AtWingateResidences at MelbournePlace, we arebreathingnewlifeintoourcommunity throughourbeautifullydesigned renovations.Theseenhancementsaredesignedwithourresidents in mind,offeringnewapartments,spaciousoutdoorlounging& kitchen,ayear-round repitandmore.
Weunderstandthechanginglandscape of theenvironmentandcanassureyouthatourlocationtakestopprecautions to protectthe healthandsafety of ourresidentsandcommunity
Mission Statement
The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. is to provide Berkshire elders, care givers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, inde pendence, and self-deter mination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Statement of Inclusivity
E l d e r S e r v i c e s p r a c t i c e s n o n - d i s c r i m i n a t i o n i n e m p l o y m e n t
practices and service delivery. Embracing diversity, our in-home and community-based services are available to all without re g ard to race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle
Thank You and Please Stay Connected
By Christopher McLaughlin, Executi v e Director of Elder Services
Instagram: berkshiresenior
@Berkshire Senior
LinkedIn: Elder Ser vices of Berkshire County
B erkshire S enior
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, Bonny DiTomasso, Laura Feakes, Deborah Golden Alecson, Christopher McLaughlin, K athleen Clear y, K athleen Phillips and John Ar thur Miller
Adver tising: To place an adver tisement in Berkshire Senior, please contac t Kate Teutsch at (413) 496-6324 or e -mail adver tising@berkshireeagle com
Berkshire Senior is published bi-monthly by Elder Ser vices of Berkshire County, Inc , 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pitts eld, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242, e -mail: esbc@esbci org or on the internet at www esbci.org
NOTICE
Elder Ser vices sells adver tising to defray costs. Inclusion of adver tisers in no way implies that Elder Ser vices endorses any produc t or ser vice.
Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of Elder Ser vices For medical, nancial or other advice, seek a quali ed professional in the appropriate eld
Elder Ser vices and its programs are funded, in par t, by the Massachusetts Executive O ce of Elder A airs.
State and federal funds provided to Elder Ser vices are limited. Elder Ser vices welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully ack nowledges all donations.
Hoping all is well with you and yours. My messa g e to you this issue is very brief due to the need to allow space for ar ticles that
take this oppor tunity to extend our sincerest
particularly challenging year. I would also like to ask each of you to make sure you reach out to the seniors in your life to let them know how special they are to you, to your f amily and to our community. This Holiday Season presents the perfect oppor tunity for you to be the light in a senior’s life when they really need it. Unfor tunately, we need to remain (mostly) physically distant this Holiday Season, but it’s more important than ever that we remain socially connected
Best Wishes for a healthy, happy Holiday Season
Winter Emergenc y Preparedness
Winter stor ms can range from we t s n ow, s l
that builds up on trees and power l
several days People can become stranded in their automobiles or trapped at home, without utilities or other services
As a basic precaution everyone s h o u l d a h av e a w e l l - s t o c k e d Winter Home Emergency Supply K i t t h a t i n c l u d
s f l a s h l i g
s , p o r t abl e r a d i o, e x t r a b at t
s, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food T hose with disabilities may want to consider adding to the kit: extra medical
s u p p l i e s , c o p i e s o f m e d i c a l
i n f o r m a t i o n ( i n s u r a n c e c a r d s , p hys i c i a n c o n t a c t i n fo r m at i o n ,
l i s t o f a l l e r g i e s a n d m e d i c a l
h i s t o r y, p r e s c r i p t i o n s l i s t ) , w r i t t e n d e s c r i p t i o n s o f y o u r
s u p p o r t n e e d s, i n c a s e yo u a re unable to describe the situation in an emergency, and supplies for a service animal.
Make sure your car is properly w i n t e r i z e d , k e e p t h e g a s t a n k
a t l e a s t h a l f - f u l l a n d c a r r y
a W i n t e r S u r v iva l K i t i n t h e
t r u n k i n cl u d i n g bl a n ke t s, e x t r a
c l o t h i n g , f l a s h l i g h t w i t h s p a r e
b a t t e r i e s , a c a n & wa t e r p r o o f
m a t c h e s ( t o m e l t s n o w f o r drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, towrope and jumper cables
Here are tips for dealing with a possible power outage:
Before an Outage
• Check battery operated supplies to ensure they are working, have extra batteries and fully charg e your phone, laptop, and any other d ev i c e s a s a s t o r m ap p ro a ch e s.
B u y a s o l a r- p o w e r e d o r h a n d
a
e l e c t r o n i c s wo rk i n g a n d a c a r phone charger so you can charge your phone if you lose power at home.
• If you have a water supply (such a s a we l l - wa t e r p u m p sys t e m ) t h at c o u l d b e a f f e c t e d , fi l l yo u r
b a t h t u b a n d s p a r e c o n t a i n e r s with water. Tub water should be used for sanitation pur poses only,
continued on page 5
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e r k s h i r e S e n i o r, D e c e m
Helping Seniors During This Holiday Season
Elder S er vices of Berkshire Count y ’s caregiver coordinator Joe Choon and Will Turner talk about senior needs for communication during the holidays.
By Brittany Polito iBerkshires Staff
Wednesday, November 04, 2020
P I T T S F I E L D, M a s s T h e pandemic is taking an emotional
t o l l o n t h e r e g i o n ’ s s e n i o r
p o p u l at i o n , o n e t h at ’ s l i ke ly t o
i n c re a s e a s t h e h o l i d ay s e a s o n
a p p r o a c h e s. “ O u t s i d e i t ’ s t h e
d a y b e f o r e t h e e l e c t i o n , i t ’ s
t h e we e k a f t e r H a l l owe e n , a n d
t h e p a n d e m i c i s i n f u l l e f f e c t
a n d i t s e e m s t o b e g r ow i n g , i n
f a c t i t l o o k s l i ke i t s g o i n g t o b e
s p r e a d i n g m o r e a n d m o r e a n d more into next year,” behavioral health clinician Will Tur ner said on the recent “Berkshire Senior
T e l e v i s i o n ” e p i s o d e “ W h i c h means that the holidays are going t o b e a f f e c t e d by wh at h ap p e n s
w i t h t h e p a n d e m i c , a n d t h a t means that our seniors are going to be in their homes isolated not able to be with their families like they usually do. “
O n t h e s p e c i a l e d i t i o n o f t h e
Pittsfield Community Television show, Elder Services of Berkshire
C o u n t y ’ s c a re g ive r c o o rd i n at o r Jose ph Choon outlined a Holiday
E l d e r C a r e 2 0 2 0 P r o j e c t t o
e n c o u r a g e c o u n t y r e s i d e n t s t o re a ch o u t t o e l d e r s t h i s h o l i d ay season. Joining him was Tur ner, wh o s p o ke ab o u t t h e i n c re a s e d e m o t i o n a l t o l l t h at t h i s h o l i d ay season will put on senior citizens
a n d t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f m a k i n g s u re t h e y d o n o t f e e l l o n e ly o r forgotten.
