Pittsfield Inauguration Includes State of the City Address

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:30PM / Saturday, January 03, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Monday, a largely similar City Council will be inaugurated, along with an almost completely new School Committee.

The ceremony kicks off elected officials' two-year terms. City Clerk Michele Benjamin, at-large and ward councilors, and School Committee members will be sworn in at 10 a.m. on Jan. 5 in the council chambers at City Hall.

Many familiar faces will return to represent Pittsfield constituents, as only two councilors will be new.

Earl Persip III, Peter White, Alisa Costa, and Kathleen Amuso held their seats as councilors at large during the municipal election on Nov. 4. There were no races for Wards 1, 3, and 4. Patrick Kavey was re-elected to Ward 5 and Dina Lampiasi to Ward 6 over challengers Michael Grady and Walter Powell, respectively.

Vacancies in the remaining wards were filled by newcomers. Katherine Nagy Moody secured representation of Ward 7 over Anthony Maffuccio, and Cameron Cunningham the Ward 2 seat over Corey Walker.

Brittany Noto did not seek re-election in Ward 2, and Rhonda Serre stepped down from her Ward 7 seat in the fall to work in the Pittsfield Public Schools.

The School Committee will only see one incumbent, Daniel Elias, on the six-member body. Ciara Batory, Sarah Muil, Katherine Yon, Heather McNeice, and Carolyn Barry were also elected, ousting Jacob Klein, Geoffrey Buerger, and Vicky Smith.

Exiting the School Committee will be Chair William Cameron, Diana Belair, William Garrity, Sara Hathaway, and Dominick Sacco, who did not run for re-election. Hathaway ran unsuccessfully for councilor at large.

This was a significant turnout for the School Committee during an eventful year that included the middle school restructuring, the proposal to rebuild and consolidate Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on West Street, and the staffing controversy that Pittsfield High School became embroiled in in late 2024.

The council will also elect a president and vice president, and Mayor Peter Marchetti will give an inaugural and state of the city address. Community members are invited to join the ceremony in person, and it will be live broadcast on Pittsfield Community Television.

White served as president for the 2024-2025 term, and Persip as vice president.

The annual state of the city address given by the mayor gives reflections on the municipality's year and outlines priorities for the new year.

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:41PM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not."

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys. It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged.

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter.

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service.

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church.

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them. The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources.

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