Jason Velázquez“Garlic Town, USA: A Vibrant Celebration of Garlic, Community, and Vermont”
Garlic Town, USA, formerly known as Garlic Fest, is set to return to downtown Bennington, Vermont, on September 2. This renowned event, recognized as one of the top 10 garlic festivals worldwide, promises an array of attractions, including over 120 vendors, food trucks, craft producers, live bands, and engaging activities for kids. With last year’s event drawing over 7,500 participants, organizers from the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce are eager to unveil exciting surprises and make this year’s festival even more memorable.
Read more at NEWS10.com.
Headline: Vulnerable Households Face Eviction as Vermont’s Motel Program for Homeless Ends
Hundreds of households in Vermont are being forced out of the state’s COVID-era general assistance motel program, leaving them without shelter and facing eviction. The program aimed to provide housing for the homeless during the pandemic but has now reached its limitations in terms of price and availability. The state acknowledges the difficulties faced by these households, including medical needs and exacerbated conditions due to homelessness. Advocates warn of a severe public health crisis and criticize the lack of support and immediate housing solutions. Vermont ranks second per capita for homelessness in the nation, and the abrupt termination of the program adds to the existing crisis.
Read more at The Bennington Banner.
Berkshires fails, again, to make U.S. News & World Report ‘s List of Best Places to Live
Not. a single. listing. Springfield made the cut though! So did Worcester! As did Albany, NY, which ranks up there at SEVENTEENTH out of 150 for 2023! Can we PLEEEEEASE step up our game, Berkshires?
Albany, New York, has been recognized as the 17th best place to live in the United States in 2023. Situated on the banks of the Hudson River, Albany serves as the capital of New York state and offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. With its lively downtown serving as a commercial and cultural center, Albany maintains an old-world appeal. The region boasts affordable housing prices below the national median, coupled with a higher-than-average income. Albany experiences four distinct seasons, including an agricultural growing season, and residents enjoy a reasonable average commute time of 23 minutes. While the population is aging, Albany fosters tight-knit, family-oriented communities and is home to a significant Catholic population. This recognition solidifies Albany’s reputation as a desirable place to live, offering a balanced lifestyle and a strong sense of community.
Read more at U.S. News & World Report.
Scorching Temperatures Expected with Approaching Cold Front
New England is currently experiencing a significant warming trend, although an official heat wave is not expected due to 90-degree temperatures being limited to two days. However, Thursday and Friday will be exceptionally hot, except for northern Maine, where a cold front will prevent heat wave conditions. The rest of New England may break records with temperatures reaching the mid-80s and low 90s. A backdoor cold front will traverse the region during the day, triggering a line of showers and thunderstorms, primarily in northern areas. The approaching strong cold front will bring relief, causing below-average temperatures on Saturday followed by slightly warmer conditions on Sunday.
Read more at Newsbreak.com.
Three-Day Forecast
Daniel Pearl scholarship winner wants to change society through music
Geivens Dextra, a graduating student from Pittsfield High School, is this year’s recipient of the Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship. Given in honor of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, the scholarship supports students from western Massachusetts pursuing music or journalism—Pearl’s own passions. Dextra, a violinist since second grade, will use the $2,000 award to study music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, furthering his commitment to using music as a tool for social awareness and change.
Read more at Yahoo! News.
The Deadliest Pest in Massachusetts: Mosquitoes and Their Potential Threats
Massachusetts, renowned for its beauty and attractions, draws visitors from all corners, especially during the summer season. However, like many other states, Massachusetts harbors dangerous pests, including ticks and the deadliest pest on Earth: mosquitoes. With over 700,000 deaths annually, mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting six potentially fatal diseases, such as Malaria, West Nile Virus, and Zika. Locals and visitors alike need to understand the severity of mosquito-borne illnesses and emphasizes the importance of prevention measures, such as wearing protective clothing, using repellents, and avoiding areas with heavy mosquito activity. Awareness and preparedness are key to avoiding mosquito bites in Massachusetts.
Read more at LIVE959.com.
Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing Secures Grant to Enhance Workforce Training
Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing (BSM) has received a grant of over $230,000 from the Massachusetts WorkForce Training Fund Program (WTFP) to provide training for its employees. Over the next two years, BSM plans to train more than 25% of its workforce in quality and productivity solutions. The training will cover a wide range of topics, including FDA and regulatory compliance guidelines, problem-solving, meeting management, and advanced writing skills. The grant will cover training fees, materials, and subsidize employees’ time during the training period. BSM aims to maintain high levels of quality and compliance while fostering a culture of sustainable compliance.
Read more at ContractPharma.com.
Tribute to Award-Winning Actor Stephen Lang at the 17th Berkshire International Film Festival
The 17th Berkshire International Film Festival, scheduled from June 1-4, will honor acclaimed actor Stephen Lang in a special tribute event on Saturday, June 3. Lang, renowned for his performances in “Avatar” and notable films like “Gettysburg” and “Tombstone,” will engage in a conversation with WAMC’s Joe Donahue at The Mahaiwe in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The evening will conclude with a screening of the 1989 film “Last Exit to Brooklyn.” Lang’s remarkable talents and achievements, including his Tony and Drama Desk awards, make this a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and theater aficionados alike.
Read more at WAMC.
Conservation Commission Addresses Violations and Recommends Actions for BRO MX Property
The Conservation Commission of North Adams, Massachusetts, discussed violations of conservation restrictions on the motocross track owned by Jason and Jessica Langenback. The Langenbacks unintentionally violated the restrictions by improperly mowing a meadowed area that harbors endangered insects and plants. The commission instructed BRO MX to place signage marking the conservation-restricted area and hire a botanist to review the site. Some commission members debated jurisdictional issues, while others emphasized the need for compliance and rectification. The meeting concluded with a motion to recuse certain commissioners, which failed. The commission also approved an application for a new building construction and planned a site visit.
Read more at iBerkshires.com
