Windsor News: Town Clerk Runs Again, Rabies Clinic Set

By Noah HoffenbergiBerkshires Correspondent
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Photo by Kirsten Lewis
WINDSOR, Mass. — Veteran Town Clerk Evelyn Bird has taken out papers to run again for the post that she's held for 17 years.

"I'd like another term and make it 20. I truly enjoy it and I'm looking forward to three more years. I love it. I love being the town clerk. I enjoy the people," said Bird on Saturday. "If you want to know something, ask me. If I don't know something, I'll find out who does, and they'll be able to tell you if I can't."

So far, Bird is running unopposed.

Bird, of 3 Hinsdale Road, moved to the town when she married her husband, Leslie, in 1983, but traces her roots in Windsor to her grandmother, who was born in town.

In other election news, Selectwoman Barbara Giusti will not be seeking a third term, said Bird.
Peter Fusini, of 1128 Main Dalton Road, has taken out papers to run for Giusti's three-year seat. This is his first run for office in Windsor, Bird said.

Selectman Steven Markowitz's term doesn't expire until May 2010, and Selectman Stephen Bird Sr. — Evelyn Bird's stepson — completes his term in May 2011.

Hugh Ferry has taken out papers for tree warden, a one-year term. He's held that post for more than three decades, said Bird.

Also open in this year's uncontested elections are: moderator, one year; constable, three years; library trustee, three years; two Finance Committee seats, three years each; two Cemetery Commission posts, three years; and Planning Board, five years. March 23 is the deadline to turn in nomination papers to run for office in Windsor.

Papers can be picked up at the clerk's office during regular office hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, or by calling Bird at 413-684-3977.

Bird said there are about 660 registered voters out of Windsor's 900 or so residents. Petitioners need 32 signatures of registered voters to complete a nomination form. The election will be held on May 11 from noon to 8 p.m., and the annual town meeting will be held May 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.


Rabies Clinic on Monday
■ The town will host a rabies clinic on Monday, March 9, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Windsor Fire Station on Route 9. The cost is $10 for each pet.

During the clinic, the town clerk will also be available to process dog licenses, as the deadline for renewals is rapidly approaching on April 1. The cost is $5 for spayed and neutered pets and $10 for unfixed animals.

Bird said there is a $10 late fee for dog licenses that aren't filed by the deadline.
She canceled the annual Top Dog Contest for lack of interest. In the contest, a dog was chosen as the town's No. 1 dog — with an appropriately numbered license to prove it — through the judging of pet photos sent in with license renewals. She said she received only a couple of submissions this year.

Contra Dance
■ There will be a community contra dance held in the Town Hall on Saturday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Windsor Cultural Council, the contra dance is a traditional folk dance — popular in New England and across the globe — in which participants dance with a number of different partners.

Tim Van Egmond will be the caller; David Kaynor and Susan Conger will play fiddle; and Susie Secco will play the keys. Dancegoers need not be too gussied up; casual dress is acceptable.

The event is free and refreshments will be served. For more information, call Marcella Bantjes at 413-684-0153, Katherine Caffrey at 413-684-3722, or Ann Koczela at 413-684-4727.

Senior Luncheon
■ Windsor seniors will hold their monthly lunch on Wednesday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m. at Town Hall. The lunch will consist of corned beef and cabbage, provided by the male members of the luncheon group.

Organizers recommend attendees to wear green to the event.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building. 

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu. 

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building. 

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.  

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns. 

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot. 

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use. 

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