PCTV Welcomes New Digital Navigator To Empower Community

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Community Television (PCTV) announced the hiring of Samuel Pascual, who will serve as the organization's new Digital Navigator.

His role is a one-year, grant-funded position designed to promote digital equity through community media centers. In this role, Pascual will help bridge the digital divide in the Pittsfield area by providing hands-on assistance and education to community members seeking to enhance their digital literacy and access vital online resources.

Funding to hire the Digital Navigator position at PCTV was provided by the Alliance for Digital Equity, which serves four western Massachusetts counties, facilitating solutions to ensure everyone has equal access to digital equity.  Having digital equity means that all people have access to the skills, computer equipment, and reliable high-speed internet needed to operate in the digital world.  

As the Digital Navigator, Pascual will work closely with individuals and organizations throughout Pittsfield and Berkshire County to address digital inequities in these areas. Through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and community outreach, PCTV plans to empower residents to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape confidently and effectively.

Pascual will also broaden the reach of digital equity by hosting 'train the trainer' programs and workshops, whereby staff in key non-profit organizations throughout the Berkshires are provided resources and skills to reach their affected communities.

"We are excited to welcome Samuel to the PCTV team," said Shawn Serre, Executive Director of Pittsfield Community Television. "Digital literacy is more important than ever, and having a dedicated Digital Navigator ensures we can support our community in accessing the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in today's digital world." 

Serre added that the new Digital Navigator position aligns well with the nonprofit's mission of empowering residents through technology. 

"We are grateful to the Alliance for Digital Equity for this funding and for partnering with PCTV to reach even more people in our community with these services," he said.   

Pittsfield Community Television has long provided a platform for local voices and stories to be shared. The addition of the Digital Navigator role underscores PCTV's commitment to evolving with the needs of its audience and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age, noted a press release.

Pascual brings a background in cyber-security and cyber-hygiene training and town planning with contractors for Spectrum and Cox Internet throughout the New England area. Their passion for community engagement and technology makes them an ideal fit for this role.

"I'm excited to join PCTV as the new Digital Navigator," said Pascual. "I look forward to working with the Pittsfield and greater Berkshire community to ensure everyone has the tools and confidence to access opportunities and resources online."

An hour-long interview with Samuel Pascual hosted by Shawn Serre on WTBR's 'Morning Drive' radio show can be watched on PCTV Select and at https://pittsfieldtv.org/program/?id=51943

Community members interested in learning more about digital literacy resources or scheduling a consultation with the Digital Navigator can contact PCTV at navigator@pittsfieldtv.org or 413-445-4234 ext.0121 for those uncomfortable with email.

Further information on Digital Navigation services provided by PCTV, as well as other organizations, can be found at: https://www.413cares.org/digital-equity.

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.