UCP of Western Mass to Celebrate National White Cane Day

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — UCP of Western Massachusetts will host a community celebration for National White Cane Day on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Courtyard at 75 South Church Street in Pittsfield. 
 
This annual observance recognizes the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence for people who are blind or visually impaired and raises awareness about accessibility, mobility, and inclusion.
 
The event will feature:
  • Official Mayoral Proclamation by Mayor Marchetti declaring Oct. 15 as White Cane Day in Pittsfield.
  • White Cane Challenge Course, giving sighted participants the chance to experience navigating everyday activities with a cane while blindfolded with a spotter person.
  • UCP's Assistive Technology department will have a demonstration of "Try It Stations" so that visual users can experience limited or low vision through technology. The department will have other practical devices for the low-vision community.
"White Cane Day is both a celebration of independence and an opportunity for education," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of UCP of Western Massachusetts. "By inviting the public to participate in activities and conversations, we hope to build understanding and strengthen our commitment to accessibility and inclusion in our community."
 
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
 
For more information & to RSVP, contact Liz Irwin at 413-442-1562 x 122, Eirwin@ucpwma.org or visit www.UCPWMA.org.
 
In case for inclement weather, we will hold the event inside 75 South Church St. (the Clocktower Building)
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Radon Reading Closes Pittsfield's West Housatonic Fire Station

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The fire station on West Housatonic Street has been temporarily closed after radon levels were found to be more than twice the normal amount.
 
Personnel at the station were relocated to the department's headquarters, located at 74 Columbus Ave., on Sunday out of an abundance of caution, said Catherine VanBramer, director of administrative services/public information officer. 
 
The West Housatonic Street station, built in 1951, has an officer and two firefighters on each shift. The station's apparatus has also moved to reserve bay at the Columbus Avenue headquarters. 
 
All of the city's fire stations and City Hall were tested. Once test results indicated concentrations above the recommended action level, the city promptly closed the station and began assessment and mitigation efforts. 
 
Initial tests found radon levels three to four times higher than normal, and further testing is planned in the coming days, she said. 
 
The department's headquarters is about 1.2 miles away from the West Housatonic Street station. 
 
"There are instances where PFD personnel are on a call in one part of the city and must respond to another call in a different part of the city.  The team continues to be ready to respond to any calls that are within their service area," VanBramer said. 
 
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