MAY THE CIRCLE EVER REMAIN UNBROKEN: THE SHULMANS CELEBRATE A TRIUMPH TODAY, THIS WEEKEND, AND FOR GOOD
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION, JULY 1-4, 2016) — It will spin endlessly back to the beginning, not a journey but a destination. It is the new Berkshire Carousel, debuting today on Center Street off of West in downtown Pittsfield.
It was built not by grant money, like so many suspect projects and positions in Pittsfield.
It did not receive tax breaks or TIFS.
It was built not by the raid on Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski’s tax dollars, like so many money-losing venues that couldn’t make it in The Dreaded Private Sector.
It wasn’t built by The Suits, those windbags who pull strings even when nothing hangs on the other end.
Who built it?
A man.
A Man.
A man from Pittsfield who found great success in his chosen field, moved away, but never forgot the town he has always loved. He loved it even when mayors and officials butted in and tried to usurp the good work he had done. They tried to buy him. They tried to bribe him. He, however, shocked the glad-handers who always hear “yes” to their immoral and corrupt propositions.
He prevailed.
Thus, today, THE PLANET salutes Jim Shulman and his wife as they open the merry-go-round. We salute his persistence and perseverance in pursuit of a vision. He “saw” 400 volunteers, many of whom had never worked with wood before, carving a carousel! Who does this, especially when they have to fight “official Pittsfield,” that vile entity that makes business difficult, destroys the morale of its vanished middle class, and crushes goodness?
Who does this?
A man such as Jim Shulman.
For this reason, we warn all politicians: Don’t show up to make a speech. Don’t appear for the photo-op. Don’t hog ANY of the attention during this inaugural weekend for the carousel. You will regret it if you do. You have no say. You have no part in this celebration. Got it TFB and the rest of you frauds?
You are not wanted. You will not be welcome.
This will be a day and weekend for the Shulmans, for all the volunteers, and for the people and families who want to square this circle.
THE PLANET shall not bother with the details of this project. We will point out that amidst travails that would have discouraged anyone less resolute, the Shulmans pressed forward.
Here, for the curious, is the series we did “back in the day.” You may read for the historical perspective. The articles are presented in reverse chronological order.
- OUR SERIES ON BERKSHIRE CAROUSEL — “WILL IT GO ROUND IN CIRCLES” — CONCLUDES TODAY … GOB PITTSFIELD HAD ONLY ONE INTEREST IN THE CAROUSEL: TO SEE THAT NO OTHER TOWN GOT IT … CAROUSEL PROVIDES CAUTIONARY TALE UPON WHICH THE CITY’S FATE RESTS 36 comments
- November 1st PART 3 OF A !!PLANET EXCLUSIVE!! — “WILL IT GO ‘ROUND IN CIRCLES?” THE CAROUSEL PROJECT GETS OFF TO A SLOW START, BUT FROM THE GET-GO, THE CITY SHOWED AN ODD DISDAIN FOR THE PROJECT. WHY? THE ANSWER REVEALS MUCH ABOUT PITTSFIELD’S OFFICIAL DYSFUNCTION 32 comments
- October 30th PT II OF A PLANET EXCLUSIVE: THE BERKSHIRE CAROUSEL — ‘WILL IT GO ‘ROUND IN CIRCLES?’ … PROJECT BEGAN AS A $1 MILLION GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, BUT A TINY HANDFUL OF CITY ‘LEADERS’ ONLY SAW A THREAT 39 comments
- October 30th !!PLANET EXCLUSIVE!! ‘WILL IT GO ‘ROUND IN CIRCLES?’ … ROUND AND ROUND SHE GOES, AND WHERE IT STOPS IS LANESBORO, NOT PITTSFIELD. QUESTION IS WHY? WHY DID PITTSFIELD TURN ITS BACK ON A MILLION-DOLLAR GIFT HORSE? OUR FOUR-PART SERIES EXPLAINS WHAT HAPPENED … PART 1 TODAY!
But enough of that. We raise this cup for Jim Shulman, his wife, and all those who made a bit of goodness penetrate the black fog of death that overhangs a city now in the hands of incompetents.
With that, The Comment Line is open.
Have a great Fourth weekend, everybody.
——– 000 ——–
“The pain of war can not exceed the woe of their commands.” — Led Zeppelin, “The Battle of Evermore,” from the album Led Zeppelin IV.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
The views expressed in the comment section or opinions published within the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and PLANET VALENTI’s terms of service.
