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Lenox Holds First Annual Tree Walk

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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LENOX, Mass. — Downtown Lenox is utilizing sidewalks this holiday season by lining them with decorated trees.

The first annual Holiday Tree Walk is happening through the month of December on Main Street, Housatonic Street, Walker Street, and Church Street.

During this holiday season, these trees can be viewed in a safe, social distancing manner while browsing historical Lenox.

The event is a collaboration with the Lenox Chamber of Commerce, the townolki9"? and the Lenox Cultural District.

"It was a collaborative brainchild between the Cultural District and the Chamber of Commerce's Director Jennifer Nacht," the chamber's Creative Services Manager Deirdre McKenna said. "It was something that came out of some of the discussions with the Cultural District committee members."

Nearly 30 decorated holiday trees can be found lining the streets and featuring a Pickle Scavenger Hunt in which viewers locate a good luck pickle on every tree.



Most of the trees' decorations were a result of a business and an artist being paired, with the business paying the cost of the decorations.

Organizations including Shakespeare & Company, Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ventfort Hall, and more submitted staff-decorated trees for the tree walk.

This event is free to the public and can be viewed at any time, as the trees will be up through December.

For more information visit lenox.org/holiday-tree-walk-2020.


Tags: holiday event,   

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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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