Jimmy Bernardo Memorial Ride Set Aug. 5

03:17PM / Wednesday, July 19, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center hosts the 28th Annual Jimmy's Ride on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The ride starts at Kids' Place, 63 Wendell Ave., with registration at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands going up at 11. Rider registration is $25.

The hourlong ride crosses into New York State via Routes 20 and 22, back into Massachusetts on Routes 2 and 7, and ends at Tavern at the A, 303 Crane Ave., for Jimmy's After Party

The free afterparty starts at noon with live music by Justin and Rizo, The Pug and John Show, and Holly Slade, and a 50/50 raffle, food and drink for purchase. All proceeds support Kids' Place, which has offices in North Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington. The children's advocacy center has for 30 years helped thousands of children and families heal from abuse and domestic violence. All services are free. Visit KidsPlaceOnline.org for more information on keeping kids safe.

For 28 years, Jimmy's parents Mary and Ron Bernardo, brother Rob, countless family members, and friends have kept his memory alive by supporting Kids' Place. Jimmy, a Pittsfield native, was abducted near a movie theater on Oct. 22, 1990. A month later, the 12-year-old's body was found in Ithaca, N.Y.

"It's hard to believe this is the 28th Jimmy's Ride! We remember when we were approached by Kids' Place founders [retired Police Detective] Joe [Collias] and Tim [Shugrue, now Berkshire County district attorney] regarding the idea of creating a centralized location where child victims of violence could receive support and services in a comfortable environment.

"Here we are 30 years later on the 28th ride and Kids' Place is going strong. It has meant so much to us that Kids' Place has allowed Jimmy's memory to live on in so many hearts and allowed his name to be associated with something so positive. Come join us for the ride and after party to benefit all children affected by abuse or domestic violence. Let's keep Kids' Place going for another 30 years," the Bernardo family shared.

This year's lead sponsor is Greylock Federal Credit Union. Additional support is provided by Perri Petricca, LIUNA International, Johnson Dealerships, Adams Community Bank, Injected Solutions, Lee Bank, Paula McLean Realtors, J.H. Maxymillian Inc. General Contracting, East Elm Pediatrics, Stockbridge Police Department and Stockbridge Police Association, Wheeler & Taylor, Inc., Comalli Electric, John's Building Supply Co., Balance Rock Investment Group, Berkshire Dream Home Real Estate, Berkshire Orthopedic Associates, Francis Investment Counseling, Hill Engineers, Architects, Planners, Inc., Lee Police Department, MacFarlane Office Products, Martin Hochberg & Cianflone LLC, MyCom Federal Credit Union, Paul J. Murphy Plumbing and Heating, Dery Funeral Home, and Berkshire Boats.

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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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