Session Set on Williamstown 'Stretch Code'

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Center for Ecological Technology's hosting an information session on the new state building stretch code this Thursday, April 29, at 7 at the Williams Inn.

The town's looking to adopt the code as part of its pursuit toward becoming a Green Community. The code's been placed on the town warrant.

It calls for higher-energy efficiency standards in new construction, whether new homes or additions, and covers certain commercial buildings as well. Proponents say the extra cost (anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000) will be quickly paid back through energy costs.

About a third of the state's municipalities have indicated they will pursue adoption of the code this year. Pittsfield adopted it last week.

An overview of the new standards and the cost/benefits will be presented. The public is encouraged to attend. For information contact, Nancy Nylen of CET at 413-458-5688 or Lauren Gaherty of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission at 413-442-1521, Ext. 35.
 

Little Red Schoolhouse to Hold Craft Fair, Tag Sale

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Little Red Schoolhouse will hold its second annual juried craft and tag sale Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit the Williamstown Cooperative Nursery School.

The event will feature more than 40 crafters and vendors selling a variety of items, from jewelry to clothing to artwork to beauty products, just in time for Mother's Day. Each participant has contributed an item to raffle; tickets will be sold at the event.

If you're looking for a bargain, you can browse several tag sale tables, including the school's own table, which will offer a  variety of children's clothing, books and toys, as well as adult clothing, housewares, holiday items and more.

Lunch food also will be sold, and bake sale goodies will be sold for dessert or to bring home.

Bowey the Clown will perform a magic show at 11:30, and will stay after the show for balloon-making; Magic Brushes will provide face painting.

Admission is free. The school is located on Route 7,  just south of Route 43. For more information, contact Jennifer Welch at 413-458-9162 or jeffrey.welch1@verizon.net.

Northern Berkshire Neighbors Looking for Leaders

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Outreach worker Aldona Adams is looking for leaders to represent  Mill Street, Hall Street, Maple Street and Linden Street for a recently formed neighborhood organization in the Mill Village Historic District.

The Northern Berkshire Neighbors Program, through the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, recently formed the neighborhood organization, training area outreach workers to help neighborhoods and neighbors come together and learn about area social services and events.

The next neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m., at the Williamstown Youth Center, 270 Cole Ave. Lauren Gaherty from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and Williamstown Selectwoman Jane Allen will speak about the prospective bike path that will lead through this neighborhood and surrounding areas. Adams also is looking for ideas that may help beautify the neighborhood, and seeks ideas for fun summer activities.

For more information, contact Aldona Adams at 413-458-0320 or aldonaadams@yahoo.com. For other Coalition information, visit www.nbccoalition.org.

Milne Library Offers Patrons Amnesty

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Got a library book that's long overdue? Have you avoided stepping foot inside the library, fearing reprimand, or a hefty fine? If you borrowed that book (or other items) from the David and Joyce Milne library, you can breathe a sigh of relief. In celebration of National Library Week, the library is granting a fine-free week for all overdue materials.

The amnesty week runs from Monday, April 12 through Saturday, April 17, and is for overdue items returned that week only. Existing older fines do not apply and fines from other libraries cannot be waived.

This weekend might be a good time to start looking under cushions, check your bookshelves, and empty your kids' backpacks.

Also of note: The library will be closed to celebrate Patriot’s Day on Monday, April 19.

Evacuation Day Supporter

Our friend Joyce Harsch of Williamstown sent us this photo of Walt Klinger, who spent three hours at Field Park in Williamstown on Wednesday, March 17, to remind people it was Evacuation Day.

We don't celebrate the day out here — it's a Boston holiday that shuts down government in Suffolk County, one that a lot of other Bays Staters would like to see disappear. But Klinger, of Pownal, Vt., thought it was great way to remind people of history.

Of course, the Berkshires did play a small role in the real evacuation day 234 years ago. Henry Knox dragged his cannon into South County, most likely along what's now Route 23 through Great Barrington, on his way from Fort Ticonderago to Boston. The arrival of the cannons forced the British to evacuate the city.

So even though Klinger would have been more appropriate waving in Great Barrington, he made a pretty picture by the 1753 House.