Letter: April Is National Volunteer Month

Letter to the Editor01:00PM / Friday, April 15, 2022Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

Kindness and Compassion. April is National Volunteer Month.

Why do people volunteer? What do they get out of it?

We're taught from a very young age that we will feel good if we help others. It's true, volunteering gives us a sense of meaning, of purpose.

Thanks to a website, nextdoor.com, people can post requests for help. I just saw such a request from someone who knew of an elderly woman who was unable to walk her beloved dog and would have to give him up if she couldn't find help walking him. "Her health is declining, and the dog is her best friend."

I believe it's common knowledge that having something to care for can make a huge difference in someone's mental health as well as physical health; it can reduce anxiety and aid in recovery. Giving and receiving love is a basic need we all have. Sometimes a pet is all someone has. This is especially true of many elderly persons who would suffer social isolation without their pets.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if our towns took the reins to provide help to their citizens who are in need. Perhaps include the Police Department – this would be a great way for them to strengthen community partnerships. Schools could create clubs that would teach students community service and perhaps even give them credit. Dog walking would be a great job for a student!

Diane Perault
Williamstown, Mass.

Tags: volunteers,

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Williamstown Art Museums Move Through Town Permitting Processes

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
06:38AM / Saturday, October 17, 2026

The new wing will replace the bridge between the Manton Research Center and the original Clark Art building. The giant oak, at left, will be 'well protected' officials said at the unveiling of the plans in July.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The town's two art museums were, collectively, before three town land-use boards over the last two weeks for approvals of an expansion and signage.

The Clark Art Institute on South Street was before the Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals for permits to enable a 14,725 addition that will complete the connection between the museum's original building and its Manton Research Center to the south.

Officials from the Williams College Museum of Art, meanwhile, also went to the ZBA for an OK for the signage planned for is new museum on Main Street across from Field Park.

The new WCMA is well underway with announced plans to open during the 2027-28 academic year.

It cleared most town regulatory steps before a shovel went in the ground, but the last piece, the exterior signage, required signoff from the Zoning Board, which last year took the place of the defunct Sign Commission.

WCMA Deputy Director Devon Nowlin presented the signage plan at a Thursday hearing of the ZBA.

"The new visual identity is based on the concept of reflection, connection and interaction," Nowlin told the board. "As seen in this rendering, we have a complement of the different signage types that include a building marker. The building marker states the full name of the museum for clarity, and its position as a bench at the bus stop in front of the museum welcomes interaction and promotes public transportation to the museum."

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