The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. is to provide Berkshire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Statement of Inclusivity
Elder Services practices non-discrimination in employment practices and service delivery. Embracing diversity, our in-home and community-based services are available to all without regard to race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle.
Clients and families comment about Elder Services
By Christopher McLaughlin, Executive Director of Elder Services
of Berkshire County
Berkshire Senior
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich-Jegtvig, Laura Feakes, Christopher McLaughlin, Kathleen Phillips, Susan Guerrero, Kara Graziola and Peter Olsen.
Advertising: To place an advertisement in Berkshire Senior, please contact Amy Filiault at (413) 496-6322 or e-mail advertising@berkshireeagle.com.
Berkshire Senior is published bi-monthly by Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc., 73 South Church Street, Pitts eld, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242, e-mail: esbc@esbci.org or on the internet at www.esbci.org.
NOTICE
Berkshire Senior advertising helps to the defray the costs of producing the newspaper. Inclusion of advertisers in no way implies that Elder Services endorses any product or service.
Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of Elder Services. For medical, nancial or other advice, seek a quali ed professional in the appropriate eld.
Elder Services and its programs are funded, in part, by the Executive O ce of Aging & Independence (AGE).
State and federal funds provided to Elder Services are limited. Elder Services welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully acknowledges all donations.
Hoping all is well with you and yours.
We are living in unprecedented times. All the news coming out of Washington is anxiety producing and causes me to wonder if funding cuts and federal program eliminations are heading our way. Fortunately, as of today, I am happy to say that we are not aware of any federal funding cuts or program eliminations that will impact Elder Services. Nonetheless, I thought we would take a break from the doom and gloom in this issue and focus on something a little more uplifting.
I would like to share some of the recent feedback we received from our clients and their families. We receive phone calls, e-mails, letters, cards, and voicemails throughout the year from people who want to make us aware of their experiences with our Agency and our staff.
What follow are the actual comments received from our clients and family members, or the narratives provided by our staff from phone conversations they had with families and clients:
“I met Sue shortly after arriving at the nursing home. I thank God for putting Sue in my life. Words cannot begin to describe how grateful I am to be blessed with such a caring, dedicated, and loving person as Sue. Thanks to Sue I am no longer in the nursing home. With her diligence and hard work, I now have a fully furnished handicap accessible apartment. Sue has helped me above and beyond, from helping me to get my social security card, birth certificate and real ID, to helping me with my social security disability and opening a bank account. I am so grateful for Elderly Services having a truly genuine, caring, and loving employee in Sue. If possible, I would without a doubt nominate Sue for employee of the year.”
“I wanted to share a message I received from a daughter of clients Dan saw recently. She wanted to share that Dan was absolutely wonderful. He seems to have been doing this job for a long time and knew how to work well with older adults and their children. Her parents were very happy with Dan and complimentary of him when he left. The daughter wanted to share she felt Dan was a good hire and to make sure we keep him on.”
“Thank you, Phyllis, for helping me with my health insurance! And thank you everyone at Elder Services for helping us old folks out in
continued on page 4
The Fourth Of July
by Kara Graziola
Independence Day or the Fourth of July has been a federal holiday since 1941. On July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and approved the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Two days later on July 4, 1776 was the actual date that the process was complete.
Fun fact: Massachusetts was the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.
When the Revolutionary War began in 1775 many colonists did not want complete independence from Great Britain, but by the following year many realized that increased hatred and bitterness against Britain would change their minds. In June 1776 Congress appointed Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin and Robert Livingston and requested they draft a formal statement that would advocate and support the need for Independence from Great Britain. Of the 13 original colonies, only 9 voted in favor. The other colonies either voted against it or were undecided. The original Declaration of Independence is currently housed in the National Archives in Washington D.C.
Fun fact: Three U.S. Presidents have died on July 4th – John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and
James Monroe.
Early Fourth of July celebrations and traditions included concerts, bon fires, parades, public readings of the Declaration of Independence and firing of canons and muskets. It’s believed that fireworks were first used as early as 200 BC. Setting off fireworks first took place in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777 and they were only the color orange! It was actually John Adams who first predicted such celebrations, writing to his wife Abigail shortly after the Declaration was approved; “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, (shows) Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
Fun fact: Did you know that New York City has the largest fireworks display in the entire United States?
Not so fun fact: In 2024 there was an estimated 6,400 firework related injuries in the U.S. so, it might be a good idea to leave the firework displays to the pros.
The Fourth of July is a great day to celebrate our Independence by attending a local parade, fireworks display or barbecue with friends and family. Many cities and towns in Berkshire County will offer their own parades, 5K races
and fireworks displays. The Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade is the largest parade in Berkshire County with its first parade being held in 1801.
Fun fact: Americans eat about
155 million hot dogs on July 4th. I hope you enjoy the July Fourth Holiday! Be safe, have fun and remember the history of the Holiday. Oh, and have a hot dog (with mustard, of course).
Comment About Elder Services
continued from page 3
every way! Your kindness is much appreciated.”
