Editorial

How Our Government Spends Its Money Reflects Its Values and Ours

Recently, Samantha Anderson, Executive Director, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, brought to our attention that these are dire times for nonprofits due to government cuts.

I commend Anderson for articulating the problem. Solutions can only follow the acknowledgement of problems. The best solutions follow the most accurate definitions. Sometimes pointing out the problem is a brave step. People may not like to hear it. Nevertheless, it is a mandatory step to take.

Change is inevitable, and for better or worse, as a country, we are changing. One of the ways we can track the nature of change is by how we spend our money. If we are more concerned about low taxes and less about governmental services – we reflect that. How the government collects and spends money reflects our values. Our spending may reflect that we have become less charitable – not as individuals — but collectively as a government.

Anderson allied with Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits CEO Jim Klocke and brought together representatives from approximately 100 nonprofits at the Norman Rockwell Museum to make the problem clear. In mid-2025, I founded Berkshire Preservation Inc (BPI) to address the problem. BPI is there for all Berkshire nonprofits: to help them as they protect what is uniquely Berkshire.

BPI has had a strong beginning. Recently we raised $100,000 for the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad. Even after costs, we delivered a check to SBAs for almost $100,000. We stand ready to do the same for any of our nonprofits.

BPI respects that SBAS can get an ambulance out in answer to a call. We can’t, but BPI can write grants, design program and financial plans, and produce great fundraising events. We will do our job to enable our nonprofits to do theirs.

BPI will join forces with, and work on behalf of, every nonprofit and every Berkshire municipality that invites us to. We will raise their stature as we raise money. 

Get to know BPI better at www.preservationinc.org

by Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Watch Now!

Stockbridge Updates on Air: The Red Rose Campaign: In Support of the Orchestra

News

SU FYI

1. Stockbridge Exceptionalism

Some think it’s bunk. They came from outside and sought to change what seemed not exceptional but only exceptionally simple minded and stodgy.

Fact is, Stockbridge had its share of wife-beaters, alcoholics, and embezzlers. We had good cops and bad cops and the requisite number of poor folks. We were ordinary in some ways and below average in others. In the end, however, Stockbridge was exceptional.

Norman Rockwell saw it: Stockbridge was Americana the American character in plain sight. We were not suspicious of one another. Our doors were unlocked. Neighbors drifted in. Never to take but always to give – a homemade pie, a bag of garden tomatoes, an invitation, or a note about village news.

We shared values – we shared values as a village. That is rare today but not in Stockbridge then.

We were not stodgy – we were stiff-backed Yankees who took care of ourselves, didn’t ask, and didn’t whine. We stood tall when we stood alone, but if a neighbor was in trouble, we gathered around and bent to help. We knew how to give, and we knew how to protect.

We weren’t simple minded; we knew what good was and discounted the rest. For example, our word was good even if it hurt to keep it. You could trust Stockbridge and that was exceptional. Yup, it was exceptional that we stood for something and that we stood together for the same things. Until we didn’t.

Change is inevitable. While you cannot always see things change, you can often see the moment it has changed. It was the Pine Street tennis court: Stockbridge broke its word.

By contract, Stockbridge received the use of a plot of land for ninety-nine years. For one year short of a century, townsfolks could use that land to play tennis and shoot hoops. We signed a document that said in return we would maintain it. We didn’t. The people voted in favor of honoring our word and voted the money to do it – money for maintenance. Still the courts were not maintained. There were reasons stated but no work done. Stockbridge exceptionalism never allowed an excuse to break a word. In Stockbridge, the word got kept, the job got done. In old Stockbridge there would have been no choice then – not now. Once the Stockbridge way was simple: do the job; trust the decency of others, honor your word and follow the law. Now, the money voted was spent but in a different way – reflecting different values. It was the leading indicator after which all the dominos began to fall.

