Posted Nov 18, 2024 - Fire Restrictions Fire Department Important Message As Severe Fire Weather Persists, Windsor Extends Outdoor Fire Restrictions 518 Fires Have Burned More Than 1,500 Acres in Massachusetts Since October 1 With outdoor fuel sources extremely dry and no meaningful precipitation expected, Windsor Fire Chief James Hyatt and municipal leaders are extending restrictions on any outdoor fires at least until Friday, November 22. “This has been an unprecedented fall fire season in Massachusetts,” said Chief Hyatt. “The current and expected weather conditions mean that any outdoor fire is likely to spread quickly and become difficult to control. In Windsor, those fires could easily spread to homes and other properties.” Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through January 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. The local fire restriction additionally restricts the outdoor use of fire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/heating equipment, and other ignition sources under Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Code grants fire officials the authority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought. About 200 Massachusetts municipalities have imposed these prohibitions. Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk. All of Massachusetts is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season. While the state averages 15 to 20 fires a month in October and November each year, local fire departments have reported more than 500 fires since October 1, 2024. These fires have burned more than 1,500 acres – rivalling average statewide totals for an entire year. Many of these fires have damaged homes and other properties, and they are taxing local and regional firefighting resources. According to Chief Hyatt, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power equipment, and other ignition sources. Chief Hyatt recommended the following fire prevention strategies during this period of severe fire risk: Follow local and state guidance on outdoor ignition sources. Remember that burning yard waste is prohibited statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Many cities and towns have implemented temporary restrictions on any outdoor fires until conditions improve. Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches. Use caution with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass. Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in a metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight-fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out, never dump them outdoors or in the trash. Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris. “The faster we hear about a fire, the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it,” said Chief Hyatt. “If you see smoke or flames, please call 9-1-1 right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community.”

Learn about Artists in Windsor An impressive number of talented and creative artists live in Windsor. We host a description of some of their work and link to their sites when available so you can learn more and support them. See our artists' work! ( Submit items for this page to the .) Webmaster Likes Birds (Emily Bunnell) Digital Painting Tiny Gouaches (Emily Bunnell) Gouache plein air paintings Family (Emily Bunnell) Graphite Drawing Garden cosmos and morning glories (DJ Drumm) Eco printing is the transferring of pigment from flora and fauna onto fabric, paper and other materials. Eco print on raw silk noil Glorious Sunflower (DJ Drumm) Eco printing is the transferring of pigment from flora and fauna onto fabric, paper and other materials. Eco print on 140 lb. watercolor paper. Ann Koczela - Recreated with old barn wood, unused copper, old dishes, repurposed light into solar Loving to take challenges: “I take what others throw away and build something out of the ordinary." With old wood, broken dishes, chicken wire, old copper and PVC pipe, I crafted stunning structures, proving waste could become art. Each project cleans the earth, one creation at a time. I don’t just recycle materials— try to recycle with imagination, proving that with vision and effort, anything could be repurposed into something extraordinary. My goal is to inspire people to do the same. Ann Koczela - Recycled glass shower door & dishes for greenhouse Loving to take challenges: “I take what others throw away and build something out of the ordinary." With old wood, broken dishes, chicken wire, old copper and PVC pipe, I crafted stunning structures, proving waste could become art. Each project cleans the earth, one creation at a time. I don’t just recycle materials— try to recycle with imagination, proving that with vision and effort, anything could be repurposed into something extraordinary. My goal is to inspire people to do the same. Ann Koczela - Reused old stained glass, sculpting with chicken wire & broken mirrors Loving to take challenges: “I take what others throw away and build something out of the ordinary." With old wood, broken dishes, chicken wire, old copper and PVC pipe, I crafted stunning structures, proving waste could become art. Each project cleans the earth, one creation at a time. I don’t just recycle materials— try to recycle with imagination, proving that with vision and effort, anything could be repurposed into something extraordinary. My goal is to inspire people to do the same. Jane Lyon Jewelry Hand cast zamak necklace Zamak is 94% zinc, 3% copper, 3% aluminum. No rust or tarnish Jane Lyon Jewelry Hand cast zamak bracelet Zamak is 94% zinc, 3% copper, 3% aluminum. No rust or tarnish Jane Lyon Jewelry Hand cast zamak earrings Zamak is 94% zinc, 3%copper, 3% aluminum. Hypoallergenic Peter Reed Carry Goods Waxed Canvas and Bridle Leather Totes Peter Reed Carry Goods Stage 1 - Horween CXL leather Carry-On Peter Reed Carry Goods Horween CXL Valet and Hand Saddle-Stitched Minimalist Wallet Constance Talbot High Hollow Pottery Constance Talbot High Hollow Pottery

