'Bill of Rights' Poster Contest Open to Berkshire Students

11:08AM / Friday, April 03, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Office of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is inviting local high school students to participate in its Law Day 2026 Poster Contest.

This year's theme focuses on the Bill of Rights and its role in protecting equal justice and human dignity.

Law Day, observed annually on May 1st, serves as a time to reflect on the legal foundations of American liberty. CPCS, which provides legal representation for Massachusetts residents who cannot afford an attorney, is hosting this contest to encourage young people to think critically about constitutional protections like due process, fair treatment, and the right to counsel.

"Public defenders work every day to ensure that the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights apply to everyone, regardless of their background," said Veronica J. Fenton, Attorney at CPCS. "We want to see how Berkshire County students interpret these essential rights in today's world through their own creative lens."

Contest Eligibility and Guidelines The contest is open to all high school students (grades 9–12)

residing in Berkshire County. Submissions must be individual entries and original works.

Theme: Artwork must be inspired by one or more amendments in the Bill of Rights.
Medium: Any visual art medium is welcome, including drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, or digital art (printed).
Size: Maximum size is 18" x 24".
Deadline: All entries must be submitted by April 17, 2026.

Prizes and Recognition Awards will be provided in the form of gift cards:

First Place: $250.00
Second Place: $100.00
• Third Place: $50.00

Selected posters will be displayed publicly on or about Law Day, May 1, 2026 (location to be announced). Winning students will be recognized by the Berkshire County Office of CPCS and select works may be framed for display at the CPCS offices.

How to Submit Each entry must include the student's name, grade, school, and contact information. Submissions will be judged on their connection to the theme, creativity, clarity of

message, and artistic effort.

For more information on submission drop-off or contest rules, please contact Veronica J. Fenton

at 413-449-5508 or vfenton@publiccounsel.net.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road.

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said.

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said.

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said.

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said.

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.

View Full Story