image description — Pittsfield's tree-lighting ceremony will be virtual again this year. PCTV will be hosting the show.

Pittsfield & PCTV Team Up for Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony

04:42PM / Monday, November 29, 2021Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Community Television has teamed up with Pittsfield's Recreation Program to air a Virtual 2021 Holiday Tree Lighting.

"The holiday tree lighting is one of our most beloved and memorable occasions in the city of Pittsfield. Traditionally, it's the time of the year when we all gather today and reflect on the beauty of the season. Though I'm disappointed that we won't be able to gather this year, the tree stands as a reminder of the many good things that are still around us. It's my hope that each of us will find a way to recognize and cherish those special things in our lives," said Mayor Linda Tyer. "Thank you to all who dedicated their time, energy, and talents to make this an amazing event for our community."

PCTV will present the tree lighting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3. The program will air on PCTV Access Pittsfield Channel 1301, PCTV Select, and the Pittsfield Community Television Facebook page. The program will also be simulcast on Lanesborough Community Television, Dalton Community Television, and Community Television of the Southern Berkshires.

The show will feature the Berkshire Hills Chorus, Kids 4 Harmony, and the Eagles Band Brass Ensemble. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance.

The program will be rerun multiple times during the holiday season and available for viewing on-demand on PCTV's website, PittsfieldTV.org.

"PCTV is proud to help continue this wonderful tradition for our city," said PCTV Executive Director Shawn Serre. "For nearly three decades, our channels have broadcast this event live from Park Square for folks who weren't able to attend. This year, I'm happy to say, everyone will be able to share in the excitement from the safety and comfort of their homes,' he said.

This year, the tree is a 25-foot-tall white spruce donated by Bonnie and Lou Cummings of Pittsfield. The tree was installed by the city of Pittsfield's Parks and Highway Department.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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