“Dear Sheri, meeting you was such a breath of freshness and oxygenation to my being. The memory of your visit lingers so pleasantly. I finally got the opportunity to prepare a strawberry ricotta cheesecake from scratch again and to share it on Valentine’s Day. I’ve been enjoying preparing “HelloFresh” ingredients – a renewal for sure!”
“Dear Paul, I want to thank you, sincerely, for letting me sit in on two sessions at Sarah’s house. Honestly, it helped me so much to have the support. Sometimes navigating the system is quite daunting. Your willingness to help and your calm demeanor were so very appreciated. I also thank you, immensely, for sending me the housing application. That was very appreciated, too, it was great to meet you, Paul.”
“A consumer expressed that Kim has been very kind and helpful every time they come in and it really eases their anxiety by being welcomed. I just wanted to recognize that I&R staff does a great job making our clients who may be experiencing a lot of anxiety feel at ease and welcomed here.”
“Jesse just came to visit me and do my assessment. I wanted to say that he has to be one of the sweetest guys I have ever met. He is such an asset to your Agency. Not only is he smart but he is just so kind and should get a pat on the back because he is really deserving of it.”
“Hi Jillian, Thanks again for all your friendly help! We already heard from Guardian Angel, and they’ve scheduled mom in for tomorrow for installation! Yay! So fast!
“Thank you so much again! I think my mother is feeling very nurtured, protected, and cared for and that it is really bringing down her anxiety levels a lot and helping her to relax!”
“To Elder Services Staff, both individuals and all: A few impromptu words of gratitude and congrats on the new location. Back in the autumn, a copy of a Health Care Proxy was run off for me to pick up. SHINE assisted me with a query on Part D Medicare.
A “Bonnie” handled that well. My thanks again. I saw the pamphlet on “Options Counseling” and thought that it came across as a needed and potentially highly useful service. I will look into it late spring or early summer. It’s reassuring to have that out there! Thank you for your work there at E.S.”
These are comments about some of our wonderful staff and the programs and services they support.
These comments reflect the importance of the services our staff provide and how they impact our clients and their families. If you or someone you know needs a little bit of support and assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at (413) 499-0524.
We would love to hear from you!
Until next time be good, be kind and be careful.
Writing a Legacy Letter
by Peter Olsen
Your will is completed. Everything of value has been designated for one or more of your family or friends. It may even be probated. So …you have completed your intentions for after you pass on. You’re all done. You can pass in peace. Not so fast. You know where all your stuff will go. But what about your values? You have spent a lifetime cultivating your ethics, values, and morals. Don’t you want your progeny to know about those? You are so much more than the accumulation of your possessions.
Legacy Letters
What’s a legacy? Some have called it an ethical will. Either way, it is a letter you construct; a personal statement “reflecting the important life experiences you want to transmit to your children, grandchildren, or other loved ones” (Jay Sherwin). It’s your way of being remembered, not just for your “stuff” you give to others, but your “values” that others might want to know. Your values more deeply express who you are or what you might have been more fully and accurately than your “stuff’. You can express gratitude, request forgiveness, make amends, and pass on essential values you have amassed, coveted, and cultivated over your lifetime.
Writing letters has become a lost art form. Writing your legacy letter revives this old tradition while strengthening ties between generations. It has become so rare since you have received a personal letter, imagine how your family members would feel getting a personal letter from you. Legacy letters take many forms. They document your values, experiences, and life lessons. They can equally express hopes, attitudes, blessings, and thankfulness.
Thanks to Jay Sherwin (Jaysherwin.com), we can learn how to write a Legacy Letter.
It becomes easier to categorize specific life experiences and write about each one. For instance, consider your essential life lessons worthy of transmitting to your kin – personal experiences, lessons learned, life rules you lived by, etc. Begin by identifying them, writing them down on paper, and then including them in a letter format.
Next, remember a legacy letter is not a memoir. It’s just a few pages, three or four is sufficient, unless you are longwinded. It’s a brief opportunity to reflect on life’s meaning and for you to share that in the
letter. Please don’t wait to start or think too long. Speak about your life purposes, meaningful experiences, and hoped-for expectations. What did you wish you had done differently? Which brings us to our regrets. ,
I am sure you have regrets. Write about them openly and honestly. They will reflect on your regrets and hopes and learn from them. Writing about your life trials and tribulations can help those who come afterward find the courage to explore life differently. Perhaps you regret what you have not done. Admitting your regrets can inspire other people and reveal your humanity. We learn valuable lessons from our mistakes, and so will our children.
Lastly, acknowledge what you are grateful for. How have others enriched your life? Describe in detail what you are thankful for and why. There are so many lost opportunities you forgot about where you meant to say” thank you.” Now is a good time to do so.
Now think about sending the letter. You can choose to send it now or after you’re gone. Either way is effective for different reasons. But don’t think about not sending it. These are the most crucial attributes of your life that you must pass on in your “Ethical Will” (contact Jay Sherwin on his website for more information about constructing a Legacy Letter.
Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and warm sunny days, but it is important to keep your health the number one priority. Here are some important things to keep in mind so that you can enjoy your summer safely.
Protect yourself from mosquito and tick bites and the illnesses they can carry.
Mosquitoes and ticks can spread diseases that make you sick if they bite you, such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. The best way to avoid these illnesses is to protect yourself from bites when you are outdoors. Both ticks and mosquitoes are often found around vegetation, including in your own backyard. Peak biting times for mosquitoes are from just before dusk until dawn. Ticks seeking a host to feed on are most
active April to October. Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks to reduce exposed skin outdoors, and use an EPA-approved insect repellent. Light colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot. Repair torn screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors and remove standing water around the house to prevent them from breeding. Check yourself and pets for ticks as soon as you come inside. If
you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers. Call your doctor if you see a rash or feel like you have the flu, especially if you have been exposed to ticks. For more information go to www. mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks.
Protect your skin and eyes.
Older people are more susceptible to vision loss, so
wear sunglasses to block your eyes from harmful UV rays. Protect your skin from damage by wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. The sun is strongest between 10am – 4pm so plan activities early in the morning or later in the day. Know the side effects of your prescriptions - some medications can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Be sure to review with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Prevent trips and falls.
Uneven patio pavers, outdoor rugs, slippery pool decks and sandy beaches can all cause seniors to lose their balance. Keep yard and patio areas well lit and wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Use a walking device if your gait is unsteady. Keep cool and hydrated.
Est.1931 CompleteServiceof Monuments&Markers
100WahconahSt. Pitts eld,MA01201 (413)442-4149
DonnaBrewer,Owner
StevenJBrewer,Director
Seniors are vulnerable to dangerous illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke brought on by extreme heat. When we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature because older adults don’t sweat as much. Older adults also store fat differently, which can further complicate heat regulation. Consciously drink more water than usual to avoid dehydration. Limit time in the sun to no more than 1-2 hours. Find a shady spot, go swimming, go to the movies, eat a popsicle! At home, use a fan or air conditioning. During periods of sweltering heat, call your senior center to ask about available cooling centers. Be mindful of signs of heat stroke, including confusion, dry skin, headache, nausea, rapid pulse and excessive tiredness. Make sure you seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms.
Following these basic safety guidelines means you will be able to enjoy a nice, long summer full of fun!
Thank You To Our Donors:
The following donations were received between March 1, 2025 and April 30, 2025. Donations received on or after April 30, 2025 will appear in the next issue of Berkshire Senior.
Memorial Donations
In Memory of William Broderick
Katherine Broderick
In Memory of Lawrence H. Kirchner, Jr.
At Home with Berkshire Place
Stanley & Lorie Slonski
Gary Chrisholm
Charles Masterone
In Memory of Annie, Oz, Jack & Elvis
Nancy Stuart
In Memory of Patricia Smith
Susan O’Donnell
Nancy Grande
In Memory of: Linda Bourguard
Kathi & Daniel Lampron
Elder Independence Donations
Trad Campbell
Mary Corbett
Ann Ghublikian
Robert & Phyllis Anderson
John Dominguez
Jane Ruzicka
Margaret O’Connor
Marion Ortwein
Terry Cardin
Benjamin Schawinsky
Roseann Kudlate
Walter & Mary Blair
Robert & Elaine Lee
Robert Bellville
Virginia Giddens
Mark & Karen Daigle
George & Betty Sweet
Sharon Mendonsa
Maureen Marrone
James Wolfe
Shirley & Val Tornicelli
Patrick Litano
Paul & Janet Carter
Andrew Powdermaker-Potler
Gary Burke
Virginia Florczyk
Mary Hayes
Wallace Morrison
Thomas & Nioma Coen
Maureen Marrone
Joyce & Henning Carlson
Renato Armas
Patricia Davis
Anthony & Amy Anderton
Delmore & Georgette Kinney
Richard Macht
Marie Percarpio
Nancy King
Lawrence & Kathleen Carmel
David & Ruth Zappula
Bill & Pam Lundergan
LiUNA Local 473
Robert Carlino
Richard Macht
Marie Percarpio
Suburban Internal Medicine
Mary Hayes
Elliott & Grace Snyder
Debra Kelly
Linda Wagner
Mary Miner
Meals on Wheels Donations
Tamar Schrager
Alice Rose
Frederick Mason
Steven Carver
Congregational Church of West Stockbridge
Pitts eld Center Happenings
Jennifer Reynolds, DirectorPittsfield Senior Center & COA
Located in the heart of downtown Pittsfield, the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center serves as a welcoming space where seniors can engage, connect, and thrive. Operated by the City of Pittsfield, our programs and services are designed to foster wellness, creativity and socialization. Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Froio Senior Center is a vibrant community hub offering something for everyone.
