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Registers of Deeds Maria T. Ziemba, left, Patricia M. Harris and Michelle Laramee-Jenny at the Middle Berkshire Registry after being sworn in on Jan. 2.

Berkshire Registers of Deeds to Standardize Procedures

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The county's three registers of deeds say they will be working together to ensure consistency in procedures in the three offices. 
 
Maria T. Ziemba, Northern Berkshire District Register of Deeds; Patricia M. Harris, Berkshire Middle District Register of Deeds; and Michelle Laramee-Jenny, Southern Berkshire District Register of Deeds, were all sworn into office in the Middle Berkshire District Registry of Deeds on Wednesday, Jan. 2.
 
All three registers have agreed to identify and standardize any differences in recording requirements and procedures between the registries in an effort to become more accommodating to law firms, financial institutions and their support staff; ultimately benefitting their clients, customers and all landowners throughout Berkshire County. 
 
According to the statement issued by the registers, they say that although uniformity is important, each register agrees that the needs of the homeowners within their own districts will remain their first priority along with improved public access to all records.

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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.

Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.

The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.

Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.

"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.

"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."

Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly.  A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.

It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.

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