 Egremont News |
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Issue 48 |
November, 2009 |
Rules & Regulations of this Newsletter:
The purpose of this newsletter is to keep residents informed of what is going on in their community. It is printed on a bi-monthly basis by the Selectmen’s Office Staff. Articles submitted by Town Boards are not edited by the Select Board or Office Administrator. Outside organizations are allowed to submit articles of no longer than one column length. These articles are to be factual and will not be printed if they contain any political format, forum, or communication. We welcome reader input and hope you enjoy reading the Newsletter.
Calendar Note: July 25, 2010 11am to 4pm Egremont on Parade at French Park Volunteers, donations and funding appreciated
Selectmen:
The Board has voted to change to an every other Tuesday evening meeting schedule. Meetings in November will be on the 3rd and the 17th, with meetings in December being on the 1st, 15th and 29th at 7pm at Town Hall. The Board may meet in daytime work sessions as needed.
The Board is working very hard with David King of Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc on the Police Feasibility Needs Study and plans for a possible new police station. The Board is hopeful that a public hearing will be held in early December to present the information to townspeople.
The 2010 Census is getting under way. A U.S. Census worker will likely be knocking on your door some time soon. A Census worker must display a badge, be holding a hand held device for input of data, have a Census Bureau canvas bag, and give you a confidentiality notice. To protect yourself ask for their identification and badge. There is no need to invite them in to your home. The worker is to verify your address information. Do not give your social security number, credit card or banking information. The worker may ask for your salary range but will need no other information. Census workers may also call your home or mail you a survey form. Census workers will not contact you via email. Workers will not ask for donations or be selling anything.
Water Department:
News from the EWD is mostly good. The hand held meter reader and associated software, which has been in use since the treatment plant began operating, is obsolete and can no longer be serviced. The Commissioners approved the purchase of a new reader and associated software from CUSI (Continental Utility Solutions Inc). The new software is Windows-based and is constantly being updated. The Sheffield Water Company has the same system and has been 100% satisfied with it. Another upgrade has been the changeover to wireless high-speed internet at the treatment plant. The previous internet was dial-up which was totally unsatisfactory.
The other good news is that, at the moment, there are no known leaks of any significance in the system. We are quite confident that the outflows from the plant accurately reflect water usage by our customers.
In the not-so-good news department, our billable outflows from the plant have steadily decreased and as a result revenues are not keeping pace with estimates. We implemented a new rate structure this fiscal year, hoping to increase revenues significantly. However, this has not happened and another round of rate increases seems highly likely in the coming months.
We have a new email address. It is: egrwater@live.com
Planning Board:
A resident, a selectman, and the Building Inspector have come to the Board to suggest that some guidance in the form of a bylaw addressing fences and retaining walls would be appreciated. Therefore, we are discussing the issue. We are interested in how townspeople feel about fences and walls (height restriction? materials/appearance? setbacks from property lines?) and invite comments. We are also compiling and looking at fence bylaws in other communities.
Council on Aging:
Recent suggestions received from Elder Services should be considered when thinking of hiring help with home improvements:
‘ELDER SERVICES reminds us to “beware of fix-ups”........
If you get a knock on the door from a contractor who ‘just happens to be in the neighborhood’–beware. You could be asked for money up front and never see them again. Before hiring any contractor, do your homework – ask him for his registration number, place of business, insurance and customer references. Always.....
Make sure your contractor secures a building permit;
Insist on a contract, in advance, and do not pay for anything until you and the contractor agree in writing;
Verify a contractor’s registration with the Board of Building Regulations at 617-973-8787;
Check on the contractor’s complaint history at the Elder Consumer Hotline at 1-888-243-5337, or
Call the Berkshire County District Attorney’s office with questions at 413-443-5951, or
Call Elder Services with questions at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
Do not give away your important protections when you hire a contractor.’
Are you familiar with the SHINE program (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)? SHINE will be offering programs for Medicare beneficiaries about choices for Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans and to discuss changes to Medicare Part D Prescription plans. If you have questions about these matters, check you calendar and attend a program at the Claire Teague Senior Center in Great Barrington November 9 at 10:30am or at the Mason Library on November 19 at 6pm.
Police Department:
It’s getting to be “that time of the year again….” We encourage our citizens to drive safely and slowly at all times and especially during the winter months.
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.
