Ride for Roots Rising

04:30PM / Wednesday, June 02, 2021Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ride for Roots Rising, a socially distant bike ride challenge, is back for a second year.

Between June 19 and June 27, road cyclists and mountain bikers can complete beginner, intermediate, or advanced routes. All proceeds support Roots Rising's mission to empower youth and build community through food and farming.

"We are thrilled to build on the success of last year and once again collaborate with Roots Rising on the Ride for Roots Rising event. We love that this provides a healthy activity for all levels of riders while shining a light on the important work Roots Rising is doing to foster positive youth empowerment, food access, and community engagement," said Carrie Holland, the Managing Director of Mill Town

Road bike routes will start from Bartlett's Orchard, and mountain biking routes will take place in Pittsfield State Forest. The general registration fee is $25, and there is a $10 reduced-rate registration for students and low-income residents. All youth under 12 are free.

The event is supported with sponsorship from Mill Town Capital, The Gilson Family Foundation, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and Greylock Federal Credit Union.

"The Gilson Family Foundation continues to be inspired by the creative energy of Roots Rising. We applaud their passionate work helping teens learn valuable life skills and building community through healthy and affordable food access. We are proud to be part of the Ride for Roots Rising team again this year. It's a win-win for families, friends and those of all ages to ride in the Berkshires for a most worthwhile cause," Mary Spina of The Gilson Family Foundation said.

The first $5,000 raised will be doubled by Berkshire Agricultural Ventures and used for Market Match at Roots Rising's Pittsfield Farmers Market. Market Match doubles the purchasing power of low-income residents using SNAP, WIC and Senior benefits, making the market accessible and affordable to all.

All registrants will be entered into a raffle to win prizes sponsored by Mill Town Capital, including gift certificates to Mission Bar + Restaurant and Gateways Bar + Restaurant.

To register and for more information, head to givebutter.com/rootsrising.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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