Berkshires Students Compete at State Latin Convention

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Taconic students John Buckley and Robert Mottley wearing togas. 

HYANNIS, Mass. —  Taconic High and Pittsfield High school students joined Mount Greylock Regional students in Hyannis on Friday, May 10, to participate in the 57th annual Massachusetts Junior Classical League State Convention. 

Over 620 students and 70 adult sponsors from 18 schools competed in this three-day tournament sparing with words, wits and games.
 
Beginning with academic exams, all students then competed in their chosen categories. A full day of compeitions began at 6:30 a.m. with Swimming Olympika at the indoor pool of a local hotel. The rest of the events were held on the campus of Barnstable High School.
 
Other competitions included English Oratory, graphic arts and impromptu arts, track and field events, gladiator games and chariot races. The chariots were designed by students. The races took place on a rain-soaked football field. That didn't dampen the participants dressed in togas and sandles. A spirited Toga Parade with chants in Latin followed by an Awards Ceremony on Sunday closed the convention.
 
This was Taconic's first year, with 13 participating. Two from Pittsfield also competed. 
 
Mount Greylock students, who attend every year for many years. They did well throughout different competitions with both chariot teams (boys and the girls) placing third. The Certamen team received third place, and scrapbook contest earned third place. 
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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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