Please keep in mind that the Egremont Police Department covers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please take note: if you are at the Town Hall and wish to speak with the ON DUTY officer and/or the CHIEF, please ring the door bell or knock. If the CHIEF or the ON DUTY officer is not in the office and you have an EMERGENCY, please pick up the RED PHONE on the outside of the building and you will be connected to the Dispatcher. The Dispatcher will then radio the officer on duty.
Also, if you just want to leave a non emergency note or message there are envelopes located outside the office for your convenience. Please note, a message can be left 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the Chief or the on duty officer will get back to you. Our 24 hour business line is 413-528-2160.
Conservation Commission:
THANK YOU TED VINING!!!
When driving around Egremont, what does one see? A bucolic village, rolling farmlands, fields and streams. There are hundreds of reasons why Egremont continues to be such a lovely town, many of which are unseen by most residents and through travelers.
Off most people’s radar screens, and in the background for decades, not years, is one of those unsung heroes who has contributed countless hours towards keeping our town ecology and hydrology in check. Ted Vining has been a stalwart member of the Egremont Conservation Commission for over 30 years now. This commission has been volunteer driven since its inception and continues to be today. Ted has tirelessly given up 2 Thursdays a month for over 30 years, and made hundreds of site visits with wetland protection as the end goal.
There is a proportional relationship between the population demographics and demand for housing. And as this demand increases, the “easy to develop” land goes first, then the more and more difficult land starts to get developed. This demand often results in encroachment on sensitive areas where wetlands issues can be very complex. Over the years, Ted has skillfully negotiated many projects with tact and diplomacy. In his eloquent terms “The Egremont Conservation Commission is a ‘permitting board’”. There isn’t an engineer who hasn’t had some interaction with Ted at some point over the years, and they all hold him in the highest regard.
The Town of Egremont owes Ted Vining a huge debt of gratitude. Should you see him around town, shake his hand and say “thank you!” It’s the least we can do for him, as he’s done so much for us! Thank you Ted!!
Town Clerk:
Please be aware that there are two Special Elections coming soon. These elections will be to fill the vacant Senate seat. The first is the primary to be held Tuesday, December 8, 2009 and the next is the general election to be held Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Polls for both of these elections will be open from 7;00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Absentee Ballots will be available for both elections.
You must apply for an absentee ballot in writing. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for the Dec. 8 election is 12:00 noon on Monday, Dec. 7.
There is a change for the Jan. 19 election. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT FOR THIS ELECTION IS 5:00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 15. The reason for this is the Martin Luther King Holiday on Jan 18. Please note this change.
For additional information or questions please contact Town Clerk Margaret Muskrat.
Treasurer/Collector:
PLEASE NOTE:
FY 2010 - Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Preliminary Bills 2nd quarter are due November 3, 2009.
Reminder:
**There is no grace period.
**Postmark is not considered received timely.
**Back dated checks are not accepted as timely.
Fees & Fines - The demand fee for delinquent tax bills has increased to $10.00 per bill.
Motor Vehicle Excise - Interim bills are still being mailed periodically as the bill information is received from the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Interim bills are generated when a new or used vehicle is purchased and/or registered during the present or prior year. 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.
On Line Banking - UNIPAY on line banking has upgraded to UNIPAY GOLD. It 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. Note: When making payments through your bank bill pay please remember to use your current tax bill number and check to be sure the remittence address is correct.
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 01258.
Office hours - Tax Collector 7-3 Monday through Friday or by appointment.
Library:
What is a better idea for a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon than to sit all snuggled in your favorite easy chair with a good book in hand. The Egremont Free Library is here to meet your every need in that department… for that matter in almost any department.
Or, it’s a rainy weekend, and the kids are rammy. Why not come down to the library and get a good kids’ movie to while away the afternoon and out of mother’s hair.
If you are interested to going to a museum, we have passes for the Norman Rockwell, the Clark, the Mount and Chesterwood. Just call 528-1474 to reserve the passes.
Have you stopped into the Library to see the mock-up of the proposed library? You might come along with a friend and discuss the pro’s and con’s.
In any event, do come to visit the jewel of South Egremont. We are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2-6, and Saturday’s from 9-12.
South Egremont School News:
This year finds our K1 program again fully subscribed with 17 students. Julie Milanie has been joined by Bonnie Groeber as her new assistant teacher with the retirement of the beloved Mrs. D., Barbara Delmolino and Jo Ann Broderick, whose daughter attends, is our new crossing guard. Please remember to wave.
