Feb. 23rd Edition

February 23, 2012 Volume II, Issue 40

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www.berkshirebeacon.com Lenox, MA 01240

Lenox parents face facts School hosts informational session after alcohol accident Catherine M. Krummey Beacon Staff Writer

SBRSD transportation budget - Page 12

LENOX – On a dreary night in The Berkshires, an equally dreary topic was up for discussion amongst parents at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School: underage drinking.

Following the December death of 17-year-old LMMHS student Remy Kirshner in an alcohol-related car accident, Lenox and Berkshire County officials came together on Feb. 16 to help parents combat the trend of underage drinking.

“We have 400 students – we are not only responsible for their academics, but for meeting their social and emotional needs too,” said Lenox Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Edward W. Costa. “Drinking and drugging isn’t new, but the Internet brings a million more choices. ... The schools, parents and community need to join hands together.”

Two themes emerged from the fosee DRINKING page 2

The Berkshire Beacon

Photo Credit / Catherine m. Krummey

Lenox Superintendent Edward W. Costa (standing) introduces forum panelists (l-r) Berkshire County District Attorney David F. Capeless, The Brien Center Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Michaels and Berkshire County Sheriff Thomas Bowler.

A new hip hop in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD - Gas prices are still on the rise in Berkshire County. That constant increase is now starting to unnerve local businesses, but turism could boom this year According to AAA, the statewide price in Massachusetts rose to $3.63 this week, with Berkshire County coming in one cent higher at $3.64.

That is an increase of four cents in the past week for regular unleaded fuel in the county. It also marks the highest price of the year, up over 25 cents since Jan. 1.

This year’s rise past $3.60 is the earliest ever in a calendar year and the Department of Energy suggests that prices could near $5 a gallon by the start of the summer driving season.

Most analysts have stopped short of $5 a gallon gasoline, but there is agreement that $4.50 is very likely. see GAS page 5

Susan M. Wicker Guerrero Beacon Staff Writer

Index 1 Local News 6 Editorial 6 From the Tower 9 Fast Picks 10 Books 10 Calendar 13 Movies 13 Girl-2-Girl 15 College Sports Report

Rising fuel prices could help summer tourism

Photo Credit / SuSan m. WiCKer guerrero

Mary Davis of Pittsfield, a volunteer with House Rabbit Connection, Inc., talks to onlookers while holding one of her six pet rabbits, “Little Boy.”

PITTSFIELD – Adorable rabbits, curious adults and fascinated children all participated in the area’s first ever two-day rabbit education and adoption event, sponsored by House Rabbit Connection, Inc., at Petco.

The volunteers on duty Sunday were both rabbit owners who are serious about keeping bunnies safe. They also try to make sure bunnies get into homes where they can be well cared for.

House Rabbit Connection, Inc.’s mission is to take in adoptable, abandoned rabbits, provide temporary foster care for them, get them spayed see HIPHOP page 8

Photo Credit / anna W. ShiPPee

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The Berkshire Beacon

Lenox wind seems doomed Bera B. Dunau Beacon Staff Writer

DRINKING from page 1 rum, the first being the idea that this problem needs to be addressed by the community as a whole, not just individual families.

The second theme was the idea of encouraging kids to make the decision to do the “right” thing when it comes to drugs and alcohol, not just focusing on the black-and-white concept of whether their actions are legal or illegal.

“Underage drinking is not only illegal, but harmful and dangerous,” said Berkshire District Attorney David F. Capeless, setting the tone for the evening.

DA Capeless added that parents who allow kids to throw parties with alcohol at their house should stop.

“It’s neither legal nor responsible,” he said. “Set the right standards for your kids. Be their parent, not their friend. Don’t let kids drink alcohol.”

The three forum panelists, DA Capeless, Berkshire County Sheriff Thomas Bowler and Dr. Jennifer Michaels, Medical Director of The Brien Center in Pittsfield, provided startling statistics to the captive audience of approximately 100 parents.

The panelists mentioned the legal ramifications of underage drinking (for both kids and parents), but the overall focus was on the damage it can cause to a young person’s health.

“The brain is a very active construction site,” said Dr. Michaels.

“It doesn’t fully mature until their early 20s.”

She added that it was very detrimental to add alcohol into that state of brain development in her presentation, which was aided by a variety of statistics and images.

“Alcohol impairs memory function in the long-term, not just short-term,” Dr. Michaels said.

“It shrinks memory structures.”

The information she presented also indicated that teenagers are more sensitive to the intoxicating effects of alcohol and less sensitive to the sedating effects compared to adults, which can lead to binging, alcohol poisoning, blacking out and dangerous decisions.

In his presentation, DA Capeless added that teens who drink are more likely to be sexually active or the victims of violent crimes. They are also more likely to have mental health issues or commit suicide, according to DA Capeless.

He also presented information that indicated that, on the weekend, a teenager dies every half hour in a car crash in the United States. Almost half of these crashes involved alcohol, according to DA Capeless.

After all the information and statistics were presented, Dr. Michaels provided some tips for talking to kids about drinking.

“Talk early and often,” she said.

“If you’re not talking to your kids,

who is? And what are they telling them?”

Dr. Michaels said that children start thinking about alcohol use between the ages of 9 and 13, indicating that it is important to start having discussions about it while kids are in elementary school.

She added that, in addition to the discussions, it is important for parents to be good examples for their kids by not glorifying alcohol or not drinking in front of them.

The PowerPoint presentation given by Dr. Michaels and DA Capeless is available on the Lenox Public Schools website, lenoxps. org, on the superintendent’s page.

After the presentation, the forum was opened to parent comments and questions. In addition to the three panelists, state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, Superintendent Costa, Lenox Police Chief Stephen O’Brien and LMMHS Principal Michael Knybel were also in attendance to field questions and concerns.

“It’s going to take us pushing ourselves to do things we don’t want to do,” one mother said of the need to have more strict boundaries with kids.

On Feb. 28, Lenox students will gather in the Duffin Theater for a presentation titled “Stay Clean – Don’t Drink, Don’t Drug” from actor-comediantherapist John Morello. On March 5, Mr. Morello will give a presentation to parents.

see WIND page 14

Mine & Ou , s r r ou

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Y

LENOX – It appears that the proposal to install wind turbines on Lenox Mountain is heading for the dustbin of history.

After months of discussion and debate, the Lenox Wind Energy Research Panel has released a 44-page final report, which is currently available on the Town of Lenox’s website.

While the members of the panel did not reach a consensus on all the issues surrounding the possible installation of wind turbines on Lenox Mountain, the obstacles to implementing and the possible negative affects arising from the project, as highlighted in the report, makes it appear unlikely that the town will continue exploring the site for wind power development.

The proposal to build wind turbines on Lenox Mountain first attracted wide-scale public attention after the New Hampshire-based company Weston Solutions Inc., which was hired by the Town of Lenox to determine the feasibility of installing wind turbines on Lenox Mountain, issued a study in May 2011 that determined that the wind resources on Lenox Mountain were viable enough to allow for the erection of one or two turbines.

This study sparked outrage and consternation from a number of residents in Lenox and surrounding communities.

These citizens, many of whom went on to form the group Pre-

serve Lenox Mountain, voiced concerns that installing turbines on Lenox Mountain might negatively impact surrounding areas in Lenox and neighboring Richmond. Chief among the concerns voiced were worries that wind turbines would destroy Lenox Mountain’s scenic beauty, lower property values, threaten the watershed and cause negative health affects for those living nearby.

In order to investigate these and other concerns, as well as to evaluate the potential benefits that might be accrued by going forward with installing turbines, the Lenox Board of Selectmen appointed a Wind Energy Research Panel.

The Wind Energy Research Panel consisted of three prowind on Lenox Mountain leaning members, three anti-wind on Lenox Mountain leaning members and an alternate from each side. The group also had a moderator in Lenox Selectman Ken Fowler and a facilitator in Lenox Sustainability Coordinator Adele Gravitz to aid them in their charge.

Despite getting off to a somewhat contentious start, the panel soon developed a good working relationship. From Oct. 31, 2011 to Jan. 26, 2012, the Lenox Wind Energy Research Panel dove into the issues surrounding the potential installation of wind turbines on Lenox Mountain.

Panel members visited the proposed site, had a meeting

February 23, 2012

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February 23, 2012

The Berkshire Beacon

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"Mother Tree," an installation by artist Helen Hiebert, will be the centerpiece of the new exhibit "Branching Together" at MCLA Gallery 51.

New exhibit opens at MCLA Gallery 51 Catherine M. Krummey Beacon Staff Writer

NORTH ADAMS – Tonight, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Gallery 51 will open its latest exhibit, titled “Branching Together,” which brings together the work of three paper artists, Helen Hiebert, Sun Young Kang and Michelle Wilson.

“Handmade paper, made from the earth, serves as the primary medium linking these works,” said Melanie Mowinski, MCLA arts professor and the show’s curator.

The opening reception – a free and public event – takes place from 5-7 p.m. Ms. Heibert will also give a short talk about paper and her work at 4:30 p.m.

The centerpiece of the exhibit, which runs through March 25, is Ms. Hiebert’s “Mother Tree,” made from translucent abacabased paper. Strands made to represent milk were crocheted from cotton, linen, hemp and flax form the tree’s roots.

“As the milk cascades to the floor, it turns into roots and these roots are multicolored and multifibered, representing all of hu-

manity and our diversity,” Ms. Hiebert said. “The threads in the Mother Tree symbolize the lifeline that connects all women to their past as well as to their future.”

Ms. Kang’s piece “To Find the One Way” also ties into personal experience, as her response to the death of her father. In this piece, she uses lit incense symbols, burned into 1,080 pieces of paper.

