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| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
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Dalton Green Committee Clarifies Scope of Climate Action Plan By Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:46AM / Friday, April 12, 2024 | |
DALTON, Mass. — The Green Committee clarified the scope of the Climate Action Plan during its meeting last week to include climate-related hazard mitigation as one of its priorities. The primary focus of the request for proposals for the development of an action plan to achieve net zero by 2050 was decarbonization. Climate mitigation was included in the document but was not considered a priority. The deadline for the RFP is April 24. Everything the community discusses and other towns include mitigation in its Climate Action Plans, Green Committee member Todd Logan said in a follow-up. Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson received a question from one of the 0 Comments
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Berkshire United Way Celebrates a Century of ServiceBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:39PM / Thursday, April 11, 2024 | |
Mary Wheat of the South Community Food Pantry is the recipient of the annual Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands Caring Heart Award. See more photos here. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire United Way celebrated 100 years of service on Wednesday with hundreds of community members at the Colonial Theatre. The organization has operated under a variety of names since its founding in 1924 but stayed true to its mission of meeting peoples' greatest needs, from economic hardship support during the Great Depression to emergency funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I'm standing here right now feeling inspired and grateful," President and CEO Tom Bernard said to a crowd of
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The Retired Investor: Immigration Battle Facts and FictionBy Bill Schmick,
04:30PM / Thursday, April 11, 2024 | |
Recently, several studies, combined with macroeconomic data in both the private and public sectors, have revealed that immigration has benefited the economy in recent years. In a politically charged election year, the facts are often ignored as hyperbole takes over. In my last column, I reminded readers that demonizing migrants is nothing new in American history. In a country that is constantly looking for someone to blame for their troubles, immigrants stand the test of time. One prominent candidate has even claimed that migrants are "not people in my opinion." In a recent Wall Street Journal national poll in late February, 20 percent of voters ranked 0 Comments
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Pittsfield Co-op Recognizes Employees for 40 Years of Service| 03:03PM / Thursday, April 11, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) recently recognized two employees for 40 years of dedicated service. Like most long-tenured individuals in financial service institutions, they began as tellers. Both experienced banking before technology became the norm and remember paper processes, applications and documentation. Janice Acklin began her career as a teller in 1984, the average interest rate for a six-month CD was 12 percent and the average 30-year mortgage was north of 13 percent. After a couple of years, she went to the loan servicing department where a passion for retail lending was developed. In 1995, she was promoted to 0 Comments
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Pittsfield Subcommittee Supports Wright Building TIEBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
12:35PM / Thursday, April 11, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Community and Economic Development subcommittee has supported tax incentives for the rehabilitation of the Wright Building and the former Jim's House of Shoes.
The committee on Monday unanimously voted in favor of a 10-year tax increment exemption agreement for 229-237 North St. and 239-261 North St. for Allegrone Construction Co.'s $18 million overhaul of the properties.
"Thank you for bringing this proposal forward," committee member Alisa Costa said to the developers.
"I know you have been very patient with the timing and I know the community is really eager to see something happen with this building."
The project will
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Pittsfield Kayak Kiosk Proposal Triggers ConcernBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:22AM / Thursday, April 11, 2024 | |
Caryn Wendling addresses the council, concerned how a kayak rental will affect her Onota Boat Livery business. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A proposed kayak rental kiosk at Onota Lake has triggered concern from city councilors and community members. The City Council on Tuesday referred a petition from residents Daniel Miraglia and Gene Nadeau requesting a legal opinion on Whenever Watersports' kayak rental program to City Solicitor Stephen Pagnotta. In December, the Parks Commission granted a request for the pilot program, and the solicitor has been reviewing and revising a proposed contract that has not yet been approved.
Miraglia expressed concerns about the lack of a bidding
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Berkshire Organizations Receive Mass Cultural Council Awards| 02:37PM / Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Several Berkshire County organizations have been awarded Mass Cultural Council Awards as part of the Gaming Mitigation Fund Grant Program. "Supporting our performing arts centers is a strategic investment in the vitality of our communities," said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "These organizations serve as hubs of creativity, offering transformative experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages. By supporting these institutions, we not only preserve our cultural heritage but also foster innovation, economic growth, and social cohesion, ensuring a vibrant and enriching future for 0 Comments
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Dalton Fire District Prioritizes Ambulance, Fire Improvements in BudgetBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
01:40PM / Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | |
 DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District is anticipating a budget of $3,516,650 for fiscal year 2025, an increase of $820,196 from last year. The increased funding is an effort to improve the district's Property Protection Classification, Fire Chief Christian Tobin told the Water Commissioners meeting last Wednesday in presenting his three-year strategic plan. It also includes hikes in insurance, competitive wages and stipends, personnel and training, education and recertification, and building improvements. Ambulance and fire have a combined budget $1,851,501, up approximately $350,000. In fiscal 2024, voters approved an ambulance budget of 0 Comments
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Pittsfield Businesses Named Finalists Economic Impact Awards| 10:39AM / Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. Mayor Peter Marchetti announced that two Pittsfield businesses, Hot Plate Brewing Co. and Interprint, were respectively named as Silver and Bronze Awardees for the 2023 MassEcon Economic Impact Awards. According to MassEcon, the Economic Impact Awards celebrate companies throughout the Commonwealth for their contributions to the state's economy. Each awardee must meet three criteria including locating a new operation in Massachusetts or expanding operations resulting in added jobs and facility investment, social impact with community involvement/philanthropic efforts and internal/external equity, diversity and inclusion practices. To honor these 0 Comments
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Pittsfield Council OKs Arrowhead Sewer ExtensionBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:49AM / Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — City sewer will be extended to Herman Melville's Arrowhead, benefitting more than 5,000 visitors a year.
The City Council on Tuesday approved a $650,000 borrowing under the Sewer Enterprise Fund for the Holmes Road project that will also allow a couple of residential homes to connect. It passed 8-1 with Councilor at Large Earl Persip III and Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi absent and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn in opposition.
"Just know that the sewer extension will benefit over 5000 visitors," Berkshire County Historical Society Executive Director Lesley Herzberg said.
"It's not just like you're extending a sewer for one
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Former Dempsey Pediatrics Joins BHS Umbrella| 02:00PM / Tuesday, April 09, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced that the former Dempsey Pediatrics provider practice has joined BHS, furthering the legacy of care provided by Dr. Brian Dempsey. "We are pleased to continue the dedicated care services that Dempsey Pediatrics has provided for decades through Berkshire Health Pediatrics," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer. "The landscape for primary care and pediatrics has changed dramatically over the last decade, making it increasingly harder for offices to continue as stand-alone practices. By joining with Berkshire Health Systems, Dempsey Pediatrics can continue to care for 0 Comments
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Vietnam Veterans, Outgoing VVA Members Honored in PittsfieldBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
12:28PM / Tuesday, April 09, 2024 | |
The ceremony has been held by the monument in Park Square for nearly a half-century. PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The slushy snow left in Park Square from last week's storm did not stop Berkshire County veterans from honoring the 27 local people who were killed in action in Vietnam.
"We are gathered here today to remember the men and women from Berkshire County who gave their lives while serving in Vietnam for their country," veteran Ron Rousseau said on Saturday before reading the names of the fallen service members.
The annual ceremony recognizes National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which is on March 29. A coalition of local veterans has been holding it for
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