Bird Observatory Director Speaking at Pittsfield Green Drinks

09:01AM / Friday, September 09, 2022Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The director of Berkshire Bird Observatory, Ben Nickley, will speak at the September Pittsfield Green Drinks hybrid event on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m.

Nickley will discuss BBO's current research projects and will also show some of the many pictures of birds in hands captured this year and relate stories from BBO’s pilot spring, summer, and fall seasons at Jug End State Reservation. The in-person Pittsfield Green Drinks will start at 5 p.m. at Berkshire Environmental Action Team's Environmental Leadership & Education Center, 20 Chapel St.

Nickley is a researcher with a passion for birds and the natural landscapes that they are an integral part of. Over the past several years, Ben has traveled across North America to conduct field studies in many exceptional places and attended college and grad school along the way.

Nickley hopes to garner continued support from the Berkshire community to ensure the longevity of BBO as a social, scientific, and conservation institution.

Thanks to a donation, BEAT will offer one meal to each in-person attendee. If you plan to join the in-person event, stay for the presentation, and would like to reserve a free meal, you must RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/Sept22-Green-Drinks. If you plan to attend the virtual event, you must register at www.tinyurl.com/Zoom-Sept22-Green-Drinks.

Pittsfield Green Drinks is an informal gathering on the third Tuesday of the month. These nights are free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. The drinks aren't green but the conversations are.

Pittsfield Green Drinks is sponsored by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team

For more information, contact Chelsey Simmons at chelsey@thebeatnews.org or (413) 464-9402.

Tags: BEAT,

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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to 2025 Assault, Firearm Charges

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
04:06PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing up to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple assault and firearm charges from last year.

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, Jarvis L. Chadwell Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison following an incident on Oct. 18, 2025.

Police say that he fired a gun multiple times in a vehicle over an argument, striking the car and nearby home.

"This incident was not just alarming because there was gun violence, but also because it occurred in such close proximity to a school. I will not waver on my stance towards gun violence in our community — gun violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said.

"While I am committed to supporting those who need our help with recovery options and courts of hope, we must also protect our children and communities from the threat of violence that can claim lives in an instant. I commend the Pittsfield Police for their response and dedication to quickly solving this crime."

This occurred near Morningside Community School, which was retired at the end of the last academic year.

Charges:

armed assault with intent to murder
attempted assault & battery by discharging a firearm
witness intimidation
malicious destruction of property
resisting arrest
assault and battery on a police officer
illegal possession of a firearm
illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device
possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card
possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Probation conditions include a mental health evaluation and aftercare; sign any releases required by probation; and refrain from abuse of the named victim, including threats of violence.

Pittsfield Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 65 Cherry St. just before 1 a.m. on that day in 2025. Upon arrival, police say witnesses confirmed hearing a gunshot and observing a man fleeing the area.

"While outside the 65 Cherry Street residence, officers observed a vehicle parked near the neighboring residence with a bullet hole in the windshield and an additional bullet hole in the side of 67 Cherry Street. Based on witness descriptions at the scene, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Defendant within 30 minutes of the incident," a press release from the DA reads.

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