West Nile Virus Found In Mosquito Sample Collected In Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — West Nile Virus has been found in a mosquitoes collected in the city. 
 
The Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project regularly monitors mosquito populations and tests for West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus. The state Department of Public Health has confirmed that one sample found the presence of West Nile.
 
A truck-mounted spray will be applied from 10 p.m. until midnight on Tuesday, Aug.. 23 on the streets within a one-mile radius of Garland Avenue. In the case of rain, the spraying may be pushed back to Wednesday evening.
 
Residents can request for their property not to be sprayed by contacting the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project at 413-447-9808 or through berkmc@bcn.net. 
 
The city has issued the following recommendation for protection against the virus.
  • West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito borne illness is to take the following precautions:
  • When outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks.
  • Use a repellent with DEET according to the instructions on the product label.
  • Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing holes in screens and making sure screens fit tightly to doors and windows.
  • Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Remove areas of standing water around your home to eliminate sources of mosquito breeding.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

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.

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