RICHMOND, Mass. — The Richmond Cultural Council is seeking the community’s input on how to best steer the funding it receives from the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Local Council Program. To that end, the town has created a brief survey for residents to fill out, available at www.richmondma.org, the Town Hall and the library.

Richmond's Cultural Council distributes annual funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council via an annual grant process where organizations and individuals submit proposals for projects that will provide cultural opportunities for residents. It reviews these proposals and awards funding to those that best advance the goal of advancing community cultural programming.

Established in 1982, the Massachusetts Local Cultural Council Program distributes more than $1.95 million each year to fund cultural activities in all 351 cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth. According to its Web site, it awarded $4,000 to Richmond in fiscal year 2010.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Got a library book that's long overdue? Have you avoided stepping foot inside the library, fearing reprimand, or a hefty fine? If you borrowed that book (or other items) from the David and Joyce Milne library, you can breathe a sigh of relief. In celebration of National Library Week, the library is granting a fine-free week for all overdue materials.

The amnesty week runs from Monday, April 12 through Saturday, April 17, and is for overdue items returned that week only. Existing older fines do not apply and fines from other libraries cannot be waived.

This weekend might be a good time to start looking under cushions, check your bookshelves, and empty your kids' backpacks.

Also of note: The library will be closed to celebrate Patriot’s Day on Monday, April 19.

RICHMOND, Mass. — Residents who attended the Town Caucus on March 22 nominated the following people to the ballot in the town's upcoming election, to be held Saturday, May 29:
 
One Selectman for Three Years: Marguerite Rawson*

One Member of the Board of Health for Three Years: Dean Fulco*

One Member of the Board of Health for Three Years: Diane Pero*

One Member of the Board of Health for Two Years (vacant seat): Eric Melle

One Member of the School Committee for Three Years: Christine Triantos*

One Member of the Finance Committee for Three Years: John Mason*

One Member of the Finance Committee for Three Years: Diane Pero*

One Member of the Planning Board for Five Years: John Hanson*

One Member of the Library Trustees for Three Years: Adeline Ellis*

One Moderator for One Year: John Whitney*

*Indicates Incumbent 

ADAMS, Mass. — Interested in taking the SATs... for fun? If you answered yes, you'll be delighted to learn that you'll get the chance to do so at the "Get BArT Smart" fundaiser, to be held at the Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School on Saturday, April 10.

For those of you who are less than thrilled with the prospect of even looking at an SAT question, relax – there will be other opportunities to exercise your brain at the event. In addition to the SAT portion of the competition, teams of four to six people will answer questions on topics including arts and technology, and curriculum-related questions written by BArT teachers.

Points will be awarded and a "Valedictorian" team will be named at the end of the evening.

The event runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. A minimum contribution of $60 per person is requested, and attendees are encouraged to sign up in teams of four to six. Proceeds will benefit BArT. Food and beverages will be provided by Mezze Catering and Nejaime's Wine Cellars.

Individuals interested in playing should contact Monique Nottke at 413-743-7311 x532, or may sign up here.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Beacon Cinema is screening two big upcoming games – for free.

On Sunday, April 4, fans can view the "greatest rivalry in sports" (or at least in baseball), when the Red Sox and Yankees face off for opening day, live from Fenway Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:05; the Beacon's doors open at 7:30.

If college basketball is more your thing (or if you had such a good time Sunday night that you want to come back for more), the venue is screening the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship on Monday, April 5 at 9 p.m; doors open at 8:30.

During both events, the concession area in the lobby will be open, as will the wine and beer stand upstairs adjacent to the theaters showing the games. Limited concessions also will be available at the wine and beer stands.

There will be no advance ticketing for the events.