The Pittsfield City Council takes a moment to remember Ephraim Schwartz.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday bowed their heads to recognize the loss of a local advocate, Ephraim Alexander Schwartz.
"Ephraim was a familiar presence in these chambers and a passionate advocate to advance human rights for everyone," said Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi, who called for the moment of silence
"He believed deeply in civic participation and engaged many of us thoughtfully about various issues on how to improve our community."
Schwarz died suddenly on March 5; Berkshire Pride spoke to Schwartz's passing Monday on social media. He was an LGBTQ+ and human rights activist who regularly spoke during public comment at City Council meetings.
"Everything we do, we do in community. Including grief and loss," the nonprofit wrote. "Berkshire Pride is mourning the loss of Ephraim Schwartz, a local activist, friend, and community member."
A memorial service will be held at Temple Anshe Amunim on Sunday, March 15, at 11 a.m.
Schwartz was one of the early organizers of Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-MoB), served on the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition board, and was one of the founders of the Berkshire Queer History Project and a founder of Pittsfield Housing for All.
He regularly spoke against the proposed median and camping ordinances that were brought forward last year.
"May we all remember his wonderful smile, unshakeable commitment to justice & empowering the voices and dignity of those who are marginalized, attacked, or forgotten," Q-MoB wrote on the event page for the memorial service.
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Companion Corner: Banner at Berkshire Humane Society
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — There's a cat at the Berkshire Humane Society that is looking to cuddle up to his new owner.
iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.
Banner is a 10-year-old domestic shorthair who has been at the shelter for about a month.
Feline/small animal adoption counselor Alyssa Petell introduced us to him.
"He is a very sweet gentleman. He is 10 years old. He's a little bit shy at first, but once you get to know him, he is a lovely boy. He loves to be a lap cat. He's just a very lovely man," she said.
He is no stranger to the Humane Society as he was born there and sadly, after 10 years, he has returned because of losing his owner.
"So we've had him for about a month now. He was originally a kitten that came from us. He went through our foster program, and he did have to come back to us because his owner passed away."
He would need to go to a home without cats or dogs as he likes to be by himself and his owner.
"He's looking for a nice quiet home, maybe like a retirement home-type situation, like no young kids, just a nice quiet home for him to relax in with his people."
Banner is quite shy at first and you might find him hidden under a blanket. But once he comes out he has a loud purr and will cuddle up to you.
"He's just an absolute love when you get to know him, total lap cat. Loves to cuddle, loves chin scratches, we like to call him the turtle, because he does hide at first and under blankets and stuff like that, and he peeks his head out," said Petell. "But once you remove the blanket, he'll come over. He wants to snuggle. He's super, super affectionate. He's just very, very shy at first."
Banner is on a diet and will need to stay consistent on one in a new home as he is overweight.
"He does love treats. That is one thing about him is we kind of need to cut back on the treats a little bit," she said. "So he does need to go on the diet, because, as you can see, he is a little overweight. So in whatever home he goes to, he does have to get put on a diet, but he's doing good. He has lost some weight while you've been here too."
Again, Banner has a very loud purr when he is with you.
"I also want to mention that Banner here is an absolute purr machine. Once he's in your arms and he's cuddling with you. He is very loud, he loves to purr," she laughed.
Petell also mentioned to help brush his soft hair as it can be hard to groom as he is overweight.
He might also need dental work.
His adoption is discounted because he is a senior cat.
You can visit Banner at the Berkshire Humane Society and read more about him on the website.
The Berkshire Humane Society is open Tuesday through Sunday. The adoption center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The administration will present a draft fiscal year 2027 budget on March 11, and has been focused on equitably distributing resources based on need while bridging a $4 million funding gap without layoffs.
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The Select Board and Finance Committee last week began a detailed look at the needs for the fiscal 2027 budget from the Police, Fire and Library departments.
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The Community and Economic Development subcommittee supports a 10-year tax increment financing agreement for Allegrone Companies' renovation of the former Berkshire County Savings Bank block. click for more
