North Berkshire Community Dance to Host Monthly Contra Dance

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance on Saturday, February 8, at the First Congregational Church’s Community Hall, 906 Main St., from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
 
The evening will feature caller Liz Nelson, who will teach each dance, and live traditional fiddle music from The Vintons, a trio of experienced musicians: George Wilson (fiddle), Andy Davis (accordion & piano), and Marko Packard (guitar & flute).
 
Contra dancing is a traditional social dance form that includes both historical and contemporary elements. No prior experience is needed, and attendees are welcome to join with or without a partner. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 p.m. for an introductory lesson.
 
Admission is pay-as-you-can, with a suggested contribution of $12-$20. Barter options, including cleanup assistance, are also welcome.
 
A pre-dance calling playgroup will be held at the Williamstown Public Library from 2 to 3:30 p.m., where participants can practice calling dances or assist as dancers.
 
For more information, visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org.
 
Health Guidelines: Attendees are asked to stay home if they feel unwell or have cold symptoms. Masks are appreciated but not required.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Williamstown Government Presents Communication Plan

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown is working to improve communications with residents.
 
The town manager told the Select Board last week that the town obtained a Community Compact Best Practices grant from the state's Division of Local Services to fund a consultant from the University of Massachusetts at Boston's Collins Center for Public Management to develop a communications strategy.
 
Improved communications is a growing concern for small towns like Williamstown, Town Manager Robert Menicocci told the board.
 
"The world has changed with social media," Menicocci said. "The expectations of what a community communicates to its citizens — the game has been upped.
 
"I think this was a new area for government and many communities are looking at a need to staff up to address communications, where, in the past, maybe a big city would have a communications director. Now that has trickled down to almost all small communities."
 
To that end, the town has completely revamped its website and hired its first communications director — both steps that were included in the November 2025 Collins Center report, "Roadmap for Inclusive and Accessible Municipal Communications in Williamstown, Mass."
 
Brianna Sunryd, a public services manager at the Collins Center, presented her group's findings to the Select Board.
 
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