Thursday, December 31, 2009

Clean Energy Choice Grants Awarded to Williamstown and Williamsburg - iBerkshires.com


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Clean Energy Choice Grants Awarded to Williamstown and Williamsburg - iBerkshires.com


HeatingOil.com (blog)

Clean Energy Choice Grants Awarded to Williamstown and Williamsburg
iBerkshires.com
... save money and help preserve Massachusetts' environmental assets." The Trust is providing the Town of Williamstown with a Clean Energy Choice grant of ...
US Moves Ahead of Canada in Clean EnergyHeatingOil.com (blog)

all 2 news articles »


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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Susan B. Anthony museum names director


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Susan B. Anthony museum names director

North Adams Transcript



ADAMS -- With the grand opening of the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace & Museum approaching in February 2010, the historic building on East Road will have a new executive director.



The birthplace board of directors announced recently that it has hired Sally Winn to take over for interim director Martha Dailey in running the 191-year-old home of Adams' most famous


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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Patrick King is on a mission to ensure that local veterans are remembered


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Patrick King is on a mission to ensure that local veterans are remembered

For three consecutive days this week, a local veteran has visited Eastlawn Cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of service men and women buried there.



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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Boston Newspaper Cane Goes to Oldest Town Resident - New York Times


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Boston Newspaper Cane Goes to Oldest Town Resident - New York Times


Boston Newspaper Cane Goes to Oldest Town Resident
New York Times
By AP WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. (AP) -- A western Massachusetts woman who helped revive the tradition of giving a cane from The Boston Post newspaper to her ...



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Friday, December 25, 2009

Larger school union weighed


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Larger school union weighed

The Mount Greylock Regional School District and School Union 71, which represents elementary schools in Lanesborough and Williamstown, are moving forward in forming an expanded union under a single superintendent.



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Greylock Credit Union ranked no. 1


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Greylock Credit Union ranked no. 1

New England Newspapers



PITTSFIELD -- The Greylock Federal Credit Union has been ranked as the country's top performing credit union for value provided to its members regardless of size, charter or location for just over an entire financial year by a national firm that provides research and consulting for that industry.


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School union could expand


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School union could expand

Thursday, Dec. 24


WILLIAMSTOWN - The Mount Greylock Regional School District and School Union 71, which represents elementary schools in Lanesborough and Williamstown, are moving forward in forming an expanded union under a single superintendent.


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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Cumberland Farms' Reopening Benefits Food Pantry - iBerkshires.com


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Cumberland Farms' Reopening Benefits Food Pantry - iBerkshires.com


iBerkshires.com

Cumberland Farms' Reopening Benefits Food Pantry
iBerkshires.com
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — They forgot to bring the ribbon on the long drive from Framingham for the formal reopening of the Cumberland Farms on ...



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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Museum's winter season gearing up


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Museum's winter season gearing up

Sunday, Dec. 20

NORTH ADAMS -- Mass MoCA, a year into its second decade of existence, is embarking on an 11th winter and spring seasons of wide-ranging music, documentaries, dance and art. MoCA has announced the first half of the 2010 season.


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St. Elizabeth's first location in North County to offer swine flu vaccine to general population


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St. Elizabeth's first location in North County to offer swine flu vaccine to general population

Sunday, Dec. 20


With a slight prick to the upper arm, hundreds of North County residents on Saturday became some of the first members of the general population in the area to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus.


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Eagle's Bonenti wins regional news award


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Eagle's Bonenti wins regional news award

Sunday, Dec. 20


PITTSFIELD -- Charles Bonenti, The Eagle's features editor, has won a 2009 New England Newspaper & Press Association award for history reporting for his profile of legendary artist Norman Rockwell in the July special section that marked the 40th anniversary of the Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.


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Hollywood is booming in Berkshires - Berkshire Eagle


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Hollywood is booming in Berkshires - Berkshire Eagle


Hollywood is booming in Berkshires
Berkshire Eagle
The Berkshires have long attracted special-effects artists like Doug Trumbull and high-tech production houses, including the Trumbull Company, Mass Illusion ...



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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Innovative underground flywheel technology to store electric power in Stephentown, N.Y.

Beacon Power Breaks Ground on 20-Megawatt Flywheel Energy Storage Plant New York State Officials Cite Benefits for Renewable Energy Expansion and Grid Stability

TYNGSBORO, Mass. & STEPHENTOWN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2009-- Beacon Power Corporation (Nasdaq: BCON), was joined today by state and local officials at a formal groundbreaking event in Stephentown, New York, signaling the start of construction for the nation.s first full-scale 20-megawatt (MW) flywheel frequency regulation plant.

MORE:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=123367&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1357434

Patrick Picks BArT, Plunkett to Push Education Reform - iBerkshires.com


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Patrick Picks BArT, Plunkett to Push Education Reform - iBerkshires.com


Patrick Picks BArT, Plunkett to Push Education Reform
iBerkshires.com
ADAMS, Mass. — Adams didn't get its promised town hall meeting this year, but Gov. Deval Patrick tried make up for that by visiting local ...

and more »


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Bay State Games Need Volunteers - iBerkshires.com


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Bay State Games Need Volunteers - iBerkshires.com


Bay State Games Need Volunteers
iBerkshires.com
Events are held at the Lansing Chapman Rink in Williamstown, Bousquet Ski Area in Pittsfield and at the Vietnam Veterans Rink in North Adams. ...



