1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program Accepting Applications

01:55PM / Tuesday, November 11, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) Class of 2026 will kick off with a two-day retreat Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, which includes training in many facets of leadership, problem-solving techniques, and networking.

"The Berkshire Leadership Program is one of the most comprehensive ways to learn about the community and a great opportunity for additional professional development," said Christine Hoyt, 1Berkshire Director of Member Services and BLP Coordinator.

The retreat is followed by weekly sessions held on Thursdays, April 30 - June 25, focusing on areas of economic development, healthcare, tourism, creative economy, education, and community involvement.

The Berkshire Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the support of the volunteer BLP Steering Committee, composed of professionals from across the region who commit their time and expertise to develop and facilitate the entire program.

"The Berkshire Leadership Program changes how you see yourself and your community," said Abigail Allard, Chair of the BLP Steering Committee. "Each cohort brings together emerging and established leaders from every corner of the Berkshires to learn, problem-solve, and build relationships that last well beyond the program. Creating a network that opens doors—with scholarships to help make participation possible. If you're ready to grow your impact, this is the place to start."

2026 BLP class applications are open. The deadline to apply for the Class of 2026 is 4:00 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The cost of tuition is $800; some scholarship dollars are available.

The application and a full program schedule can be found at:

https://1berkshire.com/berkshire-leadership-program-blp/

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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

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