Just beyond the tennis and basketball courts, folks expressed fear about the intersection just beyond the tennis and basketball courts. Once a Stockbridge policeman stood at that intersection directing traffic, but he was removed and not replaced. The problem was stated, an expert hired, a recommendation made and accepted by the townsfolk, but the work was never done. Why not? Why weren’t the courts maintained? Private meetings multiplied; public debate and discussion shrank. At one point even public comment was eliminated. Answers were less often answered; so finally, less often asked.

The Berkshire Eagle reported: “Stockbridge restricts Town Offices access…” Was that symbolism or metaphor. Symbolism is a literary device that uses symbols to represent something beyond literal meaning. Metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy.” Whether symbol of metaphor, the headline declares the exact state of affairs.

2. The Times They Are a-Changin’

The current village administration has looked good due to COVID and the resulting astronomical hike in Stockbridge real estate prices. That huge hike in prices caused a concomitant rise in tax income.

Now, the Berkshire County Board of Realtors reports that “Stockbridge saw the largest drop-off in median home sale price, with homes in the town now selling for a median price of $625,000 compared to $1.275 million last year. That’s a 51 percent decrease in one year.”

First, it must be noted that such a drop is rare and often caused by drastic changes – none of which are apparent. Second, whatever the cause, the bill will come due.

There will be a collision at the intersection of crazy spending (a new school, a new firehouse, increased paid staff), the cost of making our village school a town hall and Old Town Hall a private school, and deferred maintenance of everything from bridges to the cupola.

When house prices drop, real estate tax rates will rise. The Town administration will have to bring it – as they say – to continue to look good, and what they do and don’t have the ability to bring will become clear.

The Affordable Housing Trust will be flush with approximately $2.2 million and will have nowhere to spend it. The marketplace that always creates and restricts housing, will do it again. Homelessness was, and always will be, a function of the housing market. There was never and will never be an affordable way for government to create affordable housing. With ease and speed, plummeting prices will create more affordable houses. Sadly, it will do it as rising taxes drive out our senior homeowners.

Some of these predictions may be correct and some may prove incorrect. However, what will be clear is that simple reporting of who said what in a meeting may not be sufficient and a deeper dive may be necessary.

Stockbridge Updates will change with the times. Fewer issues will dive deeper to investigate and report. Experts will report in the news section and truth-tellers in the commentary section. That will take time. Stockbridge Updates 2.0 will be out less often, and less frequent issues will look at what we lost as a town: maybe how we lost it; maybe why, and maybe how to regain it.

It is the same job our country faces. It is the same job the national press has before it. I hope we succeed both here and in Washington D.C.

First, as the editorial proposed: we must accept Stockbridge has a problem, agree on the definition, and hope we share similar values that indicate the path forward and the goals sought.

It is hard in this village and for our nation. These are disheartening, even depressing times, but Stockbridge has done good work in bad times before. This is the village that began Tanglewood during a depression. Yup – we started the Berkshire Symphonic Festival with music under the moon and stars, and culture in the country, during The Great Depression. We can do it. We should preserve as much of what was as we can, because frankly, it was better. We should start now.
 

