Dalton Invites Community Input on Hazard Mitigation Plan

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DALTON, Mass. — The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee is seeking community input on the Hazard Mitigation Plan it has been working on updating over the last few months
 
The plan identifies and prioritizes strategies to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and climate change on our community.
 
There will be an open comment period until Tuesday, May 7, during which residents can share their perspectives to inform the plan. 
 
The committee said public engagement lies at the core of the Hazard Mitigation Plan and that it is imperative it reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of community members as the town moves to mitigate risks posed by natural hazards and climate change. 
 
The public can review and comment on the plan online and copies are available in person at the Town Hall. 
 
Town officials and local stakeholders developed this plan with funding support from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
 
A number of town officials from various committees and departments have been working with the consultant to discuss the area's hazards and update the hazard mitigation plan to minimize the risk to people, property, and the environment. 
 
In addition, the goal of the plan is to increase the town's capacity and promote a hazard mitigation culture in the community through education, regulations, planning, and collaboration with neighboring regions.
 
Departments and committees, or commissions, involved in this process included the Water, Building and Ground departments; Police, Fire, and Health departments; Conservation Commission members, and other town officials.
 
Once implemented, the Hazard Mitigation Plan is designed to make the town more resilient to natural hazards such as flooding, snowstorms, high winds, and extreme temperatures. 
 
Once approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and adopted by the town, the plan will allow Dalton to apply for pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant funds.

Tags: hazard mitigation,   

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School Officials Offer Condolences for Herberg Student's Sudden Passing

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Herberg Middle School student has been identified as the presumed drowning victim at Benedict Pond in Great Barrington last week. Earl Giver Essien, who would have entered eighth grade in the fall, was remembered for her brightness in personality and academics.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis shared reflections from Herberg staff at the beginning of Monday's School Committee meeting. Faculty say Giver was a remarkable seventh-grade student whose "bright light shone brilliantly in every aspect of her life" and a "diligent rule follower who was structured and always on time."

"She was known for her strong and confident presence," Curtis said.  

"Giver loved learning and was driven by an insatiable curiosity, always asking great questions and excelling academically. She was a seeker of justice, advocating passionately for herself and everyone around her. Her warm and kind nature made her a beloved figure among peers and teachers and staff alike."

The student cherished her family deeply and had a great love for art and music, he added.

"Giver's happiness was infectious and he had a sweet tooth, especially for candy," Curtis said. "She will be remembered by the entire Pittsfield Public School community as a bright, joyful soul who touched many lives with their kindness and zest for life."

He sent his condolences to Giver's family and friends and offered full support from the Pittsfield Public Schools in any way it can. The Essien family has informed the district that services are expected to take place this week.

According to Great Barrington Police, first responders received a 911 call shortly before 2 p.m. on July 17 of a teen who was unaccounted for in the pond's beach area.

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