Editorial

Opting out

There are several seats open on Stockbridge committees, commissions, and boards. They are elected positions, but there are no contested races. It appears that there is a competitive race for Planning Board but there is not. While there are two people running, there are two seats available. It means that there are no competitive races.  This year, our representatives are self-selected and not actually chosen by the voters.

One position on the Board of Assessors has no willing candidate. Before election day, a write-in candidate may emerge. If not, then one could be appointed by a combined effort of the Select Board and the Board of Assessors.

It is gratifying that there are still some folks willing to serve – just not enough.  Add the number of people who were hired, elected, or volunteered to work in our Town and then quit – walked away – and we might want to better understand why so many are opting out of working for Stockbridge.

Once our races were competitive.  Once Stockbridge was run by about 100 volunteers. Now? Not so much. Maybe there may be reasons we can identify and fix.  Are the reasons related to fewer people attending and speaking at meetings?

Recently, the Select Board (SB) established a committee to discuss the possibility of expanding the SB from 3 to 5 members. Part of the conversation might be an investigation of why so few are willing to serve in any capacity.  A correct diagnosis of the problem is the first step in solving it.  We need to figure it out and fix it – if we can.   It may be less important how many seats are available than how many people are willing to run for the seats.

Carole Owens

Executive Editor

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

News

SU FYI

1. Your Candidates:
   • Select Board – Jorja Marsden
   • Board of Health – Rae Williams
   • Parks & Recreation Commission – Coke (Colette) Forbes
   • Sewer & Water Commission – John Loiodice
   • Planning Board (2 seats) – Carl Sprague and Don Chabon
   • Housing Authority – James Welch
   • Board of Assessors – no candidate 
2. Journalism Corner
   • It becomes more difficult to do things we once took for granted: express an opinion, report a story, do the necessary work of a free press.  Over the last year and a half, there have been consequences for journalists.   Reporters deemed unfriendly to the administration have been ousted from the White House and the Pentagon.  Sometimes the consequences are worse: reporters have been arrested or their homes searched.  
   • This government’s message seems to be: we wish to control the message.  It is a difficult time to get the news out.
   • Just the same, many brave souls ignore the difficulties and continue to do the job. So, what exactly is the job?
   • Disseminate true accounts
   • Without fear or favor
   • Call a thing what it is; use its real name.
   • Seek the news; do not take what is handed out and call it news.
   • Many “news items” are selected to attract clicks not inform.
   • To seek: ask the difficult questions; investigate, challenge contradictions, and include diverse opinions.
   • Finally, defy the obstacles. Even in the best of times and the best of places, some obstacles will always be placed between the reporter and the truth.
   • Never report what people say – find out if it is factually correct, and report that.
   • Here, there, and everywhere in this country today, propaganda masquerading as news is rife. Conspiracy sells. Many supposed news outlets post items that are not edited or fact checked. Many articles are accepted – without question – and posted as written from government employees and elected officials.
   • It is hard enough to know what to believe; at least determine what source to trust.
   • Historically, the way truth gets buried has been consistent. First step in a campaign to silence and discredit a journalist or a news outlet is to call one or both too opinionated. Example: In an interview, Jim Agosta, former Chief White House correspondent for CNN and author of Enemy of the People: A Dangerous Time to Tell the Truth in America was first accused of being too opinionated and then left or was fired from CNN.
   • Second step: accuse the reporter or news outlet of being a threat to national security. Example: In an effort to stop publication of the Pentagon Papers 1973-4. The Washington Post and New York Times appealed to the Supreme Court.  SCOTUS ruled in favor of the press and reminded the government that a free press “serves the governed not the government.”
   • Third, Seth Sern, Freedom of the Press Foundation, reminded journalists that the job is to deliver the truth to the readers without fear or favor and never give in to the best interests or corporations or individuals who financially support the news outlet.
3. LWV Members and Friends, Tip O’Neil (remember him?) is often given credit for saying “All politics is local.”  Whoever actually said it first, we, at the League of Women Voters of Central Berkshire County, wholeheartedly agree.  We have been hard at work putting together information on your towns’ spring town meetings and local elections.  Use the links on the map  and other information on our on our LWV Central Berkshires website to keep up to date on our local elections.  We could use your help in gathering additional information.  We’d like to research candidates running for local office and add that information to our website.  Can you help? Please contact us at berkshirelwv@gmail.com.
4. The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) will receive a total of $1.2 – 1.7million in 4 payments from the Vanderbilt Berkshire Estates per the Inclusionary Bylaw (See Notes from the SB below).
   
   With the $500,000+ from the 35-37 Interlaken Development and $300,000 from Community Preservation Committee (CPC), AHT will have $2 – 2.5million dollars, an amount equal to 20% of our total municipal budget. 
   
   On other occasions, these donations to AHT have been identified as income to the Town.  These donations do not come to the Town.  The money goes to the AHT.
   
