DCR's Free Family Programming in Western Massachusetts for February School Vacation Week

04:00PM / Saturday, February 15, 2025Print Story | Email Story

HOLYOKE, Mass. — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is excited to announce its lineup of free, family-friendly programs in Western Massachusetts for the upcoming February school vacation week.

Running from Saturday, Feb. 15, through Sunday, Feb. 25, families can enjoy 79 engaging programs at 20 state parks and watersheds in the western region. Activities include guided hikes, bird watching, animal tracking, crafting, and maple sugaring, all designed to encourage kids to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty of the state’s parks.

In addition to the special programs, DCR is waiving parking fees at participating parks throughout the region. Public skating hours at agency-managed rinks will be extended from 10 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. daily. The regular offerings, including self-guided hikes and visitor center exhibits, will also be available. For a complete list of staff-led and self-guided activities, visit DCR’s website.

Highlights of Western Massachusetts Programming Include:

Live Birds of Prey at Holyoke Range State Park, 1500 West St., Amherst
Saturday, February 15, 1 – 3 p.m.
Get a close-up look at owls, hawks, and other birds of prey with Tom Ricardi, a licensed rehabilitator and wildlife biologist. Learn about the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center, which cares for injured birds. This event is suitable for ages 7 and up. Meet at Notch Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For more information, call 413-253-2883.

Winter Wonderland Activity Day at Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd., Lanesborough
Sunday, February 16, 1 – 3 p.m.
This fun-filled program offers winter activities for families of all ages, including crafts, scavenger hunts, board games, and sledding (weather permitting). While the program is primarily self-guided, staff will be available to assist with activities. Children can bring their own sleds. Meet at the visitor center. Dogs are not allowed inside the visitor center. For more information, call 413-499-4262.

For a complete list of all programming available across Western Massachusetts during the February school vacation week, visit DCR’s website. Participants are encouraged to share their photos on social media with the hashtag #MassDCR.

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Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires
05:29PM / Monday, August 24, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue.

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry.

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer.

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday.

The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings.

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote.

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
Attempted murder
Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

Attempted murder
Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday.

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

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