The video contains a reading of “Thinking,” sometimes he referred to as “The Man Who Thinks
I agree Dan V. There should be no politicians at this event looking for a photo op. This is about something good finally happening in Pittsfield. It’s not about the corrupt politicians. Send the politicians to the Beacon.
Speaking of worthless suits,
Is School Committee member AJ Riello still the Police Chief in Suffield, CT?
I think Barney Fife has that job
Oh then Suffield upgraded if they dumped Riello and installed Barney. It would have been an upgrade with Gomer Pyle or Otis the drunk.
Tricia Bouvier will be all smiles and will thank the same people she thanked at the last 15 photo opportunities.
Isn’t A J some kind of skydiver? A J is had been globe trotting the eastern seaboard as a chief for several communities.
Who cares…does this create good jobs? Is the location good? Who really wants to go around in circles and look at big y and CVS?
I guess good for them for going through on a goal but really…this does nothing for Pittsfield..really…who’s going to come to the area for a freaking carousel??
Aren’ you just a ray of sunshine Dank! You are the problem with Pittsfield, totally negative all the time! What the hell have you ever done to help our city? You are a jerk off.
If you go there have a blast but I think DH is right…..but time will tell.
Reply to Dank Hill—you asked:”who’s going to come to the area for a freaking carousel??”
I guess, you had no childhood whatsoever…
I feel Sorry for you, dude.
Thank you Jim and all the selfless volunteers that made this project happen. Great job people!
Speaking of corrupt politicians, more plotting and conspiring going on and Clinton isn’t even in the White House yet. Her husband meets with Attorney General Lynch supposedly discussing grandchildren and recipe tips. If Clinton does become president, expect the corruption to become business as usual. The Attorney General should be fired. These people have to learn what honesty is all about. If the general public doesn’t care, then they sure as heck will not. These politicians, regardless of their party, need to be reined in. People have to stop looking the other way because it’s their favorite political party.
Slick Willie and crooked Hilly.
Jim Shulman is one of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet and I look forward to seeing him and his wife Jackie. The carousel is absolutely wonderful and it’s just the half of the entire enterprise when it is completely finished. What not too many people know is that Jim is donating the best of his antique toy and Pittsfield memorabilia collection to be on permanent display at the site. This collection is priceless and will surprise and delight even the most hard hearted nay-sayer.
I wholeheartedly agree with Dan about the politicians staying away from the opening. The suits did indeed try to take control of the project on multiple occasions. No dice Tricia! Take a hike Jimmy Ruberto! Every attempt the suits made to screw up the project failed.
The Shulman family first came to Pittsfield just after World War II and they are still going strong and still giving to their community.
And if you want to get rid of Tricia, vote for Michael Bloomberg. Jim Shulman is his uncle !!
My usual cynicism aside. I salute Mr. Shulman and his dedicated volunteers. We have a widowed, senior family member who found a renewed therapeutic passion in the restoration of the carousel. Kudos to all involved.
Wow! I didn’t know about the connection between Michael Bloomberg and Jim Shulman. I was going to vote for Bloomberg anyway, but this is great to know!
Outstanding post Still Wondering
Nice post Still, my wife and I will be voting for Michael.
There should be a city ordinance banning Bianchi and Stanley from going anywhere near this place. How low can you go? To try to take over someone else s dream project after all the work has been done is unconscionable. Makes me want to vomit
And anyone else who tried to sand bag this wonderful thing for the children should be ashamed of themselves.
Has Mayor Behnkes raise gone through yet…120k….central berkshire business office makes 80k and is honest and can count.Central berkshire office does not sit alone in her office with the door shut playing online solitaire
To Jim and Jackie Shulman, congratulations. To all the volunteers, job well done. To the people of Pittsfield, especially the families and children, enjoy. To the electorate, elect Michael Bloomberg. To Dan Valenti thank you for trumpeting this cause through thick and thicker (you and Jim would make an unbeatable team!(
To every other politician, stay away this weekend unless you stand in line like everyone else and buy a ticket.
Really?
This is a great project and congratulations to all that made it happen.
But, lets get the facts straight.
They did get a matching grant of $250,000 from the state as well as a $25,000 handicapped accessible grant from the state.
The tax payers were “raided”, as Dan puts it for $275,000. Just sayin.
Don’t forget, they asked Mayor Bianchi for $1,000,000, so it wasn’t for lack of trying to “raid” us for more. Thanks god Bianchi didn’t give it to them. Ruberto as well for that matter. Probably the one thing the two of them agreed upon.
Who is right today? The Planet or Really? Both can’t be correct. Will the best information step forward?
