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Pittsfield Soap Box Derby Returns Saturday

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Westside Legends will host its fourth annual Westside Sweet G Super Soap Box Derby on Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 4 p.m. with a rain date of Aug. 10. 
 
Check-in for racers starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Robbins Avenue.
 
The event features a day of activities for the whole family.
 
There will be three race classes: kids from 6-12, kids from 13-17, and an adult class, ages 18 and older. Trophies will be presented in each division.
 
The racers will “zoom” down Robbins Avenue, and the finish line will be at Southern Avenue.
 
Inspired by soap box races in Pittsfield’s West Side during the 1960s, the Westside Super Soap Box Derby was developed by the leaders of Westside Legends, who have fond memories of racing down Columbus Avenue and West Street – and are excited to bring a fun event back to the community.
 
This year’s race will feature cars built by kids who participated in Pittsfield’s Summer Playground Programs at Durant Park, Clapp Park, and the Common.
 
The race is dedicated to community member Brian “Sweet G” Goines, who died in 2020. Brian’s brother Kirt Goines races in his brother’s memory each year.
 
For this event Westside Legends is excited to partner with entities like the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Blue Q, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Green Energy Consumer Alliance, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Interprint, Mill Town Foundation, PCTV, Premium Waters and TDI-MassDevelopment.
 
Come have fun and meet the neighbors. While you are there, please enjoy the food by Grampie’s Hot Dog Stand, Officer Darren Derby’s “Operation Copsicle”, and Cravin’s Ice Cream. Green Energy Consumers Alliance will have several electric vehicles on display.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

BVNA Nurses Raise Funds for Berkshire Bounty

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nursing Association members of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association raised $650 to help with food insecurity in Berkshire County.
 
The nurses and health-care professionals of BVNA have given back to the community every holiday season for the last three years. The first year, they adopted a large family, raised money, bought, wrapped and delivered the gifts for the family. Last year, they sold raffle tickets and the money raised went to the charitable cause of the winner. 
 
This year, with food insecurity as a rising issue, they chose to give to Berkshire Bounty in Great Barrington.
 
They sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win one of two items: A lottery ticket tree or a gift certificate tree, each worth $100. They will be giving the organization the donation this month.
 
Berkshire Bounty seeks to improve food security in the county through food donations from retailers and local farms; supplemental purchases of healthy foods; distribution to food sites and home deliveries; and collaborating with partners to address emergencies and improve the food system. 
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