   The AHT is a public entity established by Town Meeting that holds money and property independently of the municipality. Their assets and funds are outside of the municipal budget. How the land and money are disposed of is not subject to vote at Town Meeting or vote by any Town Board or Commission. How the property or money is managed, accumulated, or spent, is in the hands of the appointed AHT members. In Stockbridge, that is seven people appointed by the SB.One reason for this manner of organization was if the AHT’s purchases, sales, or rentals are not sound or well-managed, it will not negatively impact the Town’s finances or credit rating. Another reason was that it was supposed a trust could move more quickly than a government agency. Stockbridge AHT has applied for money from CPC that was not spent. Accepted a gift of property on Glendale Middle Road for affordable housing that AHT did not use and finally voted to relinquish.  In three or more years, it did award some funds for emergency rent payments for those living in affordable housing.
5. Congratulations: Monument Mountain Regional High School ranks among the top 15 in Massachusetts’ Advanced Placement Performance.  That’s not all. Ted Collins was selected to receive the William Spratt Award for Excellence in Teaching High School Social Studies. Warm wishes to our excellent High School and teachers.
   
   All citizens interested in affordable housing, contact the SB and volunteer to be appointed to the AHT or attend meetings so your voices are heard.  AHT is subject to Open Meeting Laws.
6. The Board of Trustees of the Austen Riggs Center, one of the nation’s leading longer-term psychiatric residential treatment centers, has selected Oscar F. Hills, MD, to serve as its next Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Hills will assume the role on July 1, 2026.
   
   Founded in 1919, the Austen Riggs Center is internationally recognized for its open therapeutic community model and its emphasis on psychodynamic treatment for adults with complex mental health conditions. Dr. Hills’ appointment comes at a time of significant change in the behavioral health field, marked by post–COVID-19 consolidation among private equity–backed providers, workforce shortages, evolving reimbursement models, and shifting expectations regarding access and outcomes.

News

Alternative Energy Vs. Forest Preservation

By Christine Rasmussen

Weighing the loss of local control of land use decision-making versus having rural towns provide power to the rest of the state is the subject of a court case, SUNPIN ENERGY SERVICES, LLC, vs. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OF PETERSHAM, which is a microcosm of the permitting of global energy transition that Massachusetts towns with forest and farmland may face. 
Petersham, is a small town of 1,200 residents sprawled across 68 square miles, located roughly 29 miles northwest of Worcester, near the Quabbin Reservoir. Petersham is in a legal battle with Sunpin Energy Services, LLC (Sunpin), a California limited liability company, and landowner, Ralph P. Lapinkas, Jr.  

Sunpin proposed to install a 12,000-panel solar array that will generate  4.3-megawatt (direct current) photovoltaic generation and 2.0-megawatt energy storage system through the construction of a ground-mounted solar array and battery racks. It would require the clear-cutting of approximately fourteen acres of forest land in the 24-acre parcel. In 2021, the town, after a public hearing, denied the project.  Sunpin appealed. The Appeals Court found that local boards have “exceptionally limited” discretion to deny solar permits and reinforced the precedent that a town cannot deny a permit based on a subjective preference for maintaining forest land over solar energy.
This past week, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) reviewed the lower court decision that highlighted the conflict between municipal land-use controls and the state’s renewable energy goals focusing on whether clear-cutting forests for solar development violates a town’s “health, safety, and welfare” under the Dover Amendment.  A decision is expected in September or October.

If  SJC agrees with the town, it could be because the court found that protecting “natural ecosystems” and mature forests constitutes a legitimate “public welfare” interest under the Zoning Act and would be seen as giving towns the authority to reject large-scale solar projects, for instance, if clear-cutting trees is deemed to conflict with climate goals related to carbon sequestration.

If the SJC denies the appeal, the town will be required to issue a special permit expeditiously for the large-scale solar installation. 
Meanwhile, the new Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) finalized regulations in early 2026, effective on October 1,  that overhaul how solar projects are approved. They directly address the “forest vs. solar” conflict at the heart of the Petersham case by replacing vague zoning battles with a standardized, data-driven scoring system. 
More on these regulations will appear in an upcoming edition of Stockbridge Updates.
A Proposed Ballot Question:
While it is still not confirmed, a ballot question that voters may have an opportunity to vote on in November is the  “Protect Water and Nature” initiative. The initiative proposes dedicating sales tax revenue from sporting goods—roughly $100 million annually—to a dedicated fund for land preservation and water quality.
This proposal, backed by a broad coalition called Nature for Massachusetts, seeks to solve the state’s chronic underfunding of land conservation. Currently, Massachusetts ranks among the lowest in the nation for state park funding per capita. This conservation push highlights a deepening rift between advocates and the Healeyadministration. While Governor Maura Healey has set ambitious goals to conserve 30% of state land by 2030, her recent budget proposed an 8% cut to the Department of Conservation and Recreation.   Advocates argue that without the dedicated funding from the ballot measure, the state will fall hundreds of millions of dollars short of its biodiversity targets.

