Berkshire South 5K Fundraiser Returns

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center's 5K Fall Fun Run returns this year on Sunday, Sept. 29. 
 
The walk/run starts and finishes on the runway of the Walter J. Koladza Airport in Great Barrington, with check-in beginning at 8:00 a.m. and a race start time of 9:00 a.m.  The annual event is a critical fundraiser for Berkshire South's free Teen Outreach Nutrition and Exercise program (TONE).
 
New this year is a Family Scavenger Hunt, which takes place at 9:30 a.m. and is appropriate for children ages 10 and under.
 
"Students in the TONE program learn about what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Crucially, the program allows for all students to have access to facilities for which there's typically a fee. This is extremely helpful for students who come from low-income backgrounds and who do not have the means to pay for memberships. The program gives students the opportunity to learn about health and nutrition, how to exercise safely, and make smart choices for their overall wellbeing," said Jenise Lucey, executive director of Berkshire South.
 
Registration for the event will remain open at berkshiresouth.org/5K for a discounted rate of $35 through noon on Saturday, Sept. 28. Registrations on the day of the race require a $45 entry fee. The first 100 entrants receive a race t-shirt. Snacks will be available post-race and prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in various age brackets.
 
The 5K is a family friendly event. All fitness levels are welcome. The 2024 5K Fall Fun Run will be administered by the Berkshire Running Center. Those who are not able to participate in this year's walk/run are encouraged to make a donation at berkshiresouth.org/5K.
 
Berkshire South thanks this year's 5K sponsors: Ed Herrington, Inc, The Montessori School of the Berkshires, Berkshire Corporate Retreats, SS Home Improvements, Berkshire Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center, C.W. Nelson Land Design, Sheldon Glass Service, Ormsbee Gas Co, Inc, Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, Race Mountain Tree Service, Timpane Construction, Inc, Adelson & Company PC, Lee Audio 'N Security, Inc, and Reliable Yardworks, in addition to the Great Barrington Airport. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Butternut Fire Expands to Sheffield, Covering 1,100 Acres

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The fire expanded during to the night to cover more than 1,100 acres. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Butternut Fire has expanded tenfold, now covering almost 1,100 acres of forest and spreading to Sheffield.

Just before noon on Wednesday, the town reported that the wildfire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain had unexpected growth overnight. It spread over 100 acres on Tuesday and on Wednesday, was estimated to cover slightly less than 1,100 acres.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Around 2 p.m., the Great Barrington Fire Department reported via Facebook that "significant fire" was extinguished by using a Blackhawk helicopter to drop 600 gallons of water. Water is now being pulled from Three Mile Pond in Sheffield.

The blaze is being referred to as the Butternut Fire due to its proximity to Ski Butternut, which has confirmed there is no damage to the ski area.

"At this time the fire is more than a quarter of a mile from the nearest structures and there are not any immediate threats to the public. There have NOT been any evacuation orders at this time. We have strategically placed structural fire crews in the areas where there is the POTENTIAL for us to operate in a protection mode to protect homes and property," the town's press release reads.

"In the event of a need for an evacuation order, residents will be notified through Code RED along with in-person door-to-door notifications of the affected area — an information post will be shared on how to sign up if you are already not signed up."

The fire was first reported Monday evening and by 9 p.m., firefighters were pulled from the mountain because of the hazardous conditions. On Tuesday morning, neighboring departments were called in to help contain the blaze.

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