Malkas Honored by Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition will honor Superintendent of North Adams Schools Barbara Malkas at its 25th annual, statewide Against the Tide Swim, Kayak, Walk, Run and/or Aquathon fundraising event on June 17.

Proceeds benefit MBCC, which is the state's leading breast cancer organization that seeks to understand the causes of breast cancer in order to find ways to prevent the disease.

"Dr. Malkas is dedicated educator," MBCC's Executive Director Cheryl Osimo said. "We are grateful for her guidance as MBCC expands our award-winning 'Let's Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposure' program into high schools.  We are very fortunate to have such tremendous support from individuals like Dr. Malkas, and her passion for involving young people in the process of creating a safer future, helping us work towards our important goal of cancer prevention for future generations."

The Statewide Metro-Boston Against the Tide will be held for the 25th commemorative year at DCR's Hopkinton State Park on June 17. This family-friendly and inspirational event bring people from all demographics together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention. The event consists of several components: competitive and recreational swims, recreational kayak, a fitness walk, and USA Track & Field certified 5K/10K runs.

MBCC is inviting people throughout Massachusetts to register online or by calling 800-649-MBCC. Those who cannot attend are invited to make a pledge to Malkas online. Participants may register as an individual or as part of a team. Registration is $40 per adult per event activity ($80 for Aquathon) and $25 per student per event activity ($50 for Aquathon) up to a maximum of three events. We encourage all participants to fundraise beyond the registration minimum, as all proceeds support the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. Prizes will be awarded to the podium finishers and top fundraisers.

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.