That’s not what I heard. I heard that an anonymous private local donor came forward and gave the money to this carousel project to allow it to go forward. It had nothing to do with any state money.
Does not matter. For once a worthy cause. Does not even touch all the grants and freebies Stanley got.
Really?
They announced the matching grant at the event. I can’t be the only one who heard it.
Really The Planet is in the right.
Really?
No, I was right. See link below.
Really?
Which means you were wrong too. Can you admit that?
As always go with The Planet to learn the truth
The article does say they got 250K
They did get a grant from the Mass. Cultural Council.
So then a grant went for what they were intended for and not to some greedy entrepreneur looking for every handout he can get his hands on. Good to see.
And that property is now going to be off the tax roll, so everyone is paying for it quarterly
Glad I am not going to be your family picnic.
Just came from the Grand Opening and was able to get a ride on this beautiful piece of art. The Mayor and Tricia were both there, did not speak and I don’t believe interviewed, makes me happy there was no photo op for either of them that I saw.
Mr. and Mrs. Schulman, Maria Caccivello and all the volunteers cannot thank you enough for this wonderful gift to the city
Did any of the kids try to ride Tricia?
Did bow legs Bouvier get a ride?
No,but some thought the mayor was a unicorn.
Pete White gets the Boot Licker ( riposte ) award, fo trying to restore funding to Downtown Inc, after debate said no mas for more funding.
Jim Shulman wanted liquor liscense…weddings…entertainment permits….he wanted what everyone else wanted…He did not get it….what he got was 1000s of donated hours of many citizens without them he would not get this done….Shulman pitted one town against another…stop this reinvention of history…he will make million with this
Nothing is ever done for just,the love of it
maybe in your world –
Thats right school committee he did it for the money. Even when good things happen in Pittsfield people like you piss all over it.
School employees always get upset when it’s not all about them and their personal finances. Very sad.
Paul, the real issue will be keeping the riff raft out of there. Good luck with that.
I worry more about the riff than the raff
Do you mean raff,Cos?
Here’s a video of the opening:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbbF_7By1HA
I think Jim and Jackie Shulman should be congratulated and honored for this gem. To all the volunteers, job well done. To the people of Pittsfield, especially the families and children, enjoy. To Dan Valenti thank you for trumpeting this cause through thick and thicker.
One must weigh less than 190 pounds to ride the Merry Go Round,
Nice post Still, my wife and I will be voting for Michael.and the problem is what?
We have the B Bus already.
From the Carousel you can shoot up onto Zukes and get yourself some nice Soup.
Really?
For all you know it all folks. I was right. They did get 250 grand from the state. Here is the link to the iberkshires story. Read the paragraph next to the picture.
http://www.iberkshires.com/story/52303/Berkshire-Carousel-Opens-to-Much-Fanfare.html
Really?
The paragraph next to the second picture.
When Super Wallmart was proposed the first time I was totally against this project. But times have changed, no one wants to build there, and the City has a spending habit. We must feed the pig, that is the City of Pittsfield. Walmart yes, Dunkin Dounuts yes, Stste prisons, nuclear power plants, casinos, whore houses, pot growing facilities, anything to feed the pig. After all it’s for the children.
Never thought I would see this day in my Lifetime! Taxes going up up up… sewr and water up up up…… it is Overwhelming to think……yes we could lose our home due to irresponsibility on steroids
Thank spa girl for mentioning the water and sewer hikes, almost 10 per cent in total. Tyer is just as disgusting as anyone else. She wins the race, moves into a $637,ooo home and all of a sudden can tax you enough.
Tired of Tyer. Tyred of entire school committee. Tyred of entire council. Peter White is Peter Suckup. The ultimate lap dog for the way he tried to get DPi money again…
Pittsfield has to be the most corrupt city in the state, in NE.
The good news in all this we are moving prior to Labor Day, a new job, mfg job, in Pittsburgh at twice the pay plus my wife’s family is from there!!!
Just wait until Collingwood’s buddies, AECOM get done with the upgrades at the waste water treatment plant. Then the rates will skyrocket.
Are these the same upgrades that could have been done during Ruberto’s term? I seem to remember some Federal requirement talked about then.
Yes, the Feds say certain upgrades have to be done, but they don’t say how much has to be spent. Collingwood lets AECOM buffalo him as to how much it will take to meet standards. AECOM is an engineering consultant for Pittsfield and their fee is dependent on total project cost. So they will always recommend the 100,000,000 option over a 10,000,000 option. Collingwood doesn’t seem to be able to figure out when Pittsfield is getting screwed.
