Berkshire Book Con Launches In Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Readers, writers, and book lovers from across the Berkshires are invited to the inaugural Berkshire Book Con, a one-day celebration of reading and writing, taking place Saturday, April 18.
 
The event is hosted by the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, Hot Plate Brewing Co., and Indie Readery & Records. 
 
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
 
According to a press release:
 
Designed for adults, Berkshire Book Con brings the community together through a shared love of books with a full day of engaging programs, including an author talk, creative contests, and opportunities to connect with fellow readers and writers.
 
Adults across the Berkshires are invited to take part in a Community Read by reading a shared book before Berkshire Book Con.
 
This year's Community Read selection is "Rules for Ghosting" by local author Shelly Jay Shore.
 
The day will kick off with an author talk, Q&A, and book signing at the Berkshire Athenaeum, offering attendees the chance to hear directly from Shore and discuss the book together.
 
Following the author talk, participants can explore an exhibit hall, browse a book fair, and participate in activities designed for readers and writers.
 
Highlights include a short story contest, an alternative book cover contest, trivia night, and a social hour designed to spark conversation and connection.
 
Berkshire Book Con is a new annual event celebrating the vibrant literary culture of the Berkshires, and everyone who loves to read, write, and share stories is invited to take part.
 
For more details, including event schedule, contest guidelines, and Community Read information, visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/bookcon
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue. 

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry. 

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer. 

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday. 
 
The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings. 

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote. 

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Attempted murder
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

  • Attempted murder
  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday. 

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

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