MountainOne Thankful 5K to Benefit Local Food Pantries

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— MountainOne will partner with Berkshire Running Foundation, the charitable arm of the Berkshire Running Center, as the lead sponsor of its 9th annual Thankful 5K.
 
The run/walk will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at Berkshire Community College, located at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield, starting at 9 a.m.
 
All proceeds and donations of food from the fundraising event directly benefit South Community Church's local food pantries and its Fuel Assistance Fund. Pittsfield pantries serve the largest population in Western Massachusetts, with over 800 families receiving assistance weekly, a number that continues to grow.
 
"We're proud to support this event and to see it carry the MountainOne name," said Jonathan Denmark, President & COO of MountainOne Insurance. "The MountainOne Thankful 5K has become a meaningful tradition in our community, helping to provide food and resources to local families in need. It's a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving Day by giving back together."
 
Community members are encouraged to register for the MountainOne Thankful 5K and to bring non-perishable food donations to Berkshire Running Center at 5 Cheshire Road in Pittsfield by November 22 or on the morning of the event. For more information, including registration details, visit www.berkshirerun.org/thankful-5k/
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Signs Negotiating Rights Agreement With Suns Baseball Team

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Suns will call Wahconah Park home again. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission accepted a negotiating rights agreement between the city and longtime summer collegiate baseball team, the Pittsfield Suns. It solidifies that the two will work together when the historic ballpark is renovated. 

It remains in effect until the end of 2027, or when a license or lease agreement is signed. Terms will be automatically extended to the end of 2028 if it appears the facility won't be complete by then. 

"It certainly looks like it lays out kind of both what the Suns and Pittsfield would like to see over the next year or so during this construction plan, to be able to work together and work exclusively with each other in this time," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Owner Jeff Goldklang, joining virtually, said he shared those thoughts, and the team looks forward to starting negotiations. After this approval, it will need a signature from Mayor Peter Marchetti and the baseball team. 

The negotiating rights agreement recognizes the long-standing relationship between Pittsfield and the team dating back to 2012, and the Suns' ownership group's historical ties to Wahconah Park and the city dating to the 1980s. The team skipped the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the historic grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022.  

The Suns were granted the exclusive right to negotiate in good faith with the city for a license or lease agreement where the Suns will be the primary tenant. During the terms of the agreement, the city can't negotiate or enter into an agreement with another party for leniency, licensing, or operation of Wahconah Park for professional or collegiate summer baseball. 

"The Parties acknowledge the historic and cultural importance of Wahconah park to the residents of Berkshire County and share a mutual goal of providing community access, engagement, and programming on a broad and inclusive scale," it reads. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories