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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

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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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Dalton Weighs Sites for Combined Public Safety Facility

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — 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.
 
The Fire District recently presented a community and space needs analysis that demonstrated how the Fire Department has "outgrown" the station — facing both space limitations and state regulation requirements, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
 
The police station has also faced longstanding issues, leading to discussions about the need for a new facility after Police Chief Deanna Strout emphasized the department's "dire condition" in 2024, which led to the establishment of a Public Safety Facility ad-hoc committee. 
 
The committee spent more than a year developing a report for the Select Board, while working with architect Brian Humes of Jacunski Humes Architects LLC. 
 
 
The full report can be found here
 
However, the project stalled after the only suitable town-owned property identified was adjacent to the Senior Center, a location that drew criticism from some neighbors.
 
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