'Disrupting Aging' Comes to the Berkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County is home to one of the fastest growing populations of older adults in Massachusetts and across the country. In fact, about 21 percent of the population is currently over 65, and that number is expected to grow.

Our culture tells us that aging will change us against our will, and for the worse. Dr. Bill Thomas, an internationally acclaimed longevity expert argues that our cultural view of aging is all wrong.

Blending myth and science, live music and visuals, Dr Bill Thomas’ "Age of Disruption Tour" is a modern day Chautauqua (Chautauqua is an adult educational movement that Theodore Roosevelt called “the most American thing in America”) that is barnstorming the country in a rock 'n' roll tour bus. The "Age of Disruption Tour" will bring a highly disruptive understanding of aging to the Berkshire community and will challenges audience members to reject ageist stereotypes and embrace the moments of our lives that offer the greatest risk, reward, and possibility.

This "once-in-a lifetime” event is on Tuesday, May 17, at the Colonial Theater, and is made possible through a generous community of supporters.

The 2016 tour kick off begins with an afternoon community-based workshop titled "Disrupt Dementia" from 2:30 5 p.m. This community engagement workshop features an exclusive documentary film by "Alive Inside" director Michael Rossato-Bennett, followed by an interactive live music experience and community building exercise. Designed for people living with dementia and those who care about them, this program will give voice to and empower people living with forgetfulness and cognitive change. It calls all of us to experience a new vision of intergenerational engagement and help re-imagine the way society thinks about and treats people living with forgetfulness.

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.