Editor’s note: Thank you, Christine, for focusing on “theconflict between municipal land-use controls and the state’s renewable energy goals.” The conflict directly affects Stockbridge and Berkshire County. It also mirrors the conflict between municipal land-use controls and the state’s affordable housing goals under the Affordable Homes Act (AHA) and its Seasonal Community’s section.  While municipalities may have to go to court to protect control over land use under the AHA, it has the power to vote down the Seasonal Communities section. Unless we want to lose local control, we should exercise that right.

by Christine Rasmussen

News

Notes from the Committee Studying Expanding from 3-5 member Select Board (SB), March 23, 2026, Hybrid meeting

1. Jorja Marsden, Chair and members: David Adler, Bruce Auerbach, Patty Caya, Don Chabon, Nancy Gilbert, Terri Iemolini, Cheryl Resetarits, Peter Strauss, and Sally Underwood-Miller – Peter Strauss is a member but was not present.
2. The Chair opened the meeting and explained this committee was established to study the issue and report to the SB. She hoped everyone would approach the topic with an open mind
3. Questions asked:
   • Did they have a time limit? No
   • Since it was true that SB members also receive insurance and a stipend – would they consider the additional costs of 5 members over 3 members? Yes
   • Who decides after they report – the SB? No. It is decided by vote of the people at Town Meeting (TM).
   • What would be this committee’s process? The Chair said they would study. She hoped there would be a report disseminated to SB and the voters. There might be public hearings and then a vote at TM. Finally, if a change is recommended and TM approves it, it must go to the State Senate and ouse for final approval.
   • Would it be considered at TM in 2026? No, possibly 2027
   • Can it pass TM with a simple majority? Chair said yes, but if considered a bylaw change, then 2/3 vote is required
   • Why is it called a Special Act? Because when it relates to one municipality only.  A General Act changes the rule for all municipalities in Massachusetts
   • The committee will begin its investigations into what other municipalities have done. If they enlarged from 3 – 5, the committee can determine how it turned out. What decision making process did they employ?
   • The committee will meet again on May 7, 2026. The meetings are open. The public is encouraged to attend and to contact any member with questions or suggestions.
   • Editor’s notes: 1. FYI – if searching for this meeting on CTSB-TV, please note, it is misidentified as a 250^th Committee Meeting. 2. A member of the public was on Zoom. She made a number of informed comments.  The identification was “SESP” and of course no face. It would have been helpful if the Chair asked folks speaking to give their names.

News

Notes from “CET at 50,” March 31, 2026, Zoom only

The Center for Ecological Technology (CET) is a 501(c)3 organization. Founded in Pittsfield by Ned Nisson in 1976. With his brand-new degree in environmental engineering in hand, he wrote out CET ‘s purpose: “To research, develop, and demonstrate technologies which will have the least disruptive impact on the natural ecology of the earth.”

Fifty years later, with a president of the United States who espouses “drill baby drill,” for the current CET CEO, Ashley Muspratt, the task remains difficult. 

Muspratt focused her remarks on comprehensive de-carbonization and waste reduction and acknowledged that the tasks for “less disruptive impact” now included food production and waste as well as ESG: monitoring of the Environmental Social and Governance impacts of industry. She concluded that she knows meeting CET goals is the work of years with no quick fix.  

Muspratt then introduced the guest speaker, Jonathan Foley, Executive Director, Project Drawdown.org. Foley spoke about the impact of our food production and food waste on the environment.

It was a shock to learn we throw out 30 – 40% of our food. Shocking because it is a huge amount of waste to dispose of and because it is done within the context of people in our country without enough to eat.

It was thought provoking to learn that worldwide, 38% of all land on earth is farmland and that the pollution from farming outstrips that of fossil fuels.

To learn more about the history of CTE, click  this essay.  To hear Foley’s speech click  access to the recording 

Notes from the Select Board (SB), Public Hearing on Elm Court, April 9, 2026, Hybrid meeting

Special Permit — Continuation of the public hearing to consider the application of Vanderbilt Berkshire Estate, LLC (VBE) for the property of Linda Susan Law, Trustee of The Linda Susan Law Trust (Elm Court) located at 310 Old Stockbridge Road. The applicant is requesting authorization, pursuant to Section 6.1.2 of the Zoning Bylaws to allow the extension, alteration, reconstruction or change of use of a preexisting nonconforming barn, and pursuant to Section 6.1.2, 6.6 and 6.31 of the Zoning Bylaws to amend the existing special permit. The property is in the R4 zone.

The evidentiary portion of the Public Hearing was closed at the end of the March 26, 2026, meeting. All that remained at this meeting was for the SB to deliberate and vote.  At the conclusion of the public hearing, SB approved the application of Vanderbilt Berkshire Estate with the following conditions:

