NAMI Berkshire County Hosts 10th Annual Cupcake Wars Fundraiser

10:42AM / Friday, April 17, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — NAMI Berkshire County is pleased to announce its 10th Annual Cupcake Wars fundraiser, taking place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Country Club of Pittsfield at 639 South Street in Pittsfield.

This community event brings together local bakeries and supporters for a fun and flavorful evening in support of mental health awareness and services throughout Berkshire County. Attendees will enjoy sampling and judging a variety of creative cupcake entries from participating bakeries, including Canyon Ranch, Monarch Butterfly Bakery, Whitney's Farm,

Odd Bird Bakery, and Sweet Confections Bakery.

Guests will also be treated to a "Backyard Barbeque" themed buffet dinner, along with livemusic by Clara Guatta, raffle prizes, and a cash bar, making for a lively and engaging evening emceed by author Kevin O'Hara.

"We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cupcake Wars and grateful for the continued support of our community," said Beth Persing, Vice President of the Board of NAMI Berkshire County. "Events like this allow us to raise critical funds while bringing people together for a shared cause."

NAMI Berkshire County extends special thanks to its sponsors, including Miraval, Kapha Cannabis Dispensary, Laureyns, Pearson Wallace, Mountain One, Lenco Armored Vehicles, Berkshire Community College, Brown & Brown Insurance, Brien Center, Lee Bank and Berkshire County Sherrif's Charitable Foundation for their generous support in making this

event possible.

All proceeds from Cupcake Wars directly benefit NAMI Berkshire County's free programs, advocacy, and support services for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

Tickets are available now and are $60.00 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cupcake-wars-tickets, or email namibc@namibc.org.

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Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires
05:29PM / Monday, August 24, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue.

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry.

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer.

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday.

The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings.

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote.

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
Attempted murder
Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

Attempted murder
Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday.

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

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