Berkshire LGBTQ+ Leaders Launch Monthly Networking Event

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, and community leaders are coming together to launch the new LGBTQ Business & Leaders Networking Monthly Networking Event on the third Wednesday each month, beginning March 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Inaugural meeting will be hosted at WANDER Berkshires, 34 Depot St., Suite 101, Pittsfield, and include a panel discussion with a local business owner, a community leader, and a representative from the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. There will also be an opportunity for participants to speak about their businesses and meet other business owners.

The monthly networking event is designed to foster connection, collaboration, and creative dialogue among local LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, and community leaders. In partnership with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, WANDER Berkshires, and media sponsor Berkshire Magazine, the series offers a platform to reflect on the rich history, vibrant present, and promising future of LGBTQ+ business in the Berkshires, as well as to support one another and find ways to meet the challenges that the LGBTQ community now faces. Each gathering will feature insights from esteemed LGBTQ leaders in the region. In this first gathering, the discussion will focus on the theme of "Berkshire LGBTQ Business:  Past, Present, and Future." Panelists include:

• Past: Jason Vivori, co-founder of the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition, a long-time community organizer, and Collections Manager for the Berkshire Museum, will share stories of the influential LGBTQ+ businesses and leaders who helped shape our community.

• Present: Jay Santangelo, founder of WANDER Berkshires—a dynamic coffee house, creative meeting space, and community darkroom—will provide insights on current innovative gatherings and community building.

• Future: Angie Montalvo-Greene, Member Engagement Director for the Massachusetts LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, will outline new programs aimed at empowering local LGBTQ business leaders.

"In this time of tumultuous change, it's vital that our local LGBTQ+ community leaders come together to support one another and work in solidarity with our many allied businesses, government agencies, and organizations," said Q-MoB Executive Director Bart Church.

The LGBTQ Business, Professional, & Community Leaders Networking Event series will continue at these local LGBTQ-owned Berkshire businesses in April & May:

• 4/16/25, 5:30-7:30pm, at Brazzucas Market, 75 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201, and on 

• 5/21/25, 5:30-7:30 pm at Heart's Pace Teahouse, 15 Eagle St, North Adams, MA 01247

"It is more essential than ever for our community to come together, support one another, and build strong networks with allied businesses and organizations," says Jay Santangelo, founder of WANDER Berkshires. "This series is an invitation for us to unite, share ideas, and work collaboratively towards a resilient and empowered future." 

For more information and to register, please click HERE. Registration is free.

Pittsfield Council OKs Privacy Measure, Sees Bridge Update

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:43PM / Sunday, May 17, 2026

The state plans to remove some of crumbling concrete on the Dalton Avenue bridge and wrap its repairs into a project with the rail trail. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council is taking steps to protect its own privacy, as well as public comment speakers' privacy. 

On Tuesday, councilors voted to remove their home addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with 70 Allen St., or City Hall, to improve safety. It was brought forward by Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody, Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, and Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham. 

"This is an easy proposal to support," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said. 

While this doesn't completely block their addresses from public view, as they are listed elsewhere as residents, it makes them a little harder to access. 

Moody pointed out that a Virginia city councilor was set on fire last year by a member of the public. NBC News reported that the attack stemmed from a personal matter. 

"I don't think anybody worries about me being able to defend myself, but I do have children, and I worry for them," Moody explained. 

Warren pointed out that they have done the same for those who speak at public comment. When he was first elected into office years ago, people picketed at his home for his stance on a School Committee issue. 

"Back then, it wasn't that big a deal. Now we find ourselves in very divisive times," Warren said.