News

Events

1. Guild of Berkshire Artists Art on Main Gallery presents “Four Voices”
   August 1 – August 30 Thursdays – Sundays 11 AM – 4PM 38 Main Street, West Stockbridge Four artists. Four unique perspectives. Through painting, drawing, ceramics, and mixed media, this exhibition invites viewers to experience bold ideas, thoughtful craftsmanship, and personal storytelling. Each artist offers a distinctive visual language, creating a dynamic conversation about creativity and connection.
2. Stockbridge Cultural Council Seeks Community Input on Funding
   The Stockbridge Cultural Council has posted an online survey asking residents to help set funding priorities for local cultural programs. The Council’s mission is to promote a rich cultural life for residents, to support a vital local economy and to promote excellence in the arts and humanities. Emphasis is placed on education, diversity, accessibility and inclusion. This was a brief but important survey from the Council. Too late to reply but watch for the results!
3. Stockbridge library – check it out – the versatility of our library! From kayaks on loan to Michael Rosenthal on Moral Technology and Cultural Memory: Humanities Education as the Framework for a Democratic Society Saturday, August 29 ⋅ 3:00
4. Norman Rickwell Museum You’ll be over the moon with all there is to do! Discover a constellation of programs, events, and artwork to enjoy all summer. Take a Stockbridge Walking Tour to see the town that inspired Rockwell. Our history course, Rebels and Revolutionaries of the Berkshires, is continuing this week, and the 8th Annual Art of Brewing Festival is a stellar celebration you won’t want to miss! Ready for lift-off? Get your tickets today!
5. The Stockbridge farmers market is on Wednesdays in August and September from 3 PM to 5:30 PM. Located at 50 Main St. Stockbridge, on the front lawn of the town offices. Currently, our vendors are : Gaetanos Organic Farm. They will have sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, celery, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, peppers, fennel, eggplant, and garlic. Berkshire Mountain Bakery will bring a wide variety of baked goods, including fresh sourdough bread, cookies and croissants. Konkapot Apiary will have local honey. Mill Brook Sugar House will have a variety of maple syrup products. Meadow Burn will have a variety of lavender products. Boulder Patch Farm will have Tallow soaps, body butter, lip balms. The Stockbridge farmers market is now doubling the value of the Massachusetts farmers market coupons (at the Gaetanos Farm stand at the Konkapot Apairy stand SNAP recipients can use the Berkshire Agriculture Ventures’ market match program to purchase food at half price. Come to the market manager’s desk for details. For weekly updates, visit this page ” Stockbridge MA farmers market” or if you want to be added to our email list, please send your email to “farmers market@ Stockbridge Stockbridge-ma.gov”

News

Journalism Corner

Let’s talk about First Amendment rights.

The First Amendment allows journalists to gather and disseminate the news without government restraint. It allows the press to inform the public and hold those in power accountable. The First Amendment is essential for the functioning of newspapers. It also protects individual expression. It is an important underpinning of democracy.

We really cannot claim and protect our rights if we cannot define what they are. So what does the First Amendment say? “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Given the First Amendment, can there be consequences for speech? Yes.

Given the First Amendment, is the right to speak unfettered? No.

The rights granted to citizens by the U.S. Constitution are not absolute and are subject to limitations. While the Constitution establishes fundamental rights, these rights must coexist with other laws and regulations. We cannot slander, threaten, foment, or otherwise do harm by speech. We cannot falsely scream “fire” in a crowded theater. (The last is a paraphrase from Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.’s opinion in Schenck v. United States. In 1919, during World War I, SCOTUS held that the defendant’s speech in opposition to the draft was not protected speech.) Let’s try an example: A man writes a letter to the Editor making information public that a private organization had promised not to divulge. It was not just any organization; it was the one the man worked for. It was not just any promise: a major contributor exacted. The organization hoped the donor would contribute annually.

The letter, breaking the promise, was seen as threatening that hope. When asked to take the letter down for the good of the company, the employee claimed his First Amendment right. Did he have one in this case?

Not wanting to grapple with a thorny “freedom of speech” issue, the organization equivocated, and stated, “[he] wrote it as an individual,” and made clear, “Please know that [his] decision to submit the letter was not discussed with, approved by, or endorsed by [the organization]. We remain committed to…Our priority continues to be respecting the guidance that has been given to us and maintaining the trust of everyone involved.”

So, if there were any consequences for the organization, they would throw him under the bus. That’s one way to deal with it, but frankly, it avoids the issue of whether the employee did have a First Amendment Right. For our purposes, let’s grapple with the issue.

In our case, and in general, the First Amendment does not stop private employers from disciplining employees for speech that violates workplace rules or conduct standards. So, if he violated an internal policy or defied rules, contracts, professional standards, or confidentiality, the organization may be able to respond with criticism, discipline, a reprimand or termination as long as that organization applies policies consistently.

Bottom line: We citizens have rights, but we also have obligations to one another and to obey the law.

