EDITORIAL

Editorial: Screen Doors on a Submarine

Let’s talk about governing. As an example, take housing — nowadays everyone does. Affordable housing is a good thing. We used to have it. However, the marketplace has spoken, and South Berkshire has very little affordable housing left for rent or sale.

Can we govern our way out of this fix? Many in office and running for office suggest we build our way to more affordable housing. Sounds good — two good things coming together — recognition of a need and a government built and funded solution. Do they go together or is it like putting a screen door on a submarine?

A screen door is a nice thing to have; so is a porch swing. However, if we live on a submarine, we can install screen doors, but odds are soon we will regret it. Those two nice things don’t go together. Worse, one destroys the other. The screen door destroys the defining characteristic of the sub — its buoyancy.

What’s our defining characteristic? Low population — you know — more trees than people and low density — room to breathe. Characteristics that support our economic base — tourism. They come here for what they lost where they came from.

One more definition of the place where we live? Decreasing population. The projection is that our population will continue to decrease. When the population cannot support the shopping center or the big box store, they close. We have empty buildings of prodigious size and lots of cracked black top.

The state Affordable Home Act encourages lots and lots of building at the same time that local population falls and local control of who builds what and where are removed. Now there’s a prescription for short-term smile and long-term dissatisfaction.

Nevertheless, the state thought it through, and they are all set. The marketplace killed the New England villages and turned them into what the state calls seasonal or resort communities; now the government will destroy the characteristics that made the resorts successful. Boston has a firm grasp on the submarine and are ready to install the screen doors, and if there’s room, a porch swing.

Note: Built 1930-1939, Quabbin Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in the state. It supports urban living. It destroyed 4 villages and displaced 2500 people.

Carole Owens
Executive Editor

 

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Photo: Jan Wojcik

 IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam

Remembering Franklin Ripley

With condolences to his family.

Remembering George Wislocki

Jay sent this lovey photograph of George and his daughter Julia with a note: “We are heartbroken at the loss of our dear friend George Wislocki. George did so much in preserving so much of our beautiful land. He will be greatly missed. Please include this photo taken years ago in SU...I love Julia’s expression! Thank you. Jay”

Gould Meadows is a Stockbridge treasure: 95 acres of conserved land on Route 183 with a well-blazed hiking trail, 1100 feet of water frontage, and a connection to the Bullard Woods trails.

George Wislocki, George “Gige” Darey, and Mary Flynn saved the property from being developed in 1981. I met George at Mary’s tea table in 1981. They were working to save Gould Meadow from developers who planned to divide the 95 acres into 60 lots and build 60 mega mansions.

Darey was a member of the Lenox Select Board, Mary was on the Stockbridge Select Board, and George was the Executive Director of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. It was a different time — they worked without fanfare making quiet and constructive connections with donors, state representatives, and state agencies. Stockbridge purchased the land. No entity has more control over the disposition of property than the owner.

As owners, the Town conserved the 95 acres. As open space, the public roams free and enjoys it. A wonderful troop of Stockbridge volunteers with money from the Community Preservation Fund improves and protects it.

Thank you to George, Gige, and Mary for the gem that is Gould Meadow and for so much more.

There is an old saying: live a good life and let your memory be a blessing. George, Gige, and Mary — the memory of your lives is a blessing.

Carole Owens

 

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Photo: Jay Rhind

 NEWS

SU FYI

On September 26, 2024,

at Goodrich Bridge at the end of Park street, there was a joint ceremony with the Town and the Stockbridge-unsee band of the Mohican nation. At Goodrich Bridge, and other crossings along the Housatonic River, signs will be placed with the Mohican name. The Mohican name is: Wa’thatinik — the ‘Land Beyond the Mountains’.

Sherry White of the Mohican nation and Patrick White, Stockbridge Select Board spoke. White said, “Many of us hope that, going forward, as our Mohican friends share with us their timeless wisdom, we will together become better stewards of the rivers, meadows, lakes, and forests. Thank you.”

From the Desk of the Town Administrator

By Michael Canales

On Wednesday, September 11, Stockbridge had the honor of welcoming members of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Tribe, many visiting the town for the first time. The occasion was a special dinner held at the historic Mission House. The site was where Reverend John Sergeant first met with Mohican leaders in the 1740s, symbolizing a long history of interactions between the Tribe and the settlers.