1. Reconstruction of a preexisting nonconforming barn was approved provided the new one is no more nonconforming.
2. All previous permits (for example the 2014 special permit) and other drafts were incorporated.
3. Subject to Building Inspector and other Town bylaws unless otherwise exempted. For example, must adhere to the 35’ height restriction required by bylaw
4. The land indicated to be preserved will have an official CR (Conservation Restriction) placed on it and overseen by an authorized body.
5. The Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation will have access to the land for investigation of historic relics and human bones. If relics or bones are discovered, then the construction can continue but a certificate of occupancy cannot be issued until proper conditions are met. At another point, it seemed SB members implied they could “stop work.” See editor’s note.
6. There are two clearings (or meadows) one to the right of Elm Court (as you face the building) and the other to the left. Outdoor entertainment was limited to the meadow least visible from the road as marked on the plans. No amplification of music on the exterior is allowed
7. Phased construction, that is, restoration of Elm Court and conversion into a hotel will precede new construction of the 38 houses unless a bond is given by the owner for the entire cost of completion of the restoration.
8. Any change requested after this approval is subject to a formal proceeding to amend the approved plan.
9. The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) will receive a total of $1.2 – 1.7million in 4 payments per the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw. (See explanation in SU FYI)
10.  38 residences on the exterior of Elm Court will be limited to 7500 square feet each. The 7500 square feet will include any exterior structure that is covered and any exterior kitchen even if uncovered.
    • The 38 residences will be limited to 4 bedrooms. The Attorney for the applicant asked Town Attorney to consider more bedrooms, but that was declined as a density issue. The Chair explained more bedrooms, more people.   Even if only one person per bedroom, then 38 residences is 152 people – 5 bedrooms is 190. The Chair explained, that could also mean more cars.  The SB voted that the maximum number of bedrooms remain at 4. The Chair, joined by member Marsden, expressed the opinion that they had compromised enough and the vote was unanimous to limit the number of bedrooms to 4.
    • The 38 must all be residential and individually owned – none owned by the hotel.
    • They can be rented but not through any Internet business (Examples: Expedia or VRBO or AirBnB) but only through the hotel.
    • The last issue raised at the March 26, 2026, meeting involved the number of houses to be approved.  SB members expressed the following opinions: Marsden 18 house; Cardillo 38, and Minacci 28. However, at this meeting, the issue of number of houses was not further discussed. Editor’s note: Number 5 was confusing. For example, wouldn’t construction disturb the ground more than a Certificate of Occupancy?  Does the tribe have the power to stop work or not? SU will seek clarification from the Town Administrator

News

The BSO Trustees

By Brian Bell

A BSO Historian

There have been excellent board chairmen through the decades, individuals who weighed the needs of artistic integrity with the financial challenges of their times. But the arrangement, both in Boston and elsewhere, is seriously flawed for several reasons: 

— Selection of board members is overwhelmingly based on financial contributions rather than cultural advocacy.

— Since board members invariably come largely from the business community, there is an inclination to treat the orchestra as a struggling enterprise rather than a cultural institution.

— Far too often, financial decisions are based on a trustee’s inclination to have their name put on a building. But is that in the best interests of the orchestra as a whole? After all, an orchestra is roughly 100 people not standing real estate.

I see it as no accident that three of the leading orchestras in the world, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the London Symphony, are all supervised by the musicians themselves. These orchestras show as much or more innovation and leadership than any orchestra that is managed by a board.

The time has come for the BSO musicians, who as a group have a greater understanding of the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity and expanding the relevance of their activities, to take a more active control of their destiny. They need to become active participants in the functioning of the board. In my considered opinion, musicians ignore this plea at their long-term peril.

by By Brian Bell

News

In Celebration of Our 250th   – The Stockbridge Declaration, Berkshire County, July 6, 1774 Reprinted Here

Transcribed by Robert E. Hoogs for the Monterey Historical Society,

At a Meeting of Sixty gentlemen, Deputies of the several Towns in the county of Berkshire, Appointed to consult, and Advise what was necessary & prudent to be done by the Inhabitants of this County in the present Alarming situation of our public affairs, met at Stockbridge July the Sixth, 1774.

John Ashley Esq. Unanimously chosen Chairman.

Mr. Theodore Sedgwick chosen Clerk.

Mr. Williams, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Brown & Mr. Hopkins, being appointed reported the following resolves, viz.

1^ly          resolved, that King George the third is our rightful King & that we will bear true Allegiance to him,

2^ly          resolved, that the Inhabitants of his Majesty’s Colonies in America, are justly intitled to all the Rights and Liberties that the Inhabitants of Great Britain are intitled [word partly obscured, erasure?] to, which Rights and liberties have been particularly (?given?) [word partly obscured] to the Inhabitants of this Province by Charter.

3^ly          resolved, that it is one of the grand Rights & Liberties of said Inhabitants of Great Britain, that they cannot constitutionally be deprived of their property, but by their own consent.

4^ly          resolved, that the late act of the British Parliament for giving and granting to his Majesty, a Duty upon all Teas, imported from Great Britain into America, which Duty by said Act is made payable here, for the Purpose of raising a Revenue, was made without the Consent of the Inhabitants of America; whereby their property is taken from them without their Consent, and therefore ought to be Opposed in all legal and provident Ways.

5^ly          resolved, that it is an Undoubted Right of the Inhabitants of said Colonies all Actions to be tried by their Peers of the Vicinity, and therefore that all those Acts of the british Parliament, that any way respect the collecting the duties of aforesaid.  Whereby the Trial by Jury, is taken away or whereby the Ancient Trial by Jury is in any way att?? [word uncertain]  are Unconstitutional and Oppressive.

