South County Walks for the Homeless

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. —  Hundreds of supporters gathered at Ski Butternut to participate in Construct Inc.'s 22nd annual Walk for the Homeless.

Proceeds from the walk, a three-mile trek from Butternut basin to Construct’s home base on Mahaiwe Street, go toward replenishing Construct’s emergency fund, which dried up in June this year, much earlier than expected because of the more than 5,000 calls the agency received requesting emergency financial assistance.

In addition to its emergency services, Construct also provides comprehensive housing, counseling and educational services to those in need. In 2009, the organization provided more than $43,000 in immediate financial aid to prevent homelessness, found shelter for more than 46 residents and helped nearly 200 people avoid eviction. According to walker Brian Sisco, Construct’s relentless hard work has earned a reputation in all spheres of the Southern Berkshire community.

“I’m here to support a good cause,” he said, awaiting his orange “walk” sticker. “I know Construct does good things for the community. This is my first time walking and I’m definitely going to come back.”

Walkers of all ages gathered to support the cause. The elderly, area teens, families with strollers (and dogs) in tow and even a few clowns all converged on Route 23 to the surprise and curiosity of passers-by. In addition to individual walkers, groups representing businesses and community organizations also gathered in a show of solidarity. One such group, the “Get Fit” team from Berkshire South Regional Community Center, raised more than $300 for the cause while pursuing the goal of personal fitness.

"This is really good for our mission and for the community,” said team member Tammy Schmidt, proudly wearing the team’s yellow T-shirt. “Get Fit is an eight-week challenge that encourages people to live a healthier life. We're in week six and so far for the group we’ve had a total weight loss of 323 pounds."

The reward of good exercise for a good cause was also matched by gorgeous weather and a feast of food donated by area restaurants. As walkers approached the “finish line” volunteers were there to greet them with the triumphant ringing of cowbells and the cheering of onlookers for a job well done.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.