I write to urge support for Susan Puddester for the 5-year term on the Williamstown Planning Board. I worked side by side with Susan on the Higher Ground board of directors after Tropical Storm Irene devastated the Spruces Mobile Home Park. Through her work with park residents, town committees, public and private organizations, and the Higher Ground board, I know Susan to be discerning, thoughtful, honest and fair.
Susan would bring no agenda with her to the Planning Board other than a desire to make the best decisions on behalf of all Williamstown residents. I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy and recommend that you vote for her on May 10.
Catherine Yamamoto Sparta, N.J.
Yamamoto resided in Williamstown, Mass., for 30 years prior to moving to New Jersey six months ago.
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Williams College Receives Anonymous $25M Gift to Support Projects
Staff Reports
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College has received a $25 million gift commitment in support of three major initiatives currently underway on campus: constructing a new museum building, developing a comprehensive plan for athletics and wellbeing facilities, and endowing the All-Grant financial aid program.
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, say the gift reflects their desire to not only support Williams but also President Maud S. Mandel's strategic vision and plan for the college.
"This remarkably generous commitment sustains our momentum for WCMA, will be a catalyst for financial aid, and is foundational for athletics and wellness. It will allow us to build upon areas of excellence that have long defined the college," Mandel said. "I could not be more appreciative of this extraordinary investment in Williams."
Of the donors' total gift, $10 million will help fund the first freestanding, purpose-built home for the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA), a primary teaching resource for the college across all disciplines and home to more than 15,000 works.
Each year, roughly 30 academic departments teach with WCMA's collection in as many as 130 different courses.
The new building, designed by the internationally recognized firm SO-IL and slated to open in 2027, will provide dedicated areas for teaching and learning, greater access to the collection and space for everything from formal programs to impromptu gatherings. The college plans to fund at least $100 million of the total project cost with gifts.
Another $10 million will support planning for and early investments in a comprehensive approach to renewing the college's athletics and wellbeing facilities.
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, say the gift reflects their desire to not only support Williams but also President Maud S. Mandel's strategic vision and plan for the college.
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Neighbors of a proposed subdivision off Summer Street last week asked the Planning Board to take a critical look at the project, which the residents say is out of scale to the neighborhood. click for more
The Select Board and Planning Board this week clashed over a proposal that would add to the town charter a mechanism to ensure compliance with the foundation of town government. click for more
The Select Board has agreed to remove the town flag a year after town meeting established a bylaw restricting the use of flags on public property.
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