image description — State Sen. Paul Mark and state Sen. Robyn Kennedy of Worcester, holding gifts, visit Berkshire County Arc's programs earlier this month.

State Senators Tour Berkshire County Arc Programs

12:25PM / Thursday, December 28, 2023Print Story | Email Story

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.

Tags: bcarc, paul mark, state officials,

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Lanesborough ZBA Member Mark Siegars Resigns

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
04:44PM / Tuesday, March 10, 2026

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Heated Zoning Board of Appeals meetings, which have already led to two lawsuits against the town, have now resulted in the resignation of a board member.

The board's former chair, Mark Siegars, resigned from his position on Monday, after being removed as chair by the Select Board for his conduct a month prior, The Berkshire Eagle reported.

iBerkshires has reached out to the town administrator for confirmation.

Emotions have run high following contentious ZBA meetings held over the past several months, culminating in both businesses involved filing lawsuits against the town. More information here.

The rift started to develop in January during a meeting to determine whether the Lanesborough Local Country Store's sign on its vintage pickup truck violated town bylaws. The board ultimately voted to uphold the building inspector's citation.

The meeting resulted in two complaints to the town, following the nearly 40-minute discussion that had short bursts of yelling in between.

The meeting was not recorded by the board or by LCATV and the town requested iBerkshires share its recording to provide the Select Board additional context surrounding the few complaints.

It is not iBerkshires.com's policy to share unpublished recordings or meeting notes. However, iBerkshires.com did write an article outlining the argument.

According to The Eagle, all Zoning Board of Appeals meetings will now be recorded to ensure transparency.

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