A lot has happened in the Berkshires this week. Here are some of the stories you may have missed.
Berkshire Carousel Spins Again
For the first time in years, community members of all ages rode the Berkshire Carousel. The carousel re-opened with a new patio and volunteer support. The efforts originally began in the late 2000s, and the ride hadn't operated since 2018.
Less than 20 minutes away, hundreds of people filled the side streets near the Common to protest the actions of the Trump Administration. The effort was part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.
Mural Honoring 54th Massachusetts at the Center of Juneteenth Celebration
Pittsfield’s annual Juneteenth Celebration at Durant Park featured the unveiling of a new mural dedicated to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and, specifically, the Pittsfield residents who served in the nation’s first all-Black combat unit.
A Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Themed 'Young At Heart'
The Pittsfield Fourth of July parade is just weeks away. This year's event, themed "Young at Heart," will feature over 100 units, including more than a dozen floats, several musical dance performances, and other elements that celebrate the community's youth.
The Lanesborough Select Board approved a towing policy that doesn't require companies to have a storage facility in town or charge the customer for a cancelled call.
Pittsfield Adult Learning Center Graduates 62 Resilient Students
Sixty-two graduates received High School Equivalency Diplomas, Adult Diplomas, and or General Educational Development credentials during the Williams Stickney Pittsfield Adult Learning Center’s 44th commencement ceremony, held at Taconic High School.
Adams Town Meeting Approves FY2026 Budget with Amendments
Town meeting members approved all town meeting articles on the warrant Tuesday night after making some amendments to the operating budget.
Although the 108 town meeting members in attendance ultimately approved the $19,763,563 fiscal year 2026 budget that will raise $14,369,951 through taxation, they did make some changes to the operating budget.
Lever Partnering Two Companies to Use Local Wood in Berkshire Projects
North Adams-based economic development nonprofit Lever has partnered with Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and Hall Tavern Farm to supply local wood for four affordable homes in Williamstown, with support from a Massachusetts grant.
The state will replace two structurally unsound bridges on South Street in Pittsfield within a couple of years, possibly resulting in a brief closure of the main route.
Kirvin Park Staged for 'Significant' Ecological Restoration
Kirvin Memorial Park is staged for "significant" floodplain and habitat restoration beginning in the fall.
The city, in collaboration with the Housatonic River Natural Resources Trustees and General Electric Co., is working to enhance the natural resources of the Housatonic River Watershed.
For the first time in 25 years, Pittsfield has a new sister city. During a signing ceremony, the city established Cape Coast, Ghana, as its new sister.
The designation aims to foster cultural, economic, and intellectual exchange.
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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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.
The community was invited to come to the village for free and take part in a wide range of activities including tours, live music from Ida Mae Specker Trio and Tanglewood, demonstrations, and more. click for more