Mayor Linda Tyer Appointed to MassHIRE State Workforce Board

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Gov. Charlie Baker has appointed Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer to the MassHIRE State Workforce Board for a two-year term.

The board, compiled of 33 members from across the state, advises the governor on building a strong workforce development system aligned with state education policies and economic development goals.

"I am so pleased to accept this appointment. This is the first time a Pittsfield mayor has been appointed to the MassHire State Workforce Board, and it will bring the City of Pittsfield to an important table of policymaking around workforce training. I look forward to the conversations and engagement ahead,” she said.

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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.

Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.

The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.

Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.

"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.

"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."

Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly.  A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.

It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.

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