image description — Some 250 people participated in painting and mindfulness activities on the Common last Saturday.

NAMI Berkshires Holds Youth Mental Wellness Fair

Community submission01:31PM / Saturday, July 19, 2025Print Story | Email Story

The fair offered tables for other organizations to share resources.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — NAMI Berkshire County held its first ever Youth Mental Health Wellness Fair on July 12 at the Common, in conjunction with Roots Risings' Pittsfield Farmers Market.

The local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness attracted close to 250 people to the "big tent" to partake in painting activities including T-shirts under the guidance of local artist Mike Carty, birdhouses, wellness rocks and flowerpots, and planted flowers in pots and made friendship bracelets.

Several non-profit organizations also participated in the event, sharing information on the resources and programs they provide, including Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire Music School, which also provided a variety of instruments for the kids to experience from their "musical petting zoo."

Elizabeth Heller, author of "Breathe, Move, Journal," led a group session on fun mindfulness activities for kids that encourage emotional and physical well-being. Joanna Barzottini provided chair massages and Balloon Ben Wibby created balloon animals for the kids.

"The event was definitely a success," said Ruth Healy, president of the NAMI Berkshire County board of directors. "We weren't sure what to expect as far as turnout goes, but we had a steady stream of adults and children from the beginning to the end. We absolutely plan to hold this event again and hope to partner with even more organizations to make the event bigger and better."

She said NAMI's mission is to provide support, education and advocacy to all those in our community whose lives are affected by mental health issues.

"Our youth are our future and we need to help them feel that their lives matter and that we listen to their fears and concerns and help them learn coping strategies," she said. "If we helped to enrich the lives of these young people at this event, then we succeeded in our goal."

Healy said the organization was grateful to everyone who participated and especially Berkshire Health Systems and Guardian Life Insurance Company for their financial backing: "We couldn't have held this event without their support."

Learn more about NAMI Berkshire County at www.namibc.org.

Tags: health & wellness, NAMI, resource fair,

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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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