Streettalk

By Ralph RenziPrint Story | Email Story
HEARD OR SEEN: AddAWA (Add a Word a Week) — Groping, adj.,gerund: Feeling about, searching about blindly or uncertainly. …The cost-saving plan without cutting any teacher's job, is heartening, but district-wide reorganization of our two one-school districts, proposed by Superintendent Mark Piechota (and at least one of his predeccessors) is more key ...Pleased to learn that Jessy Park's rendition of “Brooklyn Bride #2 With Horizontal Rainbow” will be represented in the 11th Pure Vision Arts Fair being held in New York City Jan. 23 to 25. The event embraces works of self-taught/Outsider artists. BURNED OUT: Usually, beginning this column is relatively easy, since I can choose from many ideas that I have jotted down from time to time. But this week they all were crowded out by one topic: SWNMNBUITC (She Whose Name Must Never Be Mentioned in This Column) and I are homeless! Our Berkshire Drive home for the past 20 years is a charred hulk, waiting to be demolished. ...It was 10:10 am. We were returning from a two-week visit with our son Mark in Prescott, Ariz. Halfway down Colonial Avenue, our way was blocked by vehicles, including fire trucks from Williamstown, Clarksburg, Pownal and Pownal Valley. Despite the terrible cold, the firefighters were tireless. They wrapped us in blankets. They did a great job, but the fire was too far advanced It seems that our heating system had failed on Monday and was restarted that day by repairmen. On Thursday, our housekeeper Carolyn Mullen reported lack of heat. The repairmen returned and diagnosed frozen pipes. They used a thawing unit that apparently started a fire in the second-floor eaves. During the early stages of the fire, one of the repairmen applogized sorrowfully to me. I wish I had consoled him more kindly. Chris Casey from our insurance company, Gallup-Dickey, was extremely responsive and clear with us. Here's where Williamstown comes in. The home of John and Judy Madden became our HQ that day and the next. While the fire was still raging, Bridget and Steve Hannock, neighbors from Colonial Village, offered us a condominium that is vacant till May. Since then, friends have offered us their home for the summer. Countless calls have come offering help, really too many to mention. Our friends have cooked for us, some really gourmet meals. Carl Faulkner called to say we are welcome to eat and stay at the Williams Inn. The Jericho Inn called with a similar offer. We have been warmed by the gifts of plants and winter clothes, lots of fleece and even Ernie Brundage's fur hat! Not long ago someone heard me extolling the virtues of Williamstown, and interrupted to say, "You'll never leave Williamstown, will you?" My answer was "Why should I?" The generous outpouring of support is a touching reminder of why we live here. We are already sketching plans to rebuild our house in the town we have been lucky to call home for over 50 years and with the people who make Williamstown a special community. Thank you, everyone.
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Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program

DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
 
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
 
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
 
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
 
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