BEAT: Bringing Pollinators Home

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Join Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for an enlightening evening dedicated to exploring ways to promote sustainable biodiversity through intentional gardening and the cultivation of native plants that support native pollinators and wildlife.
 
This free and open-to-the-public event will be held on Wednesday, April 17, from 6 PM to 8 PM, on the lower floor of the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, 1 Wendell Ave.
 
Starting with a social gathering and a chance to review the available prizes that will be given away at the end of the night, the event will feature a recorded presentation by Doug Tallamy, an entomologist, ecologist, and author, where he discusses his book "Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens." 
 
Following the viewing of Tallamy's talk, Jim McGrath, the Open Space and Natural Resource Program Manager of Pittsfield's Parks, will outline plans for native plantings in downtown Pittsfield.
 
Bruce Winn, a Berkshire Community College (BCC) Professor and BEAT board member, will discuss ongoing efforts to transform BCC into a "pollinator campus," while Terri Stiffler, also a BEAT board member, will lead a discussion on "No Mow May." The evening will conclude with a giveaway of prizes, which include gift certificates from local businesses.
 
RSVP for this event through Eventbrite; register here: www.tinyurl.com/Native-Plants-Pollinators
 
This event is sponsored and organized by Berkshire Environmental Action Team, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Pittsfield. Learn more at www.thebeatnews.org.

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Pittsfield Firefighters Knock Down Morningside Blaze

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fire Department knocked down a two-alarm blaze in the Morningside neighborhood in less than an hour on Friday. 

Just before 3 p.m., the department received a report of a fire at 25 Pine St. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said he arrived at the scene first and saw heavy fire showing from the rear of the more than 100-year-old home. 

"We just went to work, pretty much," he explained. 

"Because of the heavy volume of fire and the potential for a high number of occupants, I called a double alarm, which called all available Pittsfield firefighters directly to the scene. And I would say the fire was knocked down and under control within an hour." 

Eight occupants were evacuating the home when firefighters arrived, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. People, including the occupants, stood on the sidewalk and watched the scene unfold. 

When iBerkshires arrived, firefighters were on the ladder, extinguishing the top level of the home from the side and rear.  

There were five fire engines and one ladder truck. Hinsdale also came to assist, and Lenox and Dalton were called for standby. 

Garner believes the building is salvageable and repairable, but recognized that the family won't be able to stay there tonight. An extended family appears to live in the home. 

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined; the Fire Investigation Division was on site. The Red Cross will provide assistance to the residents of the home. 

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