image description — The annual Buddy Walk in Dalton is the largest fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Family Group.

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Hundreds Turn Out for 18th Annual Berkshire Buddy Walk

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:57PM / Monday, September 23, 2024Print Story | Email Story

The annual Buddy Walk is an outgrowth of the Down Syndrome Family Group which was started by local families seeking support and guidance. Berkshire County Arc provides training, support and community awareness.

DALTON, Mass. — A sea of blue took over parts of Dalton on Saturday as more than 600 people marched to raise awareness for Down syndrome in the 18th annual Buddy Walk.

Onlookers waved at the people decked out in light blue Buddy Walk T-shirts as they marched down Main Street and some side streets.

Prior to and following the event, people gathered at Craneville Elementary School for festivities that included music, raffles, food, lawn games, and more.

Children, families, and community members laughed and played, whether they were having their faces painted, getting balloon animals from BTC Entertainment's balloon artist Andrew, or being lifted in a pyramid by Wahconah Regional High School's cheerleaders, playing with bubblies, or using the school's park equipment.

The goals of the walk are three-fold: to celebrate Down syndrome awareness, to educate the general public and to advocate on behalf of the thousands of Americans born with Down syndrome each year.

The Down Syndrome Family Group started as a small group of families that came to Berkshire County Arc urging the need for support, said Berkshire County Arc President and CEO Maryann Hyatt.

"It has grown to this kind of event for 18 years in a row. We provide education, we provide training, we provide community awareness when a family member has a children that's born with a disability," Hyatt said.

"This group, the Down Syndrome Family Group, along with Berkshire County Arc, we are there for them, to help and support them throughout their life. So it has huge, phenomenal impact."

The organization is family driven, BCArc's family advocate Chris Ferrari said.

The Down Syndrome Family Group was started by a small group of families, and it has grown incredibly; however, the goal remains the same: providing support for families and raising awareness.

The Buddy Walk is the organization's biggest fundraising event of the year, Ferrari said.

"Every year they look forward to it. They can't wait," she said.

"There is nothing else like it in Berkshire County," Hyatt added.

The funds raised from the event go toward the Down Syndrome Family Group's programming, which includes stipends, events, training, and any other needs the community expresses.

Photos from the event here.

Tags: benefit walk, down syndrome, fundraiser,

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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