Congratulations on escaping from Pittsfield!! So many of us would like to do the same.
Amen. Correct on all points. If Pete White ever displays any gumption and independent thinking, the Housatonic will turn purple and flow uphill.Juvenile personality.
Good for you and good luck.
K-Man Good Luck. Another Family leaving because of the Gluttony of the Mayor, City Council and Employees, mostly Schools. A couple of comments on Pete White are right on, but he’s small potatoes compared to other officials. The Mayor sets the Budget, everyone else follows. Guess moving away from here might become a reality for many, the Lemon isn’t worth the squeeze anymore.
They say Southern New England isn’t half bad.
How many consultants, commissioned realtors, developers, sub contractors, accounting firms, attorneys, etc.,etc.,are quietly involved in the proposed Walmart store for example. Not to mention the usual and unknown few that are profiting from the new THS. Construction has begun on the Dunkin Donuts store at !st and Fenn Sts., without a drive thru. Why would it be built without a drive thru when major revenue of the present nearby store on 1st St. is drive thru sales ? Unless a back room deal has been cut with the current powers to be that the drive thru permit will ultimately be approved ? It’s all about $$$$. Morality and integrity in government are passe’.
Bankers and Lawyers run City, always have and always will.
K-Man…did the mayor hit the lottery? Where did she move to?
“to a deluxe apartment in the sky” Shes movin on up and not the hard way. If the public only knew whats going on…..
Mayor Tyer is living in a gated community off of West Street. It seems that many wealthy people live in that area, many former Pittsfield mayors live there as well.
She lives on Westbrook – the last left off West St. Nothing wrong with that, What former mayors live there? One former lives on West St. but that’s a far cry from Westbrook.
Being tight with the chief of police she gets all the dirt on how truly unsafe it is in Pittsfield. If the rest of us had her money we would live in gated communities as well. It’s just good sense.
That former mayor would be snake oil Doyle. Now he doesn’t have to meet Tyre at Del Gallo’s he can just drunk drive down the road to give her direction.
That former mayor would be snake oil Doyle. Now he doesn’t have to meet Tyre at Del Gallo’s he can just drunk drive down the road to give her direction.
I didn’t get it – could you post it one more time?
A glitch in the system
Some things bear repeating. I got to laugh twice.
I hope if there’s going to be a new Cumberland Farms on Dalton Avenue that they refuse any cigarette license just like they did for other small businesses.
Almost daily in the paper there are people who are being charged with assault drug offense and other law breaking things in Pittsfield.
Horrible place to locate such a business. What a clustermuck traffic logjam that will be. I hope to hell some state oversight person kills this in its infancy but a greased palm goes a long way sometimes.
Hillary was just hauled off by the FBI. Bill is in the doghouse this weekend in the Clinton home. Hillary will be giving him the cold treatment for his daring to interfere with her getting the most powerful position in the country.
Do the Clintons play by a different set of rules than the rest of us? Did Bill really think he could meet with the head of this country’s law enforcement while his wife is being investigated in two separate investigations? Isn’t is very disturbing that these people are so cozy and friendly with each other? How can true justice take place when they are all friends? Now, just days after that meeting Hillary’s emails will not be made public until well after the election. Could this have been what was being discussed? Is there damaging evidence in those emails?
George Bush lied about why we needed to start a war in Iraq….its never going to be over….1 trillion in debt for 1 presidents want and then the mortgage scandle…Bush wanted everyone to own a home…world financial collapse….here you go Obama its all your fault
Stop changing the subject. Everybody knows Dems in this area will vote for Clinton no matter how corrupt she is, but that is changing the subject of the FACT that these Clintons are people who ARE NOT TO BE TRUSTED. All the Dems in this area are as bad as the Clintons. Pittsfield epitomizes the attitude of the Clintons that there are two separate rules for those in power and the rest of us. This is why Pittsfield is in so much trouble because the bigwig Democrats in this area behave just like the Clintons. No accountability to the people, no voice for the people in their own government, and the belief that they know what is best for us while they can get away with anything they want since they do not have to answer to anybody. They think they are SPECIAL. Progressive Democrats, every one of them!
You are delusional SC
Yes..in Pittsfield you can buy herion on every corner…1/ 3 of all school employees wont live where Mayor Tyer lives…Tricia Bouvier wont send her children to school with pittsfield ma kids but wants your vote.Good luck with that Mrs Bouvier
Its also important to remember that private sector corporations like GE dont want to hire Americans they love 3rd world dictatorship labor….hate unions
Let me guess…you don’t watch fox news and you dont think Bill O’Reilly is a rock star.