A Wide Array of Programs and Activities
At the Froio, seniors can participate in an exciting lineup of activities that cater to a diverse range of interests. Whether you’re looking to stay active with exercise and wellness programs, enhance your technology skills, or express your creativity, there’s a class for you. The center boasts a fully equipped ceramics room with ample greenware, paints, and its very own kiln, as well as a full-service woodshop capable of
BERKSHIRE COUNTY LEGISLATORS
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Congressman Richard Neal
372 Cannon House O ce Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5601
24 Beacon Street, Room 274 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2676
District O ce: (413) 442-4300
Tricia.farley-bouvier@mahouse.gov
Sen. Paul Mark
24 Beacon Street, Room 504 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-1625
District O ce: (413) 464-5635
Paul.mark@masenate.gov
accommodating various projects.
Dining
and Social Opportunities
In partnership with Elder Services of Berkshire County, the Froio offers congregate lunches every weekday at 11:30 AM. Seniors are encouraged to sign up at least 24 hours in advance, and while a $3 donation is appreciated, it is not required. Additionally, the Friends of the Pittsfield Senior Center operate the Friends Box Office Café, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Here, visitors can enjoy coffee, breakfast, snacks, and lunch at a moderate cost.
Supportive Day Program: Helping Seniors Age in Place
The Pittsfield Senior Center also runs a Supportive Day Program (SDP), known as the Happy Club, which provides respite care for individuals aged 55 and over who are facing challenges such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, loneliness, or social isolation. Operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this program follows a social model aimed at
delaying or preventing nursing home admission while offering caregivers much-needed relief. Participants enjoy fun activities, social interaction, and a sense of accomplishment.
For more information or to schedule a trial visit, contact Janie Bates, Supportive Day Program Coordinator, at (413) 4999346 x212 or via email at jbates@ cityofpittsfield.org.
Exciting Events and Community Engagement
The Froio is constantly evolving, with new activities, summer barbecues, and special events on the horizon. The center is also thrilled to take part in Pittsfield’s First Fridays, further integrating seniors into the cultural and social fabric of the community.
We welcome new members and fresh ideas! Come explore all that the Froio Senior Center has to offer—you’re sure to find something that enriches your life and connects you with others in a meaningful way.
6/2-6/8
2025 Berkshire County Farmers’ Markets
by Laura Feakes
Find the Bounty of Massachusetts Agriculture at your Local Farmers’ Market! You can expect to find a wide array of fresh vegetables and fruits. You may also find baked goods, maple products, honey, eggs, farmstead cheeses, apple cider, jams and jellies, flowers, and even turkey and meats.
To make the Farmers’ Markets more affordable to all, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs). The coupons are usually not available until after July 1. Check with your local Council on Aging or Senior Center after that date. To be eligible for the coupons you must be 60 years of age or older, or disabled and living in senior housing where congregate nutrition services are provided, and your gross household income (i.e. before taxes are withheld) must be no more than 185 % of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. The 2025 guidelines: 1 person household, $28,953/yr ($2,413/m); 2 persons $39,128/yr ($3,261/m). Farmers’ Market Senior Coupons
are worth $25 per booklet ($5 each coupon) and are used like cash with participating farmers at certified Farmers’ Markets. Look for the Farmers’ Market Coupons Accepted sign at individual farmers’ stalls at the market. If you do not see the sign, just ask the grower if he/she participates in the program. No change is given for the coupons, so be sure to use the full amount of every coupon with each purchase. The coupons expire October 31st.
Many Farmers’ Markets are able to accept EBT-SNAP benefits. To use your SNAP benefits at the Market find the Manager’s or Information Booth when you arrive. Tell the person at the booth you would like to use your EBT card at the market and they will explain how it works. If you are a SNAP household you will be automatically enrolled in HIP, the Healthy Incentives Program and may be eligible to receive $1 back on your card for each dollar you spend on eligible fruits and vegetables, up to a monthly limit. Check out www.mass. gov/hip for more information. Another program available at some Farmers’ Markets that supplements SNAP benefits is Market Match – it matches purchases paid for by SNAP
up to $30 each week. For more information about Market Match go to www.berkshireagventures. org/market-match-fund-inaction-1. SNAP benefits can also be used for online ordering at some markets.
In addition to the established Farmers’ Markets listed below, the Berkshire Mobile Farmers’ Market brings locally grown food to areas in our community of low income and/or low access to fresh food. Payment is on a tiered/sliding scale to make shopping at the market affordable for all. A customer’s payment tier is based on their selfdisclosed information – they can choose to pay either retail price, use SNAP/HIP/Senior Coupons, or pay nothing at all (using the market as a food pantry). They strive to make shopping at the market a stigma-free, welcoming experience. For the schedule, go to berkshiremobilefarmersmarket.org.
