| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
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Pittsfield Spent 30% of ARPA Funds By Second QuarterBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
06:40PM / Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city expended $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act monies in the second quarter of 2023 with over half spent on addressing negative economic impacts of COVID-19.
Pittsfield received the funds nearly two years ago and has expended more than $12 million of the nearly $41 million award.
"Through the end of June, we have reported a total of $12,400,000 in funds of use, which represents about 30 percent of our overall award today. Again, remember we can spend this money through the end of calendar year 2026," ARPA co-manager Deanna Ruffer reported to the City Council last week.
"We have a total of 69 approved projects at this time, 52 of
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BCHS Welcomes Author, Music Writer| 04:29PM / Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Friday, Sept. 22, the Berkshire County Historical Society welcomes author Tom Piazza for a discussion of his latest novel. The program begins at 5:30 pm; tickets are $10 for BCHS members, $15 for nonmembers and can be purchased by using the BOOK NOW button at berkshirehistory.org. This event is sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Tom Piazza's twelve books include the novels "The Auburn Conference" and "City Of Refuge," the short-story collection "Blues and Trouble," the post-Katrina manifesto "Why New Orleans Matters," and the essay collection 0 Comments
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Applications Available for the Governor's Youth Advisory Council | 04:03PM / Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | |
BOSTON — Governor Maura T. Healey signed Executive Order #617 establishing the Governor's Youth Advisory Council to advise the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the entire administration on issues impacting Massachusetts, such as civic engagement, education, the environment, housing, and youth violence. Applications to join the Youth Advisory Council will be available through Oct. 14 for Massachusetts residents aged 16-21. "I've been so inspired by the young people I've met who have been making their voices heard and demanding more from their leaders on the most pressing issues facing Massachusetts. They deserve a seat at the 0 Comments
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Pittsfield Water Quality Notice| 08:02AM / Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Department of Public Services and Utilities shared the following update Tuesday regarding the water system involving the Ashley Treatment Plant causing discolored water in the south and east areas of Pittsfield. The source of the problem at the Ashley Treatment Plant has been identified. The reservoir outlet to the treatment plant experienced a sudden increase in turbidity levels, which exceeded the plant's processing capability. Due to the quick and efficient response from the city's Water Treatment and Distribution Crews, the issue has been contained and all water delivered to residents has remained within safe drinking 0 Comments
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Central Berkshire Shifts How it Addresses Student OffensesBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:18AM / Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | |
DALTON, Mass. — Central Berkshire Regional School District is shifting the way it addresses student offenses. It will focus on restorative practices and away from exclusionary action, Assistant Superintendent Michael Henault told the School Committee at its last meeting. The implementation of a more consistent code of conduct was recommended to the district following an equity audit so that there are more accountable interventions and expectations. "We want everybody to feel like they're being treated fairly in all circumstances and this specifically is around discipline," Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis said. The document focuses on 0 Comments
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Making the Loop | We had some free time this week to walk the 2-mile loop through the downtown. Here's a few of things that caught our eye. (In between taking photos, we were heel-toeing and arm-pumping as prescribed.)
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Let's Go Paperless | This is from Ward 6 Councilor John Krol's eblast today. His switch to digital immediately caught our attention. With the associated costs - nearly $4,000 a year for paper alone! - zipping councilors "the packet" (as we in the know like to call it) over the ether makes loads of sense.
Digital also means the average citizen gets far better access to these public documents than ever before. The city clerk's office has been diligent about posting meeting agendas and, where possible, relevant documents. So in terms of saving money and time and getting information out efficiently, digital is the way to go.
I would like to thank City Clerk Linda Tyer for agreeing to print out one less city council packet, as I have officially gone paperless for council meetings - which I hope will be a trend that can be extended throughout city government.
 The bulky (and often, very bulky) city council packet that councilors use for a reference costs an average of $170 per meeting for paper alone. Add the additional costs of ink/toner, wear and tear on city hall copiers, and the time and energy of staff who put it all together - and a simple transition away from paper benefits everyone.
With the packet now fully digital in pdf form, all councilors, and everyone with an internet
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Berkshire Music School Kicks Off 2012 Classes With Open House | The open house featured a sample class, access to musical instruments, information for parents, refreshments ...and more than a few delighted squeals.
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January 29, 2011
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of youths, many of them under the age of 5, attended an open house at the Berkshire Music School Saturday, as the educational nonprofit enters its 70th year at its 30 Wendell Avenue home.
The open house featured a sample class, access to musical instruments, information for parents, refreshments... and more than a few delighted squeals, proving once again the inherent interest in making a joyful noise is not generational, and will never go out of style.
 The open house featured a Music for Preschoolers class, designed to "children’s awareness of rhythm, ability to sing and move creatively to music," which |
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