Pittsfield Resident Tapped to Holyoke Soldiers' Home Board of Trustees

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Carmen M. Ostrander of Pittsfield has been appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker to serve on the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Board of Trustees.

State Sen. Adam G. Hinds forwarded Ostrander's name and resume to the governor's office for consideration after receiving an inquiry from his deputy chief secretary of boards and commissions last fall. The governor's office was seeking a qualified female Berkshire County resident, preferably with military experience, to consider for the appointment.

"Carmen has served our country and our region honorably for a long time," Hinds said. "She knows firsthand the health care challenges facing our veterans. I am honored to have had the chance to nominate her for this important role."

Ostrander has served in Health Services Management/Medical Administration for the United States Air Force Reserve since January 2004. She is the recipient of a number of military awards, including the Global War on Terrorism Medal (April 2004); National Defense Service Medal (April 2004); Air Force Training Ribbon (April 2004); Air Force Expeditionary Service Medal (July 2006); Armed Forces Reserve Medal (July 2007); Air Force Achievement Medal (October 2007); and two Meritorious Unit Awards (September 2010 and May 2012).

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.