The Town of Stockbridge formally presented the Tribe with 18th-century documents recently discovered at Old Town Hall. These significant documents include a 1740 letter from Stockbridge Indian proprietors to Jahleel Woodbridge, signed by 10 sachems, or chiefs, who are direct ancestors of living members of the Mohican tribal nation. Discovered in 2019 by Facilities Manager Chris Marsden, the importance of these documents was confirmed by local historian Rick Wilcox, who described the find as a "great discovery." The return of these documents marks a meaningful step in the evolving relationship between the Town and the Tribe.

The transfer of these records was made possible through a vote at the May 2021 Annual Town Meeting, where residents overwhelmingly supported returning the materials. It was further authorized by a bill filed by state Rep. Smitty Pignatelli and signed into law by former Governor Charlie Baker before leaving office. This legislation enables the Town of Stockbridge to return these historical documents to the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Tribe, which will preserve them at the Arvid E. Miller Library and Museum on the Tribe’s reservation in Bowler, Wisconsin.

The Tribe expressed deep gratitude, stating, "It is a rare occurrence to see records of this nature returned to a Tribe, as much of our historical documents remain in external repositories located thousands of miles away from the people who need them the most. We hope that other repositories will follow suit, allowing us to tell our story in our own voice."

In appreciation, the Tribe presented gifts to Select Board member, Patrick White, Mark Wilson, Naumkeag, and Chris Marsden, Local Coordinator, Mass Emergency Management. The Stockbridge-Munsee blanket, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the Town and the Tribe, will be displayed in the Town Offices as a testament to this partnership.

This return of documents not only reaffirms the deep historical connection between the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans and their ancestral homeland in the Housatonic River Valley but also sets a powerful precedent for other institutions to consider similar actions, helping to heal historical wounds and foster future reconciliation.

From the Desk of Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD) Superintendent

By Peter Dillon

Join the Monument Mountain Regional High School (MMRHS) Building Committee for a Community Informational Session on October 1, 2024, at 6pm in the District Office, 50 Main Street, 2nd floor, Stockbridge, for a review of current design options, and next steps. The session will also be accessible via Zoom. (Access the Zoom meeting: https://tinyurl.com/yszw3k8c , meeting #897 6749 8046, Password: 078981).

The Monument Mountain Regional HS Building Committee will host an additional Community Information Session on November 25th, where updated costs will be presented, and the project will ask for final input before narrowing down to a single preferred design solution to be studied further and presented for a vote in Fall of 2025. Meeting details for the November 25th session will be announced on the project website, https:monumentbuildingproject.org/ , in the coming weeks.

The Monument Mountain Regional HS Building Project began with a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in 2021. The district was accepted into the MSBA’s core project program in the spring of 2022. The Feasibility Study began with listening. Three community educational visioning sessions were hosted in the spring of 2024 to gather input to create an educational plan that reflects the values that drive the design of a new school. The School Building Committee then shared this feedback and vision in three community informational sessions between the spring and summer of 2024 and continues to engage the community with two more planned community informational sessions this fall.

The Feasibility Study will conclude when the school building committee votes for its preferred solution in December 2024, a single plan that chooses between renovation, addition, and/or replacement, which the MSBA must approve. If the MSBA authorizes the project to move forward, the project team and building committee begin the Schematic Design Phase. This is where site details, building design and renderings, become detailed enough to produce a project scope and budget estimate, with hard numbers on the total cost of the project, as well as determining the portions that would be paid for with MSBA grant money and with local tax dollars.

The Schematic Design Phase concludes and can only move forward with approval from our district. We anticipate a vote in fall 2025 to ask our communities for approval of the project scope and budget.

If approved, the project will enter the Detailed Design Phase, bidding, and construction of the Monument Mountain High School.

Depending on which solution our school building committee selects—new construction, renovation, and/or addition, the project will be completed in 2029 or 2030.

For more information on the Monument Mountain Regional High School Building Project, visit: https:monumentbuildingproject.org/

In future Stockbridge Updates, I will introduce you to some of our new teachers and staff and share updates on our budget process for next year.

