Junior Rangers Program at Mount Greylock

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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Mount Greylock State Reservation announced the Junior Ranger program for children ages 8-12.

The program is free and is held at Mount Greylock State Reservation, Pittsfield State Forest, Clarksburg State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Savoy Mountain State Forest, and Mohawk Trail State Forest, on specific Thursdays in July and August from 10:00am to noon. 

Space is limited to fifteen participants. All participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Work toward earning a Junior Ranger Patch and Certificate by attending programs and completing the activities in the Junior Ranger Activity Guide. Each week, participants will explore different topics that promote outdoor recreation and appreciation of the natural world. Led by Park Interpreters, Junior Ranger activities may also include easy hikes that  explore the water, geology, climate, plants, and animals at the respective parks.  

Children must wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Sturdy walking shoes, water, a snack, sun screen and insect repellent are recommended. Parents, guardians and siblings are encouraged to participate.  

Program sessions take place during a seven-week period where participants will meet at alternate parks that offer a unique theme and activity. Participants are required to attend a minimum of two programs (first and last) and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide to qualify for the Junior Ranger patch and certificate.  

Session #1 on July 13th will be held at:                                                                                              

Pittsfield State Forest Ski Lodge 

1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 

Phone: (413) 442-8992 - Please call for directions.                           

Robert.Rando@mass.gov

Session #2 on July 20th, and Session #7 on August 24th  will be held at:                            

Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center 

30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA 01237 

Phone: (413) 499-4262 - Please call for directions. 

Michael.W.Whalen@mass.gov  

Session #3 on July 27th, will be held at: 

Savoy Mountain State Forest Nature Center  

260 Central Shaft Road, Florida, MA 01247 

Phone: (413) 663-8469 – Please call for directions. 

Alicia.Cellana@mass.gov

Session #4 on August 3rd,  will be held at: 

Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center 

McAuley Road, North Adams, MA 01247 

Phone: (413) 663-6392 - Please call for directions. 

Geeg.Wiles@mass.gov  

Session #5 on August 10th, will be held at:                                                                                      

1199 Middle Road, Clarksburg, MA 01247

Clarksburg State Park Nature Center 

Phone: (413) 664-8345 - Please call for directions. 

Kristen.Maybe@mass.gov

Session #6 on August 17th, will be held at:  

Mohawk Trail State Forest 

P.O. Box 7, Route 2, Charlemont, MA 01339 

Phone: (413) 339-5504 – Please call for directions. 

Christian.Drake@mass.gov

Certificates and patches are awarded to those who attend at least two sessions, complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide, and show outstanding participation. The Mount Greylock Visitor Center is located at 30 Rockwell Road, 1.5 miles from North Main Street and Route 7 in Lanesborough. Sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Registration forms are available at the Visitor Center in Lanesborough or call (413) 499-4262 for more information and session locations. 


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Letter: Real Issue in Hinsdale Is Leadership Failure

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

The Hinsdale Select Board recently claimed they are "flabbergasted" by the Dalton Police Department's decision to suspend mutual aid. This public display of confusion is staggering. It reveals a severe lack of leadership and a deep disconnect from the established facts.

Dalton did not make a rash or emotional choice. They made a strict, calculated decision to protect their own officers. Dalton leadership clearly stated their reasons. They cited deep concerns about officer safety, trust, training consistency, and post-incident accountability. These are massive red flags for any law enforcement agency.

These concerns stem directly from the fatal shooting of Biagio Kauvil. During this tragic event, Hinsdale command staff failed to follow their own policies. We saw poor judgment, tactical errors, and clear supervisory failures. When a police department breaks its own rules, it places both the public and responding officers at strict risk. No responsible outside agency will subject its own team to a command structure that lacks basic operational competence.

For elected officials to look at a preventable tragedy, clear policy violations, and the swift withdrawal of a neighboring agency, yet still claim confusion, shows willful blindness. If the Select Board cannot recognize the obvious institutional failures staring them in the face, they disqualify themselves from providing meaningful oversight.

We cannot accept leaders who dismiss documented failures and deflect blame. We must demand true accountability. The real problem is not that Dalton withdrew its support. The real problem is a Hinsdale leadership team that refuses to face its own failures.

Scott McGowan
Williamstown Mass.

 

 

 

 

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