Richmond Sets Meeting Over Break-Ins

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Updated Nov. 17, 2009, at 2:21 p.m.: The meeting with state police has been postponed to Dec. 2 because of an unexpected scheduling conflict.

RICHMOND, Mass. — In response to a recent string of break-ins within town, the Board of Selectmen has scheduled a meeting with representatives from the state police on Wednesday, Nov. 18, beginning at 6:30. 

The meeting is open to the public, which is encouraged to attend.

"The Selectmen are concerned over these recent break-ins and want to gather as much information from the state police as they can about their investigation into these crimes," said Town Administrator Matthew Kerwood.

The state police provide the town with police coverage and has recently published a request for the public's assistance in trying to gather information on these crimes. A rash of break-ins northward, in Clarksburg and Stamford, Vt., have residents there putting together a crime watch.

"The Selectmen would encourage anyone with information to either come to meeting or to contact the state police's Lee barracks," said Kerwood. "They very much want to see those responsible for these crimes caught."
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Pittsfield's Christian Center Seeks Community Input on Services, Name

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Worker Dionisio Kelly, left, board member Kenny Warren, Executive Director Jessica Jones, and Food and Services Director Karen Ryan.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's a new year, and The Christian Center is looking at how it can serve the area in 2026 and beyond. 

This includes a possible new name fueled by community forums in late January and early February. 

"We're hoping people will come in and talk about the name, talk about what programs, what services they would like to see from us. What would be most meaningful," Executive Director Jessica Jones said. 

"Because the population in this area has changed quite a bit, and we no longer serve just the West Side. We serve people from other parts of Berkshire County. So the hope is just to make it more inclusive." 

The Christian Center was a stop on Berkshire Community College and NAACP Berkshires' Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

The nonprofit will hold three input sessions at 193 Robbins Ave. to inform future programs and branding, and ensure that West Side voices are heard. 

The sessions will be held on: 

  • Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 
  • Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. 

The center dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission started by the Methodist Church to serve newly arrived immigrants and help them assimilate. The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974. 

Over the decades, it has drifted away from a faith-based organization to a space for anyone who needs a meal, a warm jacket, a place to bring their child, or a meeting place. A space for everyone. 

This is what center officials wanted reflected in the name. 

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