Lisa Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Fund Accepting Applications

07:44AM / Thursday, February 12, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — UCP of Western Massachusetts is now accepting applications for the Lisa Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Fund, a scholarship honoring the life of Lisa Jacobs and her belief in living a "Life without Limits."

The fund was established by Lisa's mother, Maren Jacobs, a Board Member of UCP of Western Massachusetts for nearly 50 years. Lisa passed away in 2019, and this scholarship carries forward her legacy by supporting college-bound students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and the betterment of others.

Scholarship will be awarded to two students and help recipients cover the cost of college tuition and books, easing financial barriers to higher education.

According to a press release, Lisa lived her life in Lenox, where she attended public school and made many friends. She faced numerous congenital challenges, including cerebral palsy, glaucoma, a heart defect, and developmental disabilities. Over time, these conditions affected her ability to walk, speak, and see. Despite these limitations, Lisa greeted each day with enthusiasm, determination, and a sense of humor that drew people to her.

Applications are due April 15. Recipients will be notified around May 1.

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Lanesborough Seeks State Support for Berkshire Mall Redevelopment

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires.com
05:58PM / Monday, October 12, 2026

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town plans to petition the state to take ownership of the Route 7/Route 8 Connector Road, which officials believe is a "critical component" of the Berkshire Mall’s redevelopment strategy.

On Tuesday, the Select Board approved a letter to state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III to request their support for the vacant mall's redevelopment by helping advance transfer of the Route 7/Route 8 connector and considering funding for essential infrastructure.

"We have held discussions with the Baker Hill Road District … which will take the necessary steps to formally petition the commonwealth to take over ownership of the Route 7, Route 8 connector…Your continued support in facilitating this transfer is greatly appreciated," the letter says.

Berkshire Mall owner JMJ RE Holdings has said the potential sale and redevelopment of the mall hinges on dissolving the Baker Hill Road District, a condition of the agreement that, if unmet, would render the contract null and void.

As a result, the mall will continue to deteriorate and the litigation will proceed forward, said Tim Grogan, of JMJ.

Vera Farrell, the liaison to the Baker Hill Road District, said the district board had discussed at one of its most recent meetings that the connector road could be transferred directly to the state, rather than returned to the town; Barrett and Mark were also a part of the discussion.

"The representatives recommended that as an option, that it could transfer the connector road directly to the state, as opposed to deeding it back to the town to dispense it. If we get to that point, that would be a better option to do it that way," Farrell said.

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