UCP of Western Mass to Celebrate National White Cane Day

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — UCP of Western Massachusetts will host a community celebration for National White Cane Day on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Courtyard at 75 South Church Street in Pittsfield. 
 
This annual observance recognizes the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence for people who are blind or visually impaired and raises awareness about accessibility, mobility, and inclusion.
 
The event will feature:
  • Official Mayoral Proclamation by Mayor Marchetti declaring Oct. 15 as White Cane Day in Pittsfield.
  • White Cane Challenge Course, giving sighted participants the chance to experience navigating everyday activities with a cane while blindfolded with a spotter person.
  • UCP's Assistive Technology department will have a demonstration of "Try It Stations" so that visual users can experience limited or low vision through technology. The department will have other practical devices for the low-vision community.
"White Cane Day is both a celebration of independence and an opportunity for education," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of UCP of Western Massachusetts. "By inviting the public to participate in activities and conversations, we hope to build understanding and strengthen our commitment to accessibility and inclusion in our community."
 
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
 
For more information & to RSVP, contact Liz Irwin at 413-442-1562 x 122, Eirwin@ucpwma.org or visit www.UCPWMA.org.
 
In case for inclement weather, we will hold the event inside 75 South Church St. (the Clocktower Building)
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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