Holiday Wreath Art Auction to Benefit Pittsfield Food Pantries

07:57AM / Friday, November 28, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Office of Cultural Development announces the 11^th annual Holiday Wreath Art Auction on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts from 4-6:30 p.m.

Approximately 50 wreaths will be on display during this ticketed event. There will be wreaths available for grab and go with a live auction of the featured wreaths at 5:30pm. All proceeds will benefit the Pittsfield Community Food Pantry. Since its inception in 2015, the Wreath Art Auction has raised more than $30,000 for the South Community Food Pantry.

The Wreath Art Auction is a $10 suggested donation ticketed event with refreshments. The highest bidder during the live auction will receive a special gift. This year the office once again has partnered with the Springside Greenhouse Group who will be decorating many of the donated wreaths, centerpieces and more. Prices for grab and go wreaths start at $30.

This event is part of the Festive Frolic taking place in Pittsfield December 5-6 with the Holiday Tree Lighting; the Berkshire Bazaar hosted by Thistle and Thorn at the Holiday Inn and Suites; a free Children's Paint & Sip at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church; an appearance from Santa Claus in Dunham Mall and more hosted by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. The Holiday Shindy takes place Saturday, Dec. 13.

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:52PM / Tuesday, August 25, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the POST Commission.

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub.

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission.

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted. On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April.

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday.

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads.

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline."

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