By Mary Beth Mitts

It’s been a busy fall season in the Town of Lenox. We on the Select Board have been hard at work making sure our sidewalks in the Village are safely replaced before the snow flies and it looks like lower Housatonic Street’s road repair and sidewalk installation is complete.

I have been working with the Select Board on several items of note:

• The Town of Lenox enthusiastically endorsed participation in mutual aid with the 17 other 3rd Berkshire towns. We are raising our new $19 million public safety complex at Route 7 and Housatonic Street and anticipate closing in the building before the snow flies so construction on the interior can begin in early 2025.
• The Board plans on instituting a stabilization fund for our bridges and culverts so that when it comes time to replace them, we do not need to ask the taxpayers for a large lump sum of financing but will be able to largely fund a bridge replacement with escrowed funds.
• Lenox just secured a $10.2 million grant from the USDA for upgrades to our wastewater treatment plant along with a $35 million loan at favorable financing rates due to our AAA bond rating.
• The Brushwood Housing Project on Rt. 7 next to the Courtyard by Marriott is nearing completion on site preparation and looking forward to a groundbreaking within the next two months for 65 new rental housing units.
• Our School Building Committee and Permanent Building Committee will be reviewing a potential phased addition to Lenox Memorial Middle & High School for several new science classrooms and modifications to our athletic locker rooms and gymnasium. The town may undertake this project without applying to the MASB, as the town has made application for the last three years to no avail. Further town discussion will be conducted on this important project.

As a member of the Lenox Cultural District Steering Committee, we had a highly successful summer season with Art Walk, our Farmer’s Market at St. Ann’s, Lenox Loves Music, and as I write this—Apple Squeeze is setting up for the last weekend in September. We love all our neighbors and those from out-of-county and out-of-state visiting Lenox each summer to enjoy The Mount, Shakespeare & Company, Tanglewood and our spectacular natural resources. The leaves are just starting their magnificent show and here’s to crossing our fingers for a winter full of snow and the fun that comes with the holiday season!

Our Southern Berkshire Region

The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative (SBPHC) has opened registration for 17 mobile clinics being held in South County. This year’s clinic season started on Saturday, September 28 at W.E.B. Dubois Middle School, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. continuing through late November. A complete list of clinics and the Fall 2024 Vaccination Clinic Schedule can be found on SBPHC’s website.

All clinics will have the updated COVID vaccine and regular-dose flu vaccine for people six months or older and senior-dose flu vaccine for people 65 or older. Registration is strongly recommended for these clinics in order to ensure proper staffing and vaccine levels. Pre-registration assistance is available over the phone by contacting SBPHC (413) 243-5540 ext. 19.

All vaccines are provided at no out-of-pocket cost; however, individuals should bring their identification and insurance card to the clinic, if they have one. Short-sleeved shirts are encouraged.

In-home vaccinations for both COVID and flu vaccines are available for individuals who have difficulty leaving the house. To request an in-home vaccination, individuals should call SBPHC at (413) 243-5540 ext. 109 and leave a message that includes your name, town, and phone number. These in-home vaccinations will start to be scheduled in late September

Register for upcoming clinics here and choose your desired clinic. If you need assistance registering, call SBPHC Public Nursing program at (413) 243-5540 ext. 109.