Berkshires Opens Warming Centers, Provides Safety Resources Ahead of Frigid Weekend

Staff Reports 03:07PM / Friday, January 23, 2026Print Story | Email Story

A back-to-back weather threat is developing as an Extreme Cold Warning tonight gives way to a major Winter Storm Warning starting Sunday morning. Dangerously cold wind chills of 25 to 35 below zero will persist through Saturday afternoon, creating a high risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Conditions will remain life-threatening for those without proper shelter or heating, and pets should be kept indoors.

Beginning at 7 AM Sunday and lasting through 7 PM Monday, a long-duration winter storm will then impact all of eastern New York and western New England, bringing 12 to 18 inches of heavy snow. Travel will become very dangerous, particularly Sunday night when snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour, severely reducing visibility. If you must travel, the National Weather Service advises keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle with a flashlight, food, and water.

Regional Warming Centers: Where to Stay Warm

Local public safety departments and community organizations have established the following short-term warming sites to provide refuge from the sub-zero temperatures.

North Adams

Police Station Front Lobby: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
North Adams Public Library: Open Friday (10 am to 5 pm), Saturday (10 am to 1pm)
Living Hope Church: Open Friday (8 am to 1 pm), Saturday (8 am to noon)
First Baptist Church: Open Saturday (9 am to noon)
North Adams City Hall: Open Friday (8 am to 4pm)

Williamstown

Williamstown Police: Open Saturday and Sunday (Residents in need of shelter can call dispatch at (413) 458-5733 to gain access).

Pittsfield

The Berkshire Athenaeum: Saturday (10 am to 5 pm), Sunday (8 am to 2 pm)
21 Pearl St.: Every night (10 pm to 8 am)

Great Barrington

Town Hall
libraries
Claire Teague Senior Center
Berkshire South Community Center (Standard Hours)

Essential Cold Weather Safety Tips

Home Protection & Water Safety

The Dalton Fire and Water Departments, along with other regional agencies, recommend the following to prevent property damage:

The "Drip" Rule: Allow a very thin stream of water to run from faucets located on exterior walls to prevent pipe freezes.
Thermostat Consistency: Avoid dropping the heat at night; keep a steady temperature to ensure pipes in walls stay above freezing.
Open Cabinets: Keep kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
Pipe Thawing: If pipes freeze, use a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.

Personal Health & Pets

The Three-Layer System: Wear a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer (wool/fleece), and a windproof outer shell.
Pet Safety: Keep pets indoors. If they must go out, limit time to a few minutes and wipe paws to remove salt and ice-melt chemicals.
Check on Neighbors: Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors or those living alone to ensure their heating systems are functioning.

Winter Storm & Municipal Impact

Following the extreme cold, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for Sunday and Monday, with up to 16 inches of snow possible.

Williamstown Town Hall: Closed Monday, Jan 26.
Pittsfield Snow Ops: Moving to 12-hour shifts starting early Sunday. No on-street parking, including on both sides of the street, will be allowed between 7 p.m. Saturday, January 24 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 26. Residents in and around downtown Pittsfield are encouraged to use the McKay Street parking garage for parking, which will be open to the public free of charge starting Saturday, January 24 through the duration of the snow event. Non-permitted vehicles are prohibited from parking or standing in any open municipal or school parking lot between the hours of 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. Vehicles found in violation of the above parking regulations may be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.
Road Salt Warning: DPW officials warn that road salt becomes significantly less effective in temperatures below 10°F. Expect icy surfaces even after treatment.

Emergency Contact Directory

Emergencies: 9-1-1
North Adams Police (Non-Emergency): (413) 664-4944
Williamstown Police (Non-Emergency): (413) 458-5733
Dalton Fire District: (413) 684-0500
National Grid (Power Outages): 1-800-465-1212
Berkshire Gas: 1-800-292-5012

Tags: snow & ice, snow emergencies,

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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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