September is National Library Card Sign-up Month and to celebrate, local businesses will be offering special discounts and giveaways exclusive to library card holders. The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's public library, has joined forces with Downtown Pittsfield to coordinate these deals in downtown businesses for the entire month. Simply show your library card to receive the offer! See website for each location's special deal!
Jazz Vespersis held on the first Thursday of every month at Zion Lutheran Church. Join Marisa Massery, vocals; Katharine Wiencke, flute; Andy Wrba, bass; Sturgis Cunningham, drums; and Ben Kohn, piano for an evening service of prayer and song that incorporates contemporary jazz and blues. FREE, 6-7p.m.
Do you know about all of the programs that are available from 18 Degrees (formerly known as Berkshire Children & Families)? Weekly and monthly groups focus on children with challenging behaviors, English language learners, men who parent, LGBTQ+ youth and families, a ladies' night out, and so much more.
Follow the link for more information!
Join Aimee McLear for the next New Moon Sound Bath atRadiance Yoga.This month's new moon in Virgo brings a "Whole Body, Whole Earth" theme. Throughout the meditation you'll be guided through questions that connect you to your body and the Earth. $20-$30. 6-7:30 p.m.
Berkshire Theatre Group presents George Gershwin Alone, beginning on Saturday and running through August 31 at The Colonial Theatre.The celebrated one-man play features acclaimed actor, playwright and pianist Hershey Felder rendering an intimate portrait of George Gershwin's personal life and artistic genius. Widely regarded as the man who brought jazz into the concert hall, Gershwin changed the musical landscape forever. The play features the Gershwin favorites "I Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," songs from Porgy and Bess and An American in Paris, and a complete performance of "Rhapsody in Blue."
Shop the Labor Day Rug Sale at The Outlet at Pine Cone Hill foran additional 25% off Dash & Albert area rugs and furniture samples. This is your chance for a further discount on first-quality discontinued home items that are already reduced by at least 40%. Area rugs are available in several sizes up to 10'x14'. Constructions include woven, hooked, tufted and jute, and materials include cotton, wool and indoor/outdoor fibers.
In the 9-week group Art Therapy: Transforming Depression with Art, take a look at depression from many points of view and use art-making for self care. Through drawing, painting, claywork and more, learn about depression and find a more self compassionate voice. No art experience is necessary. $20 per week. Held in a private art studio with Marney Schorr. Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m. from Sept. 5 - Nov. 7.
This documentary offers an artful and intimate meditation on the life and works of the acclaimed novelist. From her childhood in Lorain, Ohio to '70s-era book tours with Muhammad Ali, and from the front lines with Angela Davis to her own riverfront writing room, Toni Morrison leads an assembly of her peers, critics and colleagues on an exploration of race, America, history and the human condition as seen through the prism of her own literature. The film includes discussions about her critically acclaimed works, including novels "The Bluest Eye," "Sula," and "Song of Solomon," her role as an editor and her time teaching at Princeton University.
Let's Go Pink is a cancer awareness exhibit that will be on view at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield throughout October, 2019. The opening reception will be Friday, Oct. 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. as part of that month's First Friday Artswalk. Twenty percent of sales will go to BTG PLAYS!, 15% to BMC Integrative Health Program's intuitive painting class for cancer patients, and the other 65% to the artist. Submissions accepted until Friday, Sept. 6.Artists will be notified of acceptance on or before Sept. 9. For more info, email the Let's Go Pink team: auntsessy1@gmail.com
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Pittsfield Company Fined for Asbestos Violations
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued a $17,400 penalty to Pittsfield-based Barile Environmental Inc. for asbestos violations that occurred during abatement services at an office building located at 23 Lewis Ave. in Great Barrington.
MassDEP discovered the violations during inspections of the office building in October 2025. Barile failed to follow appropriate asbestos work practices and controls during its asbestos abatement activities at the building site. MassDEP inspections of the facility revealed that Barile personnel were removing asbestos-containing siding in violation of state asbestos regulations.
"MassDEP enforces asbestos regulations so that management of asbestos-containing materials is completed safely," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. "This consent order requires payment of a substantial penalty and could have been avoided if the proper work practices were followed."
Following MassDEP's order, Barile has completed the required cleanup actions and must pay $14,000 of the $17,400 penalty to resolve the violations. The balance of the penalty is suspended pending compliance with the remaining administrative terms of the order.
Property owners or contractors with questions about asbestos-containing materials, notification requirements, proper removal, handling, packaging, storage, and disposal procedures, or MassDEP asbestos regulations are encouraged to contact the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office for assistance.
CT Equities is planning an $8 million redevelopment of the former St. Joseph's, which last operated as a high school nearly a decade ago. click for more
The National Grange is finding its way through the 21st century by building on past success and modifying its mission for modern America.
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For several years, the district has been working with limited space, and a vote at the annual meeting is expected to help ease those constraints.
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The unofficial results for the town's annual election indicate that Planning Board registered candidate William Striebel III and write-in candidate Richard Hall have secured the two seats. click for more