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March 9, 2010

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The Planning Board was offered a facade that reflected elements of North Adams architecture. (Photo Courtesy Media Partner iBerkhires. com/ Tammy Daniels)
BERKSHIRE COUNTY NEWS

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Tuesday, March 09, 2010

North Adams Super Wal-Mmart Plans Approved By Planning Board.

The North Adams Planning Board has OK’d plans for a 160-thousand square foot
Wal-Mart Super Center planned for the Curran Highway. The project still needs to receive approval from the city’s Conservation Commission and cut through a lot of Massachusetts environmental red tape before it can proceed but developers don’t anticipate any problems. The Super Wal-Mart would contain a grocery store, pharmacy, general merchandise and a seasonal garden center. It would be constructed in a former gravel pit on the Curran Highway directly across the road from Greenburgs. An earlier plan for the Super Wal-Mart had been rejected because the Planning Board wanted the new store to have more of a “New England” look. Upon completion, the old Wal-Mart store down the road, would be closed.


Clarksburg Elementary Principal Retiring.

Clarksburg Elementary School principal Karen Gallese is retiring at the end of the current school year. Gallese made the announcement yesterday and said she is looking forward to a new challenger in her life outside of the school system. The 58-year-old Vermont resident has been principal at Clarksburg Elementary for nine years and said yesterday she may continue teaching in Vermont.


Thunderbolt Ski Race Set For Saturday

The 75th Anniversary Thunderbolt Ski Race is now scheduled for this Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 9AM - 2PM. Mt. Greylock. The race, originally scheduled for February 20, 2010 was postponed due to lack of snow. Despite temperatures in the 40’s with plenty of snow-melt going on, organizers say there should be enough snow for the race. Organizers had said that IF there wasn’t enough snow for the new date, the race would be cancelled until next winter

Two Men Arrested For Saturday’s Murder In Pittsfield.

Pittsfield police have made two arrests connected with Saturday’s murder on Wendell Avenue Extension and a third suspect is being sought. 28-year-old Trevor Pryce of North Adams and 26-year-old John Spratling of Pittsfield both pled not guilty yesterday in central berkshire district court, to single counts of murder and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. Both men were ordered held without bail and will be back in court for a pre-trial hearing on April 8th. It is alleged that Pryce and Spratling stabbed and assaulted 26 year-old Jahda M. Martin, of Pittsfield in the Burger King parking lot by Wendell Avenue Extension during the early morning hours of March 6th. Martin died later that day at Berkshire Medical Center. An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death has yet to be scheduled at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Holyoke. Police also have an arrest warrant out for 26-year-old Terrance Brown in connection with Martin’s death.
Martin, a 2002 graduate of Lee High School, was an All- Eagle selection in basketball his senior year. He was also named MVP of the2002 Berkshire County All-star basketball game.

Pittsfield City Council Meets Tonight.

The Pittsfield City Council will meet tonight at 7:30 and on the agenda tonight will be the items that were originally scheduled for the February 23rd meeting…which was cancelled to inclement weather. Even with those items on the agenda, tonight’s schedule is very light. Among some of the items scheduled for tonight include a petition from Ward 7 City Councilor Joe Nichols to invite two water quality experts to attend the March 23rd meeting to talk about the “Sandfloat” system used by the city’s water filtration operations. Mayor James Ruberto is also scheduled to submit the names of four people he would like approved for the city’s Green Commission.

Pignatelli Supporting Local Aid Resolution

As the annual town meetings season in the Berkshires get closer, State Representative Smitty Pignatelli is throwing his support behind a Local Aid Resolution which is being circulated in the House of Representatives. The resolution was used during the budget season in years past to give cities and towns a clear picture of what the coming year’s fiscal situation looks like and also what they might expect in terms of money from the state. The Local Aid Resolution is an important tool for municipalities in the Berkshires as they prepare for annual town meetings and the budget decisions which come along with them. It proposes establishing a minimum level of Chapter 70 and Unrestricted Local Aid equal to the amount proposed by the Governor for FY2011. The resolution also establishes level funding for Reimbursement to Cities in Lieu of Taxes, Regional School Transportation and Reimbursement for Special Education Residential Schools.

Doyle Stepping Down In Alford

Alford Selectmen Thomas Doyle has announced that he will not be running for re-election in May when the town holds its annual meeting. The Berkshire Eagle reports that Doyle made that announcement at a recent selectmen’s meeting. Doyle sites the need to spend more time on personal business and on his commitments to several local nonprofit organizations. Doyle was elected to the unexpired term of the board’s late chairman, Clyde Brown in 2002.

