City Hall - City of Pittsfield

Today is election day in Massachusetts! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Need to find your polling location? Check out https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/departments/registrar_of_voters_and_elections/index.php or call the Registrar of Voters Office at (413) 499-9460.

All municipal offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day. We will open for regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.

Please note that trash and recycling pickup is on a one-day delay this week.

Interested in learning more about the Pittsfield Police Department? Apply today to join the fall session of the Citizens Police Academy!

****For Immediate Release****

Subject: Citizen Police Academy Fall 2024
Authored By: Sergeant Shaun Gariepy
Authorized By: Chief Thomas Dawley
Released At: 29 August 2024

The Pittsfield Police Department is pleased to announce the fall session of the 2024 Citizen Police Academy. The academy provides an opportunity for individuals to gain a better understanding of department operations and issues and topics effecting modern day policing.

The department is seeking interested citizens, volunteers, community-policing partners, local business leaders, and educators to apply for this exciting opportunity. Class size will be capped at 25 participants.

Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM starting September 25, 2024 through November 20, 2024. The first class will be at the Police Department at 39 Allen St. All subsequent classes will be held at Berkshire Community College at 1350 West St.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and live or work in the City of Pittsfield. All applicants will be subject to a criminal history background check, as some prior criminal offenses may be disqualifying.

Interested applicants should contact Sgt. Shaun Gariepy, via email at [email protected] or phone at 413-448-9700 extension 550 with any questions, or to obtain application materials. Applications can also be picked up at the front lobby of the police station. Applications can be returned via email or to the lobby window at the Pittsfield Police Department.

The Deadline to apply is Friday, September 13, 2024. Those not selected for the current session will be placed on an eligibility list to attend a future session.

All municipal offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 2. We will be open for regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.

The City of Pittsfield Health Department announces vaccination appointment schedule for Pittsfield individuals.

As the season for flu and COVID-19 is underway, it is time for residents to get vaccinated. Vaccinations help prevent illness or reduce serious illness and the risk of hospitalization.

Public flu and COVID-19 clinics have been scheduled for:

•September 3, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at O.U.R. Resurge Community Center, 117-133 Fenn Street (Informational Session Only)
•September 17, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street
•September 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Greylock Federal Credit Union, 75 Kellogg St. branch
•October 1, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street
•October 1, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at O.U.R. Resurge Community Center, 117-133 Fenn Street
•October 3, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. at Morningside Community School, 100 Burbank Street
•October 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Greylock Federal Credit Union, 71 Elm Street branch
•October 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Greylock Federal Credit Union, 150 West Street branch
•October 9, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, 414 North Street
•October 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lee Bank, 180 South Street branch

Appointments are required. To register for any of our public flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, please visit https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/pittsfield. Registration is available in most languages. If you have any questions, please call the Health Department at (413) 499-9411.

As a reminder, COVID-19 tests are available for free at the Health Department located at 100 North Street, mezzanine level.

Due to the work of a private contractor, a water main break has occurred on Franklin Street. Water service is currently unavailable as repairs are underway. Please note there may also be the presence of discolored water in the surrounding area. When water service returns, you may experience discoloration in your water. Please run cold water in your faucets until the water clears up. If discoloration does not improve, please contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.

Due to repairs underway at the rear entrance of City Hall, the parking lot behind the building is currently not available for use and will remain unavailable through Friday, August 30.

Residents and visitors are asked to park on Fenn Street, Federal Street or in the First Street parking lot from now through Friday if they need to visit City Hall. We ask that you utilize the accessible ramp entrance located on the Allen Street side of the building.

For voters that are returning their absentee or early voting ballots, you can either place them in the ballot box, located near the exit of the back parking lot, Fenn Street side of the building or bring them to the Registrar of Voters Office in City Hall.

We are about two weeks away from the first delivery of the new carts. In the first delivery, you will receive your recycling cart. In the second delivery, you will receive your trash cart.

Please check out the calendar below for the scheduled delivery and pickup of your carts. We will begin the new collection system, one route at a time starting with Friday routes.

