Girls Inc. of the Berkshires Announces Scholarship Winners

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, home of Girls Inc. of the Berkshires, will honor its scholarship recipients at the annual Ruth P. Boraski Celebration Evening to be held at the Colonial Theatre on Thursday, May 7.

The organization also will be honoring Ellen Kennedy, president of Berkshire Community College, with the She Knows Where She's Going Award. Presented annually since 1990, the award recognizes strong, smart and bold Berkshire County women leaders who exemplify the vision and values of Girls Inc.

This year, the Brigham Center is awarding $10,000 in scholarships, which represents the greatest amount of scholarship funds to be awarded in the event's 25-year history.

These scholarships are based on financial need and demonstrated involvement in community service. Scholarships are generously underwritten by: Ruth P. Boraski Fund for Girls Inc. of the Berkshires, Berkshire Community College Foundation, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), Rotary Club of Pittsfield and Zonta Club of Berkshire County.

Tickets to this year's Ruth P. Boraski Celebration Evening may be purchased by calling 413-442-5174, Ext. 12.
 

Ruth P. Boraski Fund Scholarships

* Lucy Barrett, Mt. Greylock Regional High School

* Katherine Davis, Mt. Greylock Regional High School

* Nar Lin, Taconic High School

Berkshire Community College Foundation Scholarship

* Jessica Bilotta, Taconic High School

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Scholarship

* Mollie DiNicola, Pittsfield High School

Rotary Club of Pittsfield Scholarship

* Clarissa Mitchell, St. Joseph High School

Zonta Club of Berkshire County Scholarship

* Jamie Downer, Wahconah Regional High School

 
 

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.