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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Recent E. Coli Detection in Pontoosuc Lake Confined to Lanesborough

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:05AM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Only Lanesborough's portion of Pontoosuc Lake had a bacterial exceedance last week.

During the Lake Management Commission's second meeting on Thursday, members received an update on the situation.

On July 22, the Lanesborough Board of Health closed the Sunrise Street and Narragansett Avenue beaches due to high E. Coli levels. They have since cleared.

"We didn't have any bacterial exceedance in Pittsfield, so there's no concern at all last week for any E. coli concerns in Pittsfield,” Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath reported.

Regular monitoring for bacterial exceedances at swimming beaches across the Commonwealth is required. Pittsfield's Board of Health tests Pontoosuc and Onota Lake weekly on Wednesdays throughout the summer.

Lanesborough also conducts weekly testing through its Board of Health, and an exceedance was reported to the state at Sunrise Beach, at the very north end of Pontoosuc Lake.

McGrath noted that he did not see Narragansett Beach on the state's dashboard.

"The City of Pittsfield was made aware of the bacterial exceedance and we, of course, were concerned,” he said.

"Our weekly testing happened the next day on Wednesday. Our results were returned Thursday morning. We did not have a bacterial exceedance at Pontoosuc Lake Park, where we test off of the wall on the north side of the channel, and also proximate to the boat ramp, at this point in time.”

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