YMCA Registering for Pittsfield CYC Basketball League

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The Berkshire Family YMCA Pittsfield Branch is now accepting registrations for its CYC Basketball program for all boys and girls ages 4 to 12th grade. Facilitated by the Y's Pittsfield branch at 292 North St., with practice and game locations at gyms throughout Pittsfield, the league’s dates are from Nov. 9 through mid-March.
 
The Y's CYC Basketball House League provides a high-quality experience to every athlete, especially those who need it most. Every athlete is coached using the principles of positive coaching; has fun at practices and games; feels like an important part of the team regardless of performance; has respect for self, team-mates, coaches and officials; learns “life lessons” that have value beyond the court; and learns the skills, tactics and strategies of the game and improves as a player.
 
The Y is seeking volunteer coaches for the CYC Basketball House and Travel Leagues. The Y recognizes that coaches are the people who most directly make this all possible. The Y is committed to creating a positive culture, in which coaches, parents, officials and athletes work together to achieve our mission. In your role as a volunteer coach, you will work with our youth program members on skill development, safety, fair play, sportsmanship, and fun! The right candidate possesses organizational skills, patience, maturity, and dependability, along with sound character, strong morals, values, and personal ethics. CORI checks are required. For more information and to apply, contact the program director Brandon Rousseau at 413-499-7650 ext. 233 or at brousseau@bfymca.org.
 
Visit bfymca.org/cycbasketball for program costs and the most up-to-date program information.
 
Program participants must have an active YMCA membership for the duration of the program. Visit bfymca.org/membership for membership information.
 
For program details, call Rousseau at 413-499-7650 ext. 233 or at brousseau@bfymca.org. To register, visit the Y’s Pittsfield branch Welcome Center or download a registration form from bfymca.org/cycbasketball, then return the completed form to the Pittsfield branch Welcome Center.
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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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