Pittsfield Public Schools See 37 Student COVID-19 Cases

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — There are currently about 37 student cases of COVID-19 in the Pittsfield Public Schools and Superintendent Joseph Curtis is stressing the importance of mitigation practices.

This case number is even higher than the district's rate during this time last year.

"We have an extremely high number of cases with our students and I would just indicate and stress that even more cases than we had during the pandemic at this time last year,"  Curtis said the School Committee on Wednesday night.

"And so, I want to emphasize that all of our health and safety practices are in place, sanitization that has occurred throughout the pandemic is still in place, but I will be providing a message to our families on Friday, as I do each Friday, but really stressing and encouraging that those safety practices also take place outside of the school in their own personal life."

He added that the district was expecting a rise in positives because of the surge that occurred last year after Halloween and stressed that the pandemic is not over.

"We were expecting this rise in cases but just to bring awareness that the pandemic is not over," Curtis cautioned. "And those health and safety practices are critical, not only in school as we have continued to do throughout, but outside of school."

On Nov. 8, 2020, the average case rate was 20.2 per 100,000 residents; that rose until it hit a peak of 78 cases per 100,000 at the beginning of December.

The city is currently in an upward trend with around 43.8 cases per 100,000 but has lower hospitalization rates.  



Curtis said the district has confirmed six child vaccination events in partnership with the Board of Health.

They will be held at Conte Community School on Nov. 17 and Dec. 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Morningside Community School on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and at Egremont Elementary School on Nov. 29 and Dec. 20 from 3:45 to 6:30 p.m.

On Oct. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency authorization on the Pfizer-Biotech vaccine for COVID-19 for ages 5 to 11.

Curtis added that any child may attend any one of the clinics and they can also be mixed and matched for better availability.

"We did coordinate the dates to allow for, if they chose, to have the first and second dose at the same location," he explained. "But stressing that they could mix locations as well."

The district has been publicizing a frequently asked question (FAQ) sheet below and the registration link is here.

Pediatric Vaccine Info Sheet by iBerkshires.com on Scribd


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Friday Front Porch Feature: Lincoln Log Home Near Onota

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a Lincoln Log home with beautiful views and plenty of room to roam? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 1020 Cascade St.

This 1995 home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is 2,662 square feet on 19.20 acres.

The home's first floor is open and includes hardwood floors, full bath and laundry room, and a large living room with a stone gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling, entertaining lots of natural light. The second floor has a primary bedroom with en suite and two bedrooms and a bath. 

Outside, there's a covered front porch and a large new Trex deck in the back. The house also has an attached two-car garage and a walkout basement, plus a barn and shed.

The home is listed for $975,000.

There will be an open house for this home Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We spoke to Amy Wood with Steepleview Realty, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market? 

I think what is unique about this property is that it truly is its own private oasis; from a 2,662 square feet, thermal insulated log home with plenty of natural light and modern amenities, to over 19 private acres with multiple trails and babbling brook. Additionally, the property is ideally located just steps from a 10,000-acre state forest and minutes from Lake Onota — offering trails and water — providing for four-season recreational activities — all within such close proximity.

 What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

A feeling of warmth and comfort. This is a very inviting home with vaulted ceilings and numerous windows allowing for an abundance of natural light; all with a rustic flare and modern updates. It has an open-concept layout on the main level that leads to a large new Trex deck — the perfect scenario for both day-to-day living with the ease for entertaining. The sellers are prideful of their home and the upgrades and their upkeep are reflective of this.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

There are many! As noted before, this is a 1995-built thermal insulated Lincoln Log home; upgrades to the home itself include new Trex deck, security system, bluestone hearth/cultured stone façade with propane fireplace insert, granite vanity tops/counters, new furnace, well pump, garage doors and openers, blow-in insulation-sealed basement, and freshly painted throughout! 

Sellers also installed an EV charging unit and cleared and vapor barriered/graveled the main barn (32x27), which is equipped with both water and electricity. With all the mains taken care of, this is a turnkey home ready for its next owner!

 What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

The property has so many possibilities; I could envision a young family who need size and grounds to grow their family to couples or retirees who want to enjoy all the Berkshires have to offer with room to entertainment and host guests — this property has the ability to fit and conform to any lifestyle. Formerly an equine estate, I could easily see horse lovers back as well.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

Both the feel of the home and its surroundings portray an immense feeling of tranquility and serenity.  Whether from inside the home looking out, or outside absorbing the beauty and views in your immediate surroundings — you're truly met with a calming sense of bliss.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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