“Each artist transforms this everyday material [paper] into an artwork that invites the viewer to see their reflection and find moments of connection in their own life,” Prof. Mowinski said.

Ms. Wilson’s piece “The Ghost Trees” is representative of the intersections in one’s lifeline where thought takes action and one decides along the way to make a stand, according to an MCLA release. Through the use of watermarks, this installation is meant to evoke the immense deforestation that occurs every year to keep up with the demand for paper.

“Each artist is on a journey, a path, a way that branches together and outwards to others,” said Prof. Mowinski.

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February 23, 2012

Gold continues to have Jae’s liquor licence may cause timeless allure throughout world problems in Lenox Susan M. Wicker Guerrero Beacon Staff Writer

Bera B. Dunau Beacon Staff Writer

LENOX – The Town of Lenox may soon find itself in another sticky situation.

Twin Sisters Food Services Inc. is applying for a transfer of the liquor license of the Tex Mex restaurant at the Lenox Commons in order to operate the business.

Twin Sisters Food Services Inc., 65 percent of which is owned by noted Berkshire County restaurateur Suzanne Chung, with minority shares owned by her sister and two other investors, are seeking to transform the struggling Tex Mex restaurant into a new restaurant called Jae’s Lenox.

The executive chef for Jae’s Lenox would be Suzanne Chung’s husband, Jae, a Pan-Asian chef whose previous restaurants include Jae’s Spice in Pittsfield, Jae’s Inn in North Adams and Jae’s in Williamstown.

Mr. Chung has no financial interest in Twin Sisters Food Services Inc. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chung, however, have a criminal insurance-fraud case pending against them, which has the potential to place the Town of Lenox into new territory.

The pending criminal case, set to go to trial on April 24, is based on charges that Jae and Suzanne Chung filed a false insurance claim against the Chubb Insurance Group for $23,492 worth of kitchen appliances in July 2009.

The Chungs say that the appliances were stolen from the basement of the Crawford Square building on 137 North St., which they owned at the time.

Investigators for the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts, however, claim that many of the items claimed as stolen were sold with the Chungs’ Framingham home in Sept. 2008.

Investigators have also stated in court documents that there were no witnesses to the alleged theft, and that there was no sign of forced entry.

Jae and Suzanne Chung have pled not guilty to these charges, and their lawyers have released statements to the media saying

that they will be vigorously contesting them.

The Chungs have had a number of financial setbacks in recent years, having lost control of or closing all their restaurants in Berkshire County.

Most recently, Mr. Chung parted ways with the owners of the building that housed Jae’s Spice in Pittsfield, Joyce Bernstein and Lawrence Rosenthal.

The restaurant was subsequently renamed Spice Dragon. Mr. Chung says that Jae’s Spice was breaking even before he left.

Meanwhile, the Lenox Board of Selectmen is holding a hearing at its Feb. 29 meeting to determine whether or not to transfer the Tex Mex restaurant’s liquor license to Twin Sisters Food Service Inc. Should the select board approve the application, it will then be sent to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) in Boston for approval, raising the distinct possibility that the license will be transferred to Twin Sisters Food Services Inc. before the Chungs go to trial.

This might put the town in murky territory, should they be convicted.

According to Massachusetts State Law, if a person is convicted of a federal or state drug crime, they can have the liquor license for their business pulled.

Beyond that, however, there are no other provisions in the law dealing with how a new criminal conviction might affect the status of that persons’s businesses liquor license.

On the state forms for the application of a liquor license, there is a section which requires the applicant to indicate whether or not they have been convicted of a crime.

However, there are no provisions asking applicants to disclose whether they are about to go on trial.

The Beacon has yet to discover a case of a business in Massachusetts losing its liquor license as the result of the conviction of one of its license holders of a non-drug or alcohol related crime.

NORTH ADAMS – The timeless allure of gold remains intact today and people continue to have a fascination with it.

Robert Campanile presented “All That Glitters – Gold,” the third lecture in a four-part gem series at Western Gateway Heritage State Park. He is supervisor of the park’s Visitors Museum.

An extremely knowledgeable speaker, he was quick to point out that gold is a precious and very heavy metal, as opposed to being a gem.

Gold stands for the “divine, royal and powerful” and it has “lost none of its timeless allure,” Mr. Campanile said.

A Symbol of Immortality Because of gold’s inability to corrode, it is a symbol of immortality. It has been found in limited concentrations in all parts of the world, as far back as the Fifth Millennium B.C. The Bible has references of gold, including some in connection with King Solomon.

Because gold was said to delight the gods, it often accompanied the dead, and untold numbers of gold objects have been found in tombs.

Oldest Gold Artifact Found in Bulgaria Gold is warm and contains something of the sun. The oldest gold artifact, dating to 4400 B.C., was found along the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria.

Cultural, Historical and Scientific Facts of Gold Mr. Campanile gave detailed cultural, historical and scientific facts about gold during the oneand-a-half-hour illustrated lecture.

In Egypt, where there was almost unlimited access to gold, it was used exclusively for pharaohs. Jewelry, art and burial gifts were made entirely of gold.

In Italy, gold was given to kings, princesses and wealthy citizens. Hammered very thin, gold was used to produce masterful works of art.

Photo Credit / Kameron Z. Spaulding

The quality of the gold used in a ring is key to the value of the overall ring.

In Rome, pure gold coins were used for foreign trade. Gold jewelry was also very popular.

As with anything of great value, there was greed, followed by prohibition.

Gold-plated objects began to be made for those who were unable to afford solid gold.

In the Islamic world, supplies of gold were never lacking, Mr. Campanile explained.

Mr. Campanile talked about how gold was used in Russia in both architecture and in the crowns and even in the dinnerware of czars.

The modern era of gold began in 1848 with the California gold rush.

Today, half of the gold reserves of the United States are kept in Fort Knox, Ky.

Gold Ink in the Koran

Gold Symbolizes Highest Achievement

Gold ink was used in the Koran. Coins, however, had silver and less and less gold added to them.

A fairytale in the Far East told of giant ants that pulled nuggets of gold.

In India palaces of the rich were filled with gold.

In Africa, Timbuktu was known as the “city of gold.”

In France, Louis XIV’S palace had a hall of mirrors, gilded chandeliers, and an abundance of gold everywhere.

Gold has always been equated with the highest achievement such as “gold medal,” “gold record” and “golden anniversary,” Mr. Campanile said.

The final lecture in the gem series will take place this coming Saturday at 3 p.m.

It will focus on the Amber Room in St. Petersburg, Russia, which was made with 100,000 pieces of amber and lost during World War II invasions. The room has since been reconstructed.

February 23, 2012

The Berkshire Beacon

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McIlquham has been named 2011 Berkshires realtor of the year

Kameron Z. Spaulding Beacon Staff Writer

PITTSFIELD – Mark McIlquham, CBR, co-owner of Realty Street in Dalton, has been named the 2011 Realtor of the Year. This award is given to the realtor that best exemplifies professionalism and service to the industry.

The award also recognizes that Mr. McIlquham has contributed outstanding time and energy to the betterment of the REALTOR® organization, the real estate industry and the Berkshire community.

Mr. McIlquham was elected by Berkshire County real estate brokers to serve as the 2010 President of the Multiple Listing Service corporation. In that role, he worked on enhancing services for local real estate professionals.

Mr. McIlquham also led the creation of a new listing syndication marketing platform for listing exposure across the internet to benefit realtors, sellers and buyers.

He also worked on the search and lease negotiation committee for the new association staff offices and education conference center.

As MLS president, Mr. McIlquham was the Berkshire County representative at the National Association of REALTORS NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C. in 2010.

There he was charged to learn

GAS from page 1 That price would shatter the Berkshire County all-time high of $4.11 set in the summer of 2008.

These costs will continue to hurt the pockets of local residents and keep spending down, according to many analysts.

Even though businesses all throughout Berkshire County hope drivers don’t cut back on spending, there is a bright side as more businesses hope to keep the locals in the area In an area known for so many attractions some businesses are

Photo Credit / Kameron Z. Spaulding

Stacy Buhl and Mark McIlquham at the award ceremony. about emerging trends, represent the Berkshire region and bring information and resources back to the membership.

“My service at the executive level has been a very positive experience,” said Mr. McIlquham.

“We are fortunate to have a knowledgeable and informed staff that keeps all the parts of the machine working properly and informed.”

Having gained knowledge and information through his service, Mr. McIlquham also gives back by volunteering at the New Member Orientation program, teaching MLS and safety topics.

He also spoke at the Annual Meeting of the Membership, at the Annual Installation of Officers meetings and to the membership at various meetings

throughout the year.

Mr. McIlquham is also known for being very involved in the local community, working with Dalton Youth Football Juniors, Little League Baseball and the Youth Football Association Board of Directors.

He is a member of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Dalton Benefit Association and Dalton Light Up the Holidays Committee. He also served on the Board of Trustees at the Congregational Church in Dalton from 2004-2008, and is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Marianne Inn Condominiums.

“The Berkshires is such an incredible place to raise your kids.

How could I not try to give back in any way I can?” said Mr. McIlquham.

hoping that “stay-cations” are on more families’ minds this year.

This kind of action could already be seen at events like this week’s Cabin Fever Festival in Lee. As part of the week’s events and discounts, Devonfield Inn has been offering 50 percent off to all Berkshire County residents who book a room this week.

Many local businesses are hoping that this increased desire to stay close to home will help fill any holes left by lower numbers of out of town guests.