D u r i n g t h e h o l i d ay s , m a n y
o l d e r r e s i d e n t s f e e l l o n e l y a n d are reminded of people they lost
i n t h e p a s t , h e s a i d B e t w e e n
t h a t a n d t h e l a c k o f f a m i l y
g e t - t o g e t h e r s , i n a b i l i t y t o g e t around, and feeling of not fully
p a r t i c i p a t i n g , t h e y c a n s u f f e r
f r o m d e p r e s s i o n , l o n e l i n e s s , and isolation Families may also
have to drive from f ar distances
t o b e t o g e t h e r a n d i t m ay b e
t h e o n ly t i m e t h e y c a n b e w i t h children and g randchildren and par ticipate in f amily traditions
“ T h e y b r e a k b r e a d a n d s p e n d
wo n d e r f u l a n d i m p o r t a n t t i m e to g ether, and it’s the time when elders often g et filled up for the whole year, it’s that one day that f i l l s t h e m f o r t h e wh o l e ye a r, ” Turner said.
B e c a u s e o f t h e n o v e l
c o r o n av i r u s, t h e h o l i d ays w i l l
b e d i f f e r e n t t h i s y e a r I t w i l l
b e c h a l l e n g i n g e v e r yo n e , b u t especially senior citizens, Tur ner said. For seniors who are already s o m e w h a t i s o l a t e d b e c a u s e o f p hy s i c a l d i s a b i l i t i e s o r n o t being able to drive, the threat of COVID-19 is isolating them even fur ther “This holiday will be the m o s t ch a l l e n g i n g i n t h at e l d e r s will say they are going to be fine but it’s impor tant to know they w i l l b e h av i n g a t o u g h t i m e, ”
T u r n e r s a i d . “ W h e t h e r t h e y
c e l e b r a t e H a n u k k a h , Kwa n z a , T h a n k s g i v i n g o r a n y o t h e r holiday “
T u r n e r s a i d p e o p l e w e r e
m a k i n g a g r e a t e f f o r t t o r e a c h
o u t t o f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y t o check on them at the be ginning of the pandemic but now at eight m o n t h s i n , p e o p l e a r e g e t t i n g used to the isolation and reaching out less “It’s time to reach out ag ain because this is going to be a n e s p e c i a l l y d i f f i c u l t t i m e f o r all of us,” Tur ner said. Reaching o u t c a n i n cl u d e a p h o n e c a l l , a handwritten letter, a drawing, a card, or a Zoom call The cost of this is free or minimal, and has been proven make an impact on seniors’ happiness.
C h o o n s a i d t o c o n s i d e r reaching out to strangers as well as relatives. He cited the time that he had surgery and his neighbors came over with a snowblower to clear his walkways, which was a way of showing suppor t without words
An Elder Services committee
h a s r e a c h e d o u t t o s c h o o l
s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s a s k i n g t h e m
t o e n c o u r a g e s t u d e n t s t o w r i t e
l e t t e r s t o s e n i o r, h o s t Z o o m meetings so students can sing to them, or any other creative way t h a t t h e y c a n r e a c h o u t “ N o t
only would the elders love it, but t h e k i d s a n d t e a ch e r s, i t wo u l d f e e l g o o d a l l
P
beneficial to elders because they d o n ’ t i nvo l ve t e c h n o l o g y t h a t they may be uncomfor table with a n d g ive s t h e m a p hys i c a l re l i c to hold on to. Tur ner said when seniors g et to their mailbox and see a card made by children or a handwritten letter they are filled with happiness. T
a giving tree. “If I was sitting in a nursing home in my chair and all of a sudden I got a bunch of letters addressed to me saying all of these good wishes, I would feel fantastic,” Tur ner said.
O n e s u g g e s t i o n w a s t h a t a p e r s o n c o u l d w r i t e a l e t t e r o r m a ke a p h o n e c a l l o n e a c h o f the 12 Days of Christmas. Choon said could be as simple as asking “how are you today?” and would g ive b o t h p a r t i
them it
going to be
memory that lasts forever,” Tur ner said “They are going to be telling that story about the Christmas or the
to be telling them for the rest of their lives ” Community members who are i
par ticipating nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Winter Emergenc y Preparedness
continued from page 3
not for drinking. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet
• If possible, have an alter native e m e r g e n cy h e at i n g s o u rc e a n d fuel ( g as fire place, wood bur ning stove or fire place) so you can kee p at least one room livable Be sure the room is well ventilated.
• K n ow h ow t o s h u t o f f wa t e r va l ve s I f p i p e s f r e e z e, r e m ove
i n s u l at i o n , c o m p l e t e ly o p e n a l l f aucets and pour hot water over t h e p i p e s, s t a r t i n g wh e r e t h e y are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with c a u t i o n , a l s o w o rk s w e l l . D o n o t u s e t o rch e s o r o t h e r fl a m e sources to thaw pipes as this may cause fires
• I f yo u h ave m e d i c a t i o n t h a t requires refrigeration, check with yo u r p h a r m a c i s t f o r g u i d a n c e
o n p r o p e r s t o r a g e d u r i n g a n extended outage.
• If you use medical equipment i n y o u r h o m e t h a t r e q u i r e s
e l e c t r i c i t y, t a l k t o yo u r d o c t o r
ab o u t h ow yo u c a n p re p a re fo r i t s u s e d u r i n g a p owe r o u t a g e
If you have life-suppor t devices that depend on electricity, contact y o u r l o c a l e l e c t r i c c o m p a n y about your power needs for lifesuppor t devices (home dialysis, s u c t i o n , b r e a t h i n g m a c h i n e s , etc ) in advance of an emergency Some utility companies will put you on a “priority reconnection
s e r v i c e ” l i s t . T a l k t o y o u r equipment suppliers about your power options and also let the fire d e p a r t m e n t k n ow t h at yo u a re dependent on life-support devices
• Know where the manual release lever of your electric g arage door
o p e n e r i s l o c a t e d a n d h o w t o operate it. Gara g e doors can be heavy, so know that you may need help to lift it.