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Community outreach program seeks workers


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Community outreach program seeks workers

North Adams Transcript



NORTH ADAMS -- The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is looking for seven community members who are willing to become "a trusted resource and wealth of information" for neighborhoods around Northern Berkshire.



"We're revamping our Community Outreach Initiative, which started this summer," Ashley Benson, coordinator of the coalition's Northern


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As Massachusetts goes, so goes health care reform?


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As Massachusetts goes, so goes health care reform?

The New Republic's Jonathan Cohn leans on the Bay State's health care reform law to make the case for national reform: Has reform solved the access problem in Massachusetts? No. Has it made the problem a lot less severe? Yes.




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Friday, December 18, 2009

Registration open for 25th annual Bay State Winter Games - Wicked Local Wenham


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Registration open for 25th annual Bay State Winter Games - Wicked Local Wenham


Registration open for 25th annual Bay State Winter Games
Wicked Local Wenham
The 2010 figure skating competition will take place at the Lansing Chapman Rink on the campus of Williams College in Williamstown, and features both ISI and ...

and more »


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Williams Professor Recognized for Graphics Algorithm - iBerkshires.com


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Williams Professor Recognized for Graphics Algorithm - iBerkshires.com


Williams Professor Recognized for Graphics Algorithm
iBerkshires.com
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Research presented in a paper by Morgan McGuire, assistant professor of computer science at Williams College, and co-author David ...



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Thursday, December 17, 2009

MA Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop


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MA Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop

In a bit of good news the unemployment rate in Massachusetts hit its lowest levels since the Summer at 8.8%.  Unemployment peaked at 9.3% in September and has been on a downward trend since that time.

Another sign that Massachusetts might have bottomed sooner than the nation and is on the path to recovery?  I don't want to over sell this, but it's good news for the State.

Month     Rate

September 9.3
October   8.9  
November  8.8  



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Williamstown Youth Center plan gets approval


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Williamstown Youth Center plan gets approval

The Williamstown Youth Center got the green light Wednesday night to build a new facility on the grounds of the elementary school.



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Williamstown Youth Center plan gets approval - http://bit.ly/7Qh9lw #Williamstown #Massachusetts


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Williamstown Youth Center plan gets approval - http://bit.ly/7Qh9lw #Williamstown #Massachusetts

near:williamstown,ma within:5mi - Twitter Search — Thu Dec 17 12:00:00 UTC 2009
Williamstown Youth Center plan gets approval - http://bit.ly/7Qh9lw #Williamstown #Massachusetts
about: 7Qh9lw #Williamstown #Massachusetts Williamstown Youth Center http://bitly/7Qh9lw Society and Culture Williamstown Youth Center


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Mass MoCA’s winter and spring seasons boast variety of attractions


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Mass MoCA's winter and spring seasons boast variety of attractions

North Adams Transcript



NORTH ADAMS -- While contemporary art lovers will have to wait until this summer to view Leonard Nimoy's photography at Mass MoCA, the museum is offering up an array of music, documentaries, dance and art during its winter and spring seasons that should fill the void until warmer weather arrives.


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Pine Cobble cookie event sweetens holidays


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Pine Cobble cookie event sweetens holidays

North Adams Transcript



WILLIAMSTOWN -- Students in preschool through eighth grade at the Pine Cobble School came together Wednesday afternoon to decorate dozens of cookies destined for area food pantries and homeless shelters.



The effort -- which lasted about an hour -- has come to be known over the past decade as the school's annual cookie day, and provides an opportunity for


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Williamstown Police Association donates to charities


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Williamstown Police Association donates to charities

North Adams Transcript



WILLIAMSTOWN -- Three local organizations are the recipients of the fruits of the Williamstown Police Association's fundraising efforts this holiday season.



Police Officer Shuan William, association vice president, said Monday the union is giving $1,000 to the Williamstown Food Pantry, $1,000 to the Fund for Williamstown and $500 to the Northern Berkshire Santa


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2010 Annual Membership Drive - iBerkshires.com


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2010 Annual Membership Drive - iBerkshires.com


2010 Annual Membership Drive
iBerkshires.com
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The Friends of Williamstown's Milne Library has launched its 2010 Annual Membership Drive and urges library users to join the Friends. ...



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Restaurateur's North County Empire Ends; Jae's Inn Set to Close - iBerkshires.com


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Restaurateur's North County Empire Ends; Jae's Inn Set to Close - iBerkshires.com


iBerkshires.com

Restaurateur's North County Empire Ends; Jae's Inn Set to Close
iBerkshires.com
It was opened as Jae's Inn in 2002 but the restaurant was briefly moved to the former Le Jardin in Williamstown in 2006. After a falling out with his ...



