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Daily Digest
Steve Decker cleans up in front of BankNorth on Wednesday.
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More Snow
The Berkshires received several inches of snow this morning, but not enough to close schools, unlike yesterday's sleety mess. Temperatures will drop into the 20s this afternoon. A few more snow showers are expected through the weekend. |
Duff'em If You've Got'em
 North Adams Regional Hospital went smoke-free Monday — so did all its sister sites, from Sweet Brook to Northern Berkshire Family Practice to the Women's Exchange. No ashtrays, no smoking: No butts about it. |
Wanted: Eagle Eyes
MassWildlife's annual eagle count runs Dec. 31 to Jan. 14. Anyone sighting one of the regal birds in Massachusetts is asked to participate.
Send date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, whether juvenile or adult and observer's contact information to Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us. |
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Like to Write?
 iBerkshires accepts submissions about local events, news and opinion pieces. There are openings for freelance work, too, for qualified candidates. E-mail tdaniels@iberkshires.com to find out more. |
ObituariesRegionWhat's PlayingSales FliersColumnists | Independent Investor
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Other StuffMars Rovers Mark 5 Years
 Spirit and Opportunity have been trekking the red planet for half a decade. Spirit hit the 5-year mark on Sunday; Opportunity will on Jan. 24. |
Obama TransitionRelated Stories |
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Downing Highlights Student Financial Aid Availablity - January 10, 2008
PITTSIFELD - Paying for college tuition is a daunting challenge, but state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, is reminding parents and students that help is available.
According to recent studies from the Board of Higher Education's Task Force on Student Financial Aid, the effect of budget shortfalls since 2001, along with the continual rise in the cost of higher education, have taken a toll on the ability of Massachusetts families to pay for college. However, free guidance is available to help applicants through the process.
Massachusetts students have secured more than $1 billion in grants and low-interest loans from federal and state programs, as well as millions of dollars in scholarships from colleges and universities.
Downing impressed the need for students to begin their financial aid search, "Students planning on attending college and their families need to be aware of the resources available for finding and applying for financial assistance. The time to act is now, as the process for applying for financial aid is underway. While substantial aid is available, students should apply early, preferably before March 1, and research all possible sources of aid."
Federal and state governments, along with college and universities, are major source of financial aid. Students begin the process of applying for both federal and state aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Many private colleges and universities also require a second form, the CSS PROFILE, which is available through the College Board.
To receive free guidance on identifying sources of financial aid and completing applications, students and families throughout Massachusetts can call the Education Resources Institute's toll free hotline 1-877-ED-AID-4U (1-877-332-4348). To obtain one-on-one guidance on applying for financial assistance, TERI established several college planning centers, including one in Pittsfield at the Learning Connection, 10 Lyman St., or 413-499-9531.
TERI is a nonprofit organization made available through a partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. |
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