Letter: Eleanor Sonsini Shelter Left Out

Letter to the Editor04:00PM / Thursday, July 21, 2022Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

So I see the story about the ground breaking for a new building for the [Berkshire] Humane Society and I can't help but wonder, 'Why are funds and news articles always going to/about the Humane Society?'

Why isn't the Sonsini Shelter given the same funds and publicity? Am I missing something? Sonsini needs a new facility, Sonsini needs funds!

Sally LeBarnes
Hinsdale, Mass.

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Pittsfield Firefighters to Participate in BFit Challenge

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:11AM / Tuesday, January 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Some of the city's firefighters are gearing up for the 10th annual BFit Challenge.

Every year, members of the department travel to Boston to climb the stairs at TD Garden in support of the New England Fire Cancer Fund. First responders, military members, and other community members each raise $300 to participate in the event, powered by National Grid and hosted by the Boston Bruins.

This year's challenge set for Jan. 26 has already raised more than $1 million.

For the second year in a row, Jason Smegal, owner of J Smegal Roofing and Gutters, donated $10,000 to support the fund.

"We designate our funds that we raise to firefighter cancer that goes through the PFFM, which is the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and 100 percent of the funds go directly to either supporting the cause, pre-screening ...," said Capt. Robert Leary.

This is Leary's sixth year participating. He said the fundraiser is important and that hits close to home donating to PFFM, recognizing how his colleagues have been affected after 29 years as a firefighter.

Firefighter are at risk of being exposed to toxic chemicals such as fuels, burning materials and particulate matter which may be carcinogens.

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