EDITORIAL

Editorial: Community Health

According to the GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY HOUSATONIC RIVER - REST OF RIVER TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL PLAN...

• Estimated duration of truck traffic associated with PCB disposal — 13 years.
• Total number of trucks to transport the estimated volume, 64,000 trucks [or approximately 5000 trucks per year].
• The estimated number of trucks on Main Street, Stockbridge daily, 50.
• The daily average truck trips assume a dump truck with a 16-ton capacity.
• The need and type of reconditioning and upgrading of the roads and associated infrastructure to make them suitable for truck traffic will be determined.

These are direct quotes from the report. What do you think the impact will be on the Red Lion Inn, the annual Christmas on Main Street event, or the tourist economy in general?

I always thought of Stockbridge as "America's Hometown". A place people missed without ever living here. How? Because they miss the dream that was made real here.

Regardless of what they (GE or the EPA) said elsewhere, the report says, transport "by truck is considered more practicable than transportation by railroad for the following reasons: • There are currently no usable railroad sidings available or in proximity. If a siding has been developed or reconditioned by a third party, GE will reconsider whether it is feasible and/or appropriate to use that siding. • The use of an existing railroad siding area would require complete replacement of infrastructure at that location by installing new track and ballast. • There is uncertainty in the ability to obtain access to privately owned rail sidings and to obtain other agreements to recondition and use railroad siding locations and loading areas."

Some things are ironic, funny, and at the same time, very, very sad.

One is that the EPA reports states, "GE's upcoming Quality of Life Compliance Plan is scheduled to be submitted to EPA in December 2023."

Carole Owens
Executive Editor

 

---

Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 NEWS

SU FYI

Housatonic Water Works: Stockbridge Intervenor Testimony

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Petition of Housatonic Water Works Company, pursuant to G.L. c. 164, § 94, G.L. c. 165, § 2, and 220 CMR 5.00 for Approval of a General Increase in Rates No. 23-65 DIRECT PREFILED TESTIMONY OF PATRICK WHITE ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN STOCKBRIDGE EXHIBIT STB-PW-1 Nov. 14, 2023.

Editor's note: Recently the Housatonic Watter Works filed with the DPU for permission to increase their rates for those who receive their water from that company. Twenty-seven of those recipients are Stockbridge residents. In addition, since 1958, Stockbridge has provided maintenance and repair of the equipment located in Stockbridge. For those reasons, we have standing, and can submit information and suggestions in the proceedings.

HWW requested an increase over 100% to cover the cost of repairs. Select Board member Patrick White, as our representative, prepared our response opposing so large an increase, suggesting alternatives, and also suggesting an even lower rate for Stockbridge recipients in repayment of the years of maintenance.

Click Here to read Intervenor's Testimony in its entirety.

Berkshire Art Center Announces Print Show Opening

Berkshire Art Center Announces Print Show Opening on November 9 from 5-7pm in the Stairwell Gallery at Citizens' Hall in Stockbridge.

As Berkshire Art Center expands its capabilities in their Printmaking Department in Stockbridge with new classes and open studio offerings, the organization is celebrating with a print show that exhibits the work of printmakers ranging in all different ages with ties to Berkshire Art Center, the region and beyond.

"It's exciting to see the work of printmakers from across the county all in one place!" said Executive Director, Lucie Castaldo. "This show is a wonderful celebration of our newly developed printmaking department and I hope it will be the first of many to come."

Participating artists in this show include Karen Arp-Sandel, Chris Boudrow (of Good Bites and Glass Pints), Dale Bradley, Peggy Braun, Lucie Castaldo, Kathline Carr, Valerie Carrigan, Leni Fried, Jess Hu, Paul Lewis, Katie Malone-Smith, Sarah Pike, Ian Prishwalko, Rosemary Starace, Joan Rooks, and Kim Waterman. This group of 16 artists submitted works that use a variety of printmaking techniques including engraving, dry point, linocut, woodcut, screen printing, collagraph, mezzotint, and monotype.

