Governor Re-Establishes Special Advisory Commission on Disability Policy

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BOSTON — During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order re-establishing the Governor's Special Advisory Commission on Disability Policy to improve opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and advocates to provide input on policy and program development that will reduce barriers to state services. 
 
"It is very important to me that people with disabilities and their families have a direct line to me and my office," said Governor Maura Healey. "By establishing this Commission, we are getting the input and perspective to make sure that our policies and programs are working for everyone." 
 
The Commission will be Chaired by the Massachusetts Office on Disability's Executive Director Allan Motenko and will consist of at least 24 people appointed by Governor Healey based on recommendations from organizations that support people with disabilities.
 
Membership will include a diverse group of people who have lived experience, family members of people with disabilities, advocates, a representative from the Statewide Independent Living Council, and executive branch staff who have oversight of state programs supporting these populations.  
 
The first priority of the Commission will be to assess where the concerns are for people with disabilities and their families when interacting with state government, as well as ways that the state can promote inclusion in the programs and services the state offers.   
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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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