Prices in Berkshire County for Regular Gasoline

Current Avg. $3.641 Yesterday Avg. $3.634 Week Ago Avg. $3.606 Month Ago Avg. $3.441 Year Ago Avg. $3.174 Source: AAA Fuel Gauge

MCLA and Williams students featured in annual poetry and spoken word event Catherine M. Krummey Beacon Staff Writer

NORTH ADAMS – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host its Third Annual Evening of Spoken Word and Poetry on Friday night at 6 p.m. in MCLA Gallery 51 as part of the “MCLA Presents!” performance series.

“The night should have a great atmosphere, as it will be full of a diverse group of poets and spoken word artists who are excited to share their thoughts,” said Melody Rolph, MCLA student and co-producer of MCLA Presents.

The evening will be dedicated to the life and work of poet and performer Sekou Sundiata, an African-American activist internationally known for his poetry, performance, music and theater, according to an MCLA release.

Mr. Sundiata was a Sundance Institute Screenwriting Fellow, a Columbia University Revson Fellow and the recipient of a Lambent Fellowship in the Arts. He was also featured as part of Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam and in Bill Moyers’ PBS series The Language of Life.

The Feb. 24 event will reflect Mr. Sundiata’s work, starting with some videos of his performance, followed by MCLA and Williams College students reading their own poetry in dedication to him.

“It will be wonderful to bring together both MCLA and Wil-

liams College for a night dedicated to someone who had such a great impact on the people around him,” Ms. Rolph said.

In total, 11 students will read poetry and spoken word at the event. From MCLA, Nicole Braden, Aurora Cooper, Paul Miranda, Christine Pavao and Jason Peabody will participate. Paul Adeleke, Shaan Amin, David Kruger, Tirhakah Love, Soraya Membreno and Lillian Podlog – all members of Williams’ SpeakFree Club – will also participate.

The evening will be hosted by Shailja Patel, an internationallyacclaimed poet, playwright and activist.

She is the recipient of a Sundance Theater Fellowship, a Nordic Africa Institute African Guest Writer Fellowship and the FannyAnn Eddy Poetry Award from IRN – Africa.

Ms. Patel will begin the evening of spoken word and poetry and speak throughout the night.

“It is also a great honor to have Shailja, such a renowned poet and activist, join us on this night,” Ms. Rolph said. “I am really looking forward to a laidback evening full of remembrance and various social commentaries.”

Tickets to the event are $10 for general admission, $8 for MCLA alumni and $5 for MCLA and Williams staff and faculty. Members and students from MCLA and Williams get in for free. For tickets, call (413) 662-5204.

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The Berkshire Beacon

Editorial: Whitney Houston: The loss of an icon The death of Whitney “Nippy” Elizabeth Houston on Feb. 11 left many people sad, brokenhearted and wondering where she went wrong in her life.

Ms. Houston was a crossover artist, who could sing the high notes with soul to mid-range of pop, hit the movie circuit, be a wife and mother, yet fell into the Hollywood’s trap of success and despair.

She died at age 48 just when it appeared that she was once again a rising star.

During her career, she sold more than 50 million records in the United States alone.

Her voice, an ideal blend of power, grace and beauty, made classics out of songs like “Saving All My Love For You,” “I Will Always Love You,” “The Greatest Love of All” and “I’m Every Woman.”

She sang at Tanglewood in July 1991 and at The Sarasota Performing Arts Center at various junctures of her career.

She went from the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., to Hollywood’s Merv Griffin Show and later she performed with actor Kevin Costner, her costar in “The Bodyguard,” which spawned her greatest hit, remembered as a movie star who was uncertain of her own fame, who “still wondered, ‘Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough?

Will they like me?”

“It was the burden that made her great and the part that caused her to stumble in the end,” said Mr. Costner, who noted she would be good enough.

This is Black History Month.

Normally it passes with some press coverage, some high school play and/or a remembrance or two of someone passing in the black community.

Yet, the death of Ms. Houston now requires us to come to understand the drug and alcohol culture and to demand of Hollywood that it is time to take direct action to help prevent the deaths of “stars” who seem to come into the spotlight without any warts but then fall to the pressure of fame and success and become servants of the devil with drugs and

alcohol.

We, as society, can demand more of our celebrities and perhaps urge Hollywood directors and producers to take a more direct interest in their clients other than their paychecks.

It is no longer acceptable to grab, sign and promote the client whether he or she is a singer and/ or movie star and then let them left to drift through life. What does having a bodyguard say about our “hero worship?”

This year, Ms. Houston’s death is being celebrated as the death of an angel whose voice captivated us from the teenager from Newark to the Hollywood star to the one who could sing the National Anthem with her high notes of perfection and the soul of Marvin Gaye.

She offered us “grace,” in the words of filmmaker Tyler Perry and in the Rev. Marvin Winans’ comments to “prioritize” her life during the ceremony that touched not only the black community, but Americans across the nation in song, verse, memories, prayer, gospel singing to a group of close friends and family, who shared, in voice, their thoughts.

The Rev. Marvin Winans leaned on the gospel to eulogize Whitney Houston.

“He knows how to minister at times like this,” said the Rev. Joe Carter, the New Hope pastor, who officiated. “No preacher has the extreme joy to be put in a position like this. It’s one of the challenges to ministers in dark times, but that’s where the word of God comes in.”

More music filled the church when R. Kelly, joined by the choir, sang “I Look to You.” The Rev. Winans, a Grammy Award-winner, is pastor of the Perfecting Church in Detroit.

Mr. Winans, in a common-sense and hands-down style, celebrated Whitney’s life at the church where she grew up singing, mesmerizing people with her talent as young as 12 years old.

Then and now, Whitney Houston has left us with a void in our collective hearts, but with the remembrance of the “voice” of the ages.

February 23, 2012

View From the Tower George C. Jordan III

Jae’s looking for liquor license Lenox has a fairly liberal policy of “Welcome” to new businesses.

Sometimes the selectmen come to a grand opening, other times it is a chamber of commerce gathering.

However, when a business plans to relocate to Lenox and a couple, who have “ownership” in the business, is facing indictment for alleged insurance fraud, then the question is raised on the timing and issuance of a liquor license by the town and the commonwealth.

This is the case of Jae Chung and his wife, Suzanne, seeking to take over the Tex-Mex restaurant at Lenox Commons on routes 7 and 20.

Twin Sisters Food Services Inc., with Mrs. Chung as the 65-percent shareholder and her sister, Catherine Levine, are the principals applying for a transfer of the liquor license to operate the business. A public hearing is set for Wednesday, Feb. 29, before the select board.

Mr. Chung reportedly has no financial interest in the company and would serve as chef.

T H E

He and his wife are defendants in a criminal insurance-fraud case scheduled for a Berkshire District Court jury-of-six trial in Pittsfield on April 24.

There is no entitlement to a liquor license when there is a “cloud” hanging over the couple.

The timing is not right.

It would be beneficial to both the community, the developer and to the couple to resolve the indictment before going ahead with their plans for another restaurant.

If they are successful at trial, then the application could be expedited for a summer opening.

David Ward, owner of Lenox Commons, said he is looking for a new operator by late May or early June.

The indictment is based on charges that Jae and Suzanne Chung allegedly filed a false insurance claim against Chubb Insurance Group in July 2009 for $23,492 worth of kitchen appliances they said were stolen in May 2008 from the basement of Crawford Square, a commercial building they had owned at 137

B E R K S H I R E

BEACON THE GUIDING LIGHT OF THE BERKSHIRES

George C. Jordan III editor & Publisher Kameron Z. Spaulding EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Susan G. Robinson Graphic designer

North St. in Pittsfield but was sold at auction for breach of mortgage contract. Both have pled not guilty.

Chung reportedly has been involved in a series of business ventures, including Jae’s Spice and Shabu 297 on North Street in Pittsfield, Jae’s Inn in North Adams, Jae’s in Williamstown and the Miss Adams Diner along with others in the Boston area.

“Jae would be a positive influence on the center – he has good food,” Mr. Ward noted.

The restaurant, originally built as a Bennigan’s franchise, is owned by Navin Shah’s Berkshire Hotel Group.

The Tex Mex eatery hasn’t done well for a number of reasons.

Other restaurant chains were contacted including Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Outback Steak House, Longhorn Steak House and Chili’s, but all decided against leasing the restaurant building due to low traffic volume for most of the year, according to the developer.

Contact Us General Inquiries: george@berkshirebeacon.com (413) 637-2250 Send Display Ads to: graphics.beacon@gmail.com Send Calendar Listings to: calendar@berkshirebeacon.com Visit us Online: www.berkshirebeacon.com

Bera B. Dunau, Rae A. Eastman, Susan M. Wicker Guerrero, Janel M. Harrison, Catherine M. Krummey, Dick L. Syriac Contributing WRITERS Janel M. Harrison, Jacqueline J. Wendling, Nancy G. Shepherd, Shannon T. Miller ADVERTISING SALES The Berkshire Beacon is published weekly. The Beacon is distributed throughout Berkshire County, MA. The Berkshire Beacon assumes no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or typographical errors published. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. The Berkshire Beacon reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. All contents copyright ©2012 The Berkshire Beacon. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

February 23, 2012

The Berkshire Beacon

7

Letter to the Editor:

Local club can be a great place for fellowship Nancy G. Shepherd College Club Member

Ten singers performed at Mission as part of 10x10.

10x10 Fest in full swing

Catherine M. Krummey Beacon Staff Writer

PITTSFIELD – For the last week, downtown Pittsfield has become the host for the first ever “10x10 on North” winter arts festival.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and positive response that the 10x10 on North festival has received in its very first year,” Megan Whilden, Pittsfield’s Director of Economic Development, said, adding that an estimated 1,000 people have attended 10x10 events so far.

