Brien Center 'Rally for Recovery' Charity Pickleball Tournament

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Brien Center has announced its "Rally for Recovery Pickleball Tournament," a non-DUPR charity event hosted at Bousquet Sport.
 
The tournament supports the center's mission of "Serving Hope" and raising funds for recovery services. All proceeds go toward the Patrick Miller Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Program.
 
The main events will feature a round-robin format, ensuring that every participating team receives multiple opportunities to play. Larger brackets may be separated into pools, with the highest-performing teams advancing to a playoff round where the overall champions will be crowned.
 
The tournament will also feature a Mixed Moneyball Showcase, offering a "winner take all" $300 cash prize. This showcase event requires a minimum of four teams to run with the prize money attached.
 
The registration fee is $50 for the first event, with an additional $35 fee for each event added. A non-refundable software usage fee of $5 (for one event) or $10 (for multiple events) will also be applied to all registrations. Due to limited space, early registration is strongly encouraged. Teams must note the registration timeline: once the first partner registers, the second partner must complete their registration within seven days to secure the team's spot, or they will be placed on a waiting list.
 
Regarding refunds, players who withdraw before the registration officially closes—either by the deadline of October 8th or due to the tournament reaching capacity—are eligible for a partial refund. Approved refunds will be processed after the tournament concludes and will be the registration fee minus a $10 processing fee and the non-refundable software usage fee. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made after registration has officially closed.
 
The tournament director reserves the right to adjust bracket formats and the number of rounds to ensure each team receives a minimum number of games, and groups may be combined or split based on final registration numbers. All start times are subject to change at the director's discretion. Furthermore, all players must use USA Pickleball-approved paddles, and paddle compliance will be checked at the event.
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The Grand Coming to North Street, Bousquet Under New Food Management

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Grand has secured its liquor license, and the McNinch Restaurant Group now operates Bousquet Mountain’s restaurant, its third eatery in the city. 

On Monday, the Licensing Board approved the transfer of all alcohol-seven-day liquor licenses for The Grand on North Street and the ski area at 101 Dan Fox Drive.

The former Iztac Mexican Restaurant has given way to a more subdued, moody facade as local Gordon Hebler prepares to open as an oyster bar and piano lounge with seafood options. Its liquor license was transferred to Chesnut Catering doing business as The Grand, owned and managed by Hebler.

He envisions following the theater and music programs in the county, closing for a couple of months at the beginning of each year.  Seating was also reduced from accommodating around 100 patrons to 60. 

"We're going to be pretty busy. I have that feeling anyway," Hebler said. "…If the foot traffic is any indication of what we're going to see, I'm very excited." 

An entertainment license was also approved for The Grand. A piano and vocalist are planned for Wednesday through Sunday evenings; an opening date has not yet been set. 

"It’s not just a run in and grab a quick bite and run out," Hebler said. "It's a little bit more involved."

The board also approved an all-alcohol seven-day liquor license transfer from Fresh Powder LLC to the McNinch Restaurant Group for Drifters Bar and Restaurant, located in Bousquet’s ski lodge, and the ski area.

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