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The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.           
Saturday November 21, 2009
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What's Playing


The Drury Drama Team presents "Dracula" on Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 19-21.

If you don't know who these guys are, just stay home.


'Pirate Radio': Good Movie Ahoy, Mateys
Movie schedules and times

Bazaars

Nov. 21

St. Stanislaus School benefit, 9 to 4 in Kolbe Hall, Adams. Bake sale, snack bar, games, Chinese auctions, money raffle, crafts, and pierogi.

Blackinton Union Church, 1373 Massachusetts Ave., North Adams; 10 to 2. Crafts table, bake sale, Chinese auction, the Christmas table, and kid's grab bag. Lunch $4, $2 kids.

First Congregational Church, North Adams, 9-2.

Nov. 28

Becket Federated Church
, Route 8, holiday bazaar from 9-3. Lunch, crafts, baked goods, holiday and other items. Information: Mary Peltier, Parish House, 413-623-5217.


Dec. 5

Holiday Fair at First Congregational Church, 25 Park Place, Lee, from 10 to 3; handcrafted items, raffles, children's shop, bake sale, cut Christmas trees and lunch from 11 to 1. Includes angel-themed goods from SERRV. Information, 413-243-1033 or www.ucc-lee.org.


Dec. 12-13

North Adams Country Club, crafts 9-4; food from That's a Wrap from 11-2. Information: Sheryl Morehouse at 413-822-3329.

Planning a bazaar this season? Submit information to info@iberkshires.com to have it listed here.

Sales Fliers

 
 

Daily Digest

Hooray for Vermont's Sanders and his battle against credit card companies.
How Much is Heating Oil this Week?
It's breaking $2.50 but still cheaper than gas.
Clarksburg Crime Watch Signs



We're trying out blogs to offer shorter, easy-to-find news. Let us know what you think.
Send press releases and announcements to info@iberkshires.com. Need to contact someone at iBerkshires? Here's how.
Mammography Dispute
The government's issued controversial new guidelines stating that women shouldn't get annual mammograms until age 50, rather than age 40.

iBerkshires will be meeting with local medical experts Monday. Have a question you'd like answered on this issue? Send it info@iberkshires.com with "mammogram" in the subject line.

Obituaries

Paul Sandler, 64
Robert J. Heideman, 73
Carol V. Vallieres, 75
More obituaries

Sports

Williams College Men's Basketball Season Outlook
2009 MIAA Girls Soccer - State Division 2

Final: Wahconah vs Cardinal Spellman
Date / Time: 11/21/2009; 3:30pm
Location: Foley Stadium, Worcester
MCLA Picked Last in Men's Preseason Coaches Poll

Media Partners

Berkshire News Network (WNAW;WUPE)
WJJW Charlie in the Morning

Election


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Downing Supports Fuel-Efficiency Measure

02:56PM / Wednesday, December 26, 2007

BOSTON - State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, has signaled his continued support policies to promote clean air and other environmental benefits by co-sponsoring a bill drafted by Rep. Frank I. Smizik, D-Brookline, that would reduce motor vehicle emissions.

"Vehicles are a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Much of the responsibility to respond to mounting environmental concerns has rested with state and local entities," said Downing in a statement. "This proposal is a sound package that includes economic incentives for consumers to purchase vehicles with higher fuel efficiency standards, and I am happy to lend my support."

"An Act to Promote the Reduction of Green House Gas Emissions and to Reduce the Use of Fossil Fuels for Vehicles in the Commonwealth" includes a so-called "feebate."

A combination of a fee and a rebate, the idea is a basic carrot-and-stick approach to encourage drivers to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles.

As defined in the bill, feebates are rebates for cars with good fuel efficiency, and fees or surcharges for cars with poor fuel efficiency. The legislation determines the fee or rebate as a percentage of the manufacturer's suggested retail price assigned based on the vehicle's greenhouse gas emissions rating. Rebates are given for vehicle ratings that rank better than average, and fees are assessed for ratings that fall below average.

Ensuring consumer choice for a variety of vehicles not subject to a fee, this measure is designed to include a broad middle spectrum, or "zero band," of vehicles that receive neither a rebate nor surcharge, including light trucks and SUVs, said Downing.

While fuel efficiency (CAFE) standards are the province of the federal government, states are free to construct their own tax policies. The feebate structure creates revenue neutrality, as the fees assessed will cover the rebates and administrative costs of the program.

The legislation is expected to be filed in mid-January by Smizik, House chairman of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, when the Legislature reconvenes in formal sessions.

Downing's legislative agenda contains various environmental and energy initiatives. Last week, his bill to improve air quality on school campuses statewide received a favorable report from Smizik's committee. Further, Downing has signaled his strong support for proposals to combat global warming and promote the production of renewable energy in Massachusetts.

It is expected that when the Senate meets in January, its agenda will be topped by a comprehensive energy package, referred to as "An Act Relative to Green Communities."
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