Selectmen:

            The Board welcomes Florence Browner as a new addition to the Board of Assessors.

            The Board has joined the Select Boards from the five towns in the school district in mediation regarding the FY 2007 school budget and the school district agreement.

            A Committee of five has been formed to study what to do with the Annex Building on Town Hall property. The Committee is to report back to the Board by March 1.

            The South Egremont School Study report was turned in to the Board early in September. You may view the report at Town Hall or request a copy. The Study Committee recommends that the school remain in operation. The Board has agreed to take no action at this time and not to consider any action until the school budget and school agreement discussions are over.

Conservation Commission:

            Property owners are truly blessed to have the good fortune to “own” land. “Owning”, in quotations, as we are merely temporary “owners” in the big scheme of things. But without getting too philosophical, the reality is that just because we own land doesn’t mean we can do anything we want with it. The Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) was enacted in 1972 in order to ensure that landowners and developers don’t negatively impact that vital link in our ecosystem and water supply. The eight areas of interest of the Act are: Protection of public and private water supplies, groundwater, fisheries, land containing shellfish, wildlife habitat, prevention of pollution, flood control and storm damage prevention.

            As landowner, nobody is better positioned than you to determine if an area is wet, or bona fide wetlands, prior to doing work. And the responsibility ultimately lies with you, as landowner, for any infractions.

            Besides the obvious, namely the presence of water, the most indicative way to determine if an area falls under the WPA is the vegetation. Some of the more commonly found indicator plants in wet areas are; (but not limited to) Buttonbush, Swamp Azelea, Poison Sumac, Leatherleaf, Skunk Cabbage, Swamp Milkweed, March Marigold, Pickerelweed, Lance-leaved Violet, Blue Flag, Yellow Flag, Broad-leaved Cattail, Tussock Sedge and Royal Fern.

            The Conservation Commission has a reference library full of resources available to the public. Delineation of these areas can be tricky but is crucial to a successful project, so please contact the Commission prior to commencing any projects in or near these sensitive areas.

            If and when you think you might do some landscaping or building in an area that might be wet, IS wet, then you’d be well advised to check with the Conservation Commission. Actions in violation can result in irreplarable damage and cost the violator substantial sums of money for remediation.

            The Egremont Conservation Commission meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall and we’d be more than happy to discuss the particulars of your situation with you, your engineer or your landscape architect. Please rest assured that our board is here to help you and your project, not necessarily stymie it.

Technology Study Committee:

            The Egremont Technology Committee was appointed by the Selectboard in July 2005. Since then, the committee has worked aggressively to position Egremont as the community of choice for any initiative to bring rural broadband to our region. Over the past two years, broadband has made inroads into the town through a small wireless start- up, WiSpring which is installing wireless services in some of the town’s businesses and residences. This service is primarily available in South Egremont.In the north end of town, Verizon introduced limited DSL service last year. Despite these initiatives, less than 20 percent of the town has broadband service. Further, the wireless service in South Egremont is still pricy at $59.95 per month and there is a $400 installation fee. Other services include satellite and limited Verizon wireless.

            Shortly after its formation, the Technology Committee surveyed the town to determine the extent of need among residents. The response clearly demonstrated an overwhelming need for broadband in the community for business, for educational purposes, and for shopping and recreation. On the basis of (1) our proactive approach to solving our rural broadband problem and; (2) our planning and regional approach to problem resolution, “Berkshire Connect” chose Egremont as the recipients of a pilot project. Funded by the John Adams Foundation, engineers developed a plan to make broadband access to the internet available to our residents. This proposed solution includes a fiberoptic backbone that would be the foundation for a scalable infrastructure that would serve Egremont and adjoining unserved and underserved communities. With the proper planning, it might even serve as a source of revenue to support its sustainability.

            On October 18, Governor Patrick filed a legislative proposal entitled “An Act Establishing and Funding the Massachusetts Broadband Institute.” The preamble to this legislation reads as follows:

To retain its competitive edge and fuel the Commonwealth’s economic development strategy we must ensure affordable and available broadband access statewide. Broadband access has a proven track record of stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and increasing property values and tax receipts. This bill will create and fund the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, which will make strategic and targeted public investments with the objective of providing high-speed Internet, or broadband, service to all currently un-served communities by 2010.

