Climate Change Rallies Scheduled for Today

By Jen Thomas01:12AM / Saturday, November 03, 2007Print Story | Email Story

WILLIAMSTOWN - People across the Berkshires - and across the nation - are urged to "step it up" this weekend and pressure lawmakers to take a stand on curbing the effects of climate change. On Saturday, rallies in Lenox and Williamstown will target local politicians, asking them to address three priorities to help stop global warming. Called "Step It Up Day 2007," these rallies call for the creation of 5 million green jobs, a reduction of carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050 and the prevention of any future coal-burning power plants. Williams College senior Julia Sendor co-coordinated Step It Up events and activities in town and said Saturday is an opportunity for students to mix education with political awareness. "The focus is on political pressure," said the Chapel Hill, N.C. native. "We want to capitalize on educational opportunities to pressure political change and the power we have to shape political issues." As a member of an on-campus global warming awareness group called Thursday Night Grassroots, Sendor said she hoped the national day of recognition would draw both locals and college students. With appearances by Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, and COOL committee chairwoman Jane Allen, the rallies are an attempt to draw attention to a national issue that affects every community. "It's really important to be connected to the national movement. We want to join in solidarity and send a clear message," said Sendor. In Lenox, the Climate Crisis Coalition will host a public forum called "The Climate Crisis: Will the U.S. Respond In Time?" featuring Congressman John Olver. The 10 a.m. event is an opportunity for the public to share concerns about global warming and U.S. legislation intended to address climate change. For Sendor, an environmental studies major, the more attention these rallies receive, the more likely lawmakers will respond - both nationally and locally. "We want people to come and get inspired by what others are doing and see how much their voices really matter. We want people to critically examine their role in politics and become educated on the issues," she said. Held exactly one year before the 2008 presidential elections, Step It Up Day is also a chance to brush up on the environmental stance of your favorite candidate. At Williams, handouts on each presidential hopeful will be available. Schedule of Events In Williamstown, festivities kick off at 9:30 a.m. at Caretaker Farm, located at 1210 Hancock Road. The global warming awareness event will feature food, educational activities, and work on the farm along with talks about sustainability, green cleaning options and vegetarian meals. Over chai and bread, visitors will learn about an environmentally-sound lifestyle. Children are welcome, as there will be stories and other kid-friendly activities. Please call a friend and carpool to the farm and please bring your own mug for a hot beverage. Williams College events begin at 11 a.m. on the front steps of Chapin Hall. Downing and Allen will be featured speakers and tables will be set up for petition and postcard signing, information on the positions of presidential candidates and artistic displays of global warming impacts. (Rain location is First Congregational Church.) At 12 p.m. , refreshments will be served and at 12:30 caravans will head to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock for personalized tours of "Zephyr," the mountain's wind turbine. Accompanied by the vice president of sustainability at Jiminy, tours will commence at 1 p.m. The Lenox public forum with Rep. John Olver will take place at 10 a.m. at Lenox Town Hall. For more information about the three priorities and other national events, visit www.stepitup2007.org

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Scenic Country Farmhouse

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:48PM / Friday, August 14, 2026

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Are you looking for a home with pleasant views and enough room for a family or big get together? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 365 Oblong Road.

Bucolic serenity surrounds you in this custom-built Federal reproduction. This three bedroom and three-and-a-half bath was built in 1995 and is 3,331 square feet with a little over five acres of land.

The house features Goshen stone steps leading to the home and wood flooring throughout with a brick fireplace and a heated sunroom that leads to a barn garage perfect for three cars or extra storage.

The property includes a bluestone patio great for grilling and having meals outside as well as a playground perfect for younger ones.

It is on the market for $1,300,000 and is listed by Terry Harron-Lamb with Double P General Contracting and Real Estate.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Offering three to four bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms. The beautifully appointed kitchen with granite countertops and Viking range opens into a family room with wood burning fireplace. Impressive foyer to open living room and dining room. Lovely center stairway takes you to a spacious second floor. Exterior blue stone patio, with Goshen steps to entrance. The house is sited on 2.5 acres with an additional 2.5-acre adjacent lot.

What type of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home fits many types of buyers. From a couple to a growing year-round family, also perfect for a weekend retreat.

Are there any standout design features?

The family room is enhanced by a Rumford fireplace. Designed in 1796 by physicist Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford. Extremely efficient, it reflects more radiant heat directly into the living space rather than escaping up the chimney.

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