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| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
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Berkshire United Way to Massachusetts: Early-Learning Educators Need Better WagesBy Katherine von Haefen , Guest Column
02:04PM / Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | |
 As reported in iBerkshires, state education officials met with Western Massachusetts childcare and early education advocates at Berkshire Community College recently. I had the opportunity to share the following testimony on behalf of Berkshire United Way and our community partners. Early childhood education provides tremendous benefits to our region. High-quality child care dramatically influences brain development and the future health and success for children in school and life, as well as provides a safe and secure space for our youngest community members so their parents or caregivers can work and provide for their families. Berkshire United Way has invested in 0 Comments
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Greylock Federal Joining Credit Union CollaborativeBy Tammy Daniels, iBerkshires Staff
06:29PM / Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Federal Credit Union is moving some of its back-office operations to a collaborative network but says customers shouldn't see any difference. This is expected to affect a percentage of employees over the next two years. "This is a group of credit unions sharing operational resources," said President and CEO John Bissell on Tuesday, adding these include informational technology, areas of lending and quality that are more "business to business" aspects of the credit union's operations. Greylock will join with three other credit unions in what is called a credit union service organization, or 0 Comments
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Chili's Grill & Bar Closes in PittsfieldBy Stephen Dravis, iBerkshires Staff
02:52PM / Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The casual dining restaurant chain Chili's is pulling up stakes at its Hubbard Avenue location. On Tuesday afternoon, there were moving trucks outside the location, as first reported by Pittsfield Community Television on its Facebook page, and a call to the location was answered by an employee who reported that the restaurant had no plans to reopen. Inquiries to Chili's parent corporation, Brinker International, were not immediately returned on Tuesday afternoon. There is no information posted on Brinker's website about any wider closures. The Chili's location in Bennington, Vt., remains open as of Tuesday 0 Comments
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Park Square Maple Couldn't Weather Summer StormsBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
12:24PM / Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — One of Park Square's trees wasn't able to weather the summer storms.
A large limb from a 32-foot sugar maple in the park fell next to the fountain area over the weekend. Caution tape and traffic barrels now surround the aftermath. If it cannot be saved, it will likely be replaced.
This tree was assessed two years ago as part of the Park Square Tree Planting Project and deemed to be in "fair to good" condition. Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Manager James McGrath explained that it was showing deadwood and areas on top were experiencing dieback but planners hoped to clean it up to "serve our needs into the
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Pittsfield Awarded Clean Water Grant| 08:03AM / Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust's (the Trust) Board of Trustees approved $60,492,784 in new low-interest loans and grants at its meeting on August 7, 2024. Pittsfield was awarded a $445,104 Lead Service Line Planning Grant The Trust, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), helps communities build or replace water infrastructure that enhances ground and surface water resources, ensures the safety of drinking water, protects public health and develops resilient communities. It accomplishes these objectives by providing low-interest loans and grants to cities, towns and water utilities 0 Comments
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Pittsfield Nonprofit Asks for Building Permit ForgivenessBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Westside Legends would like a helping hand from the city in the form of fee forgiveness for an upcoming condo project.
The City Council will return from its summer break on Tuesday. Among the nearly 40-item agenda is a petition from the nonprofit requesting a waiver of all building permit fees for "Project Legacy," an affordable first-time homebuyers development.
According to the City Code, new residential construction costs $0.35 per square foot ($150 minimum.)
The nonprofit plans to build 16 new units on a vacant lot at the corner of Columbus Avenue and South John Street. It says this will meet the need for more affordable
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Dalton's Orchard Road Reconstruction Pushed to 2025By Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
12:22PM / Monday, August 12, 2024 | |
 DALTON, Mass. — The reconstruction of Orchard Road is now projected to take place next year. The last estimate for construction was overly optimistic because, at the time, it was unclear how long obtaining the two easements would take, Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson said. Louise Frankenberg, the owner of one of the easements on Orchard Road, donated the 3,979 square-foot piece of land to the town. The other easement on North Street, owned by Amy Musante, is a more substantial chunk of land, 14,364 square feet, and was purchased for $7,000. Voters approved allocating this amount from free cash during the annual town meeting in 0 Comments
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BCC's EMT Training Course Fills Need in Berkshire County | 10:48AM / Monday, August 12, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) reports that of the 13 students who completed its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training, nine took the required psychomotor test, and all nine passed the exam. Once they pass the written exam, they will be ready for immediate employment as EMTs in Berkshire County, filling an urgent workforce need. EMTs work alongside paramedics to help assess injuries, provide emergency medical care and transfer patients to medical facilities. A psychomotor test measures proficiency in hands-on skills, including patient assessment and management, ventilatory assistance, oxygen administration, cardiac arrest 0 Comments
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Super Explains Changes in Pittsfield Schools' Central OfficeBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:28AM / Monday, August 12, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With a new school year looming, Superintendent Joseph Curtis has explained staffing changes in the central office.
The fiscal year 2025 budget said goodbye to the deputy superintendent and director of curriculum positions. Last month, the district's former special education director Jennifer Stokes was appointed assistant superintendent for school transformation and accountability and former Taconic High School principal Matthew Bishop was tapped as the interim deputy superintendent.
Eyebrows were raised, as the position was eliminated for this fiscal year.
"Unfortunately, the interview committee did not feel confident advancing any candidate for
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Third Splash Pad Proposed for PittsfieldBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:15PM / Sunday, August 11, 2024 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is poised to have three splash pads.
Before the Conservation Commission is a notice of intent application from the city for a 700-square-foot, circular concrete splash pad at Durant Park. At the applicant's request, it was continued last week.
Full cost estimates have not been completed but based on recent repairs made to the Clapp Park splash pad, it is estimated to cost between $350,000 and $450,000.
Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Manager James McGrath reported that once local wetland permitting is completed, design work and detailed cost estimates will be finalized and the city will begin to identify appropriate funding
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MassDOT: 2024 Low Number Plate Lottery Applications Open| 04:00PM / Sunday, August 11, 2024 | |
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is reminding the public that eligible vehicle owners have two weeks left to submit applications for the 2024 Low Number Plate Lottery at myRMV Online Service Center. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. The Low Plate Lottery will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10 – details of the event will be announced soon. Winners will be notified by mail if selected for a low number plate. This year, there are 298 plates available through the low plate lottery. Some of the available low plates include 34, 255, 1912, 2X, 33V, B8, and Z88. Applicants should note 0 Comments
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MassWildlife: FAQs About Rattlesnakes | 12:16PM / Sunday, August 11, 2024 | |
In honor of World Snake Day on July 16, MassWildlife posted a video filmed by our State Herpetologist of a timber rattlesnake displaying its name-sake behavior of rattling the end of its tail. This video prompted many questions from Massachusetts residents about these fascinating snakes. It's clear from the popularity of the post that people are curious, so we've gathered answers to your top rattlesnake questions. Follow MassWildlife on Facebook and Instagram for more wildlife profiles, conservation stories, and tips for enjoying the great outdoors. I have lived in MA for years and I have never seen a rattlesnake. Why not? While rattlesnakes are
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