BCC Offers Series of 'Free College' Information Sessions

• Thursday, July 11, 5-7:30 pm: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington 
• Thursday, July 25, 5-7 pm: Berkshire Community College's One Stop Center, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield 
• Wednesday, August 7, 6-8 pm: North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street, North Adams 

• Are 25 or older on the first day of classes         
• Are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public community college 
• Have not previously earned a college degree 
• Are enrolled in at least six credits per semester 
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 
• Are a Massachusetts resident 

• Reside in Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the beginning of the school term and be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, or have an approved eligibility status designated by the Board of Higher Education; 
• Have not earned a prior degree; 
• Not be in default on any state or federal student loans for attendance at any institution; 
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually; 
• Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a nursing program at a community college in Massachusetts; 
• Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP); and 
• Demonstrate unmet need toward the costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies, after all other grant and scholarship aid has been accounted for. 

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.