BEAT: Bringing Pollinators Home

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Join Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for an enlightening evening dedicated to exploring ways to promote sustainable biodiversity through intentional gardening and the cultivation of native plants that support native pollinators and wildlife.
 
This free and open-to-the-public event will be held on Wednesday, April 17, from 6 PM to 8 PM, on the lower floor of the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, 1 Wendell Ave.
 
Starting with a social gathering and a chance to review the available prizes that will be given away at the end of the night, the event will feature a recorded presentation by Doug Tallamy, an entomologist, ecologist, and author, where he discusses his book "Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens." 
 
Following the viewing of Tallamy's talk, Jim McGrath, the Open Space and Natural Resource Program Manager of Pittsfield's Parks, will outline plans for native plantings in downtown Pittsfield.
 
Bruce Winn, a Berkshire Community College (BCC) Professor and BEAT board member, will discuss ongoing efforts to transform BCC into a "pollinator campus," while Terri Stiffler, also a BEAT board member, will lead a discussion on "No Mow May." The evening will conclude with a giveaway of prizes, which include gift certificates from local businesses.
 
RSVP for this event through Eventbrite; register here: www.tinyurl.com/Native-Plants-Pollinators
 
This event is sponsored and organized by Berkshire Environmental Action Team, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Pittsfield. Learn more at www.thebeatnews.org.

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Dalton Fire District Approves Tentative Budget

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District's Prudential Committee approved an anticipated budget of more than three million during its meeting last week. 
 
The district's projected budget amounts to $3,569,222.44, comprising the budgets for the commissioner, treasurer, Water Department, and Fire and Ambulance services. This is an increase of $44,542.44
 
The Board of Water Commissioners voted to recommend utilizing $375,000 from the funds raised by the ambulance to offset the amount to appropriate. 
 
The district's Board of Water Commissioners and Prudential Committee collaborated during the budgeting process to mitigate increases. 
 
The Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services' budgets total is forecast at $1,847,512, a decrease of $26,096. 
 
The department initially requested a budget of $2,052,512. However, the board voted last week to remove Articles 22 through 24, which amounted to $205,000 in spending, until its free cash is certified.  
 
Article 22 requested $80,000 to create an apparatus replacement fund. 
 
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