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Ephraim Schwartz was a frequent commentator at City Council meetings and advocate for LGBTQ+ and human rights.

Pittsfield Organizations Remember Late Community Advocate

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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The Pittsfield City Council takes a moment to remember Ephraim Schwartz.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday bowed their heads to recognize the loss of a local advocate, Ephraim Alexander Schwartz.

"Ephraim was a familiar presence in these chambers and a passionate advocate to advance human rights for everyone," said Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi, who called for the  moment of silence

"He believed deeply in civic participation and engaged many of us thoughtfully about various issues on how to improve our community."
 
Schwarz died suddenly on March 5; Berkshire Pride spoke to Schwartz's passing Monday on social media. He was an LGBTQ+ and human rights activist who regularly spoke during public comment at City Council meetings. 

"Everything we do, we do in community. Including grief and loss," the nonprofit wrote. "Berkshire Pride is mourning the loss of Ephraim Schwartz, a local activist, friend, and community member."

memorial service will be held at Temple Anshe Amunim on Sunday, March 15, at 11 a.m. 

Schwartz was one of the early organizers of Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-MoB), served on the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition board, and was one of the founders of the Berkshire Queer History Project and a founder of Pittsfield Housing for All. 

He regularly spoke against the proposed median and camping ordinances that were brought forward last year. 


"May we all remember his wonderful smile, unshakeable commitment to justice & empowering the voices and dignity of those who are marginalized, attacked, or forgotten," Q-MoB wrote on the event page for the memorial service. 

Berkshire Pride encouraged community members to email info@berkshirepride.org for resources and support. 


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Thistle 'N Thorn Floral Announces Closing

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Another North Street business has announced their sudden closure.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral announced on Instagram that its doors will close. 

"What many people don't see behind a creative business is how much it grows, shifts, and eventually asks more of you than one person can realistically carry. Between the rising costs of flowers, increasing rent, and the sheer volume of work, the business has become almost too successful for one person to sustain alone."

Owner Ashley Davidson opened the shop at 393 North St. a couple years ago and was selling flowers long before that according to her social media history.

Thistle 'N Thorn sold floral arrangements for events like weddings, funerals, and more. She also sold gifts, bouquets and wreaths according to Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Davidson also hosted events and workshops for those to create their own arrangements. 

"While this chapter is closing, I want to be very clear about something. This is not the end for me," Davidson wrote on Instagram.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I built. It took vision, grit, creativity, and a lot of courage. Those things don’t disappear just because a business chapter ends. If anything, they’re the reason I’m confident stepping into whatever comes next."

She also said she will be honoring the weddings and events she has already scheduled and plans to offer more workshops.

 
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