Berkshire Area/Lanesboro Farmers’ Market
Berkshire Mall South Parking Lot; Route 8 Until November – Saturdays, 8 am - 2 pm
See them on Facebook
WIC / Senior Coupons Accepted, SNAP-EBT/HIP accepted by select vendors only
Great Barrington Farmers’ Market
18 Church Street
Until November – Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm
WIC & Senior Coupons, & EBTSNAP/HIP Accepted, offers Market Match
greatbarringtonfarmersmarket.org, also on Facebook
Lee Farmers’ Market
Town Green next to Town Hall & First Congregational Church Until October – Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm
WIC & Senior Coupons, EBTSNAP/HIP Accepted, offers Market Match leefarmersmarket.com
See them on Facebook
Lenox Farmers’ Market
134 Main St, St Ann’s Church Until September - Fridays, 11 am - 3 pm
WIC, Senior Coupons, EBT-SNAP Accepted by select vendors only lenox.org/lenox-farmers-market
New Marlborough Farmers’ Market
Village Green (134 HarstvilleNew Marlboro Rd)
Sundays 10 am - 1 pm through September
WIC, Senior Coupons Accepted On Facebook
North Adams Farmers’ Market
Main St, until October, Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm
WIC, Senior Coupons & EBTSNAP/HIP Accepted, offers Market Match northadamsfarmersmarket.com
Otis Farmers’ Market
2000 East Otis Rd-Papa Food & Fuel, Rt 23
Until October – Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm
WIC & Senior Coupons Accepted, SNAP-EBT/HIP accepted with select vendors only
Pitts eld Farmers’ Market
On the Common across from the First Street Parking Lot
Until October – Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm
WIC, Senior Coupons, & EBTSNAP/HIP Accepted, offers Market Match farmersmarketpittsfield.org, also on Facebook
She eld Farmers’ Market
Old Parish Church Parking Lot (125 Main St)
Until October – Fridays, 3 - 6 pm WIC & Senior Coupons, EBT-
SNAP/HIP Accepted, offers
Market Match
sheffieldfarmersmarket.org see them on Facebook
Stockbridge Farmers’ Market
Town Hall, 50 Main St. www. stockbridge-ma.gov also on Facebook
Wed 3 - 6 pm June 25 – September
Offers SNAP, Senior Coupons, Market Match
West Stockbridge Farmers’ Market
Foundry Green on Harris Street-
Village Center
Until October 6 –Thursdays, 3 - 6 pm
WIC, Senior Coupons, & EBTSNAP/HIP Accepted, offers Market Match
weststockbridgefarmersmarket.org
See them on Facebook
Williamstown Farmers’ Market
Spring Street parking lot
Until October –Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm
WIC, Senior Coupons, HIP, SNAP Accepted, offers Market Match williamstownfarmersmarket.org
USDA Non- Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, a Complainant should complete a form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be
obtained online at: https://www. usda.gov/sites/default/files/ documents/USDA-OASCR%20 P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
(1)mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2)fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or (3)email: program. intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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Come Along for the Ride
by Susan Guerrero
Something exciting and magical is happening at 50 Center Street in town with the reopening of the Berkshire Carousel. This summer, riding the 40 hand-carved and colorfully hand-painted jumping horses, and one donkey, is sure to thrill grandparents and their grandchildren, as well as kids of all ages. The carousel will operate weekends and on First Fridays, for two dollars a ride and for special occasions, through December. Then it will close for three winter months.
The Berkshire Carousel’s reopening has made a lot of people in the community happy, especially after the well-loved attraction stood silent and vacant for the past several years. The rebirth is thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, many of whom made the carousel horses; major supporters, Jim and Jackie Shulman; and Janet Crawford, a dynamic, courageous woman who is also a talented equestrian artist, and volunteer coordinator of the huge project. The core group of hard working volunteers on board with the reopening include Morgan and Teri Davis, Phil O’Rourke, Stephanie Talanian, Peter Kolben, and Katy Levesque, according to Janet.
Jim Shulman, president of Berkshire Carousel, Inc., and his wife, Jackie, got the original idea for the carousel more than 20 years ago. They have been heavily involved in the project from the beginning. Shulman said the carousel, which he considers “a real work of art,” is his way of giving back to the community in which he grew up. The Shulmans now live in Ohio, a total of 630 miles from Pittsfield. He credited Janet with doing an “incredible job in preparing the Berkshire Carousel to open on June 14.” Shulman and his wife, Jackie, are funding the anticipated grand opening “as a thank you to the many supporters, business leaders, families, sponsors, and
donors,” Shulman said. He added that he and his wife are also funding “complimentary rides” for everyone on opening day. He said he hopes “others will consider doing the same as the summer season unfolds.”
While the carousel was once offered to the city, Janet said it “became clear that it would take time to get approval.” “After discussing the options with our volunteer group, we decided to try and reopen it ourselves,” she said. “The Shulmans agreed and the board approved our effort.” Janet said she felt the best way for the future of the carousel to become clear was to get it open. They all “shared the
same enthusiasm and the plans were set,” she explained. “We all feel that the horses should be enjoyed again and can’t wait for the opening.”
The Berkshire Carousel has quite a history behind it. It has been a long time coming.