In upcoming issues, SU will grapple with the First Amendment if that same employee worked for a government organization – would his rights be different? What about a newspaper or newscaster and the role of politically correct speech and free speech.

News

A Very Special Letter

Dear Stockbridge Friends,

This moment invites my personal reflection and gratitude for the privilege of 40 years of bringing together a community that has nourished and grown Norman Rockwell Museum. Palpable excitement is in the air about a future filled with the opportunities inherent in the Museum’s and my own next chapters.

None of the Museum’s accomplishments would have been possible without the affection and support of our beloved community of Stockbridge. Norman Rockwell chose Stockbridge as home for his last 25 years, at a time when he sought healing and support for his family. He received that and found more: a community that embraced and welcomed this beloved national figure as one of their own, affording him the privacy, friendship, and inspiration that helped him paint some of his most important and affecting works.

When Rockwell chose Stockbridge as his home in 1953, he would have had no idea that there would one day be a museum established in his honor, a museum that has shared his work around the world, that has been seen by presidents and popes, and millions of ordinary Americans while knitting together the vibrant field of illustration art across the nation. His neighbors and friends were his models, photographers, studio assistants, and community.

When Rockwell chose to leave his artwork, studio, and archive in the care of the nascent Old Corner House, he was giving a gift to the nation that had given so much to him. When he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Gerald Ford, he was being honored for his contributions to his country and its citizens whom he deeply respected and inspired with aspirational hope to create an always-better America.

Norman Rockwell was a brilliant and beloved visual communicator. He unified people of many beliefs around a vision of America filled with possibility. As we reflect on the vital importance of visual communication in an increasingly visual world, I am optimistic that the Museum will continue to create community and contribute to building a society that seeks a bright future for all.

I hope you will join me in giving my successor, Graham C. Boettcher, Ph.D., a warm welcome. Please take time to visit and meet him. He brings an extraordinary background and expertise to the Museum. And please remember that visits to the Museum are always free for Stockbridge residents. We welcome your membership to support the scores of programs and exhibitions we present each year.

I want to express my deep gratitude to you for your friendship, for your support, and for your steadfast belief in the power of illustration art to reflect and shape the world—a world that, here at NRM, centers around Norman Rockwell’s values of kindness, respect, and equity for all. With gratitude to our Board of Trustees to represent our museum as director emerita, my husband, Craig, and I look forward to seeing you around our Stockbridge village, our beloved home of so many years.

With gratitude,

Laurie Norton Moffatt,
Stockbridge
15 August 2026

Analysis

No New Taxes, But No Easy Fixes: Unpacking the New MA Budget

News from the State House

By Christine Rasmussen

You’ve paid income taxes, a 6.25% sales tax, excise taxes on motor vehicles, cigarettes, estate taxes on large inheritances etc. that each year are combined with other state tax receipts, federal government transfers and grants that are the basis for the funding of state government services that are distributed in the state budget that is developed during the first six months of the legislative session.

The state budget process, was finalized, after numerous meetings, arguments, and compromises, a Conference Committee with three members from the House and three Senate members, with their staff and assistance from state agencies, secured the votes to pass a Fiscal Year 2027, $63.4 billion state budget that was sent to the governor for her signature which occurred unceremoniously without any changes, on July 9th.

It marked the accumulating of a difficult budget process because of the uncertainty created by potential federal government sweeping cuts in funding that created an estimated $3.7 billion gap Impact of Federal Cuts on Massachusetts, threatening state programs for housing, public health, education, and transportation. However, the legislature countered these losses by utilizing a mix of state-generated revenues, the state Stabilization Fund, and Fair Share surtax dollars to shore up resources for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), K-12 education, and local aid for cities and towns.

