Are We There Yet?: Swinging For BFAIR

I have had the privilege of serving on the board of directors of Berkshire Family and Individual Resources (BFAIR) for more than six years now. In that time, I have gotten to know not only how amazing this organization and its dedicated employees are but also that the sky is the limit for the individuals with disabilities BFAIR serves.

That's why I'm using this space this week to promote BFAIR's annual fundraiser, which this year comes in the form of a miniature golf tournament on Saturday, July 19, at The Range in North Adams.

First, the mission of BFAIR: "Through organizational resolve, skilled and dedicated staff, and dynamic leadership, BFAIR provides quality services, advocacy and education for people with disabilities which affirm the rights of full inclusion, diversity, and well-being."

Pretty awesome, right? Now for the fundraiser details: A cookout lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At 1 p.m., the miniature golf tournament will start, shotgun-style, which means everyone starts at the same time at different holes. The entrance fee of $20 for adults and $10 for children 5 to 12 goes to support the wonderful work that this organization does.

There will also be a raffle with many cool prizes, like gift certificates to local stores and restaurants generous enough to donate to the cause.

Don't worry if you are not a "good" golfer. My daughter and I will be golfing, and we are terrible. (Don't tell her I said that!) Just come on out to support the cause and have some fun. For more details, visit bfair.org.

Also Saturday, and also in North Adams, is the annual "Kids Can Too" event for families as part of the Bang on a Can music festival at Mass MoCA. At 11:30 a.m., Bang on a Can faculty and fellows perform an interactive music-making concert for families in Mass MoCA's Club B-10. Tickets are $5.

Looking ahead of Sunday, July 20, the annual Polish Picnic will be held at St. Joseph Church in Pittsfield from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free; Polish and American food and drinks may be purchased. Entertainment for listening and dancing will again be provided during this event by The Rymanowski Brothers of Albany, N.Y. A Kiddy Land with Mr. Bouncy Bounce and games will be set up to entertain the the younger members of the family. This is always a fun mid-summer event in the Berkshires.

Signing off for now ... have to go practice my golf swing!

Rebecca Dravis is the community editor at iBerkshires.com. She can be reached at rdravis@iberkshires.com.