• Find out what assistance may be available in your community i f y o u n e e d i t R e g i s t e r i n advance with the local emergency
m a n a g e m e n t a g e n c y , f i r e
d e p a r t m e n t , s e n i o r c e n t e r, o r
n o n - p ro fi t g ro u p s. Te l l t h e m o f
yo u r i n d iv i d u a l n e e d s o r t h o s e of a family member and find out what assistance, help or services can be provided
During
an Outage
• Use 9-1-1 only for emergencies C a l l y o u r u t i l i t y c o m p a n y t o r e p o r t t h e o u t a g e a n d g e t restoration infor mation
• C h e c k i n o n f r i e n d s , f a m i l y, a n d n e i g h b o r s , p a r t i c u l a r l y those most susceptible to extreme temperatures and power outages s u ch a s s e n i o r s a n d t h o s e w i t h access and functional needs.
• If the power is out, use batterypowered lights if possible, instead of candles If you must use them, p l a c e c a n d l e s i n s a f e h o l d e r s away f ro m a ny t h i n g t h at c o u l d catch fire. Never leave a bur ning candle unattended.
• E n s u r e t h a t y o u r s m o k e a n d C a r b o n M o n o x i d e ( C O ) detectors are working cor rectly and have fresh batteries. Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, m a k i n g s u r e t h a t t h e y a r e n o t obstructed by snow or ice Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device.
• Dress in several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, r at h e r t h a n o n e l aye r o f h e av y
c l o t h i n g We a r h a t s , m i t t e n s , scarves and other clothing to keep yo u r e n t i r e b o dy wa r m . S e e i f your community has “war ming centers” or shelters open.
• Wa t c h f o r s i g n s o f f r o s t b i t e : loss of feeling and white or pale a p p e
s u ch a s fi n g e r s, t o e s, o r t h e t i p
o f t h e n o s e Wat ch fo r
d i s o r i e n t a t i o n , i n c o h e r e n c e , slur red speech, and drowsiness
If symptoms are detected, get the victim to a war m location, remove
a n y w e t c l o t h i n g , w a r m t h e center of the body first and give war m, non-alcoholic bevera g es, i f t h e v i c t i m i s c o n s c i o u s. G e t medical help as soon as possible.
• To p r o t e c t a g a i n s t v o l t a g e
i r r e g u l a r i t i e s w h e n p o w e r i s
r e s t o r e d , u n p l u g a l l s e n s i t ive electronic equipment, including T Vs, m i c rowave, c o m p u t e r, a n d cordless tele phone Leave on one l i g h t s o t h at yo u ’ l l k n ow wh e n your power retur ns.
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e r k s h i r e S e n i o r, D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 0J a n u a r y 2 0 2 1
Holiday Elder Care 2020 Projec t
By Will Tur ner, LICSW
The pandemic of 2020 persists.
I t l o o k s l i k e i t m a y b e
i n c r e a s i n g i n n u m b e r s f o r a l l
c a t e g o r i e s t h r o u g h t h e w i n t e r and possibly beyond.
I f i t i s , t h e r e a r e s o m e impor tant issues to address with elders in our community I am an elder myself at age 65.
M a ny e l d e r s m ay f e e l l o n e ly
a n d f o c u s o n p e o p l e t h e y l o s t
i n t h e p a s t N o t t o m e n t i o n t h e
l a c k o f f a m i l y g e t - t o g e t h e r s ,
a n i n a b i l i t y t o g e t a r o u n d o r
t h e f e e l i n g t h e y c a n n o t f u l l y par ticipate in holiday functions
c a n l e a d t o d e p r e s s i o n a n d isolation T his is especially tr ue during this Pandemic.
Many of us elders feel lonely at times. I think it is a f actor of g e t t i n g o l d , e x p e r i e n c i n g l o s s and personal/family/friends life chang es around us T his year is
g o i n g t o b e e s p e c i a l ly h a rd fo r
B e rk s h i re e l d e r s ( wh e t h e r t h e y live in a nursing home, at home
a l o n e o r at h o m e w i t h f a m i ly ) .
I t i s g o i n g t o b e o n e o f t h e
m o s t ch a l l e n g i n g a n d i s o l at i n g holidays of our lifetime.
At Elder Services of Berkshire
C o u n t y, we a re t h i n k i n g ab o u t what elders’ emotional needs may be during the upcoming holidays
T r a d i t i o n a l l y H a n u k a h , Kw a n z a a a n d C h r i s t m a s h ave been a time to g ather.
I t i s m y a n d m a n y e l d e r s ’ f avo r i t e p a r t o f t h e h o l i d ay s , visiting with loved ones, often for the only time all year
M a n y f a m i l y / f r i e n d s / l o v e d
o n e s h av e c r e a t iv e l y r e a c h e d out to elders in our community in spontaneous/ing enious ways during the early stages of COVID19’s physically distant times
N ow i s t h e t i m e t o ch a l l e n g e
o u r c re at ive e n e r g y a n d c a n d o attitude once ag ain.
I b e l i e v e e l d e r s w i l l n e e d
e x t r a h e l p / s u p p o r t d u r i n g t h e n e x t m a j o r h o l i d ays, H a nu k a h , Kwanzaa and Christmas
S o g e t yo u r t h i n k i n g c ap s o n and get ready to take action!
H e r e a r e s o m e s u g g e s t i o n s
that we can all do to show love to elders during a time of physical distancing.
I am challenging all Berkshire
C o u n t y h e ro e s t o S t ay S o c i a l ly Connected.