Monday, March 8, 2010

DA’S Office Releases Name Of Murder Victim

The Berkshire County District Attorney’s office has released the name of Saturday’s stabbing victim in the parking lot of Burger King on Wendell Avenue Extension. The victim was identified as 26-year-old Jahda Martin of 26 Hamlin Street in Pittsfield. Police were called to the scene after receiving several 911 phone calls around 1:40am Saturday. Martin was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center where he died Saturday night. An autopsy to determine the cause of death will be conducted at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Holyoke but the time and date for the autopsy has not be set. Pittsfield police continue to search for a suspect with several State Police officers patrolling the area Saturday night and early Sunday morning. The stabbing death is the first homicide in Pittsfield this year. Anyone with any information is asked to call Pittsfield police.

Stop And Shop Avoids Union Strike

A strike by union workers at Stop & Shop supermarkets in three states has been averted. Officials from the United Food and Commercial Workers union representing nearly 40,000 workers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island overwhelmingly approved the contract in voice votes yesterday. The workers have been without a contract since Friday. Stop & Shop had been negotiating with the locals since January. The company says it's pleased to have met its goal of tentative agreements offering workers competitive wages and retirement benefits and access to quality, affordable health care. Stop & Shop has three stores in Berkshire County. There two in Pittsfield and one in North Adams.

Candidates Line Up For State Representative Seat

Candidates for the 1st District State Representative seat being vacated by Dan Bosley, are throwing their hat in the ring. So far, the candidates are: North Adams City Councilor Gailanne Cariddi, former Adams Selectman Edward MacDonald and Margie Ware, Regional Director of the “Serving Health Information Needs to Elders” programs at Elder Services of Berkshire County. Any candidate needs to collect 150 signatures and return the papers by April 27th before their names can appear on the ballot. All three candidates face months of close scrutiny by the media and voters before the November election.

Four People Sent To BMC After Sunday Afternoon Cheshire Crash.

Four people were transported to the hospital after an early Sunday afternoon crash on Rt. 8 in Cheshire. State Police said 59-year-old Geoffrey Duval of Adams was making a left-hand turn from the parking lot of Whitney’s Farm Market just before 1pm when he struck a northbound vehicle driven by 54-year-old David Malacarne of Pittsfield. Malacarne and two other passengers in his car were transported to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield where they were treated and released. Duval was transported to North Adams Regional Hospital with minor injuries. State Police cited Duval for failure to use care when turning.

Pittsfield 2010-2011 School Calendar Adopted

It’s official…..the Pittsfield School Committee has approved the 2010-2011 school calendar. The Pittsfield Gazette reports in their latest issue that Pittsfield School Superintendent “Jake” Eberwein said they had to take a closer look at how they placed professional days and half days. The start of school in Pittsfield will take place prior to Labor Day, on Thursday September 1st. Thursday December 23rd will be a half-day of school and most half-days of school will take place on Fridays. Eberwein said that instead of holding high school open houses in late January, they’ll be held on October 28th instead.


Lenox Announces Nomination Papers Are Available For Town Positions

The town of Lenox has announced that nomination papers for various elected offices are now available at the town clerks office Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4pm. Positions that will be on the town ballot this year include moderator, selectmen, school committee, board of assessors, board of health, planning board and housing authority. Nomination papers need to be returned to the town clerks office by 5pm on March 22nd. The annual town election is Monday, May 10th with polls open from 7am to 7pm. If you haven’t registered to vote yet at the annual town meeting or the town’s annual election, you will have until April 16th to do so.



WNAW WEATHER CENTER FORECAST

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 Today
A mix of clouds and sun. High 46. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
 

Tonight
Generally clear. Low 29. Winds light and variable.
 

Tomorrow
A mainly sunny sky. High 51. Winds light and variable.
 

 Tomorrow night
Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 34. Winds light and variable.
 

Thursday
More clouds than sun. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 40s.
 

Friday
Showers possible. Highs in the mid 40s and lows in the low 40s.
 

Saturday
Showers possible. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the upper 40s.



Main Street,North Adams 1965
COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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If your club or civic organization has a listing for the WNAW Community Calendar you can mail it to the station to WNAW, 466 Curran Highway, North Adams MA. O1247. You can fax it to 413-663- 6264 or e-mail to WNAW@WNAW.COM. Write Calendar in the subject line. You can also click on “TALK TO RADIO” button on the left hand side this page.

