Berkshire South Community Center Opens New Trail

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Community residents hike the new Fountain Pond Three-Mile Hill Trail at Berkshire South Regional Community Center.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center hosted the grand opening of the new Fountain Pond Three-Mile Hill Trail.

The new trail was developed through collaborative partnerships with local organizations including Great Barrington Trails and Greenways, Berkshire Natural Resources Council and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The trail provides access to a rich natural habitat and opportunities for hiking, trail running, birdwatching  and environmental education and has entry points at the center and Fountain Pond.

The event began with an introductory celebration that was attended by approximately 40 individuals representing a variety of organizations throughout the community, including the partners and the Appalachian Trail and Great Barrington land conservancies, Appalachian Mountain Club, Great Barrington Rotary, Housatonic Heritage, Greenagers and Greenways.

State Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, was on hand to help present awards recognizing the teen trail-building contributions coordinated by the Appalachian Mountain Club and Greenagers. After the celebration, they hiked the trail to Fountain Pond.

"This trail symbolizes the crux of what Berkshire South is all about: creating a sense of community and common purpose,” said the center's Executive Director Jenise Lucey.

Christine Ward, a member of the Lake Mansfield Alliance of Great Barrington Trails and Greenways, echoed Lucey’s sentiments. "We are especially indebted to the community trail organizations and volunteers who put in the effort to provide this trail to the community."

For more information about the trail, call 413-528-2810 or visit the center at 15 Crissey Road.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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