Many people are counting on us It does not need to cost a lot of money. Kee p it simple
Families/Friends/Good Samaritans
1. C a l l yo u r e l d e r s o f t e n d u r i n g t h e h o l i d ay s , b e c o m e t h e i r phone pals.
2. Send Berkshire elders holiday c a r d s ( h o m e m a d e i s e v e n better).
3. Write them letters (become pen pals-maybe as a present).
4. S h o w u p a t t h e i r h o m e a t s c h e d u l e d t i m e s a n d v i s i t through the windows safely (In my f amily, we put lawn chairs i n t h e d r ive way - a b o u t 9 f e e t apar t and visit wearing masks)
5. Use your creativity and come up with ways to connect I have not thought of yet.
6. I f yo u a r e a n e l d e r w r i t e t o your friends, reach out, connect and war m their hear ts like only you can
Teachers/Schools/Classrooms/ Nursing Home Ac tivities
1. A d o p t a n u r s i n g h o m e n e a r yo u i n B e rk s h i r e C o u n t y f o r Hanukah and Christmas.
a. Make/Write cards and letters b a c k a n d f o r t h ( P i c t u r e s drawn by kids are especially hear twar ming)
b. S c h e d u l e a Z o o m m e e
Kw
t
sing each other carols, light the candles and share photos, etc
c. I h ave a l i s t o f B e rk s h i r e County Nursing homes if you need it.
2. Be creative and come up with n e w a n d i n n ova t ive ways t o connect.
Churches (which have always been good to our elders)
1. Consider having parishioners/ m e m b e r s o f yo u r c h u r c h o r synago gue adopt elders.
2. Wr i t e c a r d s a n d l e t t e r s b a c k and for th (Pictures drawn are especially hear twar ming)
a. S c h e d u l e a Z o o m m e e t i n g
o n c e d u r i n g C h r i s t m a s
a n d H a n u k a h , e t c t o s i n g each other carols and share pictures, etc
3. Become phone pals with church elders during the holidays and beyond if you can.
4. H a v e a n A d o p t a n E l d e r Giving tree or Menorah for the holidays and have parishioners/ members choose an elder.
Holiday 2020 Goals
1. M a k e c o m m u n i c a t i o n a
p r i o r i t y. V i d e o c h a t t i n g ,
S k y p e, Fa c e T i m e, Z o o m , e t c , and don’t forget good old phone c a l l s. T h i s c a n m a ke a wo rl d o f d i f f e re n c e. M a ke i t a p o i n t to reach out before and on the a c t u a l h o l i d ay s o t h e e l d e r i n your life doesn’t feel forgotten during this special time of year Encoura g e friends and f amily members to do the same How about if everyone encoura g es a t l e a s t o n e o t h e r p e r s o n i n your life to do this?
2. E n c o u r a g e a n d f a c i l i t a t e
s o c i a l a c t i v i t i e s t h r o u g h
p h o n e , s o c i a l m e d i a , t e c h n o l o g y, e t c . A f r i e n d t o l d m e t h i s we e k t h e y p l ay Yahtzee over Zoom once a week w i t h t h e i r e l d e rl y m o m B e creative I know you can do it!
3. Explore Hobbies and other
a r e a s o f i n t e r e s t . Yo u c a n
s i n g t o g e t h e r, k n i t t o g e t h e r, craft to g ether over the phone and other media.
4. W h e n t h e s e s t e p s d o n ’ t d o
t h e t r i ck : I f yo u h ave t a ke n
s t e p s t o a d d r e s s l o n e l i n e s s ,
b u t s t i l l f i n d t h a t t h e e l d e r
i n y o u r l i f e i s w i t h d r a w n
a n d i n l ow s p i r i t s, t h e y m ay
b e s h ow i n g s i g n s o f h o l i d ay
l o n e l i n e s s a n d n e e d f u r t h e r
s u p p o r t . M a s s a c h u s e t t s h a s free suppor tive services:
a. L o c a l ly t h e Wa r m l i n e ( 4 1 3445-1136) is staf fed by peers and open until 8 p.m.
b MassSuppor t-For statewide a s s i s t a n c e c a l l 8 8 8 - 2 1 54920, email MassSuppor t@ r i ve r s i d e c c . o r g o r v i s i t http://masssupport.org. or www.masssuport.org. They p r o v i d e p h o n e c o u n s e l i n g and other support.
10 Tips for connec
ting with your beloved elders
1. L i s t e n ; r e a l l y l i s t e n w h e n connecting with an elder.
2. Remind them how impor tant t h e y a re a s p a r t o f yo u r
holiday
3. Write positive focused Holiday Cards Avoid catching them up o n a l l t h e t r a g i c n ews o f t h e past year and stay positive
4. E n c o u r a g e t h e m t o s e e t h a t y o u a r e s i m p l i f y i n g y o u r holiday plans to focus on the real meaning of the holidays (thanks giving, remembrance, love).
5. M a ke a r r a n g e m e n t s w i t h a nursing home for you to have a Zoom meeting with a loved one.
6. A s k c h u r c h l e a d e r s t
over the holiday
7. S
the phone or via social media.
8. S h a re
them safely.
9. C o
good Samaritans to reach out and connect with elders.
10. Send the message of love and c o n n e c t i o n i n wh at eve r way possible and be creative. Your kids probably are best at the creative par t Love them up Not only will this fill the hear ts of our elders during the holidays but also it will fill your hear t and your f amily and friends’ hear ts Best gift ever!
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.
is to provide Berkshire elders, care givers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, inde pendence, and selfdetermination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life
2019-2020
Board of Direc tors
John Philpott, President
Mary Sho g ry-Hayer, Vice-President
Jacob Dabrowski, Treasurer
Kimberly Mathews, Clerk
Randy Burdick
Teresa Caldwell
Deborah Delaney
Sandy Driscoll
2019-2020
Frank Engels
Diana “Toni” Fontana
Rober ta Gale
John Graziano
Georgette Kinney
Mary K. O’Brien
David J O’Neill
Stephen Radin
Paula Walczyk
AAA Advisory Council Members
Lisa Fletcher-Udel, Chair
June Green, Vice Chair
Rober t Allard
Quentin Chin
James Clark
Maria Craft
Sandra Lussier
Vincent Marinaro
Meri-Ellen Morgans
Irwin (Tom) Renak
Mary Sho g ry-Hayer
“Caring for Berkshire Count y Elders and their families since
1974.”
Dear Friends of Elder Services:
As this issue of Berkshire Senior features our 2020 Annual Report, we proudly reflect on Elder Services of Berkshire County Inc.’s (Elder Services) many accomplishments and milestones of the past fiscal year At the same time, we look forward to responding to many of the same challenges in 2021. Our greatest source of pride in 2020 is the way our Agency mobilized its resources to continue providing programs and services to Berkshire County seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. As I write this letter, COVID-19 shows no signs of going away anytime soon. The effects of COVID-19 can hit seniors particularly hard with increased social distancing leading to isolation and loneliness.