In addition, hanging over legislators’ heads were two ballot question, developed by the Initiative Petition process https://www.mass.gov/info-details/the-initiative-petition-process. The one that was causing sleepless nights for people with responsibility for municipal and state finances, would cut the state income tax rate over a period of years from 5 to 4 percent. household tax bills across the state but also blow a multibillion-dollar hole in state finances and force significant budget decisions on Beacon Hill, according to a recent Tufts University analysis. The report from the Center for State Policy Analysis estimates the measure would reduce the state income tax collections by 18.9% and total state tax revenue by about 10%, or roughly $5.1 billion a year by 2030. The report claims that revenue loss would more than offset gains surtax voters approved in 2022 on annual income above $1 million.

However, in one of the final steps to have the proposal appear on the November ballot, there was a challenge to the description of the question that explains the issue to voters on the ballot. The Supreme Judicial Court found that the Attorney General’s explanation of the scope of the measure erred by “incorrectly stating that the measure would not affect income from long-term capital gains” which it will. That decision was a huge relief to decision makers because it would have cut

Another ballot question is at the final stages of collecting signatures and if finalized will ask voters for a Law Relative to Limiting State Tax Collection Growth and Returning Surpluses to Taxpayers is still moving through the process to be on the ballot. If enacted, it could cut as much as $2 billion from the budget

by Christine Rasmussen

The Budget's Funding

By Christine Rasmussen
How did the state spend the $63.4 billion in the FY 2027 Massachusetts state budget?

The Commonwealth allocated approximately $10.4 billion in total local aid to cities and towns. The remainder of the budget—around $53 billion—was dedicated to state operations, agency administration, and statewide programs (like the MBTA, health care, and higher education). Key local aid distributions included:

• Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA): $1.363 billion
• Chapter 70 Education Aid: $7.603 billion
• Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT): approximately $55.4 million
• Special Education & Student Transport: approximately $809.6 million combined this includes $653.4) million for special education reimbursements).
  
  Also included were multiple localized line items, earmarks, and collaborative funding structures directly benefiting Stockbridge, Lenox, Lee, and Great Barrington, thanks to the work of State Senator Paul Mark and State Representative Leigh Davis.

Great Barrington:

• The People’s Pantry Food Security: State Representative Leigh Davis secured a dedicated $20,000 line-item earmark specifically to expand the cold and dry food storage capacity at The People’s Pantry, serving vulnerable families across the southern Berkshires.
• Ambulance Service Operations: While the town managed a tight $17.7 million localized operating budget to curb debt service, steady state Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) allowed Great Barrington to solidify $414,676 in municipal emergency medical services allocations. Lee
• Bridge Infrastructure Repairs: Fully state-funded infrastructure investments are directing nearly $19 million into regional bridge overhauls. This massive chunk of state transportation funding specifically covers structural repairs on Willow Street, Meadow Street, Mill Street, and Silver Street within the town of Lee.
• Regional Shared IT Program: Lee serves as the administrative lead town for a shared municipal software program. The state-backed budget framework allowed Lee to formalize a $135,500 line item to host this service, which distributes technology resources and cuts overhead costs for a network of eight surrounding towns—including Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington.. [1]

Lenox & Stockbridge (Shared Allocations). [1]

• Tri-Town Health Department Inter-Municipal Agreement: Stockbridge, Lee, and Lenox pool state local-aid health dollars to run a combined public health administration. The state budget protects these inter-municipal incentives, allowing the towns to manage regional environmental enforcement, housing safety, and vaccine clinics without relying solely on local property taxes.
• The Tri-Town Ambulance Service: The state’s municipal aid models heavily back localized public safety pooling. Under this system, local capital improvements and state local-aid offset operational expenses for the shared ambulance infrastructure—which translates to fixed protections like the $540,000 operational threshold for Lee and $600,000 for Stockbridge.