MARCH EVENTS


Court Margaret #629, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Meeting

Court Margaret #629, Catholic Daughters of the Americas will hold its regular monthly meeting on Weds. March 10th at 7 PM in the St. Elizabeth’s Parish Center in North Adams. A St. Patrick’s social will follow. Anyone wishing to become a member of Court Margaret may call Joan at 663-9878.


Catholic Daughters of the Americas Meeting

Court Sancta Regina #904, Catholic Daughters of the Americas will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 11th at 1 PM in the Notre Dame School in Adams. A baby shower is planned and all gifts collected will be donated to the Right to Life Program.

NB Girls Softball League's Registration

The Northern Berkshire Girls Softball League's registration for grades 1st
through 10th is now open. You may stop by the YMCA in North Adams at
anytime to register. If you would like to attend one of their registration
nights they are scheduled for Tuesday, March 9th from 5-8 and Thursday,
March 11th from 5-8. If you have any questions please contact the Northern
Berkshire YMCA.



28th Annual Art Auction

The Rotary Club of Williamstown is holding its 28th Annual Art Auction at
the Williams Inn this Friday March 12th. Preview is at 6 PM and the auction
begins at 7:00. Monies raised will fund scholarships for area high school
students. Admission is free.

 


Adams-Cheshire Regional School District Screening

The Adams-Cheshire Regional School District will be conducting a developmental preschool screening for all Adams and Cheshire 3- and 4- year olds March 15th and 16th at the Cheshire Elementary School. Students with special needs qualify on their 3rd birthday. Those without special needs who reach their 4th birthday on or before Sept. 1st of this year may qualify. Appointments can be made by calling 743-5202 Ext. 107 between 8 AM-3:30 PM by Friday March 12th.


St. Patrick’s Take-Out or Eat-In Dinner

On Sat., March 13th the 1st United Methodist Church in North Adams will hold a St. Patrick’s Take-Out or Eat-In Dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage, with potato, carrots, onions and Italian bread, plus your choice of Pistachio Dream (with nuts) or Chocolate Dream (without nuts) for dessert. Dinners are $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Call the church at 664-9655 by 5 PM Friday March 12th to reserve your dinner. Just leave your name, address, phone number, the number of dinners you’ll need and your choicer of dessert. Pick up time will be Saturday the 13th between 5-6 PM at the 1st Congregational Church kitchen door on Summer St. If you’re a shut in or without transportation they’ll deliver your meal to you. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Berkshire County Arc Scholarships

Berkshire County Arc will once again award scholarships to high school
seniors pursuing undergraduate education in the field of Human Services.
Degree programs including Psychology, Social Work, Special Education,
Rehabilitation Counseling and related courses of study will be given
consideration. Applications are available through high school Guidance
offices or by contacting the BCARC office at 499-4241, Ext. 244. The
deadline for submission is March 12.


Daylight Savings Time Program

It is a ritual we do every year. It signals the ending of a long winter. It literally brightens up our lives. And it welcomes the Sun back and lengthens our day. It is Daylight Savings Time (DST). Do you know why we do it or whose idea it was? The history of DST is fascinating. So enlighten your day and yourself with this illuminating illustrated lecture on the saving of the Sun. And it will help you remember to set your clocks ahead! “Here Comes the Sun”, Saturday March 13th at 4pm at Western Gateway Heritage State Park Visitors Museum, 115 State Street, North Adams. Call 663-6312 for info.



Brayton Elementary PTA School Night

Brayton Elementary PTA will be hosting a School Night at the North Adams McDonalds on Monday, March 15th from 5 to 7 PM. There will be free face painting and crafts for the kids. A portion of the proceeds of that 2 hour time block, drive thru or dine in, will go to the Brayton Elementary PTA to help fund field trips, school enrichment and school supplies.

 

Karaoke Café

The Northern Berkshire/Hoosac Valley Boys lacrosse team is sponsoring a
Karaoke Café on Sat. March 20th. The fun starts at 7 PM at St. Mary's
Parish hall in Cheshire. Admission is $5. Tickets are available from any
lacrosse team member and there will be a limited number for sale at the
door. All proceeds benefit the Northern Berkshire/Hurricane Boys Lacrosse
program.

