BCC to host State Senate and House debates
Pittsfield — In advance of the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8, Berkshire Community College (BCC) will host two debates on Monday, Oct. 24, for the State Senate and State Representative candidates. A State Senate debate for the Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden District seat will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. with candidates Christine Canning and Adam Hinds. A State Representative debate between incumbent State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Pittsfield City Councilor Chris Connell for Third Berkshire District seat will follow from 8 to 9 p.m. The debates will be held in Room K-111 of the Koussevitzky Arts Center.
The public is welcome to attend the free events or watch live telecasts on Pittsfield Community Television, which will also provide live and post-event on-demand internet feeds.
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‘Be Seen, Be Safe’ campaign looks to expand
Great Barrrington — On Sept. 14, 2015, a senior citizen was critically injured crossing Route 7 near East Mountain Medical Associates on his scooter at dusk, wearing dark clothing. Several other pedestrian accidents in Great Barrington followed that tragedy.
At the urging of Great Barrington Police Chief William Walsh to come up with a positive response, the AGE (Alford, Great Barrington, Egremont) Triad and the Alford, Great Barrington, and Egremont Councils on Aging initiated a “Be Seen, Be Safe” campaign. More than 50 seniors attended a luncheon on July 13, 2016, at the Claire Teague Senior Center, to have their scooters adorned with flagpoles and reflective tape and to receive “Be Seen, Be Safe” reflective vests. Fairview Hospital donated $500 to cover the expenses.
The pilot program is being expanded on a trial basis with some of the remaining vests. Chief Walsh suggested of having each of his cruisers carry several vests. Egremont Police Chief Tyler Race has offered to do the same. If officers see people walking or running in an unsafe manner either by not facing traffic or wearing dark clothing at dawn or dusk, they’ll offer safety advice and let the people know that reflective vests are available that will allow them to be seen more clearly.
Community members can help by remembering to walk facing ongoing traffic, and wear clothing that can easily be seen. For more information on the “Be Seen, Be Safe” program, contact AGE Triad Chair Bruce Bernstein at (413) 528-8269 or bhbernstein@gmail.com.