You can expect to receive your cart at least two days prior to the start of the new collection pickup. For example, Friday routes will receive their new recycling cart no later than September 11. Recycling pickup will begin on September 13. The trash cart would be delivered around October 16 followed by pickup on October 18. Residents on Friday routes would then continue using the new carts (trash and recycling) from that point forward.

For a list of frequently asked questions and additional resources, please visit: https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/departments/public_services/2024_trash_and_recycling_proposal_(toters).php

Sign up for or renew your free library card at the Berkshire Athenaeum and enjoy special discounts and freebies exclusive to library cardholders at participating Pittsfield businesses!

The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s Public Library, in partnership with Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., and its member businesses, is observing National Library Card Sign-up Month during the month of September. The public is encouraged to sign up for or renew their free library card at the Athenaeum and enjoy special discounts and freebies exclusive to Berkshire Athenaeum library cardholders at participating Pittsfield businesses.

Patrons of the library may enter a raffle to win one of three $50 Downtown Pittsfield gift cards or a 1-year Family Membership to The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum. Prizes are provided by the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum. A brochure listing the discounts offered will be available at Athenaeum service desks, or online at www.downtownpittsfield.com. It’s easy to take advantage of the discounts, simply show your Berkshire Athenaeum library card, in person, at the time of purchase.

Participating businesses include:
413Shirts.com
Berkshire Art Center
Berkshire Fitness and Wellness Center
Berkshire Museum
Berkshire Music School
Garden Blossoms Florist
Hot Harry's Fresh Burritos - North St Pittsfield
Mana Crypt Gaming Center
Nene's Deco
On Pointe Barre & Fitness Studio
Paul Rich & Sons
Shany Porras Art
The Plant Connector
Witch Slapped

Deals are subject to change and are at the discretion of participating businesses.

Adult Services and Programming Supervisor at the Berkshire Athenaeum, Olivia Bowers, explains, "National Library Card Sign-Up Month at the Berkshire Athenaeum is about more than just signing up for a library card. We like to take this opportunity to remind our community that a library card is free and provides access to all our services. In addition to books, we offer a wide variety of downloadable titles and audiobooks, technology for in-house and take home use, a video streaming service, research databases, museum passes, and our Library of Things collection. We are grateful to our Downtown Pittsfield partners for their recognition and support, and we wish you a happy Library Card Sign-up Month!”

Those with questions about National Library Card Sign-up Month at the Athenaeum can email [email protected] or call 413-499-9480 ext. 202 during regular library hours.

Hope you'll join us for the September First Fridays next week!

The September 6 First Fridays at Five will feature live music, art, dance, family fun, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout downtown Pittsfield!

The theme of the September 6th First Fridays at Five will be a Taste of Pittsfield and the event will also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (which officially kicks off on September 15).

Get a Taste of Pittsfield with a section of the event dedicated to local food trucks, and there will also be many downtown restaurants serving food outside during the event. BB’s Hot Spot, D's Island Food Truck, La Chalupa & La Enchilada, and Two Sisters’ Spirits will be among the featured food trucks.

Yo Soy Arte and Latinas413 will headline the September 6th event on the mobile City Stage with a curated line-up of artists with ties to Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil.

Singer and musician, Clara Guatta will kick off the event on the City Stage at 5:30 pm. Clara was born in Pittsfield, but her entire family is originally from Argentina, and she grew up in the city of Buenos Aires.

At 6:30 pm, Luana Dias David will perform. Luana is a performing artist and choreographer based in the Berkshires. Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, she brings a rich cultural background steeped in Samba, Capoeira, Break Dancing, Latin Dance, Jazz, and Classic Ballet, which profoundly influence her dance philosophy and style. With over 20 years of experience as a performing artist and instructor, Luana has traveled globally, sharing her art and passion for dance. Her work authentically represents cultural dance pieces, evident in collaborations with esteemed organizations such as Jacob’s Pillow, Berkshire Pulse, and the Mill Town Foundation.

Cancioneros will close out the evening on the City Stage starting at 7:15 pm. Cancioneros features Mariano Cabrera (vocals/rhythm guitar), Erick Delmoral (Mexican guitarrón/guitar), and Juan Delmoral (lead guitar).

Mariano and Erick are originally from Atlixco, a city in the Mexican state of Puebla. The group was formed after Mariano was invited to work in restaurants, playing from table to table. He invited Erick to join, and years later, Juan, Erick's son, joined the group, contributing a great natural talent for the guitar.