To leverage existing expertise at the John Adams Innovation Institute and permit us to meet these aggressive goals in a timely and cost-effective manner, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute will be part of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The Institute will seed public-private partnerships to develop broadband infrastructure and target the citizens and businesses in un-served areas that currently have no broadband access. Also, the Institute will measure existing broadband access conditions and create a central plan to address access deficiencies while investing public funds into essential, long-lived infrastructure such as fiber and wireless towers to lower overall cost of deployment for private providers. In addition, this bill contains a $25 million bond allocation to create the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund, which will be managed by the Institute to leverage private investments and provide complete broadband solutions where deficiencies exist.

            On the basis of the plan developed by the Berkshire Connect engineers and the John Adams Foundation and on the basis of the above legislation, the Technology Committee recently sent a letter to the State Director of Telecommunications, Sharon Gillett. This letter, also signed by our Selectboard, requests Commissioner Gillett’s support to make Egremont the first community in the state to be funded under this new legislation and to be a model for other Massachusetts communities. We will follow up on the responses we receive.

Treasurer\Collector

            FY 2008 - Real Estate & Personal Property Taxes - The second quarter preliminary tax is due on November 1, 2007. If that payment is missed, interest will accrue on the unpaid amount. The actual tax bills will be

generated and mailed by December 31, 2007 after the new tax rate is set.

            When your actual bill arrives look it over carefully remember to contact the Board of Assessors with inquiries on your assessments.

            Motor Vehicle Excise - Calendar year FY07 interim bills are being generated when a new or used vehicle is purchased and/or registered during the present or prior year. If you have not received a bill, most likely it will come out with the next batch of bills from the registry in December. PLEASE NOTE: If you have disposed of a vehicle, please remember, it is the taxpayers responsibility to file an abatement. Do not ignore the tax bill as it stays on the books until it is paid or abated. Again, we only have the information provided to us from the Registry of Motor Vehicles which comes from the vehicle owner. If you have received a notice from the Deputy Collector please call his office to clear your obligation.

            RMV Plates - If you intend to turn in your plates, for whatever reason, do so ASAP. The RMV charges for your plate until they receive it. You will then get a plate return receipt. Use a copy of that receipt to apply for an abatement on your excise tax through the town.

            On Line Banking - UNIPAY on line banking - is a great tool for last minute payments of any bill owed to the town. Go to the Town of Egremont web site www.egremont-ma.gov/ and click on pay your bills on line. Follow the instructions from that point. You will be able to use ACH or a credit card. Thank you to all who are using the on-line product. It is working great. Please give it a try.

            E- Banking - Letting your bank send the check? That’s OK, but please put your current bill number or your map & lot on the memo line so your payment can be easily identified. Prior year bill numbers are of no use in accessing owner identification as they change from year to year. Use the memo field for year and bill number.

            Past Due Taxes - If you are among those who have not paid your FY07 taxes in full, please contact the tax collectors office with a plan to satisfy your obligation. Immediately!

            Questions/Confusions - I will be glad to address any question that would be of general information to the taxpayers. Submit questions and concerns pertaining to the Tax Collector/Treasurer to Pat, P.O. Box 368 So. Egremont. Responses will be given in the following newsletter. Office hours - Tax Collector 7-3 Monday through Friday or by appointment

EGREMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT

            It’s getting to be close to “that time of year again…..” we encourage our citizens to drive safely and slowly at all times and especially during the winter months.

            The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued information to help people prepare for another New England winter season. MEMA has issued a “Suggested Winter Weather Supply List” for the home, along with items that should be included in a “Winter Emergency Car Kit.”

            Everyone should have some non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights and extra batteries around the house, along with a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio in case of power outages or other emergencies caused by a winter storm. Some additional items might include: first aid kit, essential prescription medicines, non-perishable foods, non-electric can opener, water (one gallon per each person, per day), baby care items if needed, extra blankets, sleeping bags, and a fire extinguisher.