From the beginning of the pandemic in mid-March, the Commonwealth deemed Elder Services an essential service provider We are the primary organization Berkshire seniors rely on to feel safe, secure and healthy in their homes. In the nearly nine months since the pandemic began, our kitchen and Meals on Wheels Drivers haven’t missed a day of providing hot meals and wellness checks to seniors throughout the County Though we are currently making more phone calls than face-to-face visits, our Nurses and Client Service Coordinators continue doing assessments and coordinating services for our clients. Information and Referral Specialists continue providing valuable information about Elder Services and other Berkshire resources. Ombudsmen provide needed support to nursing home residents and SHINE, Money Management, Options, Caregiver and Elder Mental Health Counselors continue providing counseling sessions.
We respectfully ask that you consider supporting us during what we know will continue to be a difficult time for Berkshire seniors.
Ways to donate include:
1. Visiting www esbci org for an online donation form
2. Sending your check in the enclosed envelope
3. Calling Elder Services’ Fiscal Department at (413) 499-0524
Thank you for your interest in Elder Services and your Berkshire neighbors. Thanks to friends and donors like you, we stand ready to continue supporting seniors during this unprecedented time.
Sincerely,
John Philpott, President Board of Directors
Options Counselor John Arthur Miller represents ESBCI at a Senior Day at the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Pittsfield.
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Promoting Dignity & Independence
Enriching the li v es of our community’s seniors, individuals with disabilities and their care gi v ers with compassion and dedication.
“ Seniors ser ved
said Executive Direc tor Christopher McLaughlin.
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Elder Services is very for tunate to be the recipient of the suppor t and generosity of our Berkshire County community. One for m of support is the grants we receive to suppor t Elder Services’ pro g rams and services that benefit thousands of seniors in Berkshire County We sincerely appreciate this suppor t and the additional suppor t we have received during the COVID-19 pandemic Revenue
Adams Community Bank
Berkshire Life Charitable Foundation
Berkshire Taconic Foundation:
• Ruth P Boraski Memorial Fund for Meals on Wheels
• Central Berkshire Fund for Meals on Wheels & SHINE
• Fund for Williamstown Families Meals on Wheels
• James & Rober t Hardman Fund Meals on Wheels & SHINE
• Cooper Family Fund
• Katharine L.W. & Winthrop Crane III Charitable Foundation
• Joseph & Lily Dewton Family Fund
• Dichter Family Fund
• Mount Everett Fund
• Neighbor-to -Neighbor Fund
• William J & Marger y S Barrett Fund
• Women’s Club of the Berkshires Fund
Berkshire United Way & Taconic Foundation COVID -19 Fund
Coronavirus Community of PassionCountr y Club of Pitts eld
The EOS Foundation
Fallon Health- COVID 19 Grant
Fallon Health Hunger Initiative
Greylock Federal Credit Union
Guardian COVID-19 Fund
Health New England COVID-19 Grant
Massachusetts Bankers Association Charitable Trust
MountainOne – Nutrition
Neenah Technical Materials
Northern Berkshire United Way
K atharine C Pierce Trust
City of Pitts eld – Meals on Wheels & SHINE
Pitts eld Council on Aging and Friends of the Pitts eld COA
St John’s Episcopal Church
Williamstown
Town of Great Barrington
Williamstown Community Chest
State Exec utive O ce of Elder A airs $12,384,727 Elder Programs $14,367,847 Federal Administration on Aging/EOEA $1,298,388 Loc al and O ther Funding $2,346,716 Fundraising $12,359 Management and General $1,122,905
2021 Sub Grants Awarded
BERKSHIRE CENTER FOR JUSTICEP r o v i d e s l
CranevillePlace 265MainStreet Dalton 413-684-3212 Rehabilitation Sk illedCare Sugar Hill 45 MainStreet Dalton 413-684-0100 IndependentLiv ing Assisted Living• MemoryCare
c o m m u n i t y b a s e d s e r v i c e s f o r individuals in our community 60 years of a g e and older
E l d e r S e r v i c e s i s t h e designated Area Agency on Aging ( A A A ) f o r B e r k s h i r e C o u n t y and is therefore responsible for allocating federal OAA funds to s u p p o r t c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d a n d in-house services for older adults through the award of sub g rants
E S B C I ’ s A d v i s o r y C o u n c i l oversees the application, selection and monitoring process of these sub g rants Sub g rant contracts run from October 1, 2020 through Se ptember 30, 2021. The 2021 Sub g rant recipients are:
ADAMS COUNCIL ON AGING-
P r o v i d e s t r a n s p o r t a t i o n f o r
re s i d e n t s 6 0 ye a r s a n d o l d e r i n
whose
issues threaten their independence and dignity.
284 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA (413) 854-1955
BERKSHIRE RAINBOW SENIORSP
resources (413) 644-6545
COMMUNITY LEGAL AID- Serves l ow
Project Services focus on elders wh
no
of access to the
independence and dignity
152 North Street, #15, Pittsfield, MA (413) 499-1950
t h e t ow n s o f A d a m s, C h e s h i r e and Savoy with priority given to t h o s e s e n i o r s w i t h t h e g re at e s t social and economic needs.
3 Hoosac Street, Adams, MA (413) 743-8333
B E R K S H I R E A R E A H E A LT H
EDUC ATION CENTER, (AHEC )-
P r o v i d e s e d u c a t i o n a l s u p p o r t
a n d wo rk s h o p s f o r f a m i l y a n d
p r o f e s s i o n a l c a r e g i v e r s o f
i n d iv i d u a l s w h o a r e 6 0 y e a r s
o f a g e o r o l d e r w i t h e m p h a s i s
o n m e e t i n g t h e n e e d s o f l o w
i n c o m e a n d m i n o r i t y e l d e r s through outreach and community collaborations.
395 Main Street, Dalton, MA (413) 842-5281
SHEFFIELD COUNCIL ON AGINGP r o v
a m Transpor tation for individuals 60 year of age or older who reside in Shef field and Ashley Falls T he Pro g ram gives priority to those elders with the g reatest social and economic need.
