EDITORIAL

Editorial: Do Onto Others

Democracy codified the Golden Rule. It matters how we speak to one another. It matters what we expect from one another. It matters if we obey the laws we the people put in place.

If we lose the belief that every person deserves a dignified response, if we stop fighting to know the truth and to demand the facts, if we lose the healthy fear of lawbreaking, then we lose democracy. Why? Because we established the laws, and we defined the socially acceptable behaviors to protect us.

If we forget what freedom was like; if we disrespect those with the longest memories; if we stop telling our stories; if we forget to act with courage; if we lose sight that selfishness weakens us all, even the selfish; if we are fooled into thinking that money is power, and we forget that character is determinative, then we lose democracy.

It matters if we are willing to help each other. It matters if we believe ignoring the suffering of one weakens us all. Democracy gives power to the people but also ongoing obligation. Government distributes wealth and provides goods and services. A democratic government does that fairly and kindly. Other forms of government favor the rich or the powerful or a particular ethnic group to the detriment of the others. When that happens, we must do our best to help our neighbors. The Golden Rule is the underpinning of democracy.

The battle is not between Democrats and Republicans. The battle is between the kindly and the unkind, the takers and the sharers, the bullies and those who will not bully, those with common sense and those without. They come from all parties; they are found in all walks of life.

Carole Owens
Executive Editor

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 IN MEMORIAM

Our Condolences

Caleb Carlson

SU is saddened to announce a death of a member of Cathy Buffoni’s family, Caleb Carlson. Our condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time.

James Giddens

SU is saddened to announce a death of James Giddens. Funeral services will be held November 16, 20214, 2pm, at Trinity Church, Lenox. After serving as an officer in the United States Navy, Giddens graduated from Yale Law School. He was a respected professional and trustee on many American financial firms. Giddens loved and supported American musical theater. He will be missed. Our condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time.

Remembering Barbara Allen

From the Staff at the Stockbridge Library

It was with great sadness that we were informed of the passing of Barbara Allen, former Curator of the Museum & Archives. Barbara was the third in the short line of strong individuals who have held the position of Curator, and it was a position that she took great pride in and knew came with a tremendous amount of responsibility.

In her position as Curator in the Museum & Archives Barbara was more than the keeper of Stockbridge history. She was curator, archivist, researcher, and layout specialist. She was a renovation and demolition specialist, exhibit mover, fundraiser, program director, costume and set designer. She was a teacher, mentor, advisor, colleague and friend.

Barbara was artistic, innovative, and forward-thinking. She was also firm, though some, including Barbara herself, might call her stubborn. But it was her love of people and her love of history that drew so many people to her and gave her the drive to work with so many to create programs such as "Readings Around the Hearth," "Behind Closed Doors," "Shady Porches," "Night at the Museum," two Hitty symposiums, organizing the historical reenactors for the 150th anniversary of the library that lined Main Street from the Old Corner House down to the Congregational Church, a newsletter in cooperation with Maria Carr, and working with and supporting a core crew of volunteers that were always willing to help sew, bake something for refreshments, man a doorway, or come in once a year to do some cleaning.

"Si monumentum requiris circumspice" Thank you, Barbara.

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 NEWS

SU FYI

1. Solar Potential Map Commissioned by Mass. DOER

Click here: https://technicalpotentialofsolar-ma-synapse.hub.arcgis.com/pages/main-map

This map shows Berkshire County all in color. Color means every forest, standing tree, fallen tree, root and branch can be swept away by the state for the greater good.

In this case, the greater good is to create clean energy — laughingly — at the expense of killing the oxygen creators.

The same legislation removes local control. Berkshire County is vulnerable once again to supplying the needs of urban areas.

2. An exhibition of the paintings of Sarah Horne

2. An exhibition of the paintings of Sarah Horne will be at 6 Depot Street, West Stockbridge. Open 8am — 3pm from now until December 6, 20243.

3. What to know about the Tax Classification Hearing

About the process:

The difference between a public hearing and a public meeting is that a public hearing is confined to a specific issue.

• Only an issue before the hearing can be discussed — nothing else. To be before the hearing, the issue must be moved and seconded. Only after the motion is seconded does the Chair open the topic to discussion.

This order of actions is based on simple logic: if a motion is made but not seconded, it dies for lack of minimum support. The Chair announces, “the motion has died for lack of a second.” Literally, therefore, there is nothing to discuss.