This show will run for five months through March 31st in the Stairwell Gallery of Berkshire Art Center's Stockbridge location. Many works will also be for sale through Berkshire Art Center's Gallery Shop with 70% of sales supporting the artists and 30% supporting Berkshire Art Center's Printmaking Department. Visit berkshireartcenter.org/print-show to view and shop all of the work from the show. For more information on Berkshire Art Center visit berkshireartcenter.org, call 413-298-5252 x100 or email info@berkshireartcenter.org.

Editor's note: Founded in 1991, Berkshire Art Center (BAC) is a provider of instruction in the visual arts reaching over 2,000 students in studio-based classes, artistic events, and out-of-school engagement programs. BAC is a nonprofit community art center.

 

---

Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 NEWS

Events

CTSB 35th Annual Fall Festival of Shakespeare November 16 - 18

The annual Fall Festival of Shakespeare is a residency program at 10 high schools in Massachusetts and neighboring New York. Shakespeare & Company directing teams lead students at each school through a language-based exploration of different Shakespeare plays, culminating in full-scale productions at their own schools and then on the main stage at the Tina Packer Playhouse.

Providing videos of The Fall Festival has become a tradition, and for decades has been one of CTSB's primary fundraising activities. For the last two years, CTSB streamed the entire festival live on Channel 1302 and on our website and reached viewers all over the world. We are excited to once again broadcast each performance live. Tune in during the festival to ctsbtv.org/fallfest to watch live!

Thursday, November 16 – 8:30 pm – Berkshire Waldorf High School’s Henry IV, Part 1
Saturday, November 18 - 6:15pm Monument Mountain Regional High School - A Midsummer Night's Dream

Berkshire Botanical Garden Holiday Marketplace and the Gallery of Wreaths Preview Party.

The festivities begin Friday evening, Dec. 8, with the Holiday Wreath Preview Party from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Center House. The party includes early wreath-buying opportunities, live music, hors d'oeuvres, libations, and merriment. This is a pre-registered event.

The Marketplace runs Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will feature artisan craft vendors, live music, holiday blooming plants and garlands, and succulent arrangements. Marketplace admission is free.

Norman Rockwell Museum November 18, 2023, the first major retrospective dedicated to Leo Lionni; Curators in Conversation 4 — 5:30pm — a panel chaired by NRM Chief Curator, Sephanie Haboush. Tickets $25.

From the Chamber of Commerce: STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET AT CHRISTMAS

The 34th annual Norman Rockwell Holiday Celebration will be December 1 — 3, 2023

The town becomes a magical New England village decorated with holiday wreaths and festive lights for the season. There is no shortage of holiday activities for the entire family to enjoy. Live Performances, Historic Property Tours, Holiday Markets, Winterlights, Rockwell Holidays at the Museum, Unique Shops, Restaurants and Santa show off the New England town.

On December 1 and 3, Friday and Saturday, the Olga Dunn Dance Company returns for the second year with "The Nutcracker Seedling" at the Stockbridge Library. (These performances are sold out)

On Saturday, December 2, the self-guided, house tour features this year features Merwin House with special treats, Ventfort Hall Museum of the Gilded Age with holiday music, Devonfield Inn, and The Mount, Edith Wharton Home. (This Tour is sold out)

On Saturday evening December 2, at the First Congregational Church, celebrate the magic of the season with a classical lite musical program and group sing-along featuring The Berkshire Bach Players with Roberta Cooper, Cello; Eugene Drucker, Viola & Violin; Laura Hamilton, Violin and Mariken Palmboom, Harpsichord & Organ.

On Sunday, December 3, the town reenacts Norman Rockwell's famous holiday scene Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. The original painting hangs in the Norman Rockwell Museum located just a few miles outside of town. What happens on Main Street isn't an exact reenactment of the painting as there were only 16 cars in the painting and the street, which is closed to traffic, features over 50 vintage automobiles (weather permitting). Near the center of the block a Christmas tree fills the oversized window of what was once Rockwell's second-floor studio. Roger the Jester, the Victorian Carolers and Monument Mountain Regional High School perform on one end of the street while, horse drawn rides, a Makers Market, Children's crafts and visits with Santa take place on the other end. The street is lined with quaint shops, restaurants and pop-up cafes.

The 34th annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas weekend takes place December 1-3, 2023. For more information and tickets visit StockbridgeChamber.org. Advance orders are recommended as tickets to all events are limited and NO tickets will be sold on site of events.

Companion events:

Winterlights at Naumkeag — Friday, Saturday & Sunday This holiday season the beautiful garden property sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed holiday lights. Bring the whole family for a magical, fun, outdoor experience — with food, refreshments, and more. This year Winterlights will be exclusive on December 1, 2 & 3 for Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas patrons. Tickets are purchased directly through the Trustees. Rockwell Holidays at Norman Rockwell Museum — See Rockwell's original panorama painting of Main Street Stockbridge at Christmas, plus special exhibitions, and weekend activities to complete your Rockwellian experience in Stockbridge, 9 Glendale Rd/Rte 183, Stockbridge, MA (413) 298-4100. Tickets are purchased directly through the museum.

Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, Norman Rockwell's Life and Holiday Art Guided Tours Tour and talk with a Museum docent; 30 min.

Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am, 2:00pm, Kids & Families Programs — A World of Celebrations! Art-making and storytelling, inspired by Between Worlds: The Art and Design of Leo Lionni.

Winter Family Fun Day and Nutcracker Collection Display — Saturday, 10:00am-3:00pm presented by the Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives held at the library, 46 Main Street, Stockbridge, (413) 298-5501 . Free Admission. All day long they will have a craft table available where children can decorate a snowflake, indoor winter games and a scavenger hunt, and an outdoor StoryWalk© and decorated gardens that you can walk through. At 10:45 a.m. there will be a winter-themed storytime with the youth librarian.

Winter Wonderland Walkway — Saturday & Sunday All are invited to take a stroll through the Winter Wonderland Walkway of 16 lit and decorated trees at the Stockbridge Library free of charge, 46 Main Street, Stockbridge

The Women's Service League of the First Congregational Church Holly Fair — Saturday, 10:00am-1:00pm, 4 Main Street, (413) 298-3137, Featuring hand-made crafts and decorations, Christmas wreaths and greenery, baked goods, Grandma's Attic, Santa Claus, and more. All proceeds to charity. Free Admission.

The Mount will present the fourth year of NightWood, — Saturday & Sunday, Timed entries start at 5:00pm, 2 Plunkett St, Lenox, MA (413) 551-5111. Tickets are purchased directly through the Mount. An innovative sound and light experience that immerses visitors in a fantastical winter landscape. Inspired by The Mount's unique setting, NightWood combines scenic elements, theatrical lighting, and a dramatic score to create eight unique scenes that evoke wonder and awaken the imagination.

The 50-voice Stockbridge Festival Chorus is presenting its annual Christmas concert on Saturday, December 9, 3 pm at The First Congregational Church of Stockbridge located at 4 Main Street. The main selection is Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, accompanied by Teresa Mango on harp. Other anthems of the season include compositions by John Rutter, Philip Stopford and Peter Warlock, accompanied by Bob Logan on piano and Ed Lawrence on organ. SFC is conducted by Tracy Wilson. Admission is a donation at the door; $20 for adults, $10 for members of local community choruses and free for individuals 18 and under. The church is fully handicap accessible and a section in the sanctuary will be reserved for mask-wearing audience members. For more information, call 413-298-3137.

Stockbridge Library November Artist of the Month — Sarah Horne - Wednesday, November 1 @ 8:00 am - Thursday, November 30 @ 5:00 pm

Berkshire Chamber Players Concert (WAITLIST ONLY, email info@stockbridgelibrary.org)

Sunday, November 19 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Play With Clay (Age 3+)

Wednesday, November 22 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Library Closes November 22 at 12pm and November 23 for Thanksgiving

 

---

Artwork: Sarah Horne

Playa Coco lll

23x17

Acrylic, pen and graphite.

