BSRCC To Hold Virtual Gala

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass — Berkshire South Regional Community Center (BSRCC) will hold the Together Apart Social Distanced Gala.
 
The nonprofit will hold a virtual gala via zoom Thursday, Oct. 29, and will ask participants to support the center with donations.
 
"Adults and children throughout our community rely on Berkshire South as a safe and welcoming place where they can thrive – connect with others, participate in our programs, care for their mental and physical health, perhaps enjoy a free weekly hot meal," Jenise Lucey, executive director of BSRCC said. "To finance the important work here, the Center depends heavily on the funds raised at this annual Gala. This year the funding is even more important."
 
Attendees will learn about the community center and what it has done to help residents over the years. Attendees will also hear how the center has adapted during the pandemic
 
"We operate on a very tight cash flow at the best of times," Ethel Patterson, BSRCC Board Chair, said. "Even with significantly reduced staffing, it’s very challenging, day to day, when our earned revenue is down by 43 percent from this point last year."
 
Participants can win door prizes and those who purchase tickets will receive a meal prepared by Peter Platt of The Old Inn on the Green. The meal will be delivered to those who live in the area.
 
Participants may also choose to purchase Nourish Another ticket for someone in need within the community. Tickets also include The Gala Box of Party Essentials, compiled by The Shop by Only in My Dreams Events. 
 
The Nourish Another idea springs from the BSRCC program Nourishing Neighbors, the free supplemental meal program which began at the height of the COVID-19 quarantine last spring and served over 10,000 free meals.
 
For more information or to purchase tickets to the Gala, visit berkshiresouth.org/gala2020 To join the free Zoom event, visit  https://zoom.us/j/94857588128
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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