Berkshire South to Provide Weekly Free Community Suppers

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center is expanding the free Community Supper program, in time to support those losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds in November. 
 
This increase is the result of over a year of dedicated planning and fundraising to strengthen food security efforts and to expand access to nutritious meals for all. Plans were accelerated when the news of the SNAP benefits being held for the upcoming month were announced.
 
"It's an important step forward in serving our neighbors and the fact that it comes during a time of increased food insecurity makes it all the more meaningful," said Executive Director Jenise Lucey.  
 
Free Community Suppers started on Monday and will continue every Monday. Some weeks, the meals will be in-person dining (no take-out) and some weeks will be take-out only. These efforts are made possible by the generosity of volunteers, donors, and partners who share Berkshire South's belief that no one in this community should go hungry.
 
"We encourage everyone who is able to support local organizations providing food assistance, whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about available resources," said Lucey. "Together, we can ensure that every member of our community feels supported and seen during these challenging times."
 
Community Suppers are free every Monday from 5:00-6:00 pm at the community center located at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. No reservations are needed, but meals are available on a first come, first served basis. The in-person vs. take-out only schedule will alter based on availability of chefs and volunteers. Checking the schedule in advance is strongly encouraged. Upcoming dates and schedules can be found at berkshiresouth.org or by calling Berkshire South at 413-528-2810. 
 
Funding for these meals is provided by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Fallon Health, the Jewish Women's Foundation of the Berkshires, and the Pepita Foundation.
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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