Rewind: July 4 thru 11

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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A lot has happened in the Berkshires this week. Here are some of the things you may have missed. 
 
Pittsfield 4th of July Parade
 
Community members across the county celebrated Independence Day with parades, fireworks, and more. 
 
Check out our video of Pittsfield’s parade here
 
Pittsfield Photos here. Williamstown photos here
 
Jacob's Pillow Celebrates Rebuilt Theater With Pop-up Dance
 
Jacob's Pillow celebrated the opening of its Doris Duke Theatre with a community pop-up dance, an open house, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The theater was rebuilt after a fire burned it down in 2020. 
 
Photos are here. More information on the community dance here
 
Community Members Audit Walkability of Morningside Corridor
 
A group of concerned community members walked a portion of Dalton Avenue on Sunday to see how it could be made safer for pedestrians.
 
More information here
 
No Paws Left Behind Shelter Marking First Anniversary
 
The first animal shelter in North Berkshire, No Paws Left Behind, has marked its one-year anniversary. 
 
More information here
 
Pittsfield Health Board Delays Nicotine Ban
 
The Pittsfield Board of Health delayed adopting a tobacco ban for customers born after a certain date. 
 
More information here
 
Central Berkshire Habitat Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Project
 
Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its new affordable housing project, Prosperity Way, located at 385 North Plain Road in Housatonic. 
 
More information here
 
Cape Coast Sister City Committee Announces Ghana Trip
 
Cape Coast (Ghana) Sister City Committee members will celebrate their new Sister City designation with a trip to West Africa to meet their fellow sisters across the Atlantic. 
 
More information here
 
Cheshire Hoedown and Park Rededication Set Saturday
 
The town will celebrate community and history on Saturday, July 12, during its inaugural Cheshire Hoedown event at the Community House, starting at 4 p.m. 
 
Prior to the event, at 3 p.m. there will be a rededication Ceremony for Leland Park.
 
More information here
 
Bernard Resigns From Berkshire United Way
 
Thomas Bernard has stepped down from leading Berkshire United Way and says he is excited to explore the next chapter of his professional journey. 
 
More information here
 
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Installed in Lenox
 
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is back in the Berkshires this weekend. The three-fifths scale replica of the national monument in Washington, D.C., will be on view through a 3 p.m. closing ceremony on Sunday. 
 
More information here

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Pittsfield Signs Negotiating Rights Agreement With Suns Baseball Team

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Suns will call Wahconah Park home again. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission accepted a negotiating rights agreement between the city and longtime summer collegiate baseball team, the Pittsfield Suns. It solidifies that the two will work together when the historic ballpark is renovated. 

It remains in effect until the end of 2027, or when a license or lease agreement is signed. Terms will be automatically extended to the end of 2028 if it appears the facility won't be complete by then. 

"It certainly looks like it lays out kind of both what the Suns and Pittsfield would like to see over the next year or so during this construction plan, to be able to work together and work exclusively with each other in this time," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Owner Jeff Goldklang, joining virtually, said he shared those thoughts, and the team looks forward to starting negotiations. After this approval, it will need a signature from Mayor Peter Marchetti and the baseball team. 

The negotiating rights agreement recognizes the long-standing relationship between Pittsfield and the team dating back to 2012, and the Suns' ownership group's historical ties to Wahconah Park and the city dating to the 1980s. The team skipped the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the historic grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022.  

The Suns were granted the exclusive right to negotiate in good faith with the city for a license or lease agreement where the Suns will be the primary tenant. During the terms of the agreement, the city can't negotiate or enter into an agreement with another party for leniency, licensing, or operation of Wahconah Park for professional or collegiate summer baseball. 

"The Parties acknowledge the historic and cultural importance of Wahconah park to the residents of Berkshire County and share a mutual goal of providing community access, engagement, and programming on a broad and inclusive scale," it reads. 

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