From art shows at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts and Gallery 25 to poets at Y Bar and singer-songwriters at Mission Bar and Tapas, North Street is embracing the artistic scene.

The week was kicked off at Shawn’s Barber Shop. Shawn’s played host to Local Ink, an art exhibit curated by local artist Phil Bastow as part of the 10x10 festival.

On Monday night, poet Greer Hed took the floor at Y Bar (391 North St.), presenting about 20 people with her work, read from an iPhone.

She started her reading with more serious, biting poems such as “Silence” and “Hysteria.” Then

she changed gears.

“I’ve been very serious, let’s have fun,” she said. “I wrote these in the style of famous poets writing about mundane things.”

The titles included “Emily Dickinson Writes About a Cup of Coffee,” “Allen Ginsburg Writes About Mouthwash,” “Charles Bukowski Writes About a Television Set” and “William Shakespeare Writes About a Bagel.”

“I say it most sincere, a bagel is just bread without a schmear,” Ms. Hed said in the latter poem.

After Ms. Hed’s reading, diners and guests at Y Bar were encouraged to venture across the street to Mission to hear Glenn Geiger, one of the 10 singer-songwriters performing as part of the 10x10 festival.

10x10 on North events continue through Sunday, including an art show and live painting by 10 local artists at Massive Graphics (438 North St.) on Friday from 4-8 p.m. and a one-man show at Ferrin Gallery on Saturday night at 6 and 10 p.m. Poets and singer-songwriters will continue to make nightly appearances at Y Bar and Mission (respectively), and the 10 10-minute plays at Barrington Stage Company will also be put on through Sunday.

The College Club brings women from all walks of life together to share in joys and friendship. It has been active in the Berkshires for 97 years with its mission being “to encourage fellowship among members, promote knowledge and provide educational awards.”

The Pittsfield College Club (now just College Club) was founded by Miss Ruth Mills, a local educator, who held the first meeting in her home on July 30, 1915. The club started with 43 members from 18 colleges. These were very prominent colleges such as Cornell, Smith, MIT and George Washington University, just to name a few.

In 1925, a $100 scholarship was given for the first time, to Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey.

In January 1931, Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the then governor of New York, spoke on ending the war. Other presenters were Ted Shawn, author Cornelia Otis Skinner and poet Robert Tristram Coffin. The dues at that time were a whopping $1 per year.

The club has supported Berkshire Community College from its inception. In 1941, contributions to the Red Cross began with kits for bombed-out women in Great Britain.

Women who have completed at least two years of college are eligible to join. A degree is not required.

Membership has rebounded from a low of 70 nearly two decades ago to a membership of 146 today, which includes 23 new members who joined just this year. There are six memberships exceeding 50 years, our longestterm member being Joan Peronto, who has been a member for 60 years. There are also four pairs of mother-daughters. Members come from several towns throughout Berkshire County along with neighboring areas in New York.

Membership dues have held steady for more than 15 years at a rate of $20 per year, which in-

cludes a handbook of members and activities, a monthly newsletter and funds for the club’s annual award to educators. The club year runs May through April, and new members may join this spring for the next year.

Interested women who attended college for at least two years are encouraged to apply for membership by contacting Nancy McGill, at (413) 443-6942 or Nancy72112@aol.com.

The club holds four general meetings per year which are open to members and guests. These include a summer picnic, fall potluck and lunches at restaurants in winter and spring. A variety of people are invited to speak at some of these events.

Their most recent event was held Jan. 28 with a brunch at the Pittsfield Country Club. We were all enlightened by our guest speaker, Colleen Quinn, who is an adjunct professor at Berkshire Community College and also teaches art at Pittsfield High School.

The next event is a High Tea at the exclusive Lenox Club, on Saturday, April 28 from 4-6 p.m. Dr. Mary Grant, President of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), will be the guest speaker. The public is invited. For information, contact Marina Coletsos at (413) 499-1049.

During the course of the year, the main activities are varied interest groups that meet in small groups in homes and are open to all members. The handbook and newsletter list dates, and attendance is to the likings and interests of members.

The day and night book groups meet at both homes and bookstores and after reading a pre-chosen book of the month, they then review the book.

The Daytime Bridge group offers both beginning and intermediate levels of play in the popular card game.

A trendy group, started by a new member, is Work of Our Hands. Members bring their handiwork projects to the meeting and a discussion follows on the items being worked on. The

talent among this group is most impressive. Some ladies knit at a basic level while others are in the expert designer field; others quilt or make dolls which are individually designed and clothed with vintage couture, and some work with felt, fabric or paint.

An inviting and newly-formed group, Women Who Wine, meets on a monthly basis and has a wine tasting event at the Lenox Club.

Elegant hors d’oeuvres are provided by Chef Chris Mailloux, who is the chef at the Lenox Club. The purpose of this new group is educational – to taste and differentiate between different flavors of wine, the purpose being to acquaint you with wines you might not normally have an opportunity to enjoy. Each month, a new type of wine is presented and to date, they have had wine tastings for sauvignon blanc, Malbec, chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.

Special events, such as trips to art galleries, Tanglewood and other local summer theaters, are also scheduled.

Since the beginning, the club has supported education. For years, the club gave funds to individual girls headed for college, and now the club has switched to awarding funds to local high school teachers for educational projects with ongoing benefits to students. Forty percent of dues are earmarked for awards, and the club does no fundraising.

Often members add additional funds in honor or memory of someone. One longtime member included $500 in her will for the awards fund.

Each winter, applications go to local schools and awards are announced in April. Awards total at least $1,200 annually, spread among the winning applications.

This year, because funds were left from last year, the total amount is $2,000. Applications are available from Carrie Bither at (518) 7814081 or bcd@fairpoint.net.

Despite frequent publicity about club events open to the public, the College Club is a wellkept secret which welcomes new members anytime.

8

The Berkshire Beacon

They Enjoy Empty Paper Rolls

Photo Credit / Susan M. Wicker Guerrero

Mickey daily comes out of his cage which is kept underneath the family’s kitchen table. He is a “treat hound.”

HIPHOP from page 1 and neutered, and to find permanent, quality indoor homes for them.

They also educate the public and assist humane societies and shelters in teaching rabbit care to the public. The connection also reduces – by public education – the number of rabbits discarded at shelters or turned loose when owners no longer want them.

“Rabbits are very intelligent and loving,” Doreen ReynoldsConsolati of Egremont, one of the volunteers on duty at the event, said. “They are not low maintenance pets.”

Rabbits are very smart and affectionate, she said.

Bunnies Dislike Being Picked Up While they enjoy being petted, they usually dislike being picked up.

“No hug ‘em, squeeze ‘em,” Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati said.

Her mini-lop rabbit, named Mickey, likes to have his nose rubbed. She got him from the Berkshire Humane Society.

“He’s not an ordinary rabbit,” she said.

Mickey weighs a little more than five pounds.

“He’s a treat hound,” his owner said, laughing.

He will be five years old in June. With proper care, rabbits

can live up to 10 years, she said.

Last year, Mickey had an abscess on his cheek that had to be removed by the vet.

While Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati discussed her beloved pet, a little girl came up to Mickey and petted him.

“Oh, he’s so soft,” she said. The girl then kissed her own hand and planted it on Mickey’s head before scurrying away.

Bunnies Love Rubber “Mickey loves anything rubber,” Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati said. “Rubber is ‘crack’ for bunnies.”

Consequently, she has to bunny-proof her house, as all rabbit owners should do. Chewing on an electrical cord could be not only dangerous but fatal for a pet rabbit.

Mrs. Reynold-Consolati has loved rabbits since she was in college. She got two “male” bunnies from a pet store at that time and ended up with a litter of seven, she said, chuckling.

Obviously, one of the males just turned out to be a female.

Rabbits like tunnels and to be under things, she said. They’ll crawl under tables and chairs.

“They also like to be entertained,” Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati said. Give a rabbit an old phone book to shred and the animal will be very content.

Since they like to chew on things, owners can also give them empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls.

The main diet for bunnies is hay, she said. It provides fiber for their digestive systems and helps grind their teeth to good levels.

They will also eat lots of raw veggies such as green leafy lettuce.

Forget iceberg lettuce, she said, since it has no nutritional value.

Bunnies will down dandelion leaves, kale, cilantro and herbs such as basil and mint.

As for carrots, owners prefer to feed bunnies carrot tops since the carrots tend to be very sweet, Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati said.

To quell population numbers, both male and female rabbits are neutered. In addition, it helps prevent uterine cancer, which is a major cause of death among female rabbits, she said.

Let’s Let Mickey Out of the Cage Mickey’s cage is kept under the family’s kitchen table. She lets him out into the kitchen and dining room at night since rabbits need to have time out of their cages. Occasionally, Mickey will be allowed in the living room.

“They are just wonderful,” Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati said of rabbits as pets. While on par with cats and dogs as pets, owners don’t have to walk rabbits on leashes.

Rabbits can be litter boxtrained, but the boxes need wood pellets instead of shavings or clay

February 23, 2012

litter, such as is used for cats, since they can become ill if they ingest it.

Hay made out of coconut husks can be used for the litter boxes as well as newspaper-based litter.

Rabbits Must Be Brushed Rabbits must be brushed to remove excess hair. They are very clean animals and will groom themselves and each other.

However, they do not have the mechanism to regurgitate, like cats. So, if they ingest a lot of fur, they can become ill or even die.

Mickey is pretty good in the car, Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati said.

“He’s warm and snuggly with Mom,” she said, smiling.

