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The gazebo at Wahconah's getting a bit of a glow up thanks to Eagle Scout Logan Kunde.

Wahconah High Senior Renovating School's Gazebo

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School senior Logan Kunde will be renovating the school's gazebo.  
 
The Central Berkshire Regional School Committee approved the initiative during its meeting in June. 
 
Kunde decided to renovate the high school's gazebo for his Eagle Scout Service Project. Planning and developing a service project is the fifth requirement of the Eagle Scouts, highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts.
 
The project is a significant milestone in a Scout's journey as it represents their dedication to leadership and service, which are two of the most important values a scout embodies, Kunde said. 
 
For many Scouts, it is their first business project and is one that they have complete control and responsibility over, he said. "And its success will lead to multiple opportunities and successes later in their lives."
 
As part of the project, Kunde will remove the gazebo's frames and screens, power wash and stain it with different colors. 
 
Kunde plans on starting the project this week and hopes to have it complete by July 20. 
 
"During this experience, I have reinforced my time management skills, overcome multiple setbacks, and taken charge of my own work — all skills that are necessary for success in a fast-paced working environment," he said. 
 
Kunde first planned on doing his project in late June but "unfortunately" learned at the "last minute" that he needed to obtain permission from the School Committee first. 
 
The day of the committee's meeting, June 27, was also the day Kunde was leaving for vacation. 
 
"Obviously, I was frustrated by this turn of events, but I had no other option. I postponed my project, went to the board meeting, got approval, and promptly went on vacation the next day," Kunde said. 
 
In addition, the project was originally going to be "a simple cleaning and painting job," but the school's representative Kunde had been working with requested a number of other things, "including moving the gazebo and setting it into the ground," Kunde said.  
 
A job like that would have been far too big to handle, so Kunde negotiated with the representative and reached a settlement that resulted in the removal of some screens and the addition of the renovation. 
 
"These setbacks, while annoying, are indicative of what a work life will be like in the future. Sometimes, things don't go the way you want, and you have to adapt to your situation accordingly," Kunde said. 

Tags: Boy Scouts,   WRHS,   

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Pittsfield Announces a New Program to Help Fill Vacant Storefronts

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield announced the availability of refundable state tax credits for businesses through the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program (MVSP). 
 
These credits are offered to companies that choose to occupy commercial spaces that have been vacant for at least six to twelve months.
 
The MVSP was established to support municipalities in revitalizing their downtown and commercial districts. By encouraging businesses to move into long-term vacant storefronts, the program aims to foster economic development and invigorate community spaces. Refundable tax credits serve as an incentive for businesses to fill key vacancies within a city's downtown or commercial area.
 
To further these efforts, the City of Pittsfield is collaborating with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and the Berkshire Black Economic Council. These organizations are working alongside the city to assist businesses interested in occupying vacant storefronts, particularly in the downtown area and along the Tyler Street corridor.
 
For more details about the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program and how to participate, reach out to Justine Dodds at the City's Department of Community Development at jdodds@pittsfieldma.gov or 413-499-9368.
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