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The National Science Foundation recently awarded a grant of $144244 - iBerkshires.com


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The National Science Foundation recently awarded a grant of $144244 - iBerkshires.com


The National Science Foundation recently awarded a grant of $144244
iBerkshires.com
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The National Science Foundation recently awarded a grant of $144244 to Williams College to fund a project titled "Visualizing Strain ...

and more »


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Doors closing at Jae’s Inn


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Doors closing at Jae's Inn

New England Newspapers



NORTH ADAMS -- Fans of Jae Chung's sushi and other specialties found on his menu at Jae's Inn will have to


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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Williamstown Youth Center proposes new facility


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Williamstown Youth Center proposes new facility

The Williamstown Youth Center has submitted a proposal to build a roughly 12,000-square-foot youth center with a projected construction budget of $3.5 million on the grounds of the Williamstown Elementary School.



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Williamstown Youth Center proposes new facility - http://bit.ly/8qj6ja #Williamstown #Massachusetts



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Monday, December 14, 2009

Carols to sing ...


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Carols to sing ...

21 Where: 1753 House, Field Park, in between the Williams Inn and the Milne Public Library, Route 2 and Route 7, Williamstown.



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Sunday, December 13, 2009

Clark Art expansion is questioned - Bennington Banner


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Clark Art expansion is questioned - Bennington Banner


Clark Art expansion is questioned
Bennington Banner
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Neighbors of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute came out in force Thursday night to express their concerns about the ...



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Saturday, December 12, 2009

Iconic figures of 1970s and 1980s among photos on exhibit at Brill Gallery in North Adams

CULTURAL ICONS is a photographic exhibition of more than 40 important Cultural Icons that played a significant role on the American and International stages, museums, movie screens, etc. over the past 40 years.

CULTURAL ICONS surveys the photographs of Sedat Pakay and Roman Iwasiwka. Among Pakay's portraits are those of Andy Warhol, James Baldwin, Edward Steichen, Ronald Reagan, Jane Alexander and Mark Rothko. Sedat Pakay is an award winning photographer and filmmaker. His photographs are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, Smithsonian, Getty Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Turkish-Islamic Arts, etc. His documentaries on Josef Albers, James Baldwin and Walker Evans have appeared on PBS and in various film festivals.

Roman Iwasiwka is a photographer and musician. He was CBS' senior photo editor and his celebrity photographs have appeared in Newsweek, People, HBO, etc. In the 1980s he was on assignment at various key NYC Area concerts and festivals and shown in public for the first time and from the bowels of Iwasiwka's archives are important portraits of such Icons as Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.

All of these photographs are printed in limited editions of 10 and are for sale. This Exhibition will run through January 2010.

The gallery is open Fridays - Sundays 12-6PM and by appointment. For more information:

BRILL GALLERY
Ralph Brill, Director
Eclipse Mill - Studio 109
243 Union Street (Route 2)
North Adams, USA
www.brillgallery109.com
845.661 3593 cell

Youth Center preparing for fundraising campaign


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Youth Center preparing for fundraising campaign

By Ryan Hutton


Story Body:
By Ryan Hutton



North Adams Transcript



ADAMS -- Adams Youth Center Inc. is gearing up for its annual fundraising drive with a new plan and a hope that, even in the recession, people can find a way to give.



Liz Baker, executive director of the youth center, said Friday that about a year ago the organization received "capacity-building" grants from the


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Friday, December 11, 2009

Developer tables plans to appeal court decision


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Developer tables plans to appeal court decision

North Adams Transcript



WILLIAMSTOWN -- A land court decision that left the fate of a proposed subdivision off Bee Hill Road in limbo earlier this year won't be appealed just yet.



Local resident and developer Charles Fox said he has decided not to pursue an appeal for the time being.



"We determine it will make more sense to wait for the Planning Board to review the judge's


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Harvard prof to speak in Bennington


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Harvard prof to speak in Bennington

Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., whose disorderly conduct arrest sparked a national racism debate, will speak Friday night in Bennington.



Add to Facebook
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Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Last Season for Nicholas Martin at Williamstown; Search On for...


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Last Season for Nicholas Martin at Williamstown; Search On for...

Nicholas Martin will exit after his third season in 2010 as artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival, the summer theater festival presented at Williams College in the Massachusetts Berkshires.



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Williams College, Williamstown, Ma Vandalism Fags X390 (Mike Semensi Tracey Vitchers) | Advocate.Com


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Williams College, Williamstown, Ma Vandalism Fags X390 (Mike Semensi Tracey Vitchers) | Advocate.Com

An incident of antigay vandalism has led to stepped-up LGBT activism at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.



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Martin Will Depart Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2010 - Playbill.com

Friday, December 04, 2009

The Mountains: A New Reality TV Show Premieres on willinet - iBerkshires.com


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The Mountains: A New Reality TV Show Premieres on willinet - iBerkshires.com


The Mountains: A New Reality TV Show Premieres on willinet
iBerkshires.com
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - A group of Williams College students worked together with Professor Penny Lane to produce an original reality TV show to begin airing ...



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Hope Tree Lights Up Williamstown Motel - iBerkshires.com


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Hope Tree Lights Up Williamstown Motel - iBerkshires.com


iBerkshires.com

Hope Tree Lights Up Williamstown Motel
iBerkshires.com
By Phyllis mcguire WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Applause rang out when the first annual Holiday Hope Tree was lit in the courtyard of the Williamstown Motel on ...



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Food & Paper Towel Drive at Images Cinema - iBerkshires.com


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Food & Paper Towel Drive at Images Cinema - iBerkshires.com


Food & Paper Towel Drive at Images Cinema
iBerkshires.com
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Images Cinema will run a non-perishable Food and Paper Towel Drive though December 31. Items can be brought to the Images Cinema box ...



