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Annual Vigil Honors 56 Victims of Drunken Driving

Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue says the memorial is to remember those whose futures were stolen 'by a single, reckless decision' by someone who drove drunk.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Fifty-six candles were lighted Sunday to honor victims of drunk drivers.

The 37th annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving vigil was hosted by the Berkshire District Attorney's Office and the Massachusetts State Police. Grieving friends and family lit a candle in honor of their loved one at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

"We come together to remember and to honor the victims of drunk driving. Those whose lives were tragically taken and the families who lost loved ones due to a senseless act," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said.

"Today, we hold candles in remembrance to symbolize the light that once shone brightly in their lives and the darkness that was left in the wake from their loss. Each flame represents a person, a child, a parent, a friend. They were people with dreams, aspirations, and families who loved them. Tragically, their futures were stolen by a single, reckless decision made by someone who chose to drive under the influence."

While the gathering reflects on the pain and grief that these preventable tragedies cause, he asked that attendees also reflect on the strength that is shown by living and keeping the memory of their loved ones close.

"Every life lost to drunk driving is a reminder of the urgent need for all of us to take action and also stress the importance of responsible choices. Driving drunk is a choice," Shugrue said, adding that the office will do all that it can to hold drunk drivers accountable.

"I will continue to honor your loved ones through this pledge."

During the ceremony, the Grace Notes of Miss Hall's School performed three songs. Assistant District Attorney Alex Cerbo and Joseph Yorlano, assistant DA and chief of the motor vehicle homicide unit, delivered readings.

Retired State Police Lt. Brian Berkel read the names of the 56 people who have been lost, including three new names since 2021, and State Police Detective Lt. Ryan Dickinson and Lt. Ryan Mauer lit the candles. Below are the names.

North Adams Police Officer George O. Angeli
Barbara LaFrance
David Arthur
Michael Ashline
Moira Banks-Dobson
Jerome Berard
Bernie Brazee
Regina Brazee
Clinton S. Brown
Darrell Brunett
John Cicchetti
Charles "Chuck" Cleveland
Lisa Cooney
Michael Coty
Michelle Crews
Danny Curry
Thomas Curtis
Scott Demary
Joseph Donahue
Thomas Dragon
Erin Dufour

Habitat For Humanity Modular Homes Coming to Robbins Ave.

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:33AM / Friday, April 11, 2025

The homes will be available for residents earning between 55 and 65 percent of the area median income. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The first of two below-market modular homes arrived on the West Side on Thursday, and both are expected to be move-in ready this summer.

The other is expected next week.

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity is building two below-market condominiums at 112 Robbins Ave. for families earning between 55 percent and 65 percent of the area median income. Monthly costs for the three- and four-bedroom units are expected to be less than $1,500 with Habitat's subsidies.

Modulars allow for quicker construction to get more families into quality, affordable housing.

"Just because we have such an aggressive schedule this year, we are doing many modulars in addition to the stick-built that we usually do," communications manager Erin O'Brien explained.

Just this year, the nonprofit is constructing five homes in Pittsfield and 10 in Housatonic.

The two homes at 112 Robbins Ave. will come to $148,000 for a three-bedroom with the 20 percent subsidy and $156,000 for a four-bedroom. Similar homes in the Pittsfield area are valued between $225,000 and $250,000.

While prices are subject to change, the three-bedroom condo will cost owners about $1,430 per month and the four bedroom $1,495 per month, compared to renting in the city for more than $1,800 per month. Habitat noted that this provides a potential annual savings of $4,500 to $6,000, while building equity and long-term financial security.

The eligibility range between 55 percent and 65 percent AMI is said to support families who earn too much for most housing subsidies but still struggle to afford market-rate homes.