• If the motion is seconded, the Chair opens the discussion. The Chair is neutral during discussion. The Chair can limit the time a speaker is allowed. Commonly that is 3-5 minutes per speaker. It might vary, however, whatever the time allowed it is the same for all speakers, and the Chair endeavors to allow an equal number of speakers on each side of an issue to speak.

It is the right of the people to be present. Open Meeting laws assure that the time and date is publicized, and the space is accessible. During the hearing, the people have the following rights under law: the right to be present, to observe their elected officials at work, to listen and to speak.

• To be precluded or ejected from a public hearing takes away a legal right from an attendee, and therefore, the Chair must have proper grounds.
• Generally, the grounds are limited to someone refusing to stop speaking when asked or to otherwise verbally or physically disrupt the meeting.

The rules enumerate our representatives’ obligations and the people’s rights. To break the rules or ignore them is to abrogate the people’s rights.

About the content:

The Residential Tax Exemption (RTE)

The following is unrelated to whether we support or oppose RTE.

• It sounded as if people present believed that our Select Board has control over the terms and conditions of RTE. They do not. As Select Board members, they may only vote to accept or reject RTE. In fact, they have a legal obligation to hold the Tax Classification Hearing every year and vote on the options the state presents (preferably in October).

If the SB adopts RTE, then they determine the percentage granted residents - an amount between 10% and 35% (and that may increase to 50% in near future).

• There is nothing peculiar or underutilized about RTE. It is a wide-spread practice throughout the United States. Nearly all states, 46 out of 50, offer some form of RTE and always for residents only.
• The intention of RTE is not unfair or prejudicial. The goal of RTE is to help residents stay in their homes by making carrying costs more affordable. Just as, in many states, Homestead Laws protect primary home ownership from bankruptcy or lawsuits. The goal is positive, set to benefit primary homeowners with no intent to harm anyone.
• Finally, since 46 out of 50 states have RTE, it is a good guess that our second homeowners here are enjoying a residential tax exemption in their home state.
• The cost created by reducing the assessment up to 35% is shifted. Massachusetts decided to shift it to non-resident homeowners. Our local representatives cannot change that.
• All tax exemptions — agricultural, forestry, small commercial — shift to the rest of us. We are paying for all those now. So folks voting against RTE are enjoying the benefits of other tax exemptions that we are paying for - odd but true.
• There are approximately 1700 homes in Stockbridge and ownership by residents and nonresidents is approaching 50/50. That is the optimal situation to adopt RTE. The burden of residents is reduced as intended by the law, and an equal number of homes owned by nonresidents absorbs the extra cost thus smoothing the impact.

 

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Photo: Jan Wojcik

 NEIGHBORS

NewBerkshireNews

From our Neighbors in Lee

That Town is up and running. Watch our Show — Stockbridge Updates — on CTSB — and hear Town Administrator, Chris Brittain tell us all about it. Hey, Chris...

What happened with your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw?

When will your new public safety facility be up and running?

What about your Ninja Course?

And your Museum on Main Street?

What’s the latest on our Housatonic River and the PCBs?

 UPDATES TV

SU TV: Chris Brittain

Stockbridge Updates is pleased to launch a new television show in partnership with Community Television for The Southern Berkshires (CTSB)! SU TV has interviewed Patrick White, Bob Jones, Michael Canales, Marybeth Mitts, and Kevin Mitts in previous episodes. This issue's interview is with Lee Town Administrator Chris Brittain. WATCH NOW

 

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 NEWS

Events

Berkshire Natural Resources Council

Berkshire Natural Resources Council offers a Self-Guided StoryWalk, Housatonic Flats, Great Barrington Wednesday, November 13 through Sunday, December 29 (dawn to dusk). Click here for more information.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum presents SHARING LIGHT: EXHIBITION OPENING & HOLIDAY RECEPTION Friday, December 6 from 5pm — 7pm $35; Members free

Join NRM for a festive evening celebrating the exhibition of never-before-seen paintings in Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection. Enjoy informal gallery tours with Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and holiday treats and libations. Also featuring Norman Rockwell’s holiday paintings and Stockbridge Village recreation. https://www.nrm.org/events/sharing-light-exhibition-opening-holiday-reception/

Norman Rockwell Museum presents ‘Anita Kunz: Original Sisters, Portraits of Tenacity and Courage.” Treat yourself and go November 9th through May 26th, View over 200 portraits of women.

