New textile Drop-off and Pickup In Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield announced its partnership with CMRK Inc., a leader in textile recycling, to launch a new initiative aimed at diverting textiles from the waste stream in observance of the textile waste ban in Massachusetts. 
 
This partnership brings two valuable services to the community: Textile Drop-off Boxes and a Free Curbside Pickup service.
 
"We are excited to collaborate with CMRK Inc. in our ongoing efforts to reduce textile waste and support sustainable practices in our community," said Ricardo Morales, Commissioner of Public Services & Utilities. "This program not only benefits our environment but also provides residents with convenient options to dispose of their unwanted textiles and household items responsibly."
 
CMRK Inc. has placed Textile Drop-off Boxes at three locations in the city:
  • Morningside School (parking lot), 100 Burbank Street
  • Berkshire Athenaeum (parking lot), 1 Wendell Avenue
  • Ralph J. Froio Senior Center (parking lot behind the building), 330 North Street
Residents can drop off their unwanted textiles in these designated boxes, which will be collected and processed by CMRK Inc. The following items are acceptable for Textile Drop-Off in a closedbag are:
  • All types, sizes, and styles of clothing (adult and children)
  • Household textiles (e.g. blankets, towels, curtains)
  • All shoes and sneakers
In addition to the drop-off boxes, CMRK Inc. is offering a Free Curbside Pickup service for Pittsfield residents. To participate, residents can schedule a pickup by visiting https://www.bbbsfoundation.org/schedule-a-pickup/.
 
The following items are acceptable for curbside pickup:
 
In a Bag:
  • All types, sizes, and styles of clothing (adults and children)
  • Household textiles (e.g. blankets, towels, curtains)
  • All shoes and sneakers
  • Accessories (e.g. purses, backpacks, belts, jewelry, hats, gloves, socks, and more)
In a Box:
  • Kitchen Accessories (e.g. pots, pans, dishes, microwave, and glasses)
  • Small decor items (e.g. vases, glasses, cups, dishes, picture frames, and paintings)
  • Small musical instruments
  • Books and DVDs
  • Bicycles
Make sure that boxed items do not exceed 50 pounds and have dimensions no greater than 4 feet in any direction.
 
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit CMRK Inc.'s website at https://www.cmrkne.com/faq.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Adams Couple Sentenced to Staggered Prison Terms in Death of Foster Infant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An Adams couple will serve staggered three-to-five year prison sentences for the 2020 death of their foster infant. 
 
Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker on March 16 were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in the death of Kristoff Zenopolous on Feb. 18, 2020.  
 
Their sentencing was delayed by Judge Tracy Duncan until Thursday to determine how their four children, two of whom have high needs, would be cared for. 
 
Kristoff was just 10 months old when he died from complications with respiratory illness, strep throat, and pneumonia. A Superior Court jury determined that his death was a result of neglect. The commonwealth requested five years in prison and three years of probation for both defendants.
 
On Thursday, the rescheduled hearing for sentence imposition was held, and Tucker and Barlow-Tucker were sentenced to state prison for manslaughter involving neglect of legal duty, and three years of probation for reckless child endangerment. 
 
Court documents state that Barlow-Tucker was committed to the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Framingham. She will serve three to five years there first; her husband, will serve his sentence once hers is completed but will be on probation.
 
"The sentences imposed will be a state prison sentence of not less than 3 years and not more than 5 years to MCI as to each Defendant as to count #1. The sentences will be staggered. Ms. Barlow-Tucker will serve her incarceration sentence first," court dockets read.  
 
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