School Officials Offer Condolences for Herberg Student's Sudden Passing

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Herberg Middle School student has been identified as the presumed drowning victim at Benedict Pond in Great Barrington last week. Earl Giver Essien, who would have entered eighth grade in the fall, was remembered for her brightness in personality and academics.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis shared reflections from Herberg staff at the beginning of Monday's School Committee meeting. Faculty say Giver was a remarkable seventh-grade student whose "bright light shone brilliantly in every aspect of her life" and a "diligent rule follower who was structured and always on time."

"She was known for her strong and confident presence," Curtis said.  

"Giver loved learning and was driven by an insatiable curiosity, always asking great questions and excelling academically. She was a seeker of justice, advocating passionately for herself and everyone around her. Her warm and kind nature made her a beloved figure among peers and teachers and staff alike."

The student cherished her family deeply and had a great love for art and music, he added.

"Giver's happiness was infectious and he had a sweet tooth, especially for candy," Curtis said. "She will be remembered by the entire Pittsfield Public School community as a bright, joyful soul who touched many lives with their kindness and zest for life."

He sent his condolences to Giver's family and friends and offered full support from the Pittsfield Public Schools in any way it can. The Essien family has informed the district that services are expected to take place this week.

According to Great Barrington Police, first responders received a 911 call shortly before 2 p.m. on July 17 of a teen who was unaccounted for in the pond's beach area.
 

Curtis arranged for Mayor Peter Marchetti to meet with Giver's family. Marchetti was deeply grateful for this even though it was "probably the toughest thing I've done yet as mayor, sitting in a room with a family to offer my condolences," he said.

He thanked the superintendent for assisting him in "a job that I would prefer to have not done but one that was much needed."

School Committee members also offered their condolences.

"This is a terrible, tragic situation," Chair William Cameron said.

"The death of a child is the most traumatic thing that a parent and family can go through and a child so young and so promising and vivacious is a terrible loss, of course, for the child's family but also for the entire school community and the entire community of Pittsfield."

Committee member Sara Hathaway still vividly remembers the classmates she lost in middle school, "maybe because they were lost so tragically and so young and I know that that's something our students will carry, those who knew Giver."

Committee member William Garrity thanked the school adjustment counselor staff who have helped to support the community as this all unfolds, explaining that they do important work and are very dedicated.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.