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The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.           
Saturday November 7, 2009
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Sports


High School Football
Hoosac Valley beats Drury in Saturday action. More photos on Monday
Thursday, Nov. 06

Boys' Soccer: State Vocational Championship Game
McCann Tech 3, Keefe Tech 2

Girls' Soccer: State Vocational Championship Game
Blackstone Valley 8, McCann Tech 0
Fall Basketball Clinics

Election

Barrett Reflects on Accomplishments with Capital News 9
Alcombright's Victory Speech

Which election's more important?
Pittsfield
North Adams
Neither, nothing will change
  
pollcode.com free polls

Trying to remember who won what and why? All the information is right here.

Daily Digest


This is Jake
He's been lost in Pittsfield for weeks but frequently sited. He was last seen heading toward the fire station on Peck's Road. He's tired, dirty and needs seizure medication. He's chipped. If you see him, call Julie at 413-537-5616, the vet 24/7 at 413-499-2820 or animal control at 413-448-9700.
How Much is Heating Oil this Week?
It's breaking $2.50 but still cheaper than gas.
Thanks to Gabriella Bond for sharing her memories of the Quincy Street house torn down last week.
Send press releases and announcements to info@iberkshires.com. Need to contact someone at iBerkshires? Here's how.

What's Playing


The popular anime character "Astro Boy" searches for acceptance on the big screen.


'Michael Jackson's This Is It': But It Is Always There
Movie schedules and times

Obituaries

Milton E. Pharr, 75
Alice R. Filiault, 87
Lucille Burt, 92
Ellen E. McCarthy, 98
More obituaries
Mary M. Hanlon, 82
George F. Sarrouf, 73

Sales Fliers

 
 

 

Bazaars

Nov. 14

Berkshire Community Church, Richmond
10-4; Crafters, bake sale. Contact Evelyn Goggia at 413-445-5747

Lanesborough Elementary School annual Fall Craft Fair from 10 to 4. Free admission, huge variety of arts and crafts, raffles, food and more. Proceeds go to sixth-grade trip to Cape Cod.

Vendors can contact Deb at 413-738-5349 or debhutton@aol.com or Lori at 413-499-0065 or lorittod@yahoo.com to secure a spot.

Dec. 12-13

North Adams Country Club, crafts 9-4; food from That's a Wrap from 11-2. Contact Sheryl Morehouse at 413-822-3329.

Planning a bazaar this season? Submit information to info@iberkshires.com to have it listed here.

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Shamrock Aviation Sees Blue Skies Ahead

By Jen Thomas
iBerkshires Staff
06:13AM / Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Matthew Champney
View Slide Show
NORTH ADAMS — Nothing can compare to the Berkshires' breathtaking views, its natural scenes, its unparalleled vistas.

But to truly appreciate the beauty of the mountains, they have to be seen from the sky.

Thanks to Shamrock Aviation, residents and visitors to the county have that chance. Offering scenic airplane rides that take off from Harriman-West Airport, the fixed-base operator takes passengers on a 40-minute air tour of the city, Williamstown and Mount Greylock.

"This area has so much potential," said general manager Matthew Champney at the Shamrock Aviation hangar on Monday morning. "We have a really nice airport here, just no one knows about it."

The tours come complete with narration and notes about important landmarks, including Williams College's campus and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Able to accommodate up to three passengers at a time, the flights showcase the variety of Berkshire landscapes — from congested city streets to sprawling farm lands to serene mountain views, complete with snow still on their at peaks.

According to Champney, he and owner Liam Shirley, of Lanesborough, want to bring back the glory days of Peter Esposito's flying service, which closed several years ago.

Mount Greylock

A view of Mount Greylock from the air, taken by Jen Thomas.

"We want to breathe some new life into it," said Champney, 24, who pilots the aircraft himself.

The scenic flights, similar to what Esposito used to provide, are available seven days a week, during what Champney called "normal business hours."

Open since the first of the new year, Shamrock Aviation began hosting passengers at the first sign of spring and, so far, customers have been responding positively.


Above Williamstown
"Mostly we've been getting people who are visiting someone who lives here who have never seen the area like this but when there are more tourists, we hope we can get them, too," said Champney.

Since opening three weeks ago, Champney, who earned a degree in aviation science from Bridgewater State College, said he's taken customers on about 10 scenic flights.

Beginning on May 1, Shamrock Aviation plans to offer flight instruction; potential pilots can train to acquire a pilot's license. And, by mid-summer, Champney said they hope to be certified to make charter flights.

Though it's mainly a one-man operation at the moment, Champney expects to build a staff throughout the next few months. Shamrock Aviation boasts three planes — two Cessnas and a Piper.

"We're trying to re-spark things around here in terms of aviation," he said.

Harriman-West Airport, nestled behind the Stop & Shop Plaza on Route 2, has been in the process of implementing an airport improvement plan over the last five years. According to the Berkshire Pilots Association, past improvements include "tree clearing in both approach paths (which has caused significant controversy among Williamstown residents), new security fencing and gates, resurfacing of the runway and the acquisition of new maintenance equipment."

In the cockpit


"Upcoming projects include reconstruction of the runway, ramp, and taxiways, a new airport beacon and the completion of perimeter fencing," reads the Pilots Association Web site. "The airport is home to several businesses employing more than 35 people."

Shamrock Aviation offers scenic flights daily, at a rate of $35 per person. Call Champney at 413-663-3330 for more information.



Your Comments
Post Comment
I recently went up with Mr. Champney for my first time ever flying. It was a fathers day gift from my wife and kids. I absolutley loved it! Mark is a stupendous pilot, and if you are nervous about flying as I was, I strongly advise putting your full trust in Mr. Champney, and the Shamrock Avaiation! Good luck with everything Mark, and I will be in touch for some more flying very soon!
from: David Shadeon: 06-25-2009

The flight was amazing, can't wait to do it again!
from: Tazzon: 07-02-2008

Good Luck Matt

We hope the best for you and your new
endevor. Congratulations you deserve the best.

Rick and Tammy Moon
from: Rick and Tammy Moonon: 05-21-2008

It brought back memories of my first solo flight many years ago. You're right the view is absolutely stupendous.
from: franon: 04-18-2008

Excellent, shows the true beauty of Northern Berkshiresfrom the sky. Can't wait to take my turn
from: B. Doughertyon: 04-16-2008

Excellent story, Jenthomas. The tour sounds like a lot of fun.
from: C-Llewon: 04-15-2008

I love this! Fantastic, beautiful pictures.
from: Emilyon: 04-15-2008



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