6^ly          resolved, that wherever any Franchises and Liberties Liberties are granted to a Corporation or Body Politic, those Franchises and Liberties cannot legally be taken from such Corporations & Bodies Politic, but by their Consent or by Forfeiture;              that the Inhabitants of this Province have many great and invaluable Franchises & Liberties granted to them by Charter, which Franchises and Liberties have not been forfeited or resigned by the Inhabitants,              that by the late Acts of the British Parliament some of the most Valuable of these Franchises and Liberties of the Said Inhabitants, are taken From them without even the Form of a Trail. —

                             therefore,

7^ly          resolved, that it is the indispensable Duty of every Person who would preserve to himself and Posterity the inestimable Blessings of Liberty, by all constitutional Ways and Means in his power to endeavor to avert the much dreaded Consequences of these Arbitrary and Oppressive Acts;               and that for that Purpose it is precedent for the Inhabitants of the said Colonies to enter into an Agreement not to purchase or consume the Manufactures of Great Britain under such Limitations and Exceptions as shall be Agreed upon;   & that such a non consumption Agreement is neither Unwarrantable, hostile, traitorous nor contrary to our Allegiance due to the King,   but tends to promote the Peace, good Order and Safety of the Community.

               Which said Report being maturely considered it was put to vote   Paragraph by Paragraph, and each and every Paragraph thereof is Unanimously Accepted. –

              A Committee being Appointed to make Draught of the Form of a solemn League and Covenant, to be recommended to be signed by the Inhabitants of this County to prevent the Consumption of the Merchandise of Great Britain, the following Draught is reported viz:

              Whereas the Parliament of Great Britain, have of late Undertaken to give and grant away our Money, without our Knowledge or Consent;  and in order to compel us to a servile submission until submission to the above Measures, have proceeded to block up the Harbour of Boston,    also have or are about to vacate the Charter and repeal certain Laws of this Province heretofore enacted by the general Court and confirmed by the King and his Predecessors, therefore as a Means to obtain a speedy Redress of the afores^d grievances, we do hereby solemnly and in good faith covenant and engage with each other.

1^ly          That we will not import, purchase or consume or suffer any person by, for or under us to import, purchase or consume in any manner whatever, any goods, Wares or Merchandise which shall arrive in America from Great Britain, from and after the first day of October one thousand seven hundred & seventy four,           or such other Time as shall hereafter be agreed upon by the American Congress, nor any Goods which shall be ordered from thence after this Day, until our Charter and constitutional Rights shall be restored or untill it shall be determined by the Major Part of our Brethen in this and the Neighboring Colonies      that a non Importation and non consumption agreement will not have a Tendency to effect the desired End,     or untill it shall be apparent that a non importation or non consumption Agreement will not be entered into by the Majority of this and the Neighbouring Colonies, except such Articles as the said general Congress of North America shall Agree to import, purchase & consume. 

2^ly          we do further covenant and Agree that we will Observe the most strict Obediance to all constitutional Laws and Authority and will at all Times avail ourselves to the Utmost, for the discouragement of all Licentiousness [page 5] and suppressing all Mobs & Riots.

3^ly          We will exert ourselves as far as in us lies, in promoting Love Peace and Unanimity among each other and for that End we engage to avoid all unnecessary Lawsuits whatever.–

4^ly          as a strict and proper Adherence to this present Agreement will (if not seasonably provided against,) involve us in many Dificulties and Inconveniences; we do promise and Agree that we will take the most prudent Case, for the raising and preserving sheep; for the manufacturing all such Cloth as shall be most Useful and Necessary; for the raising of Flax & manufacturing linen;  further, that we will by every prudent Method endeavor to guard against all those Inconveniences which may Otherwise arise, from the foregoing Agreement.

5^ly          That if any Person shall refuse to sign this or a similar Covenant, or after having signed it, shall not adhere to the real Intent and Meaning thereof, he or they shall be treated by us, with all that Neglect they justly deserve.

6^ly          That if this or a similar Covenant shall (after the first Day of August next) be Offered to any Trader or shop- keeper in this County, and he or they shall refuse to sign the same, for the space of forty eight Hours, that we will not From thenceforth purchase any Articles of british Manufacturer from him or them until [page 6] until such time as he or they shall sign a similar covenant.

              Witness our hands, this ___________­ day of July

              Anno Domini 1774. —-

              which being several Times distinctly read, it was put paragraph by paragraph and Accepted. —

              And this Congress in Deference to the Resolves of the late House of Representatives, in Imitation of the pious Example of the Rev^d the Pastors of the associated Churches in the Town of Boston, and from a sense of their dependence on God, for every mercy, to earnestly recommend to all denominations of Christians in this county to set apart and observe Thursday the 14th day of July current, as a day of public fasting and prayer, to implore the divine assistance that would in mercy interpose and avert all those evils with which we are threatened.

              And each and every Member of this Congress are injoined to inform the several Ministers of the several religious Assemblies to which they belong hereof.