Way back in 2005, Shulman, a Pittsfield native and a psychologist, proposed launching the carousel in town. He met with a diverse group of local business, civic, and government leaders, who all voiced approval of the project, according to published accounts at that time. Plans for the future carousel began in earnest. For the next 11 years,
volunteers hand built the horses, chariots, and rounding boards for the carousel, Janet said. Paintings on the rounding board show scenes throughout the area and were skillfully and exquisitely painted by volunteers, including Janet and Teri. “Many of the volunteers had little or no carving experience and learned the skills to create these beautiful horses,” she noted. “It really is an incredible art project. Over 200 volunteers spent hours carving, and painting,” she said, adding, “The carousel shows what can happen when a community works together.”
The Shulmans actually bought the land on which the
Janet Crawford of Berkshire Carousel
carousel sits for almost $400,000 in 2005, according to published reports. It was one of the countless community donations showing strong support for the project. Numerous local businesses gave tons of materials, time, and money to get the carousel up and running the first time, when it opened in 2016, and, once again for the second opening. The carousel ran for three seasons, attracting thousands of enthusiastic riders until it ran into local leadership and some financial operating challenges. Sadly, the former executive director of the Berkshire Carousel, the late Maria Caccaviello, died in 2020, adding another loss to the operation that closed to the public in 2019. Since then, the carousel and its spectacular horses have been silent and forlorn with shuttered doors. Many Berkshire county residents have lamented its closing and voiced numerous letters to the editor of the local newspaper to suggest ways it could reopen.
Janet, whose enthusiasm for the project is infectious, said
the Berkshire Carousel is an incredible asset to Pittsfield. “It will offer an amazing event space for parties of all kinds (including) birthdays, bridal and baby showers, reunions or holiday parties.”
She added that it adds a beautiful backdrop for any occasion and is affordable to rent.
Plans for the operation are to create a new patio with food trucks, picnic tables, and yard games to offer a great spot for families to visit this season, Janet said.
“We’ll be open weekends from 12 to 5 p.m. and on First Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. Our goal is to provide an affordable family friendly attraction for locals and tourists to enjoy this summer.”
Janet and the enthusiastic group of volunteers who have worked hard with Jim Shulman on reopening the carousel have plans to offer holiday events at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas,” Janet noted, with possible visits from Santa.
“Long term, we would love to see art shows and a holiday village at the location,” she said.
“Overall, a pleasant spot to visit for some treats and fun, along with enjoying the ride. We joke about it but we’d love to create a Hallmark movie setting here in Pittsfield.”
Regarding the reopening, Shulman noted that while the Board of the Berkshire Carousel has been involved in every step of the way, it has been a team effort under Janet’s leadership to keep this incredible gift and work of art in the Berkshires and once again operating.
The goal for the carousel is for people in the community to come forward to keep it going, Shulman said. It is a community carousel and kids who ride it this summer will remember it when they are adults and bring their own kids to ride. In 1999, years before even before coming to Pittsfield with the idea of creating a community carousel, Shulman said he attended a Williams College commencement. The late actor, Christopher Reeve, from his wheelchair, told graduates that “an important thing is for them to remember their roots that gave them a good platform to succeed
in life,” Shulman recalled. He said his wife actually came up with the concept of creating a carousel as a gift to the Pittsfield community. It needed to be a social, family, and recreational piece and engage the entire community. He began to read as much as possible about carousels, the kinds of horses that people would ride, and make plans for the future. Shulman is now 80 years old. He said he retired from his profession 26 years ago and, now, with the Berkshire Carousel, Inc. as owner, and a strong core of volunteers moving the project forward, he’s ready to retire from carousel operations, as well. He noted that he and Jackie live 630 miles from the Berkshire Carousel.
He commended two long-time volunteers of the carousel, Teri and Morgan Davis, for being “tireless workers getting the carousel in excellent and safe condition.”
Teri, a talented artist, painted many of the scenes that are part of the carousel’s rounding board. Her husband, Morgan, earned State Certification as the carousel
mechanic. Any volunteer who plans to help run the carousel will be trained by him.
Shulman said Jules Gillette of the Gillette Shows of Pittsfield, helped obtain licensure to operate again.
“It has been a team effort that built the carousel from its inception in 2005,” he said.
Janet said she became involved in the carousel project when her friend, Pam Crawford Bruno, asked her to help with a horse that she was involved with sponsoring through Oasis Hair Salon, “Beauty was the first horse that I helped paint,” Janet said. “Once I learned that there were still spots available, I designed The Aristocrat and Callaway’s Merry Go Round, the Hackney and American Saddlebred horses. The breed organizations helped support the project because the carousel is a unique way to promote our show horses.” Janet painted five horses total but the two show horses she designed and completed were her real connection to the project, she said.
“The Aristocrat, in particular, was a perfect addition to the
carousel,” Janet said. “One of the first importers of the Hackney Pony to America was Cassilis Farm in New Marlborough, MA. The history of the breed and its ties to Berkshire County were meant to be honored on the Berkshire Carousel.” Janet explained that the Aristocrat has the classic braids and short tail of a Hackney Pony with trappings that nod to British heritage.