25 Cook Road, Shef field, MA (413) 229-7037
Elder S er vices Receives Donation from BC AC
BCAC
•Rent is IncomeBased
•AllUtilitiesIncluded
•Appliances &Window Coverings
•On-SiteLaundry
•Elevator
•PlannedActivities
• Professional Sta
•Resident Services
•ConvenientLocation
•ControlledEntry
•PrivateBalconies (for mostapartments)
•We arePet Friendly
•24Hour Emergency
MaintenanceServices
Thank You To O ur Donors:
The following donations were received during the period of August 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020. Donations received on or after November 1, 2020 will appear in the next publication of Berkshire Senior
Note: Sincerest thanks to our generous donors who have made donations throughout the year!
A complete list of donors who donated during Fiscal Year 2020 ( July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020) is available on our website at www.esbci.org.
General Donations
Ms. Debora A. Aldrich
Mr & Mrs Rober t Anderson
Ms. Sharon Bar tels
Ms Colleen Bergdoll
Berkshire Life Insurance
Mr & Mrs Gilber t d’Oliveira
Mr Thomas Douglas
Mr Rober t and Mrs Judi King
Mr Peter McCallion
Mr Tony Pagliarulo
Mr. & Mrs. John W. Philpott
Ms. Donna Todd Rivers
Ms. Judith Trask
Mr Peter Calderella
Est. 1931 CompleteServiceof Monuments&Markers
Elder Independence
Donations
Mr & Mrs Fred Abeles
Mr. & Mrs. Louis C Allegrone
Ms Barbara J Allen
Mr. & Mrs. James Allen
Ms Joan Andrews
Mr Marcel Archambault
Amazonsmile
W i t h A m
, a website operated by Amazon, c
wide selection of products,
Mr Thomas Bailey
Mrs Lynn Barbieri
Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Bedini, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Blair
Ms. Penny Borax
Ms Penny Borax
Ms Beth L Bourdon
Mr & Mrs Ronald H Bourgoin
Mr & Mrs Mark Brazeau
Ms Joanne Brown
Ms. Adriana Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald J. Burdick
Mr & Mrs Paul K Butler
Ms Augustina M Cacalloro
Carlson Propane
Mr Anthony L Caropreso
Drs Alan & Roselle Char tock
Ms. Carol A Christopher
Ms. Ginny Conner
Mr & Mrs William Crawford, Jr
Mr & Mrs John I Cur tin
Mr & Mrs James Daily
Mr Joseph Dewey
Mr Rober t Geo rey Donelan
Ms. June M. Donna
Mr. Malcolm Douglas, Jr
Ms. Eva Douillet
Mr & Mrs Gar y Farrar
Berkshire County, Inc.
Go to smile.amazon.com to shop and select Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc and we will receive a .5% donation from your purchases! Please
Mrs Shirley Finkelstein
Ms Norma Flynn
Mr Spencer Fraker
Francis Investment Consulting Group
Mr. & Mrs. Jack French
Mr. & Mrs. Sully Garofano
Mr & Mrs James Giddens
Mr & Mrs Claude Grosjean
Mr & Mrs Terrence Hanlon
Mr & Mrs Terrence Hanlon
Dr. & Mrs. Harr y Har tford
Mr. Nadell Hill
Mr. & Mrs. Harr y T. Horn
Ms. Anna Hurlbut
Ms Esther S Jewell
Mr Joshua Karabu
Ms Flora Karbelnik
Mr & Mrs George Kellar
Mr & Mrs William Ketcham
Ms Judith Kittredge
Mr Frank Lagowski
Ms Fern E Lavelle
Ms. Suzanne C. Lawrence
Mr. Ernest LeBarron
Dr. Rober t B. Lee
Ms Irene Lestage
Mr & Mrs John J Levesque
Ms Jean Liebenow
Mr & Mrs Richard Lucz ynski
Mr & Mrs Michael Lussier
Ms Teresa M Macksey
Ms Patricia Mancuso
Mr Richard E Markham
Mr. & Mrs. James Max ymillian
Ms. Mar y K McClelland
Ms. Christine M. McGinniss
Mr & Mrs Richard Moon
Mr Noyal E Moore
Mr & Mrs Raymond H Moulthrop
Mr George Munson
Ms Lois L Neumann
Mr & Mrs Anthony Nicastro
Mr & Mrs Cornelius Obanhein
Mr & Mrs Rober t L O’Brien
Mr. Michael Ouellette
Mr. Daniel Peterson
Ms. Sara G. Pollard
Dr & Mrs Andrew W Potler
Mr & Mrs Joseph Salvadore
Mr & Mrs Guy A Saporito
Dr. & Mrs. Wynn Sayman
Mr & Mrs Walter Schleicher
Mrs Anne N Schnesel
Ms Andrea Schroeder
Mr. & Mrs. Norman Schutz
Mr Fred J Sears
Mr & Mrs Alex Seseske
Mr & Mrs Frederick F Seymour, Jr
Ms. Helen-Mar y Sha er
Mr & Mrs Charles E Shea
Ms Judith Sheehan
Dr & Mrs Michael F Sheridan
Ms. Elizabeth W. Silk
Rev. & Mrs Rober t H Skidmore
Ms Lisa Sloane
Mr & Mrs Rober t Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Starbuck Smith
Ms Margaret Soule
Mr & Mrs Joseph Strauch, Jr
Ms June A Thomas
Mr. & Mrs. James H. Tremblay
Mr & Mrs James H Tremblay
Ms Patricia Trumble
Mr & Mrs David Tully
Mr. & Mrs. William Turner
Mr & Mrs Ronald Uliasz
Ms Joyce E Vandemark
Mrs Linda Ventresca
Ms. Judith E Weber
Mrs Janice A Welcome
Ms Marjorie Wexler
Mrs Jane Wheeler
Ms. Jean Wilbur
Mr & Mrs David Winchester
Mr Thomas C Wojtkowski
Mr & Mrs William K Wootters
Ms. Doris Ziemba
Mr & Mrs Edward J Zoladz
Meals on Wheels
100WahconahSt Pitts eld, MA01201 (413)442-4149
DonnaBrewer,Owner
StevenJBrewer,Director
l e t u s k n o w w h e n yo u
d e s i g n a t e E S B C I f o r a donation, as AmazonSmile d o e s n o t p r o v i d e u s w i t h i n fo r m at i o n a b o u t donations, including the name of the donor.