              [next four lines are crossed out; not transcribed]

Voted that the several members of this Congress as do recommend to the Charity of the Inhabitants of the Several Towns and Places to which they belong, the distressed Circumstances of the poor of the Towns of Boston and Charleston, and that whatever shall be collected for them be remitted in fat Cattle in the next Fall by such Ways and Means as shall be hereafter agreed upon.

Voted Unanimously that Thanks be given to Col Ashley, for his constant Attendance, Uprightness, and Impartiality as Chairman.

              Voted that the Clark be enjoined to make a fair Copy of the Proceedings of this Meeting & transmit the same to the Committee of Correspondence of the Town of Boston.

Voted to dissolve this meeting and it is dissolved accordingly

The foregoing is a true copy.

Att. Theodore Sedgwick Cler.

N.B. The Proceedings afores^d were preceded by an animated Prayer, made by the Rev^d  M^r. West.

T. S. C.Editor’s notes: 1. Bob, thank you so much for this effort and for sharing it with the Town of Stockbridge. 2. Afores = aforesaid; Revd = Reverend 3. Use of capital letters was very different in the Eighteenth Century and generally indicated stress on, or importance of, the word capitalized. 4. This Document was apparently sent to the Boston Committee of Correspondence, original notes by Theodore Sedgwick in the collection of the New York Public Library: available at: https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/f132be10-c9ba-0132-a2e1-58d385a7bbd0

Updates TV

Journalist James Brooke April 13, 2026

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Lila Wilde Berle, a passionate conservationist, dedicated community leader, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died at home on Easter morning, April 5. She was 89 years old. Lila was born on March 5, 1937, the daughter of Col. H. George Wilde and renowned Jersey cow breeder Marjorie Lila Field Wilde. She grew up on High Lawn Farm in the Berkshires,

Lila, I will miss you.
I remember you standing at Town Meetings telling us which trees made shingles and explaining how this issue connected to that one. How we should vote because this one would lead us home and that one would lead us astray.  You were adamant about not paving too many roads.
I remember you sitting at Mary’s tea table, back to the open window. All at once you interrupted the conversation to comment on Mary’s tea roses. Mary said her mother planted them years ago. You said only tea roses smelled like, and you lamented roses today don’t smell at all.
At the post office, in your bib overalls, in Minnesota we called them corn cobbers, looking like the farmer you were, you always stopped to chat.

I loved your lamb.
I remember when you told me about your Mom being gone; missing her and missing the sound of her voice. I told you I had Marjorie on tape in an interview I did for Berkshire Cottages. I offered to give you the tape. You stared a minute and thanked me. You said you had to think about it.
With your passing so passes a generation. Rest in peace Lila. Your memory is s blessing and you will be missed

Events

Events

1. Berkshire Botanical Garden presentsa public reception Friday, May 15, 5pm to 7pm for the opening of “Grand Gesture: Monumental Vessels in the Garden,” The exhibition runs May 16 through October.

Step into a world where clay becomes living form in “an exhibition at Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, Mass., featuring the striking sculptures of Vermont-based ceramicist   Stephen Procter. Placed throughout the Garden, Procter’s works turn simple materials into forms that feel both grounded and expressive. 

Procter’s large vessels — some weighing up to 250 pounds and standing as tall as five feet — are both monumental and approachable, inviting reflection and a personal response. As physical objects, they draw the eye and shape the spaces around them; as sculptures, they carry a calm, steady presence.

Reflecting on the meaning behind the exhibition’s title, Procter explains that a “grand gesture” goes beyond scale. “More important is the inspiration that motivates and justifies the scale. The animating impulse often includes some mixture of generosity, expansiveness, gratitude, compassion, awe, and love,” he says. 

Set within the changing environment of the Garden, the works shift over time. “In the Garden, the vessels are constantly changing,” Procter notes. “The surfaces, even unglazed, subtly reflect light. Shadows of leaves play on them, they shine in rain … and take on moss patina over time.”

Procter describes his practice as “a long-term investigation into the mystery of form,” exploring how gesture and volume can evoke emotional responses. 

Visitors may find themselves forming unexpected connections with the sculptures. According to Procter, the vessels communicate in a non-verbal language that reaches beyond the intellect: “Their mode of communication bypasses the realm of the intellect and goes directly to something deeper.” If they could speak, he adds, “they might be, ‘Be here now. I am with you.’”

In addition to the outdoor installation, smaller, classically inspired works by Procter will be on view in the Leonhardt Galleries.

After decades of refining his craft, Procter still finds each installation moment meaningful. “We set it down, and so often someone in the party exclaims words I love to hear: ‘It looks like it has always been here!’”
For more information, visit www.BerkshireBotanical.org

2. West Stockbridge Historical Society presents

Massachusetts: A Song of Itself” Saturday April 18, 2026 – 3pStockbridge First Congregational Church – Main Street, Stockbridge, MA

Regie Gibson, our State Poet Laureate, backed by a group of outstanding musicians, presents a reimagined history of the founding of the Commonwealth told through the eyes of its marginalized and all too often forgotten people who influenced the growth and early struggles incurred in the formation of our Commonwealth.