Mary Davis, the other volunteer on duty at Petco’s rabbit event, moved to Pittsfield last October from Oregon. She is the proud owner of six rabbits, all but one of whom traveled crosscountry with her and her husband. The trip, with many hotel stops, took them nine days.

Acquiring all those rabbits was due to “one rescue after another,” she said.

Owners Often Abandon Pet Rabbits “People dump rabbits,” she said.

Espresso, for instance, the sixth rabbit she adopted, is a beautiful, black bunny with big, piercing eyes.

He was abandoned in Manhattan last Halloween, she said. She found out about him on a

website.

Her black and white English spotted bunny, Little Boy, who attended the event at Petco, had been let loose by his former owner one and a half miles from the Davis’ former home in Oregon.

He was found along with other bunnies who had also been abandoned.

House Rabbit Connection and its members discourage the “sale” of bunnies, Mrs. Davis said.

“People don’t have enough education” about rabbits as pets, she said. Bunnies are the thirdmost abandoned pets. When domesticated rabbits are let out on their own, they don’t even know what to eat, she said.

As a sign noted at the rabbit rally, letting loose a pet rabbit doesn’t make it “free,” instead it often makes it “food.”

Rabbits Are Territorial Bunnies can be very territorial and have a hierarchy. One bunny must always be in charge. Matching two bunnies in one household is like an “arranged marriage,” Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati said. If the two bunnies are compatible, it will be like “love at first sight.” However, if an owner is unlucky and has two incompatible bunnies, they will be like “roommates who tolerate each other.”

At the weekend event at Petco, Mrs. Reynolds-Consolati wore a necklace with a picture of a bunny (of course) inside the oval.

She suggested anyone who wants to learn more about bunnies as house pets check the website, rabbit.org.

Photo Credit / Susan M. Wicker Guerrero

Previous owners abandoned Espresso in Manhattan last Halloween. Mary Davis of Pittsfield adopted the rabbit from an online organization.

February 23, 2012

The Berkshire Beacon

9

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Junior Lina Oh as Scarecrow, junior Kyanna Joseph as Dorothy and sophomore Katharine Reid as Tinman strike a pose in Miss Hall’s School’s production of The Wiz.

Ease on down the road to Miss Hall’s School Catherine M. Krummey Beacon Staff Writer

PITTSFIELD – This weekend, the Miss Hall’s School Theater Ensemble will be putting on three performances of the hit 1970s musical The Wiz, based on the 1900 novel The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

Jen Jordan, the theater and dance teacher at MHS, is directing the production.

“I don’t like to do shows that are done a lot,” Ms. Jordan said of her reasoning behind choosing The Wiz for the school’s winter musical. “I wanted the chance to retell the story in a funkier, more fun way.”

The performances will take place in the Woods Theater of the Elizabeth Gatchell Klein Arts Center on the MHS campus at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night and at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved by calling (413) 395-7108.

Ms. Jordan, the cast and the crew started working on the production in December.

“I’m totally exhausted, but very excited,” she said just before a dress rehearsal this week. “This particular group of girls has been incredible.”

MHS junior Kyanna Joseph is one of those “incredible” girls.

“It’s like my dream is coming true,” Miss Joseph said of the opportunity to play Dorothy, the lead in the musical. “I’ve had a lot of fun with the cast this year.”

Miss Joseph has participated in three other shows during her time at MHS, but has enjoyed having the spotlight this year.

In her role as Dorothy, she said the biggest highlight is singing the finale song, “Home.”

“Sometimes you miss home so much,” Miss Joseph said, citing her hometown of Elmwood Park, N.J. “The lyrics really spoke to me.”

Rounding out the cast are junior Lina Oh as Scarecrow, sophomore Katharine Reid as Tinman and freshman Cassi Case as Lion.

Junior Rachel Baumgarten plays The Wiz, junior Jañelle Barnes is Aunt Em and sophomore Asata Evans is Addaperle. MHS Horizons teacher and alumna Kim Boland stars as Evillene.

The student crew includes junior Devin Melle as stage manager, junior Sutton Moore as assistant stage manager, senior Tori Loubert on the lighting board and junior Shiloh Frederick operating lights.

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The Berkshire Beacon

February 23, 2012

Community Calendar Crocodiles is a

Beacon Book Reviews:

great tale of a young man

Rae A. Eastman Beacon Staff Writer

One night, 10-year-old Enaiat’s mother told him they were going to go from Afghanistan (where they lived) to Pakistan. The family had been threatened by some Pashtuns and his school had been closed by the Taliban, who rounded up the students, formed them into a circle, put their teacher in the center and shot him.

A few nights later, now in the Pakistani city of Quetta, his mother left, and he was on his own. The boy found work and even a friend, but he was also harassed and became persuaded that things were better in Iran, despite warnings to the contrary.

There was danger everywhere – from corrupt police, from illegals whose trade was stealing and from roving gangs. In some cases he was lucky; in some cases it was his own enterprising actions or hard work that kept him out of the most severe trouble.

People-trafficking was the trade of many in that part of the world and, dangerous as it was, that is mostly the way Enaiat got around. He was 14 by the time he decided to go to Turkey. In that part of the world, Kurds, Pakistanis, Iraqis and many other nationalities moved around freely, stealing, working, being beaten – a park often their sleeping place, mosques the place a boy went to wash.

One set of traffickers, leading several groups over cold, cold mountains into Turkey misled them as to how long it would take – many died on the walk which eventually took 27 days.

But there was no work in Istanbul for him and he met up with other boys who wanted to go to Greece. A trafficker took them to the coast and pointed across open water.

“There’s Greece,” he said. He gave them a deflated dinghy with oars and left. One of the boys believed there were crocodiles in the sea that would eat them.

Amazingly they got across the water and into Greece. From

In the Sea There Are Crocodiles

By Fabio Geda Available in bookstores and on Amazon Doubleday $22.95 (hardcover) there, the boy somehow made his way to Italy.

There Enaiat went on to gain citizenship in his own unique manner, graduate from high school and managed to get in touch with his mother, whom he now supports.

The author is an Italian novelist who befriended Enaiat in Italy, talked with him endlessly and together they reconstructed his story which is told in the boy’s engaging, often humorous voice which gives the book a truly boyish tone. One of the book’s charms is the often childlike humor Enaiat brings to his story.

More importantly, it is a true story that had to be like hundreds of similar ones in that part of the world and, as such, eye-opening and wrenching to those of us in the west who get only as close to such accounts as a news story or a headline.

Further, the boy’s true story unveils a part of the world which is completely lawless. One time he was picked up by police as an alien, taken to their kitchen where he spent hours cleaning the mess there – and then was thrown out.

I hope it will gain many readers: the book deserves it.

THURSDAY, FEB 23

FLYING CLOUD INSTITUTE VACATION PROGRAMS

New Marlborough Flying Cloud Institute is offering SMArt Winter Vacation Programs on Tuesday, and Thursday, from 9:00 to 3:00 for girls and boys in grades 1 - 6. Held at the institute’s 200 acre colonial farmstead in New Marlborough, children will engage in multiple indoor and outdoor activities that integrate science, math and art over the course of these two days.

Children can participate in both days of the program without overlapping activities.

RATTLESNAKES IN THE BERKSHIRES

Pittsfield, 5:30 p.m.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Green Living Seminar Series will offer a lecture on “Rattlesnakes in the Berkshires”

by Tom Tyning, professor of environmental science at Berkshire Community College (BCC), on Thursday, at in Murdock Hall room 218.

CATA EXHIBIT AT NORTH ADAMS LIBRARY

North Adams, 4 - 6 p.m.

Community Access to the Arts is exhibiting CATA artwork during February and March. A reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. and is free to the public.

FRIDAY, FEB. 24 CLUB ZAMBEZI DANCE PARTY

Williamstown, 8 p.m.

Afro-beat, Salsa, Hip Hop and more. Soundz: The Zambezi Marimba Band, the Zambezi Engine Room, and DJ Flaco (aka Robert

Michelin). Director: Prof. Ernest Brown Location: Williams College 62 Center for Theater and Dance 1000 Main St.

MISS HALL’S SCHOOL PRESENTS ‘THE WIZ’

Pittsfield, 8 p.m.

Miss Hall’s School Theater Ensemble will present “The Wiz,” in the Woods Theater of the Elizabeth Gatchell Klein Arts Center on the campus. Admission is $5, and reservations are strongly recommended. Senior citizen and handicapped-accessible seating is available. Call 413-395-7108 for tickets and reservations.

EVENING OF THE SPOKEN WORD AND POETRY

North Adams, 6 p.m.

Internationally acclaimed poet, playwright and activist Shailja Patel will host MCLA’s third annual Evening of Spoken Word and Poetry, which will be dedicated to the life and work of the great poet and performer, Sekou Sundiata.

The event will take place on Friday, in MCLA Gallery 51 on Main Street.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25 WILDLIFE TRACKING @ ALFORD SPRINGS

Alford, 10 a.m.

Join us on a wildlife tracking hike on the 760-acre Alford Springs Reserve. See what wildlife is up to during one of the coldest months of the year. We will learn the distinguishing features of mammal tracks, follow tracks, and interpret the skills used by these creatures to survive our harsh winter climate.

AUSTRALIAN SPIRITUAL TEACHER

Great Barrington, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Australian powerhouse spiritual teacher Suzy Meszoly will be at

Crystal Essence, teaching her famous healing method, sharing sacred teachings and performing powerful energetic activations with workshop participants.

15 ANNUAL WINTERFEST

North Adams, 10 - 4 p.m.