          Throughout the year your local Emergency Management Team has worked together to inform residents of the importance of developing a FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN in case family members are separated from one another during a storm or any other emergency. For your car, it is a good idea to have a basic tool kit, tire chains or traction mats, a container of water, adequate tread on your tires, and at least a gas tank that is half full. If possible, plan trips during the daylight hours and try to take someone with you.

            Winter can be a difficult and dangerous season and our hope is that with some basic preparedness planning the “snow season” can be made safer and easier. As always, please contact us at 528-2160 with any concerns. Please dial 9-1-1 for any emergency.

Lee Visiting Nurses Association:

            The Lee VNA will hold its annual Flu Clinic at the North Egremont Fire Station on Monday, November 12, 2007 from 10 am to 12noon.

            The first Wednesday of every month from 11:30am to 12:30pm, the Lee VNA holds a blood pressure clinic at Town Hall. All are welcome.

Town Clerk:

            This is just a reminder about Census Forms. Believe it or not it’s that time again. You will receive your Census Form shortly after Jan 1, 08. Please understand that everyone lives in the Town of Egremont so your Zip Code for this is 01258. You receive mail in the villages of North (01252) and South (01258) Egremont. It is not necessary for you to cross out the 01258 zip if you live in North Egremont.

            It is also very important that you return these Census Forms as soon as possible. Under the “Help America Vote Act” (HAVA) failure to return Census Forms results in your voter status changing to “inactive voter”.

            As you are all aware ’08 is a big election year. We will have four elections: Presidential Preference Primary in March, Town Elections in May, State Primary in September, and Presidential Election in November. Requests for Absentee Ballots can be requested anytime after 1/1/08. You can also request an Absentee Ballot for all elections in ’08. If you think you will need an Absentee Ballot the earlier your request is submitted, the easier life will be for all!

Library Building Committee:

          The Library Building Committee is now ready to submit a proposal for an architect to prepare a feasibility study and schematic plans for a new library. An ad hoc committee has been formed designated as "Architect Selection Committee." Members are: Grace Moyer and Sue Turner cochairmen, Tom Haas, Chuck Ogden, Sally Caldwell, Herb Lorentzen, Don Chester
The committee has explored various sites, including the present location in South Egremont. The present location, while desirable cannot be used. To upgrade the present building to meet the requirements for ADA accessibility would leave almost no room for books. Adding to the present building is virtually impossible due to the size of the lot. Unless we have overlooked some option in the South Village, we have concluded the best possible location would be somewhere on the land the Town already owns around Town Hall. Town owned land will make building less costly. The Selectboard has granted permission to explore this possibility. Part of the architect's Job will be a study of the sites and submitting possible solutions.
The committee welcomes any ideas or comments from the community. Please call or eMail to:
Grace Moyer 528-8972
gracemoyer@aol.com

Board of Health:

          If your water source is from a well chances are you are one of the 83.9% of Americans who have something called “hard water”. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content and although it has been determined that there are no adverse health effects from it, depending on the level of hardness it can cause scaling in your home’s pipes which can lead to clogged pipes, ruined heating elements in your hot water heater, persistent coating in your tea and coffee pot, a decrease in the life of a toilet’s flushing unit, among many other bothersome things around your home.

          So what’s a poor homeowner to do about the problems associated with hard water? Well, depending on how serious the problem is and how seriously you are bothered by it, you can either live with the situation and know you will need to perform periodic maintenance around your home or install a water softening devise.

          Living with the situation means you will have to clean the spray heads on your faucets regularly (unscrew and blow out the scale on the screens), run a vinegar solution through your drip coffee pot every once in a while (which dissolves the scaly white stuff), use a rinse agent in your dish washer, de-gunk the unit inside your toilet tank, etc. etc. As to keeping the mineral deposits from forming on the heating element in your hot water heater this writer has no suggestions – I have been through two hot water heaters in seven years thanks to the scale of hard water.

