Berkshires Beat: Horse Show Benefits Berkshire Humane Society
Benefit horse show
After 25 years of hosting the Berkshire Humane Society Horse Show, Overmeade Farm has passed the reins to the Berkshire Equestrian Center in Richmond. Through the support of the Hart Family and Overmeade Farm, the horse show has raised more than $250,000 during the lifetime of the event. Berkshire Humane Society is excited to begin a new partnership with Berkshire Equestrian Center.
This event is recognized by the Western New England Professional Horseman's Association. Riders participate in hunter and equitation classes, both on the flat and over fences. The show offers riders of all ages and skills an opportunity to compete while helping raise critical funds that support the programs and services of Berkshire Humane Society. BHS has provided care to thousands of homeless animals over the past 27 years, and the horse show is one event that makes this lifesaving work possible.
Divisions to be held include: Short/Long Stirrup, Baby Green Hunter, Low/Adult Hunter, Novice Hunter, Pre-Children’s/Adult Equitation, Junior/Amateur Hunter, Children’s Equitation, Pony Hunter, Children’s Hunter Horse, Modified Junior Equitation, Junior Equitation, Adult Equitation, among others.
"We are so excited that the horse show has returned," said John Perreault, executive director for BHS. "This event is a great way for people of all ages to combine their love of horses and their compassion for all companion animals. We cannot thank Overmeade Farm and Berkshire Equestrian Center enough for their support. The Hart Family has made this event what it is today, and we’re thankful that Sarah Hogue at Berkshire Equestrian Center wants to continue this summer tradition that celebrates horses and helps homeless pets."
The Berkshire Humane Society Horse Show begins at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, and is free to the public to watch. Berkshire Equestrian Center is located at 40 Perry’s Peak Road in Richmond, or enter at 802 State Road (Route 41).
Onota Lake treatment
Onota Lake will be chemically treated with aquatic herbicides on Thursday, Aug. 22, to control invasive Eurasian watermilfoil and other nuisance aquatic vegetation. The lake will be closed to all water uses (including swimming, fishing and boating) on the day of treatment.
These uses may resume on Friday morning, Aug. 23. Use of the lake water for irrigation (watering lawns, gardens or plants of any kind) is prohibited for 14 days post treatment. Printed posters warning of these and other temporary water use restrictions will be posted around the lake shoreline in advance of the treatment.
Citizens Legislature Seminar
State Sen. Adam G. Hinds is now accepting resumes from constituents interested in attending the 83rd Citizens' Legislative Seminar (CLS), which will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 22-23, at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Senate President Karen E. Spilka is the host of CLS, a semi-annual educational seminar geared toward adults of all ages interested in learning more about state government and the legislative process.
Established in 1976 through a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, Boston, the two-day seminar features engaging presentations by state senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the commonwealth. Topics will include the history and process of the Legislature, the state budget, the parliamentary role of the clerk of the Senate and the future of the Legislature. The seminar will walk participants through the legislative process including how bills are introduced, debated and passed.
The Citizens’ Legislative Seminar is part of the Massachusetts Senate's ongoing effort to increase civic engagement and open up the democratic process. It is an opportunity to gain an insider's perspective from elected officials and staff on how Beacon Hill really works. The CLS culminates with a simulated legislative hearing and Senate session where participants are invited to use what they have learned and participate as "senators" in the Senate Chamber in order to have a first-hand experience of the legislative process.
Each state senator is able to nominate and sponsor one constituent to attend the CLS. Interested residents who live in Sen. Hinds' Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden District can email their resume to his chief of staff, Bethann Steiner, by noon on Monday, Aug. 26.
Those interested in the Senator’s nomination must be able to attend both days of the CLS. CLS attendees are responsible for arranging their travel and lodging plans.
Dalton Preschool
Dalton Preschool has limited enrollment slots available for their 2019-20 academic year, which begins Wednesday, Sept. 4. Dalton Preschool, is a small, private, cooperative preschool business located within the Dalton CRA building, at 400 Main St., Dalton.
Dalton Preschool's play-based program consists of eight to 12 students ranging in age from 2 years, 9 months to kindergarten eligible. Limited enrollment schedules are available for either full days (8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), or half days (8:15 a.m. to noon) for three, four or five days a week.
Families interested in learning more information about Dalton Preschool are encouraged to first visit their website before calling 413-684-1064. Classroom visits for prospective preschoolers and their parents can be scheduled by appointment.
BArT deadline
Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School is currently accepting applications for students in grades six through 10 for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years. The next enrollment deadline for the 2019-20 school year will be Thursday, Sept. 5, at noon. More information on the school's enrollment and lottery process can be found online. www.bartcharter.org. Interested families should contact the school at 413-743-7311 or by email.
BArT is a nationally recognized, award-winning, tuition-free public middle and high school focused on preparing students for college. To date, 100 percent of BART’s graduates have passed a college course and have been accepted into college prior to graduation.
