Energy Forums Scheduled in North Adams, Lenox

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire County residents are invited to attend one of two interactive community forums to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, and Wednesday, Feb. 27, to help craft a regional energy plan.

The forums, hosted by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, will be held in North and South County locations for ease of travel.  

Participants will learn about our current energy use and sources, and discuss goals for long-term energy efficiency and mix.

Working in small groups, participants will use maps and information to identify their recommendations for the region’s energy future. Input will be used to help create a new energy plan for the region.   

Refreshments will be served those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to annie.stilts@cetonline.org for planning purposes, but RSVPs are not required to attend.

  • Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 27, MCLA Church Street Center, North Adams, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.

Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.

The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.

Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.

"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.

"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."

Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly.  A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.

It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.

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