Regional notes

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STREET FAIR — Hundreds attended the annual Street Fair in downtown Adams Monday night despite the threat of rain and thunderstorms. (Photo By Lisa Peck)
Shepard appointed LENOX— Sandy Shepard, the former administrator at Mount Greylock Extended Care Facility, has been appointed to lead the operation of Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center in Lenox. Shepard served as administrator of Mount Greylock from 2001 to 2004. A licensed administrator in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, she is in familiar territory at Kimball Farms, the former Edgecombe Nursing Home. She was administrator at Edgecombe for three years, from 1996 to 1999. Shepard has been with Berkshire Healthcare Systems since 1996, serving as administrator of North Adams Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center from 1999 to 2001. Previously, Shepard worked for the Willowood group for five years as assistant administrator at Willowood of Williamstown, Willowood of Great Barrington and Willowood of North Adams. Shepard has a bachelor’s degree in health administration from Quinnipiac College and a master’s degree in business administration from Western New England College. She lives in Pittsfield with her husband and two sons. Kimball Farms has been designed to provide the most comfortable and healthful environment available for individuals seeking skilled nursing care. The Nursing Care Center offers both private and semi-private rooms furnished to give residents and their families a feeling of home. The facility is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and certified by Medicare as a skilled nursing facility. Information on Kimball Farms: 637-5011. Colonial benefit PITTSFIELD — The Colonial Theatre will present Hollywood actress, stand-up comedienne, screenwriter, and novelist Cathryn Michon as she brings her new critically acclaimed novel “The Grrl Genius Guide To Sex (with other people)” from the page to the stage in a one-woman show to benefit the Theatre’s summer fund-raising efforts. Michon has invited the Berkshire-based band Melodrome to join her on-stage for an opening performance, Saturday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkshire Music Hall, 30 Union St. in downtown Pittsfield. Benefit tickets of $100 include choice seats to the performance, a signed copy of the book, and an after-party with Michon featuring champagne and chocolate delectables provided by Lenox’s famed Chocolate Springs Café, at The Colonial Theatre. Dominic Lydon will provide entertainment for the benefit reception. A $25 ticket includes a seat to the performance and a copy of the book. Certified (by herself) genius Michon has done the seemingly impossible: written a truly hilarious and endearingly romantic novel (and subsequently this premiere of her one-woman show) about a wretched divorce, according to a news release from the Colonial. The book was described by Publishers Weekly as “Rollicking romantic comedy … despite its title, actually chronicles a quest for true love, not sex.” Michon is an award-winning actress, writer, and stand-up comic. Her stand-up show “The Grrl Genius Club” has played at the Hollywood Improv, Caroline’s and Madison Square Garden to sold-out audiences. She was the star of AMC’s cult favorite series “Grrl Genius at the Movies.” Her television writing credits include “Designing Women,” “China Beach,” “Sisters,” “South Park” and “Diagnosis Murder.” She is the author of “Jane Austen’s Little Advice Book” and the critically acclaimed “The Grrl Genius Guide to Life.” Visit her Web site at www.grrlgenius.com. To purchase tickets for the benefit and champagne and chocolate reception, call The Colonial Theatre, 448-8084. For general admission, call 866-811-4111 or online at www.thecolonialtheatre.org. Benefit sale PITTSFIELD —The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will host an outdoor tag sale on Sunday, Aug. 1, from 10 to 5 at 4075 Hancock Road (on Route 43, approximately 3 miles from Jiminy Peak, in Hancock). Proceeds from the sale will support the New American Citizenship Coalition, a program of the Jewish Federation providing support services to the growing immigrant communities in Berkshire County. The sale will offer a large variety of clothing, furniture, and household items. The New American Citizenship Coalition provides free citizenship assistance, immigration information, referrals and counseling to the local immigrant and refugee population. The program is funded in part by the Berkshire United Way, the city of Pittsfield, Berkshire Bank, and Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. Information about the tag sale or the programs for immigrants and refugees offered by The New American Citizenship: Hilary Greene, 445-4881, e-mail tagsale@brainspiral.com or visit www.brainspiral.com/tagsale. B-Cool passes PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority has again partnered with three area bike shops to promote the Summer B-Cool bus pass and bike giveaway program. Continuing the annual summer tradition for the ninth year, the B-Cool pass program provides area youths transportation and a chance to win a free bicycle from one of three sponsoring bike shops. For $20, a B-Cool pass provides unlimited rides on the BRTA bus system through Sept. 4, to anyone 21 and younger. Entry forms for the bike giveaway program are completed when each B-Cool pass is purchased and collected prior to each of the three drawings. A new Giant mountain bike, from Berkshire Bike & Blade, 263 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, was presented to Adams resident Katie Martin as the first 2004 B-Cool winner. There are two more chances to win a new bike from the remaining bike shop sponsors during August. The B-Cool pass is available at Berkshire Bike & Blade and Ordinary Cycles in Pittsfield, The Sports Corner in North Adams, any BRTA bus driver or the BRTA administration office. Information: 1-800-292-BRTA. Nuciforo endorsement PITTSFIELD — The Massachusetts Federation of Teachers has endorsed state Sen. Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr., D-Pittsfield, in his bid for reelection. “The reelection of Sen. Nuciforo will enable us to work together to promote issues that affect the quality of life for school children, workers, and all the citizens of Massachusetts,” federation President Kathleen A. Kelley said in a new release, Nuciforo said, “I share the Massachusetts Federation Teachers’ strong commitment to children and educators, and I am very pleased to receive this endorsement. I’m proud to have fought for an educational system that recognizes the challenges we face in western Massachusetts. We must continue these efforts so that our children can reach their full potential.” Nuciforo was elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 1996 and is serving in his fourth term. He represents 48 cities and towns in the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin Districts. The Massachusetts Federation of Teachers represents more than 22,000 public school teachers, public school nurses, clerical staff, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers and other federation members throughout the state. Tag sale STEPHENTOWN, N.Y. — The Stephentown Historical Society is seeking items for the seventh annual Community Tag Sale on Aug. 7. The Historical Society, is looking for items in good condition to sell to help support its programs. Clothing and large appliances cannot be accepted. Information: 518-733-6662 or 733-5170. Items may be delivered to the Heritage Center on Garfield Road on Friday, Aug. 6, between 1 and 4 p.m. or taken to the sale after 8 a.m. on the day of the sale. The tag sale will run from 9 to 3, with a rain date of Sunday, Aug. 8. The highly visible location will be the field next to Gardner’s Coffee Shop on Route 22. As a community service, free spaces are available for individuals or other organizations to set up. However, tables, chairs or equipment will not be provided. Ventfort lecture LENOX — Electrical engineer and historian Thomas Blalock will present a slide lecture, “Early Electric Lighting at Ventfort Hall and in Lenox,” on Wednesday, Aug. 4. The lecture and a Victorian high tea afterward will take place at the Gilded Age mansion in Lenox. Blalock’s talk will cover the use of electric lighting in 1890s Lenox, which first appeared in America in the previous decade. The late 19th century was a time when both gas and electric lighting were being installed in the same building. Blalock will show slides of gas and electric artifacts from Ventfort Hall, which was built by George and Sarah Morgan in 1893. He will also describe the general techniques employed in the Gilded Age era to produce and distribute electricity and gas for such lighting, particularly in Lenox. One of Lenox’s most famous summer residents was George Westinghouse, who built Erskine Park. Westinghouse, as Blalock will point out, built his own electric generator on the property. There is the possibility that his next-door neighbor, Edith Wharton, had electrical power at her estate, The Mount, connected to that generator. Blalock was a development engineer at the world-renowned General Electric High Voltage laboratory in Pittsfield. Now retired, he is pursuing his longtime interest in early electric power and lighting. On the anniversary of the 100-year-old Consolidated Edison Power Generating Station in New York City, he documented through written and photographic research, that important electrical resource for the city. He is also documenting the elaborate power system once in place at the former Bethlehem Steelworks in Bethlehem, Pa. The 2004 Ventfort Hall lecture series is partially underwritten by the Lenox Cultural Council, a member of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Admission for the lecture and accompanying tea is $15 per person and $12 for members. Reservations (recommended) or further information: Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker St., 637-3206. MCLA grant NORTH ADAMS — The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has been awarded a $90,000 grant to establish a Center for Academic Technology. The grant was received from the Davis Educational Foundation, established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after his retirement as chairman of Shaw's Supermarkets Inc. The MCLA Center for Academic Technology will become the hub of faculty development and support in the use of modern presentation, computing and communications tools in teaching, according to a news release. The funding from the grant will allow MCLA to hire an academic technology specialist who will provide assistance and support for faculty to enhance the use of technology used in instruction. The Center will be a pedagogical resource by organizing professional development opportunities for faculty as well as assist faculty as they incorporate the use of technology into new and existing courses. The grant was submitted through the work of a planning committee led by Monica Joslin, dean of academic studies, and compopsed of faculty and staff. It will be funded over two years. "We are grateful to the Davis Educational Foundation for this funding, which makes it possible for us to develop this important center," Joslin said in the release. "MCLA faculty are always thinking about how to better serve students, and the center will provide valuable support in the use of technology in curriculum development. Many members of our faculty are eager to incorporate more technology in teaching, either as technology enhanced or online courses." Swim clinic PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield YMCA Polar Bears Swim Team will host a swim clinic for ages 5-18 and all abilities, Monday, Aug. 2 through Aug. 27. Swimmers will learn all aspects of competitive swimming as well as techniques using four strokes. The clinic will run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Sign up at the front desk or call 443-4927. Planning Commission PITTSFIELD — At its annual meeting, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission elected its officers for 2004-2005. Samuel P. Haupt of the Peru Planning Board was reelected chairman. Richard