Free Learn to Row Day at Berkshire Community Rowing

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Experience the beauty of the Berkshires on Onota Lake and boost your wellness on Saturday, June 6, 2026 when Berkshire Community Rowing (BCR) hosts its annual Learn to Row Program.
 
Free rowing sessions will be held from 8-9:45 am and again at 10-11:45 am at the Berkshire Community Rowing boathouse in Burbank Park.
 
Registration is now open to reserve your Free Lesson. Visit their website, berkshirecommunityrowing.org
 
"This is a fun community event that introduces Berkshire residents to the joy of a lifelong sport. The timing coincides with National Learn To Row events being held by rowing clubs across the country," notes BCR board President, Connell McGrath. 
 
No rowing experience is required. Simply wear comfortable footwear, a hat for sun protection. Members of the Berkshire Community Rowing organization will guide you through the basics of sculling with two oars and even coach you to take some strokes on the water. 
 
Berkshire Community Rowing is a non-profit organization that promotes the sport of rowing and encourages people of all backgrounds and levels of experience to row. The event will be held rain or shine. 
 
For more information, contact Berkshire Community Rowing at info@berkshirerowing.com.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

15 People Displaced in Pittsfield Home Fires

Staff Reports

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Fifteen people were displaced after 2-alarm home fires this weekend on Springside Avenue and Elaine Drive. 

On Friday evening, the Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 209 Springside Ave., which took a four-hour battle to extinguish and resulted in a partial roof collapse. The next day, on Saturday evening, crews knocked down a fire at 121 Elaine Drive in about an hour. 

The garage and part of the single-family home on Elaine Drive were gutted to the frame, along with a vehicle parked in the driveway. On Springside Avenue, the top level and porch of the multifamily were burned through.  

A GoFundMe has been started for the family of the Elaine Drive home, which includes several young children.  The fundraiser, with a $5,500 goal, explains they lost their home and all of their belongings. (iBerkshires.com does not confirm or endorse fundraisers; they are provided as information only.)

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries, and both incidents are under investigation.  One dog was rescued on Springside Avenue. 

On Oct. 10, around 6:15 p.m., PFD responded to the Springside Avenue home for a reported structure fire and saw a 2 1/2-story wood frame multifamily with a heavy blaze showing from the second-floor front porch, extending out. 

The building suffered a partial roof collapse, which prolonged extinguishment. The fire was brought under control after about four hours.

“An aggressive offensive attack was mounted by first arriving crews stretching hose lines into the building as well as primary searches that proved negative. Ladders were placed around the structure to provide access as well as escape if needed. An off-duty Fire Captain had also been on scene early in the incident to help evacuate the structure and rescue a dog,” PFD wrote in a press release. 

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