 


NARH Free Question-And-Answer Session

North Adams Regional Hospital will host a free question-and-answer session with Dr. Bethany King, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, on Tuesday, March 23, from 6:30 to 8 PM. Dr. King will take questions on ear, nose, and throat problems including earaches, ear infections, sore throat, chronic sinus problems, and tonsillitis and laryngitis. The free event takes place at the VNA and Hospice of Northern Berkshire Community Room. Refreshments will be served. Registration is requested by calling 664-5326.

Haiti Benefit Chicken Dinner

There will be a Haiti Benefit Chicken Dinner on Saturday, March 27th at 5pm at St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish center, North Adams. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 12 and under. Don't wait! Purchase your tickets at the church rectory by calling 663-5316. The night will also feature raffles, a Chinese Auction and a bake sale.



BBBS “Bowl for Kids Sake”

Have fun while making a difference! Join the annual Big Brothers/Big
Sisters of Berkshire County "Bowl for Kids Sake". In North County it'll
take place at Mt. Greylock Bowl in North Adams from 4-8 PM on Sat March
27th. Get your 4-person team together and sign up today! For info or to
register call Sarah at 663-7588 or e-mail bbbs@nbccoalition.org .

.

APRIL EVENTS

 

 

MAY EVENTS

8th Annual Humane Race And Dog Jog

The 8th Annual Humane Race and Dog Jog, sponsored by The Browns of Williamstown, will take place at 10 AM on Saturday, May 8th in Williamstown. The race features a 5 K Fun Run and a 1 Mile Walk where dogs and folks of all ages can strut their stuff while raising money for the Berkshire Humane Society. Registration for the race is $15 for adults, and $10 for kids 12 and under. You can visit www.HumaneRace.org to sign-up on-line or print out a paper registration form. The first 100 people to pre-register will receive one of our coveted race t-shirts. All dogs participating will receive a cool doggie bandana.

Elected Officials Contact List

Name Office
Deval Patrick
Governor
http://www.state.ma.us/gov/
State House Room 360
Boston, MA
02133
Phone. (617) 725-4100
Fax. (617) 727-9725
444 N. Capitol Street, Suite 208
Washington, DC
02133
Edward Kennedy
US Senator
http://kennedy.senate.gov/
315 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC
20510
Phone. (202) 224-4543
Fax. (202) 224-2417
2400 JKB Building
Boston, MA
02203
Phone. (617) 565-3170
Fax. (617) 565-31070
John Kerry
US Senator
http://kerry.senate.gov/
304 Russell Building, Third Floor
Washington, DC
20510
Phone. (202) 224-2742
Fax. (202) 224-8525
1550 Main Street, Suite 304
Springfield, MA
20510
Daniel E. Bosley
State Representative
http://www.state.ma.us/legis/member/deb1.htm
State House Room 42
Boston, MA
02133
Phone. (617) 722-2370
3 Elmwood Avenue
North Adams, MA
01247
Phone. (413) 663-7486
Denis Guyer
State Representative
State House Room 437
Boston, MA
02133
Phone. (617) 722-2425 ext. 7308
Smitty Pignatelli
State Representative
http://www.state.ma.us/legis/member/.htm
State House Room 448
Boston, MA
02133
Phone. (617) 722-2879
PO Box 2228
Lenox, MA
01240
Phone. (413) 243-5534
Benjamin Downing
State Senator
http://www.bendowning.org/
State House Room 413F
Boston, MA
02133
Phone. (617) 722-1625
20 Bank Row, Room 202
Pittsfield, MA
01201
Phone. (413) 442-4008
Fax. (413) 442-4077
John Olver
US Congressman
http://www.house.gov/olver/
1027 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC
20515
Phone. (202) 225-5335
Fax. (202) 226-1224
78 Center Street
Pittsfield, MA
01201
Phone. (413) 442-0946
Fax. (413) 443-2792
James Ruberto
Pittsfield Mayor
70 Allen Street
Pittsfield, MA
01201
Phone. (413) 499-9321
Fax. 413-442-8043
John Barrett, III
North Adams Mayor
10 Main Street
North Adams, MA
01247
Phone. (413) 662-3000
Fax. 413-662-3010
Christopher N. Speranzo
State Representative
http://www.speranzo.com/
Statehouse, Room 134
Boston, MA
02133
Phone. (617) 722-2400
12 Depot Street, Suite 6
Dalton, MA
01226
Phone. (413) 684-0033

BIRTHDAYS / TODAY IN HISTORY

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Today's Birthdays:

