Berkshire United Way celebrates 100 Years of Service

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — The board of directors and staff of Berkshire United Way invite members of the community to attend the organization's 100th anniversary celebration 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at The Colonial Theatre, 111 South St., Pittsfield. 
 
During the celebration Berkshire United Way will present the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award to Mary Wheat. She has been an active volunteer and guiding light with the South Community Food Pantry for more than 20 years. She also was a founder and longtime chair of the Thanksgiving Angels meal program. 
 
The event also will feature guest speaker Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed, professor emeritus of History and Political Science at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, who will reflect on the shared history of Berkshire United Way and the over the past 100 years. Jones-Sneed is a scholar and local history expert whose research and writing has focused extensively on the Berkshires and the local dimensions of African American history. 
 
Berkshire United Way was founded on April 7, 1924, as the Pittsfield Community Fund Association.
 
According to a press release:
 
As times and needs have changed, Berkshire United Way has adapted and evolved to remain relevant and effective in responding to the most pressing challenges facing people in Berkshire County. This anniversary event provides an opportunity to celebrate?100?years?of spirit and generosity in the Berkshires and to look forward to a bright, equitable, and vibrant future where everyone in our community can thrive.  
 
For event tickets and more information visit http://www.berkshireunitedway.org/centennial-celebration or call 413-442-6948 x12.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

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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