Board of directors members Louis Scalise, Thomas Rumbolt, John "Jack" Leu, President Robert Moulton Jr., Steven Brown, Michael LaVersa, Elizabeth Milanesi and Vice President Dorothy Ransford join Manager John Meaney Jr. at the unveiling of the new ambulance.
NORTH ADAMS - North Adams Ambulance Service Inc. unveiled the newest member of its fleet Monday night, giving seven members of the board of directors tours of the brand-new ambulance.
In operation since Oct. 4, the new ambulance - Unit 3 - replaces a van-style one that was too small for the service's needs.
"It gives us a lot more room, it's more comfortable for the patient and for [emergency medical services] workers and it's able to carry more equipment," said John Meaney Jr., paramedic and manager of NAAS.
Meaney said the ambulance service replaces its trucks every "three or four years, depending on wear and tear and mileage." The final mileage on the company's old Unit 3 was 120,000 miles.
"It was time for an upgrade," said Meaney.
The ambulance boasts a roomier exterior that allows emergency medical technicians to work on both sides of the patient.
"It helps us to provide better patient care because we can be operating more efficiently," Meaney said.
The cost for the unit was $80,000 (including a trade for the former ambulance) and was made possible through membership donations from Northern Berkshire residents.
"We're so thankful for everyone's support," said Meaney.
Last year’s membership drive raised approximately $43,000.
This month, the ambulance service launched its 2007 drive, which aims to raise funds for a move to electronic reporting, which will save it time, money and paper. A nonprofit organization, the ambulance service relies on the generosity of those in the community and the tax-deductible donations goes toward helping to pay for operating expenses, education courses and equipment.
The cost of a membership is $35 per household or $20 for individuals.
NAAS employs eight full-time employees and 32 part-timers. In 2006, they responded to approximately 3,600 emergency calls.
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Excellent Progress Mr. Meaney and Staff, your constant dedication to this community and your employees is something that should be modeled by many.
Passenger Rail Advocates Rally for Northern Tier Proposal
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
Stan Vasileiadis, a Williams College student, says passenger rail is a matter of equity for students and residents.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Community, education and business leaders are promoting the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Restoration Project as a critical component for economic development — and say it's high time that Western Mass gets some of the transportation infrastructure money being spent in the eastern end of the state.
"What today is all about is building support and movement momentum for this project and getting it done," said state Rep. John Barrett III on Monday, standing behind a podium with a "Bring back the Train!" at City Hall. "I think that we can be able to do it, and when we can come together as political entities, whether it's over in Greenfield, Franklin County, and putting it all together and put all our egos in the back room, I think all of us are going to be able to benefit from this when it gets done."
The North Adams rail rally, and a second one at noon at the Olver Transit Center in Greenfield, were meant to build momentum for the proposal for "full local service" and coincided with the release of a letter for support signed by 100 organizations, municipalities and elected officials from across the region.
The list of supporters includes banks, cultural venues, medical centers and hospitals, museums and chambers of commerce, higher education institutions and economic development agencies.
1Berkshire President and CEO Jonathan Butler said the county's economic development organization has been "very, very outspoken" and involved in the rail conversation, seeing transportation as a critical infrastructure that has both caused and can solve challenges involving housing and labor and declining population.
"The state likes to use the term generational, which is a way of saying it's going to take a long time for this project," said Butler. "I think it's the same type of verbiage, but I don't think we should look at it that way. You know, maybe it will take a long time, but we have to act what we want it next year, if we want it five years from now. We have to be adamant. We have to stay with it. And a room like this demonstrates that type of political will, which is a huge part of this."
The Berkshires is due for a "transformational investment" in infrastructure, he said, noting one has not occurred in his lifetime.
Monument Mountain's Everett Pacheco took control of the race in the final mile and went on to a convincing Division 3 State Championship on Saturday at Fort Devens. click for more
Some of the students were urged on by the Swarm Club, which hosted a pizza tailgate party that drew about 75 parents, students and staff before the game and then sited themselves on the field where "Swarm" was stenciled on the ground.
click for more
The City Council on Tuesday voted to maintain the split tax shift, resulting in a drop in the residential and commercial tax rates. However, higher property values also mean a $222 higher tax bill. click for more
The city of North Adams is hosting three community walks this week to solicit input on a study of the 60-year-old Central Artery project. click for more
