We are excited to announce that Hilary Somers Deely was recently selected to serve as President of the Laurel Hill Association, beginning in January, 2021. With lifelong roots in the Berkshires, Deely has been engaged with a range of environmental and horticultural organizations, including the Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge Land Trust, The Trustees of Reservations, Roots Rising, and Naumkeag. Most recently Deely completed a term as President of the Lenox Garden Club.
“I have hiked the paths at Laurel Hill since my childhood,” said Deely. “My favorite spot is Laurel Hill Park and the Butler Bench. The rostrum, designed by Daniel Chester French, the mountain laurel, and the breathtaking view from the Butler Bench over to Monument Mountain and beyond are among the ‘best kept secrets’ in Stockbridge.”
Deely continued, “The Association has deep roots in Stockbridge. The parkland was a donation of the well-known Sedgwick family and, over the years, we have served our community in many ways—protecting our environmental quality of life and even bringing bits of beauty with our annual plantings by the Post Office and around the Cat and Dog Fountain next to the Red Lion Inn.”
Hilary will succeed Shelby Marshall, who has provided leadership as President of LHA since 2015. “I am thrilled that Hilary will be Laurel Hill Association’s next President. Her energy and ideas, her knowledge of the community, and her love of nature and of the Berkshires are the perfect fit for the organization. She’s a lovely person, and she will inspire the board to not just continue the good work we’ve been doing but to build upon our past successes and do new, wonderful things. I look forward to Laurel Hill Association’s next chapter under Hilary’s leadership.
Please join LHA in welcoming Hilary! If you’d like to get involved with the Laurel Hill Association, please email us at info@laurelhillassociation.org and we’ll be in touch soon to discuss volunteer opportunities.
