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School Safety Patrol Graduates Thank First Responders

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The School Safety Patrol program graduates recognized paramedics John Meaney Jr. and Amalio Jusino for volunteering and assisting in the program.

The program teaches children safety and emergency response tactics. The participating pupils enjoyed a morning of bowling and pizza from Mingo's at their graduation pinning at Mount Greylock Bowl & Golf.

Before the students received their certificates MaryAnn King, of the North Adams Police Department, presented Meaney and Jusino with certificates of appreciation for their involvement in the program.

"They have been a big part of this program, and every year they have taken time out of their very busy days to train you in the medical portion," King said. "They have been great helping us, and I really want to thank them."

Mayor Richard Alcombright, who attended the party, thanked the two EMTs and all first responders who serve the community.

"Here in the city of North Adams ... we have one of the best emergency response management teams in the commonwealth of Massachusetts for sure," Alcombright said. "We have been awarded to that degree and we appreciate everything they do."

As for the program itself, the mayor urged the children to continue their training as protectors in the community.

"You learned what you learned and you did what you did because you really wanted to, and I hope it takes on more of a life as you want to become more involved in your community," Alcombright said. "Don’t let this experience be it."

Superintendent James Montepare agreed.

"You people have volunteered to be part of this, and you are the next level of leaders and mentors," he said. "Go into this with eyes open when you move into the high school ... we are looking for role models and I think we found 36 of them in this room."

Police Director Michael Cozzaglio told the students that he and Sgt. James Burdick used to be "patrol boys" in the 1970s when they were in grammar school and were in the same shoes as the 36 graduates.

He added that the program truly benefits the Police Department.

"You guys and girls all see what is going on today, and ... one of the big things that we advocate for ... is if you see something say something," Cozzaglio said. "You are more eyes and ears for all of us now when you are at school or on the bus."

Cost, Access to NBCTC High Among Concerns North Berkshire Residents

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:15PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Adams Select Chair Christine Hoyt, NBCTC Executive Director David Fabiano and William Solomon, the attorney representing the four communities, talk after the session. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Public access channels should be supported and made more available to the public — and not be subject to a charge.

 

More than three dozen community members in-person and online attended the public hearing  Wednesday on public access and service from Spectrum/Charter Communications. The session at City Hall was held for residents in Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg and North Adams to express their concerns to Spectrum ahead of another 10-year contract that starts in October.

 

Listening via Zoom but not speaking was Jennifer Young, director state government affairs at Charter.

 

One speaker after another conveyed how critical local access television is to the community and emphasized the need for affordable and reliable services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. 

 

"I don't know if everybody else feels the same way but they have a monopoly," said Clarksburg resident David Emery. "They control everything we do because there's nobody else to go to. You're stuck with with them."

 

Public access television, like the 30-year-old Northern Berkshire Community Television, is funded by cable television companies through franchise fees, member fees, grants and contributions.

 

Spectrum is the only cable provider in the region and while residents can shift to satellite providers or streaming, Northern Berkshire Community Television is not available on those alternatives and they may not be easy for some to navigate. For instance, the Spectrum app is available on smart televisions but it doesn't include PEG, the public, educational and governmental channels provided by NBCTC.