The fair offered tables for other organizations to share resources.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — NAMI Berkshire County held its first ever Youth Mental Health Wellness Fair on July 12 at the Common, in conjunction with Roots Risings' Pittsfield Farmers Market.
The local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness attracted close to 250 people to the "big tent" to partake in painting activities including T-shirts under the guidance of local artist Mike Carty, birdhouses, wellness rocks and flowerpots, and planted flowers in pots and made friendship bracelets.
Several non-profit organizations also participated in the event, sharing information on the resources and programs they provide, including Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire Music School, which also provided a variety of instruments for the kids to experience from their "musical petting zoo."
Elizabeth Heller, author of "Breathe, Move, Journal," led a group session on fun mindfulness activities for kids that encourage emotional and physical well-being. Joanna Barzottini provided chair massages and Balloon Ben Wibby created balloon animals for the kids.
"The event was definitely a success," said Ruth Healy, president of the NAMI Berkshire County board of directors. "We weren't sure what to expect as far as turnout goes, but we had a steady stream of adults and children from the beginning to the end. We absolutely plan to hold this event again and hope to partner with even more organizations to make the event bigger and better."
She said NAMI's mission is to provide support, education and advocacy to all those in our community whose lives are affected by mental health issues.
"Our youth are our future and we need to help them feel that their lives matter and that we listen to their fears and concerns and help them learn coping strategies," she said. "If we helped to enrich the lives of these young people at this event, then we succeeded in our goal."
Healy said the organization was grateful to everyone who participated and especially Berkshire Health Systems and Guardian Life Insurance Company for their financial backing: "We couldn't have held this event without their support."
Learn more about NAMI Berkshire County at www.namibc.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.
The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.
"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.
"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."
Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.
Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.
Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.
The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. click for more
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Last weekend, LaBeau raced in the Mount Zion Snocross National race in Ironwood, Mich., the first of eight races in the national circuit series.
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Brown hopes to one day work in a lab, feeding their strong interest in scientific research and making a positive difference in the world.
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Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center.
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