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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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

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