image description — Ephraim Schwartz was a frequent commentator at City Council meetings and advocate for LGBTQ+ and human rights.

Pittsfield Organizations Remember Late Community Advocate

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
11:55AM / Wednesday, March 11, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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.

Berkshire Pride encouraged community members to email info@berkshirepride.org for resources and support.

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Lanesborough ZBA Member Mark Siegars Resigns

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
04:44PM / Tuesday, March 10, 2026

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Heated Zoning Board of Appeals meetings, which have already led to two lawsuits against the town, have now resulted in the resignation of a board member.

The board's former chair, Mark Siegars, resigned from his position on Monday, after being removed as chair by the Select Board for his conduct a month prior, The Berkshire Eagle reported.

iBerkshires has reached out to the town administrator for confirmation.

Emotions have run high following contentious ZBA meetings held over the past several months, culminating in both businesses involved filing lawsuits against the town. More information here.

The rift started to develop in January during a meeting to determine whether the Lanesborough Local Country Store's sign on its vintage pickup truck violated town bylaws. The board ultimately voted to uphold the building inspector's citation.

The meeting resulted in two complaints to the town, following the nearly 40-minute discussion that had short bursts of yelling in between.

The meeting was not recorded by the board or by LCATV and the town requested iBerkshires share its recording to provide the Select Board additional context surrounding the few complaints.

It is not iBerkshires.com's policy to share unpublished recordings or meeting notes. However, iBerkshires.com did write an article outlining the argument.

According to The Eagle, all Zoning Board of Appeals meetings will now be recorded to ensure transparency.

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