Springside Park Conservancy Hosts Community Day

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Springside Park Conservancy will present a day of "family fun and outdoor stewardship" on Sept. 23, 2023, in celebration of the organization's 10th anniversary.
 
In the morning, Conservancy partners will join the annual fall park clean up held by the Friends of Springside Park. Volunteers will check in at the North Playground beginning at 9. Gloves, bags, and instructions for litter clean up will be provided.
 
In the afternoon, more than a dozen organizations will present an outdoor fair of guided hiking, bike rides, kids crafts, outdoor activities, demonstrations, face-painting and more on the Springside House campus. 
 
Music will be provided by the Eagles Band and DJ Rob Dwyer. Food will be available from local food trucks. Coupons to defray the cost of food purchase will be given out, funded through a donation by the Conservancy.
 
Springside Park Community Day & Annual Fall Clean Up Schedule: 
 
Sat. Sep 23, 2023
9 a.m. to noon - Clean- Up
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Fun Fair
 
Springside Park is located at 874 North St.
 
Springside Park Conservancy was formed in Sept. 2013 by representatives of four community organizations involved in stewardship and programming at Springside Park. A tax-exempt nonprofit, its governing board is now composed of representatives of ten organizations, local residents, and two advisory city council members.
 
Since its founding, the Conservancy has worked with the community to develop a Master Plan adopted by the City of Pittsfield; successfully advocated for over $3.5 million in public and private investment;  organized and cultivated events  and programming for the public; maintained public garden areas; overseen tree-planting, combated invasive species, and managed seasonal clean up efforts.

Tags: cleanup,   Springside Park,   

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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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