our religious practices and sensibilities. In only one case was the Jewish complainant dismissed out of hand as Katie seems to have done in her response to Anita. In my cited case of the organizers’ initial refusal to recognize Jewish particularity, when our spokesperson underscored that the date conflicted with the holiest day of the Jewish year and was equivalent to them scheduling the meeting (ie. potting class) on Christmas, the organizers came through with an abject apology and a new date.

Carole

I think it was a mistake and maybe it won’t happen in the future. It doesn’t seem that any attempt was made to reschedule.

If responses can be punitive, for the first time, SU will accept unsigned letters but remember the rules no pejoratives, no ad hominem attacks, no threats.