Luis Armand Garcia
1992 Actor (T-V's George Lopez) (Age: 18)
Bow Wow (Shad Moss)
1987 Rapper-actor (Johnson Family Vacation, Like Mike) (Age: 23)
Brittany Snow
1986 Actress (Prom Night, Hairspray, John Tucker Must Die, The Pacifier; T-V's American Dreams) (Age: 24)
Chad Gilbert
1981 New Found Glory guitarist (Age: 29)
Chingy (Howard Bailey)
1980 (Age: 30)
Matthew Gray Gubler
1980 Actor (T-V's Criminal Minds) (Age: 30)
Jean Louisa Kelly
1972 Actress (T-V's Yes, Dear) (Age: 38)
Kerr Smith
1972 Actor (My Bloody Valentine 3-D; T-V's Dawson's Creek) (Age: 38)
Emmanuel Lewis
1971 Former child actor (Webster) (Age: 39)
Juliette Binoche
1964 The French actress won a Best Actress Oscar in 2000 for Chocolat. (Age: 46)
Linda Fiorentino
1960 Actress (Final Seduction) (Age: 50)
Martin Fry
1958 ABC singer (Age: 52)
Charles Gibson
1943 The former anchor of A-B-C's World News previously hosted Good Morning America and 20/20 for the network. He retired in December, 2009. (Age: 67)


 

This Day In History:

2007 Comic Richard Jeni commits suicide at age 45.
2006 Teri Hatcher tells Vanity Fair she was sexually molested by her uncle when she was five years old.
2005 50 Cent and The Game hold a press conference at New York City's Schomburg Center to announce an end to their feud. 50 and Game also announce they are donating 253-thousand dollars total to the Boys Choir of Harlem on behalf of the G-Unity Foundation, and that they will make a second joint donation in California at a later date.
2005 Dan Rather signs off as C-B-S Evening News anchor after 24 years.
2005 Dave Matthews Band tour bus driver Stefan Wohl pleads guilty to charges of  reckless conduct and discharging contaminates to cause water pollution. The previous August he had emptied his vehicle's septic tank while driving across the open grating deck of the Kinzie Street bridge onto a boat on the Chicago River. He's sentenced to 18 months probation and 150 hours of community service.
2004 Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards have their first child, a girl named Sam. The couple splits up a year later.
2004 John Muhammad is sentenced to death for his role in the 2002 sniper shootings in the Washington, D-C area.
1997 Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, 24, is killed in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles.
1996 "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men starts its 15th consecutive week at number-one in Billboard.
1996 Comedian-actor George Burns dies in Beverly Hills, just weeks after turning 100.
1995 Los Angeles police detective Mark Fuhrman testifies in the O-J Simpson murder trial.
1993 Boyz II Men win three awards at the seventh annual Soul Train Awards in Los Angeles. Mary J. Blige wins two awards, including Best R&B New Artist. Michael Jackson wins two and is named Humanitarian of the Year. Eddie Murphy gets the Heritage Award, and En Vogue are named Entertainers of the Year.
1993 Rodney King testifies at the federal trial of four Los Angeles police officers accused of violating his civil rights.
1991 "Someday" by Mariah Carey hits number-one.
1989 President George Bush urges a mandatory death penalty in drug-related killings.
1987 The duos of John Lennon and Paul McCartney and Carole King and Gerry Goffin are inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
1981 Dan Rather makes his debut as anchorman of The C-B-S Evening News.
1977 Rumours becomes Fleetwood Mac's second platinum album since the arrival of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
1964 The first Mustang rolls off the Ford assembly line.

SPORTS SCOREBOARD

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Monday's Sports Scoreboard

National Basketball Association
Cleveland 97, San Antonio 95 F
New York 99, Atlanta 98 F
Dallas 125, Minnesota 112 F
New Orleans 135, Golden State 131 F
Memphis 107, New Jersey 101 F

National Hockey League
Dallas 4, Washington 3 (SO Dallas 2-1) F 2OT
Los Angeles 6, Columbus 0 F

Top 25 College Basketball
Saint Mary's, Calif. 81, Gonzaga (18) 62 F

Top 25 Women's College Basketball
Connecticut (1) 59, Notre Dame (6) 44 F
Xavier (5) 57, Temple 55 F OT
West Virginia (9) 56, Rutgers 49 F
Gonzaga (18) 76, Pepperdine 48 F

 


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