September started with a special presentation from Nigel Peacock, a resident of South Egremont and a parent. In keeping with our first segment, “Rocks, Sand and Soil”, Nigel brought an impressive collection of rocks and fossils he had collected as a boy in England. The children were able to examine a perfectly preserved trilobite and touch fossils that were 40 million years old! It has inspired the children to keep track of their collections and continue to be interested in the crust of the earth just
below our feet. Thank you Nigel for sharing your expertise with us.
Pictured above is some fossils shown and the 2009/10 class at South Egremont School.
PASTEL WORKSHOP – MONET’S MAGIC GARDEN:
On Saturday, November 14 at the North Egremont Firehouse, enjoy instruction, demonstration, and hands-on work to learn how to paint pastels like an Impressionist. Greg Maichack, award winning pastel painter, will instruct beginners and advanced artists in the process and techniques of this famous style. No experience is necessary and all adults are welcome. The workshop will begin at 11 AM and run till 1 PM and all materials are included. This workshop is free and is sponsored by the Alford-Egremont Cultural Council. The North Egremont Firehouse is located on Rte. 71 by the Egremont Town Hall.
Bylaw adoption:
Notice has been received from the Attorney General’s Office of the approval of Article 21 as a general bylaw of the Town of Egremont as adopted at the May 5, 2009 Annual Town Meeting: “All Town of Egremont property tax payers have the same right to speak at the Town’s Annual Meeting and all other meetings as those who are registered to vote in the Town of Egremont, subject to the right of the Egremont Town Moderator to maintain order at Town Meetings.”
French Park Holds it First Annual Doggie Day!:
On October 10th, French Park was the host to
over 80 dogs and 150 pet parents! Doggies of all
shapes, sizes, breeds and ages entered various
contests and walked away with trophies & ribbons
for many fun events such as : Best Dressed, Best
Kisser, Best Tail Wagger and, of course, Best
Attitude in the Mutt Strut.
Local businesses, restaurants and neighbors
donated money, time and items to help put on the
event and fill our raffle table with some
wonderful local goodies.
Everyone had a marvelous, fun-filled day, and
we were able to raise some money for the French
Park Fund to put towards building a newer, safer,
environmentally friendly playground in the park.
Generous attendees filled The Humane Society's
buckets with donated pet food for their food pantry
to give out to families in need. Several other animal
organizations were also present and included, The
Good Dog Foundation, A Place For Us: Bonnies
Shelter for Foster Animals and Pet Partners.
Doggie Day was such a huge success that
many people have already inquired about next year's
event. If you are interested in being involved in our
2nd Annual Doggie Day please give Karen Cumsky
a call at (413) 644-9934.
Thank you to all who attended and hope to
see you again next year!!!
Over 50 dogs strutted their stuff in the 1st Annual French Park Doggie Day’s big event...the Mutt Strut!
South Egremont Church:
The First Congregational Church of South
Egremont located on Main Street is South Egremont pleased to advise Egremont residents that the Church’s emergency warming shelter their members established several years ago is ready to provide a place of refuge for Egremonters and others who might loose power this winter due to ice storms or other natural disasters.
The church members have added more fire and CO detectors and new style emergency cots this year. They also have a 30,000 watt emergency generator, blankets and a small amount of food on hand.
They have members to staff the shelter and volunteers who can provide transportation if needed. They would appreciate donations of canned foods for the shelter.
Please contact Pastor Peter Henderson at 413-466-6419 or Evelyn Willcox at 413-528-2368 for information or assistance.
Board meeting schedule:
Subject to change. Please see postings of meetings at Town Hall and the Post Offices for more detail.
Archives Room - First Saturday 9-noon and May to October the third Monday 2-4pm
or by appointment
Assessors - Tuesdays & Thursday 9am to 12noon & by appointment
Board of Health - Monday- 8am to 1pm, Tuesday 8:30am to 12pm & 12:30 to 2:30pm Wednesday & Thursday 8am to 1pm Meetings - First & Third Thursday 9am to 11am
Board of Selectmen - Meetings every other Tuesday evenings 7pm. Office weekdays 7am to 3pm.
Building Inspector - Tuesday 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Other times and inspections by appointment
Conservation Commission - Second and Fourth Thursdays 7:00pm
Finance Committee - Wednesdays 7pm January through March. Other times as needed.