Berkshire Potters Collective

The Berkshire Potters Collective presents its second annual Holiday Pottery Sale at the Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker St, Lenox, MA 01240 from December 6 — 8, 2024. Festive fact: The December 6 Holiday Sale opening coincides with the Lenox Christmas Tree lighting ceremony! Don't miss either one!

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging: Thank you to all of our locals who come out and participate in classes and events! Please take a look at the COA webpage on the town’s website for information on classes and events!

On Friday, December 13th from 4-6 pm, please join us in the Senior Center for our first annual Holiday Bazaar! Stop by to meet (and shop!) from some of Stockbridge’s artists. There will be jewelry, pottery, bath items, handmade walking sticks and so much more.

WEEKLY CLASSES:

MONDAYS:

• 4 PM- Yoga with Crystal in the Gym
• 10 AM Quilting Guild (every third Monday of the Month)

TUESDAYS:

• 8:30 AM- Pickleball in the Gym
• Walking with Friends in the Gym- Time is TBD
• 11:30 AM- Congregate Meal in the Senior Center
• 12:45 PM- Bingo in the Senior Center

WEDNESDAYS:

• 10 AM- Chair Yoga in the Gym
• By appt. only- Foot Care Clinic (every third Wednesday) in the COA Office

THURSDAYS:

• 10 AM- Walking with Friends in the Gym
• 11:30 AM- Congregate Meal at Heaton Court
• Noon- Watercolor Painting (every other Thursday) in the Senior Center
• 4 PM- Yoga with Crystal in the Gym

Please call Katie at 413-298-4170 ext. 263 with any questions!

 

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Photo: Patrick White

 HAPPENINGS

Opening: Original Sisters with artist Anita Kunz

We attended the opening night of Original Sisters with artist Anita Kunz at NRM. It was amazing. You can talk about art all you like, but when you stand there and look at it, something very moving happens. Of the 400 portraits Kunz did, over 200 (est. 281) are on the walls of NRM. The impression makes you gasp and giggle. This is a definite do not miss.

Laurie Norton Moffat shared that when she saw the display, she asked the Kunz if the artist could add a local woman or two. Kunz added Shannon Holsey, Edith Wharton, and Elizabeth Freeman. I asked to add another local “sister,” Mary Flynn, and they were kind enough to do so.

 

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Select Board member Patrick White with Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans President Shannon Holsey at the Norman Rockwell opening night. Holsey's portrait is in the background.

 HAPPENINGS

Remembrance of Mary Flynn, Former Stockbridge Selectwoman

by Carole Owens

Mary Veronica Flynn was a spinster, teetotaler, teacher, devout Catholic, and politician: if there ever was a woman who was greater than the sum of her parts, it was Miss Flynn. Mary was funny. She could tell you "which trees make shingles" without making you mad. She could explain that she could not vote for you while simultaneously making you believe that she wished you well and valued you as a person. She was a shameless flatterer, yet no one dismissed her compliments. Everyone walked a little taller around Mary because they felt better about themselves. She called it her empathy, her ability to compliment you, to see in you, that thing you wished in your heart of hearts was true. Mary was loved.

Contrary to what some thought, Mary did take advice from others. Two pieces resonated for her all her life. Her mother taught her: give a good dog a bone and a bad dog two bones. An elementary school teacher she admired told her: don't bother being friends with the popular kids, they won't value it; embrace the lonely, and they will be grateful for life. The second was easy to understand and to watch her do; it took all thirty years of our friendship before I understood the first.

We all hide our foibles and our failures — not Mary. She told you everything — the rough and the smooth. Her life was an open book. It made interesting conversation, a chance to laugh or cry with her. Furthermore, it made her the consummate politician.

"Never," she advised, "let anyone else tell your story." She broke the story, and she controlled it.

Like all politicians, she loved to fight. She called it a debate, and it was never personal. Like a good politician, she thanked everyone for every favor, compliment, gift, kindness, and helping hand. She methodically repaid them by thanking them publicly. Mary was simply the greatest politician in a time when that word was not a pejorative.

My son was a special love of hers, and like all spinsters, she wanted him married. When I told her about his engagement, she was weak and in pain, facing her own mortality. When she heard about the engagement, her whole face lit up and she said, "Things are falling into place."

Yes, Mary, you are old and sick and leaving us, but you are deeply and genuinely happy because my son found love. That was why Mary was so loved: "in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make."

