SteepleCats Receive Community Certificate of Appreciation

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams SteepleCats organization wrapped up its 11th season of play with a return to the postseason, an array of individual honors, and a re-establishment as one of the New England Collegiate Baseball League’s most successful franchises in summer 2012.

But before the calendar turned to the New Year, the SteepleCats franchise received another local honor, as the organization in December was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for participating in the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's National Night Out activities.

The honor was bestowed to the SteepleCats in citing the team's community involvement. The team and the town have worked hand and hand toward a number of endeavors, including sending Slider, the official team mascot, to community events, as well as providing additional assistance in other local events. Slider was also given a certificate for his role in National Night Out.

Entering its 12th season this coming summer, the SteepleCats and team President Daniel E. Bosley will continue to take on a bigger role in community activities. Those efforts include sending Slider out more so than ever before to local businesses and events, as well as participating in more community activities.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.