Regional Southern Berkshire District Line Items [1]

Rather than funding separate programs for every town, several line items were written into the state budget as multi-town district collaborations:

• Mental Health Alternative Response Task Force: Driven by recent regional crises, a $250,000 line-item earmark was secured to deploy mental health professionals alongside first responders. This program operates as a direct partnership between the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, the Brien Center, and the Berkshire Sheriff’s Department. [1]
• Berkshire Hills Regional School District Reimbursements: The budget boosts minimum state Chapter 70 educational aid to $160 per pupil, providing direct financial relief to the shared regional district serving Great Barrington, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge. Mass Cultural Council Local Grants: The budget also allocated a record $27.3 million to the Mass Cultural Council. This includes specific localized structural facilities funding to preserve cultural and historic properties in Lenox and Stockbridge, alongside over $100,000 to back public art and interpretive science programs throughout the four towns. https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2026/HouseWaysMeansBudget/Executive_Summary

by Christine Rasmussen

News

Notes From the 5 Member Select Board Study Committee

29 June 2026

Respectfully submitted, 
Sally Underwood-Miller

Present: Jorja Marsden [presiding], Cheryl Resetarits, Nancy Gilbert, Patty Caya, Bruce Auerbach, Sally Underwood-Miller

Cheryl Resetarits made a motion to approve the minutes of 7 May 2026. Patty Caya seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Patty Caya reported that she had contacted the town of Holliston and had spoken to Paul LeBeau, Holliston’s Town Administrator. He said he would be happy to speak to us regarding their experience. Members agreed that it would be good to invite him to a meeting.

Cheryl Resetarits brought up the creation of a survey. We would need to figure out what questions were most important to get answers regarding the process and the pros and cons of increasing the number of the Select Board (SB). Sally Underwood-Miller suggested that we also include former and current members of Stockbridge’s Select Boards.

Time commitments were one of the top questions in other surveys taken. Jorja Marsden noted that serving on a Select Board entails what you make of it. She checks in with the Town Administrator often to be on top of what the issues are.

Sally Underwood-Miller thanked Cheryl Resetarits for her work in getting the information from the town of Belmont. In reading their reports, Sally had several comments:

• Questions they asked:

Pros/Cons of moving to a 5-person board – thoughts and comments

• Why did the member not seek reelection? (Voted out? Term limits? Time to leave?)

She suggested that many of the same “cons” might exist with a 5-person board as with a 3-person board. Members might form alliances and be unwilling to compromise.

One comment that was brought up by a Belmont SB member was the increase might result in longer meetings. Sally thought that was a poor argument as deliberation and careful thought could lead to a better more reasoned outcome.

Having new members who have an “agenda” when first coming on to the SB might bring new ideas and spark interest in renewed focus for the SB.

As to increasing numbers of the SB, Jamie Minacci had once mentioned that it was occasionally difficult to balance her full-time job and extra duties she had as a SB member with sitting on other committees. 2 extra members could lighten the load.

What is the role of the Town Manager/Administrator? Jorja reported that Michael Canales reports to the SB for their approval on most issues.

Massachusetts law (MGL 32B) requires that paid positions must include benefits. While this would be an increased burden for the Town, younger potential candidates for SB might find health/retirement benefits to be a significant draw to run for a position.

As to the survey, Bruce Auerbach opined that the questions must be consistent for each person surveyed. Jorja pointed out that SB members do not always agree on what would be the best for the Town of Stockbridge.

Cheryl will get information from Paul LeBeau, and email potential survey questions for discussion at the next meeting.

Possibilities might be:

• Why did you want to become a SB member?
• How much time did you spend/week?
• How much did you contribute?
• Did you enjoy your time on the SB?
• Did you accomplish your goals? (If no, why not?)
• Did you have the opportunity to express your ideas?
• Did it turn out to be too much work?
• How many hours are enough?
• Was the division of the workload appropriate and fair?
• Was there adequate communication?

Some Belmont members felt that televised meetings had changed things. Some did not feel they could express their true thoughts in the same way.

A big question is whether there is enough interest to field a 5-person SB?

Is a 3-person SB less efficient in being able to manage time vs. work vs. communication?

Patty Caya wondered what a 3-person board cannot do if down a member. Might the constraints currently in place (e.g. Special Permit needing a “supermajority”) be changed to avoid the pitfalls of an absent member.

