Polar Plunge Returns To Pittsfield To Support Special Olympics

Last year's plunge raised about $11,000 for Special Olympics and LETR is looking to double that this year. Check out the photos from last year here.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For the second year, people will voluntarily be jumping into a frozen Onota Lake.

But for good reason — to raise money for the Special Olympics.

The second annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge is returning on Feb. 15 after raising about $11,000 last year.

Organizers are hoping to build on that success by adding a chili/chowder fest and an on-ice miniature golf course.

"We're hoping this turns out to have the winter carnival atmosphere," said Darren Derby, a city police officer who is one of the volunteers heading the effort, adding that the plunge could replace the carnival the city stopped holding.

Derby said four local restaurants have already signed on to donate chili and chowder and he hopes to get a least two more. For those who don't want to jump in the lake, they can just purchase tickets to the food festival and watch the others. But those who do jump into the water will get free tickets.

Teams of plungers have already signed up and began raising money. Last year, many of the teams dressed in costumes.

Meanwhile, if weather permits, Baker's Golf Center will be setting up a miniature golf course on the ice. Derby has already asked city schools to get involved; if the students raise a certain amount of money, they will be able to pick a teacher to do the plunge.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.