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Supercenter expected to create 85 new jobs


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Supercenter expected to create 85 new jobs

North Adams Transcript



NORTH ADAMS -- A proposed 160,000-square-foot Walmart Supercenter at the old city gravel pit on Curran Highway would bring in 85 new full and part-time jobs to the area, according to company officials.



Christopher N. Buchanan, Wal-Mart's senior manager for public affairs, stated in an e-mail to the Transcript this week that the 85 jobs would be in addition to


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Police officer suspended after traffic violation in Bennington


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Police officer suspended after traffic violation in Bennington

New England Newspapers



WILLIAMSTOWN -- A local police sergeant has received a one-day suspension from the department after he pleaded guilty by waiver on Nov. 20 in Bennington (Vt.) District Court to negligent motor vehicle operation.



Scott E. McGowan, 24, of North Adams, will serve his suspension on Monday, Dec.


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Thursday, December 03, 2009

Coakley answers 18 questions from Massachusetts citizens

READ AND POST COMMENTS ON Q-AND-A:
http://bit.ly/5xwJoH

U.S. Senate candidate Martha Coakley today answered 18 questions submitted by
Massachusetts citizens on a variety of topics. The questions were handed to
Coakley's political director and press spokesperson at a North Adams rally on
Nov. 23 at the Cup & Saucer cafe. U.S. Senate candidate Martha Coakley today
answered 18 questions submitted by Massachusetts citizens on a variety of
topics.

The questions were handed to Coakley's political director and press
spokesperson at a North Adams rally on Nov. 23 at the Cup & Saucer cafe.

She answers questions on topics like unemployment, says she would support
a federal reporters' shield law, says she's support increased federal
education funding, talks about sustainable farms and communities, supports
a "responsible pathway to citizenship" for undocumented workers, would not
vote to reauthorize the USA PATRIOT Act, fails to promise to reduce
Internet censorship in schools, but backs so-called "net neutrality,"
backs more resources for skills training for released prisoners, and will
support "full disclosure of gifts and donors" in campaigns. If elected,
she says she will seek appointment to the Senate Educatoin/Labor and
Judiciary committees.


U.S. Senate candidate Martha Coakley answers 18 questions five days before
primary: #masen /
LINK TO FULL Q-AND-A: http://bit.ly/5xwJoH

----------------------
Bill Densmore
Williamstown, Mass.
413-458-8001
densmore@densmoreassociates.com

Coakley answers 18 questions from Massachusetts citizens

U.S. Senate candidate Martha Coakley today answered 18 questions submitted by Massachusetts citizens on a variety of topics. The questions were handed to Coakley's political director and press spokesperson at a North Adams rally on Nov. 23 at the Cup & Saucer cafe.

She answers questions on topics like unemployment, says she would support a federal reporters' shield law, says she's support increased federal education funding, talks about sustainable farms and communities, supports a "responsible pathway to citizenship" for undocumented workers, would not vote to reauthorize the USA PATRIOT Act, fails to promise to reduce Internet censorship in schools, but backs so-called "net neutrality," backs more resources for skills training for released prisoners, and will support "full disclosure of gifts and donors" in campaigns. If elected, she says she will seek appointment to the Senate Educatoin/Labor and Judiciary committees.


You can download the questions and her answers as a PDF document -- Download Coakley-answers-18-questions . . . or you can read them in blog format below, and comment.

----- Original Message -----
From: maeghan silverberg
To: Bill Densmore
Cc: Emily LaGrassa-Campaign Press Secretary
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 1:23 PM
Subject: Questions to Martha Coakley

Hi Mr. Densmore:

Thank you for your patience with us, and I'm sorry we couldn't connect you directly with Martha on our 12/08 countdown tour. Attached please find Martha's responses to the questions submitted at the Cup & Saucer.
Thank you very much,
Maeghan
--
Maeghan Beth Silverberg
http://www.marthacoakley.com/
www.facebook.com/marthacoakley
www.twitter.com/marthacoakley

QUESTIONS FOR MARTHA COAKLEY
HAND-DELIVERED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
TO MS. COAKLEY AT THE CUP & SAUCER CAFÉ
NORTH ADAMS, MASS.

Dear Ms. Coakley:

I was invited by a friend to a meeting with U.S. Senate candidate Martha Coakley in North Adams on Monday, Nov. 22. To inform myself on the issues, I read candidate weblogs, and sent this query by email to about 70 friends around the state: .I've been invited to an appearance by Martha Coakley in North Adams tomorrow -- her home town. Assume I get a chance to ask her some questions, what would you have me ask? I'd like ideas for questions about issues, not politics, substance not the horse race. Since #hcr and her abortion stance are well covered, I'm looking for other issues.. Some 16 people responded with questions. I also solicited questions at our daughter.s end-of-soccer-season family banquet. Here are the questions which resulted. I will post all these questions on the blog site: http://www.greylocknews.com/ and will post your answers, when they are received. I hope you appreciate this effort to supply you with a cross-section of what.s on the minds of your prospective
constituents.