The last words she said to me were "maybe later as the afternoon wears on." I asked her if I could get her anything and her answer was maybe later, but there will be no later. "Bye Mary I love you." How many times did I say that in thirty years? I don't know, but this time, the last time, I will not hear her say, "Goodbye my girl, I love you too."

 

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Former Select Board member Mary Flynn.

 HAPPENINGS

I Like Our Chances

By Patrick White

I was recently invited to talk with 90 8th graders from DuBois Middle School about the Town's initiatives with the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans.

What a great group of kids on the cusp of their teenage years. I showed them the friendship blanket presented to the Town. We discussed our new Wa'thatinik signs and how this was the word for the Berkshires for thousands of years in what was then the local language. We talked about the original Stockbridge Select Board and how it included Mohican residents, the same board I now sit on. I was asked what teenagers are like who live on the reservation in Wisconsin. To answer that I dialed in our Tribal Liaison, Sherry White, who replied they are pretty much the same as teenagers everywhere.

Depending upon one's perspective, the emotions I've seen in adults these last ten days range from jubilant to terrified. Perhaps it's a good time to focus energy on local volunteerism and government. For me personally, I have no idea about the long-term prospects for the Republic. Having had the honor of spending a morning with 90 middle school students, all I know is I like our chances.

 

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Select Board member Patrick White discussing Town initiatives with 8th grade students at DuBois Middle School.

 PERSPECTIVE

From the Desk of Town Administrator Michael Canales

By Michael Canales

1. I'm pleased to share that the bees have been safely removed from Stockbridge Town Hall. We now have a wonderful photograph of our queen bee, captured at the Town Hall, as she heads to her new home. Our heartfelt thanks go to Nate Sperry for his incredible work. When I first noticed the beehive above the main entrance, I knew we had to act quickly. The importance of saving the bees rather than exterminating them was clear. I immediately reached out to Hamden County beekeeper and carpenter, Nate Sperry, who agreed to help relocate the swarm to a safer place.

Nate's expertise and dedication were evident throughout the process. He handled the situation with professionalism and care, ensuring the bees were safely removed and prepared for their new home. His efforts highlight the significance of bees in our ecosystem and our commitment to their preservation.

From the Hamden County Beekeepers website, we are reminded of the crucial role honeybees play in our lives. Their impact goes beyond honey and beeswax; they are essential for pollinating crops. Every apple orchard and pumpkin patch we enjoy benefits from their work. We say goodbye to our queen bee and her colony as they depart for their new home.

2. Mass Save® is a collaborative of Massachusetts' electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency service providers including Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty, National Grid, and Unitil. We empower residents, businesses, and communities to make energy efficient upgrades by offering a wide range of services, rebates, incentives, training

3. Over the past two years, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been instrumental in helping tackle the climate crisis here in Massachusetts and across the country. One of the key components of the IRA is a massive expansion of clean energy tax credits. In fact, almost 75% of the funding made available by the IRA is specifically for tax credits.1 Traditionally, governmental and other tax-exempt entities could not directly take advantage of tax credits like the solar investment tax credit to lower the costs of clean energy projects. They needed to rely on third parties to own the project or help monetize the tax credit. However, the Elective Pay provision of the IRA is a game changer for governments seeking to own their clean energy projects and meet their climate goals.

Through Elective Pay — which is commonly referred to as "Direct Pay" — governments and non-profits can elect to receive payments equal to the full value of the tax credit. Direct Pay is available for 13 different tax credits, including rooftop and community solar, geothermal heat pumps, wind, microgrids, battery storage, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and more.

Projects placed into service between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2032 are eligible for Direct Pay, but projects must be placed in service and/or begin production before an entity can file for the tax credit. There's no limit on how much funding a municipality can receive through Direct Pay (annually or through 2032) and, unlike competitive grants, Direct Pay is a certain source of funding if all the requirements are met. Additionally, Direct Pay can be combined with other grants, funding, and loans to make clean energy projects more affordable.

The value of the tax credits varies across the different credit types. For example, the Investment Tax Credit for Energy Property (such as solar or geothermal) starts at 6% of the investment basis and the Credit for Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles is up to $7,500 for small vehicles and up to $40,000 for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Many projects may also be eligible for bonuses or value multipliers if they are located in low-income communities or energy communities2 and meet requirements for prevailing wage, apprenticeship3, and domestic content (only for projects larger than 1 MW). In many cases, the basis plus the bonus credits can cover up to 30-40% of the project costs.

