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.

Springfield Man Charged for Murder in Friday Night Pittsfield Stabbing

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Springfield man is being charged with murder in the stabbing death of a 36-year-old city man on Friday night. 
 
Zyrus Jaynes, 24, was charged with one count of murder, and is expected to be arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Monday, June 1.
 
Police did not release the name of the stabbing victim. 
 
According to a police report by Lt. John Soules, officers responded to a report of an assault at a residence on Hall Place at about 10 p.m. on Friday. 
 
The found the Pittsfield man "suffering from a life-threatening stab wound." First responders treated him and transported him to Berkshire Medical Center, where the victim died of his injuries.
 
As a result of the ensuing police investigation, which included cooperation from a number of witnesses, a suspect was identified and arrested the following morning.  
 
While a suspect has been arrested, police say the incident is still under investigation in conjunction with the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office. Anyone who wishes to provide information is asked to contact Detective James Losaw at 413-448-9700, Ext. 572. Information can also be provided anonymously by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411.)
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