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.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.