| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
|
Mass State Police Not Aware of Any Jihad ThreatsBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
03:16PM / Friday, October 13, 2023 | |
BOSTON — State police have released a statement regarding "vigilance and readiness" after a former Hamas leader’s call for a "global day of jihad" on Oct. 13. "At this time we are aware of no specific or credible threats in Massachusetts related to the attack on Israel or the call for jihad by terrorists, but as ever, we remain vigilant and will advise our citizens if that changes," The Massachusettes State Police wrote.
"Please know that we maintain constant vigilance and a consistently high state of readiness to rapidly respond to developing threats, critical incidents, and requests for assistance."
Fear of violence spread on Friday
0 Comments
Read More >> |
Pittsfield School Administrator Details Cell Policy ImplementationBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
02:21PM / Friday, October 13, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — There have been over 1,300 violations of the district's new cell phone policy this academic year with more middle schoolers issued lockable cell phone devices.
Lockable devices have been issued 70 times in Pittsfield's middle schools and 34 times in the high schools. A total of 38 secondary students received the penalty for repeat offenders and 22 were of middle school age.
"They are definitely having a little bit of the hardest time," Deputy Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa said to the School Committee on Wednesday.
"And in some cases, it's the first time they've had a phone so they are very excited about that or maybe
0 Comments
Read More >> |
Weekend Outlook: Festivals, Haunted Houses, and MoreBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
12:42PM / Friday, October 13, 2023 | |
 There will be a variety of events in the Berkshires this weekend including festivals, haunted houses, and a picnic. Editor's Pick Purgatory Road Community Recreation Association, Dalton Time: Friday and Saturday, 7 until 10 p.m. Take a haunted hike behind the Dalton CRA this weekend to raise money for suicide prevention. Actors will be waiting to scare your socks off during this 20-minute hike. There will be uneven terrain, strobe lights, and fog machines. Security personnel will be available for anyone in need of assistance. Tickets are $15 and are sold at the door. This event is recommended for ages 12 and 0 Comments
Read More >> |
Dalton OKs More ARPA AllocationsBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:29AM / Friday, October 13, 2023 | |
DALTON, Mass. — The town has more money left in its American Rescue Plan funds than it previously anticipated. The town had previously decided to allocate $380,000 for sewer repairs but it was announced during the Select Board meeting on Tuesday that the sewer rehabilitation bids came in substantially lower than what was projected. The board voted to allocate some of the remaining funds to cover the cost of repairs for the town garage overhead door and an initial expense for a police accreditation system. After approving these allocations the town has approximately $137,000 left in ARPA funds. The Select Board will discuss how it should utilize 0 Comments
Read More >> |
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.)
 |
>> Read More |
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
|
>> Read More |
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.
.jpg)
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 |
>> Read More |
"Holiday Pittsfield": Barrington Stage Opening House | Down on Union Street, Barrington Stage Company was hosting a holiday open house, an opportunity to look around the theatre, enjoy refreshments, and most importantly, speak to the clear headlining star of the weekend, Santa Claus.
In a quiet moment with the Man in Red, he said he was thrilled to be here, and was looking forward to hearing from many more children. Always gracious, Mr. Claus thanked iBerkshires for stopping by. Always pressed for appearances this time of year, Claus was slated to appear later that evening at the Colonial Theatre.
|
>> Read More |
|
|