 

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Photo: Jan Wojcik

 NEWBERKSHIRENEWS

NewBerkshirenews

About Our Neighbor Lenox

By Mary Beth Mitts

It’s been a busy fall season in the Town of Lenox. We on the Select Board have been hard at work making sure our sidewalks in the Village are safely replaced before the snow flies and it looks like lower Housatonic Street’s road repair and sidewalk installation is complete.

I have been working with the Select Board on several items of note:

• The Town of Lenox enthusiastically endorsed participation in mutual aid with the 17 other 3rd Berkshire towns. We are raising our new $19 million public safety complex at Route 7 and Housatonic Street and anticipate closing in the building before the snow flies so construction on the interior can begin in early 2025.
• The Board plans on instituting a stabilization fund for our bridges and culverts so that when it comes time to replace them, we do not need to ask the taxpayers for a large lump sum of financing but will be able to largely fund a bridge replacement with escrowed funds.
• Lenox just secured a $10.2 million grant from the USDA for upgrades to our wastewater treatment plant along with a $35 million loan at favorable financing rates due to our AAA bond rating.
• The Brushwood Housing Project on Rt. 7 next to the Courtyard by Marriott is nearing completion on site preparation and looking forward to a groundbreaking within the next two months for 65 new rental housing units.
• Our School Building Committee and Permanent Building Committee will be reviewing a potential phased addition to Lenox Memorial Middle & High School for several new science classrooms and modifications to our athletic locker rooms and gymnasium. The town may undertake this project without applying to the MASB, as the town has made application for the last three years to no avail. Further town discussion will be conducted on this important project.

As a member of the Lenox Cultural District Steering Committee, we had a highly successful summer season with Art Walk, our Farmer’s Market at St. Ann’s, Lenox Loves Music, and as I write this—Apple Squeeze is setting up for the last weekend in September. We love all our neighbors and those from out-of-county and out-of-state visiting Lenox each summer to enjoy The Mount, Shakespeare & Company, Tanglewood and our spectacular natural resources. The leaves are just starting their magnificent show and here’s to crossing our fingers for a winter full of snow and the fun that comes with the holiday season!

Our Southern Berkshire Region

The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative (SBPHC) has opened registration for 17 mobile clinics being held in South County. This year’s clinic season started on Saturday, September 28 at W.E.B. Dubois Middle School, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. continuing through late November. A complete list of clinics and the Fall 2024 Vaccination Clinic Schedule can be found on SBPHC’s website.

All clinics will have the updated COVID vaccine and regular-dose flu vaccine for people six months or older and senior-dose flu vaccine for people 65 or older. Registration is strongly recommended for these clinics in order to ensure proper staffing and vaccine levels. Pre-registration assistance is available over the phone by contacting SBPHC (413) 243-5540 ext. 19.

All vaccines are provided at no out-of-pocket cost; however, individuals should bring their identification and insurance card to the clinic, if they have one. Short-sleeved shirts are encouraged.

In-home vaccinations for both COVID and flu vaccines are available for individuals who have difficulty leaving the house. To request an in-home vaccination, individuals should call SBPHC at (413) 243-5540 ext. 109 and leave a message that includes your name, town, and phone number. These in-home vaccinations will start to be scheduled in late September

Register for upcoming clinics here and choose your desired clinic. If you need assistance registering, call SBPHC Public Nursing program at (413) 243-5540 ext. 109.

 

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Photo: Jan Wojcik

 NEWS

Events

1. Volunteer! Headstone Cleaning at Stockbridge Cemetery

Candace Currie, Cemetery Commission

Come visit Stockbridge Cemetery and volunteer to clean the marble headstones. We've made great progress over the past few years. Our next few sessions are: Saturday, October 5, from 9am to noon and Tuesday through Friday, October 8 through 11, from 9am to 3pm.

There will also be four weekdays with Ian and Bill from Preservation Inc. - Ian and Bill are great fun to work with.

Come for part of a day or the whole day. The public (including children age 12 and up) is invited. No experience is necessary. Instruction will be given on site, and supplies will be provided. You might want work gloves. No sign-up is necessary, but emailing intention to participate to ccurrie@stockbridge-ma.gov would be helpful. Thank you!

