NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded Northern Berkshire EMS a $464,980 Operations and Safety Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
"It's a huge benefit for us in terms of capital expenses. It is a huge relief for us, landing these grants," Northern Bekshire EMS General Manager John Meaney Jr. said.
The competitive grant is part of a $15.78 million fund awarded to emergency services across the state. Although it is labeled as a firefighter grant, a portion is carved out for emergency medical services. Meaney said, in total, the grant is nearly $511,000 with a federal share of almost $465,000.
This year the funding will replace ambulance power cots and power load systems.
"We have the power cots that actually carry the patient, and then the power load systems are the systems that actually pick the stretcher up and put it into the ambulance," he said. "It is much safer for the patients and for the providers. It saves on back injuries and things of that nature."
Meaney said all of the ambulances can be fitted with power cots but the ones currently installed are nearing the end of their useful lives. He said the current stock is between 10 and 13 years old.
The cots cost $36,000 each while the load system costs $31,000. He said they will order six power cots and three power loaders.
Additionally, the money will help replace and upgrade the ambulance fleet radios.
"So we're upgrading those to triband radios, multichannel, multiband radios, which gives us access to multiple frequencies all in one radio. Which is very helpful because we cover a large geographic area," he said. "So if you go over to Franklin County, they're on a different frequency range than over here in Berkshire County, so we'd have to have two radios in the ambulance. So now we're able to kind of consolidate all that into one radio."
The grant will also help Northern Berkshire purchase three base radios.
Lastly, the grant will allow it to send eight paramedics to further their training to the Critical Care Paramedic certification level.
Additionally, Meaney said there was some money left over from a previous grant that they will use to fund an emergency medical technician course. Those interested in becoming an EMT can take advantage of free training.
"We're trying to really drum up staff levels," he said. "Because that is still a concern right across the industry so we want to bolster our staff."
The course will start in October and those interested can apply online or contact Northern Berkshire EMS at 413-664-6680.
Meaney also provided a fleet update and said it continues to get refreshed with the newest addition coming in three months ago
"We've taken delivery of six newer ambulances over the last couple of years. We typically don't replace them on that type of schedule, but due to backlog of production and supply shortages all stemming from COVID, that's just how backed up they've been," he said. "If you place an order for an ambulance today, you're probably going to see it in two years.
Currently, there are eight vehicles in the fleet with four more on order.
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MCLA's Gallery 51 to Debut 'Materialscape' Exhibition
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MCLA's Gallery 51 will host an opening reception for a new exhibition titled "Materialscape" featuring the work of three visual artists who explore the intersection of materiality and land.
The exhibition opens on Friday, Sept. 6, with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. including light refreshments and a performance by Marissa Baez. The exhibition is on view through Nov. 3.
According to a press release:
"Materialscape" introduces the work of three visual artists—Marissa Baez (Mexican American), Delaney Keshena (Menominee), and Mikayla Patton (Oglala Lakota), each distinctively exploring the intersection of materiality and land. Their intentional use of material is deeply rooted in their cultural and personal journeys, manifesting either as a form of reclaiming or as a continuation. Ash, beeswax, metal, porcupine quills, paper, animal hide, and plants are not merely mediums but pivotal elements central to their expressive practices. By employing both natural and synthetic materials, the artists collectively share stories, memories, and histories that powerfully reflect on the contemporary Indigenous experience.
Through diligent research and the embrace of communal knowledge, these artists delve into the complexities of identity, resistance, and resilience. Their works act as a dynamic exploration of the interplay between culture, environment, and personal narrative, illustrating how deeply embedded materials can convey profound thematic inquiries. As they navigate through themes of dispossession and regeneration, their artworks resonate as potent symbols of cultural reclamation and personal revelation, offering insights into both shared and unique paths of Indigenous persistence and creativity.
The reception is free and open to the public. Gallery 51 is located at 51 Main St., North Adams, MA.
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