BHS July 4th 5K Road Race Still Going After 40 Years

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It has been forty years since the first running of the Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) July 4th 5K kicked off in front of the parade spectators on Wahconah Street in Pittsfield. 
 
The upcoming event sponsored by BHS and under the direction of Berkshire Running Foundation's Shiobbean Lemme for the third year.
 
In 1985 just under 200 runners took part in the race which last year registered just over 1100, bringing the attendance back to more than pre pandemic numbers.   
 
Changes have been made to the event, including the support of BHS to register all students' grades K-12 for free, which Berkshire Running Foundation offers for all of their events.  This enables families to have a wallet-friendly, healthy and fun activity to do together in celebrating the holiday. 
 
Returning 2023 champion Nick Turner is in the field as well as 2024 second place Jake Paris and former Steel Rail winner Alex White who finished just off the podium last year.  In the women's field two time returning champion Morgan Geddes, former winner Jackie Varney and top-ranking Miranda Bona are returning to the line on the fourth.
 
Overall, the top three winners will receive cash prizes.  The age division winners will be acknowledged for the top three finishers. There will be a corporate prize for the overall team from the sponsored division as well as a Team prize for any team with the fastest 5 runners. 
 
Registration for the event is online through the website Zippyreg.com.  Online registration fee is $35 for adults through July 1 at 6pm when the fee increases to $40. Bib pick up is available on Wednesday July 2nd and Thursday July 3rd at Berkshire Running Center in the Allendale Shopping Center Underground from 10am-6pm.  Online registration closes Thursday, July 3rd at 5pm.  There is no race day registration.
 
The following businesses are sponsoring the BHS July 4th 5K:
 
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts,Hillcrest Educational Centers, Inc.,B & G Restaurant Supply, Inc.,Greylock Federal Credit Union,Springside & Craneville Place Rehab & Nursing Centers,Moresi & Associates,Ashley Associates, LLC,Barile Environmental, Inc.,BBE Office Interiors,J. H. Maxymillian, Inc.,John's Tractor & Excavation Service, LLC,Berkshire Community College,Hill-Engineers, Architects, Planners, Inc.,MacFarlane Office Products, Inc.,Lipton Energy,Granite City Electric Supply,Berkshire County Sheriffs' Charitable Foundation, Inc., Pittsfield Cooperative Bank,MountainOne
 
The race starts on the north end of Wahconah St at 9:00AM Friday, July 4th.  The race runs along the route of the Pittsfield Annual Fourth of July Parade.  Runners will be asked to be at the start of the race no later than 8:45am.  The walk from Wahconah Park to the start is about 15 minutes, Lemme suggests attendees plan to arrive early to avoid the stress of getting down to the start. 
 
Information can be found at the Berkshire Running Foundation website www.berkshirerun.org .  Shiobbean Lemme can be reached at director@berkshirerun.org

Tags: 4th of July,   5k,   parade,   

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Pittsfield Housing Authority Director on Leave After Performance Concerns

Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Housing Authority's executive director has been placed on administrative leave following "substantial" performance concerns. 

On Wednesday, the Board of Commissioners adopted resolutions that place Executive Director Tina Danzy on paid administrative leave effective at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Susan Martino, director of finance and administration, has stepped in as acting executive director. 

Five separate resolutions were approved following an executive session with Danzy. Martino, over email on Thursday, said the PHA has no comment on the situation. 

"The leave is a non-disciplinary interim measure intended to protect the operations, records, employees, tenants, and interests of the Authority while the concerns are reviewed," the PHA Board's fourth resolution reads. 

"During the leave, Ms. Danzy shall continue to receive her regular salary and benefits, subject to all ordinary deductions and benefit requirements. The Board has not, by this resolution, made a final determination that any allegation is substantiated or that Cause exists under the employment agreement." 

The board, however, did find that concerns warrant further investigation, which could result in termination or discipline.  

The first resolution states that, based on information presented to and discussed by the board during its prior meetings and executive sessions, including matters identified in a July 13 notice to the executive director, the board found that substantial concerns have been raised around Danzy's financial, operational, regulatory, management, and governance responsibilities. 

Attorney Kevin Kinne has been retained to advise and represent the board; legal fees over $5,000 would need further approval.  

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