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North Adams Fire Department Delivers Turkey Donation

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Local firefighters not only fight fires, but hunger, too.

The North Adams Firefighters Local 1781 donated 20 turkeys to the Salvation Army on Monday afternoon to help those struggling to feed their families this holiday season.

Salvation Army Captain Katherine Corno said she received a call from the Fire Department asking if her organization would be interested in 20 turkeys.

Corno said with the closing of the hospital, the extra turkeys came at just the right moment.  

"The phone has ringing nonstop," Corno said. "This year, there is larger spike in families in need of aid and grandparents raising their grandchildren. There is no discrimination in needs, and we do the best we can do with what we have."

Firefighter Michael Goodson said the department usually tries to do something every year for the community. He said this year, firefighters decided to do a little extra because more people need help.

"This year we wanted to do a little something extra because there are a lot of people out there in need," Goodson said. "There are a lot of people out there that are having hard times. A lot of people don't have jobs and have to worry about Christmas, the holidays, and food so this is our way of giving back."

Fire Director Stephen Meranti said the local fire department tries to do more than just fighting fires.

"This shows these guys really do care about the community," Meranti said. "It goes beyond just fighting fires."

Corno said the turkeys will be handed out Tuesday through the pantry program. She said there are also hams available when the turkeys run out.


Tags: donations,   holiday story,   NAFD,   turkeys,   

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North Adams Navigators Honored for Enrolling Residents In Affordable Health Plans

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Health Connector joined lawmakers at the State House to recognize representatives from community Navigator organizations, including Ecu-Health Care of North Adams, for their work to enroll residents into affordable Health Connector plans in advance of the upcoming deadline for Open Enrollment, which is Jan. 23.
 
Free, local help is available in-person and in multiple languages for residents applying for a plan with Ecu-Health Care, which serves Northern Berkshire, and other Navigator organizations across the commonwealth.
 
"Massachusetts requires everyone to have health insurance, so if you don’t have coverage, now is the time to enroll," said Audrey Morse Gasteier, the executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. "The Health Connector provides help paying for coverage for many people, which means residents can get a plan that gives them access to the care and services they need. We are here to help enroll anyone without health insurance so they can kick off the new year with the peace of mind that comes with affordable, high-quality health coverage."
 
Most people who apply for coverage through the Health Connector qualify for ConnectorCare, which makes coverage more affordable through lower premiums and co-pays, and the elimination of deductibles.
 
ConnectorCare plans are only available through the Health Connector and provide no-cost prescriptions for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. A two-year pilot program started in 2024 expands the income eligibility to the program, with income limits for 2025 plans at $75,300 for an individual and $156,000 for a family of four.
 
People can apply for ConnectorCare or other Health Connector coverage at MAhealthconnector.org, which also includes information on community Navigator locations. Ecu-Health Care is located on the North Adams Regional Hospital campus and can be reached at 413-663-8711.
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