s DiagnosticHearing Evaluations
s Balance EvaluationsandTreatment
s HearingAidDispensingandRepairs
s TinnitusTreatment
s CustomHearingProtectionand Musician’sFilters
Dr.Andrew J.Puttick Au.D , CCC-A, FAAA
Ms Eleanor A Gi ord
Mr & Mrs Alfred R Goggia
Mr & Mrs Jay Gold
Ms Sheila Goldlust
Mr. & Mrs. John Graziola
Mr. Steve Green
Mr & Mrs George Greule
Ms Cande Grieve
Mr & Mrs W Raymond Grogan
Mr & Mrs Joseph Prenguber
Ms Nanc y Prezenik
Dr Robin J Renders
Mrs Kathy A Reynolds-Holes
Dr & Mrs Myron Ritrosky
Ms Nanc y A Rodovick
Mr Steven C Rogers, Sr
Mr. Stephen L. Root
Ms. Barbara Rubin
Donations
Ms Ellen Evans
Thursday Morning Club
Memorial Donations
In Memory of Mrs Celia Barbeau
Barbara Tatro & Family
In Memory of Mr David Rogers
Ms Mar y Rogers
s Specializing in thediagnosisandtreatment of vertigo.
s FallPreventionandvestibularrehabilitation.
s Orthopedic physicaltherapyservices.
s Telehealthservicesavailableforpatientsnotready to be seen in theclinic due to COVID-19concerns.
s Lightforce LaserTherapyavailableforpainmanagementand peripheral neuropathy.
510NorthStreet,Suite 9, Pitts eld, MA 01201• P(413)443-4800 • F(413)442-9701 audiogreylock@yahoo.com•tmarcotte@fyzical.com
In Memory of Mr and Mrs Jack and Helen Fitzpatrick
Ms Sheila Fitzpatrick
In Memory of Mr Bruce Twombly
Mr. Mark S. Gold
In Memory of Mr Thomas Cadorette
Mr & Mrs Michael Chamberlain
Ms. Ruth Hall
Ms Suzanne Kallmann Family
Ms Pamela Rooney Family
Mr & Mrs Gerard Sullivan
In Memory of Mr Vincent Carchedi
Mrs Josephine Carchedi
Ms. Marianne Pacheco
In Memory of Mrs Doris Lussier
Mr & Mrs Peter Armata, Sr
Mr & Mrs Lorenzo Burzimati
Mr & Mrs Joseph Daigneault
Ms. Annette Dudley
Ms. Anna Flynn
Mr Paul Guillotte
Mr & Mrs Louis Irace
Mr & Mrs Thomas Kondel
Ms. Margaret LaBombard
Mr & Mrs James Law
Mr & Mrs Carl Pasierbiak
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Torchia
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Turner
Ms Janice Wilson
Mr & Mrs Richard Wood
In Memory of Mrs Kathr yn Tassone
Mrs Josephine Carchedi
Mr & Mrs Walter LaPierre
Ms Marianne Pacheco
In Memory of Mrs. Marie Dimise
Ms Carol Barcena
Ms Karen Bonin
Mr Kevin Cahill
Ms. Marie Cahill
Ms. Donna Connelly
Mr Edward Doucette
Mr & Mrs Christopher Groves
Mr. & Mrs. James Herland
Mr & Mrs Walter LaPierre
Mr & Mrs Frank LaRagione
Mr & Mrs Daniel Lausier
Mr & Mrs Mark Lausier
Mr. & Mrs. Rober t LeBlanc
Mr & Mrs David Lein
Ms. Linda Londergan
Mr & Mrs Thomas Plantier
Ms Kathleen Polidoro
Ms. Carol Powers
Mr & Mrs Je rey P Rayner
Ms. Susan Ressler
Ms Denise Rose
Ms. Brenda Taikowski
Mr & Mrs Frank Virgilio, Jr
Ms Hermine L Weston
Mr & Mrs James White
In Memory of Mrs Mar y Frieri
Ms Rosanne Frieri
In Memory of Mrs. Norma Maselli
Mr & Mrs Louis Manica
In Memory of Mrs Sarah Green
Mr. James Du y and Ms. Debora
Cole -Du y
Mr & Mrs Clarence Green
Mr Richard Jacobs
Mr & Mrs Matthew Steiner
In Memory of Mrs Alice Bratcher
Ms Mar y Fressola
In Memor y of Mrs Shirley DeSantis
Ms Carole A Carey
Mr Mark Del Signore
Mr & Mrs Daniel DeSantis
Mr. & Mrs. Louis J DeSantis
Ms Leokadia Gniadek
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin C Harper
Mr & Mrs Thomas J Henr y, Jr
Mr & Mrs David Phelps
In Memory of the Ryan and Pero
Families
Mrs Pattie Pero
In Memory of Mrs. Irene LaFlash
Ms Kristine McAlister
Adult Suppor tive Day Program at Froio Center – alive and well!
g r o u p s e t t i n g T h e p r o g r a m i s open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
M o n d a y t h r o u g h F r i d a y a n d includes mor ning and after noon snacks and luncheons daily.
T h e re i s a f e e fo r t h e P ro g r a m
b a s e d o n f u l l - d a y o r h a l f - d a y p a r t i c i p at i o n E l d e r S e r v i c e s o f
B e rk
re some assistance and supervision, of fering suppor t for families, and providing a safe environment for
s o c i a l i z at i o n a n d a c t iv i t i e s i n a
Paula K Almgren, Esq. Kristina Z. Kisiel,Esq.* *alsoadmittedin NY
E l d e r S e r v i c e s ’ B e r k s h i r e S e n i o r, D e c e m b e r 2
Protec t Yourself from Flu and COVID:
2 0 2 0 U . S . C E N S U S
What to Know and Where to Go
By Kathleen Cleary COVID -19
W i t h t h e a l a r m i n g r i s e i n
C OV I D - 1 9 c a s e s a c r o s s t h e
c o u n t r y, p e o p l e a r e g e t t i n g
i n c r e a s i n g l y c o n c e r n e d a n d
s e e k i n g t e s t i n g I n a r e c e n t release issued by Pittsfield Mayor Tyer’s Director of Administrative
S e r v i c e s, P u b l i c H e a l t h N u r s e Kayla Donnelly outlined the very
s p e c i fi c s e t o f a c t i o n s re s i d e n t s
m u s t fo l l ow t o a s s u re a c c u r at e test results. They are:
1. S e l f - q u a r a n t i n e a s s o o n a s you know you’ve been around someone with COVID-19.
2. I n d i v i d u a l s w h o a r e
e x p e r i e n c i n g C O V I D - 1 9
r e l a t e d s y m p t o m s s h o u l d promptly seek testing through the Berkshire Medical Center testing site.
