Gun safety
The Williamstown Police Department is offering free cable-style gun locks to all residents, through a partnership with Project Childsafe of the National Shooting Sports Foundation and as part of the “A Safer Williamstown†program.
Acting Police Chief Kyle Johnson said in a news release that the department is trying to raise awareness about the requirement to secure unattended firearms, while promoting responsible gun ownership.
“Our community is home to a number of men and women who participate in firearms-related sports,†Johnson said. “While the department is not endorsing gun control or gun ownership, we realize that there are legally possessed firearms in our community and seek to raise awareness about the laws mandating all unattended firearms be secured as a way to promote enhanced firearms safety.â€
During the licensing process, distribution of an informational pamphlet and a firearms locking device are issued. To receive the free gun locks, simply stop by the police station in the municipal building, 31 North St., and request the number of locks needed. Information: Officer David Lemieux, 458-5733. Information on Project Childsafe, www.projectchildsafe.org.
Prescription Advantage
Margie Ware, regional director for SHINE (Serving Health Informtion Needs of Elders) and Gail Rothwell, SHINE counselor for the Council on Aging and a social worker with Berkshire Housing, will present information on the Prescription Advantage program Friday, Aug. 27, at 9 a.m. at the Harper Center.
The Massachusetts program, a prescription-drug program for seniors 65 and older — and younger low-income individuals with disabilities — will offer an open enrollment period from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. The program is designed to offer comprehensive prescription-drug coverage, when combined with out-of-pocket expenses. The September enrollment period will be the only opportunity for those who will pass their 66th birthday once it ends, according to the Council on Aging.
Ware and Rothwell will take questions. The Council will provide donuts, muffins, coffee and other assorted breakfast items at 8:30. Information: 458-8250.
Toastmasters meeting
The recently formed Williamstown-based Toastmasters club will meet on Thursday, Sept. 2, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in the Rogers Room, fourth floor of Hopkins Hall at Williams College. Visitors interested in improving their speaking and leadership abilities are welcome.
“Voices of the Mountains,†the Green Mountains/Northern Berkshire Toastmasters chapter forming here, recently elected officers for the fiscal year (July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005). They are: president, Steve Love; vice president of public relations, Ron Gallagher; vice president of membership, Dave Gorson; secretary/treasurer, Laura Nesbit. Club mentors are Will Ryan and Marilyn Jess.
The stated goals of the elected officials are to promote the new chapter, expanding the number of participants in the Southern Vermont/Northern Berkshire area; to infuse each meeting with positive energy by bringing enthusiastic new ideas to the chapter; and to develop new leaders.
Berkshire County has two established Toastmasters chapters in Pittsfield and Great Barrington. “Voices of the Mountains,†once chartered, will be in District 53, which consists of six divisions in Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and Eastern New York and has more than 2,000 toastmasters organized into 117 clubs. Toastmasters International is an 80-year-old organization with more than 200,000 members in over 10,000 clubs in 80 countries.
Hopkins Hall is the administration building across Route 2 from Spring Street on the Williams College campus.
Public meetings
A schedule of public meetings in or about Williamstown, as provided by Town Clerk Mary C. Kennedy, 458-9341, from official postings. Meetings are held at the municipal building, 31 North St., unless otherwise indicated:
Thursday, Aug. 26, Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., Harper Center.
Harper Center
Elder Services Nutrition Program serves hot meals. Call 458-8250 or 458-5156; 48-hour notice is appreciated. Voluntary donations for van transportation are 50 cents one-way from Williamstown and $1 one-way from North Adams. Service is available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Thursday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m., tai chi; 11 a.m., van to Wal-Mart; 11:30 a.m., lunch; 1 p.m., crafts; 3:30 p.m., knitting group. Friday, Aug. 27, 10:30 a.m., exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch; 1 p.m., bingo. Sunday, Aug. 29, 11:30 a.m., lunch. Monday, Aug. 30., 10:30 a.m., exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch; 1 p.m., line dancing. Tuesday, Aug. 31, 9 a.m., oil painting; 9:45 and 10:45 a.m., van to Stop & Shop; 1 p.m., Harper Center bingo. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 9 a.m., van to Price Chopper; 10:30 a.m., exercise; 11:30 a.m., lunch; 1 p.m., bridge.
Deaths
A memorial service in gratitude for thelLife of John F. Reichert, who died Aug. 4 at the Prospect Nursing Home in North Bennington,Vt., was held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Williams College Thompson Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. Richard E. Spalding, chaplain to the college, officiating.
The organist was Edwin Lawrence, musicianship skills lab instructor at Williams College. The soloist was Karen Swann, professor of English. The ushers were Peter and Ellen Berek and Robert and Ilona Bell. Lectors were Daniel O‚Connor, professor of philosophy emeritus and Stephen Fix, professor of English.
Words of Reflections were delivered by George Goethals, professor of psychology; Lawrence Graver, visiting professor of English; Lawrence Raad, poet and professor of rhetoric; Nancy Reichert Pelmas, daughter; Daniel Reichert, son; and Emily Reichert Segal, daughter. The Prayer of Thanksgiving was offered by Francis Oakley, professor of history & ideas emeritus and president emeritus. The pianist was George Todd, professor of music emeritus, Middlebury College.
Burial took place in the family plot in the Williams College Cemetery. The Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna funeral home, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, was in charge of arrangements.
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Greylock Federal Awards Student Scholarships
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Federal Credit Union awarded 34 scholarships to high school seniors from every public high school in Berkshire County and Columbia County, N.Y.
Greylock awarded 25 $500 Greylock Community Enrichment Scholarships to students who exemplify positive community spirit and demonstrate respect and concern for their peers in everything they do, stated a press release.
Applicants were required to write an essay, which demonstrated their positive involvement in the community.
"Our scholarship selection committee reviewed every application and essay," said Jennifer Connor-Shumsky, Greylock's Assistant Vice President, Community Support and Events, of the process which received more than 80 applications. "It was really tough to narrow it down, because there were so many incredible students doing some amazing work in the community."
The funds will be applied toward state-accredited or nationally accredited two or four-year colleges or universities, or a full-time technical school program.
"For the first time ever, we were thrilled that two of the scholarships went to students entering a technical/vocational school," said Connor-Shumsky.
In addition to these scholarships, Greylock offers Scholastic Achievement Awards, which are designated for children of Greylock employees who are also high school graduates. This year, Greylock awarded nine $1,000 Scholastic Achievement Awards. These awards are available to all employees.
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West Dews ran for 137 yards, Landon Corcoran made big plays down the stretch and the Wahconah defense made the biggest stop of the night to stymie a comeback drive in the closing minutes of a 22-18 win over rival Hoosac Valley on Friday night.
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