2. HALLOWEEN TRUNK OR TREAT, PARADE & PUMPKIN WALK-ABOUT

The Stockbridge Truck or Treat, Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Walk-About will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024 for area children. At 5pm meet at Heaton Court, 5 Pine Street for Trunk or Treat right before the parade. Marchers will then meet at the corner of Main & Pine Street at 6:00PM and march up Main Street to the front lawn of the Stockbridge Library for cider & donuts and pumpkin walk-about with lighted pumpkins carved by local businesses and area children. The fire truck will be stationed in front of the L ororbrary as well as a sheep-petting pen on the front lawn. A Halloween story time will take place at 6:30PM and Drop-in Halloween crafts inside the Library from 6:00-7:30PM.

Children and businesses interested in showcasing a Jack O’Lantern of their own, should drop them off at the library any time before 5:30PM (The library staff will light them and provide candles). You can take them home at the end of the evening.

In case of rain the parade is cancelled. Trunk or Treat will take place in the community room at Heaton Court and in the Library.

These events are sponsored by the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce, Stockbridge Council on Aging, Stockbridge Library, Stockbridge Police & Fire Departments, The Red Lion Inn, Prado de Lana Sheep Farm and Stockbridge Coffee & Tea.

For more information contact: Barbara Zanetti at (413) 298 — 5200 or info@stockbridgechamber.org.

Editor’s note: Trunk or Treat is not a misprint. It is called Trunk or Treat to signify that cars will pull up, open their trunks, and the treats will be inside rather than kids going house to house.

3. 2024 ICE GLEN WALK STOCKBRIDGE

The Stockbridge family friendly moonlit hike into Ice Glen followed by a celebration around a bonfire will take place Saturday, November 2, 2024. The event is sponsored by Stockbridge Fire/Rescue/EMS and the Parks & Recreation Committee.

The guided tour will start from Stockbridge Town Park on Park Street in Stockbridge at 6:00pm, proceed down South Street, onto Ice Glen Road and through the Glen returning to the park for a bonfire, cider and donuts. It is an easy hike, even for the less experienced. Stockbridge Firemen and volunteers will be at points where there is uneven terrain. It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear, warm layered clothing (sweatshirts, fleeces, etc.), hats and gloves and don’t forget a flashlight to help guide you with the group! A fall celebration bonfire at the Stockbridge Town Park starts immediately after the hike. All are invited to the bonfire even if you can’t make the hike. Cider and Donuts for everyone!!

Please leave pets at home. In case of rain or inclement weather the walk is cancelled.

For more information, one may contact the Stockbridge Fire Department at (413)298-4866

4. Stockbridge Senior Center Calendar

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 HILL UPDATES

Hill Updates Alert

At a recent Berkshire Regional Planning Board Commission (BRPC) meeting, the Commissioner from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities announced that the state seeks to take away even more local control with respect to building housing and renewable energy sources. How much of our open space and forestland will be taken for solar panels and cluster housing?

From the Desk of our State Senator Paul Mark

I am grateful to again have the chance to keep everyone informed of State House news through Stockbridge Updates. The expected end of the Formal legislative session arrived on August 1st, but unfortunately, many important legislative priorities were not yet completed. While that was frustrating at the time, the legislature continues to work through the end of the year to pass important laws.

To explain more about what a Formal or Informal Session is we need to understand that the Senate and House are required under the state constitution to meet every 72 hours year-round. During a Formal Session, bills can be passed with a recorded roll call vote of the members present. During an Informal Session, bills can still be passed if they do not require a recorded roll call vote. Informal Session is a time for uncontroversial measures to be passed, local bills, sick leave banks, or other items that have unanimous approval. But if there is a consensus, more important items can move through the Informal Session, and the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker have also publicly called for a Special Formal Session to happen later this year so that items requiring a roll call vote can get done.

As I write this, a Housing Bond Bill that will make billions of dollars available to help ease the housing crunch while promoting policies intended to help with housing affordability has been signed into law. Laws have also been signed to better serve veterans, promote improved maternal health outcomes, better leverage federal funding for Massachusetts projects, improve long term care facilities, better address the opioid crisis, increase wage equity, and improve IT services throughout the Commonwealth.