Library - Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 2-6pm & Saturday 9-12noon
Planning Board - Second & Fourth Monday 7:30pm
School Committee: Second & Fourth Thursdays 6pm Mt. Everett High School Library
Tax Collector: Monday - Friday 7:00am to 3:00pm
Town Clerk - Tuesday evenings 7pm - 9pm or by appointment
Transfer Station - Tuesday & Thursday 8am to 1pm, Saturday 8am to 3pm, Sunday 12noon to 4pm
Water Department - Office weekdays 8am to 2pm Meetings Third Thursday 4:30pm at Town Hall
Zoning Board of Appeals - as needed
To reach a board member or to leave a message please call the Town Hall.
Citizens Corner:
Bev Almond announces the publication of Harry Almond’s book “An American in the Middle East”. Please contact Bev at 528-0172 to obtain a copy of the book - the cost is $21.00. Harry Almond was a long time Egremont resident. His book is a story that spans a half-century of tumultuous relationships between America and the Middle East as seen through the eyes of an American.
The community potluck dinners have begun for the winter at the South Egremont Church on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30pm - November 19 and December 17. For information contact Evelyn Willcox at 528-2368.
Would you like to make a donation to help put up the holiday trees and lights in the villages. Contact Bruce Cumsky at 644-9934. There is a collection container at Town Hall as well. The group is looking for trees to be donated as well as funds donations.
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
Swiss Hutte Country Inn and Restaurant-
Restaurant & Lodging
413-528-6200
The Egremont Inn and Tavern-Restaurant & Lodging
10 Old Sheffield Road
“A perfect place, great food, music and nice people”. 413-528-2111
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
Blue Rider Stables - Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Lessons, summer programs
www.bluerider.org
413-528-5299
Green River Arabians & Pintos -
Horse Boarding, lessons, judging, 4-H program.
413-528-2367 arabpinto13@yahoo.com
Indian Line Farm - Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) & Farmers Markets
413-528-8301
Turner Farms Maple Syrup - Phillips Road, open 7am to 7pm 7 days a week. 413-528-5710
G&S Gventer “Books - Buy & Sell Books
413-528-2327
Elfi Six Shiatsu/Acutonics®, Bodywork
413-644-9979
www.CosmicResonance.com
Peter Goldberg, Dipl. Ac - Acupuncture, Pain
Management 413-528-5055
Zorn Family Chiropractic-Chiropractor
44 Main Street
413-528-9654
www.healingspiritdc@yahoo.com
Zorn Core Fitness - Boot Camp
Outdoor workouts.
413-528-1594
Yoga at Zorn Core Fitness, Karin Beebe
Ashtanga Yoga 9am Tuesday and Thursday
Gentle/Hatha Yoga at 10:30am Tuesday and Thursday
46 Main Street
413-528-0828 kbyoga@gmail.com
Cody B. Loder, L.I.C.S.W. - Individual & Couple Counseling - Specializing in Dual Diagnosis
9 Miller View
413-528-0393
1-888-528-0393
Divine Automotive - Automotive repair
413-528-8007
Old Egremont Country 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
Anita Schilling - Real Estate Listing & Sales
Barnbrook Realty
413-528-4423
Florence F. Browner Real Estate - Full Service
90 Creamery Road
413-528-3266
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
Cyber Knight - Matthew Wall
PC repairs - Networking - Internet
413-528-5415
James Olmsted - Outdoor Services & Caretaking
Field mowing
413-528-0102
pager 413-261-2150
PAPERCHASERS Barbara Fields - Organizing and Productivity Services, Project and Time Management
413-528-2824
Support local businesses
On The Death Of A Little Dog
Oh, my poor little lost dog.
Who in all the world may tell
the pain in my bursting heart?
For here at last the time has run,
The curtain falls, the last act’s done,
The time has come when we must part.
With tears I place you here, my pet,
beneath the earth of home,
beneath the fields in which we played,
and now I stand alone.
My heart will ever bear the mark,
the void will never fill,
For you were my beloved friend,
and remain beloved still.
No more the graceful wagging tail,
no more the warm wet tongue,
to kiss my hand in silent speech,
in a song of love unsung.
You were innocence and purity,
you were gentleness and pride,
Who never asked for but my touch,
who never left my side.
Oh god, in all your gentle love,
when death takes me to task,
unite me with my little dog,
that’s all my soul will ask.
Town of Egremont
P.O. Box 368
South Egremont MA 01258
413-528-0182
Printed, on recycled paper, by the Selectmen’s Office Staff as submitted by Town Departments.
“The Town of Egremont is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”