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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Parks Commission OKs Lessons at Pittsfield Pickleball Facility
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's pickleball culture is ramping up with classes at the Benedict Road courts.
On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved Michael Latini's request to offer pickleball lessons at the facility, which opened a couple of years ago.
Certified instructor Michael Latini plans to offer one-hour lessons to beginner-to-advanced level players from August to November on Tuesdays.
Latini has been a member of Berkshire Mountain Pickleball for eight years and was on the committee that helped erect the courts. He has seen the organization grow from around 100 people to about 400 people, and lives nearby, playing up to five times a week.
"So I'm very passionate about pickleball," he explained.
He traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to become a certified pickleball teacher, and is Berkshire County's USA Pickleball ambassador, which entails getting pickleball to grow and teaching people how to play.
The sport has also positively impacted his health.
"One of the benefits that I've had out of pickleball is I'm a Type 2 diabetic, and through pickleball, I've been able to get off insulin, which my doctor was thrilled about," Latini said.
For generations, the Berkshire Museum has helped visitors create lasting memories through its permanent collections and exhibits. Those traditions continue as the museum reopens on July 29 following its historic renovation. click for more
The Parks Commission on Tuesday approved a variety of summer events in the city, from a shopping event at the skate park to resource sharing. click for more
The FY27 state budget includes $250,000 to establish a task force for an alternative mental health response in the hilltowns, such as Hinsdale, and beyond. click for more