          Water softeners might just be the answer except for the following: they can be costly to purchase and install ($1000 - $2000 depending on the size of your home), you must purchase heavy bags of water softening crystals which typically contain sodium and then feed them into the unit which may affect people in the home on sodium restricted diets, or most importantly the backwash from these units must never (read: never, never, NEVER!!) drain into your septic system.

           Why is this so you ask? The heavy salt water of the brine which enters your septic tank upsets the normal layering of septic sludge, scum and clear water and can actually force solids on the bottom of the tank into your leach field where it can plug the lines and basically ruin your field. Heavy salt water can also decrease the effectiveness of all those billions and billions of happy, healthy microorganisms living in your septic system which are ingesting all that yucky stuff before it goes into the ground. (Note to self: do not want to come back in next life as a septic system microorganism)

          If you are troubled by your water’s hardness by all means consider installing a water softener. Just understand they must be plumbed to discharge into a properly designed drywell that serves just the water softening unit (no gray water from washing machine or garage utility sink for example) which has been approved by the Board of Health.

Water Department:

            Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s lifetime. Readily available fresh water from surface and groundwater sources represents less than 1 percent of all the water in the world.

            To ensure adequate quantity and safe quality water for the present and the future, the Egremont Water Department, with assistance from the Massachusetts Rural Water Association, has formed a Source Water Protection Committee. This committee consists of water department employees as well as members of the Board of health, Planning Board and Conservation Commission. Projects that the committee will undertake include:

            1. Delineate the watershed area

            2. Inventory existing and potential sources of contamination

            3. Determine the susceptibility of the public water source to contamination from inventories threats

            4. Prepare the Source Water Protection Plan

            5. Implement the Plan and communicate the results to the general public

            The five most important reasons to develop a local surface water protection plan are:

            1. Reduces risk to human health

            2. Cost effective - reduces or eliminates costs associated with:

                        a. increased monitoring and treatment

                        b. water supply clean up and remediation

                        c. replacing a water supply

                        d. purchasing water

            3. Supports municipal bylaws, making them less likely to be challenged

            4. Ensures clean drinking water supplies for future generations

            5. Enhances real estate values - clean drinking water is a local amenity. A community known for its great drinking water is a place people want to live and businesses want to locate.

            It is the goal of the Egremont Water Department to have our Source Water Protection Plan completed by April 2008 and begin implementation in May 2008.

            Please do not hesitate to contact the Water Department at 644-9614 if you have any questions or comments.

Egremont Garden Club:

          Our Egremont Holiday Fair this year will be held in the Egremont Fire House. Previous years the Fair has been held in the Egremont Library. The Fair is on December 8th from 9am - 2pm. A special light lunch will be served. Our delicious tins of homemade cookies, breads and fudge will be available for purchase. Talented Garden Club Members are busy crafting gifts, using plants and flowers grown locally, together with other interesting materials.

          On December 1st the Fire House will become a hive of activity. Branches and cuttings from our gardens will be used to cover the wreaths placed on the Public Buildings in Egremont. On the same day, Christmas floral arrangements, for the senior citizens lunch tables will be made. We are looking forward to Lighting the Christmas Tree. All contributions from the fair go towards our Club Community Outreach Program, a large portion going to local schools to support their horticultural endeavors.

          Our bridge boxes were a great success, due to the weather and our loving care.

          Our thanks go to the members of the Fire Department for their generous help in allowing us to use their hall.

          Hope to see you at the FAIR! Remember you are helping to keep Egremont looking beautiful.

          Now to report on an interesting past event- The Club launched a new fall event entitled, "Famous Gardens", on Wednesday September 19th at the Bushnell Sage Library. The first of an annual series highlighting the Restoration of Edith Wharton's Gardens at the Mount.

          A huge turnout of Berkshire Residents and Friends were entertained by Gordan Clark and Mari Andrejco. Gordon is a local garden authority who was responsible for the restoration of Edith Wharton's Gardens at the Mount, and Mari is a local professional actress, and an avid gardener.

          Gordon's slide presentation of the Mount's Garden Restoration, illustrated then and now.