Each of the horses on the carousel has a story behind it, Shulman said. One of the horses is in memory of his late Aunt Joyce. She loved the color black, had a black dog, and was a fan of the Boston Red Sox. The horse “Joy” incorporates all of those things.
The donkey, “Missy”, that’s part of the carousel, is the favorite of Kevin O’Hara. He is a former nurse and local author. He actually rode a real donkey named Missy, all around Ireland, Shulman said.
Janet’s interest in carousels evolved very early in her life. While growing up in Rhode Island, there were several carousels. “I loved the thrill of
riding the carousel, even after I had my own pony,” she said. “The lights and colors, along with the real reins and tails made a lasting impression.” Many of the Rhode Island carousels are still operating, Janet said, “such as Crescent Park and Riverside.”
She explained that the Hackney and Saddlebred horses of the carousel were developed over several years.” The process began with a painting of the horse which was then made into a full size blueprint. The pieces of the horse were then carved and sanded separately at first, then assembled.” Final details and more sanding (come) before the primer and paint stages, she noted. “The painting is done in two steps, enamel for the saddles and trappings and oil for the bodies. I was involved as a painter for five years but each of the show horses took about six months to a year to create.”
Janet said currently the carousel reopening planners are fundraising for various projects such as the carousel’s patio and pavilion. A Preview Party at the carousel, catered by Zucchini’s, is slated to be held in late May.
“The event rentals, daily operations, and sponsorship will help the carousel thrive,” Janet said. “We invite local businesses to sponsor Free Ride Days this season In order to open, the carousel needed inspections and a state license, all of which have been completed, Janet said. “We have an excellent group of new volunteers signed up and trained but welcome more,” she said. “Right now, we have about 25 ready to fill various roles including operators and ticket
sales. We’ll also need people to help with grounds maintenance, sponsorship, and other roles. Janet said that with a large group of volunteers, including those willing to serve on weekends, everyone can enjoy participating and still have their own vacations and summer fun.
“The great people at the City of Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., RSVP, BCARC, and local businesses are all helping out,” Janet said. “Once we get open and people start enjoying this wonderful carousel, we’ll all work together to make this location the best that it can be. If, in the future, the carousel is ever moved, it will be moved out of Pittsfield, she said. However, at this time, everyone involved plans to make the current place “a great location. “There is parking near the carousel and, on some special occasions in the future, the parking lot of Miller’s Supply, 205 West St., will be open for parking, according to the Berkshire Carousel Coordinator.
While Janet grew up in Rhode Island, she has lived in the Berkshires since 2001.
“The cultural aspect of this area is fantastic and the natural beauty of the area is outstanding,” she said. “Overall, I love the people. The Berkshires has it all----horses, culture, and a community that supports each other. “The Berkshire Carousel will also be the Visitor Center for the area on weekends, Janet said. “Our volunteers will assist tourists with their knowledge of the region and the brochures of Berkshirebrochures.com.
People interested in supporting the Berkshire Carousel can send checks to Berkshire Carousel, Inc., c/o Joanne Conti, P.O. Box 59, Sheffield, MA 01257. Venmo is @ Berkshire Carousel. (Please include contact information.)
Berkshire Carousel, Inc., is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization.
To reach Janet Crawford, go to equineartwork2@gmail.com
So the Berkshire Carousel is going to be a great place to bring the family and visitors this summer. Tourists, too, will enjoy visiting the attraction. As stated on the carousel’s website, everyone is invited to “Come Along for the Ride.”
Volunteer Recognition 2026
Passwords TECHNOLOGY CORNER
by Perry Burdick
Passwords are the very definition of a necessary evil. I have seen so many little, black password books with scraps of dog-eared papers hanging out of the pages. Inside, the book is a mishmash of scratched-out handwritten passwords for every account imaginable – none of which work. Gone are the days when your password could be, “password1.” I googled (yes, that is a verb now) “password checkers” and I chose one from the list. I entered “password1” and it reported that it would take “less than a second” to crack that password.
Password cracking is the process of using a program to identify an unknown password. I think understanding how password cracking programs work would make it easier to understand how to choose a strong password. A brute-force attack is a trial-and-error hacking method used by cybercriminals to obtain your login information. A brute-force program will attempt to guess your password by using an algorithm (a systematic process that accomplishes a task) to cycle through a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, the software might start with “AA” and then try “AB”, then “AC”. When the twoletter passwords are completed, It would move on to three-letter passwords, for example: AAB, AAC, and so on. It is inevitable that eventually the brute-force method would stumble across your password. There are over 400 trillion combinations for passwords between 8 and 15 characters in length. The downfall to brute-force password cracking is the amount of time it would take to iterate through all of those combinations – it could take years! The longer your password, the longer it takes. A lot of websites require passwords
to have lowercase characters (a-z), uppercase characters (AZ), numbers (0-9), and symbols (~!@#$%^&*). These characters aren’t included in a brute-force password attempt until further along. This would also make it more time consuming to crack your password. A win for sure. In order to expedite the process of cracking your password, cybercriminals can employ several techniques. A dictionary attack is one of those techniques. A list of dictionary words is bounced against your password to try to guess it. Using a word from the dictionary as your password is definitely a bad idea. I entered the word “apple” into my aforementioned password checker website and it again stated, “less than a second.”