Shake off the winter blues during the City of North Adams’ 15th Annual WinterFest, downtown, North Adams will turn into a winter wonderland full of activity and life. WinterFest activities take place all day, with the majority of the events held in the downtown area, Ice Sculpting, Chowder Contest 12-2 p.m., Face Painting, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Hot Chocolate and more...413-664-6180.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CONTEST

Lenox, 2 - 4 p.m.

Calling all bakers, whether professional or a homemaker, bring a dozen or two of your favorite cookie and win prizes. A prize will be given for the best Chocolate Chip Cookie, most unusual, most original, the best non-chocolate chip cookie. Please call us and let us know you are coming.

If you would like to participate by being a judge call us!

413-637-3206.

SUNDAY, FEB. 26 BCC PLAYERS PRESENT COMEDY SHORTS

Pittsfield, 2 p.m.

The Berkshire Community College Players present an evening of short plays and sketches. Tickets are $10 and $5 for students, BCC staff and senior citizens. Reservations may be made by calling 413-499-0886.

Performances will take place in the Koussevitzky Arts Center at Berkshire Community College, 1350 West St.

If you have an event you would like listed in our calendar please email us at Calendar@berkshirebeacon.com!

February 23, 2012

The Berkshire Beacon

11

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The Berkshire Beacon

February 23, 2012

A look at the candidates:

Shien looks to run as the progressive option Bera B. Dunau Beacon Staff Writer

Bill Shein is running for Massachusetts’ 1st congressional district on an unapologetically progressive platform.

“It’s clear that our democracy is broken, and the folks that have been in office for a long time, and haven’t done enough to fix it, they need to be replaced with regular folks who understand that the old way doesn’t work any more,” said Mr. Shein, when asked by The Beacon why he’s decided to run.

A humorist, Mr. Shein’s column in The Berkshire Eagle, which has run since 2004, won the National Press Club’s award for humor in 2005, 2008 and 2009. He also has a book, Democracil: The Prescription for America, coming out this spring.

He is a member of The Occupy Movement and an activist with Occupy The Berkshires.

Mr. Shein is running for the Democratic nomination for Massachusetts’ newly-drawn 1st congressional district. The new 1st congressional district combines elements of the massive 1st congressional district, which covered most of western Massachusetts, with parts of the old Springfieldbased 2nd congressional district.

In addition to Mr. Shein, the old 2nd congressional district’s current representative, Rep. Richard Neal (D Springfield), and Berkshire Middle District Register of Deeds Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr. are also seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the 1st district.

Mr. Shein’s campaign has a number of distinguishing features. To begin with, Mr. Shein is not accepting any donations greater than $99. Mr. Shein told The Beacon that he came up with this number after determining how much money he’d be able to donate to a candidate he believed in. Additionally, Mr. Shein has pledged not to accept money from Political Action Committees (PACs) and to never become a lobbyist after he leaves Con-

gress, should he be elected.

“I think that anyone who aspires to serve in the Congress should be able to say that they will never accept payment as lobbyists,” said Mr. Shein, who advocates a lifetime ban on lobbying by former members of Congress. “We have to close the gold-plated revolving door.”

Since launching his candidacy last month on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Mr. Shein says he has signed up around 100 volunteers. He has also pledged to visit every one of the 86 communities and towns in the 1st congressional district.

“My priority is to have a campaign that is about something,” said Mr. Shein, expressing a dedication to changing the conversation and policies in Washington towards ones that he believes will benefit the vast majority of American people.

A Clear Set of Priorities In addition to trying to get money out of politics, which Mr. Shein would like to do by instituting the public financing of political campaigns, and repealing the Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission Ruling, which gave corporations and labor unions the right to spend an unlimited amount of money on independent political endeavors, Mr. Shein is championing a number of traditional progressive issues and causes.

These include expanding Medicare to cover all Americans, cutting military spending, raising taxes on the wealthy and restructuring the tax code to benefit working people.

Questioning His Rivals Mr. Shein is critical of his rival Mr. Nuciforo’s votes, while serving as the state senator for Massachusetts’ Berkshire, Franklin and Hampshire district, to undermine and repeal Massachusetts’ Clean Elections Law. The Clean Elections Law was a voterapproved law that provided for

the public financing of elections in Massachusetts.

Mr. Nuciforo is currently campaigning on his support for the Fair Elections Now Act (FENA), which would provide for the public financing of congressional campaigns, and he has criticized Congressman Neal for not cosponsoring it.

While in the State Senate, however, Mr. Nuciforo successfully voted to scrap the Clean Elections Law, one of the few public financing laws in the country.

In comments to the Beacon, Mr. Nuciforo has ascribed this discrepancy to the differences between FENA and the Clean Elections Law saying, “Those are two very different bills, offered in very different legislative sessions, at different times.”

For Mr. Shein, however, this argument misses the point.

“When he had the opportunity to protect and support a key progressive reform he failed that test,” said Mr. Shein.

Nor does Rep. Neal escape Mr. Shein’s criticism. In particular, Mr. Shein objects to the large amount of money the congressman receives from corporations and lobbyists.

Drawing attention to information compiled by the website OpenSecrets.org, Mr. Shein points to the fact that Mr. Neal raised nearly $1 million last year between his campaign committee and his leadership PAC. Of that money, however, only $1,190 was raised from donations of $200 or less from individuals.

Congressman Neal has defended the funding of his campaigns by saying that campaign contributions do not affect the way he votes in Congress. This defense, however, doesn’t hold water for Mr. Shein.

“A voting record in the Congress is just what you’ve had a chance to vote on,” said Mr. Shein, who asserts that the influence of money in politics buys silence and oftentimes prevents progressive ideas from even being considered on the national stage.

Photo Credit / Kameron Z. Spaulding

The transportation budget for SBRSD sees a large increase.

SBRSD unveils new budget Questions still linger over possible school closings in the district Kameron Z. Spaulding Beacon Staff Writer

SHEFFIELD – The Southern Berkshire Regional School District has held an informative meeting to let residents voice their questions and concerns about next year’s school budget before the town meetings.

The Fiscal Year 2013 proposed budget is $14,193,980, for an increase of 2.21 percent over the current year’s budget.

To calculate the budget, the committee projected a noticeable drop in enrollment from 847 this year to 800 for FY ‘13.

The budget includes over $400,000 in capital improvements, including over 60 new computers and carpeting for the schools.

It is important to note that these preliminary figures include funding for the operation of the Monterey, New Marlborough Central and South Egremont Schools, as well as a small allotment for capital expenses in those schools.

Should the current discussions

culminate in the closing of these buildings, the budget will be adjusted, and reductions totaling $332,825 and $35,000 will be made from the Operating and Capital Budgets, respectively.

Although many feel that the proposal to close the schools has lost much of its steam in recent weeks.

The New Marlborough, Monterey, and Egremont select boards have expressed their disapproval of the proposal.

A group of parents opposed to the closing called Save Our Schools (SOS) led by Kenzie Fields of Mill River have been very vocal against any school closings.

On their website the group has released a list of 23 advantages to keeps the schools open in response to Superintendent Dr. Michael Singleton’s much-discussed “21 Points” memo that outlined the reasons he supported the closures.

The five towns that make up the district are Alford, Egremont, Monterey, Sheffield and New Marlborough.

February 23, 2012

The Berkshire Beacon

13

could be a great Girl-2-Girl Chronicle movie for the right fan Beantown Part Two

Janel Harrison Beacon Staff

And we’re back: it’s about 1:30 a.m. in big city of Boston at M.J. O’Connor’s.

I walk in after an exhausting four-hour wait in the emergency room drained – all color ran out of my cheeks – and I was irritable until I looked and focused in on a drink.

A lovely martini glass filled to the brim sits alone perched on the glossy oak bar in front of my friends.

Floating in it are three bright green Spanish olives and, given they were submerged in alcohol, it gave me the illusion they were massive, and I was hungry, like a wolf.

Of course it was just for me, and it was dirty, a dirty martini that is. I couldn’t wait to take a deep breath and indulge myself.

It wasn’t perfect, but it would do – anything would at this point – a little more olive juice and I was in my happy place.

From then on we were on an adventure and I vowed to myself, “no more bad mojo.”

The next day was validation – we were writers and not there just to party, but to hone our craft, enabling us to become brilliant journalists. It was the opening session and here I was with my coffee and croissant, notebook ready to make like a sponge, sitting in a vast ballroom with Queen Anne chairs, dark rich woods and decadent crystal chandeliers suspended above our heads.

Corporate stiffs stood around and walked in circles like robots in their shiny shoes, pinstriped suits and starched shirts making serious banter among colleagues and other esteemed members of the newspaper industry.

And then came the lectures where genius Pulitzer Prize winners spoke passionately about their experiences. Lectures and more lectures ensued until about 3:00 p.m. when we had a most important engagement to attend.

We were subway-bound to Jamaica Plain for the Samuel Adams Beer Factory Tour. Wootwoot! So fun! We ate fresh malt, smelled hops and learned everything a gal needs to know about the beer-making process.

And then we headed in with our totally off-the-cuff, cute and funny tour guide Josh.

We went straight to the tasting room which is – let’s just cut to the chase here – the reason so many of us go on this tour in the first place, totally free of charge, free-flowing beer, in five different brews gulped in a whopping one hour, so you can imagine how we left.

We were on the Sam Adams Party Trolley, of course, blasting Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Heaven help us! Falling against our neighbors because none of us could stand and hold on. I swear, someone oiled the bar!

We did dance on it though, good times and the wild, shaky bus dropped us off to where you ask? That would be Doyle’s, a fabulous and historic Irish saloon where lots of uninhibited conversation began yet again, and we got free glasses complements of Sam. And so now you can see how the rest of the weekend went. By day, serious, intelligent, talented journalists, but by night, we were free-spirited gods and goddesses fluttering about the town in an array of colors.

