BCC Announces the Return of the Chorale

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the return of the BCC Chorale, led by Professor of Music Ellen Shanahan. 
 
The Chorale had been discontinued a few years ago when the College consolidated its for-credit jazz and choral ensembles into a single group. 
 
Now, thanks to renewed interest from students and community members, Professor Shanahan is bringing the Chorale back in a new form — as a non-credit, volunteer group open to BCC students, alumni, staff, and members of the broader community. 
 
"I am resurrecting the BCC Chorale, which was a staple on campus for decades," said Shanahan. "I have since heard that new students coming to campus have been inquiring about a choral group with which to sing. I am planning to restart it as a volunteer group
that is open to students, alums, staff and members of the community — it will be non-credit and no fees." 
 
The Chorale will rehearse on Thursdays from 2–3 p.m. in room K111 on the BCC campus. The first rehearsal will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025. 
 
Participation is open to all, and no prior experience is required. For more information, please contact the BCC Music Department at eshanahan@berkshirecc.edu.
  

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Berkshire Concrete Lawsuit Seeks Damages, Continued Operation

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Whether Berkshire Concrete can continue excavating after its permit was denied —and if the town is liable for damages — will be decided in a lawsuit the company has filed against the town, planning board and its members.
 
The suit was filed on behalf of Berkshire Concrete Corp., a subsidiary of Petricca Industries, by Jaan G. Rannik of Cohen Kinne Valicenti & Cook in Superior Court on April 13
 
Berkshire Concrete is suing for damages and wants the Planning Board's permit denial overturned.
 
The company seeks permission to operate on its entire property, and to have any future permit applications granted — unless they violate previous permit conditions and fail to fix them after formal written notice, or if the Mine Safety and Health Administration finds a public health danger requiring new restrictions.
 
It also requests that if a future renewal is denied for a violation and Berkshire Concrete disputes it or claims it didn't have time to fix, operations can continue until a  final decision is made.
 
The company claims the town breached its 1992 contract with Berkshire Concrete and the board exceeded its authority in denying the special permit. 
 
Berkshire Concrete claims that as a direct result of the town's breach of contract it suffered damages of no less than 1.9 million and will continue to incur additional damages. 
 
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