Adams Resident Honored With Public Service Award

Print Story | Email Story
ADAMS, Mass. — Tom Robinson of Adams is the 2012 recipient of The Margery and William Barrett Public Service Award for Adams, Cheshire and Savoy. Robinson will receive $500 to designate to the nonprofit of his choice, in his name.

Robinson was chosen because of his work in the community and his leadership, perseverance and innovation.

He received his associates degree in hospitality from Berkshire Community College and shares his culinary experience with his community. He has volunteered his expertise, time and knowledge for the Meals Ministry Program at the Parish of Blessed John Paul, which provides a hot meal once a month to those who can no longer manage a home-cooked meal for themselves. He was on the planning committee for the Youth Center, and has been an active member of the Conservation Committee.

"For Tom Robinson, it is all about neighbor helping neighbor," said Laurence Clairmont, who has volunteered with Robinson for the past 15 years at the Pope John Paul Charity Center and the Sunday Meal Program for shut-ins. "The number of lives that have been positively impacted by Tom's generosity and compassion are in the thousands. It is my belief that Tom Robinson’s volunteer efforts are aptly described through the voice of the Dalai Lama, 'Love and compassion are necessities not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.'"

This award commemorates the extraordinary generosity of Margery Barrett, who gave more than $3 million during and after her lifetime to benefit the communities of Adams, Cheshire and Savoy. The Barrett award is given annually to an individual who has shown their generous spirit and strong commitment to those communities through their paid or volunteer work by breaking new ground or improving the economic, educational, civic, cultural or social fabric of the community. The fund is managed by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation of Sheffield.

Tags: awards,   volunteers,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.

View Full Story

More Sheffield Stories