Sheriff Bowler to Hold Annual Picnic

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 2025 Sheriff's picnic will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, from noon to 4 at Camp Russell in Richmond.
 
The event will feature an afternoon barbeque including burgers, hot dogs, smoked ribs and wings.  In addition, lifeguards will be on duty at the camp's pool from 1 – 3 for the children who typically attend this family picnic.
 
"We always look forward to our annual picnic at Camp Russell," Sheriff Bowler said.  "It gives me the opportunity to say hello to many families in our community and talk about programs that I believe are truly making a difference."
 
Admission is $20 and kids under 12 are free.
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Lanesborough Seeks State Support for Berkshire Mall Redevelopment

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires.com
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town plans to petition the state to take ownership of the Route 7/Route 8 Connector Road, which officials believe is a "critical component" of the Berkshire Mall’s redevelopment strategy.
 
On Tuesday, the Select Board approved a letter to state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III to request their support for the vacant mall's redevelopment by helping advance transfer of the Route 7/Route 8 connector and considering funding for essential infrastructure.
 
"We have held discussions with the Baker Hill Road District … which will take the necessary steps to formally petition the commonwealth to take over ownership of the Route 7, Route 8 connector…Your continued support in facilitating this transfer is greatly appreciated," the letter says. 
 
Berkshire Mall owner JMJ RE Holdings has said the potential sale and redevelopment of the mall hinges on dissolving the Baker Hill Road District, a condition of the agreement that, if unmet, would render the contract null and void.
 
As a result, the mall will continue to deteriorate and the litigation will proceed forward, said Tim Grogan, of JMJ. 
 
Vera Farrell, the liaison to the Baker Hill Road District, said the district board had discussed at one of its most recent meetings that the connector road could be transferred directly to the state, rather than returned to the town; Barrett and Mark were also a part of the discussion.
 
"The representatives recommended that as an option, that it could transfer the connector road directly to the state, as opposed to deeding it back to the town to dispense it. If we get to that point, that would be a better option to do it that way," Farrell said. 
 
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