Through passionate and creative storytelling, poetry and song, they give voice to a wide range of historical characters and their aspirations, hopes, and struggles, as he leads the audience on a journey from the early days of the English settler’s interaction with the indigenous native peoples, to the introduction of slavery, the formation of the Commonwealth, and ultimately the revolution itself.

The program casts a critical eye on some of our most cherished illusions about the State’s creation story and asks the audience to rethink these myths to form a more historically accurate picture of how we came to be who we are.

This is particularly relevant to what is happening within the state today, as we grapple with the attack of long-held beliefs of what it means to be an American and the resilience of the foundational elements of our state and country that our forefathers worked hard to create over 250 years ago. There will be a reception following the program to meet Regie and the musicians, partner organizations, and fellow attendees. Tickets $20 available at West Stockbridge History Massachusetts-a-song-of-itself

3. The Elizabeth Freeman Center is celebrating fifty years on May 14, 2026, at Barrington Hall, 426 Stockbridge Road, 6pm. Plated dinner, complimentary signature cocktail, $250/person.

For 50 years, Elizabeth Freeman Center has stood at the heart of Berkshire County as a lifeline for survivors of domestic and sexual violence—offering safety, dignity, and hope when it is needed most. This year, we invite you to join us for a remarkable evening as we celebrate five decades of impact, honor the resilience of survivors, and look ahead to the work that still lies before us in an increasingly uncertain time.  Join us for a luminous evening of connection, reflection, and joy. Enjoy an exceptional dinner by Chef Sabrina Tan, live music, complimentary drinks, and great company. As we look back with gratitude, we also look forward with purpose—because every survivor deserves life-saving support, today and into the future.

4. Town of Stockbridge Party

5. Arbor Day Event

The Agriculture and Forestry Commission in cooperation with the Highway Department will hold an Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony at the soccer fields on Park Street on April 24th, 2026 from 3 – 3:30pm

6. Bidwell House Museum

7. Chesterwood announces its 2026 Season. The summer residence, studio, and gardens of American Renaissance sculptor Daniel Chester French will be open to visitors May 15 – October 31. For more information about special events at Chesterwood, contact Rebecca Davis, PR, rebecca@rebeccadavispr.com

8. The Memorial Day Committee is looking for volunteers to help refresh the flags of veterans’ markers in the Town and Catholic cemeteries in advance of Memorial Day.  For those who have participated in this work, it is a wonderful opportunity for community members to come together, get outside, and honor the veterans who served our Town and country for over the past 250 years.  Volunteers are asked to meet Saturday May 9, 2026 10AM at the vault near the Sedgewick Pie.  This work is not expected to last more than 1 hour. Contact Rich Bradway richbradway@gmail.com

Perspective

Red Lion Corner

By Rick Wilcox

The 14^th century logician and Franciscan friar William of Ockham authored the principle now called Occam’s razor: “Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate.” Latin for “Entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily,” or in today’s vernacular, sometimes the simpler solution is the best one.  Can it be applied to Stockbridge to provide more safety at the Red Lion Inn intersection? That is a question for those with more analytical minds. I  am left to share some Main Street history to honor people who are no longer with us by giving voice to the value of their labors and gifts, which have, over time, become part of that fabric of Stockbridge, making their efforts worthy of inclusion in the on-going debate. 

“June 1, 1745 at a Special Town Meeting: Layout of the highways in Stockbridge by Josiah Jones and David Naunauneekaunuck, Surveyors for Highways, to be confirmed and established as follows: ‘…. And a road laid out from said Square to the grist mill begins and continues to be eight rods wide (132 feet) a few rods east of John Konkapot’s barn (North side of Main Street across from Elm Street) then narrowing gradually to the next stakes and there to be six rods wide (99 feet) and continuing to narrow till it comes against the house of Joseph Woodbridge (tennis courts)….’ “

While on Main Street with Bonney Hartley, the Historic Preservation Officer for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, working on a section of the Housatonic Heritage Native American Trail, I had recalled that she is a lineal descendant of Mohican sachem David Naunauneekaunuck. It was a reminder of the hidden history of Main Street, where home lots have not changed much since the mid-1700s. All the house and business lots between the Old Town Hall and the new Town Offices can be traced back to Stockbridge Mohican owners and the dimensions of a fair number of the lots are the same as when they were first surveyed in June 1750 as lots for members of the Stockbridge Mohican community.  

The Red Lion intersection was created in 1745, and by 1870 was referred to in the Laurel Hill Association minutes as “Monument Square.” Over the years, South Street was widened to accommodate “Fountain Park,” which had acquired the Cat and Dog Fountain during the Civil War, a gift from Mr. Gourley, whose house hugged the corner of South and Main Street.

In 1990 CATS magazine writer Phil Maggitti penned a tongue-in-cheek article about Stockbridge’s Cat & Dog Fountain quoting from a 1980 Springfield Republican newspaper article which read, “A 128 year old landmark stone statute of a cat hissing at a dog, meant to symbolize ‘progress versus preservation,’ was taken out of storage and set back on the corner of Main Street and Route 7 last week.”

When asked which animal represented progress and which animal represented preservation, well-known cat lover Mary V. Flynn replied, “Why isn’t preservation progress?”