Persip Park, 175 North Street, will feature a live performance by the Housie Shakers as part of the September 6 First Fridays at Five and the free Downtown Pittsfield Summer Music Series.

While the Housie Shakers are a new band on the Berkshire music scene, its members have deep local roots and have been playing music in the area for decades. All four members grew up in the Berkshires, and after various adventures living around the country and the world, returned here to raise their families. Having played together informally for various short-term projects in recent years, they decided the time was ripe to solidify the lineup and start playing out more.

The Housie Shakers bring a variety of styles to the mix, with wide-ranging covers and original music spanning rock, blues, pop, bluegrass, reggae, Americana, and improvisational groove. They don’t take themselves too seriously and have no ambitions to go on the road (as if the 12 kids they have collectively would make that possible anyway)… they’re just out to play local gigs and give people a chance to hang out, let loose, dance, and have a good time! The band’s name is a nod to their home community and the people and places that have shaped their musical journeys.
The Housie Shakers are Simeon Bittman (drums & vocals), Noah Cook-Dubin (guitar, cavaquinho & vocals), Jonathan Denmark (guitar & vocals), and Colin Ovitsky (bass).

In the case of inclement weather, the Housie Shakers will be at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue.

Sottile Park, at the corner of North and Eagle Street, will feature the Pittsfield Disability Commission which is the Community Partner for the September First Fridays at Five. They will be joined by AdLib, Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), and UCP of Western Massachusetts. UCP will be demonstrating assistive tech, DCR/Universal Access will be bringing equipment, and the Commission will have a table supporting the Get Out and Vote effort for people with disabilities with voter registration cards. There will be giveaways of disability flags, bracelets, popcorn, and water. Across the street, there will be an art show at AdLib, Inc: Center for Independent Living (215 North Street).

The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, will present "OUT OF THE STUDIOS: Artists of the Lichtenstein". “Out of the Studios” showcases artists who have studios at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. These artists - Mario Caluori, Rick Casucci, Maru Dominguez, Peg Dotchin, Jim Horsford, Sean McCusker, Nicole Rizzo, Jesse Tobin McCauley, and Michael Vincent Bushy – will each contribute original artwork to the show. The artwork will span multiple genres - from painting to pottery to photography to bookmaking. There will be an opening reception with the artists on Friday, September 6, from 5 to 8 pm, and you can catch a few of the artists really getting “Out of the Studios” as they do live demos right in Palace Park (directly in front of The Lichtenstein) from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, September 6.

Among these artists is Jim Horsford who will be hosting a free live pottery demonstration at Palace Park from 5 to 8 pm where he will be inviting individuals to help him make pots on the potter’s wheel. Jim spent 30 years as an art teacher at Herberg Middle School from 1978 to 2008. Currently, he teaches pottery on the wheel at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts where he has been since 2000. His creations will be available for purchase.

Hot Plate Brewing Co. will host a Beer Garden on School Street from 5 to 8 pm. School Street will be closed to traffic so you can take your beers outside, grab some delicious bites from Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort, and play some family-friendly games.

The Makers’ Market at First Fridays at Five will be on North Street between School Street and Fenn Street and will feature over two dozen local artisanal vendors who make their own, handmade products such as crafts, clothing and accessories, candles, art, custom gift items, self-care items, and packaged foods and sweets.

The Family Fun Zone at First Fridays at Five will be on Dunham Mall (100 North Street) and will feature free, interactive activities from local non-profit organizations including face-painting, arts & crafts, games, and more. The Berkshire Museum will be bringing their Mobile Museum Unit and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip. The Balloonitik will be offering free balloon creations.

Participating organizations include Barrington Stage Company, BART, Berkshire Coalition for Su***de Prevention, Berkshire Athenaeum, Berkshire County Head Start/Pittsfield CFCE, Berkshire County Kids Place, Berkshire District Attorney's Office, Berkshire Theatre Group, Child Care of the Berkshires ParentChild+ program, CleanSlate Centers, Foster MA/Adopt MA, NAMI Berkshire County, One Water Project, Pittsfield Public Schools, and the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum. Berkshire Bank will also be providing free kids’ activities along North Street.

Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework, 437 North Street, will feature the “Let It Shine! Emerging Artist Showcase” for the September 6 First Fridays Artswalk.

The Pittsfield Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership recently sought a student artist to co-create a new mural for the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Intermodal Center. Shelsy Rodriguez was chosen, and she will work alongside a mentor artist (Jesse Tobin McCauley) to develop and execute a 20’w x 6’h transit-themed mural that will debut on Friday, September 6 during the First Fridays Artswalk/First Fridays at Five. Stop by the train platform at the Intermodal Center to see the unveiling at 5 pm!

Shelsy Rodriguez will also be the featured artist of the “Let It Shine! Emerging Artist Showcase” held at Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework for the month of September. The Showcase will feature other 2D student artists, currently enrolled or recent graduates of high school or college, living in or going to school in Pittsfield, MA. Artists will include Felipe Romero, Eternity Williams, Holly Dawson, Leora Cook-Dubin, and Arianna Roots.

There will be an opening reception with the artists on Friday, September 6, from 5 to 8 pm, and the show will be on view Monday-Friday through the end of September by visiting the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. offices during normal business hours.

First Fridays Artswalk will showcase dozens of artists at venues throughout downtown Pittsfield from 5 to 8 pm including Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Black Economic Council, Clock Tower Artists, Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Living in Recovery, Marie's North Street Eatery and Gallery, Marketplace Cafe, Methuselah Bar and Lounge, NUarts gallery + studios, Roots and Dreams and Mustard Seeds, Soda Chef, THECOLLAB, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pittsfield. Follow a virtual walking tour on the free Downtown Pittsfield App and enjoy opening receptions with the artists.

Visit the free Open Studios event at the Clock Tower from 5 to 8 pm. A free art shuttle to and from the Clock Tower Artist Studios will run from 5 to 8 pm - every 15 minutes from City Hall on Allen Street. The Art Shuttle is provided and operated by RSVP Volunteers.

Berkshire Art Center, 141 North Street, will feature Free Drop-in Art Making from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. All ages are welcome to stop in to participate in a free art activity with the guidance and support of a faculty artist.

There will be a First Fridays After Party featuring DJ BFG at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge/Dorothy’s Estaminet, 438/444 North Street, from 7 to 10 pm. DJ BFG, aka Gabby Squailia, has been spinning for dance floors in the Berkshires for twenty years. She is known for seamless mixes, musical versatility, and crowd-reading acumen. There will be a full cash bar and coffee available for purchase. Doors open at 6 pm.

First Fridays at Five is a brand-new event led by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. taking place in downtown Pittsfield from May-September. A portion of North Street and School Street will be closed during the event.

Season partners and sponsors include the Feigenbaum Foundation, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Mill Town Foundation, MountainOne, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council.

For more information and a full event listing, visit https://lovepittsfield.com/first-fridays.

North Street will be closed from Park Square to Columbus Avenue on Friday, September 6 from 3 to 8:30 pm. Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes during this timeframe and follow appropriate detours. In addition, a parking restriction will be in place on North Street between Park Square and Columbus Avenue starting at 2 pm on Friday.

The new trash and recycling collection system is starting soon!

Residents who are in need of an additional recycling and/or trash cart are asked to complete this form on the city's website to let us know: https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/departments/public_services/request_form_for_additional_trash_recycling_carts.php

If you do not have access to a computer or need assistance, please call the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) at (413) 499-9330.

As a reminder, an additional recycling cart is free while an additional trash cart will cost $40/quarter. The additional carts will be delivered on a rolling basis. Once the new system is up and running, there is approximately a three-week turnaround time from when a resident makes the request to when the additional cart is delivered.
If you are a tenant and would like additional toters, you will need to have your landlord contact DPU.

Want to dispose of your old containers at the curb? Let us know by using this form: https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/departments/public_services/request_form_for_additional_trash_recycling_carts.php

Casella plans to pick up the old containers after the delivery is complete with the new carts, most likely in November.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit: https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/departments/public_services/2024_trash_and_recycling_proposal_(toters).php

Mark your calendars for this event!

