Nominations Sought for the 2025 Peacemaker Award

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Peacemaker Award is given annually to an individual or group in Northern Berkshire. 
 
The award, which originated as part of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, is made to persons who have contributed substantially to peace in the region.
 
In general, the Peacemaker Award recognizes persons who have a history of working with people and/or neighborhoods and communities to provide for greater tolerance, understanding, and caring. While the award may be made to a person or group well known in the region, those making nominations are particularly urged to consider those who have worked hard and have made contributions without much recognition.
 
Past Peacemakers include PopCares, Inc., Dick Alcombright, Bilal Ansari, Kerri Nicoll, and Mary Lou Accetta and Reverend Mary Francis Curns.
 
The MLK Jr. Day of Service Committee is also seeking new members interested in helping to plan the January 2025 event. To join the committee, please call the Coalition at (413) 663-7588. To nominate a Peacemaker, pick up a form at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition office at 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams or nominate online at https://bit.ly/peacemaker2025. Nominations must be received by Dec. 20, 2024.
 
The recipient of the 2025 Peacemaker Award will be announced in the new year, and the award will be presented to them at the 2025 MLK Jr. Day of service event on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.

Tags: NBCC,   peacemaker,   

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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
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