image description — Hundreds of athletes from around the county competed in running, jumping and throwing events in Spartan Stadium at Monument Mountain Regional High School.

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Special Olympians Converge at Monument Mountain High School

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:16AM / Thursday, May 15, 2025Print Story | Email Story

Special Olympics is marking its 44 years in Berkshire County.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A big piece of the Berkshire County Special Olympics was missing as it marked 44 years on Wednesday at Monument Mountain Regional High School.

But her spirit lives on in the games.

"The Monument Mountain Special Olympics Games were Anne Marie [Comerford's] pride and joy," Nancy Duryea said in dedicating the event in Comerford's honor during Wednesday's opening ceremony. "As one of the event directors, Anne Marie was responsible for getting the track at Monument, the high school band, the banners parade, the high school volunteers and the opening and closing ceremonies."

Comerford also was responsible for making sure the weather cooperated.

"Anne Marie would step on the field every year and point to the sky and say, 'Well, kids, let the sun shine," Duryea continued. "Where is she now?"

The sun did poke through the overcast skies on occasion Wednesday morning as hundreds of athletes from around the county, including teams from several local high schools, competed in running, jumping and throwing events in Spartan Stadium.

Comerford, who died on April 26, was unfortunately not there to provide protection from the rain, but her legacy and that of countless coaches, volunteers, parents and athletes ensured that the decades long tradition continues.

Monument Mountain Principal Christopher Barnes addressed the crowd and noted that the Special Olympics movement allows people with disabilities to "participate in sports, build confidence, develop leadership ability and foster a sense of inclusion and belonging within their communities."

"Like many of you, I am a parent of a child with disabilities, and he is here today to compete," Barnes said. "Also like many of you, Special Olympics has had a direct and positive impact on myself, my family and our community. I want to thank you all for your part in putting this event together, and I want to thank all the athletes for their courage and participation."

One of people who helped put Wednesday's event together, Berkshire Hills Regional School District Special Education Director Kate Burdsall, served as the emcee for program, directing teams of athletes to rotate through event venues, getting the banner parade of athletes going around the track and introducing speakers for various awards bestowed during the opening ceremony.

"The Special Olympics has me riding high for the first two weeks of May every year," Burdsall said in a news release for the competition. "It fills my heart."

Photos from this event here.

Tags: Special Olympics,

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Lee Chamber Celebrates Local Community Members

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:58PM / Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Chamber Executive Director Alexandra Heddinger is applauded for her work.

LEE, Mass. — Longtime teacher, coach and community activist Thomas Cinella was the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lee Chamber of Commerce.

Cinella was one of four individuals and one organization who were celebrated at last week's gathering at the Greenock Country Club.

"We have the honor of recognizing some outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication, leadership, and generosity make Lee such a remarkable place to live, work, and raise a family," said President Erik Williams. "Each of our award recipients embodies the spirit of community and service that makes our town so special."

The awards were presented to Cinella, Ray Murray III, Scott and John LePrevost, and the Lee Lions Club.

Cinella, born in Lee in 1941, has joked he'd spent all but the four years he was in college in his hometown. He taught math at Lee High School as well as coaching basketball for 45 years. He has a record of six state championships and 15 Western Massachusetts championships during his 20 years of coaching the girls' varsity team.

Outside of school, Cinella served on the Lee Library Board of Trustees, chaired the Sandy Beach Committee, was the town lifeguard, and was involved with the town's playgrounds.

"Tom, your name is on the basketball court, and the banners and trophies, and it tells an impressive story. But your greatest legacy is found in the students you encouraged, the players you believed in, and the generations of young people who carry something of what you taught them with them every single day," Williams said. "Lee has been fortunate to have you as a teacher, coach, volunteer, and neighbor."

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