If cybercriminals combined the brute-force attack with a dictionary attack to make it less random, that would speed up the process immensely. So passwords like “Cheese4” would be attempted well before it stumbled across the combination. To make this situation even more hopeless, whenever a data breach (bad guys break into a database) occurs, all of those passwords are shared with all of the other bad guys. Those passwords are then utilized to break into other
accounts. Jeez, are passwords even useful any more?
I can give you some suggestions: Longer phrases for passwords are better than shorter, more complex passwords, and easier to remember. The password “p@55w0rd” is a very common pattern and is much easier to crack than “ILikeToEatPaste”. The former password would be cracked in “less than a second” and the latter would take “centuries.”
The uppercase, lowercase requirement is fulfilled, but not the symbol and number requirement. Quite simply, add punctuation to the end of your phrase: “ILikeToEatPaste??” Hint: I think the exclamation point is way overused and any self-respecting bad guy is going to always try an exclamation point. Numbers are also easy to add. How about, “ILike2EatPaste??” or, “IAtePasteIn1932??” Avoid basing your password on information about you that people might be able to find out, for example, your birthdate, dog’s name, and your children’s names. Pro tip: Some letters look like numbers or symbols. Develop a password habit to always substitute the @ for the letter a, or the 1 (one) for the lowercase l. Be creative!
So you’ve got this great password that can’t be cracked for centuries, what do you do now? Use it everywhere?
BZZZZTTT (insert buzzer noise here) Nope! I cannot stress this enough: you should use separate passwords for important sites. You unknowingly go to a fake website and sign-up for the free donut of the month club. You give them your email address and your shiny new password. You also gave them the keys to Email Kingdom. They log-in to your email account and search through your email for the word “bank.” Your bank name popsup and the bad guy then logs-in to your bank account and has complete access to all of your hard-earned cash. Frighteningly easy. So, PLEASE people, have unique passwords for important websites.
The last item on the list is something called multi-factor authentication, or MFA. MFA is a service that has become the de facto standard for website security. After logging-in, a passcode (usually a six-digit number) is texted to your cell phone and you are asked to submit that number to complete the login process. The bad guys can only log-in if they have your cell phone AND your password. You are trading convenience for an added layer of security. If you are trying to access the website on your cell phone, it might come down to a couple of extra clicks. I HIGHLY recommend MFA. The most difficult part is probably the setup. If you are not computer savvy, ask someone who is to help you.
I’ll summarize the article: Phrases are better than complex, shorter passwords. Always have uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Never use the same password for important websites. Finally, multi-factor authentication is a very good idea. Be safe online, be tech literate and have a great spring.
Berkshire Senior Television
Currently airing on PCTV
Currently airing on PCTV, Channel 1301
Channel 1301 Access Pitts eld
Access Pitts eld
Broadcast schedule: PCTV channel 1301
Broadcast schedule:
Mondays at 5:00 p.m. ▪ Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. ▪ Saturdays at Noon
Mondays at 5 p.m., Tuesdays at 3 p.m., Thursdays at 11 a.m. & Saturday 11:30 a.m.
Or watch online, ON DEMAND on pitts eldtv.org.
Thank you to our friends at PCTV for all their help in making Berkshire Senior TV accessible to our community.
Restoringindependenceis ourprimary goal
WetailorPhysical,Occupational,andSpeechTherapiestoindividualneeds,using personalizedprograms withtargetedexercises, treatments,anddaily living activities.
Isaac Share, ESBCI Supervisor of Home & Community Based Programs discusses volunteering with the Director of RSVP, Lisa Torrey.
BERKSHIRE COUNTY
Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. NUTRITION PROGRAM SENIOR COMMUNITY DINING CENTERS
The status and o erings of the Senior Community Dining Centers are likely to evolve. Please call for the latest update.
Eligible seniors 60 years or older are welcome to attend any Senior Meal Site. Reservations are requested 24 hours in advance. The suggested donation is $3.00 per meal. All contributions are returned to the community toward the cost of the Senior Nutrition Program. Those 59 or under are welcome at the required fee of $8.00 per meal.
MEDICALLY TAILORED MEALS
Elder Services now provides medically tailored meals (MTMs). MTMs help meet the nutritional needs of seniors with health conditions that require speci c diets such as diabetes and heart or kidney disease.
MTMs can be delivered to individuals at their home ve days a week. Menus are developed by our registered dietician and trained sta .
Call Elder Services at (413) 499-0524 to request a special meal such as pureed, cardiac, diabetic, renal and vegetarian.
ersnon-medicalin-homecarefor seniorslivingintheirownhome.Our skilledandknowledgeablecaregiversaretrustworthy,dependable,andkindheartedandprovidetheassistanceneededtoensureahappy andhealthylife.Itcanbechallengingtoadjusttolivingindependentlyafter naturaleventslikeaging,illness or disability.
