News Briefs: DA addresses Massachusetts Probation Service, Trial Court employees; GB bulky waste collection

Harrington addresses Massachusetts Probation Service, Trial Court employees

Clinton — Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington recently spoke to nearly 300 Massachusetts Probation Service and Trial Court employees about her vision for reforming the cash bail system.

Harrington presented “Bail Reform: A Vision for Equity, Fairness, and Public Safety” at the Massachusetts Probation Service Training Academy earlier this month. Alf Barbalunga, chief probation officer for the Berkshire Southern District Court and president of the Massachusetts Chief Probation Officer’s Association, introduced Harrington at the special training event for cultural proficiency champions, probation service staff members who voluntarily attend regular diversity trainings and serve as ambassadors at courts and community corrections centers across the Commonwealth.

The four-hour event explored issues of gender, race, ethnicity and inclusiveness. It kicked off planning for the Trial Court’s second annual Cultural Appreciation Week scheduled for Sept. 23–27. Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey and probation Commissioner Edward Dolan also spoke. Deputy Commissioner of pre-trial services Pamerson Ifill, who conceived the regular trainings and annual Cultural Appreciation Week, coordinated and attended the event.

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Transfer station to accept bulky waste

Great Barrington — The town recycling center and transfer station, 601 Stockbridge Road, will hold a bulky waste collection Saturday, April 27, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Town residents may drop off their residential bulky items at no charge. Business waste will not be accepted.

Disposal items include:

• Furniture including couches, recliners, tables and chairs;
• Mattresses and box springs;
• Rugs and carpeting; and
• Window and door frames, windows, doors, screens, etc.

Items that will not be accepted during this special collection include:

• Demolition debris;
• Household trash;
• Household hazardous wastes;
• White goods (washers, dryers, refrigerators without Freon);
• Computer screens and televisions;
• Household appliances such as vacuum cleaners and toasters;
• Tires and auto batteries; and
• Yard waste.

For more information, call the Great Barrington Department of Public Works at (413) 528-0867.