The Rural We: Lisa Green
The outgoing Rural Intelligence editor lists the top ten favorite stories she wrote.
Since 2014, when we began The Rural We column, we’ve run almost 500 personality profiles, interviewing everyone from Arlo Guthrie to a sewing machine repair person — all with fascinating stories to share. We take their words and put them on the page, paraphrasing if necessary but keeping the person’s spirit true to his or her voice. For my last Rural We column, don’t worry — I’m not going to interview myself. But over the years I’ve had the privilege to report on so many stories, so many of them a joy to write about. As I hand over the reins to a new Rural Intelligence editor, I’d love to share, in no particular order, my top ten favorite articles I wrote for RI.
Existential Crisis, 99¢: Signs Of Our Times At South And Housatonic
The signs in the windows of the building at one of Pittsfield’s busiest intersections have had people scratching their heads for years. Examples: Hard Knocks for Buy 1 Get 3 Free, Known Unknowns, 5 for a $1, and Democracy on a Fire Sale. Somebody had to find out what’s going on with those signs. I did.
At Milk House Chocolates, The Magic Is In The Moo
Thorncrest Farm, home of Milk House Chocolates in Goshen, Connecticut, is the Kripalu for cows. Kimberly Thorn creates “single origin cow chocolates,” with each cow’s milk providing a subtly different flavor. Sure, it was nice to sample a bunch of the bon bons, but the real treat was getting to meet the gentle cows.
Speaking Of Handwashing, Have You Heard About Goatboy Soaps?
Since it’s clear I love the farm animal stories, this one came along at a perfect time. We were still getting used to pandemic procedures and handwashing was top of mind. The Goatboy Soaps origin story will make you smile, as will the goats if you visit their headquarters (which I’ve done several times since writing this story).
Hudson City Cemetery Is A Restful Retreat — For The Living
Still in pandemic mode, the challenge was to find stories in wide-open spaces. The Hudson City Cemetery is a peaceful place — not at all a morbid experience when you explore it— that’s filled with history, beautiful views and peaceful moments. Armed with an app that provides Hudson History walking tours, I wandered a portion of the 88-acre grounds and drenched myself in its fascinating local lore.
Food And Drink Were Flowing At Guido’s Housewarming
Everyone loves Guido’s, and a big reason for that (even if you’re not aware) is because the Masiero family is behind everything that makes this marketplace so fabulous. In 2016, Guido’s held a housewarming party to celebrate its newly expanded Pittsfield store. It was a lively event, with lots of tastings and samplings, but what made it special for me was the chat I had with Renie Masiero, matriarch of the three generations of the Masiero family, and widow of the market’s namesake. She was vivacious and adorable, and I was sad when she passed away in 2021.
Snapshot Of Young Farmers: Hudson Valley Kinders & Kritters
This was a portrait of two young farmers in the Rural Intelligence region who are forging careers by doing whatever it takes to keep their farm (and dreams) afloat. But truthfully, what I remember most is that I got to hold one of their 50 goats, a newborn that stole my heart.
Speaking of grandmas, I felt obligated to share the recipe for Nana’s buns. Not only are they a tasty substitute for bread if you’re keeping to Passover traditions, but our name for the recipe always cracks me up. This was really an homage to my nana and my sisters, who laugh along with me every year.
Paul Joffe Brews Up A Kinder World At Flying Church Coffee
One of the most positive people I’ve ever met was Paul Joffe, owner of the Flying Church in Great Barrington. I interviewed him soon after he opened Flying Church Coffee. “He is a master at exuding wit, heart, and the ability to find the good in everything and everyone,” I wrote. (He’s really funny, too.) Joffe no longer owns the coffee house, but I can still feel the reverberations from his joyful attitude.
In “Group,” Therapy Is A Blend Of Entertainment And Education
It’s gratifying to watch a project go from initial stages to great success. I wrote about “Group,” a pilot filmed with actors playing members of a psychoanalytic group in New York City. Elliot Zeisel, who lives in Hillsdale, is a psychoanalyst and leader in the field of group psychotherapy, and “Group” is his project, in which he “plays” the analyst. It has gone from the pilot series (available on YouTube) — as it was at the time of the interview — to production of several “seasons” and recently, a full-length finale that may be making the rounds of film festivals in 2025.
Sitting Pretty In Canaan: Technicolor Chairs Beget A Work Of Art…And A Mystery
I’ve always wondered about the row upon row of colorful Adirondack chairs sitting at the intersection of Routes 295 and 22 in Canaan, New York, lined up like an outdoor installation. I wondered if others wondered, too. So I did some digging for all of us. Along the way I met and spoke with a couple members of the Mennonite community, loaded up with candy from the Canaan General Store and ate one of the store's cheese sandwiches as I sat in a rocking Adirondack chair. Oh — and I solved the mystery. Sort of.
Addendum
As an editor and passionate reader, it was a thrill to interview, or just meet, authors I’ve long admired. To wit: Maira Kalman, Dani Shapiro, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Simon Winchester, Susan Orlean, Lara Tupper, Janice Kaplan, and some I’ve probably left out. They were my celebrities.
