Berkshire Residents Dance Against Sexual Violence

Karen Allison taught the 'Break the Chain Dance.'

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of area residents fought against sexual violence Thursday by dancing.

WAM Theater, Human/Animal Violence Education Network and the Elizabeth Freeman Center teamed up to throw a dance party — joining millions of others across the globe in the One Billion Rising movement.

The dance party was one of many events in Berkshire County coordinated with the global movement to protest sexual abuse.

One Billion Rising was started by Eve Ensler as a call to action to show strength in numbers. It coincides with V-Day, which juxtaposes Valentine's Day with raising money and awareness for sexual violence victims.

"Through dancing, it is our way to be part of that global revolution," WAM Theater's Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven said.

The idea is that one billion women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime and the events rally men and women to made a stand against it.

"This is our movement," Janis Broderick, executive director of the Elizabeth Freeman Center, said. "If we want real change it is going to be us who makes it happen."

Organizers performed readings of Ensler's work and taught the attendees the "Break the Chain Dance" gathering room above Spice Dragon on North Street. The dance was to cap off the night for those participating in events across the county.

Janis Broderick rallied the attendees to take action to fight against sexual violence.

Additionally, Thursday was also the kick off to the city's 10X10 Arts Festival so the dance was incorporated as part of the festival. Ginhoven said the dance is a "one-time thing" because the days happened to match up.

Any proceeds — beyond paying for the event itself — will be split between the Elizabeth Freeman Center and WAM. Sue Birn, president of the center's board of trustees, said "fun" events like dances help spread awareness to more people.

"It brings a lot of people out," Birns said, calling it a "celebration of women's lives."

Birns said red arm bands were passed out during the day to help further spread awareness of sexual violence. The arm bands also acted as "a way for people to feel connected to the movement."

Also calling for the end to violence against women, Mayor Daniel Bianchi declared Thursday as One Billion Rising Day in Pittsfield. Bianchi addressed the crowd saying he is "hopeful that the 21st century" will change things.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.