This drawing was made when I was staying alongside the Pacific beach, in Playa Coco, Costa Rica. Playa Coco is a world away from the Berkshires.

I hope these drawings capture the jangle, the jazz, and the playful spirit of Playa Coco and that they bring you some of the liveliness and joy that I find there. Sarah Horne

 NEWS

Notes from the Tri-Town Health, November 1, 2023, meeting with the Environmental protection Agency (EPA)

The meeting was lengthy and is available on Community Television South Berkshire (CTSB).

The central point was a dialogue between Chair Charles Kenny and the EPA representative. The Chair presented a petition with 1200 signatures. "The reason they are saying you did not discuss [transportation options: truck vs train] is because you did not."

The EPA representative said no decision has been made about using trucks or trains; both options were on the table. He then followed by saying trains were impossible because there were no sidings at which the material [PCBs] could be transferred. He said GE and EPA do not think there are any feasible locations along the train tracks. He suggested if they know of any they can suggest them He said, "You tell me."

This raised ire among Board members– was the EPA suggesting the locals - who are ill-equipped — do the work GE was supposed to do or EPA was expert in doing? Were they shifting responsibility?

The EPA representative said the five towns were going to get $55,000,000 soon and could spend that any way they wish.

Tri-Town members expressed the opinion that the tone and level of cooperation of EPA was lacking, and that EPA concern for the South Berkshire community, its health, quality of life, and economy was similarly lacking.

The Chair reported reading all materials provided by EPA back to 2014 pointed out that earlier drafts relying upon the same or similar data not only recommended train transport over trucks for a variety of public health and environmental health reasons. Kenny pointed out that seemingly without reason — the conclusion shifted from supporting trains to trucks. He asked if that was because GE estimated that creation or improvement of sidings could be $30,000,000, however, an independent report said the same work was estimated at $300,000.

Many were given the opportunity to express their concerns. Many cited the unavailability of a hard copy of the EPA report and lack of communication with the citizenry over the years.

Editor's note: The original Rest of River agreement specifically eliminated direct communication between EPA and the public by creating a representative group - one representative from each of the 5 towns to serve on the RoR Committee. Sadly, the Stockbridge representative to RoR, Steve Shatz, refused to report back to the Select Board or Town Meeting because "I cannot comment because there is ongoing litigation." Shatz did assure us there would be no impact on Stockbridge. Sadly, neither statement appeared to be true (See Editorial)

 

---

Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 NEWS

Notes from the Agriculture and Forestry Commission, November 6, 2023, Hybrid

AFC discussed moving forward with a Community Compost perhaps located at the Town Transfer Station. Chair Matt Boudreau also mentioned that at some time in the future, the Commonwealth may mandate composting.

AFC will write and submit a Town Property and Forested Land Stewardship Plan with clear objectives and attention to climate resiliency.

AFC formerly adopted their mission statement:

"The mission of the Agricultural and Forestry Commission is to promote the protection and preservation of farms, farmland, and forests by promoting agricultural economic opportunities as businesses and community resources and encouraging efforts to maximize forest health and carbon sequestration by engaging in practices that imitate nature and employ a gradient of old growth restoration strategies."

Finally, with our Town Forester, the budget for tree planting was discussed. Patrick White suggested the budget could be increased from $3000 using unspent money originally marked for establishing a Stockbridge Farmer's Market.

 

---

Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 NEWS

Notes from the Sewer and Water Commission, November 7, 2023, Hybrid

The pump station on Park Street is nearing completion. The Sewer Needs Analysis will be reported on at the January W&S meeting.

The Berkshire Waldorf School paperwork is signed and as soon as the Zoning Board of Appeals approves the variance, title will be transferred. The fire hydrant pressure at the end of Main Street was tested.

W&S was positive about increasing the tree planting budget from $3000. White also explained suggestions included in the Intervener's letter made by the Attorney General and Town Counsel for more favorable rates.

