NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City officials are encouraging residents to conserve water as the drought conditions were updated last week to Level 2 for the Berkshires.
"Due to ongoing drought conditions, the North Adams Water Department has been closely monitoring the water levels at the Mount Williams and Notch Reservoirs," the city posted on its Facebook page. "While both reservoirs are currently below their typical levels, they are not yet at critical status. We will continue to track conditions carefully and provide updates as needed."
State Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper declared a Level 2 Significant Drought for most of the state, including Western Massachusetts.
August has been dry with rainfall 1 to 2 inches or more below normal. The states posted that the three-month precipitation deficits remain widespread, with much of the state seeing only 40–80 percent of normal rainfall.
A "significant drought" calls for minimizing water uses including using watering gardens by hand before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., checking for water leaks, washing vehicles or outdoor areas, and being cognizant of water uses.
Drone pictures of a depleted Mount Williams Reservoir taken by Nick Mantello and posted to Facebook had some residents concerned. Mayor Jennifer Macksey said they were not at a critical status.
"We encourage everyone to do their part to conserve water and protect this vital resource," the city posted.
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Weekend Outlook: Get Outside This Holiday Weekend
iBerkshires Staff
Enjoy the peak of the fall season this weekend before the weather turns frosty!
Editor's Pick
Mt. Greylock Ramble/RambleFest
All Around Adams Oct. 9–12
Massachusetts' highest peak is the centerpiece of a weekend-long celebration of autumn in the Berkshires. A live performance by comedian Jason Salmon on Friday, Oct. 9, and the Big in the Berkshires local music showcase on Saturday, Oct. 10, both will kick off the weekend at The Adams Theater. This year's RambleFest celebration will be held Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. p.m. at the Adams Visitor Center, located at 3 Hoosac St. in Adams. This free event will feature live music, food and drink, vendors, children's activities, sight-seeing trains, and more. The 58th annual Mt. Greylock Ramble, a hike along the Cheshire Harbor Trail to the summit of Mount Greylock, will take place Monday, Oct. 12. This 6.6-mile, round-trip hike that is moderately strenuous and can take four to five hours, but the spectacular views at the 3,491-foot summit are worth the effort. The first 2,000 hikers will receive certificates of accomplishment. A free shuttle from the Adams Visitor Center to the trailhead runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with return shuttle until 4 p.m. Very limited parking will be available near the trailhead, so use of the shuttle is strongly encouraged.
"Celebrating Jewish Plays" features three readings presented over three evenings during the holiday weekend. Live poetry, speakers, musical performances, and more have been added to this year's celebration. Multishow weekend passes are also available; tickets are $30 to $100.
Closing Reception for 'Terra Mater'
Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main St., North Adams
6–8 p.m.
These nature-inspired ink, cyanotype, and mixed-media works by artists Joan Ryan, Livia Linden, Carissa Toomey and Alicia Canary are curated by Anna Salmeron.
'Goosebumps' Party
Lenox Library, Lenox
3:30–5 p.m.
As part of Banned Books Week, the library invites the public to celebrate the birthday of prolific author R.L. with a Goosebumps Party with crafts, food, and fun. Create neon marker art, slime, and listen to scary stories. Free for all ages.
American Stories Curator Talks
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
9:30 a.m.
Spend a morning with curators exploring Norman Rockwell Museum's expansive and thought-provoking exhibition commemorating 250 years of America. Each session will focus on a theme drawn from the exhibition. This program occurs before public opening hours, providing a unique opportunity for reflection and enjoyment of the exhibition.
Planetarium Show
Milham Planetarium,Williams College, Williamstown
8–9 p.m.
Weekly planetarium shows are held on Friday nights at the Milham Planetarium to see all that night sky has to offer, from mythology to astrophysics and cosmology.
The 13th president of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts was formally installed on Saturday and challenged the college community to "love your students to success."
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The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a grievance hearing with the Tenants Association to discuss retaliatory actions allegedly committed by the executive director. click for more
The brisket contest actually started at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night, as some smokers — like the North Adams Fire Department — fired up their charcoal for the long cooking process.
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