Scholarship Offered to BArT Graduates

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ADAMS, Mass. — Graduates of Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School (BArT) who have completed at least one year of college are invited to apply for the Julia Bowen Bridge to College Scholarship.
 
The scholarship fund was established in 2017 to honor Julia Bowen, BArT's founding executive director. 
 
The scholarship was created by and is managed by the BArT Foundation to provide financial assistance to select BArT alumni through their college career.
 
A scholarship of up to $1,250 will be awarded to a BArT alumnus or alumna who has successfully completed at least one year of college. Assuming successful completion of the school year, the award will be continued through up to four additional years of college. The award does not need to be used for tuition.
 
Applications may be accessed at https://bit.ly/Bowen2026. The application process includes a narrative about the applicant, how the successful applicant plans to use the Bowen Scholarship to increase the likelihood of college success, and how the applicant has or will support the BART alumni network or college office.
 
The application deadline is Friday, May 22, 2026.

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Fire District Seeks Legislative Fix for Mandatory Retirement Rule

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — As the Fire District continues to navigate the state's mandatory retirement age for firefighters, one thing is clear: legislative action is needed.
 
District voters will see an article on its annual meeting warrant authorizing the district to petition the state general court to enact special legislation for firefighters 65 and older to continue service.
 
Whether this authorization will apply to specific individuals or extend across the entire department remains unclear, pending confirmation of liability coverage for firefighters aged 65 and older.
 
In April, the Fire District questioned the impact of the retirement mandate after four Dalton firefighters, including the interim chief, had to retire. 
 
With Chief John Pansecchi set to retire, First Assistant Engineer David Lennon intends to run for the chief position, while Edward Capeless plans to run for Lennon's current role.
 
However, this mandate would also affect Capeless, so the district would need to seek a home-rule bill to waive the mandated retirement. 
 
The board agreed that seeking a waiver is necessary; however, whether it will apply department-wide or be issued on an individual basis remains uncertain.
 
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