| News and events in Pittsfield, Mass.
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Mildred Elley Recognizes Practical Nursing Program GraduatesBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:18PM / Sunday, December 17, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For the first time since the pandemic, Mildred Elley held an in-person Pinning Celebration at the Italian American Club on Thursday for the graduates of the Practical Nursing Program. The school graduated 27 from the 18 month Practical Nursing Program, however, only three were able to attend the celebration. Department of Nursing Chair Dr. Patricia Newman explained the history of the pinning ceremony, a tradition dating back to the Crusades of the 12th century when the Knights Hospitallers tended to and cared for the injured and suffering Crusaders. "When new monks were brought into the Knights order they decided to 0 Comments
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1Berkshire's Annual Meeting Highlights a Year of Achievement| 04:01PM / Sunday, December 17, 2023 | |
DALTON, Mass. — On Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at the Stationery Factory in Dalton, 1Berkshire held its 2023 Annual Meeting. Focused on achievements of the past year, nearly 200 attendees gathered to hear the 1Berkshire team cover a year in review, program successes, and welcome new members to its Board of Directors. Margaret Keller, Executive Director for Community Access to the Arts (CATA) and 1Berkshire board member, kicked off the presentation with a welcome and thank you to sponsors who helped make the event free to members and the attending public. Following Keller's remarks, 1Berkshire Board Chair and Berkshire Bank Berkshire/Vermont Regional 0 Comments
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Teen Charged After Barracks Crash| 01:37PM / Sunday, December 17, 2023 | |
CHESHIRE, Mass. — A Pittsfield teenager is facing multiple charges including driving under the influence after crashing her car into the State Police barracks. According to State Police, the 17-year-old was traveling southbound on Route 8 at about 6:22 p.m. on Saturday when her 2000 Nissan Altima left the road and struck the east front corner of Cheshire barracks. The girl and her passenger, another 17-year-old Pittsfield girl, were taken to Berkshire Medical Center for minor injuries. The car crashed through the building's brick exterior wall and damaged a kitchen area. After being treated at the hospital, the driver was 0 Comments
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MasssWildlife: Junior Duck Stamp| 12:16PM / Sunday, December 17, 2023 | |
Since 1938, the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp or "Duck Stamp" has been required to hunt ducks or geese, although anyone can purchase a duck stamp. Funds generated from these stamps have helped restore and improve important wetlands, and the actual stamps have become collectors' items. Duck stamps are one of the most successful wildlife restoration efforts in the history of this nation. Conservation through art The Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) program, modeled after the Federal Duck Stamp, launched in 1991. Its goal was to grow awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife. In 1992, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 0 Comments
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Governor Nominates Members of Probate and Family Court | 11:43AM / Sunday, December 17, 2023 | |
BOSTON — Governor Maura T. Healey today nominated Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark and Michelle A. Yee for Probate and Family Court Justices. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor's Council for confirmation. “These three attorneys have all shown a profound commitment to helping families and children over the course of their careers," said Governor Healey. “Their work has come with the highest praise from colleagues across the state, and they each share an innate ability to navigate difficult cases with respect and consideration. We look forward to hearing from the Governor's Council as they consider these 0 Comments
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No Drought Conditions in Berkshire County | 08:01AM / Sunday, December 17, 2023 | |
 BOSTON — Following two months of below-normal precipitation, low groundwater levels since June, and below-average temperatures, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared today a Level 2-Significant Drought in the Islands Region of Massachusetts. All other regions of the state – Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, and Cape Cod regions – remain in Level 0-Normal conditions. The decision to declare was informed by recommendations by the Drought Management Task Force?(DMTF), which included discussions about groundwater in the Islands Region not fully recovering since the summer. "After 0 Comments
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Wahconah High Senior Garcia Award Certificate of Academic Excellence| 05:03PM / Saturday, December 16, 2023 | |
 DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School senior Aiden Garcia is the recipient of this year's Massachusetts Association School Superintendent's Certificate of Academic Excellence. The award was presented by Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis at the Nov. 16, Central Berkshire Regional School Committee meeting. Garcia is the son of Susan and Andrew Garcia of Dalton and has distinguished himself by demonstrating high academic standings, comprehensive community service, and standout leadership endeavors throughout his educational career. "What I am most impressed with is Aidan's commitment to service within his community and the way he 0 Comments
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Governor Makes Nomination State to Supreme Judicial Court | 11:17AM / Saturday, December 16, 2023 | |
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today nominated State Solicitor Elizabeth (Bessie) N. Dewar to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Judicial Court. This marks Governor Healey's first nomination to the state's highest court since taking office. "Bessie Dewar is a consensus builder who has significant experience working with the Supreme Judicial Court and also a deep passion for the important work that the Court does. She is a true student of the institution, and I am confident that she is the right person to fill this seat in this pivotal moment for the Court," said Governor Maura Healey. "I'm grateful for the hard work of the Supreme 0 Comments
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1Berkshire Berkshire Leadership Program Accepting Applications| 08:13AM / Saturday, December 16, 2023 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) is excited to announce that the 2024 class applications are open. The Class of 2024 will kick off with a two-day retreat Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, which includes training in many facets of leadership, problem-solving techniques, and networking. The retreat is followed by weekly sessions held on Thursdays, May 2 - June 27, focusing on areas of economic development, healthcare, tourism, creative economy, housing, and community involvement. The Berkshire Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the dynamic support of the volunteer BLP Steering Committee, composed of 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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