Mount Greylock High Hosts Music, Environment Residency

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Mount Greylock Regional High School will host singer and songwriter Ted Vigil in the "John Denver: Art, Music, and Environmental Awareness" Project on May 20-22.

The residency of the John Denver tribute artist will bring together both middle school and high school performers in a multimedia event.

A joint venture between the environmental science, art, and music departments, it is coordinated by choral director Kate Caton and supported by faculty members Ouisa Fohrhaltz-Burbank, Jane-Ellen DeSomma, Rebecca Green and Mary MacDonald.

Vigil was born in Seattle and raised in the Olympia, Wash., area. He has been performing since the age of 10 in concert, symphonic, and jazz bands as a drummer and singer. He won Talent Quest 2006 and Komo TV 4's NW Afternoon Celebrity "Look Alike." He currently performs nationwide and has played for Denver's Windstar Foundation in Aspen, Colo., and last year, he won the Rising Legend Award given by the National Traditional Country Music Association.

The schedule
Monday, May 20: Master class and dress rehearsal
Tuesday, May 21: Morning concert and dress rehearsal/reception
Wednesday, May 22: Dress rehearsal and concert, 7:30 p.m.

During the residency, Vigil will lead a master class and concert for students and will play with the school orchestra and both choirs in a May 22 evening concert. The performance will include Denver's "Legacy of Song," with a slideshow display, depicting images related to the work Denver did concerning the environment, nature and the Berkshires. Mount Greylock science classes will create narratives that relate to each song as well.

"This residency and collaboration is a tremendous opportunity for our students and school community and represents the first of its kind here at Mt. Greylock," said Caton. "We are thrilled that Ted Vigil will be here and grateful to the Williams Community Fund for their help in funding this three-day residency."

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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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