March Community Contra Dance

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance on Saturday, March 9.  
 
Caller Maggie McRae will teach every dance to live fiddle music using gender-neutral phrasing.
 
According to a press release:
 
Contra dancing is a living tradition in New England; for hundreds of years, neighbors and friends have made their own social entertainment in this easy and highly collaborative dance form.  All are welcome.
 
New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 for instruction in the basics.
 
The band, The Vintons, is a new collaboration of three long-time musician friends with a love for the classic New England contradance sound: George Wilson – fiddle, Andy Davis – accordion & piano, and Marko Packard – guitar & flute. 
 
The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can:  $12 - $20 suggested, and barter is also welcome. 
 
Covid Policy: NBCD encourages masks, but no longer requires them. Be aware that, whoever your partner, you'll wind up dancing with everyone in the room. You may wish to bring a spare mask to change into for comfort throughout the evening.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Attorney General OKs Williamstown Ban on Smoking in Apartments

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Attorney General's Office has approved a town meeting action to implement a smoking ban for apartments with more than four units.
 
Now it is up to the town to figure out how to implement the restriction.
 
In May, town meeting by a 148-56 margin, voted yes on a warrant article proposed by citizen's petition and endorsed by the town's Board of Health.
 
The Board of Health and the town's health inspector, would have the authority to impose fines of up to $300 for repeat offenders.
 
The primary responsibility for enforcing the ban on smoking within 25 feet of an apartment or condominium would fall on the landlord or "condominium/cooperative manager," who would be on the hook for the fines, which start at $100 for a first violation.
 
The AGO had asked the town for an extension to the standard period for the review made for all town meeting actions across the commonwealth.
 
On Monday evening, Town Manager Robert Menicocci told the Select Board that he received word at the close of business that the Attorney General's Office gave its blessing to what was listed as Article 30 on May's annual town meeting warrant.
 
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