New Workshop beginning at The Berkshire Writers Room

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As part of Berkshire Writers Room's ACROSS THE ARTS program, The Berkshire Writers Room Artistic Director, Richard Way, will host a series of monthly workshops at Chapters Bookstore, 54 North St. in Pittsfield, on the third Tuesday of every month  from 7-9pm.

Way will discuss his self-published chapbook, "The Wrinkling Bath," at Chapters on Tuesday November 18th.

The Wrinkling Bath" series-- eight paintings paired with eight poems-- was first exhibited at Le Petite Muse in 2006. Readings followed at Ramsdell Public Library in Housatonic as guest-poet in Berkshire Writers Room's "Poetry and Pastry" program, and at Wild Sage in Pittsfield for BWR's "The Creative Experience" program.
 
In 2007, Way's second exhibit at Le Petite Muse, "Eight Days to Never," combined base-relief sculpture with accompanying poems.

"Not all my art has a built-in narrative," Way said, "But I have noticed similarities in the creative process of painting and
sculpture with that of poetry. They really are branches of the same tree. In a sense, all our muses are collaborating."

ACROSS THE ARTS workshops interpret visual art through collaborative poetry. "My hope is to showcase local artists' works to stimulate the works of local writers," Way said, "The surrealists used techniques of collaboration in their written and visual art. We'll incorporate some of the ideas of the surrealists, we'll explore some of the similarities between poetry and the plastic arts, and we'll collaborate on poetry inspired by local artists."

For more information call (413) 236-2191.
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Lanesborough Passes FY 2027 Budget, Warrant Articles

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles. 
 
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
 
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours. 
 
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
 
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. 
 
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
 
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
 
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