2022 One Book, One Community Read Tackles Intimate Abuse

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The third annual One Book, One Community read features Tanya Selvaratnam's recount of intimate abuse from former New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

In October, about two dozen virtual groups began reading "Assume Nothing: A Story of Intimate Violence" by Tanya Selvaratnam, and in April, the event will conclude with a webinar with the author.

The read is organized by the Berkshire Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force and kicked off during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Selvaratnam's story shows that abuse can happen to any person regardless of their job, income, or societal standing.

"It's a memoir and it's very interesting for a variety of reasons," Berkshire One Book co-Chair Susan Birns said.

"Both she and her perpetrator break a lot of the stereotypes people have of both abuse victims and abuse perpetrators. On the other hand, Tanya has several different identities of groups of people who are at high risk for domestic violence."

At the time of Selvaratnam's reported abuse, Schneiderman was the principal legal officer of New York and was thought to be politically progressive, especially around women's issues.

Selvaratnam was a part of the risk population because she witnessed domestic violence in her home as a child and is an immigrant.

On the other hand, she and Schneiderman are both Harvard-educated and had high-profile jobs.

"Nobody is exempt," Birns said.

In May 2018, the New Yorker published an article detailing Selvaratnam's abuse by the former attorney general and accounts of abuse from three other women.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.