Made possible by the Friends of Windsor The Town of Windsor, formerly Gageborough, was founded July 4, 1771. Best known for its scenic vistas and pristine wilderness, it has a rich history of early American mills, logging, farming and hearty pioneer settlers. The current town population is 879, with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy kayaking, hiking, hunting and winter sports. Windsor is home to Notchview, a 3,100-acre reservation managed by the Trustees of Reservations, open to cross-country skiers and other forms of outdoor recreation. GOVERNMENT Windsor employs the open town meeting form of government, and is led by a select board. The town has its own services, including police, fire and public works departments. The town's public library is located adjacent to the town hall, and is connected to the regional library system. The nearest hospital, Berkshire Medical Center, is located in Pittsfield. On the state level, Windsor is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as part of the Second Berkshire district, represented by John Barrett, which covers central Berkshire County, as well as portions of Hampshire and Franklin counties. In the Massachusetts Senate, the town is part of the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin district, represented by Paul Mark, which includes all of Berkshire County and western Hampshire and Franklin counties. The town is patrolled by the Fourth (Cheshire) Station of Barracks "B" of the Massachusetts State Police. On the national level, Windsor is represented in the United States House of Representatives as part of Massachusetts's 1st congressional district, and is represented by Richard Neal of Springfield. Massachusetts is currently represented in the United States Senate by senior Senator Elizabeth Warren and junior Senator Ed Markey. EDUCATION Windsor is a member town of the Central Berkshire Regional School District. All students in the district attend the Nessacus Regional Middle School for the middle grades, and Wahconah Regional High School for the upper grades. Both schools are located in Dalton. The nearest parochial school is in Dalton, and the nearest private schools are in Pittsfield. The nearest community college is Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield. The nearest state college is Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, and the nearest state university is the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Town Song

Related Sites and Town Social Media Connections Windsor Facebook Group is a private group for people that live in, have lived in, or have some other meaningful connection to Windsor. Friends of Windsor is a non-profit, volunteer-run, public foundation formed in the fall of 1984. Its mission is to foster communication and support local organizations, activities and projects that cultivate community related to the Town of Windsor. It published a monthly newsletter, and organizes a range of activities. Notchview @ The Trustees of Reservations is an incredible protected 3,000 acre woodland in Windsor that is available year round for hiking, and in the winter maintains an incredible network of cross-country ski trails. Winter ski passes are available sale at the visitor center, but if you tell them you are a resident of windsor, you can ski for free. Other Facebook Groups. Some Windsor groups maintain their own Facebook pages: Public Library

06ed3e79-95bd-4c0b-875b-7373bae8045c Planning Board Members Planning Board Ben Bederson , term through 2028 Barbara Connors , term through 2029 Mike Kintner , term through 2025 Doug McNally (Chair) , term through 2027 413-822-9337 frosthollowdouglas@me.com Peter Sternerup , term through 2029 Meetings Meetings posted at the Windsor Town Office and on the Website Calendar Planning Board elected for 5 year terms Description The Planning Board is granted power under State Law to influence the town's development, both physical and economic. Information Documents Form A Application [pdf] - For Approval Not Required (ANR) Division of Land Wild & Scenic Westfield River Stewardship Plan [pdf] Town Bylaws Available here Planning Board Agendas Planning Board Minutes Master Plan Steering Committee (now disbanded) The Planning Board appointed the Master Plan Steering Committee in November 2021 to develop a Master Plan for the Town. After an extensive process—including a survey distributed throughout the Town and answered by nearly 20% of adult residents—the Plan is now available. Read the Windsor Master Plan (November 2022) [pdf] Related Services Master Plan for Windsor

