Organization Still In Need of Financial Support

By Jen ThomasPrint Story | Email Story
Renovations are underway at 81 Linden Street/1-5 Hayes Place, the future location of the SIOGA Club's headquarters.
PITTSFIELD - There's still more work to be done, but a local non-profit's dream of offering a safe and supportive meeting place for community members in need is almost realized. The SIOGA Club(Sobriety Is Our Greatest Asset) of Berkshire County, Inc. is one step closer to completing the renovations of its headquarters with the help of a $7,500 grant from the Berkshire Bank Foundation. Located at 81 Linden St./1-5 Hayes Place, the 7,000-square foot building will eventually feature at least three meeting rooms, office space, a conference room and an activity hall on two floors. "The mission of SIOGA is to provide a suitable, substance-free environment for our recovering community," said Douglas Malins, SIOGA's president, at a Monday morning press conference. The club's former meeting place, located on First Street, was destroyed by a fire in 2004 and the Linden Street property was purchased later that year. Considered an eyesore in the West Side neighborhood, the three-story house had been abandoned for more than 10 years and was in severe disrepair. To date, SIOGA has begun work on Phase 1 of the project, which includes installing a new roof and vinyl siding to some portions of the structure, replacing broken windows and partially insulating the interior. Mayor James M. Ruberto said he was impressed with SIOGA’s dedication to the community and he urged others to help the organization move into the next phase of the project. “It isn’t just brick and mortar and a roof and windows; it’s a manifestation of all the effort and energy and love and hard work of a community who cares,” he said. The Berkshire Bank grant will be used to purchase materials for the project and most of the labor will be provided by volunteers. “The SIOGA Club is a major contributor to this community and I’m glad the community recognizes this and gives back to those who contribute to it,” said Michael P. Daly, president and CEO of Berkshire Bank. “This was once an eyesore, but today, it looks like a sight for sore eyes.” The SIOGA Club was created in the 1970s and was established as a non-profit in 1977. With a mission to help members of the community overcome addictions, SIOGA works to provide safe and healthy activities for those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. With help from the city’s Office of Community Development and a combination of business and private donations, SIOGA has been able to work toward completing the $150,000 Phase 1 of the Linden Street project, but more needs to be done. “They can accept any amount from anybody and it’s critical,” said Ruberto. Sen. Benjamin B. Downing and Rep. Christopher Speranzo both attended the Monday press conference and applauded the efforts of SIOGA to give back. “While sobriety is your greatest asset, we in the Berkshires know that community is our greatest asset,” said Downing. Parties interested in supporting the ongoing project may send checks to The SIOGA Club at P.O. Box 4392, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or call 443-9231.
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Pittsfield Resident Victim of Alleged Murder in Greenfield

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A man found dismembered in a barrel in Greenfield on Monday has been identified as Pittsfield resident.
 
The Northwestern District Attorney's Office identified victim as Christopher Hairston, 35, and subsequently arrested a suspect, Taaniel Herberger-Brown, 42, at Albany (N.Y.) International Airport on Tuesday.
 
The Daily Hampshire Gazette reported that Herberger-Brown told investigators he planned on visiting his mother outside the country. 
 
Herberger-Brown was detained overnight, and the State Police obtained an arrest warrant on a single count of murder on Tuesday morning, the Greenfield Police Department said in a press release.
 
According to a report written by State Police Trooper Blakeley Pottinger, the body was discovered after Greenfield police received reports of a foul odor emitting from the apartment along with a black hatchet to the left of the barrel, the Greenfield Recorder reported. 
 
Investigators discovered Hairston's hand and part of a human torso at Herberger-Brown’s former apartment, located at 92 Chapman St, the news outlet said. 
 
According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Herberger-Brown originally told investigators that he had not been to the apartment in months because he had been in and out of hospitals. 
 
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