 

---

Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 NEWS

Notes from Select Board, November 9, 2023, Hybrid

There was a large audience in person and on Zoom estimated at over 60. They were interested in a public safety issue — the propane facility at 9 Lee Road.

Former Osterman Propane, now Superior Plus Energy Services, was represented by Jason Wild. He requested renewal of three permits to continue providing propane — permits for the trucks, tanks, and methanol.

The problem was that permits in the past, that required certain performance standards were not honored. Stockbridge Fire Chief Vincent Jan Garofoli, along with state compliance officer John Wood III, found the facility to be in violation of its permit.

David and Stephanie Adler, abutters of the facility, said they had no idea that unpermitted activity was going on. (SU November 1, 2023, issue David Adler also presented his concerns at ConCom October 24 and the Planning Board)

Adler said, "Our concerns, the abutters' concerns in this room, the neighborhood's concerns are ...about our safety."

There have been violations for fifty years from 1973 — 2003. Garofoli observed that hundreds of unpermitted tanks were stored on the property.

Stockbridge Fireman James MacDonald called the situation "dangerous."

White moved not to approve any permit because he wanted to see the corrections made not just promised before granting permits. After some discussion, the vote was unanimous NOT to approve any of the three permits requested.

 

---

Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 PERSPECTIVE

1953: Miss Wolfe and the Mole

By Michael Forbes Wilcox

My second-grade teacher was Miss Gertrude Wolfe. The northern slope of Laurel Hill was part of the school grounds on which we were allowed to play during our recesses. To a seven-year-old boy, Miss Wolfe seemed as old as that hill. My grandmother Wilcox worked in the Stockbridge Library, and I often went to visit her after school. When I mentioned the name of my teacher, she smiled and told me Miss Wolfe had also taught my grandfather when he was in high school.

My attendance record in the 2nd marking period reflects my days in bed with measles and chickenpox. I remember my mother tying my hands to my bedposts when I went to bed so that I would not scratch my face while I slept.

One day, Miss Wolfe was writing arithmetic problems on the board, which we were expected to copy and solve. When the teacher had her back turned to the class, I slipped a note to the prettiest girl in the class (she still lives in Stockbridge), who sat across the aisle from me. Miss Wolfe immediately turned around and pointed at us. "Give me that note," she said. I later figured out that she was monitoring the class in the reflection in her eyeglasses.

Another day, during the morning recess, I caught a mole in the schoolyard and placed it in my pocket. While Miss Wolfe was busy at the blackboard, I took out the mole to show the girl who sat behind me. She screamed, which startled me into dropping the frightened creature, who started to run around the classroom. Several other girls screamed and jumped up on their chairs.

Miss Wolfe commanded me to capture the mole and release it outside, which I did. When I returned to the classroom, she told me to report to the principal's office and tell him what I had done. Mr. Newt Blair listened closely to my account, and then told me to write down what had happened. He read it over, put it in an envelope, and handed it back to me. He told me to bring it home and have my mother sign it so that he would know she read it.

I delayed showing my mother that letter, fearing the punishment I might receive (the worst would be a spanking by my father). After dinner, I told her that I had something that she was supposed to sign. She opened the envelope, and instead of getting angry, as I expected, she began to laugh. "You did what?" she could not contain her laughter. She signed the paper and handed it back to me.

 

---

Photo: Lionel Delevingne

 PERSPECTIVE

The Responsible Citizen Dilemma: How to balance the need to be informed with maintaining a happy, joyful life — Part One

By Carole Murko

Recently, a client asked me, "Isn't not watching the news and ignoring the problems of our times, fake positivity?"

This question ignited my curiosity, prompting a deep dive into the concept of fake positivity and how we can authentically navigate the challenges of our times.

Fake positivity is acting positive when you feel negative, or when you don't believe acting positive can counteract the negative news or your feelings about the news. That is, your thoughts, words, and deeds are not aligned. Let's figure out how we can align them, and why we want to choose thoughts that produce an elevated emotion.

