Jewish Federation, BNRC to Host Events Aug. 18 and 25

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will host two upcoming programs with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC): A presentation on Thursday, August 18 at 10:45 a.m., at Knesset Israel, Pittsfield and a nature walk at Parson's Marsh in Lenox on Thursday, August 25 at 10:45 a.m.

On Aug. 18, learn about the work of the BNRC, its mission to preserve and protect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Berkshires for public benefit. BNRC staff will highlight The High Road, which is a long-term initiative to make connections from towns to trails along with clusters of conservation land, allowing hikers to explore the scenic Berkshires. On Aug. 25, join BNRC staff for a nature walk at scenic Parson's Marsh, near Tanglewood (170 Under Mountain Road in Lenox).

The free program on Aug. 18 will be presented in person as part of the Federation’s Connecting with Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $3 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others.

Reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. Knesset Israel is at 16 Colt Road in Pittsfield.

For more on this program and other Federation events, visit our calendar of events at jewishberkshires.org.

State Auditor DiZoglio Pushes for Beacon Hill Transparency

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:29AM / Monday, September 28, 2026

The state auditor called on voters to support Question 1 on the November ballot, which would bring most legislative and governor's office records under the public records law. 

DALTON, Mass. — Transparency is not a one-party issue, and democracy is also "under attack" here in Massachusetts, not just at the federal level, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio said during a presentation to the Dalton Democratic Town Committee.

 

More than a dozen people filled Nessacus Regional Middle School's auditorium Thursday as DiZoglio outlined her belief that power on Beacon Hill has become concentrated among a small number of House leaders, limiting legislative debate and creating what she described as a system of "rewards and punishment" to influence lawmakers.

 

"That system is really destroying democracy here in Massachusetts," she said.

 

The system was designed with a system of checks and balances, including giving the people a right to create laws at the ballot box, DiZoglio said.

 

"We have the right to vote for our elected representatives and senators to represent us and to be our voice at the state house. The people have constitutional rights in this commonwealth, but the people's rights are being ignored over and over and over again," she said

 

"This isn't about liberal, moderate, conservative. This is an everyone issue. That's why you see so many people coming out and supporting these transparency issues, regardless of party affiliation."

 

Since being elected in 2022, DiZoglio has been advocating for more transparency and accountability within the Legislature, specifically through the 2024 Question 1 ballot question which authorizes the state auditor to audit the Legislature.