News & Blog
Rockets Over the Hay Fields: What the State’s Own Records Say About Unlicensed Fireworks on Old Williamstown Road
The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services was asked whether a permit existed for fireworks discharged over active hay fields on this road. Twice, and in writing, the answer was the same: no permit, no license, no legal authority. Part 1 of a three-part series documenting public safety failures and Right to Farm violations.
Who Watches the Trees? Damage Allegations, a New Appointment, and an Unannounced Visit
My attorney's letter named the DPW as the source of alleged damage to historic maples that line the road for 300 years on my property. The Town's response: appoint that same DPW Director as Lanesborough's official Tree Warden. Then he showed up at my property — unannounced, with a law enforcement officer — while work continued in defiance of written notice from counsel. The sequence raises questions the Town has not answered. Part 2 of a series.
When Are the Rules Applied Equally? Scott Road and the Questions Lanesborough Won't Answer
When the Town paved the south end of Scott Road, I did what any journalist would do — I started digging. What I found was stunning: Scott Road may never have been formally taken as a public way. Along the way, I wrote to the Select Board and the Tree Committee about documented evidence showing DPW equipment operating beyond the road's historical boundary, with visible damage to 300-year-old maples in a town that has held Tree City USA designation for 19 years. I got no response, no hearing, no accountability. And if the road status finding holds, this may affect every unpaved dirt road and property owner in Lanesborough and across Berkshire County. Part 1 of a series.
Three Plows. Five Passes. One Lane. — A Video-Documented Look at How Lanesborough Plows a Dirt Road
Thirteen snow events. Seven on video. A 30-ton construction loader deployed twice on a single-lane dirt road — while six comparable roads nearby got standard plows. Documented property damage to trees, signs, security cameras, and fencing. And no response from the Town. This is a full incident-by-incident audit, with footage, of what's been happening on Scott Road since November 2025.
Where It Begins Again
The barns are coming back to life — and so is the sound of hooves. W.L. Ranger HBA, a 4½-year-old Haflinger, is coming home to Musicwoods Farm, and with him, a promise kept.
Looking for a Driving Pair of Haflingers for Musicwoods Farm
Five wonderful Haflingers were part of this farm's past — and now it's time to bring them back. I'm searching for a matched driving pair to join us here on 214 acres of open fields, dirt roads, and direct access to Greylock State Reservation. The barn is ready. The equipment is ready. We're ready.
Heritage & History: Stories from Musicwoods Farm
Musicwoods Farm holds generations of history — stories of resilience, hard work, and the deep connection between family and land. From previous occupants like Mary Müssig and Frank Weneger, captured in Berkshire County history, to my own family's arrival in 1969, each moment is a thread in the fabric of our legacy.
When AI Reimagines History: A Digital Take on the 1760s Hall Tavern
Can AI bring the past to life? I put Photoshop's AI to the test, generating an image of the historic Hall Tavern. Using my experience with news graphics and technology, I explored what the Tavern could have looked like based on historical descriptions.
Scott Road: The road from Great Barrington to Bennington
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Scott Road, a vital artery for early emigrants traveling from Connecticut to Vermont, and the iconic Hall Farm Tavern that served as a lifeline for weary travelers.
Unearthing History: The Quest to Rediscover the Hall Tavern
In 1959, local hermit Frank Weneger pointed to a lilac bush, marking the spot where the historic Hall Tavern once stood. Now, we're embarking on an archaeological dig to uncover its hidden foundation and the stories it holds.
The Hall Tavern: A Revolutionary Legacy
Tucked away on a quiet hill on Scott Road, behind a weathered stone wall and flourishing lilacs, lies the forgotten foundation of the Hall Tavern, built by Revolutionary War hero Captain Jabez Hall.
The Old House - Lincoln Homestead.
In 1761, property lots of approximately 100 acres each were established in New Framingham, Massachusetts (later Lanesborough) and its surrounding fields and forests.
Today would have been my mother Aline's 94th birthday.
I took this photo in October 2000 in the dining room, a space I've kept much the same. I often sit in that chair for breakfast, thinking of her. She had an infectious smile and a deep love for music, dogs, and horses.
What's in a name
One of the questions I get asked is where did the name come from? In going through the documented farm history, I came across a document my father wrote and have updated it with a little more background.
A side-By-Side is not a golf cart
As a professional journalist with 30 years of experience in Local and Network News, I've utilized my design director skills to document the new State barriers installed on the section of Old Williamstown Road, which has been officially closed since 1979.
first snow
I was here about a week and woke up to a delightful dusting of powdered sugar on everything. It turned out to be the perfect day to cozy up indoors and embark on a quest to locate the coffee maker hidden somewhere in the multitude of tubs I shipped from Albuquerque.
Welcoming Wicket
A Tale of a Near-Sighted Jack Russell Terrier Poodle Mix Finding His Way Home.
In the hustle and bustle of our lives, a new member has joined our family, bringing with him boundless energy, a keen sense of smell, and a name inspired by the adorable Ewok from Star Wars — meet Wicket, our Jack Russell Terrier Poodle mix.
a new start
Just wanted to drop a quick line — This was Day One in the Berkshires. Just me and Pops, my Tosa Inu, to start on this adventure. Imagine rolling hills, a cozy farmhouse, and the peace of the Berkshires. Yeah, it's that good.