Adult Hockey Tournament to Benefit Berkshire Humane Society

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – The annual Berkshire Charity Draft Tournament is set to take place Sept. 13 and 14 at the Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink.
 
The event will bring together hockey enthusiasts and local community members to raise funds for the Berkshire Humane Society, a local animal shelter dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in need.
 
The tournament will showcase the talent and sportsmanship of participating teams. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a weekend of action-packed hockey while supporting a worthy cause.
 
During the tournament organizers will be collecting food and supplies for Berkshire Humane Society at the rink. Donations of pet food, blankets, toys, and other essential items are greatly appreciated and will directly benefit the shelter's residents.
 
The success of the event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Key West Lounge, Stafford Green Farm, and Amy's Cottage. Their contributions have been instrumental in making this tournament a reality and ensuring that all proceeds go directly to supporting the animals at Berkshire Humane Society.
 
Join us for a weekend of fun, competition, and community spirit as we come together to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. For more information about the tournament and how you can contribute, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Berkshirehockeyclub
 
Games will take place all day Saturday and Sunday with the championship game at 3 p.m. Sunday.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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