Graphic Novelist James Spooner to Speak at BCC

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will host graphic novelist, filmmaker, and tattoo artist James Spooner for a free talk on Wednesday, April 30, at 2 p.m.

The event, titled "The Ripple Effect Is Wild: How Small Projects Can Have Huge Unexpected Impacts," will be held in the Connector on BCC's main campus at 1350 West Street.

Spooner's presentation will focus on the value of community engagement over social media metrics.

His debut graphic novel, "The High Desert," was recognized as a top book of 2022 by Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, and The New York Public Library. He also co-edited "Black Punk Now," an anthology of Black punk writers and comic creators, which received accolades from Pitchfork and The Guardian and a Kirkus star. His second memoir is scheduled for publication later this year.

Spooner directed the documentary Afro-Punk and co-founded the Afro Punk Festival. He continues to present screenings of Afro-Punk and give talks on punk culture, comics, and Black identity.

 


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Pittsfield Cannabis Cultivator Plans Dispensary

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD. Mass. — A cannabis cultivator and manufacturer has opted to sell its products on site in Downing Parkway. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals this month approved a special permit for J-B.A.M. Inc. to operate a dispensary out of its existing grow facility. There will only be changes to the interior of 71 Downing Parkway, as there will be less than 500 square feet of retail space in the 20,000-square-foot building. 

"My only concern would be the impact, and really would be traffic, which I don't think is excessive, the odor, if there was one, but that doesn't seem to be an issue, and I think it's a good location for a marijuana facility," board member Thomas Goggins said. 

The company's indoor cultivation site plan was approved in 2019, an amendment to add manufacturing and processing in 2021, and on the prior day, a new site plan to add a retail dispensary was approved by the Community Development Board. 

J-B.A.M. cannabis products are available in local dispensaries. 

The interior of the facility will be divided to accommodate an enclosed check-in area, front entrance, retail lobby, secure storage room, offices, and two bathrooms. There are 27 parking spaces for the facility, which is sufficient for the use. 

No medical or recreational cannabis uses are permitted within 500 feet of a school or daycare, a setback that is met, and the space is within an industrial park at the end of a cul-de-sac. 

"The applicant desires the restructuring of the business to be more competitive in the industry with the ability to grow and sell their own cannabis products so they have more financial stability," Chair Albert Ingegni III, read from the application. 

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