G. Roussin, alternate from the Town of Hinsdale, was reelected vice chairman; Sarah Hudson of the Tyringham Planning Board was reelected clerk; and Charles P. Ogden, alternate representing Egremont, was reelected treasurer. The At-Large Member of the Executive Committee for Fiscal 2005 is Jana Hunkler-Brule, alternate for the town of Florida. Appointed as committee chairmen for the coming year were: Stephen McMahon, delegate from West Stockbridge (Clearinghouse Review Committee); Mary Ellen Ausman, alternate from Pittsfield (Commission Development Committee); Charles P. Ogden (Finance Committee); Anita B. Barker, alternate from Williamstown (Regional Issues Committee) and Vincent Lee, delegate from Otis (Transportation Committee). The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is established under Chapter 40B of the Massachusetts General Laws as the official region-wide planning agency for Berkshire County. Its planning responsibilities include land use, transportation, economic development, and environmental protection and management. The commission is composed of one delegate and one alternate from each of the 32 towns and cities in Berkshire County and has a staff of 15. The commission’s responsibility is to study the problems, needs, and resources of the region and to make recommendations for physical, social, governmental and economic improvement of the Berkshires. It is also responsible for regional reviews required by numerous state and federal programs and is one of four members of the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is required under federal law to make major transportation planning decisions for the region. Historic displays HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. — The Hoosick Falls Health Center has welcomed Charles Filkins of the Louis Miller Museum and Philip Leonard, town historian with an exhibit of historic display boards which they designed. The following boards will be on display through August: Kiwanis, Howard E. Haynes, Community Leader: Historic Markers, Village of Hoosick Falls and outside village: Views of Church Street, Lower Main Street and Downtown Main Street, Hoosick Falls: Village of Hoosick Falls Schools, 19 Rural Districts and other earlier Hoosick Districts. The Hoosick Falls Health Center is an 82 bed not-for-profit skilled nursing facility serving the area for over 90 years. Adoption meeting PITTSFIELD — Wide Horizons For Children Inc., an adoption agency, will host a free Adoption Information Meeting at the Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave., on Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. An experienced adoption social worker will discuss the adoption process and be available to answer questions. To register: Lori Johnson, 448-8367, or e-mail, ljohnson@whfc.org. Wide Horizons For Children Inc. is the largest nonprofit child welfare and adoption agency in the Northeast. It offers 11 adoption programs, including countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin American, Africa and the United States. Parenting meet PITTSFIELD — The problems of parenting while mentally ill will be the subject of a meeting of the Berkshire affiliate of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill at a meeting Wednesday, Aug. 4, at 7:15 p.m. in the first-floor conference room at 333 East St. The program will include a video presentation and discussion of the film "I Love You Like Crazy." The film, produced by the Mental Illness Education Project, gives a view of how parents with documented mental illnesses meet the challenges and obstacles of raising their children. Eight mothers and fathers speak in the film about their diagnoses and about how they cope with caring for others while trying to care for themselves. They touch on issues of family support, stigma and the problems they have had with well-meaning social and legal systems. The video is one of dozens available from the lending library in the NAMI office in Room 417 of 333 East St. Arrangements can be made for borrowing them by calling the office at 443-1666. The entrance to the first-floor conference room in which the Aug. 4 meeting will be held is at the rear of the building.
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BCC Awarded Technical Assistance Grant

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) awarded Berkshire Community College (BCC) a $12,550 technical assistance grant to explore developing HVAC apprenticeships. 
 
EOLWD announced $3.2 million in Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce (GROW) to 29 organizations to train and place 514 apprentices across the state. The grants, which include contract renewals and new awards, leverage more than $2 million in state funding complemented by remaining support from federal funds to train apprentices in high growth industries like health care, manufacturing, clean energy, early childhood education, and more.  
 
"Registered Apprenticeship is a proven program that provides jobseekers with hands-on training and skills that lead to a long-lasting, family sustaining careers" said Governor Maura Healey. "Our administration is proud to have made historic investments in Registered Apprenticeship, expanding the program to more industries and making it more accessible to populations that have been underrepresented in the workforce."  
 
Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute in Boston.
 
Registered Apprenticeship provides individuals with paid work experience, classroom instruction, and on-the-job training combined with securing nationally recognized credentials, progressive wage increases, and economic mobility.  
 
EOLWD's Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) is responsible for promoting, developing, and servicing registered apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts. DAS maintains more than 900 apprenticeship programs with over 11,000 apprentices currently working with the vast majority in construction but a growing number of apprentices in expansion industries such as manufacturing, life sciences, and health care.  
 
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