Letter: Save Notch Forest

To the Editor: I'm writing in regards to the Save Notch Forest signs that I have seen.

As a proud Masshole native from North Adams, that has transplanted to Southwest Vermont, I was curious as to what the signs were about.

I am grateful that I checked out the site on the sign to learn of the extensive and heinous logging plans of the Mass Audubon society near the North Adams reservoir.

As someone who travels back down to Mass sometimes daily and ventures to the reservoir 95 percent of that time for just the peace and beauty of being able to just sit there in awe.

Each time I go, I am guaranteed to see the bald eagle that perches on the pine or birch on the eastern end of the reservoir. I've had quite a few joyfully, awesome experiences with watching it. Be when it was just chilling peacefully or swooping at the geese getting them all flustered but I loved hearing it's call after the beautiful Loons floating in the reservoir.

There was this time I could hear it calling and crying, but unable to see it. I then look up to see a hawk gliding back and forth along the reservoir, doing it's best to taunt and harass the Eagle. From the direction of the cries, I figured the bald eagle's nest must be somewhere behind that tree it usually sits on on the water's edge.

I just do not understand how Mass Audubon Society can intentionally destroy the bald eagle's habitat ... let alone the loons ... let alone all of the other heinous logging aspects that come with its proposal near the North Adams water supply. Way up mountainous terrain on already strained roads that are slowly sliding off the mountainside and near public habitation.

There are a million other places on Greylock, North Adams or Massachusetts in general, what about the other side in South Williamstown/New Ashford? More space, more direct, less people, no water supply or endangered species habitat to destroy for the fun of it.

Why does it have to be Greylock and North Adams you experiment with? Why experiment at all?

I'm grateful I stumbled upon the mighty little forest army fighting for what's good and right, let alone common sense. I am also eternally grateful for the abundant awe inspiring magic of Greylock and all she bestows.

Felicia Packard
Bennington, Vt.

North Adams Begins Search Process for New Superintendent

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:42AM / Wednesday, December 04, 2024

Tuesday marked the last time retiring Superintendent Barbara Malkas will present the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence. Colin Daly will graduate as valedictorian of the class of 2025.  

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The School Committee plans to cast a wide net in its search for a new superintendent. 

 

Superintendent Barbara Malkas, hired in 2016, will retire at the end of the school year. On Tuesday, she presented her last Superintendent's Award to Drury High senior Colin Daly before the committee launched into a lengthy discussion of how to replace her. 

 

"This singular honor is conferred annually by the superintendent of the North Adams public schools to a Drury High School senior who has distinguished themselves in the pursuit of academic excellence," she said as Daly joined her at the podium at Brayton Elementary School. 

 

He has been inducted into both the Nu Sigma and Pro Merito honor societies, was awarded the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal of Distinction last year, and has received the Principal's Award for having one of the top five averages in his class for four years.

 

Daly has been an integral part of the soccer and basketball teams, has been an altar server at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish for the past nine years, is an active Student Ambassador, and has held a part-time job throughout high school. 

 

"Colin has been an academic leader at Drury throughout his high school career, and his participation in athletics and service to the community demonstrates his commitment to improving himself and helping those around him," said Assistant Superintendent Timothy Callahan. "Colin is an exemplary student and is highly regarded by his peers."

 

Daly, in a statement, said Drury had given him many experiences but what he "enjoyed most was the ability to be what I wanted to be when it came to my education."