          Mari impersonated Edith using the author's own writings and idiosyncrasies, such as tossing each written page on the floor, were not only interesting and informative, but very amusing. However, it was a repartee between Gordon and Edith/Mari, which followed, that stole the show. Gordon asked Edith, why she hadn't left some sort of written plans of her garden which she answered quite logically, "Well I was very busy writing books." We all know, quipped Gordon, you only wrote in the morning.

          The EGREMONT GARDEN CLUB is already planning next year's, famous Garden Events.

Emergency Management:

            The Humane Society of the United States has launched an interactive quiz to help pet owners prepare for a disaster. Called “Are You Really Ready” can be found at http://www.hsus.org/areyoureallyready . The Humane Society also offers detailed information on creating a plan and putting together an emergency kit for your pet, as well as for farm animals and livestock. Visit http://www.humansociety.org/prepare.

            As winter approaches with the possibility of severe storms it is good time to make sure that you have a Home Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

            ♦          Water, one gallon per person per day - best to have at least a 3 day supply

            ♦          Food - at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable foods.

            ♦          Battery-powered or hand crank radio and extra batteries.

            ♦          Flashlight and extra batteries

            ♦          First aid kit

            ♦          Whistle to signal for help

            ♦          Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to “shelter-in-place”

            ♦          Moist towelettes, garbage bags with plastic ties for personal sanitation

            ♦          Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

            ♦          Hand crank can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

            ♦          Local maps

            ♦          Prescription medications and glasses

            ♦          Infant formula and diapers if needed

            ♦          Pet food and extra water for your pet if needed

            ♦          Important documents - insurance policies, identification, and banking info in a waterproof, portable container

            ♦          Cash or traveler’s checks and change

            ♦          Emergency reference materials (see www.ready.gov)

            ♦          Sleeping bag/warm blankets for each person

            ♦          Complete change of clothes including long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

            ♦          Fire extinguisher

            ♦          Matches in waterproof container

            ♦          Personal hygiene items and feminine supplies

            ♦          Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils, paper towels

            ♦          Paper and pencil

            ♦          Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

            ♦          Family photos

            Again, we remind you to begin stockpiling non-perishable food items - enough for three months - in the event that the Pandemic Flu does affect our area. The Select Board has adopted the Southern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Commission’s Pandemic Flu plan. You may obtain a copy at Town Hall.

The South Egremont School:

           Don’t miss this opportunity to start your holiday shopping!
Local businesses from Egremont have again donated some truly wonderful prizes that will be raffled off on December 3rd at the South Egremont School. The children themselves pull the winning tickets and everyone is invited to be there for the drawing. The School’s Parents’ Organization sponsors this annual event and the proceeds are used to fund field trips and other school needs not covered in the general budget. Tickets will be on sale the entire month of November and are $5. They can be purchased at either General Store in North Egremont or South Egremont, or from any parent of a K/1 student.
Any Questions? Call Catherine Kane. at 644-9246.

Cemetery Commission:

            The Cemetery Commission reports that sales of lots in Hillside Cemetery are slow. The other two town cemeteries, Town House Hill and Riverside, are full. This means that sale of lots money is not coming in to keep covering the costs of upkeep. The Commission may have to seek funds at Town Meeting for continued upkeep of the town cemeteries. If you are interested in purchasing a plot in the Hillside Cemetery (which is near Town Hall), please contact Town Hall for contact information for the Cemetery Commission.

Board meeting schedule:

Subject to change.

Archives Room - First Saturday 9-noon

Assessors - Fridays 9am to 11am & Tuesdays 6pm to 8pm or by appointment

Board of Health - Monday- 8am to 1pm, Tuesday 8:30 to 12pm & 12:30 to 2:30pm Wednesday & Thursday 8am to 1pm

Meetings - First & Third Thursday 9am to 11am

Board of Selectmen - Meetings Tuesday evenings 7pm. Office 7:30am to 3pm.

Building Inspector - Tuesday 12:30pm to 3:30pm. If Monday is a holiday Wednesday 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Conservation Commission - Second and Fourth Thursdays 7:00pm

Finance Committee - Wednesday 7pm as needed.

