RSVP of Berkshire County Wheels for Wellness Program Seeks Volunteer Drivers

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Berkshire County (RSVP) is seeking volunteer drivers for a new collaborative initiative, the Wheels for Wellness Program. 
 
Wheels for Wellness is a free ride service for Berkshire County residents of all ages who need transportation to vaccines sites and medical appointments.
 
The program is a partnership between RSVP and the following organizations: Berkshire Community Action Council, Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative, Community Health Programs, Berkshire Interfaith Organizing, Berkshire Health Systems, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
 
"We recognize that there is a considerable gap in available transportation, not just for seniors, but for many other members of our community and throughout the Berkshires," said RSVP Director Jeff Roucoulet. "As more people become eligible for vaccinations, we want to ensure that Wheels for Wellness provides transportation services to those who need this and other critical resources."
 
Volunteers must meet the following criteria (mileage reimbursement is available):
  • Be between 55 and 79 years of age;
  • Have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and safe driving record;
  • Provide proof of insurance;
  • Be available for shifts (of your choice) or on-call;
  • Attend a 90-minute orientation session;
  • Must be at least two weeks beyond full immunization (one or two shots); and
  • Comply with mask and safety protocols; drivers and riders must be separated in the vehicle.
Here's how the program will work:
Appointments for rides can be made by calling 413-395-0109 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.  Appointments must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
 
Rides will be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 
Passengers will be picked up in front of their residence. Please note, riders using this service must be able to get into the back seat of the vehicle without assistance. For safety purposes, each
driver's car windshield will display a specialized Wheels for Wellness placard for identification.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Mail-In Ballot Instructions Had Date Error

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Town voters started receiving mail-in ballots yesterday for the upcoming special election but were surprised to find an error. 
 
The ballots had printed instructions to have them returned to the town by Nov. 5, 2024, information left behind from the general election in November. 
 
The special election to decide who will fill the vacant Select Board seat will occur on Feb. 3. 
In December, the board also approved mail-in ballots. 
 
Select Board member Marc Strout took to his Select Board Facebook page to inform constituents of the error and provide an update. 
 
He explained that Chair Robert Bishop, Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson, and Town Clerk Heather Hunt had been notified, and the situation had been referred to the town attorney.
 
"It is the Town Clerk, which is an elected position, responsibility to make sure all information is correct so that we can have a proper election ... I will advise when I have more information. I am extremely frustrated at this developing situation," he wrote on the page. 
 
As soon she found out about the situation on Saturday, Hunt and her assistant Patty Mele-Nichols went to the Town Hall to rectify the situation. 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories