| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
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Pittsfield Council 'Moves On' from PHS Investigation ReportBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:33PM / Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city councilor is ready to move on from his unfulfilled records request on the Pittsfield High School investigation.
Last week, the City Council filed a communication that School Committee Chair William Cameron forwarded from state Supervisor of Records Manza Arthur. Arthur determined that the Pittsfield Public Schools met its burden to withhold public records, and Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren's administrative appeal was closed.
"I think we need to move forward. I'm willing to move forward, so I hope people will support my motion to file this," Warren said to the five other councilors present.
The
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BRPC Home Modification Loans Available| 05:32PM / Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission closed a total of nine Home Modification Loan Program projects in Berkshire County throughout fiscal year 2025. These loans ranged in size from $4,555 all the way to the program limit of $50,000. The project components included items such as stair lifts, bathroom modifications, driveway improvements, fencing, ramps, and one accessory dwelling unit. All these projects were completed to allow aging individuals and individuals living with disabilities to remain in their home and communities of choice. BRPC will continue to accept applications to the loan program in FY26 beginning July 0 Comments
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Berkshire Leadership Program Releases Youth Guide| 03:22PM / Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire's 2025 cohort of the Berkshire Leadership Program has curated a bilingual guide to summer activities and year-round programming. This guide will promote access to free, low-cost, and inclusive attractions and activities, as well as provide a directory connecting Berkshire youth with essential resources, services, and opportunities in their local communities. "Our goal is to serve youth and families in Berkshire County, with a special focus on low-income, marginalized, and Spanish-speaking communities," said Hari Kumar, project representative and 2025 cohort member. "We are prioritizing those who may face economic, 0 Comments
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'Good Trouble' Rallies Planned in Berkshires| 02:02PM / Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Rallies honoring the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis will be held on Thursday in several Berkshire communities. The "Good Trouble" rallies are being held on the anniversary of the Georgian congressman's passing at age 80 in 2020. The name refers to Lewis' oft-repeated phrase to disrupt through nonviolent means. Indivisible Mass Coalition, Mass Indivisible Groups, Massachusetts 50501, and allies will join with groups across the country to honor the legacy of Civil Rights icon. Some 50 rallies are being planned across the state, including in Great Barrington, Pittsfield and Williamstown to protest any attacks on the Constitution 0 Comments
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CATA Exhibits More Accessible than EverBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
12:22PM / Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | |
CATA is also using an app, Bloomberg Connects, to offer a digital guide to the 200 artworks on display. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Community Access to the Arts kicked off its annual art show last week, and this year it is more accessible than ever before. For more than three decades, CATA has been providing artistic opportunities for people with disabilities to tell their stories and perspectives through a wide range of media and performance. This year's art show, themed "I Am a Part of Art," features 150 works created by CATA artists at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts and 50 more in the Clark Art Institute's Lunder Center at 0 Comments
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St. Joseph's Polish Picnic Returns| 11:54AM / Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The St. Joseph's Polish Picnic returns to the grounds of St. Joseph's Church at 414 North Street on Sunday, July 20, continuing a 60-year tradition. The Polish Picnic is one of the last ethnic festivals in the Berkshires, and the event is expected to draw several thousand people. The picnic has free admission and is open to the public. A highlight of the Polish Picnic is the homemade Polish food prepared by St. Joseph's parishioners. The food includes Pierogi, Kapusta, Golumbki, and Kielbasa. American food and adult beverages will also be available for purchase. Entertainment, consisting of Polish music, will once again be 0 Comments
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Roots Rising Receives Grant for Farm & Education CenterBy Breanna Steele, iBerkshires Staff
05:48AM / Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | |
The existing house at the farm can be seen in this provided photo. It will eventually be renovated and expanded. The nonprofit hopes to provide housing for farming apprentices. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Roots Rising recently received a $200,000 Cultural Facilities Fund grant to help build a new farm and education center. "To have MCC and MassDevelopment believe in our vision and make a tangible commitment to our young people, our local food system, and our community is so meaningful to us. It validates the work we have done and the future we are building together!" Executive Director and co-founder Jessica Vecchia, said in an email. In February 0 Comments
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Pittsfield OKs Flag OrdinanceBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:26AM / Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has a new flag policy that stays true to its values and mission.
Flags such as the LGBTQ+ Pride, Juneteenth, and the Disability Pride Flag can still fly on municipal flag poles.
Last week, the City Council established a flag display policy allowing Pittsfield's flag, the United States and commonwealth flags, flags of other nations recognized by the U.S. government, and flags commemorating significant events or causes consistent with the city's values and mission.
The ordinance states that "Municipal flagpoles are not intended to serve as forums for free expression by the public," and that "All flag displays on
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Pittsfield Woman Victim of Colorado Homicide| 09:12PM / Monday, July 14, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A former city woman was the victim of a homicide in Colorado last week. Jordan Elizabeth Labarre, 32, of Breckenridge, Colo., was found deceased on Monday, July 7, at a residence in Blue River, Colo. Labarre, a graduate of the former St. Joseph's High School, was the daughter and stepdaughter of Joann Shugrue and Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, police were called to the Blue River residence at 6:20 p.m. over reports of gunshots, and more were heard when they arrived at the scene. CBI said the home's occupant, Daniel Joseph DeVito, 46, 0 Comments
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Pittsfield Council Passes Open Container LawBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
03:28PM / Monday, July 14, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has approved a "more enforceable" open container law with amendments to protect civil liberties.
Last week, councilors voted to replace City Code Section 14-7.1, "Same-Drinking alcoholic beverages upon public ways, etc." with Section 14-7.1, "Same-Possession of open container or consumption of alcohol on public property."
It passed with amendments to define an "open container" and some tweaked language proposed by Ward 2 Councilor Brittany Noto.
"All I can think of is the stated purpose of this ordinance is to increase enforcement authority. Anytime I hear that my ears go up, and I
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Pittsfield Issues Update on Public Restrooms| 01:56PM / Monday, July 14, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has issued an update on the public bathroom facilities it owns and/or provides and which are available to use by the public during the designated hours indicated below: Pittsfield Police Department, 39 Allen St. • Available 24/7 City Hall, 70 Allen St. (Second Floor) • Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave. • Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Friday, 9 to 5 • Saturday, 10 to 5 Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North Stt • Monday through Friday, 8 to 4 City parks, daily from 7 to 8 (Not available during the winter.) • The Common • 0 Comments
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BUW Board Interim President & CEO | 01:49PM / Monday, July 14, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire United Way's Board of Directors has appointed Katherine von Haefen, the organization's director of community impact, as interim president and CEO. Von Haefen, who assumes this position following the departure of Thomas Bernard, will retain her current responsibilities. The appointment is effective immediately and will continue to be interim while the board assesses the ongoing needs of the organization. "Our community impact work is at the heart of our mission to build a community where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive, and Katherine's work in this area has been exemplary," said board Chair 0 Comments
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