Letter: Vote on May 11

To the Editor:

I am excited to endorse Albert Cummings for Select Board. I have known Albert for decades. I've watched him grow his business from building small additions and renovations to award winning residential and commercial masterpieces. Similarly, I have seen his music career evolve from playing the banjo on Community Auditions, to singing and playing guitar around a campfire, to sharing a stage with some of the greatest blues artists who ever walked the earth. Albert's success in these areas come from a strong work ethic, great people skills, a willingness to always learn new ideas while not casting aside those ideas that are time tested and proven, and the attitude that a job worth doing is worth doing right. These are skills and attributes that will serve our town well.

Albert approaches people, ideas, issues, and opportunities with an open mind. He possesses an uncanny ability to engage with people, put them at ease, and allow them to be heard and has the experience of making tough decisions.

I encourage everyone to vote on May 11.

Jay Merselis
Williamstown, Mass.

Performance Team Revived at Christmas Brook Figure Skating Club

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
07:11AM / Sunday, November 01, 2026

The Blitz regularly performs at women's college hockey games at MCLA And Williams College.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Last year, the Christmas Brook Figure Skating Club's Blitz spent the winter sharpening its skills and supporting women's hockey in North County.

 

This year, they've decided to help some men, as well.

 

The Blitz, an 11-member company of skaters aged 7 through 16, have been invited to perform during intermission of a Springfield Thunderbirds minor league men's hockey game at the Mass Mutual Center.

 

The Dec. 30 performance will come during a season that again will include shows at women's college hockey games at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams and Williams College.

 

The club's production team was a staple of the Bay State Figure Skating Show at the annual Bay State Games and the local club's own year-end show but took a hiatus after the COVID-19 pandemic, Michela Juras said.

 

"Coach Nikki [Benson] and I brought it back with a twist: hockey games," Juras said.

 

"I skated on a team when I was younger, and we practiced weekly. I just wanted to provide more opportunities to build their confidence. It helps build leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, you name it."