Williamstown digest

Print Story | Email Story
VIDEO MASTERS - Three fifth graders at Williamstown Elementary School, Geneva Jonathan, Caroline Cating, and Jacob Kraus, are national winners of a Vinnie Award for a video they created about voting with computers.
Plant sale WILLIAMSTOWN — The Greylock “A Better Chance” program will hold its annual plant sale Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at the home of Philip and Susan Smith, 1385 Main St. The sale will feature a wide variety of colorful annuals and perennials, including 20-plus varieties of Iris, Japanese primulas, baptisia plants and several “deer-proof” plants. Offerings come from the Smith’s garden, supplemented by donations from gardens in the area. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit program, which enables academically talented students from educationally disadvantaged areas to live in Williamstown and attend Mount Greylock Regional High School. Since the program was launched some 35 years ago, nearly 100 students have graduated from the school and gone on to college. The program depends entirely upon the support of the community for its yearly budget. School grants WILLIAMSTOWN — The Governing Board for the Williamstown Elementary School Endowment Fund has announced grant awards for the 2004-2005 school year totaling $2,925. Consideration of staff and community submissions was based upon how individual proposals would improve or sustain educational excellence while supporting the mission of the school to inspire in all students a love of learning and challenge them to grow in heart and mind. Cup Stacking with Speed Stacks (awarded to Sue Preite and Liz Grees) — Under the auspices of the physical dducation department, this activity helps to develop motor skills, patterning, sequencing, focus and concentration, promotes hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity, improves bilateral proficiency and reinforces perseverance and the value of teamwork. Master Classes for Instrumental Music (awarded to Karen Latin and Barbara Knurajian) — A master class is a small group lesson taught by a guest musician with a particular expertise on an instrument. Classes will be available for band students in grades five and six for two consecutive weeks and for beginning fourth-grade students for one week. Summer Books for Title I Students (awarded to Carolyn Agostini) — This grant will allow books to be purchased for all Title I students to promote a love of literature. Images Wednesday Project (awarded to Sandra Thomas, Images Cinema) — Dubbed “Bananarama Cinema Kablama” by students, the project brings fifth and sixth graders to Images for special film screenings and discussions. Words are Wonderful (awarded to Deb Dane, Melissa Brink, Liz Costley) — Continues to create literacy partnerships with authors, illustrators, community readers and more. Looking forward to its seventh annual weeklong celebration of reading and writing, the literacy festival is scheduled at the school for Oct. 18-23. Hydrant flushing WILLIAMSTOWN — The Water Department will flush hydrants beginning Monday, May 10, through Friday, May 21, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., weather permitting. Customers may experience some roily water and lower than normal pressure. This is a semi-annual procedure to remove any sediment in the mains and check the operation of all hydrants. The department has apologized for any inconvenience. Questions: business office, 458-3383. Breakfast canceled The pancake breakfast normally held on the second Sunday of each month by American Legion Post 152 on Spring Street has been postponed until Sunday, May 16. Professor honored WILLIAMSTOWN — Soledad Fox, assistant professor of Spanish and comparative literature at Williams College, has been awarded a Fulbright Research Grant and a Williams World Fellowship in support of her project, “Three Spanish Women Writers in War and Exile.” Fox specializes in the history of prose fiction and modern peninsular Spanish literature and culture. She has done research in Spanish, French, Italian, Latin and Gallego. During the 2004-05 year, she will travel to Spain to pursue her investigation of the lives of these three Spanish Republican women writers, who were raised in conventional, upper middle-class families. The Fulbright program, established in 1946, aims to promote mutual understanding between the people of this country and other countries of the world. Sponsored by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and in cooperation with the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, the program has helped more than 250,000 people pursue and share international academic interests. The Williams program was made possible by the 50th reunion gift of the Williams College class of 1945. Each award is designed to support a faculty member for a semester of study abroad and research to promote conflict resolution, international understanding and world peace. Truman Scholars WILLIAMSTOWN — Williams College juniors Marissa C. Doran and Marie-Adele Sorel have been selected as 2004 Truman Scholars. Scholars are selected on the basis of leadership skills, intellectual ability and the potential for making a difference. Each scholarship provides $2,000 for the senior year and $24,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some graduate institutions, plus leadership training, career and graduate school counseling and internship opportunities within the federal government. This year, 77 award winners were selected from 609 candidates, nominated by 300 colleges and universities. Doran, a history major from Duxbury, serves as treasurer of the Community Service Council, chairman of the writing workshop and is actively involved in campus politics, theater and music. As a sophomore, she became the first student at the college to co-author an undergraduate course, “New York, New York,” with Professor Robert Jackall of the sociology department. She is a horn player, and is currently coordinating a production of “Peter and the Wolf,” to be performed for local elementary students. Sorel, from Potomac, Md., is working toward a career in public health policy. A chemistry and mathematics double major, she has devoted a great deal of time to public health work. She has worked closely with the George Washington University Hospital Women’s Heart program, the REACH Foundation in North County and has contributed to scientific research at the college and the National Institutes of Health. She founded the Williams Initiative for Student Health in elementary schools, serves on the Student Health Advisory Committee, co-coordinates the Community Building Program and helps lead the Sankofa dance team. The scholars will meet in mid-May at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., for