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Hardy Volunteers Plunge Into Icy Waters for Special Olympics

Pittsfield Police spearheaded the organizing of the event. More photos can be found here.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of hardy souls dove into a frozen Onota Lake on Saturday to raise money for Special Olympics.

The inaugural Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge raised more than $10,000. The event drew dozens of residents and businesses to the first plunge in the area.

"This was more successful that I thought it would be," John Evon, regional director for the torch run, said. "We didn't start planning this until December."

Those who hopped into the lake needed to raise a minimum of $100 each for the cause but some had raised much more.

Spearheaded by the Police Department, the event is the newest addition to the fundraising efforts for the Special Olympics. The torch run program raised about $42 million nationally last year with some $225,000 being raised in Massachusetts, according to Steve Huftalen, director of special events for Special Olympics Massachusetts. Most notably, the LETR program raises funds through the annual Cop on Top program.

At a national conference, Police Officer Darren Derby heard that other communities raised money through plunges and since there wasn't one in Western Massachusetts, he organized one with other officers and the Hampden County sheriff's department.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.