3. T h o s e w h o b e l i e v e t h e y
m i g h t h av e b e e n e x p o s e d
b u t a r e n o t e x p e r i e n c i n g
s y m p t o m s , s h o u l d t a k e
c a r e n o t t o g e t t e s t e d f o r
t h e v i r u s p r e m a t u r e l y ( A 4-day incubation period after lear ning of exposure will help prevent a false ne g ative).
T o g e t a n s w e r s t o y o u r C OV I D q u e s t i o n s a n d
Line is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm at 855-262-5465.
CVS Health at 107 West Street, Pittsfield, MA is also conducting drive-up coronavirus testing An ap p o i n t m e n t i s re q u i re d bu t n o refer ral needed Tests are given to cer tain patients and you must le g ally reside in Massachusetts and be at least 18 years old.
MedExpress Urg ent Care at 9 9 9 D
e
of fering COVID-19 testing with no appointment, no refer ral needed a n d t e s t i n g fo r a l l p at i e n t s, n o t just certain qualified patients. If you are a Veteran enrolled i n VA h e a l t h c a r e , y o u c a n
make an appointment for a free coronavir us test at the Pittsfield VA clinic. For answers to COVID t e s t i n g f o r v e t s , p l e a s e c a l l MYVA411 main infor mation line at 800-698-2411.
FLU
F l u s e a s o n i s u p o n u s a n d with the increasing COVID cases we a r e s e e i n g b o t h a c r o s s t h e country and globally, it is more important than ever to take every precaution to protect your health and those in your community. The influenza vaccine will not prevent g etting COVID-19 but it w i l l l e s s e n yo u r r i s k o f g e t t i n g t h e f l u , c o m p r o m i s i n g y o u r health as well as reducing stress on our local healthcare systems.
There are many options in the Berkshires to get your flu shot.
Your Primar y Care Physician
Yo u r ow n d o c t o r c a n a dv i s e you on what vaccines you should g e t a s w e l l a s a d m i n i s t e r t h e vaccine to you.
Pharmacies
Many local phar macies provide the most recommended vaccines for adults. Consider calling ahead t o f i n d
n e e d . A l s o a s k w h a t yo u w i l l need to pay; many are covered by insurance.
Yo u c a n a l s o u s e t h e we b s i t e w w w . v a c c i n e f i n d e r.
looking for and then search to get a result like this one for ‘flu shot 65+’: M a n y C o
l u s h o t s at local community centers and t h e B e rk s h i r e Vi s i t i n g N u
e Association has hosted numerous flu clinics For more infor mation f r o m t h e B
413-447-2862.
In uenza Information
Control and Prevention) website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index. htm.
Yo u w i l
infor mation on:
• F lu Prevention
• Symptoms and Diagnosis
• Treatment
• F lu Activity across the Nation
• And much more! You will all find the “Vaccine Finder” link on the website. So here’s to good health for all seniors in Berkshire County. Be sure to take every precaution you can to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Information For Tenants Facing Evic tion
Tenant Protec tions - CDC Moratorium
new eviction cases.
Financial And Other Housing Help
• Tenants and homeowners who owe rent or mor tg age payments should apply for financial and other help at Berkshire Housing Development Cor p Fill out the HCEC Intake For m at https:// berkhousing.wpengine.com or call 413-499-1630. BHDC will decide which pro g rams can help you
• RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) can pay up to $4,000 in rental assistance for eligible families. Up to $10,000 will be available in certain situations. https:// berkhousing.wpengine.com or call 413-499-1630.
• Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) – can help tenants af ford their utilities. Apply at Berkshire Community Action Council, Inc. by calling (413) 445-4503
Legal Assistance – Community Legal Aid
• Tenants who have received a Notice to Quit or court eviction papers can apply for an attor ney at 855-CLA-LEGAL (855-252-5342) or www.communityle g al org
• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued an eviction moratorium through December 31, 2020. Tenants must sign and give their landlord a Declaration to be covered by this moratorium. More infor mation is available here: https://www. massle g alhelp org/covid-19/ housing
The New Cour t Process
• Most court events will be held over Zoom.
• Summons: When a tenant is served with a Summons and Complaint for an eviction case, the first cour t date will likely say “TBD” or “to be determined.”
• The Court will send a separate notice with the date of the first cour t event and the Zoom infor mation If a tenant is confused about the court date or whether the court event is in person or over Zoom, contact the court
How To Contac t The Cour t
• Housing Court (413) 748-7838 or WesternHousingCourt@jud. state ma us
• Pittsfield District Cour t (413) 499-0558 or cmpittsfielddc@jud state.ma.us
• Northern Berkshire District Court (413) 663-5339 or cmnorthernberkshiredc@jud. state ma us
How To Respond To An Evic tion
• Tenants should file an Answer and Discovery Request
• You must give these documents to your landlord and the cour t three business days before the first cour t event.
• The website https://gbls. org/MADE (click “start online for m”) will help you generate the Answer and Discovery for ms.
• The first cour t event for a new case in the Housing Court will be for mediation an opportunity to try to reach a settlement ag reement with the landlord
• In the District Court the first cour t event is a case management conference.
• You do not need to settle during the first cour t date and should not make an ag reement unless it meets your needs.
• If the case does not settle
during the first cour t date, the court will send a second notice with a trial date.
• You can transfer an eviction case from the District Court to the Housing Court by filing a Notice of Transfer by the day before the trial date.
Other Help
• Call 2-1-1 or www.mass.gov/ CovidHousingHelp – can provide infor mation and resources for tenants and homeowners.
• Emergenc y Assistance ( EA) Shelter – can provide shelter to eligible, low-income families experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. Apply at (866) 584-0653. If families have dif ficulty applying or are denied shelter, they can apply for Community Le g al Aid.
• https://www.massle galhelp. org/housing - infor mation for tenants about eviction rights and options.
