South County Walks for the Homeless

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. —  Hundreds of supporters gathered at Ski Butternut to participate in Construct Inc.'s 22nd annual Walk for the Homeless.

Proceeds from the walk, a three-mile trek from Butternut basin to Construct’s home base on Mahaiwe Street, go toward replenishing Construct’s emergency fund, which dried up in June this year, much earlier than expected because of the more than 5,000 calls the agency received requesting emergency financial assistance.

In addition to its emergency services, Construct also provides comprehensive housing, counseling and educational services to those in need. In 2009, the organization provided more than $43,000 in immediate financial aid to prevent homelessness, found shelter for more than 46 residents and helped nearly 200 people avoid eviction. According to walker Brian Sisco, Construct’s relentless hard work has earned a reputation in all spheres of the Southern Berkshire community.

“I’m here to support a good cause,” he said, awaiting his orange “walk” sticker. “I know Construct does good things for the community. This is my first time walking and I’m definitely going to come back.”

Walkers of all ages gathered to support the cause. The elderly, area teens, families with strollers (and dogs) in tow and even a few clowns all converged on Route 23 to the surprise and curiosity of passers-by. In addition to individual walkers, groups representing businesses and community organizations also gathered in a show of solidarity. One such group, the “Get Fit” team from Berkshire South Regional Community Center, raised more than $300 for the cause while pursuing the goal of personal fitness.

"This is really good for our mission and for the community,” said team member Tammy Schmidt, proudly wearing the team’s yellow T-shirt. “Get Fit is an eight-week challenge that encourages people to live a healthier life. We're in week six and so far for the group we’ve had a total weight loss of 323 pounds."

The reward of good exercise for a good cause was also matched by gorgeous weather and a feast of food donated by area restaurants. As walkers approached the “finish line” volunteers were there to greet them with the triumphant ringing of cowbells and the cheering of onlookers for a job well done.

Dalton Public Safety Advisory Committee Ranks Potential Properties

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:26AM / Saturday, January 04, 2025

Use of town-owned lots near the Senior Center would require a town meeting vote as housing had been designated a priority for the former school property. 

DALTON, Mass. — The Public Safety Advisory Committee has ranked four properties to consider during its feasibility study on locations for a new police station. Two have existing structures, including a residential property, and the others are vacant lots.

 

The committee ranked the locations based on a quantitative scoring and weighting process, considering the properties' location, projected cost, size, and whether it is purchase or lease and whether it's vacant or has an existing structure. 

 

Jacunski Humes Architects LLC of Berlin, Conn., selected to conduct the study, will assess what is needed for an efficient and accredited public safety facility at each site. This will include cost estimates and consideration of scenarios such as building a new facility on a green site, remodeling an existing building, and demolishing and rebuilding potential sites. 

 

The property that obtained the highest rank was First Congregational Church's addition, which has offices in the basement with a walkout and some offices on the second floor on the south end. 

 

According to committee co-Chair Craig Wilbur, purchasing or leasing the property is up for negotiation. The congregation has the 2,600 square foot space listed on for lease on its website. 

 

There is also the possibility of constructing a building farther to the east of the existing church using some of the green space and parking lot. 

 

The committee is unsure if the parking lot is available for consideration but opted to keep it on the list so the architect could evaluate all the potential options for the property.