Berkshire Community Mobilizes for Harm Reduction 'Days of Action'

02:29PM / Thursday, October 16, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, over two dozen community members will participate in a weekend-long Harm Reduction "Days of Action" across Berkshire County.

Volunteers will distribute lifesaving overdose prevention supplies, resources, and knowledge to residents in areas with higher ratios of opioid-related emergency 911 calls.

Members from Berkshire County public health agencies and substance use awareness groups will partner with community members to raise awareness of changes in the opioid and stimulant supply, particularly among people who use more recreationally. The initiative will also distribute naloxone and fentanyl test strips, promote reducing substance use alone, connect individuals with support services, and combat the stigma surrounding addiction.

Outreach efforts will take place in Pittsfield, North Adams, Adams, and the surrounding areas from noon to 4:00 PM. Participants will have completed a training session and will carry identification and leave-behind materials. This follows a highly successful Day of Action in May.

The "Day of Action" is in partnership with Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative, Berkshire Harm Reduction and Safe Spot. It aims to reduce overdoses and connect neighbors to vital resources.

Supported by a grant from Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership and the town of Hancock funded by the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and powered by RIZE Massachusetts Foundation.

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The Grand Coming to North Street, Bousquet Under New Food Management

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:06PM / Sunday, August 30, 2026

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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