Bunny Hop Raises $4,000 for Louison House

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The first annual "Bunny Run-Walk-Hop" to benefit the Louison House shelter attracted nearly 200 participants and at least that many spectators Saturday morning.

"We really didn't anticipate more than 50-75 people max. We doubled that easily," said Executive Director Paul Gage after the first wave of walkers — many sporting bunny ears — took off from Holden Street. "I don't know exactly how many at this point, but around 160 to 180.  ... It's beyond imagination."

Organizers of the one-mile walk/5-kilometer run (followed by music and refreshments) started the event as part of a more aggressive fundraising campaign for the homeless shelter.

Fundraising has become more and more important as the agency's operating budget continues to be level-funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Family Life Support Center is the only homeless shelter for families in Northern Berkshire. It's helped more 3,500 families and individuals find temporary and permanent shelter over the past 20 years.

"Each year, we have to raise more money, find more grants, hope more contributions come in," said Gage. "It's events like these where you can really raise a great deal of money, but it takes a great deal of work."

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.