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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Hinsdale Day-Care Opening New PreK Classroom
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Tina Karch shifted her home-run day care to the former sports academy in 2003, expanding the number of children and staff. The preK will offer more educational programming to prepare her charges for kindergarten.
HINSDALE, Mass. — Tina's Kiddie Junction is expanding its day-care program to add a new prekindergarten class this month.
Owner and educator Tina Karch said the preK was a step above preschool in offering more educational programming.
"PreK is like the new, honestly, first grade, and then preschool is like new kindergarten now," she said. "It's more getting ready for school. Making sure they have all their skills."
Karch has been teaching and caring for children for 30 years, since opening her initial day-care in 1996 and running one out of her home Dalton.
She opened the Hinsdale center in November 2023 with classrooms serving preschool, infant and toddler, and toddler. The new preK classroom has been under construction and will open July 14 with teacher Charity Bergeron.
Karch said it has always been her dream to take care of children.
"I just want to pass on the learning and make it a happy, enjoyable experience, because a lot of the kids that I've taken care of when they were little remember all of the wonderful things I've done with them," she said. "And it's nice to know that I gave them a foundation of a good provider, some good learning."
The trailhead, located behind the Senior Center, is a hidden gem in the area that needs to be protected, and more people should know about it, committee members previously said.
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