Pittsfield Police Investigating Attempted Arson at St. Joe

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police are investigating an attempted arson that occurred on the property of St. Joseph's Church in the early morning of Aug. 4.

Over half of one of the southern rear doors is charred from top to bottom and part of the window is melted.  There are also signs of char on the ground beneath.

Lt. Gary Traversa reported that the investigation is active and detectives are making progress, but further details need to be withheld to maintain investigative integrity.

Parish attendee attorney John Bernardo said this fire was attempted twice, the second time occurring earlier this week.

Traversa said there has not been a second report of the incident and there is only a report from Aug. 4.  Fire Chief Thomas Sammons said only one fire was reported to his department.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Pittsfield Police Department at 413-448-9700 or on the PPD website.

Striking Out Cancer in Berkshires Holds Sunday Party Before June 27 Games

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
10:53AM / Monday, June 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Striking out Cancer in the Berkshires has been bringing smiles for half a decade.

 

This year, it also is bringing Smiley.

 

A day of community baseball and softball games that act as a fund-raiser for the Jimmy Fund is the brainchild of Joe DiCicco, who has expanded the event’s footprint over the years and seen a steady growth in money raised as a result.

 

This year’s games are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on June 27 on Buddy Pellerin Field at Clapp Park.

 

But the festivities begin this Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Sideline Saloon on Fenn Street, where DiCicco invites families to come down, free of charge, to take photos with a Boston Red Sox World Series Trophy and meet Boston mascot Wally the Green Monster and Smiley, the mascot of the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.

 

“It’s just a little way to give back to the community to start the week,” DiCicco said. “Last year, we had the trophy for the first time, and they want to bring it back, so that’s a good thing. Wally is different, and so is Smiley.”

 

What has not changed is DiCicco’s dedication to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund, inspired by Einar Gustafson, a child who beat cancer with the help of Dr. Sidney Farber in 1948 and shared his story with the world under the name Jimmy to protect his anonymity.