Reader Leaders at the Berkshire Athenaeum

07:47AM / Monday, February 24, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum announced another session of the Reader Leaders program, a unique reading-aloud event aimed at fostering a love of reading for youth in kindergarten through third grade.

The next program will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at 3:45 p.m. and offers a special opportunity for young readers to practice their reading skills in a judgment-free, encouraging space. Additional sessions will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025 and Friday, April 11, 2025.

The Reader Leaders program pairs young readers with teen volunteers who will guide them through reading aloud, be it reading solo, being read to, or reading together. The 20-minute sessions are designed to build confidence and inspire a lifelong love of reading. In addition to the reading time, participants will also enjoy snacks and a small craft activity.

"This program is a wonderful way for the youth in our community to support one another," said Sara Russell-Scholl, youth services supervisor. "It allows teens to engage in a meaningful way by encouraging younger readers while helping them develop literacy skills. It’s also a fun and interactive opportunity for all involved."

The program is open to readers aged 5–8, and siblings are welcome to attend. Due to limited space, participants are encouraged to arrive promptly.

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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.

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