Visitor Center slates grand opening

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ADAMS — Two celebrations featuring food, and festivities will mark the official grand opening of the Discover the Berkshires Adams Visitor Center next week. On Thursday, June 17, the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, which manages the 3 Hoosac St. facility, has invited the bureau’s members and state and local officials for a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting and building dedication. A private reception and tour for the members and invited guests will follow. On Saturday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the bureau will host a public grand opening at the facility, featuring music, performances and talks by the region’s cultural organizations. Free raffles for visitors will include tickets to performances and attractions, gift certificates, T-shirts, mugs and other gifts donated by bureau members. The Adams Lions Club will sell food and refreshments. The recently constructed $2.5 million dollar building houses a visitor center on the first floor and the Visitors Bureau headquarters on the second floor. On May 30, the center inaugurated a “soft opening” for the public. The opening drew more than 700 visitors from at least a dozen states over the Memorial Day weekend, according to the bureau. The visitor center features audio visual presentations, photographs and displays around the theme “The Berkshires: Then & Now.” In the center’s display area, six continually running audio-visual programs highlight various aspects of the county, such as culture, historic sites, dining and lodging, family activities, recreation and shopping. Historic and contemporary photographs throughout the center depict noteworthy features of the region. One display section is entirely devoted to the history of Adams. The reception area offers brochure racks with information on local attractions, events and businesses. Using state-of-the-art computer mapping software, visitor center staff can display and electronically highlight travel routes on an oversized screen and print out customized maps for travelers needing directions. The center, which also offers restroom facilities, snacks, water and soft drinks, is at the northern trailhead of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, the popular 10-mile bicycle and hiking trail that stretches from the Pittsfield line to Hoosac Street in Adams. The Visitors Bureau’s headquarters includes offices for the organization’s marketing, public relations, advertising, membership, central-lodging reservation services and administrative functions. The center was designed and constructed with an emphasis on environmental sensitivity. Plumbing and electrical fixtures were chosen to save energy and conserve resources. The building is heated and cooled using a computer-controlled geothermal energy system. Pipes reach 300 feet underground to pump ground water, which is at a constant year-round temperature, for geothermal temperature control. The Berkshire Visitors Bureau also recently assumed management of the Discover the Berkshires Pittsfield Visitor Center on South Street, Pittsfield. Additional information on visitor center events: 743-4500, ext. 100. The Berkshire Visitors Bureau is the official, state-recognized tourism promotion agency for Berkshire County. It is composed of more than 600 member businesses that benefit directly or indirectly from the Berkshire tourist trade.
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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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