image description
Arthur Alpert, left, Michael Case and Bonny DiTomasso were thanked by Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis and Chair Richard Peters for their service on the Central Berkshire Regional School Committee. The three are not running for re-election.

Write-Ins Needed for CBRSD Committee Vacancies

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story
DALTON, Mass. — Last Thursday's Central Berkshire School Committee meeting marked the end of term for three members, who have decided not to run for their seats again. 
 
The committee said goodbye to Vice Chair Bonny DiTomasso and members Art Alpert and Michael Case. 
 
These members have given their time and passion to improve the district, committee Chair Richard Peters said. 
 
"Their support has been invaluable to the families and students at Central Berkshire [by] making sure we have the right resources and their input around their knowledge about teaching and learning and social, social and emotional learning," Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis said.  
 
Voters will have many decisions to make during the Nov. 5 elections, including a new president, five ballot questions, and a new state representative for the Third Berkshire District.
 
They will also decide how to fill eight School Committee seats, six of which will require write-in votes. 
 
Dalton has three open committee seats, while Becket, Hinsdale, and Washington each have one. Since no candidates are running for these positions, they will need to be filled through write-in votes. 
 
The Peru and Windsor seats also have vacancies. Peru's Planning Board member Kimberly Wetherell is running for the Peru School Committee seat, and School Committee member Elizabeth Lounsbury is running for re-election in Windsor. 
 
DiTomasso, Alpert, and Case were presented each with a floral arrangement.
 
DiTomasso has been on the committee for 8 1/2 years, Alpert for six years, and Case for almost 13 years. 
 
Case said he learned a lot about small-town politics, how to work with others, and gained an appreciation of community during his tenure.
 
A highlight of DiTomasso's time on the committee was getting Wahconah Regional High School built $2 million under budget during a pandemic. 
 
Alpert said school boards often get a bad reputation, but this school committee has worked together for the betterment of the school community, the children, and the staff. 

Tags: CBRSD,   election 2024,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire Veterans Mark 50 Years Since Vietnam War End

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — County veterans gathered over the weekend to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's conclusion, recognizing the horrors that soldiers endured long after returning home.

Master of ceremonies Lenwood "Woody" Vaspra said when most Vietnam veterans returned, there were no tributes, recognition, speeches, parades, or even handshakes.

"For many of them, it was a horrible return home from Vietnam in a very chaotic time," he said to a crowd in Park Square on Saturday, National Vietnam Veterans Day.

The Vietnam War officially ended 50 years ago in May 1975. Fifty-two years ago, the last American troops departed Vietnam. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

"We're here to join together as a people, to honor the brave men and women who have stood in defense of our country and for all the countless men and women who are still serving in harm's way all around the world," Vaspra said.

He explained that this day provides the opportunity to pay special tribute to the many Americans who served in the war, the 58,281 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to those who never received the recognition they deserve.

"It is time to say thank you and honor all Vietnam veterans," he said.

During his remarks, Vaspra explained that many veterans have been able to re-enter society, go to school, find a job, and raise a family, but their war experience never went away.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories