'Bill of Rights' Poster Contest Open to Berkshire Students

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

Lanesborough OKs Open Space Plan, Short-Term Rental Forms

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday set fees for short-term rentals and adopted an Open Space and Recreation Plan.
 
Town Administrator Gina Dario discussed the draft for STR registration and certificate of inspection since the new bylaws were passed at the annual town meeting.
 
The draft shows the process to file for inspection through Permit Eyes, the town's online permitting system that includes the state building code and safety requirements. Dario said members of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals and the building commissioner looked at other town models to come up with the best process for registration.
 
Inspections will be annually for non-owner occupied units and five years for owner-occupied. The inspection fee is a flat $50. The last suggestion discussed was the posting requirements for key information.
 
Dario said they looked at about four other communities on how they used non-sensitive information on owner contacts. Chair Deborah Maynard motioned to have the information posted both inside and out to help with law enforcement if needed.
 
"I'm going to make a motion that we put that relevant information not only on the inside of the short-term rental but on the outside, so if the police need to respond, ambulance needs to respond, fire especially needs to respond, all that information is there, nobody has to go searching for it," she said. "If push comes to shove, and it's a matter of minutes, that's going to make a big, a big difference in the outcome of the incident."
 
The board then heard a presentation from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's community planner Andrew McKeever and Open Space and Recreation Committee Vice Chair Mark Hawthorne.
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories