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Housatonic update Pittsfield — The next meeting of the citizens Coordinating Council for the General Electric / Housatonic River site will be tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 at Berkshire Community College in the Susan B. Anthony Center. Members of the public are welcome. Representatives from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, GE and the state Department of Environmental Protection will update the council on the progress of the cleanup for the 1 1/2 Mile Reach of the Housatonic River. A representataive of the trustees will discuss the process being undertaken to develop a restoration plan for the natural resource damages recovery allocated to the geographic area. The Massacahusetts SubCouncil, consisting of three members of the trustee agencies and two ex-officio delegates, will also hold a meeting open to the public from 3 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 25, at the Berkshire Athenaeum. The agenda will include discussion of a schedule and next steps required for the restoration plan and a proposal to fund, as an Emergency Restoration Project, the construction of a Riverwalk adjacent to a segment of the 1 1/2 Mile Reach. Skills for kids Pittsfield — Joline Godfrey, author of a new book, “Raising Financially Fit Kids,” and a leading authority on teaching children and teens how to be financially savvy, will present a free evening program tailored for Berkshire County parents and teachers tonight at 7 in the auditorium of the main building at Miss Hall’s School. Sponsored by Banknorth Massachusetts, Molari, and Berkshire Business and Professional Women, the program will present ways for parents and teachers to help young people develop sound financial values and learn the 10 basic money skills children need by age 18. Studies show that parents and schools struggle with how to give youngsters the financial education they will need for independence and lifelong well being. The 90-minute program is designed to give adults effective tools for helping their children through the financial apprenticeship that occurs from ages 5 to 18. Facilitator Joline Godfrey is founder and CEO of Independent Means, a company dedicated to increasing financial literacy, particularly among young people. Godfrey and her work have been presented on The Today Show, Oprah, and Lifetime Television as well as in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Fortune, and Business Week. Book sale Pittsfield — The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum will hold a book sale on Nov. 6, 7, 8 in the auditorium of the library. The sale on Thursday will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. for members of the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum only. Members should bring their cards with them. Anyone wishing to join may do so a half-hour prior to the Thursday sale in the main lobby. The sale will be open to the public on Friday, 10 to 4, and Saturday, 10 to 2. About 20,000 hardcover and paperback books will be available, the majority of them donated by patrons and Friends of the Athenaeum since the last sale in May. Buyers will find over 12,000 paperbacks on all subjects, 2,500 children’s books, 250 cookbooks, 200 audio books, 100 videos and a larger selection in most categories than in previous sales.Two new categories, military history and true crime, will have over 150 volumes for purchase. A portion of the money raised from the May sale was used to purchase emergency medicine cabinets for the library, a new microphone and stand for use in the auditorium and a wireless microphone for lecturers. In addition, funds were provided for the Children’s Summer Reading Program and the Library Arts Series. The free performances included, “The Spoon River Anthology”, a jazz concert, Charlie Chaplin silents, a four-part book discussion group, “Understanding Islam,” and an upcoming film on Emily Dickinson. Stephentown auction Stephentown, N.Y. — A portable grill, a barbecue tool set and a weekend at Foxhollow resort will be among numerous items for sale at an auction set for Nov. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Stephentown Fire Hall. Proceeds will be used to install new playground equipment, community walking paths, benches and other recreation equipment for the Stephentown and Berlin elementary schools. Items may be previewed the evening before the auction from 6 to 8 p.m. and on the day itself from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. A sampling of auction items includes a “Solaire Anywhere,” a stainless steel portable grill with a retail value of $399, and a 24-piece barbecue tool set worth $99, both donated by the Ray Murray Company; a complete set of dog grooming services, worth $50, donated by Shirley Royce, an experienced dog breeder and groomer whose business is in Stephentown, and preparation of a business plan or grant for a start-up or existing small business or not-for-profit corporation. The 20-to-30-page document, including financials, valued at $2,000, was donated by SB Cass Associates, a business consulting firm. Also available for bidding will be the following: artwork from local artists, restaurant gift certificates, computer tutoring, archery lessons, ski lift tickets and an autographed NFL football. Other items include a one-year family membership to the Hancock Shaker Village and handcrafted wooden jewelry boxes, worth $60, donated by artisan Anthony Beverly of WoodenWorks of Stephentown. During the day, the community’s Prudential Financial Agency will offer its ID-A-KID Program free of charge. Children will be fingerprinted, and parents will be provided with identification cards for all children in their families. Bidders are encouraged to register in advance by calling Donna Kelly, 518-733-6488. To preview auction items online, visit www.berlincentral.org and click on “auction.” To donate goods or services: 518-733-9356, 9461 or 9855. Temple services Pittsfield — Temple Anshe Amunim will hold services to commemorate Kristallnacht on Friday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m. Literally “Crystal Night,” Kristallnacht refers to the vandalism that took place on Nov. 9, 1938, when the sound of breaking glass declared the destruction of Jewish businesses, homes and synagogues in Austria and Germany. Some consider that fearful moment a signal, loud and brutal, of the future of European Jewry, marking the beginning of the Holocaust, the sanctioned deportation and destruction of Jews. Cantorial soloist Barbara Cohen will lead the evening service at the synagogue, 26 Broad St., and will give a talk, “Can You Hear Me Now? Kristallnacht, Abraham, Lot and the Voice of God.” She will explore the themes of Kristallnacht and its relation to the biblical readings for the next two weeks. These readings will deal with Abram (Abraham) and his attention to God’s voice, Sodom and Gomorrah and Abraham’s nephew, Lot, who reacted to the coming tragedy in a different and disquieting way. Information: 442-5910. BCC honors Pittsfield — Berkshire Community College recognized the academic achievement of 135 students during its annual Honors Convocation in the Robert M. Boland Theatre of the college's Koussevitzky Arts Center. Each student ranks in the top 5 percent of the college with a grade-point average of 3.75 or better in courses totaling at least 12 credits. James Border, professor of history, provided welcoming remarks and introduced the speakers. Bryan Blanchard, BCC president, offered opening comments. Mario L. Caluori, professor emeritus of English, gave the keynote address. Karen Canfield Border, professor of history and anthropology, presented the honored students. BCC alumnus Raymond Kinsella on piccolo/trumpet, accompanied by Associate Professor Ellen Shanahan on piano, provided the music. Jeffrey Doscher, acting dean of student affairs and enrollment services, made the traditional presentation of library books. This tradition, believed to be unique to BCC, places new books in the college's library in honor of the students. Each book contains a bookplate with one or more student names and is related to the student's area of study or other interests. A sample of this year's titles includes "Code Name Ginger: The Story Behind Segway and Dean Kamen's Quest to Invent a New World," "Van Gogh's Table at the Auberge Ravoux," "Empires of Light Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World" and "That Man: An Insider's Portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt." Honored students and their hometowns are as follows: Connecticut: Lakeville — Celia A. Thomas-Kirby; Sharon: Aita Askinazi. Massachusetts — Adams: David A. Chalifoux, Ann-Marie Racine and Matthew D. Studley; Alford: Thomas J. Barstow; Ashley Falls: Katie B. Altemus; Cheshire: Mary C. Nosal; Clarksburg: Tammy M. Bentley, Carlyle C. Chesbro Jr. and Brian S. Cook; Dalton: Carrie M. Christopher, Richard A. Johnson, Alexander D. Kramer, Elaine Y. Luu, Casimir J. Makowski, Holly L. Rohlfs, Jody A. Stefanik and Norman G. Tedford Jr.; Great Barrington: Carolann Blanco, Kristin E. Cameron, Diane Homeyer, Laura A. Jenen, Anita M. Kergaravat, Linda M. Kimberley, Jacqueline L. Mosher and Lynn M. Pino; Hinsdale: Rachel Darby, Suzanne G. Ulmer and Kathleen R. Waldheim; Housatonic: Klara Austin, Jenny R. Barbieri and Craig W. Rose; Lanesboro: F. Mark Bashara, Judy M. Conrow, Johanna M. Coons, Cheryl L. Ericson, Melissa K. Pilat and R. Laurence Stalvey; Lee: Michelle S. Bissell, Rachel E. Calero, Darby A. Daoust, Dawn C. Donnelly, Keneisha T. Green, Laura E. Griffin, Casey L. Lynch and Milen Mihaylov; Lenox: Wendy L. Carpenter, Gary C. Freifeld, Aubrey