Reader to Reader

Carole,

I've followed your work and enjoy your research and insights. We are Stockbridge "interlopers" (23 years) while I still direct a surgical division at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in Manhattan. And that's where I'm going with this missive. I've researched, written, and lectured on a number of historical personalities... so, here's my question. I read your 2017 article regarding the Delafield's and their historical relationship to the Berkshires and wondered whether this is part of the same Delafield family of the early 19th century in NYC who founded the very hospital (1820) I'm presently a surgical director; The oldest specialty hospital in America — founded by Edward Delafield and John Kearny Rodgers. Appreciate your time.

Regards,

Richard Koplin, MD

Dear Dr. Koplin,

Aren't you wonderful with all you do!!!! I believe the answer is yes and will try to research it to be sure. If you are at E&E perhaps you knew or worked with my dear Papa — Dr Jerome Schein??

Thank you for being in touch.

Carole

Carole,

Thanks for your response. Your dad was a renowned professor at NYU, and I knew his name ... Your father's name loomed large in the area of deafness, both age related bone and congenital deafness. Apparently you inherited his inquisitive nature.

Richard Koplin

Carole,

I applaud your commentary today. I miss the spirit of compromise and humor that Mary embodied. Today it seems that those who disagree assume that their opponents' motives are suspect and their ethics are questionable!

Phil Deely

Carole,

THE SILVER LINING OF THE RTE DEBATE

For anyone who missed the Berkshire Eagle's editorial on September 14, 2022, entitled, "In Stockbridge, a heated issue is resolved in unity," it is worth repeating that, regardless of which side of the RTE debate a person was on, the real winner was democracy. In our highly-charged political system, where it seems that elected leaders cast their votes solely based which side is in favor and which is opposed, and without regard for whether or not a program or law will benefit their constituents, it is refreshing to see elected leaders who actually listen to what those affected have to say, and then act according to the will of the people. As eloquently stated by the Eagle's Editorial Board, "it's worth acknowledging that the spirit of democracy spoke in Stockbridge, and the leaders of the town's top board listened, defusing the potential for more unnecessary divisiveness. That victory for unity is worth celebrating."

Michael A. Freeman