greylocknews

Fohlin clarifies his view of town-gown financial relationship

Williamstown Town Manager Peter Fohlin made public on Friday a letter he had written to the North Adams Transcript clarifying his views about the nature of the relationship between town government and Williams College.

The context of the letter is many years of discussion about whether taxpayers would be better off if the town requested from Williams an annual "payment in lieu of taxes" rather than periodic requests for one-time capital-spending or grant assistance. Fohlin was reacting to a headline in the daily paper published on Thursday which read: "College pays its share." Fohlin's entire letter, as supplied to GreylockNews, can be read here.

What's your opinion about the notion of a regular, semi-fixed annual payment from Williams to the town, rather than periodic infusions for specific projects? Help town officials form their thinking by posting a comment below.

Inkberry and North Adams Public Library present A Reading by Elizabeth Winthrop

NORTH ADAMS, MA - Thursday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. Inkberry presents Williamstown-based author Elizabeth Winthrop reading from her memoir-in-progress at the North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St., North Adams.

Elizabeth Winthrop has published more than fifty books for readers of all ages. Her fiction has been selected for The Best American Short Stories, The Children¹s Choice Awards, The Barnes and Noble Best Children¹s Books of the Year, The American Library Association¹s Best Books for Young Adults, and The New York Times Best Illustrated Books, among others.

Her latest historical novel for children, Counting on Grace, set in North Pownal, Vermont, has been chosen as a Notable Book of the Year by the American Library Association, the International Reading Association, and the Children¹s Book Council. It has been nominated for the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award and is the VERMONT READS Selection as well as the 2007 Massachusetts Honor Book in Children¹s Literature and the Jane Addams Peace Award Honor Book for older children.

Ms. Winthrop has also published two novels for adults, In My Mother¹s House
(Doubleday) and Island Justice (William Morrow/HarperCollins).

For additional information regarding Inkberry or these readings, contact Inkberry by phone at (413) 664-0775 or visit www.inkberry.org.

About Inkberry ­ Inkberry promotes the literary arts in the Berkshires with events and community partnerships that celebrate and support writing and reading. Inkberry is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Regular GreylockNews Poster Taking a Brief Break

Williamstown, MA - Gail M. Burns, who posts regularly to this Web site, had some major surgery on September 27 and will be unable to post for about a week.  She looks forward to resuming her regular schedule just as soon as possible.

MassMoCA abandons any effort to turn Buchel materials into exhibit

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art has decided not to exhibit materials gathered for a planned large-scale installation, "Training Ground for Democracy," and has decided instead to dismantle the materials to make way for a different exhibit opening in November. In addition, the museum said it would hold a symposium later in the fall, in collaboration with the Clark Art Institute, on the issues raised by the controversy with the artist over the abandoned exhibit materials.
MOCA STATMENT: http://greylocknews.blogspot.com/2007/09/text-massmoca-statement-on-removal-of.html

North Adams Antique Displays Photography of Jane Hudson

North Adams, MA - The Gallery at North Adams Antiques is pleased to present the photography of Jane Hudson. “Memento: Photographs,” will be on display from October 6 through November 11. Hudson will be on hand for an opening to her exhibit from 3:00 – 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 6 and the public is invited.

NA Public Library Hosts Authors in October

North Adams, MA - The North Adams Public Library is very happy to announce it will play host to authors during the month of October. The library-sponsored group, P.E.A.R.L.S, is sponsoring two of the events: On Monday, October 1 at 10:30 am, local mystery author, Charles O’Brien will be reading from his latest work Cruel Choices. On Wednesday, October 10 at 6:30 pm, Ruthann Lum McCunn will tell us about her latest title God of Luck. Inkberry and the library will be sponsoring Elizabeth Winthrop who will read from her latest work, her memoir, on Thursday, October 4 at 7:00 PM.  All programs are free and open to the public and registration is not required. Call the library at 413-662-3133.

52nd Annual Fall Foliage Parade September 30

North Adams, MA - The 52nd Annual Fall Foliage Parade will  be held on September 30, 2007, at 1:00 PM and will step off from the Wal-Mart parking lot and continue down Curran Highway before winding through downtown North Adams. Thousands of Berkshire residents and visitors enjoy the annual parade, which commemorates the glorious autumn season. "Transportation: Then & Now" is the 2007 Parade Theme. We are pleased to have Dr. Richard Ziter, as our Grand Marshal.

Eagles Host RU-Ready September 29

North Adams, MA - The Eagles host RU-Ready, from 8:00-12:00 AM on September 29. Dance the night away to classic rock and popular favorites provided by this local favorite band, led by Bob Balawender, long time area rock drummer. Call 413-664-9043 for tickets

The Whooligans Perform at the American Legion

North Adams, MA - An essential part of the 2007 Fall Foliage Celebration will be the Whooligans performances at the North Adams American Legion Post 125 on Friday and Saturday night, September 28 and 29th. Both performances are at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $20. This is a benefit, and all proceeds will go to programs that help the American Legion Post 125 baseball team, as well as the State Street T Neighborhood Kids.

Skyboro Sound Presents "Live at the Elks"

North Adams, MA - Saturday, September 29th, Skyboro Sound Recording Studio presents: Live at the Elks.  Come and listen to The Shepherds, Johnny’s Ghost, CJ Field and Daisy’s Little Secret, plus special guest Lita Williams. Concert is at 7 PM, at the Elks Club, 100 Eagle Street. Tickets are available at Skyboro Sound, located in the Windsor Mill, the Elks Club and Jack’s Hot Dogs on Eagle Street. This is a 21 and older show. Contact Skyboro Sound at 413-662-2333