Local Chapter Organizes In The Berkshires As "911" For Babies

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Understanding the stress economically challenged families face, Newborns in Need is located in cites and towns across the United States and foster community support of the newborn. Providing hand crafted, donated clothing and other essential items to premature and full term babies, Newborns In Need is a valued vehicle for communities to serve their tiniest citizen.

Newborns in Need now have a local chapter to help premature babies, newborns and their families in Western Massachusetts. "We believe this organization will make a difference in our area," says Donna Page, President of the Western Mass Chapter. "It can be very stressful for a family when a baby is born prematurely and often creates an unexpected financial burden to families and caregivers."

We exist because Newborns in Need, made up of volunteers across the United States, is dedicated to making sure that the teen mom, the stressed family, the mother overwhelmed in sadness is supported in the first moments of the child's life. The "911" for babies, Newborns In Need is the organization mobilized across the United States to offer baby items to those families that need help. Raising awareness, opening new chapters, Newborns In Need believes that communities can and will help each other if given a way to do so. Whether crafted with love by the hands of a volunteer or donated by others who understand that we need to take care of each other, Newborns In Need has positioned itself as the first response for all babies in crisis.

At this time the Western Mass chapter is seeking volunteers to knit, crochet, sew, quilt, and package store bought items that are warm, soft, and appropriately sized to be provided completely free of charge to hospitals, crisis centers, shelters, and pregnancy help centers as well as other social service agencies across Western Massachusetts.

Local board members include Heather Frost, Williamstown, Maureen Moore, North Adams and Lori Spencer, Florida, MA. For more information contact: Donna Page by phone at 413-884-6069 or email: westernmass@newbornsinneed.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Counter Sues Berkshire Concrete

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The dispute between Berkshire Concrete and the town has taken another turn as the town pursues a countersuit against the excavation company.
 
On April 13, Berkshire Concrete Corp., a subsidiary of Petricca Industries, launched legal action against the town, seeking damages, the overturning of the Planning Board's denial of its special permit, and additional proposed orders of a court. 
 
The town has responded with a countersuit of its own, seeking a preliminary injunction requiring Berkshire Concrete to fully restore Lot 105-16 and a permanent injunction mandating an effective dust mitigation plan. 
 
The suit also requests that Berkshire Concrete pay all fines assessed against them, along with the town’s legal costs and attorney's fees, and other relief deemed by the court. 
 
The claim explains the timeline of events dating back to 2024 when Berkshire Concrete started mining without town approval on parcel 105-16, clearing trees and vegetation that abuttors claimed acted as a natural barrier. 
 
The removal of this vegetation resulted in the creation of a corridor for wind to carry dust from the lot and onto residential properties in the abutting neighborhood, the suit claims. 
 
Almost a year ago, both the Select Board and Planning Board expressed that they wanted parcel No. 105-16 fully mitigated to abide by the town's bylaws.
 
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