I watch fox news a I think O’Reilly talks out of his butt much of the time. Do you watch MSLSD?
And a big shout out to J.H. Maxymillian for their huge contribution to the carousel. It is great to see local business giving instead of taking for a change.
Pittsfield’s political organization’s most dreaded four letter word is Feds.
A forensic audit conducted by agents who reside away from here, with no local connect. Scary !
After listening to Mr. Guyer, he tells oe sells a story of a never ending flow of back order funds needed for his Department. If Pittsfield ever ends up with a surplus…..isn’t going to happen and neither is tax relief……get rid of this Administration as fast as we can,as well as most of the City Clowncil and all of the Fools Committee.
So it looks like Springside is now a venue to celebrate accomplishments outdoors, as if another was needed. Wait until the Cops have to start chasing the Carousel Crowd and the Loungers out of Springside, a vast area as well.
How about it. I was watching a Little League game and out come three guys out of the woods, looked like they hadn’t had food or bathed in days, they were friendly enough and said they startled me. they asked if they could have a dollar for food, of course I gave them ten as they were a little bedraggled.
Was one of them named Stanley?
Pittsfield ma. Is a failed city with no plan but more taxes……city council is not very well read ….white…krol….mazzeo….amuso….Caccamo are must vote yes on everyone ….my taxesare up 25% in 5 years…..Taconic school taxes will add 200 dollars on average every year for the rest of your life if your over 50
My daughter lives in Mooresville, N.C. they have not had a tax increase in 11 years. Last year they had a School Tax. This year they do not. You call that a working City.
Open line weekend. To all you folks driving around like jack asses, delivering the Berkshire Bird Cage. Putting your hazard lights on doesn’t excuse you from driving like a asshat. You do not have a heart in a cooler, still beating on the way to a ER. You still must obey the rules of the road, hazards or not. Side note your paper sucks big time.
Now that is funny stuff!
After listening to Peter Marchetti little speech at the committee of the whole I find it difficult to support our elected representatives in this city.
if you hear fireworks call the police, they are illegal and dangerous.
I definitely will call them. Sick of having property ruined by people who don’t know what they are doing with fireworks. They create dangerous situations for themselves and others. They started going off near my neighborhood tonight. It sounded like it was several streets over though. I really don’t want to be shell shocked by the end of this weekend. Leave fireworks to the professionals!!! Let’s have a nice peaceful long weekend everyone. Relax and enjoy please.
Let’s not turn the city into a war zone like last year on July 4th. That was also when that terrible tragedy happened where several young people were shot and left for dead in a parking lot here in Pittsfield. The fireworks were horrible throughout the city on that day last year. Also probably why nobody was arrested for causing the tragedy that killed one person and seriously injured several others. Nobody could tell gunfire from fireworks.
Blowing through red lights and blowing off fireworks are not huge concerns for local law enforcement. They have become the excepted norm.
Pittsfield has lost the ability to raise taxes without a referendum.Pittsfield has no free cash.Pittsfield is going to ok a Walmart where they thought a large business would go.Pittsfield has no disipline left,we love herion,booze ,cigarettes,guns and violence.
Even casino’s are not interested.Gangsters love this gangster town.Theres no work for 40 thousand people and our mayor lives in a gated community able to afford 15k to 20 k in realestate taxes.Mazzeo can afford 10k in taxes.My neighbor can not keep his very nice home and this WW2 veteran voted for Mazzeo and Tyer….these elitists have turned this city into a dirt bag town…Krol,Mazzeo,Caccamo,Tully,Marchetti,Connell ,White….your writing checks WW2 veterans cant afford.
Cops are going to certain calls where the individual-individuals are reoccuring calls. For instance,a complaint about a person for disturbing the peace the first time is ignored, then the officers go back a second time and the individual says he-she’s done for the nght. What kind of reprimand is that? Police want us to call and when we do nothing happens.
Listening to the police scanner a call came in about fireworks. the police responded and actually caught the perp in action. A call then came back and said it was so and so and that they were celebtating something? That made it o k???????
I think it’s time for Pittsfield to get a return on its investments. There should be a 50 cent surcharge on any ticket purchased in Pittsfield under 10$. A 1$ surcharge for a ticket over 10$. This would be a good revenue stream. Time for Beacon,Waconah Park,Barrington Stage,Colonial, Carousel and Berk Musuem to give back.
How are these places giving back if the money comes from their patrons?
The minute you sstart messing with any profits the more they come back for, joe.