Paul Babeu suing Priest accused of sexual abuse

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Former Berkshire County Commissioner, Paul Babeu, is suing a former priest, accusing him of sexual abuse. The suit was recently filed by Babeu who now lives in Arizona. It is the eleventh lawsuit filed this year against the Rev. Richard Lavigne. Springfield Diocese Bishop Thomas Dupre has begun proceedings to defrock Lavigne, who recently completed a ten-year probation sentence.
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Green River Financial to Award $1K in Grants to North County Teachers

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Green River Financial Services is partnering with iBerkshires.com to launch the Green River Financial Services Classroom Grant Program, which will award a total of $1,000 to two North County teachers to help fund classroom projects or educational initiatives.
 
Two teachers will each receive a $500 Classroom Grant.
 
Teachers may apply beginning Sept. 15, 2026, through Oct. 13, 2026. The program is open to teachers working in public schools in North Adams, Williamstown, Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, New Ashford, Hancock and Savoy.
 
The grants are designed to help local educators bring ideas to life that will directly benefit their students. Teachers can apply for funding for classroom supplies, books, educational materials, hands-on learning activities, technology, enrichment programs or other classroom projects.
 
Green River Financial Services President and CEO Rob Abel said the program is an opportunity for the company to directly support local educators and the students they serve.
 
"Teachers are constantly finding creative ways to make learning more engaging and meaningful for their students, and many times they are doing that with limited resources," Abel said. "At Green River Financial Services, we believe investing in our local schools and educators is an investment in the future of our communities. By awarding two $500 grants, we're excited to help two local teachers turn great ideas into projects that can make a real difference for their students."
 
The application process is designed to be simple. Teachers will be asked to briefly describe their proposed project and explain how it would benefit their students.
 
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