Letter: Comment to Ken Swiatek's Letter on Zoning Proposal

To the Editor:

Ready. Fire. Aim. That seems to be a common way of doing town business in Williamstown these days.

It may be a holdover from the Covid Crazy Days of Zoom-only discussion, where having an eye-to-eye, in-depth conversation was nearly impossible. And it is not just the Planning Board. Educating our townspeople on fact-based reasons for a proposal seems often to elude many of our public representatives. Opportunity for questioning and public comment BEFORE an idea or expensive new hire is officially put forth for a vote seems to have taken a back seat in town decision-making. And our out-dated town meeting is no place to hash out important issues. For many good reasons, the majority of eligible participants cannot participate.

Spring is a time of new beginnings. Haven't we agreed that we will make a special effort to make all voices heard? Even those who may feel or be marginalized? Understandably, our civic leaders are weary and battle-scarred. We must thank them for serving through a very challenging period. But now let them make a concerted effort to hear and value the many voices who wish to be heard on a number of critical issues facing our town. We will all be the better for it.

Donna C Wied
WIlliamstown, Mass. 

Teacher of the Month: Karen DuCharme

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:28PM / Sunday, April 13, 2025

Karen DuCharme's integrated life skills class is designed to prepare all students for the world post high school.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Mount Greylock Regional School life skills special education teacher Karen DuCharme has been selected as the April Teacher of the Month.

 

The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, will feature distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here. 

 

She has been a teacher for 24 years, starting at Pittsfield High School, and has been at Mount Greylock Regional School for the last 11 years. 

 

"I always say that I didn't really choose special education; special education chose me," she said

 

DuCharme initially wanted to be a physical therapist, but the universe had other plans for her. While attending Pittsfield High School, she did not want to have a study hall, so she opted to take an Introduction to Special Needs class. 

 

From there, she knew that a career as a special education teacher was the right choice for her. 

 

"Even when I was a student, I gravitated towards other students with different needs and tried to help them and wanted to help them," she said.