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North Adams Housing Authority Awaits Dry Cleaners Test Results

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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The Housing Authority will be in need of another member this year. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Housing Authority is awaiting final tests results on property it owns that once held a dry cleaning business.
 
Although there was no quorum at Monday's meeting of the Board of Commissioners meeting, Executive Director Jennifer Hohn had an update on the former Sun Cleaners on River Street. 
 
"It is done but there is no final report yet and I think that is what they are waiting for," she said.
 
The board, which also serves as Housing Opportunities Inc. board, plans to transfer all the HOI assets to the city of North Adams and dissolve the 30-year-old program created to help first-time homeowners.
 
The property at 111 River St. has been the last stitch holding the HOI intact. Some two years ago, the city was unwilling to accept this single last property without testing the property for contaminants. 
 
With multiple testings needed, Sun Cleaners has been in limbo for almost two years.
 
"I have been pressing for it and I was hoping this would happen years ago," Hohn said. "It's not me dragging my feet." 
 
It was believed that the last test would take place in March and this appears to have happened, however, Hohn said without this final report, the board cannot yet dissolve.
 
The Housing Authority does not anticipate any serious contamination.  
 
In other business, the Housing Authority will be in need of a new member after Commissioner Rachel Branch stated she did not wish to continue. Branch was appointed in November to complete a term that ends in July.
 
"This is my last meeting I told the mayor I was not interested in reappointment but I would consider staying on until the end of the year," she said.

Tags: Housing Authority,   

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Weekend Outlook: Mount Greylock, Shakespeare Day

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including birding, theater, and more to welcome the warmer weather.

Here is a list of Memorial Day events happening around the county.

Editor's Picks

Mount Greylock Summit Opening Day
Mount Greylock, Adams

Welcome the warm weather on the state's highest peak. Bascom Lodge opens Saturday at 10 a.m. A live raptor demonstration is at noon on Saturday; beekeeping presentation from 11 to 2 and presentation on the Greylock Glen at 5:30 on Sunday.

The War Memorial will also be open. Tours and a presentation on the "Tower of Remembrance" will be held on Sunday and Monday at 1 and 2 p.m. Meet at the bronze map. 

More information here.

Shakespeare & Company Community Day 
70 Kemble St., Lenox
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event features live demonstrations and performances, scavenger hunts, film screenings, food trucks, and dozens of other local nonprofits sharing the ways they serve the Berkshires — and beyond. 

More information here

Friday 

Wine and Warblers
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a glass of wine and look for migratory birds like warblers, orioles, and other spring arrivals.

Tickets: $35 for members, $42 for nonmembers.

More information here.

Ronnie's Harley-Davidson Bike Night
Ronnie's Cycles, Pittsfield
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Ronnie's Cycles celebrates its 70th year with vendors, drinks, food, music, and more. Bring your bike to show off against others.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Bring a craft you have been working on and join others to socialize.

More information here.

Saturday

Community Bike Ride
886 Crane Ave., Pittsfield
Time: 10  to noon

Take a bike ride with others in your community. Come earlier and decorate your bike and complete a bike safety check. This is open to ages 5 and up.

More information here.

Radical Reptile Series
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Second of a three-part series on reptiles and amphibians introduced by The Reptile Nook. This Saturday will focus on the world of lizards, and next Saturday on snakes.

More information here.

Pine Cobble Annual Plant Sale
Pine Copple School, Williamstown
Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The school's annual fundraiser features perennials, annuals and houseplants. Donations accepted.

More information here.

Mayfest
Downtown Bennington, Vt.
Time: 10 to 5
 
The 39th annual arts and crafts festival with more than 100 vendors. Free and family friendly with live performances, food trucks and local restaurant and downtown business specials. Held on Main and School streets. 
 
More information here

Sunday

Introduction to Bird Watching
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.

Interested in learning about the birds and trying to catch a glimpse of all the different types? Join Mass Audubon and practice birding. Bring your own binoculars, some loaners available. 

More information and register here.

Farmer's Markets 

Great Barrington Farmers Market
18 Church St.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 
The market is open every Saturday. Every week, locally grown food, flowers, and plants will be available, along with other local vendors. The market accepts and offers doubling SNAP, HIP, WIC, and Senior market coupons. More information is here

Lee Farmers Market
The Town Park
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

The market offers locally grown produce, prepared foods, locally created arts and crafts, and herbal products. YogaLee offers free community yoga from 9:30 to 10:30 on the first Saturday of each month.

The market accepts SNAP, HIP, Senior Coupons, and WIC Coupons and also offers Market Match. More information here

Lenox Farmers Market
St. Ann's Church
Fridays: 11 to 3. 

This market is open every Friday through Sept. 12 and features fresh produce, pastries, cheeses, and more.

More information here

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