Pittsfield Calls for Snow Angel Program Volunteers

07:43AM / Wednesday, November 19, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development is actively seeking community volunteers for its Snow Angels program.

Each winter, many senior residents and individuals with disabilities reach out requesting assistance with snow removal. To help meet this ongoing need, the Snow Angels Program connects volunteers – known as "Snow Angels" – with neighbors in need who may be unable to clear snow from their around their homes following a storm producing six or more inches of snow.

Snow blocking driveways, walkways, and sidewalks can create hazardous conditions for residents, including school children and those with limited mobility, as well as postal or other delivery workers. The program aims to promote safety and strengthen community connections by pairing residents who need assistance with those willing to lend a helping hand.

Snow Angels are matched with a neighbor within a one-mile radius of their home and agree to remove snow within 24 hours of significant snowfall. Volunteers are required to provide their own shoveling tools and equipment. All volunteers will be asked to complete a waiver release form to acknowledge safety guidelines and responsibilities prior to participation.

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

Individuals interested in becoming a Snow Angel are asked to contact Jennifer VanBramer, Recreation and Special Events Coordinator, at jvanbramer@cityofpittsfield.org.

If the program secures enough volunteers, a separate call will be issued for Neighbors in Need to request snow removal assistance.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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