BCC to Hold Fall Registration Sessions at McCann

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - For the convenience of north county residents, Berkshire Community College will hold advising and registration sessions at McCann Technical High School in North Adams on Wednesday, August 26, and Tuesday, Sept.1, from 4:30 to 6. Although not required, appointments are encouraged.

These sessions are only for BCC courses held at McCann. Advising and registration for all other BCC credit courses must be made through BCC’s Academic Advising Center on the main campus in Pittsfield.

BCC credit courses to be held at McCann during the fall semester, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 8, are shown below.

The following classes meet on Tuesday, from Sept. 8 through Dec. 22.

“Western Civilization Since 1500” (HIS 114) an examination of the political, social, and cultural history of Western civilization from the Renaissance to the present, emphasizes the causes and consequences of the West's rise to worldwide influence and the roots of current global issues. Classes, taught by Joanne Hurlbut, meet from 5:30 to 8:30.

“Introduction to Composition” (ENG 101) an introduction to college-level composition includes essay assignments such as description, narration, and exposition, with an emphasis on exposition.

Topics include the writing process, focus, thesis, development of a logical sequence of paragraphs, use of supporting examples and specific details, and sentence construction and style.

Readings provide models for analysis. This course also provides an introduction to the use of library resources and to source documentation. Classes, taught by Denis Farina, meet from 5:30 to 8:30.

“Conversational American Sign Language” (HUM 136) is an introduction to various forms of sign language and Deaf Culture. Topics include fundamental sign vocabulary, syntax, and grammar, as well as history of Deaf Culture and legal, ethical, educational, and cultural issues facing the Deaf. Classes, taught by Karl Reddy, meet from 6 to 9.

“Human Growth and Development” (PSY 204) a survey of the psychological, physiological, and social development of humans, emphasizes "normal" growth. Students examine the various factors determining developmental tasks at stages throughout the life span. Life stages covered in the course extend from pre-natal to death as the final stage of development. Classes, taught by Wayne Klug, meet from 3:45 to 6:45.


The following classes meet Wednesday, from Sept. 9 through Dec. 23.

“Substance Abuse Education” (CRJ 108) designed for a wide range of students, examines substance abuse from several perspectives including legal, physical/medical, psychological, social/cultural, and historical, plus new and existing models for prevention and treatment. Classes, taught by Benedetto Sciola, meet from 5:30 to 8:30.

“Understanding and Guiding Children’s Behavior” (ECE 107) is designed to assist students in acquiring insight into young children's behavior. Students consider developmental issues, individual needs and styles, and group dynamics with young children. Course content focuses on appropriate ways to meet children's needs and effective strategies for identifying and intervening in problem behavior. Classes, taught by Richard Leja, meet from 6 to 9.

“Introduction to Oral Communication” (COM 105) introduces basic principles of speaking in public and the development of confidence and poise in the speaker. Performances include informative and persuasive speeches, and speeches using visual aids. The course also encompasses basic research, analysis, and outlining. Classes, taught by Margaret Whitney, meet from 5:30 to 8:30.

“Mathematics Modules” (MAT 800) allows students who are intimidated by regular mathematics courses to progress at their own rate, decide individually when they are ready to be tested, and to work and study in a no-failure environment. Classes, taught by Robert Rumgay, meet from 5 to 8.

The following classes meet Thursday, from Sept. 10 through Dec. 17.

“Introduction to Literature” (ENG 215) a survey of the short story, poetry, and drama, emphasizes the kinds of questions that help the reader discover the writer's meaning. Classes meet from 5:30 to 8:30.

“Composition II” (ENG 102) a continuation of ENG 101, extends students' reading, writing, and thinking skills. Essay assignments include exemplification, analysis, comparison/contrast, and argumentation. Topics include the organization of longer essays, logical development, coherence, appropriate support for points, and style. This course also includes critical reading of essays and continued instruction in research and the responsible use of sources. Classes, taught by James Lawrence, meet from 5:30 to 8:30.

For more information, or to schedule an advising or registration appointment at McCann, call Phylene Farrell, director of off-campus centers, at 413-528-4521; or 800-816-1233 (in Mass only), Ext. 5201 or 5202.
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is  appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years. 

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve  a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

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