Board of directors members Louis Scalise, Thomas Rumbolt, John "Jack" Leu, President Robert Moulton Jr., Steven Brown, Michael LaVersa, Elizabeth Milanesi and Vice President Dorothy Ransford join Manager John Meaney Jr. at the unveiling of the new ambulance.
NORTH ADAMS - North Adams Ambulance Service Inc. unveiled the newest member of its fleet Monday night, giving seven members of the board of directors tours of the brand-new ambulance.
In operation since Oct. 4, the new ambulance - Unit 3 - replaces a van-style one that was too small for the service's needs.
"It gives us a lot more room, it's more comfortable for the patient and for [emergency medical services] workers and it's able to carry more equipment," said John Meaney Jr., paramedic and manager of NAAS.
Meaney said the ambulance service replaces its trucks every "three or four years, depending on wear and tear and mileage." The final mileage on the company's old Unit 3 was 120,000 miles.
"It was time for an upgrade," said Meaney.
The ambulance boasts a roomier exterior that allows emergency medical technicians to work on both sides of the patient.
"It helps us to provide better patient care because we can be operating more efficiently," Meaney said.
The cost for the unit was $80,000 (including a trade for the former ambulance) and was made possible through membership donations from Northern Berkshire residents.
"We're so thankful for everyone's support," said Meaney.
Last year’s membership drive raised approximately $43,000.
This month, the ambulance service launched its 2007 drive, which aims to raise funds for a move to electronic reporting, which will save it time, money and paper. A nonprofit organization, the ambulance service relies on the generosity of those in the community and the tax-deductible donations goes toward helping to pay for operating expenses, education courses and equipment.
The cost of a membership is $35 per household or $20 for individuals.
NAAS employs eight full-time employees and 32 part-timers. In 2006, they responded to approximately 3,600 emergency calls.
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Excellent Progress Mr. Meaney and Staff, your constant dedication to this community and your employees is something that should be modeled by many.
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site.
'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.
The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.
'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday
A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.
Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10
A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.
Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.
Friday
Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more.
Mass Kids Lit Fest
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road.
Looking out at that scenery doesn't have to end when you go indoors with Marvin scenic doors, transforming any space by bringing the outdoors in.
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Waste treatment plan supervisor Brad Furlon warned the Finance Committee last week to expect a future 500 percent increase in sludge disposal.
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The fund had grown immensely over the past 25 years, raising some $1.75 million during that period. But the 1960s would see the fund grow even more in both fundraising and the agencies it supported. click for more