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Bianchi-Barbarotta Award winners, from left: Paul and Dick Rivers, Peter White, Ben Knute, West Dews, Jack Reed, Ashlyn Lesure, Ella Bassi, Randy Koldys. Not present, Brian Gill.
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Paula and Dick Rivers, recipients of the Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Living Legends Award, are presented with the honor by Pepi Barbarotta, left, and John Barbarotta.
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Peter White, center, receives the Connie Bianchi Memorial Award of Merit from Chris Barbarotta and John Barbarotta.
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Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Volunteer of the Year Ben Knute receives his award from Chris Bianchi, left, and John Barbarotta.
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Gary Bianchi, left, and Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation President John Barbarotta present the Male Sport Coach of the Year award to Monument Mountain boys basketball coach Randy Koldys, center.
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Pittsfield High’s Jack Reed, center, receives the Vera Barbarotta Sportsmanship Scholarship from Jay Barbarotta and John Barbarotta.
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Reese Barbarotta, left, and John Barbarotta present the Vera Barbarotta Sportsman Scholarship to Pittsfield High’s Ella Bassi.
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Al Bianchi Senior Female Athlete of the Year Ashlyn Lesure receives her award from Sam Barbarotta, left, and John Barbarotta.
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Al Bianchi Senior Male Athlete of Year West Dews with presenter Gary Bianchi, Wahconah football coach Gary Campbell and Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation President John Barbarotta.

Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Bestows Annual Honors

Community submissionPrint Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Friday recognized nine winners of the organization’s annual awards for contributions to sports in Berkshire County.
 
The honorees were recognized at a dinner at the Polish Falcon Club.
 
Paula and Dick Rivers received the foundation’s Living Legends Award. Peter White took home the Connie Bianchi Memorial Award of Merit. Ben Knute was honored as the Volunteer of the year. And recent Pittsfield High School grads Jack Reed and Ella Bassi are recipients of the 2025 Vera Barbarotta Sportsman Scholarships.
 
For the first time this year, the foundation added male and female Athletes of the Year and Coach of the Year recognition in girls and boys sports.
 
Wahconah’s West Dews is the male Athlete of the Year, and Hoosac Valley’s Ashlyn Lesure is the Female Athlete of the Year. The coaches are Mount Greylock girls track and field coach Brian Gill and Monument Mountain boys basketball coach Randy Koldys.
 
“It was a wonderful evening with some awesome speeches,” Bianch-Barbarotta Foundation President John Barbarotta said. “The kids were outstanding.”
 
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Luxurious Home for Hosting

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

DALTON, Mass. — Are you looking for a luxurious home with tons of amenities? Then this might be the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 65 Johnson Road.

This 1998 single-family is newly remodeled and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It is 4,298 square feet on more than an acre.

It is on the market for $1,075,000.

The home includes a two-car basement garage, a home gym with equipment, and a custom mudroom. There is also a salt water pool and outdoor fire pit. The kitchen has custom built-in freezer and refrigerator, perfect for hosting, and comes with countless built-in space and custom drawers, including a built-in Miele coffee machine.

We spoke with Mia and Melissa Mazzeo with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Barnbrook Realty, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Mazzeos: What truly sets this property apart in today's market is the exceptional quality and thoughtful attention to detail throughout. The sellers didn't just update this home — they reimagined it with care, intention, and craftsmanship. Every improvement was carefully considered, creating a move-in-ready space that feels both elevated and effortlessly livable

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

It was an instant 'wow' moment. We were immediately impressed — and we absolutely loved the open floor plan. The space feels bright, connected, and perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Yes — this home truly has it all. Since 2018, the property has been fully renovated with both luxury and long-term quality in mind. Major improvements include a new roof, new windows, updated electrical and plumbing systems, new mini-split systems for efficient heating and cooling, new vinyl siding, and Trex decking for low-maintenance outdoor living. The pool has been converted to salt water, and the professionally updated landscaping enhances the home's curb appeal and outdoor enjoyment.

Inside, the level of customization is exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully designed with built-in space for everything — including a dedicated coffee station, double dishwashers, a pullout shelf for your stand mixer, and custom drawers for cooking utensils. The large Sub-Zero refrigerator blends seamlessly into the cabinetry for a clean, sophisticated look. The dining room features a stunning built-in buffet complete with pullout refrigerator and freezer drawers, perfectly balancing elegance and functionality.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home is incredibly versatile. It's perfect for the buyer who loves to host and entertain, but just as ideal for a family seeking space and thoughtful design. And for someone who simply wants a private, peaceful setting to come home to — this property delivers that balance beautifully.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Close your eyes and imagine your dream home — every update completed, every amenity thoughtfully added, nothing left to do. Picture yourself soaking in the beauty of Berkshire County's ever-changing seasons through the windows of your all-season sunroom. Imagine the laughs and smiles that fill the air as you host loved ones in your chef's kitchen, designed perfectly for gathering and entertaining.

Now open your eyes… and you'll see 65 Johnson Road — the true definition of move-in ready.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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