Former Marine Takes Over at Local Jewish War Veterans

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Robert Waldheim, who served in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps (USMC), is the new post commander of the local Louis Green Post 140 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America.

Waldheim said he is proud to follow in the footsteps of the late Robert Shindler, who led the group for decades.

“This is not an obligation,” said Waldheim, a Dalton resident. “It’s an honor to carry on this responsibility.”


Waldheim is looking to increase participation among younger veterans in the Jewish community. He hopes to organize a meeting before Veterans Day in November so that local Jewish veterans can be well represented at commemorations scheduled for 2015 and beyond. The JWV is looking for at least three participants able to carry a flag and/or a rifle. A vehicle will be in the line of march for those not wishing to walk. Those interested in more information can contact Waldheim via email at sellit4@aol.com or via telephone at 413-684-3679.

Waldheim has long been active in veteran’s affairs in the region, and is a member of the color guard of Vietnam Veterans of America James E. Callahan Berkshire Chapter 65. He served overseas in the infantry as an MOS 0311 rifleman in 1967-68.

The local chapter of Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is an affiliate member of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. In addition to participating in annual commemoration ceremonies, Jewish War Veterans also perform the flag ceremony at the funerals of members of the Armed Forces.

 


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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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