YMCA Removing Services From North Adams Facility

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire YMCA branch posted on its website on Thursday that they plan to remove services and programming from the Northern Berkshire branch facility, effective March 29, 2024.  
 
According to the statement:
 
"Our removal of services from this branch stems from various challenges, including the prolonged pool closure, childcare availability, staffing issues, and ongoing facility maintenance needs. Unfortunately, these factors have made it unsustainable to maintain the level of programming that the Y prides itself on and holds itself accountable to."
 
According to the message, the YMCA will continue to build its summer camp program at Windsor Lake, and before and after school programs. They also pledged to engage with community partners to explore programming.
 
"We are actively engaging with community partners to explore collaborative program opportunities under a 'Y Without Walls' concept to fulfill our mission and do the great work that we are known for. This is part of our mission to adapt and continue serving our community in innovative ways, aiming to evolve into a revitalized Y. "
 
The statement did note that the future of the now-closed pool seems "bright" noting that the city is committed to overhauling the pool ceiling/roof structure. The YMCA added that they would be open to providing lifeguarding services after completion.
 
"This phase signifies a shift rather than an end in our commitment to supporting the Northern Berkshire region."
 
The pool was closed in 2023 after the roof failed an inspection.
 
The statement included that Northern Berkshire memberships will be automatically terminated following the closure. Members can upgrade their membership and can continue to use the Pittsfield Branch and Bennington Rec locations.
 
Community members who are not currently members can reserve a day pass to access the facilities before the closure date.
 
"During this transitional phase, we are committed to finding a new pathway forward in North Adams, reintroducing a rejuvenated and invigorated Y experience," read a statement. 
 
The full statement can be read here.
 
 
 
 

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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