Bill. Densmore
Williamstown Mass.
413-458-8001 / http://newshare.typepad.com/about.html

1. WHAT IS YOUR DEBATE STRATEGY? -- Hyde Park resident Michael Ball of the political blog http://www.massmarrier.blogspot.com/ says you have failed to respond to requests for interviews and participation in podcasts with progressive bloggers. On Saturday, you reportedly accepted and then at the last minute withdrew from a four-way debate in Lincoln, Mass. Said Michael Capuano in Lincoln: "Someone who wants to be a United States senator is repeatedly unwilling to put themselves out in front to answer tough questions, to have a debate with their colleagues, how can they possibly think they are going to be a successful United States senator?" On the other hand, one of your supports wrote that as a woman you come across as cautious and measured, and as a woman are labeled as boring and uncharismatic, where as if you were more fiery, like two of your opponents, you would be labled as high-strung and unstable. All that aside, if not in debate, what is your plan for being routinely accountable to voters now and if elected? Will you pledge to make yourself available for at least two more televised debates before the Dec. 8 primary? If not, why not? Why do you think some campaign observers have formed the impression that your are ducking debates? Do you ever think a public servant would be justified in avoiding a neutral venue to be accountable with other candidates? If so, when, and do you see yourself in that position now? -- from Bill Densmore, Williamstown, Mass., 413-458-8001, bdensmore@newshare.com

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

In this unique short campaign timeline, it is even more important that we engage voters in as many different settings as possible. That is why we work so hard to have a transparent campaign . through our website, social media channels like Facebook and Twitter, and by engaging at many candidate forums and debates. This week alone, I will participate in three major debates and a candidates' forum. Including those, I will have participated in twelve debates and/or candidate forums. I would love to attend every debate or forum to which I.m invited, but my schedule does not always allow given the myriad of commitments that a candidate has. I make my best effort to be part of events all across the Commonwealth and connect with voters from all parts of Massachusetts.

2. STRUCTURAL UNEMPLOYMENT . While some economic numbers are looking better, the nation has millions of people unemployed, and millions more under-employed, including hundreds of dollars who are unemployed and beyond expiration of unemployment benefits. Do you think it is the role of government or private enterprise to give able workers a job? And if it is private enterprise, what will you to provide the certainty in costs of health care, social security and other taxes that will help make businesses confident to hire?

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

It is through partnerships between government and private enterprise that we will be able to create quality jobs for able workers. Government should work with private enterprise to help foster innovation and creativity in the marketplace. We also need to ensure that private enterprises play by the rules and do not put the economy in jeopardy through irresponsible and deceptive business practices. Government should create an environment, through regulation, tax policy, and research incentives where private companies can thrive.

3. FEDERAL SHIELD LAW . Holding government accountable requires that whistleblowers may take their case to the public and media without fear of being identified except when there is an extreme, countervailing public purpose (such as national security). In June of 2008 you were one of only nine state attorneys general NOT to sign a bipartisan letter urging U.S. senators to pass a federal shield law. The bill was signed by 41 attorneys general, including those of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. As you know, federal shield legislation has been passed by the House and is currently awaiting a vote from the Senate Judiciary Committee. Why did you not join the other AGS supporting the federal shield bill; what is your position on the current bill; and will you vote for it if you are elected to the Senate and are called upon to vote on it? . from Robert Bertsche, Boston, Mass. (counsel to New England Newspaper & Press Assn.)

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I support the recognition of a shield rule to protect bona fide journalists from having to disclose the identity of confidential sources. Based on my background and experience, I am also committed to ensuring public safety, prosecuting crime, and preventing terrorist attacks. In the Senate, I will support a reporter shield law that is carefully defined and drafted to ensure that it serves its intended, legitimate purpose.

4. YOUR USE OF STATE CAMPAIGN FUNDS -- On Nov. 17, NECN ran a clip showing you being asked b a reporter: .Can you explain why as a senate candidate you are not speaking to your campaign records?. You replied: .No, thank you.. The reporter asked: .Why can.t you explain that.. You replied: .I.m not going to talk to you about it.. Given that, according to the NECN report, the FEC is investigating a charge by the state Republican Part that you might have illegally spent money for the Senate race from your state campaign coffers, could you please explain what it is that this is a subject you.re not going to talk about? In Oct. 5 interview with Channel 5, you said you .were not going to say. that you weren.t running for the Senate in June. Surely this is a hyper-technical issue and we can assume not intentional problems, but assuming that to be the case, why not say so? --- From Bill Densmore, Williamstown, Mass., 413-458-8001 bdensmore@newshare.com

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

Throughout the campaign, I have practiced openness and transparency regarding my campaign funding. When approached at the State House and questioned about my finances, I was there on official business as Attorney General, and therefore did not feel that it was an appropriate time or venue to answer such questions. My decision to run for this vacant Senate seat was made in early September, when I made my announcement.

