PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 2022 Citizens Academy cohort were recognized and presented with certificates at the Nov. 29 City Council meeting for successfully completing the 12-week program, which is designed to help community members understand the operations of local government.

 

Participants included: Abigail Allard; Emma Barishman; Matthew Belanger; Laura Cabrera; Lorena Dus; Tonya Frazier; William Garrity; Benjamin Gelb; Thomas Gelb; Jose Gonzalez; Michael Kalmbach; Mario Kelsey; Susan Krantz; Maria Menaca; Patricia Molina; Philip Nelson; Jamyal Newton; Travis Norrgard; Jody Skrocki; and Pat Tremblay.

 

“With the completion of the 2022 Citizens Academy, close to 75 individuals have participated in the program since its inception four years ago. Each person that participates in the program walks away with additional knowledge of municipal government and ways in which they can be involved,” said Catherine VanBramer, executive assistant to the mayor and founder of the program. “I extend my congratulations to the class of 2022 and look forward to seeing what is ahead.”

 

The program began on Aug. 24 with a government overview on presented by Mayor Linda Tyer, City Council President Peter Marchetti, William Cameron, chair, School Committee, and Joseph Curtis, superintendent of Pittsfield Public schools.

 

In the following weeks through Nov. 16, participants learned about the following departments and offices:

 

• Airport

• Berkshire Athenaeum

• Building Inspectors

• Building Maintenance

• City Clerk

• Community Development

• Council on Aging

• Cultural Development

• Department of Public Services and Utilities

• Finance

• Fire Department

• Health Department

• Human Resources

• Mayor’s Office

• Police Department

• Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

• Veterans’ Services