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.
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.
Election 2009: Bianchi Proposes Small-Business Fund
04:27PM / Wednesday, October 14, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Dan Bianchi has announced plans for a new fund to help small local businesses. From this pool of money, he said he will offer zero-interest loans and grants to assist local small businesses with special projects, business expansions, employee retention, and job creation.
Bianchi proposes to use some of the existing GE economic development funds to finance the new small business fund.
"My idea is to set aside $1 million of the existing GE economic development funds to help our local small businesses," said Bianchi.
This fund would offer zero-interest loans or grants to fund projects for businesses with demonstrated needs. In order to qualify for the program, businesses must employ fewer than 100 employees, have been located in the City for a minimum of five years, and have a sound financial business plan. Award amounts will be based on need, job retention and creation, potential for growth, and demonstrable commitment to the community.
The awards will be administered by a small-business council composed of representatives from throughout the business community. The small-business council will review the applications for assistance and determine eligibility and award amounts based on the criteria listed above.
Bianchi continues to stress the importance of supporting small businesses and encouraging them to help create strategies for the city's future. This fund will offer assistance to projects that benefit the community, he said.
"Our small local businesses are the backbone of this community. Together they employ thousands of residents and support many families. It is time that the city listens to their needs and concerns. We should partner with these businesses to provide the support that they need to succeed," said Bianchi.
"All streets will lead to City Hall during my administration. I plan to be the voice that our local small businesses need to continue to grow and succeed in the community."
