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Celeste Harp is leading the program to make Berkshire County an 'age-friendly community.'

Program Aims to Make Berkshires 'Age-Friendly'

By Rebecca DravisiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Between 40 percent and 50 percent of the population in most towns in Berkshire County is older than the age of 50.

And if 50 is the new 30, and middle age is now considered 60, then half of the population has a lot of living left to do.

That's why the Berkshires have joined an effort to be an "Age-Friendly Community," defined as "a way to help older adults remain healthy, active and engaged in their community as long as possible." Internationally, the World Health Organization defines and supports age-friendly communities, while in the United States the AARP fills that role.

Locally, the Berkshires have Celeste Harp, an energetic and passionate advocate of growing old gracefully. In late 2015, Harp was named program manager for the Berkshire County Age-Friendly Community effort, a five-year program funded by a grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation. As she has settled into the role and began making connections, she already has brainstormed ideas like forums on March 31 and April 1 on helping seniors "age in place" in their homes (call 413-442-1521, Ext. 37) as well as an upcoming "senior speed dating" event for adults 70 and older to meet a new friend or companion (call 413-442-0907).

"This is about a cultural change of how we view aging," Harp said. "Why does your life end (with the death of a spouse)? Life goes on. It should be full and positive."

As such, there are "eight domains of livability" that have been targeted for the focus of the program: outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; civic participation and employment; communication and information; and community support and health services. A task force has been created with subcommittees to research each "domain" and develop recommendations.

These committees are not starting without a solid foundation. Harp said Berkshire County is well poised to develop such a plan because of the "stunning" beauty of the area, a good cost of living and plenty of cultural opportunities.



"There's a lot going for it," she said.

Now she is spending her time building connections with Berkshire towns, institutions like colleges and councils on aging, and agencies like Elder Care of the Berkshires, Berkshire Health Systems and Home Instead Senior Care, which is housing her office at its Wendell Avenue offices as one of the original champions of the program. North Adams and Pittsfield have already officially joined the effort but she wants to see all 32 Berkshire municipalities join. She can be reached at celeste.harp@homeinstead.com.

"Now I'm building relationships and rapports with other towns. I want a champion from every town," she said. "I ask for people to join and help."

And helping implement these domains aimed at older residents will have the effect of helping people of all ages who choose to the call the Berkshires home. Mobility, access to buildings, shopping and health care, and transportation, for example, are important issues across the spectrum of ages, from 1 to 101, Harp said.

"This is a forever program that should be implemented," she said. "The aggregate effect is a more livable community."


Tags: age-friendly,   aging,   senior citizens,   

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Pittsfield Council to See 10-Year Charter Review Report

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Following almost two years of work, the Charter Review Committee has made its recommendations to the City Council.

Tuesday's council agenda includes the committee's report dealing with governance items such as the charter objection, term limits, and financial procedures. Every 10 years, a panel reviews the City Charter, which defines the city's structure of government.

"The Charter Review Committee was established by city ordinance in May 2023. Its first meeting took place on August 7, 2023, under the direction of City Solicitor Stephen Pagnotta," Chair Michael McCarthy's executive summary reads.

"Solicitor Pagnotta informed the committee that its mission is to offer recommendations to city government concerning the Charter."

The charter objection was the most discussed issue throughout the preview process.  Members determined "the City's interest in a functioning government is not served well by a Charter' Objection being made by a sole Councilor."

The nearly 50-page report proposes amendments to Article 2 Section 9C, Charter Objection, to allow for discussion, require three supporters, and be prohibited when it pertains to the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

"The Committee felt strongly that the budgetary process should not be held hostage to a Charter Objection. The process of approving a budget under the Charter involves months of hearings with firm calendar restrictions, leading to a budget that must be in place before each fiscal year begins," McCarthy wrote.

"A Charter Objection during this process would have the potential to disrupt and delay the budget being in place on July 1 of each fiscal year."

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