Berkshire Green Drinks to Discuss Rat Poison Hazards and Proposed Legislation

08:06AM / Wednesday, June 04, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Green Drinks will host a discussion on the potential hazards of rat poison to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, along with information regarding pending legislation in Massachusetts aimed at restricting its use.

The event, titled "Rescue Raptors: Regulate Rat Poison," will feature local activists Peggy White and Richard Clapper.

The free event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, and will be accessible both online via Zoom and in person at Hot Plate Brewing Co., located at 1 School St. An in-person social gathering is planned to begin around 5:15 PM, with the presentation and Zoom meeting commencing at 6:00 PM.

White and Clapper will discuss their involvement in efforts to protect birds of prey and other predators in Massachusetts from rodenticides. They are reportedly working with Mass Audubon to advocate for restrictions on anticoagulant rodenticides, which they state are not only lethal to rodents but also to animals that consume them.

According to the announcement, predators such as raptors and coyotes play a role in maintaining ecological balance. The speakers contend that these animals are being poisoned after feeding on poisoned rodents, leading to internal bleeding and death.

Anticoagulant Rodenticides (ARs) are described as toxins intended for rodent control, but their effects can extend to non-target species, including household pets like dogs and cats, as well as various wildlife and potentially humans. The announcement states that ARs can remain in a rodent's system for several days, posing a risk to any animal that comes into contact with them.

Massachusetts lawmakers are currently considering S. 644 / H. 965: An Act Restricting the Use of Rodenticides in the Environment. Supporters believe this legislation could significantly aid in the protection of wildlife, pets, and people, but its passage is contingent on public support.

The event is organized by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and co-sponsored by Hot Plate Brewing Co. It is part of the monthly Berkshire Green Drinks series, which features speakers on environmentally related topics followed by discussion and a question-and-answer session.

Those interested in attending can find more information and RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/June2025-Berks-Green-Drinks. For further inquiries about Berkshire Green Drinks, individuals can contact Chelsey Simmons at chelsey@thebeatnews.org or (413) 464-9402.

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Pittsfield Housing Project Adds 37 Supportive Units and Collective Hope

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:01PM / Monday, December 29, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A new chapter in local efforts to combat housing insecurity officially began as community leaders and residents gathered at The First on to celebrate a major expansion of supportive housing in the city.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday Dec. 19, on nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at The First, located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. The Housing Resource Center, funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, hosted a celebration for a project that is named for its rarity: The First.

"What got us here today is the power of community working in partnership and with a shared purpose," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said.

In addition to the 28 studio units at 111 West Housatonic Street and nine units in the rear of the church building, the Housing Resource Center will be open seven days a week with two lounges, a classroom, a laundry room, a bathroom, and lockers.

Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, challenged attendees to transform the space in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church into a community center. It is planned to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round.

"I get calls from folks that want to help out, and our shelters just aren't the right spaces to be able to do that. The First will be that space that we can all come together and work for the betterment of our community," Forbush said.

"…I am a true believer that things evolve, and things here will evolve with the people that are utilizing it."

Earlier that day, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and her team in Housatonic to announce $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, $5.45 million to Berkshire County.

He said it was ambitious to take on these two projects at once, but it will move the needle. The EOHLC contributed more than $7.8 million in subsidies and $3.4 million in low-income housing tax credit equity for the West Housatonic Street build, and $1.6 million in ARPA funds for the First Street apartments.

"We're trying to get people out of shelter and off the streets, but we know there are a lot of people who are couch surfing, who are living in their cars, who are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves," Augustus said.

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