Berkshire County Kids' Place Annual Jimmy Bernardo Memorial Motorcycle Ride

08:16AM / Thursday, September 04, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center, Inc., invites the community to join us for the 30th Annual Jimmy's Ride on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.

This tradition honors the life of Jimmy Bernardo and raises essential funds to help children and families heal from abuse and violence.

The ride begins at Berkshire County Kids' Place, 63 Wendell Ave in Pittsfield, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands up at 11:00 a.m. Riders will travel a scenic 90-minute route through Berkshire County, ending at the Tavern at the A 303 Crane Ave in Pittsfield for the After Party, which starts at noon.

The After Party is open to the public and welcomes everyone, whether you ride or just come to celebrate. Enjoy food, raffles (for purchase), and music.

In addition to supporting child abuse prevention and healing services, this year's event highlights a growing concern: online child safety. Attendees receive free internet safety resource bags, filled with age-appropriate materials. While supplies last.

"For 30 years, Jimmy's Ride has stood for protecting children and creating a safer community," said Mary, Ron, and Rob Bernardo. "This year, we're proud to honor that legacy by expanding the mission to include online safety, because today, protecting kids doesn't end at the front door. It also means safeguarding them on every screen and device they use."

The event honors the life of Jimmy Bernardo, a Pittsfield native who tragically died in 1990. For 30 years, Jimmy's family, friends, and the broader community have come together in his memory to support the work of Berkshire County Kids' Place, the region's fully accredited Children's Advocacy Center, serving families from Berkshire County.

All proceeds from Jimmy's Ride support Kids' Place programs, providing free, specialized services to children and families impacted by neglect, abuse, exploitation, and domestic violence.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

View Full Story