| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
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The Retired Investor: A Different View on Interest RatesBy Bill Schmick,
04:41PM / Thursday, February 13, 2025 | |
Scott Bessent, the nation's new Treasury secretary, is a product of the investment world. His private sector background brings to the government a different set of tools and ideas that may lessen the burden on the Federal Reserve Bank in its fight against inflation. For decades, politicians of both parties with few exceptions have left it up to the Federal Reserve Bank to curb inflation while maintaining employment. It has been a tough job, especially when fiscal policy is working at cross purposes with their mandate. The fly in the ointment over the last several decades has been that while the central bank has been largely insulated from political pressures and has functioned 0 Comments
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Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. Photography Exhibition: Focus on Downtown| 03:27PM / Thursday, February 13, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework are presenting "Focus on Downtown," a new photography exhibition featuring local photographers Brian Beckett, Shaun Harmon, and Autumn Phoenix. The exhibit runs from February 3 through March 26 at Framework by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (437 North Street) and showcases vibrant and artistic views of the city. As part of the 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival, a reception with the photographers will be held on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 10 AM to 12 PM in collaboration with Dottie’s Coffee Lounge’s Domingo Brunch, featuring live music by Amy Attias and Dave Christopolis. The exhibition is open Monday through Thursday,
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Joann Fabric in Pittsfield Targeted for ClosureStaff Reports, iBerkshires
12:52PM / Thursday, February 13, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Joann Fabric and Crafts store on Dalton Avenue is among some 500 set to close. Joann Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year to restructure and filed again last month. On Wednesday, the bankruptcy filings noted that liquidation should start immediately. Pittsfield was among the 19 Massachusetts stores identified for closure, as well as the store in the Hampshire Mall in Hadley. Two Vermont stores are closing along with several in New York's Capital District. Overall, 53 stores out of 800 are slated to be shuttered. Joann is the only large scale material retailer in the area. Walmart eliminated its bolt fabrics a few 0 Comments
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Fire Damages First Street Multifamily Home in Pittsfield| 10:47AM / Thursday, February 13, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A fire early Tuesday morning caused extensive damage to a multifamily home on First Street, displacing residents and prompting an investigation by local and state authorities. The blaze, which broke out around 1 a.m. at 233 First Street, is being investigated by the Pittsfield Fire Department, Pittsfield Police, and the State Fire Marshal's Office. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames on the back exterior of the 2 ½-story home. Crews quickly worked to contain the fire, extinguishing it outside before moving to the second floor, where the fire had spread. Additional teams searched the building and ventilated smoke from the 0 Comments
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Pittsfield to Host Second Annual Winter Festival at Clapp Park| 08:14AM / Thursday, February 13, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development Recreation Program has announced the second annual Winter Festival, set to take place on Monday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clapp Park. The event, designed to kick off the winter break, will feature a variety of activities for children, families, and community members of all ages. Among the scheduled activities are group-led outdoor experiences, including a Winter Senses Safari with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council and snowshoeing with Mass Audubon. The festival will also feature a Snow Sculpture Contest, open to participants ranging from novices to professional 0 Comments
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Dalton Residents Demand Action on Concrete Company's DustBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:36AM / Thursday, February 13, 2025 | |
A bagged sample of dust taken from a back porch. DALTON, Mass. — Nearly 100 residents turned up at the Board of Health meeting on Wednesday night to complain of dust and particulates coating their neighborhood from Berkshire Concrete and allegedly causing health issues. The meeting was initially scheduled to be held in the Callahan Meeting Room at Town Hall, but it was relocated to the Senior Center because to the crowd overflow that extended down the hall. Several demanded that the Board of Health impose an injunction to stop operations at the worksite. Co-Chair Robert Kinzer emphasized the importance of ensuring that any abatement orders issued 0 Comments
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Pittsfield Superintendent Announces ResignationBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
10:24PM / Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After 30 years with the district, Superintendent Joseph Curtis has decided to step down in June.
"Serving as your superintendent has been the honor of a lifetime," he said.
"Pittsfield Public Schools and the City of Pittsfield will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable journey. I will carry this time in my life very close to my heart." Curtis announced Wednesday he will step down from his position effective June 30. His comments came at the tail end of a three-hour School Committee meeting during the superintendent's report. He read an emotional message that explained his
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1Berkshire Introduces Newly Elected Board Members and Officers| 03:57PM / Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire announced its 2025 slate of newly reelected board members and officers, as well as the addition of new board members. These individuals will each help support the work of 1Berkshire as the marketing and economic development organization for the region. All these officers and board members were voted in and welcomed at 1Berkshire's Annual Meeting on Dec. 12, 2024. "I am delighted to welcome such a strong group of new and returning board members, and I'm also very pleased that Lori Gazzillo Kiely will continue to lead the board as our board chair for 2025," said Jonathan Butler, President and CEO of 1Berkshire. "The 0 Comments
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BCAC Offers Free Tax Preparation Services for Eligible Residents| 03:29PM / Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) is offering free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for individuals living or working in Massachusetts with a gross income of $67,000 or less. The program prioritizes seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency. The VITA program will operate from Feb. 1, 2025, to April 15, 2025, with in-person tax preparation available by appointment only at multiple locations, including BCAC offices in Pittsfield and North Adams. Participants must bring essential documents such as photo identification, Social Security cards, 0 Comments
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Harvey Joins Pittsfield Co-op's Retail Mortgage Team| 03:07PM / Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced the appointment of LouAnn A. Harvey as a VP, Mortgage Originator for South County within its Retail Mortgage Department. With more than three decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Harvey brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of excellence to the role. Prior to joining Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, Harvey served as Assistant Vice President and Mortgage Officer at Berkshire Bank, where she was recognized as one of the most successful mortgage loan originators in Berkshire County. Her dedication to client service and deep understanding of the local real estate 0 Comments
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Nomination Papers Ready for Dalton Town Election| 01:38PM / Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | |
DALTON, Mass. — Nomination papers for the annual town election on May 12 are now available in the town clerk's office. The offices up for election are two members of the Select Board each for three-year terms; two members of the Planning Board, also for three-year terms; one cemetery trustee for three years; four library trustees for three years; and five members of the Finance Committee for three years. A one-year term for moderator is also on the ballot. Interested candidates must stop by the town clerk's office to pick up nomination papers before March 24 and returned to the clerk for certification no later than April 1. Twenty signatures of registered 0 Comments
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Dalton Police Officer Receives CommendationBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
12:30PM / Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | |
 DALTON, Mass. — Police Officer Chelsea Eichstedt received a commendation and a life-saving award during the Select Board meeting on Monday for her professionalism and empathy demonstrated during a call on Feb. 4. Eichstedt was dispatched to the home of a 39-year-old man with Down syndrome who was choking. She successfully cleared his airway using the Heimlich maneuver, and his mother expressed appreciation for how Eichstedt handled the frightening situation with empathy. According to the mother, "You spoke with him on his level and informed him about everything you were going to do," Police Chief Deanna Strout said in reading the 0 Comments
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