We continue to work on other important bills that should be passed this year. There is an Economic Development bill that invests billions intended to keep Massachusetts thriving, including millions of dollars earmarked towards Berkshire County projects. There is an energy and environment bill, with widely varying versions passed by the Senate and House, that includes many important provisions to protect our environment. There is a health care reform bill intended to improve services and lower costs and a closeout budget to end the 2024 Fiscal Year.

Please be in touch with questions on any state government issue. Our full contact information is available at senatorpaulmark.com.

As always, thank you for the opportunity to be your voice in the Senate, Paul

Goal: Help People Stay in Their Homes

By Christine Rasmussen

Dear Carole,

At the Executive Committee meeting of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), we learned about this new initiative, which may benefit residents who qualify. So here is a quick article. Thanks for the opportunity and for caring about our health!

For many elderly people, physical and cognitive limitations and barriers can make it challenging to live in the home they love. Yet, finding funding to make needed additions or adaptations can be challenging.

So, I am delighted to report that the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission recently announced county residents now have access to a state-funded Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) that offers zero percent interest loans of up to $50,000 ($30,000 for owners of manufactured or mobile homes) to assist homeowners with projects including ramps and lifts, kitchen and bathroom adaptations, sensory integration spaces, fencing, handrails, brighter lighting, widening of doorways, flooring renovations, and creation of additional living space, including accessory dwelling units or in-law apartments.

The Income Guidelines are for a one-person household of $207,800, a two-person household of $237,600, and four-person households of $296,800. No monthly payments are required; repayment occurs only when the property is sold or transferred. Landlords with fewer than ten units may be eligible for a 3% loan for a tenant.

Note: This is not a home repair program that repairs roofs, windows, heating, or septic systems; it is strictly for modifications that a professional determines are necessary for a person to continue living in the home.

I would strongly encourage anyone interested to contact the BRPC coordinator, Christine Lewis, at 413 442 1521 ext. 23, clewis@berkshireplanning.org. She will help with the application process. For more state program information, visit: https://cedac.org/hmlp/

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 NEWS: TOWN BOARDS

Notes from the Cemetery Commission, Site Visit, September 24, 2024, in person only

The Cemetery Commission met with the Stockbridge Memorial Day Parade Committee. Treated as a site visit, the meeting was not hybrid.

Representing the veterans of Stockbridge, the Committee sought to place a flagpole in the cemetery. The request was made as an act of respect for the 500 veterans buried in the cemetery. The location selected was prominent enough to be visible in most parts of the cemetery.

The meeting became contentious when it appeared the Cemetery Commission was opposed to the idea.

There would be no cost to the Town; the materials selected would be tasteful. One problem suggested was that someone would have to raise and lower the flag each day. However, Town Administrator Canales explained that need not be done in a cemetery — the flag remains up.

Any decision was postponed until the open meeting on October 23, 2024. All interested in the subject may attend and it will be hybrid.

 NEWS: TOWN BOARDS

Notes from the Planning Board, September 17, 2024, Hybrid meeting

The Chair called the meeting to order. The PB representative to BRPC, Nancy Sosha resigned, and the PB is looking for a replacement. Sosha was thanked for years of service.

The Chair Kate Fletcher opened the Public Hearing to consider the Housing Production Plan. The Chair explained the procedure: Jan Ackerman from the Affording Housing Trust (AHT), that hired the consultant who wrote the plan, will present it. The PB will ask questions. The public will then have time to query and comment. Finally, the PB will deliberate and vote (as required by the state.)

1. PB member Wayne Slosek was most concerned about oversight of the Trust. AHT and Select Board member Patrick White said the Town Treasurer and Administrator reviews every dollar in and out. Slosek pointed out that is oversight of the movement of money but not oversight over the decisions being made about how to spend the money.

2. Another member asked if the Town has any other buildable properties that AHT could use? Evidently not.

3. Then the only one is the acreage on Glendale Middle Road? Apparently

4. At this point White rose to discuss the state legislation The Affordable Homes Act and particularly the section allowing tiny homes on tiny lots. However, the Chair pointed out this was a public hearing and only matters related to the Housing Production Plan were on the agenda

5. Public comment centered around the Glendale Middle Road property specifically, more than the Housing Production Plan. Ackerman tried to explain the differences — the production plan was not specific but outlined general problems and goals, but the interest in the specific project persisted.

