Sign-up and post on Iberkshires today.It's Free!
Already a member? Log In
30°  H- 69%
The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.
Thursday January 8, 2009
 Make us your homepage!
 

Daily Digest


Steve Decker cleans up in front of BankNorth on Wednesday.
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.
How much is heating oil this week?
How to get heating help
Need to contact iBerkshires? Here's how.
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.

Obituaries


India, Presidential Cat, Dies at 18
Marjorie E. McLain, 80
Barbara Mahon, 81
Kevin B. Finnerty, 71
Joseph L. Crowley, 82
More obituaries

Region

Citgo: We Have Oil 4 Joe
Readsboro Utility Damaged by Storm
State Preps for Bulge Battle
Stockbridge Opposes Pike Link
Brace of Storms Boost Ski Areas
Houses of Faith in Need of Repair

Songs From St. James (Vt.)

What's Playing


Adam Sandler experiences "Bedtime Stories" that come true.
Movie schedules and times

Sales Fliers

 
 

Columnists

That's Life

O Christmas Tree

Independent Investor

Take Your Required Minimum Distribution

Pick of the Week

Amy Grant

Other Stuff

Digital TV Subsidy Program Running Out of Money
Couple Doubles B&W Twins
Mars 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.

 Search: 
 for    

Obama Transition

Your Seat at the Table
Track who's meeting with the Obama transition team and what they're proposing.
Federal government has 8,000 job openings
Are you going to the inauguration? We'd like to hear from you. E-mail to info@iberkshires.com.
The president-elect's new Web site
www.change.gov
Essay Winners Will Get Inaugural Tickets

Related Stories

 
Printer Friendly Version
   Recommend this story to a friend

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. 
Your Comments
Post Comment
No Comments


iBerkshires.com Text Ads
www.ediblearrangements.com
www.iberkshires.com
sabor-restaurante.com
www.jiminypeak.com
Advertise on iBerkshires.com



Essentials
Berkshire Nightlife
Berkshire Photos
Berkshire Wallpaper
Borrow Movies
Class Reunion Page
Columnists
Dannyoart.com
Movie Times
Obituaries
Randy Trabold

Enter your email address below to receive our FREE iBerkshires.com Newsletter

| Home | A & E | Automotive | Business | Community News | Dining | Lodging & Travel |
| Real Estate | Schools | Sports & Outdoors | Berkshires Weather | Weddings | Berkshires Map |
Advertise | Recommend This Page | Help
Contact Us | Privacy Policy| User Agreement
Execution Time: 243 ms