News & Notes: Dental Clinic Success; BRTA Seeks Toys
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The local organizers for Project 31 say the free dental clinic held at two dentist offices on Saturday, Nov. 22, was a big success — so successful that another one may take place sometime in April.
Dr. John-Michael Stewart combined his services with fellow dentist Dr. John George on that day and, with the help of 20 other dentists, provided $175,000 of dental care to more than 200 people from throughout Berkshire County who either couldn't afford it or who had not been to a dentist for years.
Project 31 is a pilot program of the International Team of Implantologists, of which Stewart has been a fellow since 2005. Stewart, who practices with Oral and Facial Surgery Associates with offices in North Adams, Pittsfield and Bennington, Vt., also spearheaded a Project 31 dental clinic in August in Wilmington, Vt., that drew more than 80 people.
The program is named for the 31 million Americans without dental insurance.
November's clinic was held at Oral Surgery Associates' Pittsfield office on Dalton Avenue. Those who were determined to need fillings were bused to George's office, Berkshire Oral and Dental Health Care, on Tyler Street.
In a thank-you letter to the Berkshire News Network, Stewart said patients showed their appreciation with hugs and smiles and it was very rewarding to the staff who worked on the project at both offices.
Bring A Toy, Ride the B-Bus
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Regional Transit Authority's annual Gifts for Kids campaign has returned for this holiday season.
Donations of any new, unwrapped, in-the-original-package gift suitable for a child will be accepted on any BRTA bus instead of the regular fare from now until Dec. 13.
All buses will have festively decorated collection bins on board during this two-week campaign. Donations will also be accepted at the BRTA offices located on the second floor of the Intermodal Transportation Center on Columbus Avenue.
All donations will be given to local charities that redistribute them to families with children within the Berkshire community before the holidays. Last year, the gifts were donated to the Christian Center and Berkshire Community Action Council.