6. AHT member, McCaela Donovan, expressed her opinion that PB was “anti-affordable housing” and should just say so.

7. Fletcher explained that they were just trying to understand and do due diligence

8. Questions and comments continued. Once again White brought up tiny houses. Abutters on Glendale Middle expressed concerns about building 60 bedrooms Ackerman explained that was an arbitrary figure. Abutter made clear only single-family homes fit the character of the neighborhood.

9. During deliberation, the Chair suggested the property on Glendale Middle Road be given to the Laurel Hill Association (LHA). White suggested since Fletcher was Treasurer of LHA, that may be an ethical breach, and she should talk to a lawyer.

10. Other suggestions were that the Housing Production Plan be accepted with conditions. Finally. a motion was made and seconded to accept the Plan as written. It passed as follows: Nancy Sosha abstained. Wayne Slosek voted no. The remaining 5 members of PB voted yes.

 NEWS: TOWN BOARDS

Notes from the Select Board, September 19, 2024, Hybrid meeting

Now that the election is over, Chuck Cardillo stepped down as Chair and Jamie Minacci became Chair.

Minacci announced five dates for marches (all last month) sponsored by the Elizabth Freeman Center. Called “Rise Together” they are meant to emphasize the need for safe streets.

The rest of the meeting was dedicated to discussing signage and redesign for the Town Offices parking lot. As the Tri-Town Health moves in and the District School office expands, spaces will be assigned and the signage will indicate who can park where.

 

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Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 COMMENTARY

The Seasonal Community

By Bruce Blair

Recently, our state legislature decided to spend a lot of money on affordable housing and take over some of our local governance. They even plan to make state surplus lands available for building.

Stockbridge is declared a “Seasonal Community” allowing developers to buy land and build “Tiny Houses” anywhere they like. These are ideal for raising a family of 1.3 people on tourist industry minimum wages, or for running a string of short-term rentals on the Bowl or anywhere a building lot or what they see as a knockdown house is for sale.

Accessory Dwelling Units, or guest houses as the wealthy call them, can now be built everywhere, only way smaller than guest houses. So says the state, not our decision anymore. Ideal for families of 1.5 people moving up from tiny houses. Actual residents like myself can build one and live in it while renting my house to visitors. ADUs and Tiny Houses mean my dream of living in a tiny house, running a hectic business as a landlord in my elderly years, could come true. I always say that the only way I would leave my home is in a box, but with Tiny Houses, they can bury the whole dwelling with me in it!

The population of the state has been in a modest, steady decline. As always, a lot of young people are looking for careers elsewhere, per the MA Taxpayers Association. We have a small business and tourism economy. We already meet state requirements for affordable housing and have done so long before neighboring towns. Rich people build houses here because — we still have beautiful land, balance between our development and natural resources. Barely, for now.

Not many living wage jobs? Let’s build houses! Limited public transportation? Time to build houses! Let’s get dense while we are at it. And by this I mean — Let’s build a lot of houses! Get rid of the zoning green belt we designed to protect the town’s tourist economy, heritage, and natural resources. Its all surplus!! Maybe dozens more people in Glendale means the Post Office there will reopen. There’s a couple of jobs right there!

Its all great, says the state. So send Stockbridge the money and we will hire the consultants. We are good at hiring consultants. Maybe not so good at bringing all of us together to talk about the future.

 

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Photo: Jay Rhind

 THE LAST WORD

Reader to Reader

Hi Carole,

Just wanted to mention that I just read your book, The Berkshires Coach Inns to Cottages, and loved it! I had no idea of all the books you’ve written. We’re so lucky to have you! Thanks so much for all you do!

Have a great day,

Ruth Haney (Riverbrook)

Dear Ruth,

Thank you for the kind words and also for the services you and your colleagues provide and the great “vibe” at Riverbrook. It is a beam of sunlight bathing our whole community.

Best Carole

Dear Updates:

As a member of the Stockbridge Memorial Day Parade Committee, which includes a number of our veterans, I would like to add a voice to those with concerns over the new Chamber of Commerce directional signs, especially the one in front of the Civil War Monument in the center of town. Our parade is a tribute to veterans past and present as well as a symbol of American town life and spirit. With good reason, our parade stops in front of the Civil War Monument for clergy to speak and a salute to be fired. The land on which the monument stands was always meant to be unobstructed in order to remind all Americans of the great sacrifices made by our veterans to preserve the nation.

