A lot has happened in the Berkshires this week. Here are some of the stories you may have missed. 

 

Berkshire Carousel Spins Again

 

For the first time in years, community members of all ages rode the Berkshire Carousel. The carousel re-opened with a new patio and volunteer support.  The efforts originally began in the late 2000s, and the ride hadn't operated since 2018. 

 

More information here. 

 

'No Kings' Demonstrations Held Around County

 

Less than 20 minutes away, hundreds of people filled the side streets near the Common to protest the actions of the Trump Administration. The effort was part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.

 

More information here. 

 

Mural Honoring 54th Massachusetts at the Center of Juneteenth Celebration

 

Pittsfield’s annual Juneteenth Celebration at Durant Park featured the unveiling of a new mural dedicated to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and, specifically, the Pittsfield residents who served in the nation’s first all-Black combat unit.

 

More information here. 

 

A Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Themed 'Young At Heart'

 

The Pittsfield Fourth of July parade is just weeks away. This year's event, themed "Young at Heart," will feature over 100 units, including more than a dozen floats, several musical dance performances, and other elements that celebrate the community's youth.  

 

More information here. 

 

Lanesborough OKs Towing Policy

 

The Lanesborough Select Board approved a towing policy that doesn't require companies to have a storage facility in town or charge the customer for a cancelled call. 

 

More information here. 

 

Pittsfield Adult Learning Center Graduates 62 Resilient Students

 

Sixty-two graduates received High School Equivalency Diplomas, Adult Diplomas, and or General Educational Development credentials during the Williams Stickney Pittsfield Adult Learning Center’s 44th commencement ceremony, held at Taconic High School.  

 

More information here. 

 

Clarksburg Elementary Bids Farewell to Principal, Administrative Assistant

 

Clarksburg Elementary celebrated its principal and administrative assistant on the last day of school.

 

Principal Sandra Cote and administrative assistant Donna Neville both decided to retire at the end of the school year.

 

More information here. 

 

Adams Town Meeting Approves FY2026 Budget with Amendments

 

Town meeting members approved all town meeting articles on the warrant Tuesday night after making some amendments to the operating budget.

 

Although the 108 town meeting members in attendance ultimately approved the $19,763,563 fiscal year 2026 budget that will raise $14,369,951 through taxation, they did make some changes to the operating budget.

 

More information here. 

 

Lever Partnering Two Companies to Use Local Wood in Berkshire Projects

 

North Adams-based economic development nonprofit Lever has partnered with Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and Hall Tavern Farm to supply local wood for four affordable homes in Williamstown, with support from a Massachusetts grant.

 

More information here. 

 

MassDOT Plans Replacement of South St. Bridges

 

The state will replace two structurally unsound bridges on South Street in Pittsfield within a couple of years, possibly resulting in a brief closure of the main route.

 

More information here. 

 

Kirvin Park Staged for 'Significant' Ecological Restoration

 

Kirvin Memorial Park is staged for "significant" floodplain and habitat restoration beginning in the fall. 

 

The city, in collaboration with the Housatonic River Natural Resources Trustees and General Electric Co., is working to enhance the natural resources of the Housatonic River Watershed.

 

More information here. 

 

Pittsfield Now Sisters With Cape Coast, Ghana

 

For the first time in 25 years, Pittsfield has a new sister city. During a signing ceremony, the city established Cape Coast, Ghana, as its new sister. 

 

The designation aims to foster cultural, economic, and intellectual exchange.  

 

More information here.