As an example, consider a municipality that installs a solar project for $1 million. The base credit would be 6% of the project cost, or $60,000. The project is located near where a coal power plant was shut down in 2012 (a Coal Closure Energy Community), so it is eligible for an additional 10% credit, or $100,000. Finally, the project met the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements, so is eligible for the 5x bonus of the basis credit, adding another $240,000. In total, the credit amount is $400,000, or 40% of the project costs.

To take advantage of this significant funding source, local governments should begin to plan for projects that will be placed in service over the next few years. Importantly, payments through Direct Pay are not received until the year the project is placed into service, and the value of the tax credits is not transferrable, meaning local governments will still need to plan around the initial project expenditure. Successfully planning projects and filing for Direct Pay will require collaboration across sustainability, planning, public works, finance, legal, and other departments. Learning about the requirements, filing processes early on, and developing systems to track records will help smooth and streamline the process when it comes time to file.

Depending on whether the tax year aligns with the fiscal year or the calendar year, the deadline for filing for Direct Pay is either May 15 or November 15 of the following year, though all entities are eligible to get a six-month extension. Importantly, filers must pre-register each project or credit property to get a registration number to file the tax return. For example, if a municipality placed a solar project in service in September 2023 and opts to use the fiscal year (July 2023-June 2024) to file, the initial deadline for the fiscal year filing is November 15, 2024, with the option to extend the deadline to May 15, 2025. The municipality should submit a pre-filing registration through the IRS's online portal as soon as the property is placed in service, but at the very latest must do so within 120 days of the filing deadline.

Various forms are required to file for tax credits, including the Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (Form 990-T) and IRS General Business Credits (Form 3800), and depending on the credit type, may include the Alternative Charging Form (IRS Form 8911), Electric Vehicle Form (IRS Form 8926), and the Investment Tax Credit Form (IRS Form 3468).

The process of claiming tax credits may seem a bit daunting for municipalities filing taxes for the first time, but luckily there are already many resources and organizations that can help local governments through the Direct Pay process.

To learn more, go to:
https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/Climate-action-and-the-Inflation-Reduction-Act-A-guide-for-local-government-leaders?language=en_US

https://energycommunities.gov/energy-community-tax-credit-bonus/

Editor's note: Michael, thank you for all the information. Question: with the change in administration, will IRS still be available?

 

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Queen bee at center.

 PERSPECTIVE

From the Desk of Police Chief Darrell Fennelly

By Darrell Fennelly

During the early morning hours of Thursday, November 14th our town experienced a rash of breaking and entering into motor vehicles. It appears the perpetrators targeted side streets along the Rt. 183 corridor. We are not aware of any towns north or south of us that have been hit. It appears that the criminals made their way heading north to south. There were credit cards from one of the vehicles that had been used in New Haven, Connecticut at various times during the day on Thursday the 14 th . None of the vehicles were damaged in order to make entry. In fact, in all of the cases the vehicles were left unlocked. There are no identified suspects at this time but the investigation is ongoing. Anyone experiencing anything suspicious that night we encourage you to contact our department and if anyone has any home camera footage that may have captured footage of the suspect or suspects we would invite you to share that with us. While we enjoy the benefits of living in such a beautiful and trusting area, we are still not immune to this type of crime. I cannot express enough to please remember to lock your vehicles and homes anytime they are left unattended and remove all valuables from your vehicle at night. If you see or sense anything suspicious, please don't hesitate to call 911. We are staffed 24/7 and will respond immediately.

Chief Fennelly
Stockbridge Police Department
413-298-4179

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 PERSPECTIVE

Thanks to the Berkshire Botanical Garden

Be A Better Gardener: Don't Just Shrug

By Thomas Christopher

It troubles me deeply to hear about the massive wave of extinctions that scientists predict is coming if we don't address the current human assault on our natural environment. I am myself wondering what we gardeners, a group estimated to include over half of American households, and one active in changing and preserving the landscape, can do to preserve the diversity of our natural flora. One way is to avoid being such a big part of the problem. In the past, our habit of importing non-native plants that went on to overrun local ecosystems played a big role in endangering the survival of many native plants. Most plant imports have proven harmless, but I've seen studies asserting that up to 80% of our most destructive invasive plant species arrived in North America via our gardens.

I've also become a believer in finding space in our gardens to include locally indigenous native plant species. Besides our traditional goal of delighting the eye, why not turn our domestic landscapes into sanctuaries for biodiversity as well?