a weeklong leadership development program. After the training, they will receive their awards in a ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Mo. Congress established the Truman Scholarship Foundation in 1975 as the federal memorial to President Truman. Since the first awards were given in 1977, there have been 2,330 Truman scholars Green School Williamstown Elementary School has been recognized as a “Green School” by the state Department of Education, the Mass Technology Collaborative and the New England Sustainable Energy Association. A Green School Committee of teachers, parents and administrators has been meeting all year with the intent of broadening students’ understanding of what it means to be “green.” The committee focused on using the building as a learning lab around issues of energy efficiency, photovoltaic electricity generation and composting and recycling. Expanding environmental studies is occurring at all grade levels. The teachers and students are embracing four guiding energy principles for their science curriculum: Take care of our world; understand our actions have consequences; use knowledge and skills to make informed decisions; and recognize we do not know everything and must continue to learn. All classrooms have designed a framed 16-inch-by-20-inch poster depicting their interpretation of the four goals. Thirty framed posters line the front lobby. Earth Day activities took place throughout the school on Wednesday, May 5. Each grade chose environmental activities to celebrate Earth Day throughout the first week of May. JavaJive event The next JavaJive teen coffeehouse will be held on Friday, May 14, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. Admission is $1 for performers; $3 for students; $5 for adults and $10 for families. Refreshments will be available. Proceeds from this month's event will go to support the start-up of the new Mount Greylock Parent-Teacher Organization. Previous evenings have supported the Mathias J. Bartels Scholarship Fund, the Greylock Assistance Project and Habitat for Humanity. The last JavaJive on April 2 featured bands from three states, as well as singers and a solo jazz bass. To offer an interesting mix, JavaJive organizers also invite teen-aged classical and jazz musicians, comedians, poets, jugglers and others to participate. Performers do not have to be advanced or experienced. To perform, contact Mollie Berman by the end of day Thursday, May 13, at javajiveCH@yahoo.com or 458-2868. JavaJive is a substance-free event. Questions: Deb Burns, 458-0925. Public meetings A schedule of public meetings in or about Williamstown, as provided by Town Clerk Mary C. Kennedy, 458-9341, from official postings. Meetings are held at the municipal building, 31 North St., unless otherwise indicated: Monday, May 10, Council on Aging, 3 p.m., Harper Center; Elementary School Committee, 7 p.m., school; Selectmen, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, Planning Board, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, Mount Greylock Regional School Council, 4 p.m., school; Library Trustees, 5:30 p.m., library; Conservation Commission, 7:15 p.m. Harper Center Elder Services Nutrition Program serves hot meals. Call 458-8250 or 458-5156; 48-hour notice is appreciated. Voluntary donations for van transportation are 50 cents one-way from Williamstown and $1 one-way from North Adams. Service is available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Thursday, May 6, 10 a.m., tai chi; 11 a.m., van to Wal-Mart; 11:30 a.m., lunch; 1 p.m., crafts; 3:30 p.m., knitting group. Friday, May 7, 10:30 a.m., exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch; 1 p.m. bingo; Sunday, May 9, 11:30 a.m., lunch. Monday, May 10, 10:30 a.m., exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch; 1 p.m., line dancing. Tuesday, May 11, 9 a.m., oil painting; 9:45 and 10:45 a.m., van to Stop & Shop; 1:15 p.m., Friendship Club. Wednesday, May 12, 9 a.m., van to Price Chopper; 10:30 a.m., exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch; 1 p.m., bridge. Deaths William E. “Jerry” Mills, 73, of 116 Autumn Drive, North Adams, former longtime resident of 40 Summer St., Williamstown, died Saturday, May 1, at the Williamstown Commons, where he was admitted on March 30. He was born in South Acton on March 8, 193, a son of Charles and Zeta (Proctor) Mills. In 1943, the family moved to Williamstown, where he attended schools and graduated from the former Williamstown High School with the class of 1949. While in high school, he was a member of the varsity football, baseball and bowling teams. He the Army in April 1951 and served in Korea during the Korean War with the 24th Division 3rd Combat Engineers as sergeant. He received the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars and the Korean War Service Medal of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. He was honorable discharged in 1953. He was worked for 31 years as the kitchen manager and chef at the former Howard Johnson’s restaurant in Williamstown. He then was employed at Williams College in the dining service department as a first cook for 15 years, retiring in 1995. He continued working part-time until poor health forced his retirement. He was a member of the William Lodge of Masons A.F. & A.M. in Williamstown, the Williamstown VFW Post 8304 and the Richard Reuther Post 152 American Legion in Williamstown. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Post 15 of Pittsfield. He leaves his wife, Bonnie J. (Krull) Mills, whom he married on Nov. 25, 1961, in St. Francis of Assisi Church, North Adams, several nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, John and Charles Mills, and a sister, Arlene Hill. The funeral will be private, at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations are suggested for the Berkshire County Humane Society Animal Shelter in Pittsfield, through the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna funeral home, West Chapels, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA 01247, which is in charge of arrangements.
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.
 
View Full Story

More Stories

Sports
image description

Lee Executes Game Plan to Perfection in Quarter-Final Win

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Volleyball Reaches State's Final Four

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Boys Win 3rd Straight Regional Crown

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Girls Again Top Monson in Western Mass Final

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Sweeps Its Way to Western Mass Crown

Sports
Community News
image description

North Adams License Commission Sees Little Need for License...

Community News
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?