VNA & Hospice Seeks Volunteers

Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS - The Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Northern Berkshire Inc. is seeking new volunteers to assist its hospice and supportive care programs. A wide range of volunteer opportunities is available to suit different talents and schedules. “Hospice volunteers come from all walks of life, and anyone who is willing to care for and share some time with patients and families who are faced with a life-threatening illness is welcome to apply for this training,” said Janet McClelland, hospice patient care coordinator. Volunteers can assist with household tasks, run errands and read to patients in their homes. Bereavement volunteers provide support to family or significant others during the illness and following the death of a loved one. Special service volunteers provide a specific service utilizing their own talents, such as fund-raising, newsletters, photography, cooking, sewing, or gardening. Professional volunteers provide support in the areas of their expertise such as clergy, nursing, or social work. Volunteers can also visit with patients who are in the hospital or in nursing homes, write letters, and assist with personal needs. Those interested in becoming a hospice and supportive care volunteer can call Pat Courtemanche, hospice volunteer coordinator, at 413- 664-4536 for information on the training and orientation program.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building. 

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu. 

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building. 

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.  

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns. 

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot. 

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use. 

View Full Story

More North County Stories