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.

Dalton Fire District Faces Major Decision on Future of Station

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:36AM / Monday, September 07, 2026

Select Board Chair Robert Bishop brings up the potential of collaborating with the Fire District on a combined public safety building, which would solve both the fire and police station problems.

DALTON, Mass. — For several years, the Dalton Fire District has emphasized the fire station's space limitations, and a recent community and space needs analysis further demonstrated that significant decisions need to be made about the facility's future.

 

The district was established in 1884 after rapid growth strained the town's limited water supply for drinking and fire protection. After a fire destroyed seven paper mills, local leaders began searching for new water sources. Check out our story on the district's charter. 

 

MissionCIT (Critical Immersive Training) LLC was contracted by the district to conduct the needs assessment, with its findings presented during last Tuesday's Board of Water Commissioners meeting. View the full report here. 

 

Over the last century, the department has evolved alongside advances in firefighting technology and practices, with changes in staffing, training, equipment requirements, and call volume and types ultimately causing it to outgrow its facility, Mark Waters of Mission CIT said. 

 

The most recent change came in 2022, when the district assumed control of the ambulance service following the closure of the Dalton Ambulance and Rescue Association and added Advanced Life Support to its services.

 

The department now provides both Advanced and Basic Life Support services.

 

"The bottom line is that this building is being used for something today that it wasn't built for almost 70 years ago," Waters said.