The tree is escorted to Park Square from Euclid Avenue.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's Christmas tree arrived in Park Square on the eve of Thanksgiving.
Standing about 35-feet tall, the Colorado blue spruce was donated to the city by Timothy and Susan Rapkowicz of Euclid Avenue.
Susan Rapkowicz said the couple planted the tree in their yard when they first moved into the home more than 30 years ago.
"I always wanted to put lights on it but it wasn't an option. Now it will be a very special Christmas tree because it will now have lights on it and will be in memory of our family members who have since passed away," she told city officials.
City workers felled the tree from the property Wednesday morning and with the help of LP Adams, which donated the use of a crane for the installation, installed it at Park Square.
The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.
The event typically features music from the Taconic High School chorus, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire truck to meet with children, and free hot chocolate.
Residents are typically asked to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry at the tree lighting.
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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.
Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.
The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.
Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.
"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.
"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."
Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly. A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.
It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.
Having fun on April vacation doesn't have to break the bank. From baby animals to recreational activities and crafts, there is an array of free or low-cost family events happening across the county this week. click for more
On Thursday, the panel approved a notice of intent application for the use of EarthTec QZ within a specified treatment area of the lake.
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