Library - Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 2-6pm & Saturday 9-12noon

Planning Board - Second & Fourth Monday             7:30pm

Town Clerk - Tuesday evenings 7pm - 9pm

Water Department - Third Thursday 7:00pm

Zoning Board of Appeals - as needed

To reach a board member or to leave a message please call the Town Hall.

Community Notes:

Do you have something noteworthy you would like the community to know about - please pass it on.

Business listings:

             In an effort to promote local small businesses, the following businesses/services located in Egremont have agreed to be listed here. If we missed asking you and you wish to be included, please send your information to the Town Hall.

The Silo B&B - guest accommodations

             413-528-5195

The Inn at Sweet Water Farm - B&B

             1 Prospect Lake Road

             413-528-2882

             www.innsweetwater.com

The Weathervane Inn - Lodging

             413/800-528-9580

John Andrews’ Restaurant - Restaurant

             413-528-3469

Elm Court Inn - Restaurant

             413-528-0325

Swiss Hutte Country Inn and Restaurant-

             Restaurant & Lodging

             413-528-6200

Howard’s Antiques - Antique Lighting & Restoration

             413-528-1232

             www.howardsantiquelighting.com

Red Barn Antiques - Antique lighting & fine metal polishing

             413-528-3230

Home - Asian Antiques & Interior Objects

             195 Hillsdale Road (Route 23)

             413-528-5383

             www.homeasianantiques.com

Blue Rider Stables - Therapeutic Riding Center

             Lesson, summer programs

             www.bluerider.org

             413-528-5299

Green River Arabians & Pintos - Horse training, and boarding, a 4-H program.

             413-528-2367 arabpinto13@yahoo.com

             www.thearabianexperts.com/greenriver

Indian Line Farm - Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) & Farmers Markets

             413-528-8301

             www.indianlinefarm.com

House to House Hauling & Recycling-

             Rubbish removal

             413-528-0943

G&S Gventer “Books - Buy & Sell Books

             413-528-2327

Cosmic Resonance (Elfie Six) Shiatsu/Acutonics®, Soundhealing,

             413-644-9979

Peter Goldberg, Dipl. Ac - Acupuncture, Pain

             Management 413-528-5055

Zorn Family Chiropractic-Chiropractor

              44 Main Street

             413-528-9654

             www.healingspiritdc@yahoo.com

Divine Automotive - Automotive repair

             413-528-8007

Old Egremont Store - groceries, beer, wine, liquor, newspapers, lottery, & much more

             413-528-4796

Blueberry Lane Home Design - Interior decorating

             413-528-9633

Closet Collection - clothing & household

             consignment shop

              413-528-6236

Berkshire Veneer Company - wholesale/retail

             wood veneer sales

             413-644-9696

L and L Construction - Home repairs, additions,

             new home building

             413-528-5548

“Jack of All Trades”-Handyman Services

             Jack Buckley

             413-528-1982

             413-446-1982

Catamount Ski Area - Skiing

             413-528-1262

             www.catamountski.com

Anita Schilling - Real Estate Listing & Sales

             Barnbrook Realty

             413-528-4423

             anitacentury21@aol.com

Florence F. Browner Real Estate - Full Service

             90 Creamery Road

             413-528-3266

             flobro@berkshire.net

Kenver Ltd - Ski equipment and apparel

             39 Main Street

             413-528-2330

Maple Leaf Art Gallery - Joan Mentzinger

             154 Hillsdale Road, Route 23

The Agency Without Walls - Helen Krancer

Advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing. 413-644-9700

             helen@agencywithoutwalls.com

Cyber Knights - Matthew Wall

             Egremont Heights, South Egremont

             Computer repairs & sales

             413-429-7884

             matt@cyber-knights.net

Dellea.biz Computer Services

             Windows PC repairs & house calls

             Toll-free 1-877-594-0497

             http://www.dellea.biz

Tarot Readings By Diana Dixon Ziegler

              413-528-0452

             561-632-7171

             Support local businesses