Berkshire County Kids' Place Annual Jimmy Bernardo Memorial Motorcycle Ride

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center, Inc., invites the community to join us for the 30th Annual Jimmy's Ride on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.

This tradition honors the life of Jimmy Bernardo and raises essential funds to help children and families heal from abuse and violence.

The ride begins at Berkshire County Kids' Place, 63 Wendell Ave in Pittsfield, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands up at 11:00 a.m. Riders will travel a scenic 90-minute route through Berkshire County, ending at the Tavern at the A 303 Crane Ave in Pittsfield for the After Party, which starts at noon.

The After Party is open to the public and welcomes everyone, whether you ride or just come to celebrate. Enjoy food, raffles (for purchase), and music.

In addition to supporting child abuse prevention and healing services, this year's event highlights a growing concern: online child safety. Attendees receive free internet safety resource bags, filled with age-appropriate materials. While supplies last.

"For 30 years, Jimmy's Ride has stood for protecting children and creating a safer community," said Mary, Ron, and Rob Bernardo. "This year, we're proud to honor that legacy by expanding the mission to include online safety, because today, protecting kids doesn't end at the front door. It also means safeguarding them on every screen and device they use."

The event honors the life of Jimmy Bernardo, a Pittsfield native who tragically died in 1990. For 30 years, Jimmy's family, friends, and the broader community have come together in his memory to support the work of Berkshire County Kids' Place, the region's fully accredited Children's Advocacy Center, serving families from Berkshire County.

All proceeds from Jimmy's Ride support Kids' Place programs, providing free, specialized services to children and families impacted by neglect, abuse, exploitation, and domestic violence.

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Utility Pole Collision Closes East Street in Pittsfield

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — East Street north of Junction Road was closed off Monday afternoon after a vacuum truck apparently pulled down wires and at least one utility pole. 
 
The accident occurred just before 3 p.m. near J.H. Maxymillian Inc. and involved two other vehicles. 
 
Truck, branded to Maxymillian, apparently caught on a utility pole, pulling it down on top of cars. A second pole may also have affected. 
 
According to scanner reports, one of the poles "completely snapped" with a vehicle underneath it and wires were down in two locations.
 
A Hyundai Tucson's roof was smashed in at the rear and the back window broken. A Honda apparently hit or was hit by a pole based on the damage to its front end. 
 
The bottom of the pole was hanging near the Honda and the top appeared caught on the suction boom of the vacuum truck in the other lane. 
 
The Fire Department initially responded but cleared the scene about a half hour later. Both Verizon and Eversource responded to the scene. 
 
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