MCLA's Sam Gomez Fund-Raiser Race Returns April 7

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass..— The MCLA Student Government Association’s 46th annual Sam Gomez Road Race will be held and around the campus of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts on Sunday, April 7.
 
With the help of loyal sponsors and runners, SGA has raised more than $30,000 for Berkshire-based organizations over the past two decades. This year, SGA has chosen Louison House as its 2024 not-for-profit beneficiary.
 
Runners or walkers can register at www.mcla.edu/samgomez.
 
Community members, families and friends are encouraged to take part or donate to this worthy cause. The April 7 race kicks off at 11 a.m. Check-in time will be from 9:30 to 10:45 on the first floor of the MCLA Campus Center in the Marketplace.
 
Runners who wish to complete the 5-kilometer race will be timed by our partner organization, the Berkshire Running Center, and times will be available afterwards. All runners who register will receive a race T-shirt, and medals will be awarded to top finishers and kids under 10.
 
The Sam Gomez Road Race is one of the oldest races in Berkshire County. Thanks to the generosity of our loyal sponsors and the support of the local running community, the race has been a successful North Adams tradition for more than 40 years.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North County Welcomes New Veterans Agent

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city has appointed Kurtis Durocher as its new veterans agent, and he hopes to connect with as many veterans as possible.
 
"I have been deployed five times, and so I can speak on that level. I can speak on the disability level. I can speak on many levels that these guys coming in here can relate to," he said. "Whether it's the vent or just to let somebody hear their voice. I definitely gravitate towards that, and I let them know that I have been in their shoes."
 
Durocher, a retired master sergeant with 20 years of military experience, assumed the role in February, succeeding former agent Mitchell Keil. He was most recently director of learning and employee development at BFAIR.
 
His military career includes multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and his decorations include the Purple Heart and bronze star medals among others.
 
"I joined the Army in 2001. My first day was actually the day the towers fell," he said. "So I did 20 years as an infantryman and retired as a master sergeant in 2021."
 
Durocher, originally from Williamstown, said he has settled into the position but is still learning. He said he is familiar with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system.
 
"I understand the VA portion of it really well, Chapter 115," he said. "So it's just kind of one of those muscle memory, repetitive things. I love it. It's great. It's kind of what I wanted to do when I got out so it's perfect."
 
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