Brazzucas Brazilian Market, Espetinho Carioca, and MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Partners are thrilled to announce the first-ever Brazilian Day Celebration in Downtown Pittsfield. This vibrant event will honor Brazilian culture and Brazilian Independence Day on Saturday, September 7.

The celebration, inspired by the grand Brazilian Day festivities in New York City, brings a piece of this cultural experience to Pittsfield. The event kicks off at 2 pm at Brazzucas Brazilian Market (75 North Street) with a performance by Marcelo Santos. The main event begins at 5 pm at the intersection of Market Street and North Street, featuring The Berkshire Bateria and Berkshire Brazil. The evening will conclude with a set by Quarteto de Samba from 7 to 9 pm at Espetinho Carioca (48 B North Street). Hot Plate Brewing Co. will also be serving beverages outside from 5 to 7 pm.

Berkshire Bateria is a dynamic troupe of musicians performing samba rhythms on traditional Brazilian percussion instruments.

Berkshire Brazil: A São Paulo native, Luana Dias David has performed worldwide and brings a blend of Salsa, Samba, Capoeira, and Classic Ballet to the stage.

Quarteto de Samba: Founded by Brazilian musician Tarcisio Ramos (Taz), this group features Bossa Nova, Jazz, Choro, and Samba, with performances by talented artists including Sam Stouffer, Jean-Gathright, and Henry Davidson.

This celebration is part of MassDevelopment’s TDI initiative to revitalize North Street by promoting cultural and economic growth in Gateway Cities. Special thanks to Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and the City of Pittsfield for their support in organizing this event.

The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s Public Library, announces Drop in Genealogy Assistance on Thursday mornings, 9:30 -12 noon.

Genealogist and Researcher Sandi Jarvis will be available in the Local History Department to assist with family history. Individuals who need guidance on how to get started as well as those whose have hit a dead end in tracing their family tree are invited to stop in.

The Athenaeum provides free in library access to Ancestry, the premier online genealogy resource. Additional sources include files and indices provided by the Berkshire Family History Association and historic maps, city directories, and local high school yearbooks.

For further information or to confirm the Thursday session contact the Local History Department at (413) 499-9480 ext. 204.

Please be advised that the handrails at the rear entrance to City Hall will be under repair starting next Wednesday, August 28. Weather permitting, this work will be finished on Friday. Please use the front entrance or the accessible ramp on Allen Street.

After this work is complete, the handrails for the Fenn Street entrance will be repaired starting on Monday, September 2. This work is expected to wrap up by Thursday, September 5. The rear and front entrances will be accessible for use.

Exciting events to add to your calendar!

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration!

Sunday, September 8, 5 to 7 pm: Dance class and performance in Dunham Mall lead by Andres Ramirez, owner of The Funk Box Dance Studio

Sunday, September 15, 5 to 7 pm: Cumbia music at Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street, with “Media Noche,” a Berkshire-based Cumbia band.

Sunday, September 22, 5 to 7 pm: Salsa and Bachata classes with Luana Dias in Dunham Mall

Friday, September 27, 5 to 7 pm: An art workshop in Spanish led by Katunemo Art Collective and information about Latinas413 programming at THECOLLAB, 163 North Street

Wednesday, October 2, 7 to 9 pm: Storytelling and open mic in Spanish hosted by Melchor Cine at Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street

Friday, October 4, 5 to 7 pm: Reception for Open Exhibition with Katunemo Art Collective at Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and Framework, 437 North Street

Saturday, October 12, 7 to 9 pm: Tornado Musical Music Performance at Tito’s Mexican Bar and Grill, 34 Depot Street

For more details, visit https://facebook.com/events/s/hispanic-heritage-month-celebr/875402424438917/

The community meeting about the city's Open Space and Recreation plan has been postponed. A new date and time will be released soon.

Important Election Dates🗳

For more details, please visit https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/press_detail_T32_R1173.php or call the Registrar of Voters Office at (413) 499-9460.

Due to software upgrades, the City of Pittsfield’s City Clerk’s Office permitting system, PermitEyes, will be temporarily unavailable beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 22 through Monday, August 26.