J. Gelinas, Natalia Haigler and Margaret V. Hillier; Middlefield: Crystal L. Killela; Mill River: Myra F. Riiska; North Adams: Kristen R. Gagnon, Shannon M. Roberts, Alexander E. Roseand Joseph L. Williamson; Otis: Dawn L. Drake and Marjorie A. Middleton; Pittsfield: Adam D. Beatty, Monica L. Bliss, Mark A. Brodeur, Anna B. Celentano, Jennifer A. Cesarotti, Christopher R. Cochran, Laurie B. Connor, Janet N. Cormier, Marie-Linda A. Eboukle, Nicole M. Fecteau, Julie A. Field, Dona R. Gingras, Robert W. Halla Jr., Sandra K. Harvey, Roy W. Hoyt Jr., Jane A. Hudson, Melissa A. Hudson, Euna Ko, Jessica A. Kramer, Robin M. Ladeinde, Allen W. Laurent, Lauran M. Laurent, Elizaveta A. Litvinova, Alexander N. Lyubavin, Anacelto E. Maiorano, Michelle A. Mason, Nicole R. May, Jill A. McCann, AnnMarie McCormack, Judith A. McNutt, Jill M. Miller, Laura K. Montemagni, Sheriann F. Mottor, Thomas J. Naughton, Diane F. Nichols, Maria R. Noto, Lynn A. Perotti, Brendan M. Phair, Linda J. Pitney, Olga Prevo, Torben R. Russo, Rami H. Santrisi, Barbara J. Savoy, Paul M. Schueler, Charles L. Smith Jr., Laura L. Spence, Lisa J. St. John, Kim F. St. Pierre, Noah W. Stone, Ashley K. Sulock, Jillian E. Tooley, Eleanore Velez, Hai T. Wong, Irene (Iu Yam) Wong, Kathleen E. Young, Dmitri A. Yudanov and Rachel M. Zuckerman; Savoy: Carmen D. Kaczowski; Sheffield: Joan T. DeVries and Susan B. Efferen; Southfield: Natalia O. Gromakova; Stockbridge: Kari V. Chamberlin and Delphina L. Coster; Washington: Mary D. Gerhardt; West Stockbridge: Gordon D. Soule Sr; Williamstown: Danielle M. Deming, Alexandra E. Fedotowsky, Rhiannon M. Kopynec and Deirdre A. Mason-Hauver: New York: Canaan: Maureen E. Lindahl; New Lebanon: Laurieann Quiry; Stephentown: Alyson L. Beach-Weatherwax, Alisa M. Cornell, Nadine M. Fiske and Laura E. Sicley. Pignatelli reception Lenox — The Friends of Smitty Pignatelli, in conjunction with House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran, state Rep. Peter J. Larkin, D - Pittsfield, and state Sen. Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr., D - Pittsfield, will hold a reception in honor of state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli on Friday, Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cranwell Resort. All are welcome. Information: Kristen Brouker, 243-5534. Zonta meeting Pittsfield — The Zonta Club of Berkshire County will meet on Monday, Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Yvonne Pearson, executive director of Downtown Inc., will be the guest speaker and will provide an overview of the efforts and programs of that organization. Anyone interested in learning more about Zonta or hearing the night’s program is invited to attend. The cost for dinner is $16, with a choice of whitefish with mango salsa, chicken piccata or vegetarian. Zonta International is a worldwide women’s service organization that works to advance the status of women. The Zonta Club of Berkshire County, chartered in 1994, is one of more than 1,200 clubs in 71 countries. The club meets the second Monday of the month from September through June at the Crowne Plaza. Information: Jennifer Kerwood, vice president, 499-9261. Basketball training Pittsfield — Berkshire Special Olympics Youth Sports will offer a free basketball program starting Saturday, Nov. 15. Training sessions and games will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on most Saturdays until the end of February. Miss Hall's School on Holmes Road will be the central location for the basketball program, but other locations will be used as needed. A free coaches’ training clinic will be offered on Nov. 15, from 9 to noon at the same location. Athletes and coaches are asked to wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. Information and registration: Lee Ann Pettus, 442-6110 or Carol Senger, 447-7597. Olympics events Athletes represented the Berkshires at two Special Olympics Massachusetts events recently. Ten athletes from the BCARC and BFAIR programs competed in race walking at the annual Senior Sports Classic, for athletes ages 35 and up, held Oct. 18 at Sea Crest Resort and Mashpee High School on Cape Cod. Nine athletes from the Berkshires competed at the state equestrian event on Oct. 25 at Windrush Farms in Boxford. These athletes had to earn gold or silver medals at the Western Sectional show, held at at Equus Therapeutic in Williamstown on Oct 5., to be able to compete at the state event. Each athlete competed in two events, Working Trail as well as Equitation, with each athlete medaling in at least one event. The riders represented Riverbrook Residence/Undermountain Farm, Equus Therapeutic/Oakhollow and Berkshire Youth Sports/White Horse Hill.
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Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
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