Not Your Average Dog Show Adds New Events

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dogs of any breed or mix, with or without credentials, will have a chance to be the center of attention on Sunday, Feb. 12, during the Berkshire Community College Foundation’s 11th annual Not Your Average Dog Show.

The family-oriented event is scheduled from 11:30 to 3 in the Paterson Field House on the main campus, 1350 West St. Admission for spectators (humans and dogs) is free. Donations of any amount are encouraged and will be gladly accepted at the door. Proceeds will benefit BCC students through the college’s annual fund.

Dogs must be registered to participate and may be entered in two categories each. Advance registration is strongly recommended. Registration is $15 through Wednesday, Feb. 8; regular fee is $20 per dog. Registering a second dog in the same family costs $10.

Sample categories include best trick, best smile, best dressed, best hair, best dancer and "Mystery Mutt," in which volunteer judges try to guess the breeds of the dogs. Category sponsors include Allen Heights Veterinary Hospital, Animal ER of the Berkshires, Berkshire Humane Society, The Clip Shop, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Dr. Ed Helitzer and Hilltown Veterinary Clinic.

This year, the Berkshire Humane Society is collaborating with the BCC Foundation for two new events — The Dog-Gone Good Chili Cookoff and a Kids Agility Competition. The chili cookoff will begin at 11:30 a.m. and registration is free for all those wishing to compete. There will be categories for both professional and amateur chili chefs, as they vie for a chance to win a top prize and a feature article in Humane Tails, the BHS newsletter. Entry forms must be submitted by Feb. 9 and are available at www.berkshirehumane.org. All types of chili may be entered in the contest, including vegetarian. Tickets are $5 for those who want to sample and cast their vote for the Best Dog Gone Chili. Information: Kathy Kazura at Pretty Paws, 413-443-0191 or Diane at BHS, 413-447-7878, Ext 31.

The Kids Agility Competition will kickoff at 1 p.m. and is a timed obstacle course for children to race through fpr the fastest time. Groups are divided in age categories for children ages 4-6 and 7-8 and prizes will be awarded for the top finishers. Advance registration is suggested; forms are available at the Humane Society shelter at 214 Barker Road. The fee is $2 per child, with all proceeds to go to BHS' spay/neuter fund.


Vendors will have pet-related items for sale and non-profit agencies will provide information pertaining to pet services. Refreshments will also be offered for sale by the BCC licensed practical nursing program.

Erica Kay, of WBEC Live 95.9 FM’s "Morning Show," will emcee, and Eugene Dellea, president of the BCC Foundation, will be the ringmaster.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. All dogs must have up-to-date rabies shot. Females in season should not participate. Handlers of spectator dogs must agree to event rules. The snow date for the event is Feb. 19.

For registration forms, event rules and regulations, visit www.berkshirecc.edu or call Ann at 413-236-2185.

Tags: cookoff,   dogs,   pets,   

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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