Yet when confronted with these problems, far too often I hear the dispiriting response from gardeners: "Nature will heal itself."

To get an educated reaction to this assertion, I turned to Dr. Dana Royer of Wesleyan University. Dr. Royer is a paleobotanist, which means he studies the history of plants over millions of years by studying their fossils.

Dr. Royer told me that the mass extinction currently threatening our future would not be the first such event in Earth's history. Paleobotanists have identified five previous mass extinctions in the fossil record of our global flora. The previous mass extinctions differed from the one that may be upcoming in the fact that they were the result of natural events such as a giant asteroid striking the earth or a massive outbreak of volcanic activity. By drastically altering Earth's climate and the chemistry of the oceans, these natural triggers had a severe impact on plant and animal life. For example, judging by the decline in fossil diversity, a mass extinction that occurred about 250 million years ago involved the loss of roughly 90% of all animal species.

What about the plants, I asked? Dr. Royer replied that plants are typically more resilient than animals. Still, he added, in western North America, whose fossil plant record from the period 66 million years ago, the time of the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs (except for birds), it seems that around two thirds of all plant species in that region also succumbed.

So, in the past, I asked, did Nature heal itself? It did, Dr. Royer replied, but it typically took millions of years for biodiversity, a key indicator of ecosystem strength and richness, to recover. That, he pointed out, is essentially forever on a human time scale. Besides, Nature did not return to anything like the state in which it had existed previously. Each of the mass extinctions jolted Nature onto a new evolutionary track, so that, for example, a world dominated by dinosaurs recovered to become a world more dominated by mammals.

We need to do all we can to avert the upcoming mass extinction which threatens to become the sixth of its kind. We need to take strong action to reduce greenhouse gas production and worldwide habitat destruction. As for gardeners, it should be our pleasant duty to accommodate native beauty in our landscapes and avoid bringing in more destructive invaders. Don't just shrug.

 

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Photo: Jan Wojcik

 PERSPECTIVE

At Home in Stockbridge

Journal Entry - 11 November 2024

By Ramelle Pulitzer

What a weekend! In 18 hours, I drove less than four miles to an international cutting edge art exhibition opening reception, a seminar on best practices for my garden and what impact I can have on this environment, then on to a musical performance to benefit the library! Only in the Berkshires!

I had spent Saturday at home doing chores inside and out in preparation for winter and recovering from earlier events in the week....la de da ....and then it all started with Saturday evening at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Canadian artist Anita Kuntz held a conversation with Chip Kidd, editor of her book from New York City. The gallery was packed with friends and artists in celebration of the opening of "Original Sisters; Portraits in Tenacity and Courage". The exhibit is curated by a new member of our community, Jane Dini, PhD. for the Museum. As new curator, she is a welcome breath of fresh air from Santa Barbara with experience in the Brooklyn Art Museum, Harvard and the MET. On view in three galleries are portraits of women throughout history: "To create the series, award-winning illustrator Anita Kunz carefully researched, wrote about, and portrayed each subject." A short biography of accomplishments in 4 lines explains each exceptional woman. Many of the subjects were completely unknown - until now. In some cases the women's images had to be invented! No record of them. (What did Joan of Arc really look like?) This exhibit is not to be missed, an ingenious premise that welcomes all. I'll be revisiting often!

Early Sunday, I headed out for a full agenda of talks at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens' annual symposium, "Rooted in Place" held at the garden. Every speaker was introduced by one of the capable staff at BBG, a very nice way to demonstrate and appreciate the hard work that is going on to make these small landscapes examples for us. I heard Eloise Geyer, gardener from the Morris Arboretum in Pennsylvania speak on healthy garden strategies in those historic formal gardens (you might have one?); Tim Brothers, manager of MIT's Astrophysics Observatory (near I 495) spoke on Light Pollution, an unregulated problem we can and know how to address. (Yes we can! locally!) Another local view was gracefully presented by Brittany Ellington of BEAT (Berkshire Environmental Action Team). Her farm is in Sheffield. Her strategies to minimize pollution in the food grown here are manageable, accessible. (Yes, we can do this!) Another presentation came to the audience, a room full of gardeners, (and me!) on zoom from Wisconsin. The plant medicines that grow here in Stockbridge were the focus of Misty Cook's program. I had to buy her book!

