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Local Girls Lacrosse Teams Excel at Tournament

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DEVENS, Mass. — Two girls lacrosse travel teams in the Equinox Lacrosse program turned in strong performances at The Chill, a college recruiting tournament held Oct. 18 and 19.
 
The Equinox 26/27 team capped off a dominant day by bringing home the championship, battling through a competitive field that featured some of the strongest club teams from across New England. The group’s teamwork, hustle, and determination were on full display as they earned the top spot in their division.
 
The 28/29 team also impressed, going toe-to-toe with high-level competition and showing major growth throughout the tournament. Their energy and resilience caught the attention of spectators and college coaches alike.
 
Athletes from Manchester, Vt.’s, Burr and Burton Academy and Mount Greylock Regional School played key roles for Equinox. Coached by Ken Stefanak and Jeff Stripp, the teams’ strong play contributed to Equinox’s success against some of the best talent in the region. 
 
“It was a great day for both teams,” said Stripp, the varsity girls coach at Mount Greylock. “The girls worked hard, supported each other, and played with confidence against some really talented programs. We’re proud of the way they represented Equinox Lacrosse.”
 
This season marks the second year that Equinox has offered both summer and fall lacrosse programs for boys and girls in the region, reflecting the organization’s continued growth and success. The fall season began in September, with weekly practices for all teams and concludes with teams playing tournaments.. 
 
“Our mission has always been to grow the game in southern Vermont and the surrounding region,” said Edmund Edwards of Equinox Lacrosse. “We’re not just focused on developing skilled players—we’re committed to honoring the game through sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive culture that teaches our athletes to compete the right way. It’s exciting to see the program expanding every season.”
 
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Williamstown Select Board Plans Off-Camera Evaluation of Town Manager

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board plans to take extraordinary measures to avoid having its discussion of the town manager's performance recorded by the town's Public, Educational and Government cameras.
 
At its Sept. 28 meeting, the board decided to hold a special meeting in a room not covered by WilliNet cameras to complete its annual evaluation process of Town Manager Robert Menicocci.
 
Chair Peter Beck said that while the evaluation is "absolutely" to be conducted in an open meeting, the board could follow a process similar to the off site, unrecorded meetings that past Select Boards have characterized as "retreats," a term not contemplated by or included in the commonwealth's Open Meeting Law.
 
The current board met on June 29 for what it characterized as a "planning session" where no formal votes were taken. That meeting was held outside of Town Hall, at the new fire station on Main Street, in a room equipped with audio and video recording equipment that the Select Board chose not to use.
 
At the Sept. 28 meeting, one board member indicated that an unrecorded meeting was preferable to discuss the annual evaluation of the one town employee supervised by the board.
 
"I'd like to do it without all the Willinet stuff," Stephanie Boyd said in a discussion toward the end of a two-hour meeting. "I think it's more conducive to conversation."
 
With the board expected to meet just once in October — its "regular" meeting date coincides with Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 12 — Beck suggested that the panel could find a date for a special meeting, suggesting the third Monday of the month, Oct. 19.
 
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