Greylock Provides Third Installment of $50,000 Pledge to Meals on Wheels

Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Elder Services recently received the third of five $10,000 contributions that Greylock Federal Credit Union is making to support Elder Services of Berkshire County’s Meals on Wheels program.

The five-year $50,000 pledge by Greylock began in 2013 and will be completed in 2017.

“Elder Services reminds us that no one should have to go hungry," Greylock President Marilyn L. Sperling said. "We believe that the Meals on Wheels program is not only a necessity for homebound seniors, but also for the family members involved. We applaud the mission of Elder Services, and it is a pleasure to provide benefits for those whose interests we share.”

Greylock’s continuing commitment demonstrates their mission of strengthening the community they serve. Greylock’s $50,000 pledge helps Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels program provide nearly 70,000 meals to seniors in need. The multi-year pledge is intended to enhance Meals on Wheels’ program funding stability.


“The Meals on Wheels program reaches some of the most vulnerable seniors in Berkshire County," Elder Services Executive Director John Lutz said. "The typical person who receives a visit from a Meals on Wheels driver is between the ages of 75 and 90, female, widowed, and living alone on a fixed income. Each visit provides not only a hot nutritious meal, but also vital social contact, as well as a health and safety wellness check.”

Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels program provides more than 216,000 meals annually for Berkshire County seniors, averaging 900 meals each Monday through Friday.

“Greylock’s support is much needed and appreciated given the steep rise in utility, food and transportation costs in recent years. We continue to be extremely grateful for this significant gift,” Lutz said.

The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County is to provide Berkshire seniors the opportunity to live with dignity, independence and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.  Those seeking more information about Elder Services’ programs can call 413-499-0524 or 800-544-5242 or visit www.esbci.org.

 


Tags: elder services,   Greylock Federal,   

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

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.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories