Countywide Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 30

This spring, community coalitions from across the county have joined forces to host the biannual Prescription Drug Take Back Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at eight locations within Berkshire County.

The process of dropping off medication is anonymous and quick, and it has potential life-saving benefits. Anyone with unused, unwanted and expired prescription, over-the-counter and controlled medications should stop by to dispose of them safely. Personal needles are also accepted in puncture proof plastic containers. Please note that the following items will not be accepted: thermometers, IV bags, blood or infectious waste, nebulizers and oxygen tanks.

Locations include:

* North County: Adams Police Station, 4 School St.; and North Adams Police Station, 11 Summer St.

* Central County: CHP Neighborhood Health Center, 510 North St., Pittsfield; Dalton CRA, 400 Main St.; and Berkshire Mall Food Court, 655 Cheshire Road, Lanesborough.

* South County: Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker St.; Lee Ambulance Service, 177 Main St.; and Stockbridge Police Station, 50 Main St.

“Prescription drug abuse is a growing national and local issue. We know that 70 percent of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them from home medicine cabinets, not from drug dealers. Unfortunately, 434 Berkshire teens abused undisposed prescription drugs for recreational purposes in 2015,” said Nataly Garzon, coordinator of Youth Development for the Berkshire United Way. “This is an alarming increase from the 255 Berkshire teens who abused prescription drugs in 2013. We want to urge parents and grandparents to comb through their cabinets and get rid of anything they are not currently taking.”

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.