Oh but did we have fun, networked and met some great people.

Of course our hero and publisher George C. Jordan III strolled in, and we were happy to have his company, having now been officially named the Jordettes!

I was ready and happy to see the glowing faces of my two beautiful flowers and my hubby waiting for me as I stepped off train, back to reality and home sweet home. Till next week.

-Ciao Bella

Film features several actors in their debuts

Bera B. Dunau Beacon Staff Writer

Chronicle is a movie that simply works.

A big problem with action films, especially special effectsladen science-fiction action films, is that they often don’t take the time to do proper setup. Instead, these movies frequently rely on big-budget set pieces, while neglecting such things as motivation, character development and the rules of the world they are trying to create.

By contrast, while Chronicle uses a lot of special effects, it never neglects these core storytelling elements and this simple decision is at the heart of its success.

Chronicle centers on Andrew Detmer, played by Dane DeHaan, a socially-isolated high school senior growing up in the Seattle suburbs.

The movie starts when Andrew begins to document his life using a video camera, and the film’s central conceit is that it is made up of footage that was shot either

by Andrew or other people within the film.

Andrew’s mother is dying of a chronic disease, and his alcoholic father regularly beats him. Things aren’t any better for Andrew at school, where he’s routinely picked on, and his only friend is his cousin Matt, played by Alex Russell, an aspiring intellectual who keeps him at a distance.

Andrew’s life is decisively altered, however, when he, Matt and Steve, a popular fellow student played by Michael B. Jordan, encounter a mysterious phenomenon in a cave.

Shortly thereafter, the three boys begin to exhibit telekinetic powers, powers that only continue to increase as the boys use them more and more. The acquiring and mastery of these powers binds Andrew, Steve and Matt into a close friendship. As their abilities grow, however, so too does their destructive potential, and soon circumstances conspire to send the three friends hurtling down the path to tragedy.

One of the most satisfying things about Chronicle is how

Photo Credit / Film Afrika Worldwide

Chronicle tracks a group of teenage friends who gain superpowers as they learn their strength. well it succeeds at things other films have tried, but fallen short at.

I’ve seen no other movie do as good a job as Chronicle does at realistically conveying the joy that its characters feel at acquiring super powers. Simply getting to use their powers is a source of endless entertainment for Andrew, Matt and Steve and instead of fostering ambitions to take over the world or fight crime, the use of these powers directs them towards more modest goals like playing pranks, flying to Hawaii or impressing girls.

Chronicle also breathes new life into the somewhat tired gimmick of found footage. While every frame of the movie is allegedly shot from an in-scene camera, Chronicle is quite creative with how this is used, especially after the super powers are introduced.

Chronicle also does a bang-up job of realistically portraying young male friendship and high school interactions. The core dynamics shown are masterfully done and feel a lot more real than many films without flying or superpowers, although some of the actors do look a bit older than your typical high school senior.

Then there’s the action itself.

Chronicle may not have the best special effects, but they are so

well-integrated into the film’s human drama that they are some of the most effective I have seen in a long time. The choices of how and when to showcase the trio’s powers are always spot on, and the rules under which these powers operate are readily apparent to the audience.

These factors help to make the climatic fight scene at the end of Chronicle one of the best action sequences I’ve seen since the battle at the end of the 2009 movie District 9. Indeed, I believe the finale of Chronicle surpasses it.

Chronicle is not a great movie, but it is a relentlessly good one. If you aren’t a fan of action movies, films set in high school or the superhero genre, then Chronicle might not have enough crossover appeal to keep you satisfied.

Chronicle is the first feature film for both its director, Josh Trank, age 27, and its screenwriter, Max Landis, age 26.

This debut is precisely the kind of well-made, thoughtfully-crafted, original movie that I want we see more of from Hollywood, and I hope that viewers get to watch more of their work in the future.

So, if you are a fan of wellmade and entertaining science fiction and action films, vote with your wallet and see Chronicle now.

14

The Berkshire Beacon

Williams’ readings have become a highlight of Kripalu

WIND from page 2 with Weston Solutions representative Dan Ingold and reviewed documents from a wide variety of sources. The panel’s meetings were often well-attended, and the panel heard testimony from a number of members of the public who chose to express their feelings or offer expertise on the topics being discussed.

A breakthrough in the panel’s deliberations came when they decided to divide into pairs to address the three subgroups of issues that they’d determined were most pertinent to determining whether or not to proceed with utilizing wind power on Lenox Mountain.

These three subgroups were the health subgroup, the environmental subgroup and the financial subgroup.

The findings of these subgroups provide the backbone of the Wind Energy Research Panel’s final report. While the environmental and financial subgroups were able to produce consensus reports, the two panel members working on the health subgroup, Dr. Michael Kaplan and Chris Magee, wrote separate reports.

Dr. Kaplan’s health report concluded that the health risks posed by installing wind turbines on Lenox Mountain appeared to be minimal, and advocated going forward with the project. A cornerstone of Dr. Kaplan’s report was his deference to the recently completed report of the Massachusetts Expert Panel on the Potential Health Impacts Associated with Exposure to Wind Turbines.

By contrast, Chris Magee’s health report, which cited numerous sources and criticized Massachusetts’ expert panel, concluded that the risk from noise and vibrations from wind turbines makes it inadvisable that they be installed within a mile of a residence. Because of this, Mr. Magee’s report urges the town not to go forward with developing wind power on Lenox Mountain at this time.

The environmental subgroup’s report, which was prepared by Channing Gibson and Jaime Cahillane, recommended that more studies be done on the project’s potential impact on the environment before proceeding with any further consideration of siting turbines on the mountain. The report also stresses that any changes to the mountain must be carefully weighed.

February 23, 2012

Rae A. Eastman Beacon Staff Writer

Photo Credit / Kameron Z. Spaulding

Lenox Mountain has been the long discussed possible location of windmills in Lenox.

The financial subgroup’s report, which was prepared by Jo Anne Magee and Eric Vincelette, examined the financial viability of some of the proposed models for installing wind turbines.

They determined that in a town-owned model, the town could lose millions and would reap only marginal rewards even in a best-case scenario. In a developer-owned model, the town would lose control of the land, and make similarly marginal profits, the subgroup advised against going forward with installing wind turbines on Lenox Mountain.

The subgroup’s report was also critical of some of the methodology and assumptions made by Weston Solutions.

Aside from the subgroup reports, the other major part of the panel’s final report were the personal statements written by each of the members and alternates.

The anti-leaning members’ personal statements all expressed a resolute opposition to the installation of wind turbines on Lenox Mountain. Three of the statements also expressed skepticism about the desirability of wind power in general at this period of time.

By contrast, the pro-leaning members vary in their impres-

sions of the project. All of the pro-leaning panel members concluded that the site would require a significant number of studies before the project could continue. Three of the pro-leaning members also indicated that now was not the best time to pursue wind power on Lenox Mountain, although none of the pro-leaning members ruled out the possibility of utilizing the site entirely.

The panel was set to do a presentation for the Lenox Board of Selectmen at their Feb. 15 meeting, with both pro- and anti-leaning members addressing the board. However, due to technological issues that prevented Selectwoman Linda (Procopio) Messana from receiving the report, it was determined that such a presentation would instead be made at a public hearing discussing the panel’s findings on Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Lenox Town Hall.

The select board also decided they would vote on whether or not to continue exploring the possibility of installing wind turbines on Lenox Mountain at their Feb. 29 meeting.

Selectman Ken Fowler also received a round of applause from the audience at the meeting for his work as moderator of the Wind Energy Research Panel.

LENOX - Kripalu sits on the hilltop off Route 183 overlooking the Stockbridge Bowl.

This internationally-renowned center for yoga and health not only offers retreats and workshops, but also provides guests with an opportunity to schedule an appointment to meet and talk with Victoria Williams, the resident tarot card reader.

Ms. Williams’ Friday through Monday schedule books quickly because the guests want to consult with to gain her insights and interpretations of the cards they draw.

A psychotherapist, writer and teacher for over thirty years, a friend introduced Ms. Williams to tarot almost 30 years ago.

She first came to Kripalu in 2005 when Swami Shivananda, her long-term partner and teacher of Ayurvedic medicine, introduced her to the center.

Since then, she has averaged 25 guests per weekend, many of whom are coming to her for a second, third and fourth time.

Reading tarot cards is an ancient tradition; some date it to the Middle Ages, others even earlier. Like reading Runes, reading the spread of the cards allows cli-

ents to either pose specific questions or to gain insight more generally into the direction their lives may be taking – of course, allowing and acknowledging free will.

A friend gave Ms. Williams the now-treasured and well-worn deck that she still uses.

While it is the person seeking the reading who cuts the deck or picks the card, it is Ms. Williams’ sensitivity, intuitive skills, gentle manner and command of language that enables the individual – or at times couples – to gain insight into what the combination of cards might mean in the context of their own personal lives.

Tarot reading provides a profoundly personal opportunity for reflection and/or clarification which may or may not affect a decision.

Ms. Williams has developed a following not only from Kripalu guests but also from people around the world who phone her in times of joy and in times of stress to have her help them by way of reading and interpreting the cards to enable them to better move forward.

To schedule an appointment with Ms. Williams at Kripalu, she can be reached through the Kripalu Gift Shop at (413) 448-3190.

