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First Congregational Church mission ministry members Julie Filkins and Sue Frew, on each side of the sign, with Dickilyn Mackinnon of Louison House, Rich Wilson of the Berkshire Food Project and Lois Daunis of the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry.

First Congregational 'Share The Love' Campaign Increases Donations

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — First Congregational Church's "Share the Love" campaign raised $5,550 that was donated to local food pantries and community services.
 
"Every little bit helps," Rich Wilson of the Berkshire Food Project said. "For the community to come together like this and think of us is a great thing."
 
Through the month of February, the congregation collected donations from the Northern Berkshire community. For every $100 received, the congregation donated $25. 
 
All proceeds were split evenly among the three recipient organizations: the Berkshire Food Project, Louison House, and the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry. 
 
"The money stays right here in North Adams in Northern Berkshire, which is great," missions member Julie Filkins said.
 
Last year, they raised $5,100. So this year they raised $450 more.
 
"It helps with everything," Dickilyn Mackinno of the Louison House said. "It has been a hard year for a lot of people."
 
"It is the same with the food pantry," Lois Daunis of the food pantry said. "We will be able to use the money to provide more food options for our friends who visit the pantry."
 

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North Adams Council Sets School Debt Exclusion Vote

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Council President Bryan Sapienza holds up an application to work as a poll worker for the upcoming elections. The form can be found under 'Becoming an election worker' under city clerk on the city website or in the city clerk's office. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council gave final approval on Tuesday for the mayor to borrow $65,362,859 for a new Greylock School to serve Grades prekindergarten through 2.
 
This second reading of the order, approved last month, was adopted unanimously.
 
This final adoption paves the way for two community forums and a debt exclusion vote scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Elizabeth's Parish Center. Passage of the debt exclusion vote will allow the city to raise funds beyond its levy limit for the life of the loan. 
 
City Clerk Tina Marie Leonesio said the city has about 1,400 requests for mail-in ballots for all elections and that in-person early voting will start the Saturday before. 
 
The first forum is Thursday, Aug. 15, at 6 p.m. at Greylock; officials will provide an overview of the project and tours of the school. Zoom participation is available here. Northern Berkshire Community Television will also record the forums for later broadcast.
 
The second forum is Thursday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. at Brayton Elementary School. The Zoom link is the same and those attending in person can also take a tour of the building.
 
The Massachusetts School Building Authority will pick up about $41,557,218 of the cost, the city about $20 million and the $3 million balance is expected to come from federal energy grants. The 30-year tiered loan for $20 million is expected to have its highest impact in 2029 when it will add $270 to the average tax bill, or about $22.50 a month.
 
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