Beginning on Tuesday, August 27, the new version of PermitEyes will be live for the City Clerk’s Office. The new PermitEyes 20/20 program will be an upgrade to the current permitting program with an entirely new look and feel aimed at making the process more user friendly. Applicants will be able to view and track the progress of their application from the PermitEyes homepage as it goes through the approval process.

To move all the data from the current site to the new site, the permitting system for the City Clerk’s Office will be unavailable during this transition period including business certificates, inflammable fluid registrations, single event entertainment licenses, special auctioneer permits, special event permits, special one-day alcohol beverage licenses. No permit applications will be accepted online.

If a new permit is required during this time, residents are asked to call the City Clerk’s Office at (413) 499-9361 or visit their office at 70 Allen Street to file a paper application. Payment will be accepted in the form of cash or check payable to the City of Pittsfield.

Online requests for vital records and dog licenses are not impacted by this update and can be requested through the city’s website at Online Payments | City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

The new site will be accessible on Tuesday, August 27. No permitting systems for other city departments will be impacted during this transition.

If you are currently a PermitEyes user and have the site bookmarked, the existing link will take you to the new site where you can log in and conduct your business as usual.

The City of Pittsfield appreciates your patience during this process.

Line painting work has been scheduled for tonight, August 21. This work will include the painting of the yellow and white lines on the following streets:

Fort Hill Avenue
Hungerford Street
West Street
Churchill Street
Pecks Road
Highland Avenue
Valentine Road
Oak Hill Road
Partridge Road
Dalton Avenue

Please note the schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions. Additional line painting will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

The city of Pittsfield thanks you for your patience during this time.

Fog sealing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 21 on Hubbard Avenue from 500 Hubbard Avenue to the South Street (Dalton)/East Street (Pittsfield) intersection.

On August 22 and 23, fog sealing is scheduled for East New Lenox Road from Williams Street to the town line.

Fog sealing is a technique that extends the life of a road by preserving the recent resurfacing work.

On street parking will be prohibited on starting at 7 a.m. Please note there may be temporary delays when the material is placed on the road surface. Residents who live on these streets are asked to plan accordingly.

All other drivers are asked to follow designated detours. Emergency vehicles will have access if required to respond.

Please take caution when traveling on these roads. This schedule is subject to change based upon weather conditions.

The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s Public Library, and the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum are pleased to announce the winners of the 46th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and the 27th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Young Adults.

Entries were combined into five age categories with a total of 28 submissions. A committee of judges read through the submissions and rated the entries on originality, appeal, writing style, and artwork, if applicable. All short story submissions are on display in the Children’s Library now through September 21, 2024. The winning submissions are also displayed on the library’s website.

When asked about his experience as a judge for this year’s contest, Jon Wynn said, “I was both honored by the opportunity to judge and impressed by the high quality of the submissions. This year's Short Story Contest included wonderful storytelling AND compelling artwork; I'm looking forward to coming back next year to sample more great tales!"

2024 winners of the Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and Young Adults:

Children Age 6
1st place: “What is Hairy’s Favorite Season?” by Sage Saldo
2nd place: “The Keeper of the Books” by Evelyn Morin

Children Age 7 – 8
1st place: “Hazel and the Gnomes” by Hazel Rodd
2nd place: “The Bedroom Secret” by Talia Crowe
2nd place: “The Wild Monkeys” by Maribella Morin
Honorable Mention: “Sage and Stella’s Adventure” by Chloe Mishk

Children Age 9 – 10
1st place: “Almost Perfect” by Bodhi Goodman-Wu
2nd place: “The Day My Snow Creature Came to Life” by Lucy Simonelli
Honorable Mention: “The Tale of How Sometimes the Feeling of Being Watched Can Turn into a Beautiful Friendship” by Sasha Hughes

Young Adults Age 11 – 14
1st place: “A Friend Under My Bed” by Suzy Schoeny
2nd place: “The Imagination Fort” by Nora Schoeny
Honorable Mention: “The King of Midnight” by Madeleine Love

Young Adults Age 15 – 18
1st place: “No Visible End” by Olivia Caraccioli
2nd place: “Gone But Not Forgotten” by Gloria Williams
Honorable Mention: “Black Out” by Evelyn Rathbun

For more information, please visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org or call the Berkshire Athenaeum’s Youth Services Department at (413) 499-9480, ext. 5.