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Santa Claus visits with children prior to Saturday's tree lighting in Hancock.
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Residents sing Christmas carols after the lighting of Hancock's first town tree outside Town Hall on Saturday evening.
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After the lighting, attendees pose for photos in front of the tree.
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Hancock Holds Inaugural Tree Lighting

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
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Town Secretary Jan Lillie provided the impetus for the new town Christmas tree.
 
HANCOCK, Mass. — Scores of residents turned out Saturday evening to ring in a new town tradition.
 
A light coating of snow was on the ground, and holiday spirit was in the air as Hancock lit its new town Christmas tree on the lawn in front of Town Hall.
 
Selectmen Chair Sherman Derby credited Town Secretary Jan Lillie with the inspiration to create an opportunity for residents to celebrate the season and have a permanent symbol to light up the night sky throughout December.
 
Over the summer, a tree was transplanted from a resident's home to the seat of town government on Hancock Road (Route 43). A group of volunteers decorated the tree with lights donated by Bloom Meadows
 
"I just wanted to have a community event to bring everyone together," Lillie said prior to Saturday evening's festivities.
 
Santa Claus came to town to visit with youngsters, and everyone enjoyed snacks donated by Bluebird and Company restaurant.
 
The town's fire engine, fresh off an appearance in the lighted parade parade in nearby Stephentown, N.Y., arrived at Town Hall in time to brighten things up before the ceremony. And after the tree was lit, the crowd joined in singing holiday songs like "Frosty the Snowman," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
 
The tree lighting was added to a roster of holiday events that this year included a community Thanksgiving dinner at the elementary school, the venerable Community Christmas program that distributed more than 100 gift bags to the town's youngsters in 2023 and a Holiday Pot Luck that Lillie is organizing for town officials and employees for later this month.
 
Derby pointed to volunteer efforts like those and the town's recently completed veterans memorial as part of what makes Hancock what it is.
 
"Hancock is all about about Christmas," the longtime selectman said. "Volunteers are what makes the town great."
 

 


Tags: Christmas tree,   tree lighting,   

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National Grid Hosts Customer Assistance Events In The Berkshires

WALTHAM, Mass. — National Grid will hold a series of in-person Customer Assistance Events this December. 
 
As colder weather sets in, these events are designed to help customers manage winter energy bills and explore cost-saving programs.
 
In Berkshire County:
  • Dec. 4 – Town Library, Williamstown, 4:00pm – 8:00pm, 1095 Main Street, Williamstown
  • Dec. 5 – National Grid Great Barrington Office, 11:00am – 2:00pm, 927 South Main Street, Great Barrington
  • Dec. 5 – Sheffield Bushnell-Sage Library, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, 97 Main Street, Sheffield
Many of these events will continue to take place at local senior centers, making it convenient for older residents to access personalized assistance. Attendees at any location will have direct access to National Grid Customer Service Specialists, who can provide personalized guidance on payment options and energy solutions to meet each household's needs.
 
"As December begins, customers still have opportunities to find support and manage energy costs," said Bill Malee, chief customer officer, National Grid. "We're proud to host many of these events at local senior centers, ensuring customers have easy access to the support they need. Our in-person events are a great way for customers to connect with our team, learn about flexible payment options, and discover energy-saving programs that can help make a real difference this season."
 
Customers attending in-person events will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from National Grid, who will be on-site to assist with billing issues and provide information on:
  • Enrolling in National Grid's new Payment Assistance Bundle
  • Enrolling in Budget Billing
  • Enrolling in the Energy Discount Rate (for qualifying customers)
  • Scheduling home energy assessments and sharing information on other energy efficiency opportunities for homes or businesses 
These events are part of National Grid's broader commitment to affordability and reliability. Customers can also access support by calling 1-800-233-5325.
 
National Grid customers can now sign up for a new Payment Assistance Bundle. The bundle combines three solutions to make it easier for managing energy costs and paying down past due amounts over a 12-month period.
  • Deferred Payment Agreement: Spread out past-due balance into future monthly payments.
  • Automatic Monthly Payments: Automatically deduct payments from your bank account each month and avoid missing due dates.
  • Budget Plan: Break down annual energy costs into balanced monthly payments, making it easier to budget and plan expenses.
Customers interested in enrolling in the Payment Assistance Bundle can do so online by visiting ngrid.com/hereforyou, at an in-person event, or by calling 1-800-233-5325.
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