Rewind: June 14 through June 20

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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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. 
 
More information here
 
'No Kings' Demonstrations Held Around County
 
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.
 
More information here
 
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.
 
More information here
 
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.  
 
More information here
 
Lanesborough OKs Towing Policy
 
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. 
 
More information here
 
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.  
 
More information here
 
Clarksburg Elementary Bids Farewell to Principal, Administrative Assistant
 
Clarksburg Elementary celebrated its principal and administrative assistant on the last day of school.
 
Principal Sandra Cote and administrative assistant Donna Neville both decided to retire at the end of the school year.
 
More information here
 
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.
 
More information here
 
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.
 
More information here
 
MassDOT Plans Replacement of South St. Bridges
 
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.
 
More information here
 
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.
 
More information here
 
Pittsfield Now Sisters With Cape Coast, Ghana
 
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.  
 
More information here
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Pittsfield Remembers Lives Lost to Overdose, Underscores Harm Reduction

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Mayor Peter Marchetti reads a proclamation at City Hall encouraging residents to raise awareness and lift each other up. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of people gathered downtown on Monday to remember those lost to overdose and work toward a future of zero deaths from substance use disorder. 

The Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative and its partners held a proclamation reading and flag-raising at City Hall, followed by a standout in Park Square with signs promoting the use of naloxone, harm reduction, and reducing associated stigma. 

There were 23 fatal overdoses in Berkshire County in 2025, 11 in Pittsfield. This is down 44 percent from the 41 countywide fatalities in 2024. 

While it is a significant decrease, advocates want to see that number at zero. 

"On the one hand, we're very pleased to see this significant of a decrease. This is actually the lowest number that we've had since [Department of Public Health] started collecting these numbers in 2013, but the goal is still zero," said Andy Ottoson, public health planner with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. 

August is International Overdose Awareness Month, the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those lost without stigma, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind. September is National Recovery Month, a national observance to educate the public on the importance of substance use treatment and mental health services.

Samantha Kendall of Berkshire Harm Reduction explained that it is truly meeting people where they are, as they are, and when they are, "and I think we all do a really great job at that."

"We also want to remember that we're building a community for everybody, and systems and policies for everybody. That's really important in harm reduction work, so that's also the reason we're here today," she said. 

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