Clark Art Illustrated Talk on Revolutionary Fashion in Works on Paper

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — On Wednesday, July 30 at 1 pm, the Clark Art Institute presents Revolutionary Fashion, the first in a new summer series of free curatorial talks highlighting rarely exhibited aspects of the Manton Study Center for Works on Paper's unique collection. 
 
This event takes place in the Manton Study Center for Works on Paper in the Manton Research Center.
 
According to a press release:
 
In the wake of the French Revolution, fashion underwent radical shifts that mirrored the social and political upheaval of the era. Join curatorial assistant Sojeong Lim in looking at satirical prints and fashion plates dated c. 1795–1815, when scandalous dresses and extravagant menswear captured the anxieties and aspirations of a world in transition.
 
The next talk in this series, Women Impressionists, is on August 6 at 1 pm and presented by Esther Bell, Deputy Director and Robert and Martha Berman Lipp Chief Curator.
 
Free. Capacity and seating are limited. 
 
The Manton Study Center for Works on Paper is located next to the Berenice Abbott's Modern Lens exhibition in the Manton Research Center.
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Williamstown Fire District Expects Slightly Lower Tax Rate

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A rise in operating expenses for the Williamstown Fire Department will be offset by lower debt service payments on the new fire station, resulting in a slightly smaller tax bill from the district, officials noted last week.
 
One week after the Prudential Committee, which oversees the district, reviewed the fiscal articles it will send to May's annual district meeting, the fire chief explained that while operational funding is up by by nearly $125,000 from the current fiscal year to FY27, a drop in principal and interest payments will make up the difference.
 
Currently, the tax rate for the district — a separate taxing entity apart from town government — is projected to be $1.15 per $1,000 of valuation in the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The current rate is $1.24.
 
In FY26, district taxpayers paid $1.9 million toward principal and interest for the Main Street fire station. The draft warrant for the May 26 annual district meeting calls for $1.7 million to be raised for that capital expense, a drop of just more than $198,000.
 
"The impact of the new debt and, indeed, the entire budget is offset by certain revenue items, particularly the $5.5 million in gifts from Williams College and the Clark [Art Institute]," Chief Jeffrey Dias wrote in an email discussing the proposed budget.
 
The $500,000 pledge from the Clark and the $5 million donated by Williams College are being utilized at the start of the payback period for the bonds that fund the station's construction — when those payments are higher.
 
Melissa Cragg, chair of the Fire District's Finance Committee, explained that the use of those gifts early in the process will not necessarily mean a sticker shock down the road.
 
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