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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Pittsfield Resident Given OK to Distribute Doughnuts

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:48PM / Monday, February 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has clarified that a charitable resident can continue distributing cider and doughnuts to people, as long as parking regulations are followed.

"So it is my understanding now, throughout this meeting, that there is no longer any threat of fine for feeding the homeless," Ward 7 Councilor Moody said to Robert Ball, who has distributed sweets and hot beverages around the city for months.

A couple of weeks ago, Ball told News10 that he ran into issues with the city about his charitable food distributions. Moody saw the story and filed a request that the city stand down on penalties against good Samaritans feeding unhoused community members until code violations can be clarified and the city solicitor can weigh in on the possibility of violating people's First Amendment rights.

During public comment, he reported receiving fines, tickets, citations, and increased pressure that made the distribution difficult.

"For many months, I've been volunteering my own time and money to provide hot apple cider and donuts to people experiencing homelessness here in Pittsfield. I'm not part of an organization. I don't receive grants. I've never asked the city for a single dollar. I'm one person trying to help out people who are cold and hungry and often invisible," Ball said.

"Sometimes all I'm offering is something warm and a moment of dignity, and that makes a difference."

Moody's petition was filed after city officials disputed claims of fines or threats of enforcement. Ball believes that the rest of Pittsfield should show more compassion and that there would be more community outreach if it were easier to assist people.

"When volunteers are treated as partners instead of problems, the entire community benefits. Public health improves, tensions decrease, and people in crisis are met with dignity instead of displacement," he said.

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