For information about advertising in The Berkshire Beacon Call 413-637-2250 T H E

B E R K S H I R E

BEACON THE GUIDING LIGHT OF THE BERKSHIRES

February 23, 2012

The Berkshire Beacon

15

College Sports Report Williams College drops tough game, season in doubt

MCLA pulls off upset to keep season alive

The fifth-seeded MCLA Trailblazers went on the road to defeat fourth-seeded Worcester State 73-65 in the MASCAC quarterfinals and in the process advance to the semifinal round where they will travel to battle top-seeded Salem State University Thursday night at 7 p.m.

The Trailblazer victory snaps a six-game slide and MCLA improves to 8-18. Worcester completes its season at 8-18.

MCLA held a slim 32-28 lead after the opening 20 minutes of play. The Trailblazers really took command at the onset of the second half, scoring the first six points out of the locker room.

Chris Harris started the run with back-to-back buckets, while Jamal Brown finished it off with one of his own as MCLA opened up a 38-28 lead.

Worcester would cut the lead to seven at 40-33 following Robert Hunter's three-point play, but MCLA responded with a key run to put the game out of reach.

The Trailblazers used a 13-2 burst to jump out to a commanding 18-point lead at 53-35 with 10:12 remaining. Brown had six points in the run, while reserve Bilal Shabazz closed it with a pair of layups.

Worcester did respond with an

11-0 run of its own to cut the lead to 53-46 with 6:32 left, but MCLA countered with an 8-3 spurt, pushing the lead back into double figures.

The Lancers did get within six points with under a minute remaining, but MCLA made some key free throws down to the stretch to advance.

Brown finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead MCLA. Harris added 15 and Michael Young collected 12 in the win.

Tyrell Mosley also collected his 1,000th career point in the win.

Mosley's total includes his twoyear performance at Mass Bay Community College. He finished with nine points.

The Lancers were led by Hunter's 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Mike Gittens came off the bench to collect 14 points, while Frank Stephenson added 13 points and seven assists.

Monte Goodwin finished with 11 points and four blocks.

MCLA advances to face the top seed in Salem State. The Vikings swept the season series from MCLA. In the other semifinal, Westfield State advanced to face second-seeded Bridgewater State.

The championship game will be played on Saturday at the site of the highest remaining seed.

Williams men's basketball fell to Middlebury 73-61 in the quarterfinals of the NESCAC tournament.

Middlebury improved to 23-2 on the season, while Williams fell to 17-8.

Middlebury advances to the semifinals of the NESCAC tournament next weekend, while Williams will now await word as to whether or not it will get an at large bid to the NCAA tournament.

While neither team shot well from the field for the game – Middlebury hit 38 percent of its shots, while Williams knocked down 34 of its attempts – the Ephs' shooting from three was a difference maker in the game, as Williams went only 4-29 from beyond the arc.

"I really thought we defended extremely well," Williams head coach Mike Maker said. "Our effort defensively was phenomenal.

We just didn't shoot it. We had some open looks. We are a team that from behind the arc, that's how we need to hurt teams, and we didn't do that today, which would have been especially important against Middlebury who has tremendous size on the interior. Our inability to make open big shots from the perimeter was the difference in the game tonight."

Middlebury was led by Ryan Sharry, who scored 22 points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked four shots. Jake Wolfin and Joey Kizel joined Sharry in double figures with 16 and 14 points, respectively; each scored eight of his points from the free throw line.

Nate Robertson led the Eph offense with 19 points and three assists; the Eph also pulled in five boards. Michael Mayer and Hayden Rooke-Ley added 14 and 10 points, respectively, to the

Even a wild student section could lift Williams over highly ranked Middlebury.

Ephs' effort.

Both teams had trouble finding offensive rhythm throughout the first half, as Williams only managed a 8-34 shooting performance while Middlbury went 1131 from the field. The early going found the Panthers and Ephs going back and forth, and neither team was able to open up a substantial lead.

However, Middlebury changed that after a jumper from Sharry with 11:09 to play made the score 10-9 Williams; the jumper sparked a 10-0 Panther run that made the score 19-10 and saw the Ephs not score until Robertson was fouled making a darting layup with 4:59 to play in the half.

Robertson's free throw following the lay-up made the score 1913 Middlebury, but the bucket did not fully spark the Eph offense. Middlebury went up by as many as 11 before the half closed, as Peter Lynch knocked down two free throws to make the score 32-21 Middlebury with three seconds to play.

The Ephs got a chance to take the momentum back before the half closed, however, as Hayden Rooke-Ley drilled a running

three from just beyond half court to make the score 32-24 headed into the break.

The Ephs came out of the locker room aggressively, going on an 11-6 run coming out of the break, capped by a three from James Wang in the corner that made the score 38-35 in favor of Middlebury with 15:23 to play in the game.

Middlebury quickly went back up six on an and-one layup from Sharry, and the Panther lead hovered between four and eight over the next several minutes.

A layup from Mayer made the score 47-43 in favor of Middlebury with 10:57 to play; it was the closest the Ephs would come for the rest of the game.

The Panthers scored on their next trip down the court, and a layup from Wolfin with 7:46 to play made the score 51-43 Middlebury.

The Ephs managed to stay within striking distance until the final minutes, but could not get closer than six points. Good foul shooting extended the Panthers' lead in the final minutes, as they walked off the floor with the 12-point victory.

S ports

February 23, 2012

The Berkshire Beacon

MCLA’s Wehner, Dobrovolc earn All MASCAC honors

A pair of MCLA seniors, Jen Wehner and Alie Dobrovolc, were named to the All MASCAC teams following a vote of the league's coaches.

Wehner was a first team selection, while Dobrovolc garnered second team honors.

Wehner was named to the first team for the third consecutive season and fourth All MASCAC selection overall.

The senior from Cooperstown was also the MASCAC player of the year last season.

She continued her dominance in the paint-wreaking havoc for conference opponents her entire career.

As a senior, she averaged a double-double of 16.4 points and 11.5 rebounds. She finished with 15 double-doubles on the season.

Her best performance of the season was a 29-point, 14-rebound effort in a win over Framingham.

She also recorded a 20-20 game, posting 20 points and 21 rebounds in a road loss to Framingham.

Aside from scoring and rebounding, Wehner led the conference in field goal percentage (54.6 percent) and blocks (71).

Wehner was joined on the first team alongside the 2012 player

High School Sports Scores

Williams College head coach Rich Hasenfus is being inducted into the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Hall of Fame.

Jen Wehner was named to the All MASCAC teams after a stellar season. of the year, Fitchburg State's Amy Fahey. Joining those two were Bridgewater's Shelly DePina and Michaela Cosby, and Worcester's Kaleigh Charette.

If Wehner controlled the paint, Dobrovolc found holes in the perimeter.

She averaged 16 points a night while adding 7.7 rebounds.

The Little Falls, N.Y., native also led MCLA in assists, collecting 98 on the season.

She notched nine double-doubles on the season collecting season-highs of 26 points in a win over Sage College, while grabbing

a season-high 13 rebounds in a win at Westfield State.

Earlier this season, the senior recorded her 1,000th career point, only the fifth Traiblazer to accomplish the feat.

Dobrovolc was joined on the second team alongside Westfield's Jen Ashton, Salem State's Rachael Carter and Bridget Dullea, and Bridgewater's Jenna Williamson.

MCLA has advanced to the conference semifinals and will challenge second-seeded Salem State Friday at Bridgewater State's Tinsley Center at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 21

Lee 70, Lenox 67 Monument 60, Everett 33 McCann 59, St. Mary's 38

Girls Basketball

Saturday, February 18

Lee 47, Monument 26 Wahconah 39, Taconic 38 Pittsfield 56, Drury 40 Lenox 42, Hoosac 41 Greylock 60, St. Joe's 41

St. Joseph's 8, Mt. Everett 2

Monday, February 20

Girls Basketball

Hockey

Pittsfield 38, Lee 29 McCann 38, St. Joe's 36 Monument 39, Taconic 37 OT Drury 48, Wahconah 39 Miss Hall's 40, Gunnery 35 Greylock 53, Everett 43 Lenox 48, Hoosac 31

Wahconah 6, Belchertown 6

Boys Basketball Hoosac 51, Drury 47 St. Joe's 59, Greylock 43

Hockey

Williams coach going to the hall of fame

Williams College wrestling head coach Rich Hasenfus is being inducted into the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Hall of Fame.

Hasenfus has been involved in New England wrestling since competing for four years at Springfield College (1986-89), where he was a captain and team MVP, two-time Eastern Finalist, an Eastern champion, and an NCAA Qualifier.

He graduated from Springfield College with a bachelor's degree in business management.

"I have been involved in the New England Wrestling Association for the past 18 years and I am honored and privileged to be included with a most impressive group of New England Coaches," Hasenfus said.

Hasenfus's wresting coaching career began at Harvard University, where he served as an assistant coach for the Crimson from 1993-1995.

From Harvard, Hasenfus moved on to Wesleyan University where he served as the Cardinals' head coach from 1995-97.

The next 13 years found

Hasenfus serving as the head coach at Norwich University from 1997 until 2010, when he left Norwich to become the head coach at Williams.

In his 11th season at Norwich Hasenfus was entrusted with the responsibility of generating the funds necessary to keep the Cadets competing.

He succeeded in saving the program.

At Williams Hasenfus's first Eph team finished second at the 2011 New England Championships with four New England finalists and two New England champions.

All four of the Eph New England finalists competed at the NCAA Championships, which established a record number of NCAA qualifiers for the Ephs.

Senior Ryan Malo was an All American, taking 4th to become only the second three-time Eph All American.

Also at the NCAA Championships, Hasenfus's Ephs finished second in the National Team GPA Award with a 3.59 and four Ephs were named Scholar All Americans.

High School Playoffs The Berkshire Beacon will have full coverage all the way through states for all your favorite winter sports teams starting next week.