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The annual Special Olympics track and field event also featured special awards.
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Berkshire Special Olympians Compete in Great Barrington

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Hundreds of athletes from throughout Berkshire County converged at Monument Mountain Regional High School on Wednesday for the 38th annual Berkshire Area Special Olympics Track and Field Meet.
 
Participants competed in running, throwing and jumping events, thrilling to their own accomplishments and inspiring those lucky enough to witness the event.
 
The opening ceremony featured a torch run conducted by area law enforcement officers, a performance of the national anthem by the Monument Mountain marching band and a reading of the Special Olympic Oath by Kaitlyn Critchley.
 
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt," Critchley reminded her fellow athletes.
 
The opening ceremony also included the bestowment of a number of special awards, including the Keith C. White Memorial Award, won by Jake Bassi; the Ellen C. and Sheilah Graham Award, won by Taylor Fera; and the Daniel Holian Award, won by TJ. Guaccione.
 
Monument Mountain Principal Marianne Young was presented a special award in recognition of her 16 years as principal at the school, which has hosted the county event for all but one of the 38 years.
 
Young said the celebration of sport teaches valuable lessons to the students from Monument Mountain, Mount Everett, Lee and Lenox who participate as volunteers.
 
"I think it demonstrates that there are all kinds of people in the world, and we all are welcome and have a right to participate in life and in programs, regardless of our personal characteristics," she said. "Our students see that all people are entitled to and really enjoy competition, athletics, challenges.
 
"And then our regular ed students get to help other people who can’t do these things alone. Students who can do those things alone help and give back."
 
More photos of this can be found here.

Tags: Special Olympics,   

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Pittsfield Cannabis Cultivator Plans Dispensary

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD. Mass. — A cannabis cultivator and manufacturer has opted to sell its products on site in Downing Parkway. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals this month approved a special permit for J-B.A.M. Inc. to operate a dispensary out of its existing grow facility. There will only be changes to the interior of 71 Downing Parkway, as there will be less than 500 square feet of retail space in the 20,000-square-foot building. 

"My only concern would be the impact, and really would be traffic, which I don't think is excessive, the odor, if there was one, but that doesn't seem to be an issue, and I think it's a good location for a marijuana facility," board member Thomas Goggins said. 

The company's indoor cultivation site plan was approved in 2019, an amendment to add manufacturing and processing in 2021, and on the prior day, a new site plan to add a retail dispensary was approved by the Community Development Board. 

J-B.A.M. cannabis products are available in local dispensaries. 

The interior of the facility will be divided to accommodate an enclosed check-in area, front entrance, retail lobby, secure storage room, offices, and two bathrooms. There are 27 parking spaces for the facility, which is sufficient for the use. 

No medical or recreational cannabis uses are permitted within 500 feet of a school or daycare, a setback that is met, and the space is within an industrial park at the end of a cul-de-sac. 

"The applicant desires the restructuring of the business to be more competitive in the industry with the ability to grow and sell their own cannabis products so they have more financial stability," Chair Albert Ingegni III, read from the application. 

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