I broke away early afternoon for a special violin concert by Gil Shaham. This unique event was arranged in support of the Stockbridge Library at the Linde Center on the Tanglewood Campus. The maestro performed a solo spectacular violin concert at the invitation of Stockbridge friend, John Perkel, who had a career as a music librarian and is now a member of the library Board. Shaham played two Bach pieces, each in five sections, that he announced to us from the stage, listing the Italian names of each section. He explained there would be an intermission, which was most appreciated as the pieces were complex, intense and digital athletic achievements! Shaham then introduced us to a modern work he heard recently and had to learn. It was equally challenging with extended minor notes and flourishes. To finish, a rondo of some sort, this, the first one that I had heard before, another one by Bach. It was simply an exceptional gift to hear the violin solo in the acoustically perfect auditorium of the new performance space. That Shaham took the time in his internationally packed schedule to be with us was an opportunity I will never forget.

This journal entry is shared to say thank you to all the women and men, recognized and unrecognized, who made these three events possible within four miles over 24 hours. I am one grateful citizen in Stockbridge,Mass.

 

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Pots on the kitchen wall at Hancock Shaker Village, part of the tour before the monthly dinner event. Photo: Patrick White

 THE LAST WORD

Reader to Reader

Hello Peter Wilde,

Visiting a friend on Ice Glen Road, I noticed your exceptional light posts. I imagine they were originally installed with the house, Villa Virginia. Am I right? What a wonderful detail at the entrance to your magnificent house.

These treasures are aging. They seemed historic when I wrote The Berkshire Cottages and now so much older. I salute all those who can and do preserve them. We lost a real treasure on Prospect Hill Road this year — a Daniel Chester French gazebo. The whole neighborhood was saddened.

I noticed there were 3 lamp posts and was hoping the 4th is extant somewhere and you know where.

Thank you for preserving and protecting. I was smiling all day after driving past your lamp posts.

Sincerely, Carole Owens

Carole,

I have been speaking to the town and now have the 4th. Restoring them all to put back up and protect but takes forever given on town land so can't just do it myself.

Thanks Peter

Hi Carole,

Hope all is well with you! We enjoyed a rousing Halloween party at Riverbrook yesterday and the ladies are now looking forward to Thanksgiving. Most of them will head home for a few days with family.

We so enjoy the Stockbridge Updates Newsletter. I wanted to tell you I am especially delighted with Lionel Delevingne's photos which are truly magical!

Have a great weekend,

Ruth

Editor's note: Ruth Tremblay Hanley is ISP & Human Rights Manager at Riverbrook Residence, Inc.

In response to my Berkshire Edge column, part of which is repeated here under Editorial above. Donna Jacobs wrote: Thank you Carole. Yes, it matters. In the aftermath of this election, let any fears or angers fuel resolve to make a difference in the way we live with one another. Lift despair about the future by empowering ourselves to respect each other, support the right to speak and be heard by government. Small actions, big impact.

Steve Smith wrote: When over time, we the people stop fighting to know the Truth and cease demanding to know facts we become a socialistic country.

John Breasted wrote: This is very interesting history and setting of that history in the current social and political context in Berkshire County. Thank you, Carole Owens and The Berkshire Edge.

Members of the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee & Friends

Dear fellow Democrats

As Vice-Chair of the SDTC I feel the need to comment on the recent election:

For the most part, I think the national outcome was disastrous. I don't really know why the voting was as it was. Certainly, pundits of varying expertise will proffer assessments. In time there will probably be something of a consensus, though that too will likely not be definitive. But we'll see.

Statewide we did well. And locally we did great. If you haven't yet seen it, Democrats dominated. A special cheer goes out to Leigh Davis and Paul Mark, our winning Democratic state representatives.

Moving forward, nationally we will see what transpires and how it affects us - and we will deal with it! Statewide and locally, I see no reason for us to tuck our tail between our legs. Our Stockbridge Democratic values are strong: We put our citizens first, welcome our guests, cherish our history and fight to preserve our environment. And we appreciate all those who serve, at all levels and in all ways.

There will be upcoming elections - in May we'll be making decisions that affect us at the most local level. This is not the time to throw in the towel. Or to be divisive. It's widely held that Stockbridge is a special place. And standing together as Democrats we'll fight to keep it that way.

Thank you.

Don Chabon

Editor's note: Don Chabon is Vice-Chair of the Stockbridge Democratic Town Committee

 

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Rocking chair at Hancock Shaker Village. Photo: Patrick White