Berkshire Schools Recognized at Safe Rules to Schools Event

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Silvio O. Conte Community School was recognized by MassDOT's Safe Routes to School program.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), through its Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, held its annual awards ceremony to recognize the program's partner schools, community champions, stakeholders, and crossing guards who have made contributions within their communities by strengthening, promoting, and improving safety for students walking, biking and rolling to school.

Silvio O. Conte Community School was one of the 273 school partners, community champions, and crossing guards recognized. The school was named an Exemplary Program of Western Mass.

This recognition is awarded to schools that set a "great example" by crafting a new or existing Safe Routes to School Program through innovation, creativity, and engagement.

Berkshire Bike Council were also recognized with a Community Collaboration award. This acknowledgment is awarded to an alliance partner organization that demonstrates the importance of collaborating among schools and community stakeholders and furthered the mission of Safe Routes to School

"We are thankful to all the school communities and the advocates whose input through the Safe Routes to School Program helps us identify the specific strategies, resources and tools needed to better protect our school children," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "Their dedication makes a meaningful difference, and these awards are a token of our appreciation not just for the winners whom we congratulate, but for everyone who has contributed to the important mission of keeping all road users safe."
 
This year's Awards Ceremony honored 273 schools across Massachusetts that completed SRTS activities and events qualifying them for partner level awards of Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Awards for Exemplary Program were presented to four schools (with three Honorable Mentions). The Community Collaboration and Nikki Tishler Memorial awards were also presented.

Other schools recognized in Berkshire County:
  • Brayton School and Colegrove Park Elementary received basic partner certificates.
  • Clarksburg Elementary School, Greylock 
  • Elementary School received bronze partner
  • Morris Elementary School received silver partner
  • Silvio O. Conte Community School received gold partner
For the fourth year, the Program recognized the important role Crossing Guards have in supporting families' safety as they access schools and neighborhoods across the Commonwealth. Over 500 Crossing Guard nominations were submitted for consideration from 48 statewide communities.

 


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Thanksgiving Angels Show Up for Increased Need

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Cole, 6, and Trey, 3, stock bread for the Thanksgiving Angels in this provided photo.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As the cost of living continues to rise, so does the need for Thanksgiving Angels.

The meal kit distribution effort has surpassed last year's numbers, serving more than 2,200 local families in need. Around 500 volunteers have helped with the entire process and on Monday, around 100 volunteers packed into the South Congregational Church for drive-through distribution.

Generosity is the engine that has powered Thanksgiving Angels for around 15 years.

"The community is so incredibly generous with financials and their time and helping us to pull this off," co-Chair Gretchen DeBartolo said.

"… it's a lot of hands, an awful lot of hands, and without that, there'd be nothing."

There were about 600 home deliveries over the weekend for the elderly, those with disabilities, and those without a vehicle.

"People have been generous with in-kind donations and with money," co-Chair Hope Amandos said.

"I think we will be able to cover our expenses. I think we did well with donations."

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