 State Housing Secretary Hears Struggles, Opportunities in Southern BerkshireState Secretary of Housing Edward Augustus visited Berkshire County on Tuesday to hear about the region's needs and see opportunities for adding more units.  Western Mass Arts Summit Focuses on Economics, SustainabilityMore than 100 stakeholders in the creative economy spent an afternoon sharing ideas, stories and strategies for sustaining the state's cultural identity.  Health Secretary Updated on Patient Care at North Adams RegionalThe secretary was in the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires this week for a "food-focused" listening session, but found time to ask questions of officials at the critical access hospital and with mental health-care providers at the Brien Center.  Health Secretary Tours Berkshire Food ProjectState Health & Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah wound up a trip to the Berkshires on Tuesday with stops at the Berkshire Food Project, North Adams Regional Hospital and the Brien Center.  House Climate, Sustainability Committee Visits South BerkshireThe House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability visited South County on Monday to hear about environmental efforts from organizations and businesses.  Aggie Commissioner Stresses Food Access During Berkshires TourOne of the barriers contributing to food insecurity in the Berkshires is transportation to local nutritious food because of the distribution channels or food access points, the commissioner said.  MDAR Commissioner Visits Berkshire Dairy FarmsState Agricultural Commissioner Ashley Randle visited three dairy farms in Western Massachusetts on Monday to recognize National Dairy Month.  State Launches Workforce Innovation Tour at InterprintThe Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development kicked off its "revolutionary" workforce tour at Interprint and learned some about decor printing.  Education Secretary Helps Cut Ribbon on McCann's New HVAC LabTutwiler joined Superintendent James Brosnan, Darin Almeida of Laureyns United Heating & Cooling Inc., and Moran to highlight the opening of the school's new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning laboratory, which was made possible by a $3.1 million state Skills Capital grant.  Child-Care Providers Want Mental Health Support, Better WagesLocal child-care providers called for mental health support and equitable pay at a listening session with state officials this week.  Berkshire Housing Woes Heard at State Listening SessionAround 100 local officials, business and community leaders and residents attended the session that will help fuel the state's five-year housing plan.  Housing Secretary Makes Adams Housing Authority No. 40 on List of VisitsThe state's new secretary of housing got a bit of a rock-star welcome on Wednesday morning as Adams Housing Authority residents, board members and staff lined up to get their picture taken with him.  Berkshire Women's Commission, Legislators Discuss Regional IssuesState legislators on Monday discussed issues that hit hard for women and families in the region.  State Senators Tour Berkshire County Arc ProgramsDuring their visit they spent time discussing short and long-term plans for human services in Massachusetts. |