My grandmother Grace Bidwell Wilcox, curator of the Stockbridge Library Historical Room from 1938 to 1968, shared with me that the oral history regarding the fountain suggested it was more about the democratic process in Stockbridge, some hissing and barking, but healthy debate with the best interests of the town at heart.

The island, now the “John & Jane Fitzpatrick Park,” has shrunk by about half of its original size to accommodate more recent traffic needs.

“In 1799 Josiah Dwight of Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire Merchant, Sarah Gray of the same Stockbridge Widow, & Barnabas Bidwell Attorney at Law for & in consideration of two dollars…paid by Jonathan Patten, Henry Brown & Jahleel Woodbridge each of the same Town Selectmen… forever quitclaimed…for the purpose of a public common or square never to be built upon or occupied in any other way than as an open common.”

Bidwell lived in The Elms at the corner of Pine Street.  Dwight owned a store on land now part of the front lawn of St Paul’s Church. Each man shaved off a small piece of their land to form a public common. Sarah Gray, Bidwell’s mother-in-law, didn’t own land on either side, but Bidwell included her perhaps to be on her good side.  Sixty-seven years later, Bidwell’s great nephew, Lt. Marshall Brewer, age 22, died at the close of the Civil War and had his name carved on the town’s Civil War Monument.  In the interest of full disclosure, I am a sixth generation descendant of Barnabas Bidwell.

For 153 years, a cannon has been a silent sentinel guarding the Civil War Monument. Even after it lost its wheels, still, it faithfully stood watch over the intersection. The island’s ornate iron fence was taken down at the suggestion of the Laurel Hill Association many years ago. Even anti-curb Selectman Mary Flynn agreed to have curb installed around the island after repeated assaults by automobiles eroded its grassy edges.

 As the discussion continues, the citizens of Stockbridge, in the spirit of the Cat and Dog Fountain, will likely continue in their healthy debate, trying to preserve some town history, while balancing that with the need to provide for the safety of drivers and pedestrians in the Red Lion Inn intersection.

A traffic circle would obliterate half of the “public common or square never to be built upon.” The residents of Stockbridge will no doubt reach a consensus, what Abba Eban defined this way: “A consensus means that everybody agrees to say collectively what no one believes individually.” 

Editor’s note: Rick Wilcox is our former Police Chief and continues as a trusted local historian

by Rick Wilcox

Reader to Reader

Reader to Reader

Hi Carole,

Thanks for another very informative issue of Stockbridge Updates.

I want to weigh in on The Egg traffic circle:  I have found it very helpful when navigating that complex corner. 

I hope that discussions could focus on how to maintain it more vividly, painting it more frequently or using whatever visuals – info signs? – are needed to raise drivers’ awareness.  Combine that with a bit more patience for all to adjust to the change and I think The Egg could continue to be of real value..

Joan Sickler

Carole,

On March 14, Stockbridge Democrats held a caucus to elect delegates and alternates to attend the 2026 MA Democratic Nominating Convention this May. Elected delegates are Cheryl Resetarits, Anne Rabinowitz and Patrick White. Our elected alternate is Jamie Minacci. Ex-officio delegate is Don Chabon. They will vote on which candidates’ names are placed on the September primary ballot.

The caucus was followed by a very informative and thought provoking conversation led by Bob Jones, Lee Selectman and former Stockbridge resident.  It touched on timely topics including seasonal communities which the town will be asked to vote on at a future town meeting.

On Friday, April 10 at 7:00 PM there will be a Berkshire County candidates forum in Pittsfield for our elected state and federal positions The forum is sponsored by the Dalton Democratic Town Committee and cosponsored by the Stockbridge DTC and others. This will be an opportunity for candidates to have their voices heard and to provide information to help voters decide who will be on the primary ballot. More information will be available soon.

Anita Schwerner

Chair Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee 

Letters to SU

Editor’s note: The three points expressed below were expressed in three separate emails received by SU this week. Add the sentence “Stockbridge has changed and not for the better,” and add 2 texts received last week. That does not count the number of times I am stopped and heard the same words of discontent. In every case the folks do not want to be named.

The impressions of the people and the opinions of voters are newsworthy and yet it would be improper to post letters with names when writers request not to.  If there is discontent, I urge those who feel it to step forward and submit your opinion with your name. Perhaps folks think there will be consequences, but the consequences come from silence.  With free expression, the discussion begins and the solutions are found – together.  Surely nationally we have learned that. Surely locally we recognize that this village was run by its citizens very successfully for 290 years.  Following, for your consideration, is a,compilation of those thoughts. Carole

• A while back, I read with great interest your column on the political malaise that seems to have taken hold in Stockbridge and the pervading uncertainty among the townspeople as to what should be done about it. 
• The idea that modern municipal government is too complex to be administered by elected citizens [or volunteers] has somehow taken root in Stockbridge.   Apparently, we require consultants, experts, and regional advisers to define our priorities and decide what kind of town we live in. Such thinking is nothing less than the repudiation of democracy. 
• Two minutes? We need open, unlimited dialogue
• Stockbridge is changing and not for the better