Ranch Life 101 Summer Program Opens at Berkshire HorseWorks

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RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks' Ranch Life 101 summer program, now in its third season, is open for registration. 
 
The program, held on a private seven-acre ranch in Richmond, is designed for children ages 5-12. 
 
Running for six weeks from June 30 to Aug. 7, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Ranch Life 101 offers an immersive experience for young horse enthusiasts.
 
Co-facilitated by early education specialist Chris Ciepiela and Eagala advanced certified equine specialist Hayley Sumner, the program focuses on life skill development through interaction with horses. Activities include ground-based and mounted exercises, basic riding skills, yoga, trail walking, ranch chores, and nature-based arts and crafts.
 
The program emphasizes personal growth, fostering patience, friendship, trust, confidence, responsibility, and mentorship. Scholarships and sliding scales are available to ensure accessibility for all interested children.
 
Berkshire HorseWorks is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has been providing equine-assisted therapies and activities for 10 years. They have served over 3,500 individuals, including at-risk youth, veterans, and families. For more information or to register, contact Berkshire HorseWorks at 413-698-3700 or info@berkshirehorseworks.com.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Connecticut Man Killed in Otis Tractor-Trailer Crash

OTIS, Mass. — Thursday's collision between two tractor-trailers on Route 8 killed one of the drivers. 
 
Antonio Luis Marcucci, 32 of Waterbury, Conn., was northbound at about 9 a.m. Thursday when he apparently lost control of the truck and veered into the southbound lanes, colliding head-on with a southbound tractor trailer, according to police. 
 
According to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, police dispatched to 1322 South Main Road found the truck with Connecticut plates in the northbound lane and a truck bearing Oklahoma plates lodged in a snowback on south side. 
 
The officer began rendering aid to the northbound driver, identified as Marcucci. He was pinned inside the cab of his truck. He was extracated and transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield by Otis EMS, where he was pronounced dead.
 
The driver of the Oklahoma tractor trailer in the southbound lane did not receive serious injuries.
 
Early investigation, including dash camera footage captured by one of the tractor trailers, shows the Oklahoma tractor trailer was traveling in the southbound lane and the Connecticut tractor trailer was traveling in the northbound lane, according to the DA's Office. The Connecticut tractor trailer lost control veering off the other side of the road ultimately ending on the southbound lane. Shortly after the two tractor trailers collided in a head on collision.
 
The investigation remains ongoing.
 
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