Is the balance correct between the Town Administrator (TA) and the SB? Jorja reported that the role of the TA has changed over the years. For many reasons, including the times and complications of modern life, much more of a burden has been placed on the full-time paid TA to gather facts, bids, regulations, etc., to present to the SB. Issues are much more complex, and laws are constantly changing, making it impractical for a part-time SB to keep up.

Is the SB a policy making Board?

Chairman Marsden stated again that there is no “end date” for the final report of this Committee. It will take as long as it takes for us to be satisfied with our recommendation.

The next meeting is set for 10am 2 September.

Perspective

Bravely Bold Sir Chad

He ran away

Thomas W. Dinsmore

Yesterday, I appeared on Boston Pubic Radio, and for balance, they invited BSO Board Chair Barbara Hostetter and CEO Chad Smith to appear on the show; they declined by email. Let’s parse their message.

“Chad and Barbara are not available to be guests at this time in light of the ongoing contract negotiations with our musicians.”

General Manager Tyler Reed is the chief negotiator for the BSO. Henry B. Cabot, who served as BSO Board Chair from 1952 through 1966, was the last Chair to be personally involved in union negotiations.

Chad is far too busy to negotiate with the musicians. Like Max Bialystok in The Producers, his biggest problem right now is hiding the surplus.

“The Boston Symphony Orchestra is committed to ensuring that we have the financial resources to support our mission now and into the future.”

That’s great news. I hope that means the Board will get to work and raise money like its peers in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

“A substantial endowment does not eliminate the need to address persistent operating deficits and decades of deferred maintenance.”

That’s funny coming from an organization that just told the IRS under pain of perjury that it booked a surplus of revenue less expenses of $27,497,276 last year. It’s right there, in the Form 990, Part I, Line 19: that eight-figure number in the “Current Year” column. As the TV trial lawyers like to ask: were you lying then, or are you lying now?

“We remain committed to sound accounting practices and responsible financial stewardship.”

That’s great. The only person who suggests otherwise is CEO Chad Smith, who tells journalists that the BSO Board drained the endowment. You should talk to him about his comms.

Here’s a challenge, BSO: show us the line item for “operating deficit” in the audited financial statements or the Form 990 for Fiscal Year 2025.

Do it, Chad. Go on Boston Public Radio with Jim and Margery, and show them where it says “operating deficit”. If they agree that’s what the public documents say, I will publish a comprehensive correction on my Substack.

And that’s not all. I will stand on the steps of Symphony Hall with a sign that says “I Was Wrong About Deficits.”

Reader to Reader

Letters re: BPI Fundraiser

Submitted by the BPI Board of Directors. These letters are only important because BPI stands ready to do the same for your nonprofit organization. These are difficult times and BPI is here to help.

Dear Carole,

I wanted to write and let you know that I am thinking of you today and that I hope you have a wonderful [event] tonight. Thank you again for your kind offer, and for your consideration of our students and our organizational relationship.

Warmly and until soon,
Nicole Wendl, Director, BUTI

Carole,

Congratulations and thank you for an astounding and inspiring evening.

Warmly, Lisa Avery

Carole,

Monday night was an absolute treat. You spoke so beautifully and made Betsy and I feel incredibly special, The entire evening was a joy, and we couldn’t have been happier. Thank you for everything you did to make it so memorable. We will treasure the experience for a long time.

With much love, Betsy and Richard Shuster

Hi Carole and Wendy,

Congratulations on an amazing evening. Everything went very smoothly … (You both looked beautiful, by the way) I was truly blown away. I feel so fortunate to have been able to share in this experience and I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to work together again!

Very sincerely, Joanne Rosier

Congratulations, Carole, on a beautiful [event]…Super crowd; well organized. Hope a lot of money was raised for this great cause. You did a lovely job of introducing and thanking everyone. Nicely done.

Tracy Wilson

Carole – Good morning!

What an amazing evening! I wanted to reach out and let you know that I have received numerous calls and drop ins today from folks sharing what a wonderful and magical night it was! Your gesture brightened so many folks’ lives. Thank you for thinking of our “seniors”. Have a wonderful day.

