TV Contest Lets Kids Have Their Say

By Tammy DanielsPrint Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS - Area students are being given a chance to send a message to Northern Berkshire residents - but they have to do it in less than five minutes. Northern Berkshire Community Television Corp. is asking middle and high school students in its coverage area to create public service announcements. The winners will be aired on the public access station's Channel 16. "It's our first [student competition] and we're doing it encourage students to show what they're doing in the schools," said Joanne Hurlbut, coordinator of the station's education programming. "They are coming up with a lot of creative ideas." Most local students have increased access to computer and video technology; the contest is designed to encourage their creative side and give them a chance to show what they've been learning or what they're interested in. If equipment is unavailable, they may be able to use the station's cameras and equipment. Call 413-663-9006 for more information. "This shows the positive side of the things they're doing," said Hurlbut, adding it's a chance for youngsters to share their skills and knowledge with family and friends along with a wider audience. There are two time categories, one minute and three to five minutes; winners will be chosen in two age categories, middle and high school. Beyond that, there's no limit to what the entries can cover - although they do have to be appropriate for the general viewing audience and comply with copyright laws. "They can be anything. We're not putting any restrictions on it," said Hurlbut. "The topics are wide open - it can be a project they're working on [in school] like the environment, or about a dance group they're in or about a fundraiser. It usually has to be a pretty focused project. They have to tell a story in a minute." The longer PSA can be no less than three minutes and no longer than five. They must be submitted in DVD, digital tape or VHS formats at the station in Western Gateway Heritage State Park by Friday, Dec. 14. Individuals, teams, classes or groups can submit PSAs. Submissions will be accepted from North Adams, Adams, Clarksburg and Cheshire, and also from Savoy and Florida even though they are outside the coverage area. Most students in those towns attend high schools in the station's coverage area. "We really want to be as inclusive as possible. We're just hoping we get an interesting group of submissions," said Hurlbut. A panel of judges will decide the winners in each category. First-place winners will receive $100 and second place, $75. Those submissions and third-place honorable mentions, 12 in all, will be aired by the station. The prizes will be awarded Dec. 21. Hurlbut said fliers had been sent out to area schools and that a number teachers and groups have indicated they will be submitting entries. She just wants to remind youngsters that the deadline is coming up. For contest rules, go to www.nbctc.org and click "Education" in the right hand column. Send or drop entries off at Northern Berkshire Community Television Corp., Heritage State Park, Building 6, North Adams, MA 01247. Include the following information with your submission: name(s) of participants, address, contact information, grade level, and type of entry.
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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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