As an individual resident, I would add that the intersection is probably the worst traffic feature in town. To expect that people would slow down or stop to read the sign and not impede traffic is very unlikely, and probably unsafe.

I would also add that whatever process or requirements were met by town officials in notifying residents about the new signs were inadequate. Without examining the notices given, I would just say that adhering to formal notice requirements is not a goal unto itself. If most people still did not find out what was happening until the signs were up, then we need better ways to inform residents. With all due respect to everyone, ensuring successful outreach on important matters needs particular handling.

Bruce Blair

Dear Readers,

Sad to say, I receive a version of this letter after every issue: “Dear Carole, I have very much appreciated receiving your Stockbridge Updates for many years now, but it looks like I stopped getting it as of last July. I just came to realize this and am writing to find out whether I can get back on your mailing list, as I have a home in Stockbridge. Many thanks for your help on the above request.”

There are a couple of possibilities for not receiving SU. One is your server decides Stockbridge Updates is spam. Look in your spam folder, or, if you can communicate with your server, enter the SU email address and click "always allow" you will have no more trouble. If you don't know how to communicate with your server (and I sure don't) then go to Vol. V No. 18 9/15/2024

and in the upper right — reenter your email and click submit. At the same time you can see all past issues including the one you just missed.

The second reason is too techie for me to understand, but it seems at some level the email lists for the Patrick White newsletter and Stockbridge Updates are intertwined. Again, I don’t understand why or how, but I do know if you unsubscribe from Patrick’s newsletter and/or campaign material, it will unsubscribe you from SU simultaneously. If that was not your intension, go to www.stockbridgeupdates.com

and reenter your email address.

We sure hope no one has any more trouble, and everyone receives and enjoys SU.

Carole Owens

To the Editor

This is why I am running as an unenrolled or independent candidate for the 3rd Berkshire District:

When Kevin proposed to me, I told him a qualified yes: I would marry him if he understood that I intended to run for Congress.

Well, that congressional campaign never happened, mostly due to intentions the Navy had for Kevin. Arriving in the Berkshires in 2001, Smitty Pignatelli was a political fixture. I focused my energies on community activism, local government, raising three daughters, and my area of expertise: affordable housing.

Over the years, I have changed party affiliation. I was raised in a Conservative Catholic household, and I was Republican in my early years, as were my parents. Since then, I have been registered as democrat, unenrolled and republican. I have switched parties over the years, exercising my constitutionally protected right, and to that, I answer to no one.

I last changed my voter registration in late 2023 to allow a vote in the primary of my choosing in the Presidential Primary on March 5th.

On March 6, I reenrolled as a democrat and pulled Democratic Party papers. In reading those papers, I immediately realized the deadline to declare party affiliation for the election had passed. Having learned I had no choice but to run as unenrolled, I embraced that reality and dedicated myself to representing all parties, not just one. (In fact, while the Statehouse might be composed largely of members of the two main political parties, in Berkshire County over 60% of voters are registered as unenrolled.) I realized my mistake, walked back into The City Clerk in Pittsfield and the Office of Political Campaign Finance assisted me in straightening out the paperwork: let the race begin.

I might have been clearer about the details of my early candidacy, but I never lied. I did in fact CHOOSE to run unenrolled. And I have ALWAYS intended to represent EVERYONE in the 3rd Berkshire District.

I will happily put up my experience and ability to get things done against my opponent’s.

My record of activism, advocacy, integrity and public service has never swayed. My middle-of-the-road progressivism with a dash of fiscal conservatism has served my constituents in Lenox quite well. And I will continue that service to all 18 towns of the Berkshire 3rd on Beacon Hill come January ‘25.

Mary Beth Mitts

Editor’s note: SU was delighted to hear from Mary Beth Mitts and looks forward to a letter or article from Leigh Davis. On the ballot in November, the voters from the 18 towns that make up the Berkshire3rd District will decide which will represent us in Boston.

 

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Photo: Jan Wojcik