Neighborhood Expo Honors Environmental Advocate
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| Mayor John Barrett III, Gailanne Cariddi and Rep. Daniel E. Bosley. |
On Saturday, they gathered once again for a Neighborhood Expo to broaden their sense of neighborhood to encompass North County's hills and dales and explore how both to appreciate and protect them.
The highlight of "Keeping the Berkshires Beautiful" was the presentation of a special Environmental Advocate Award, presented to City Councilor Gailanne Cariddi for her dedication to causes ranging from recreational outlets to recycling to beautification projects.
Describing her as one of the "hardest-working councilors," Mayor John Barrett III, said, "she digs into things with both hands ... she's worked so hard to make North Adams a better place to live and work in. ... She took this effort long before it became popular."
Cariddi, who has been active with NBCC's Take Charge campaign, the Bike Path Council, the North Adams Public Library (which has been recognized for its "green" addition) along with recycling and river restoration projects, facilitated a morning session on enjoying the area with Alan Bashevkin, NBCC director.
Two other sessions explored our physical affect on the environment and how to improve protection of its health. The informal discussions looked at connecting youngsters with the land through gardening, hiking and other recreational pursuits, and how to change people's mindsets to think in terms of preservation and conservation.
Dozens participated in the sessions and more residents joined the gathering for lunch and entertainment, including Berkshire Idol winner Kristina Clark, music by Tony Pisano, Eric Buddington and Jamie Coquette and a slide show of photographs of the region by Kelly Lee and Ian Grey. Lunch was provided by Lickety Split and Boston Sea Foods Restaurant; the Berkshire Food Project ladled up "Stone Soup."
The community also recognized the volunteer work of James Rancourt, 14, of Clarksburg, with a SAY It Proud Award. The Drury High School student has been actively involved in Northern Berkshire Relay for Life since inception four years ago.
The death of his great-grandmother, Lillian Trimarchi, of breast cancer lead the Rancourt family to become involved in the Relay, said James' mother, Melanie Rancourt. "We've just become more and more involved every year," she said.
That winter, planning began for the first Northern Berkshire Relay for Life began. James volunteered with the childrens' events and the following year with the food committee. For this coming year, a position has been created on the event committee for the youngster.
"Knowing that she died of cancer and I'm trying to help to fight cancer and I'm helping others in the community" has been rewarding, said James.
Barrett complimented James on his efforts, noting that he, too, had lost a loved one to cancer. The mayor's wife died of the disease some years ago.
"They are the ambassadors," said the mayor of the region's youth. "They are the ones that sell our community, they are the ones who shine a good light on us. ... It's important that cancer be fought."
"It was an honor because I never thought I would win an award for the Relay," said James. "Because that's not why I'm in the Relay."
Cariddi's selection for the Environmental Award was unanimous, according to the NBCC. Joining Barrett on the stage for the award presentation were fellow Councilors Marie Harpin and Lisa Blackmer, coalition members Steven Green, Kathy Keeser and Joe Manning and Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams.
 James and Melanie Rancourt look over James' SAY It Proud citation |
Cariddi said she has been interested in the environment since she was a "struggling, new homeowner" trying to make her house energy efficient, even as then President Reagan slashed those incentives.
She'd like to see the city do more in energy efficiency as the opportunities arise, such as replacing aging furnaces and other items, and exploring the use geothermal heating. "We can be creative down the road in helping the environment and helping the community be more efficient."
Raising awareness of those opportunities and teaching the community are among her biggest goals, she said. "To bring those issues to the people, that you can recycle and it's not that hard, that you can learn about solar and it's not that expensive and that you can help your community do bigger projects like geothermal, by being supportive."
She thanked the organization and "my family for instilling in me the values that bring about the work that I do and to thank the community at large because you're my inspiration ... you keep inspiring and I'll keep working."
Editor's note: Melanie Rancourt is a freelance writer with iBerkshires.