According to David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D., emotions span a vast spectrum of frequencies. Hawkins is a pioneer in consciousness research, who studied the subject for thirty years. In his book, Power vs. Force, shame and humiliation are among the lowest frequency emotions at log 20, while enlightenment is between log 700 and log 1000.

His research revealed that just "one individual at the 700 level counterbalances 70 million individuals below the level of 200." To put it simply, if we want to contribute to raising the consciousness of the planet, by choosing to experience higher frequency emotions such as trust, optimism, love, and joy, not only do we make our lives better, but we also contribute to the collective ripple effect in the world.

Fake positivity is a perception. We cannot control the news and events around us; we can, however, control how we react to them. If we choose a thought such as, "I can make a difference by contributing to a charity to counteract the negativity I perceive," or "I choose to be the example and live my life with integrity," and marry those thoughts with emotions such as joy and happiness, we can begin to see our lives shift, and possibly that of those around us. We can start the ripple effect among our immediate circle, first!

When we consciously choose our thoughts, they shape our decisions, and influence our actions, ultimately shaping our experiences and emotions. Wouldn't we always want to choose thoughts that aligned with creating more joy and happiness in our lives?

Our emotions are our barometer of how we are doing. When our actions are not aligned with our thoughts; when our behaviors don't match our intentions; it creates disharmony.

So, how do we not pay attention to toxic news? It's a choice. We choose our reality. We choose how we want to live our lives. We choose how we react.

 

---

Photo: Lis Wheeler

 THE LAST WORD

Reader to Reader

Dear Carole,

Lynda Overlock's letter in your Stockbridge Updates letter of October 22 makes clear the basic inequity of the argument that all primary residents, and no second homeowners should receive the benefit of a real estate tax exemption (RTE). As I have consistently pointed out since this issue was first raised, doing so would give a tax break to people who do not need it (as I do not) and in doing so raise the cost of the RTE for those who do not receive it. Why should I be paying a thousand dollars less in taxes than my next-door neighbor, when I can readily afford the tax as it is? If there were a way of pegging the RTE to income levels, that would remove many fewer dollars from the tax base, so that the need to adjust the tax rate for the rest of us would be much less and its fairness would be obvious. Even better would be if second homeowners like Lynda could qualify too — though doubtless that would be harder to achieve politically. As it is, the argument that Stockbridge voters should confer what may be an unnecessary tax benefit on all voters and impose extra tax burdens on all second homeowners is an argument for taxation without representation — beggar thy neighbor — that any proponents able to pay their taxes without significant pain should be ashamed to make.

Peter Strauss

Hi Peter,

As I am sure you know, the "basic inequity" you outline is established by Commonwealth of Massachusetts law not by any municipality. Municipalities, all 351, are simply mandated to consider RTE each year at the Tax Classification Hearing and accept or reject it. You might want to contact your elected representatives (Rep. Smitty Pignatelli and Sen Paul W. Mark) with your suggestions. They can propose legislation to change the law.

Carole

 

---

Hi Carole,

I was driving on Interlaken yesterday and saw a massive amount of freshly cut trees being hauled away, presumably to make room for a new piece of real estate. I wanted to gather your thoughts on this. Can trees in Stockbridge be removed so easily (or indiscriminately?) or do you think they went through the proper channels? I just don't like to see trees cut down unless they're dead or dying or going to fall on a wire — my personal two cents. I don't always expect you to know the answer, but I'm always interested in hearing your opinion. Thank you!

Haas Regen

Dear Haas,

Thank you for writing. The tree-cutting could be under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission if (a) it was close to a resource area or (b) if it violated our town bylaw with respect to storm water runoff. I contacted ConCom and learned they did visit and determined it was outside their jurisdiction.

If the clearing was being done to build, then the Building Inspector and/or the Planning Board may have jurisdiction. That is public information, and you could call and ask.

You are not alone in caring about our trees. When folks discuss the character of Stockbridge, trees are a big part of it.

Thank you for writing,

Carole

 

---

Photo: Lionel Delevingne