Berkshire South to Start Supplemental Meal Program Called 'Nourishing Neighbors'

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center announces Nourishing Neighbors, a new supplemental community meal program running for eight weeks and beginning Wednesday, April 22. 

Through Nourishing Neighbors, Berkshire South will distribute 500 restaurant-prepared cold to-go meals each Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. with the help of a volunteer team. Meal recipients will drive up to a non-contact distribution system in the circle of the front lot at the community center.

Home-bound community members may make a reservation for delivery by sending an email. Delivery will be available as long as the center has volunteer drivers to deliver.  All meals will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"We are honored at Berkshire South to be able to continue to serve our mission, a pillar of which is to enhance the health and social well-being of the residents of the Southern Berkshires," said Jenise Lucey, executive director of Berkshire South. "Berkshire South has always been open to all, regardless of ability to pay, and Nourishing Neighbors is another way we continue that long tradition."

The program was funded in large part by a co-led team at the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and the Berkshire United Way through their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County, which provides flexible resources to 501c3 organizations in the region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. 

"During these challenging times, making sure that children and families are able to meet their basic needs is critical, and Nourishing Neighbors is a great example of a community coming together to provide safe and easy access to food," said Candace Winkler, president and CEO of Berkshire United Way. "We love the model of hiring restaurants to prepare meals for individuals and families in needs. It's a win-win. You get to support a local business while providing a safety net for community members."

Community members who wish to donate to this effort to nourish our neighbors, should visit the website.  All funds raised will be used to purchase food and supplies for the program.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.