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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Dalton Water Warns Protect Your Pipes

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
06:26PM / Friday, January 23, 2026

DALTON, Mass. — With the expected snow and frigid weather this weekend the Water Department wants to remind people to take precautions to prevent frozen or broken water pipes.

A clipper system will bring Arctic temperatures to the Northeast with lows in the teens and single digits over the weekend.

Temperatures are expected to drop as low as minus-6 degrees on Friday and remain extremely cold into next week, the department said.

During the freezing weather water inside the pipe freezes and expands, which can cause the pipes to crack or split. At first the damage is not obvious but once the ice thaws, the water flows out causing sudden leaks or, in some cases major flooding, Water Superintendent Robert Benlien said.

To prevent damage to the pipes, Benlien recommended residents follow the following to protect the pipes.

• Keep your heat set at a consistent temperature (even overnight)

• Let faucets drip slightly, especially those on exterior walls

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate

• Disconnect outdoor hoses and close inside shutoff valves

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