5f1a3391-16ff-4f87-8994-e7d412486c72 Parks & Recreation Members Megan Anello Brock Anello Sarah Christensen Barbara Connors (Chair) 860-965-6594 Rocco Errichetto Kelly Harper Frank Levesque Katie Richer (Secretary) Jazzmyn Tulluch Parks and rec email: Windsorparksandrec@gmail.com Meetings We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. via zoom. Appointed by the Select Board. Description The Windsor Parks & Rec Committee is a volunteer led group that seeks to set up events and activities for all ages in Windsor. Annual events include Halloween Trunk or Treat, Movie Nights in the Park, and kickball games during the summer. 2022 was a big year for the Town Park! In June, we built a new Bears Playground which has become a much enjoyed place for families, homeschool groups and neighbors of all ages. There is also a chess/checkers table that was installed by Friends of Windsor as well as a new soccer net for all ages to enjoy. Check back for updates on winter activities including a new ice skating rink! We consider the Windsor Town Park as our home base and we invite you and your family to enjoy this wide open space at your leisure. There is currently a baseball diamond, small shed, and pavilion with picnic table that is open for public use. If you would like to hold an event at the town park, please get in touch. The Parks & Rec Committee is always looking for additional volunteers who wish to help make our community even better. Come join our fun group! Information Parks & Recreation Agendas Parks & Recreation Minutes Related Services Parks: What and Where?

9af92f35-b432-467e-890c-9fcd4d0942ce Westfield River Members The Windsor representatives to the Wild & Scenic Westfield River committee are: Jim Caffrey jcaffrey@thetrustees.org 413-684-2182 David Zink davideo007@yahoo.com 413-684-1459 Appointed yearly by the Select Board. Description Our mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the special qualities and outstanding resources of the Westfield River Watershed in concert with local communities. Information The Westfield River flows about 5 miles through Windsor, providing the (dammed) swimming center at the Windsor State Forest and the tiny undammed simming hole sometimes known as the "chalk pond" along River Road. A committee helps to conserve the river, and some Windsor representatives help the committee. Read about the Wild & Scenic Westfield River [link] committee. Related Services Parks: What and Where?

28e087dd-0d23-4f5a-b703-b39d72fef8f8 Assessor Members Robin Wadsworth, MAA (Assistant Assessor) 413-684-3811 x2 413-684-3806 (Fax) rwadsworth@windsormass.com 3 year term expiring 2026 Hours, Meetings & Contact Hours @ Town Offices Wednesdays: 10am - 2pm Meetings As needed and posted 1890 Route 9, Suite 4 Windsor, MA 01270 The Assessor is appointed by Select Board. Description The Assessor is responsible for preparing the annual property tax base, which includes identifying all taxable real and personal property, its ownership, full and fair cash value*, and usage classification. This requires maintenance of an extensive database on each property in the community, which must be reviewed annually for changes in property description, ownership and condition. It also requires an annual analysis of market conditions to adjust values. The assessors must submit values for review by the Department of Revenue every three years. *Full and fair cash value has been defined as 100% of a property’s “fair market value”, which is the price an owner willing to but not under compulsion to sell ought to receive from one willing to but not under compulsion to buy. Full and fair cash value is the applied constitutional and statutory standard, which protects the property owner’s right to pay only his or her fair share of the tax burden. The Assessor is also responsible for: Identifying and calculating annual “new growth” increase in the levy limit under Proposition 2 ½ and obtaining certification of the amount by the DOR. Setting the tax rate and fixing the property tax levy. This requires the preparation of a tax rate recapitulation summary of proposed valuations, expenditures and revenues for the year. Committing taxes to the collector with a warrant. This requires the preparation of a commitment list of all parcels and accounts, their owners and values, and all other information needed to send the tax bills. The commitment fixes the tax liability of the taxpayer and the warrant authorizes the collector to collect the taxes. Reviewing and acting on applications for abatements and exemptions. This includes notifying the taxpayer of the decision and the collector and accounting officer of amounts abated and exempted. It also includes participating in appeals to the Appellate Tax Board. Assessing and committing separately motor vehicle excise and administering the abatement process for that excise. Overseeing the overlay account which is the annual reserve for abatements and exemptions. Information FY 2025 Property Values Sorted by Owner [pdf] Sorted by Parcel ID [pdf] Sorted by Street [pdf] Abatement information and application form Other Information Assessor's Tax Maps [pdf] Online map query [link] Current Fiscal Year real property information is available at windsor.patriotproperties.com . For full information on Chapter 61 Current Use Tax Programs and application forms, click here . Applications are also available in the Assessors' office. Agendas and Minutes Board of Assessors Agendas Board of Assessors Minutes Related Services Change Your Mailing Address Forms & Documents for Town Activities Motor Vehicles Excise Taxes Property Taxes Request for Abutters List Tax Abatement & Exemption Applications