2nd Street Seeks Submissions for Literary Project

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 2nd Street seeks submissions for Using Our Outside Voices, a literary project created in partnership with Berkshire Community College (BCC) that is designed to promote creativity, acceptance and inclusion for presently or formerly incarcerated men and women in Berkshire County. The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2024.
 
Authors whose work is selected will receive a cash award of $200, and winning submissions will be published in a journal. The initial run of 400 printed copies of the free journal will be distributed locally, and digital copies will be available online. In addition, public readings will be held at various venues in the Berkshires.
 
Any presently or formerly incarcerated resident of Berkshire County is invited to submit original poetry, short fiction, personal essays or other literary works. Those who need editorial help can bring their work to 2nd Street, located at 264 Second Street, Pittsfield.
 
For more details on how to submit a literary work, visit www.2nd-street.org and click Special Projects, or call (413) 443-7220, ext. 1275. 
 
Financial and in-kind support of Using Our Outside Voices is provided by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Arts Build Community initiative with funding from the Barr Foundation; by Berkshire United Way; by Berkshire Community College; and by Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by Mass Cultural Council.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Housing Authority Director on Leave After Performance Concerns

Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Housing Authority's executive director has been placed on administrative leave following "substantial" performance concerns. 

On Wednesday, the Board of Commissioners adopted resolutions that place Executive Director Tina Danzy on paid administrative leave effective at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Susan Martino, director of finance and administration, has stepped in as acting executive director. 

Five separate resolutions were approved following an executive session with Danzy. Martino, over email on Thursday, said the PHA has no comment on the situation. 

"The leave is a non-disciplinary interim measure intended to protect the operations, records, employees, tenants, and interests of the Authority while the concerns are reviewed," the PHA Board's fourth resolution reads. 

"During the leave, Ms. Danzy shall continue to receive her regular salary and benefits, subject to all ordinary deductions and benefit requirements. The Board has not, by this resolution, made a final determination that any allegation is substantiated or that Cause exists under the employment agreement." 

The board, however, did find that concerns warrant further investigation, which could result in termination or discipline.  

The first resolution states that, based on information presented to and discussed by the board during its prior meetings and executive sessions, including matters identified in a July 13 notice to the executive director, the board found that substantial concerns have been raised around Danzy's financial, operational, regulatory, management, and governance responsibilities. 

Attorney Kevin Kinne has been retained to advise and represent the board; legal fees over $5,000 would need further approval.  

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