PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Sen. Paul Mark and state Sen. Robyn Kennedy of Worcester, chair for the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, recently spent time visiting Berkshire County Arc's programs. Mark is also a member of the joint committee.
During their visit, they spent time discussing short- and long-term plans for human services in Massachusetts.
BCArc offers a broad range of community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and autism.
In the photo above, from left: Pam Kight, director of employment and community-based day services; Cybele Kilby, vice president of day & employment services; state Sen. Paul Mark; state Sen. Robyn Kennedy; President & CEO Maryann Hyatt; Erin Manson, Department of Developmental Services residential services director; CFO Blanca Durant; Jessica Russo, director of family support & advocacy; and Scott Barschdorf, director of brain injury services.
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Hinsdale Select Board Comes to Heated Ending
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
HINSDALE, Mass. — A Select Board meeting came to an abrupt end after a public comment period was cut short following a heated exchange between a board member and the audience.
The board's agenda items on Sept. 9, most notably to "discuss and vote" on an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by iBerkshires and the "discussion and possible action regarding the appointment of David Tarjick" as a police officer were expected to create some discussion.
The town has faced criticism from community members since the fatal police shooting of 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil last January.
The Wednesday meeting was filmed and uploaded to YouTube by Julia Kurek, a nursing student and mental health advocate.
Kurek, who is not a Hinsdale resident, has been working to create an open letter with policy recommendations alongside several Hinsdale community members, particularly with Kauvil's family, in addition to public safety professionals.
She urged the board to take the community's concerns and recommendations on policy reform seriously, arguing that the town could face challenges recruiting new personnel unless officials begin implementing meaningful changes and taking initiative on reform.
Over the course of several meetings, officials have said both the police and fire departments have outgrown their current spaces, prompting discussions about whether a combined public safety complex could offer a feasible long-term solution.
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Council chambers saw another charter objection on Tuesday following a lengthy conversation about renaming and merging the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. click for more
The room was alive with people eating, laughing, taking photos in a photo booth and watching snippets from PCTV's past archived programs throughout the decades curated by Operations Manager Dave Cachet. click for more
On Thursday, board members, supporters, and beneficiaries gathered at the Country Club of Pittsfield to mark the nonprofit's yearly fundraising campaign.
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