2012 Berkshire Alzheimer's Walk Slated for Sept. 29

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CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Alzheimer's Association 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail at Farnams Causeway on Saturday, Sept. 29.

The walk follows the accessible rail trail along scenic Cheshire Reservoir. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the kick-off ceremony begins at 9. Participants may walk as much or as little as they choose.

Refreshments, entertainment, and information will be available throughout the morning. Overflow parking with shuttle service is accessible at the Allied Waste Services lot, on Route 8 about a mile north of the walk site, and south of the site at the Sears end of the Berkshire Mall.
 
Morning highlights include a lakeside concert by David Grover, balloon magic with Bowey the Clown, and a yoga dance. A barbecue lunch will be provided by Hillcrest Commons and pizza by Papa Joe's Ristorante.
 
Donna and Steve Smith, Berkshire franchise owners of Home Instead Senior Care, are the event's honorary chairs.

"It is very evident when you work with seniors that Alzheimer's disease is an issue that touches us all, either now, in the past or in our future. It is so important that we all get involved now," said Donna Smith. Home Instead will be among the exhibitors showcasing available resources and be on hand to answer questions.

 
Dr. Paul R. Solomon, clinical director, and Dr. Cynthia A. Murphy, executive director of the Memory Clinic in Bennington, Vt., return as the clinical chairmen for the Berkshire walk.

"There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against Alzheimer's," said Murphy. "Funds raised by the walk will provide care and support services to the people of Massachusetts affected by Alzheimer's, while also contributing to advancing critically-needed research."
 
Alzheimer's disease is now the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to surge, increasing well beyond today's estimated 5.4 million Americans. The disease has a enormous impact on family members, with over 15 million providing care to a loved one, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
 
To learn more or to participate, call 413-499-0691 or visit www.alzwalkMANH.org.
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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