5. FUNDING EDUCATION/LIBRARIES -- Since 2002, Massachusetts schools have been progressively starved of funds by a series of state aid cuts and and town-budget reductions. In Amherst, for example, the cumulative cut since 2002 is close to $20 million, on an inflation-adjusted basis. Property taxes are a terrible way to fund schools. How about fact that regional Bookmobiles in Western Mass. are being cancelled and small communities have no library funding? What is the answer for the nation.s schools and libraries and what role should the federal government play? In a more general sense: What will you do as a senator to support the Massachusetts economy, especially in Western Massachusetts, where high-tech and health-tech have largely not replaced manufacturing decline? Or, in other words, why did you and your siblings leave North Adams and does that matter? . From Richard Hood, Amherst, Mass. . rick@flowmediadesign.com / and Art Clifford, Amherst, Mass. / Clifford@journ.umass.!
edu / and Bill Densmore (last part)..

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

As Senator, I will support measures to equalize education funding that also protect our cherished local control in public education. I also will support increasing federal funding for education, which currently makes up only 15% of total school funding on a national level. In order to support the Massachusetts economy, we should train our youth and workers with a new set of skills and proficiencies to prepare them for jobs in growth industries. As Senator, I will focus on improving the ability of Massachusetts residents to meet the needs of the 21st century economy by increasing resources for CAREER and Technical Education programs, supporting the workforce investment board system, aligning secondary and postsecondary efforts to train workers, and improving employer confidence in our ability to train a skilled workforce.

6. FARM / SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES . The average American farmer is now about 59 years old. As farms grow more corporate, and larger, most food is grown far from markets and cities. This makes our food system vulnerable to increased transportation costs and rolling crop failures. What will you do in the U.S. senate to create incentives for smaller, .locally-grown. initiatives that have the potential to create more sustainable communities?

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

Increasing access to organic and local foods not only benefits small farmers nationwide, but also enhances our physical health and reduces environmental pollution from excess packaging and transportation. To address this issue, I support the Farm Bill that was enacted in 2007, as well as increased efforts to provide adequate nutritional information and to make local produce more broadly available.

7. WHICH COMMITTEE? . What committee(s) of the Senate will you ask to join if elected and why?

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

If given a choice, I would select the Senate.s HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) and Judiciary
Committees. An appointment to the HELP Committee would enable me to assist with the passage and, especially, the implementation of health care reform. The Judiciary Committee would be a natural extension of my skills and experience in the public sector, as a prosecutor, the Middlesex District Attorney and Attorney General.

8. WHAT WILL YOU ACCOMPLISH? . Imagine you are elected and you are at the end of your first term in the senate. By what criteria would you expect voters to judge your performance? What specific, tangible things do you hope to achieve? How will Massachusetts, America and the world be different, and better, because of your service in Washington?

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I will be a different kind of leader in the Senate, someone who will stand up for what.s right and what.s important. I will fight to expand coverage, improve quality and reduce the costs of health care, and will tackle the economic crisis head on and take all necessary steps to get people back to work. I will work to ensure that we have the proper financial regulations in place to prevent another economic collapse, and support more funding for education. I will also protect our civil rights and liberties, while providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to protect American citizens here and
abroad.

9. IMMIGRATION POLICY . The Great Barrington Courier reports this week that a few weeks ago, a 20-year resident of Great Barrington, a respected business person, was taken from his home at 11 p.m. by immigration authorities, imprisoned and deported to Mexico because he was undocumented. What reports to you support in current immigration policy? Would you support any form of amnesty for the 22 million undocumented workers currently in the United States, whereby they can continue living here while earning citizenship? Should they be eligible for government health-insurance benefits? -- from David Scribner, Pittsfield, Mass. and Martha Byington, Boston, Mass.

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

As Attorney General, I had a strong record of enforcing wage and hour laws that protect all workers, regardless of immigration status, as well as ensuring that domestic violence and other abuse cases were handled equally for all Commonwealth residents. As Senator, I will continue this commitment to fairness and equality, supporting fair treatment of undocumented workers and a responsible pathway to citizenship that rewards those individuals who have been living in this country, abiding by the law, working hard and paying their taxes.

10. CIVIL LIBERTIES . President Obama has been clear that he would prefer to look forward than to rehash legally the alleged civil-liberties transgressions of the Bush administration. As a prosecutor, have you ever thought there was a time when credible allegations of violations of civil rights and First Amendment freedoms should be overlooked? How would you react, as a U.S. senator? Should constitutional freedoms be preserved, even in time of crisis? -- From David Scribner, Pittsfield, Mass. . dscrib@verizon.net

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I believe that civil rights and civil liberties are central to a healthy democracy, and I believe that any proposed legislation must strike an appropriate balance between protecting our national security and safeguarding the fundamental First Amendment freedoms and privacy rights that define our nation. Specifically, I do not support the PATRIOT Act in its current form and would not vote to reauthorize this legislation as it stands.

11. COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID . As attorney general, what have you done about enforcing financial-aid fair-disclosure regulations on private colleges? What about online colleges? Why does it appear prosecutions in other states are way ahead of Massachusetts? -- from Joe Beckmanm, Somerville, Mass., 617-625-9369, joe.beckmann@gmail.com

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

As Attorney General, I have investigated and prosecuting evidence of unfair student lending practices, including collusion, between institutions of higher education and the student loan industry. That includes initiating a prosecution of Emerson College that led to a settlement of more than $775,000 earlier this year, which returned funds directly to student victims.

