Foundations and Futures Homeownership Celebration

08:40AM / Sunday, July 13, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity invites residents of Pittsfield and surrounding communities to join them at Durant Park for Foundations & Futures, a festive celebration of homeownership, community resilience, and shared aspirations for the future.

The event, taking place Saturday, July 19 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Durant Park, 30 John Street, Pittsfield, will honor the journeys of local Habitat homeowners and open a conversation about what comes next for our neighborhoods.

Highlights of the celebration include:

Mortgage Burning Ceremony: A symbolic and emotional tribute to Habitat homeowners who have fully paid off their mortgages, representing full-circle stability and the power of perseverance.
New Homeowner Recognition: A celebration of Pittsfield residents who became homeowners in 2024–2025, recognizing new beginnings and the realization of dreams. Any new homebuyers from 2024 through 2025 are welcome to join in this celebration.
Free Community BBQ: Guests are invited to enjoy food and a family-friendly atmosphere alongside neighbors, friends, and supporters.
Community Visioning: Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas and dreams about what the community should build next.

"This isn't just a party," said Carolyn Valli, CEO of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. "It's a joyful affirmation that homeownership can and should be the norm. And we want our community to shape the next chapter with us."

The event is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend and participate. RSVPs are appreciated and can be submitted by clicking on this link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6aa6facda6a24336be2292b0f528bcf2

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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