Berkshire United Way celebrates 100 Years of Service

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — The board of directors and staff of Berkshire United Way invite members of the community to attend the organization's 100th anniversary celebration 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at The Colonial Theatre, 111 South St., Pittsfield. 
 
During the celebration Berkshire United Way will present the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award to Mary Wheat. She has been an active volunteer and guiding light with the South Community Food Pantry for more than 20 years. She also was a founder and longtime chair of the Thanksgiving Angels meal program. 
 
The event also will feature guest speaker Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed, professor emeritus of History and Political Science at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, who will reflect on the shared history of Berkshire United Way and the over the past 100 years. Jones-Sneed is a scholar and local history expert whose research and writing has focused extensively on the Berkshires and the local dimensions of African American history. 
 
Berkshire United Way was founded on April 7, 1924, as the Pittsfield Community Fund Association.
 
According to a press release:
 
As times and needs have changed, Berkshire United Way has adapted and evolved to remain relevant and effective in responding to the most pressing challenges facing people in Berkshire County. This anniversary event provides an opportunity to celebrate?100?years?of spirit and generosity in the Berkshires and to look forward to a bright, equitable, and vibrant future where everyone in our community can thrive.  
 
For event tickets and more information visit http://www.berkshireunitedway.org/centennial-celebration or call 413-442-6948 x12.

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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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