BEAT Welcomes Volunteers to Housatonic River Cleanups

07:34AM / Thursday, June 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) are inviting volunteers to take part in this year's Housatonic River West Branch Cleanups.

Over the years, volunteers have helped make a visible difference. The piles of trash collected each year have steadily shrunk, reflecting cleaner riverbanks and the ongoing commitment of community members who care about the river.

The West Branch of the Housatonic River flows south from Pontoosuc and Onota Lakes before joining the East Branch in Pittsfield. This stretch of the river supports wildlife and offers opportunities for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the outdoors. Removing litter from the river and its banks helps keep this important community resource healthy, clean, and safer.

BEAT will host river cleanups on Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, July 25, with a rain date of August 22. Volunteers will meet at Westside Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave., Pittsfield, MA, at 9:00 AM before heading to cleanup sites along the river. Participants will return to Riverway Park at 12:00 PM, where lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for outdoor conditions.

Volunteers are required to register for one or both cleanup days at:

https://tinyurl.com/Housatonic-River-Cleanups-2026

Tags: BEAT,

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires.com
11:59AM / Sunday, August 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back more than 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted, 4-2, to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

“I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference,” committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

“The city could have used for that difference over the next three years.”

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has vocally supported the independent audit for years, said the city doesn’t have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, “We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional and are looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is.”

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have comparable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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