Governor Honorary Chair of Hancock Shaker Fundraiser

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Gov. Deval L. Patrick and first lady Diane B. Patrick are honorary co-chairs for Hancock Shaker Village’s annual gala fundraising benefit dinner, to be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9.

The evening’s festivities will include locavore farm-fresh food prepared by Chef Michael Roller and songs from the American songbook performed live by the Gregory Caputo Big Band. A silent and live auction, as well as demonstrations of Shaker crafts by leading artisans, will round out the evening, which is sure to include some baby animals from the Round Stone Barn.

Funds raised by the gala will benefit the Village, which is engaged in a multi-pronged campaign to restore its 20 historic buildings, many in need of urgent care.

“Every year we have a cause-within-the-cause that we also hope to raise money for, and this year the 'cause' is our building restoration,” says Linda Steigleder, HSV president and CEO.



“The Shakers passed their buildings to the museum in an unbroken chain of custody. These antique, authentic buildings are architectural masterpieces and the cornerstone of our interpretive programs,” said Elissa Haskins-Vaughn, manager of Organizational Advancement at Hancock Shaker Village. “They need treatment to remain sturdy and functional.”

The gala will be held under the tent at the Village, with stunning sunset views of the Round Stone Barn, beginning with cocktails in the gardens (weather permitting). The entire event is handicapped accessible.  The silent auction features one-of-a-kind items and packages for dining, travel, and luxury goods. A complete auction list will be posted on the website in early August.

Ticket prices, which includes cocktails, dinner and dancing, start at $200 per person.  Call Maribeth Cellana at 413-443-0188, ext. 100, for more information, or go online to www.hancockshakervillage.org/gala.

 

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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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