The Pathway to Zero Waste

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Elizabeth Saunders, the Massachusetts director of Clean Water Action, will speak at the Pittsfield Green Drinks February event on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. 
 
Elizabeth will talk about how the two ways of disposing of trash, incinerators ("Community Eco Power" in Pittsfield) and landfills, have negative consequences for public health, the environment, and justice.  
 
Elizabeth joined the Clean Water team in January of 2001 and since then has been fighting to prevent harm to human health and the environment from toxic chemicals in our water, homes, workplaces, and communities. Her work has included leading successful legislative campaigns to ban toxic chemicals like mercury and flame retardants and advocating for zero waste policies.  She was a member of the Zero Waste Boston coalition steering committee from 2013-2019, and currently, is a member of the Zero Waste Massachusetts steering committee. 
 
As part of the discussion, Elizabeth will go into detail about the toxic pollutants that landfills and trash incinerators create, how their physical placement is environmentally unjust, and how it's not necessary for Massachusetts to create large amounts of trash. Come learn about the movement for zero waste and how Massachusetts can go on a trash diet.
 
Pittsfield Green Drinks is an informal gathering on the third Tuesday of the month. These nights are free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. The drinks aren't green but the conversations are. Bring your questions!
 
Due to COVID-19, these events are virtual until further notice. Registration is required to join this event. REGISTER HERE.

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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to 2025 Assault, Firearm Charges

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing up to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple assault and firearm charges from last year. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, Jarvis L. Chadwell Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison following an incident on Oct. 18, 2025.

Police say that he fired a gun multiple times in a vehicle over an argument, striking the car and nearby home.  

"This incident was not just alarming because there was gun violence, but also because it occurred in such close proximity to a school. I will not waver on my stance towards gun violence in our community — gun violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. 

"While I am committed to supporting those who need our help with recovery options and courts of hope, we must also protect our children and communities from the threat of violence that can claim lives in an instant. I commend the Pittsfield Police for their response and dedication to quickly solving this crime."

This occurred near Morningside Community School, which was retired at the end of the last academic year. 

Charges: 

  • armed assault with intent to murder
  • attempted assault & battery by discharging a firearm
  • witness intimidation
  • malicious destruction of property
  • resisting arrest
  • assault and battery on a police officer
  • illegal possession of a firearm
  • illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device
  • possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card 
  • possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Probation conditions include a mental health evaluation and aftercare; sign any releases required by probation; and refrain from abuse of the named victim, including threats of violence.

Pittsfield Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 65 Cherry St. just before 1 a.m. on that day in 2025. Upon arrival, police say witnesses confirmed hearing a gunshot and observing a man fleeing the area.

"While outside the 65 Cherry Street residence, officers observed a vehicle parked near the neighboring residence with a bullet hole in the windshield and an additional bullet hole in the side of 67 Cherry Street. Based on witness descriptions at the scene, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Defendant within 30 minutes of the incident," a press release from the DA reads. 

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