Kathy Loring

Carole, Last night was an absolute triumph! Joe and I congratulate you for all your work. What a meaningful cause. See you soon. You are a wonder!

My best, Paula Bidwell Leuchs McNay

Carole what a phenomenal fundraiser – aren’t we lucky to have such phenomenal and generous talent in our neighborhood!

You did a great job making this happen – thanks Carole – extraordinary on each level. Thank you so much for what you did, yes you were born knowing what to do,

xo Linda Law

Carole, Ya done good! That was better than champagne!

Mary Hoeltzel 
 

Reader to Reader

Letters re: Stockbridge

Good morning, Carole!

We are SO grateful to the entire community and of course the Town o f Stockbridge for making this happen! what an incredible blessing to have their support and I’m so glad you made it to the show!

I would love to run an article with you, let me know what you need, and I have attached the press kit here which might help you.

We hope to continue our relationship with the town and I will be [thinking] about future grant writing and the upcoming Massachusetts 400 anniversary, all eyes ahead!

My cell, should you need is xxx-xxxx

Please feel free to send anyone to the show today, as a special guest of yours using promo code HANCOCK for a fully comped ticket, or BERKSHIRE250 for 50% discount.

I look forward to chatting with you soon,

Huzzah for Rebel Town!
Thanks
John

Dear John,

Instead why not come on Stockbridge Updates on Air. You will be great on TV.

Best Carole

To the Editor:

The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce has announced the cancellation of the 34th Annual Stockbridge Summer Arts & Crafts Show, scheduled for August 15–16, 2026.

The decision follows notification that construction at the Town Offices property where the show is held will not be completed in time for the event, making it impossible to safely accommodate exhibitors and visitors. The decision was made only after exploring every reasonable option to move forward safely.

For more than three decades, the Stockbridge Summer Arts & Crafts Show has welcomed exceptional artists and artisans to the heart of downtown Stockbridge and has become a cherished summer tradition for residents and visitors alike. This year’s juried event was expected to feature more than 70 artists and artisans from Berkshire County and throughout New England, attracting thousands of visitors to downtown Stockbridge.

“This is an incredibly disappointing decision for our artists, visitors, volunteers, and local community,” said Barbara Zanetti, Executive Director of the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce. “We remained hopeful that the project could be completed in time, but it ultimately became clear that we could not safely host the show. This decision was made only after exploring every reasonable option, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.”

Registered exhibitors are being notified directly and will receive a full refund of their exhibitor fee.

The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to its exhibitors, volunteers, visitors, and the community for their understanding and continued support. The Chamber looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting Stockbridge and supporting its vibrant arts and business community.

Barbara Zanetti
Executive Director
Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce

Dear Barb,

As I understand it, this is one of two fundraisers the Chamber holds a year – the other is Christmas on Main Street. This is a nasty, and in my opinion, unnecessary blow. The cupola, and its need for repair, has been known for a decade or more. It was part of the whole deferred maintenance policy. There was plenty of time for arrangements to be made by a caring and cooperative administration to accommodate the Chamber’s Summer Arts and Crafts Show. There were options: in the schedule and the location. There is the park to the side of the Town Offices. There is now-vacant land where the tennis courts once stood and possibly more. I am sorry – the Chamber deserved better.

Carole

Hi Carole, Thank you for your kind invitation to share a message with our community upon my retirement as CEO from Norman Rockwell Museum. My message is attached here in .doc and .pdf formats.

Nichole Dupont will invite Graham to share a welcome message after his arrival September 1.

Thank you, Carole, for weaving a beautiful tapestry of our community through Stockbridge Updates.

Warmly,
Laurie
Laurie Norton Moffatt
Director/CEO (she/her/hers)
N O R M A N   R O C K W E L L   M U S E U M

Dear Laurie,

Aren’t you nice. Thank you for the kind words. We look forward to getting to know Graham on these pages.

All the best to you in the future.

Carole