12. INTERNET CENSORSHIP . Many schools and libraries in Massachusetts apply .filters. to their Internet connections. Lost in the filters is access to many legitimate web services increasingly vital to political discourse, including YouTube and Facebook. As a senator, would you act to get government out of the business of censorship, or at least out of the business of such broad-stroke censorship? Does government have a role to play in shielding minors from every corner of the web, or is that up to parents? -- from Bill Densmore, Williamstown, Mass., 413-458-8001, bdensmore@newshare.com.

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I understand the challenges our society faces in balancing the need to protect privacy and individual freedom while also giving the government and law enforcement the tools necessary to keep our nation safe as well as protect our most vulnerable citizens, namely children and the elderly, from online predators and scam artists. I believe government does have a role in protecting our children from dangerous online predators, but we must be mindful of constitutional concerns.

13. INFORMATION DEMOCRACY . In October, the Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy released a 100-page report which, among other things, recommended a national commitment to network neutrality, high standards for universal broadband access, digital and media literacy education as critical components of classroom curricula, curricula, and increased support for public media that meets community needs. Are you familiar with the report, and what do you think the Senate can do about those priorities? -- from Bill Densmore, Williamstown, Mass., 413-458-8001 / bdensmore@newshare.com / (http://www.knightcomm.org/ )

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I am a proponent of net neutrality and believe in an internet system that allows consumers, rather than ISP providers, to control the marketplace. The principles of net neutrality must cover all paths to the Internet. We need to protect the openness of the Internet whether it is being accessed from a wire line connection at a home computer, a wireless network at an office, or a Blackberry while walking outside. As technology expands and more people are accessing the Internet while on the move, it is important to protect the qualities of the Internet that have made it such a powerful tool.

14. WORLD COMPETITION -- What does America need to do to ready ourselves for increasing economic competition from China, India and Brazil; what, specifically, is the responsibility of the senator from Massachusetts, and what, specifically is beyond the scope of those senatorial responsibilities. Give examples of each. . From Samantha Clemens, Somerville, Mass., 617-642-0088 / sam@causeandeffectworld.com / http://www.samanthaclemens.com/

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

As we enter the 21st century, it is essential that we both build on our existing strengths and adapt our economy to the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, such as the emerging green economy. As Senator, my primary responsibility will be to ensure that Massachusetts can fully capitalize on these opportunities, notably by securing the Commonwealth federal funding that fosters green technologies, life sciences research and advanced technology manufacturing centers. I will also work with other Senators, Congressmen and the White House to develop national solutions that reduce our trade imbalance, provide incentives to business to pursue new energy technologies and provide affordable health coverage that will keep our workforce healthy and our industries globally competitive.

15. PERSONAL WEALTH . Based on your own statements, as reported by questioner Martha Byington, of Boston, you have pegged your personal family wealth at somewhere between $1,000 and $250,000 . not including the substantial sums you have raised for political campaigns. Is that your total personal wealth? If so, that would make you one of the most middle-class of U.S. senators. Asked one questioner: .How can we expect her to represent us when she can't even manage her own finances and put money in the bank?. What do you see as the pros and cons of going to Washington as an inexperienced (in Washington) person of modest means as compared with at least two of your opponents. Does that make you vulnerable to special interests, or immune to them them? -- Inspired by questions from Martha Byington, Boston,Mass., mebyington@comcast.net and Steve Garfield, of Boston, Mass. http://www.stevegarfield.com/

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I have provided the Federal Election Commission with all the necessary financial paperwork needed as a candidate for the United States Senate. I have been a long-term public servant and have substantial equity in my home. My husband and I are financially secure.

16. PRISON REFORM --- As a prosecutor, you are familiar with prisons, the fact that three out of 10 American black males has been in prison, that the incarceration rate per capital in America is among the highest in the world. Most people are in prisons for drug offenses. The trends are not good and warehousing people in prisons is an increasingly expensive proposition for society. What will you do in the senate to spotlight America.s prison-industrial complex and figure out how to shrink it, perhaps by treating drug use as a medical not criminal problem, and youth offenders as candidates for reform not recidivism?
COAKLEY ANSWERS:
I believe we need to provide more resources for reentry programs that give prisoners the skills they need to succeed when they are released from prison. In many cases, these individuals have not had any access to basic job training. Providing prisoners with tools they can use after release for finding and retaining work, along with reentry counseling, could go a long way in smoothing the transition back into society.

17. HEALTH-CARE REFORM . A couple of people support in principal your stand in favor of covering the costs of abortion in any federal health-care reform legislation. But they ask if you would vote against an otherwise acceptable bill solely because it contained abortion-funding restrictions? Their view is that to do so might be reflective of an ability to see the need for compromise and consensus in a legislative situation. One person asked detailed questions about coverage, appended at the bottom.

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

Achieving health care reform is a priority, and I if I am elected to the Senate, I will proudly cast my vote for meaningful health care reform legislation. We can achieve reform without having to sacrifice Constitutionally-guaranteed rights.

18. CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS/FINANCE/SPEECH -- You have occasionally been criticized as being soft on political corruption, preferring to let the U.S. attorney's office investigate allegations rather than get involved yourself. Would you care to defend your record? And can you identify one concrete step you would support to ensure the integrity of members of Congress? For example, how would you strike the balance between curbing the influence of campaign contributions on Washington and the right of citizens to .speak politically. through their pocketbook support of public officials? A related question: Why should a legal corporation have First Amendment rights? Do you think the Founding Fathers intended that? Would you support overturning legal precedent on that point? -- Bill Densmore, with help from Dan Kennedy, Northeastern University / da.kennedy@neu.edu / http://www.dankennedy.net/

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I am proud of my track record as Attorney General of Massachusetts in fighting corruption. In addition to cases our office handled directly, I have worked closely with federal officials to ensure swift and effective prosecution of a number of corrupt public officials, resulting in a cleaner Commonwealth. In the Senate, I will support ethics reform measures that ensure the full disclosure of gifts and donors.

ADDENDUM:
This isn't a question (too long) but some observations, fyi on the health-care overhaul:
THESE QUESTIONS CAME FROM: ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Erika Shira, MA,
MT-BC, LMHC ksanti@gmail.com 617.650.1810

Q: What will she do to address the issue of same-sex partners each being taxed federally on health insurance provided by one of the person's employers? (Employee is taxed because health insurance for a legal stranger can't come out of pretax funds, and spouse is taxed because health insurance provided by a legal stranger is considered income).

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I have led efforts to protect the civil rights of same-sex couples and to promote their equal legal consideration. I filed a lawsuit challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act. At the state level, I supported the MassHealth Equality bill to ensure low-income and elderly same-sex couples would receive healthcare equal to Medicaid, for which they would otherwise qualify. It takes this kind of due diligence to ensure that same-sex partners are not taxed federally on employer provided health insurance.

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Q: What will she do to ensure that the national health plan doesn't have the working class loopholes the MA plan has? People whose employer provides an insurance plan with huge copays and deductibles and minimal coverage aren't eligible for any of the state-subsidized plans because they have access to insurance. Also, many people whose income is around $40K-$50K are offered a plan through their employer that the state's worksheet deems "unaffordable," yet make too much for any of the state-subsidized plans. These people are not required to have insurance under current state regulations, so the plan isn't really "universal." What will she do to make sure this doesn't happen on a federal level?

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

I support and will fight for a public option that would be available to anyone who could not otherwise find affordable coverage, including working people unable to afford employer provided coverage.

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Q: Similarly, what will she do about access to healthcare for working people with disabilities? Currently, because the states are allowed to choose what types of Medicare they offer, people in Massachusetts aren't eligible if they are working. A person I know who has a disability makes about $40,000 a year, has a plan through work with high deductables and copays, and had medical bills in the $30,000s last year, because of having at least one doctor's visit per week with a $30 copay, dozens of medications with copays between $30 and $50, and needing things like MRIs and medical equipment that aren't covered by the plan the employer offers. Said person applied for MassHealth and was denied, because people who work full time and make a working-class income aren't considered disabled by MassHealth. The feds don't require the states to have a "medically needy" classification; 30ish states have one that would cover this person, but Massachusetts doesn't. What will she do to ensure t!
hat the federal plan doesn't create situations where someone's health costs are more than a reasonable percentage of their income?

COAKLEY ANSWERS:

As Senator, I will work hard to ensure that all people, including those with disabilities, are given equal access to affordable health care. I know health care reform will not end at enactment. It will be a process, and will require significant attention to ensure the rights of Americans are protected as we implement these reforms.

Labor source readied for strike


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Labor source readied for strike

North Adams Transcript



NORTH ADAMS -- North Adams Regional Hospital will use a national firm to replace its some 174 unionized health care workers should a planned strike go into effect on Saturday, Dec. 12.



Service Employee International Union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike during a membership meeting on Monday night.


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A strike won't cut services


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A strike won't cut services

Wednesday, Dec. 02


NORTH ADAMS -- North Adams Regional Hospital will use a national firm to replace some 174 unionized health care workers if a planned strike goes into effect on Saturday, Dec. 12.


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Visiting prof sues Williams College after dismissal - Bennington Banner


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Visiting prof sues Williams College after dismissal - Bennington Banner


Visiting prof sues Williams College after dismissal
Bennington Banner
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- A former Williams College visiting professor who pleaded guilty to charges of fraud in federal court last month has filed a $1.3 ...

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Wednesday, December 02, 2009

WFCR to Air Live U.S. Senate Candidate Call-in Friday at 1 p.m.

AMHERST, Mass. -- Five College Radio, WFCR, said it would air a live, call-in talk show featuring all four of the Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Edward Kennedy on Friday at 1 p.m. Radio Boston, a weekly program on public radio station WBUR, is hosting the call-in from its studios at Boston University.

The candidates, U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, State Attorney General Martha Coakley, Alan Khazei, co-founder of CityYear and Stephen Pagliuca, owner of the Boston Celtics, will appear in sequential fashion and Radio Boston will be taking calls from listeners across the state ahead of the December 8 U.S. Senate primary.

"This race could result in the next U.S. senator from Massachusetts for
decades to come," said Helen Barrington, WFCR's Program Director. "We want to make sure the voters of western Massachusetts get to hear what these candidates have to say." WFCR's regularly scheduled classical music will resume at 2PM.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

The annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at Williams College - iBerkshires.com


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The annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at Williams College - iBerkshires.com


The annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at Williams College
iBerkshires.com
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at Williams College will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. ...



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