Berkshire DHILS - Viability

05/04/2026

The City of Pittsfield’s Conservation Commission, Pittsfield Parks & Recreation, and Lyon Aviation have announced a free Fishing Derby for youth ages 14 years old and under on Saturday, May 9, at the Wild Acres Conservation Area. This event will occur rain or shine.

Volunteer support will be provided to assist with dressing fish, providing fishing tips and techniques, baiting, etc. The derby will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until 12:00 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 12:00 p.m. to those who catch the largest fish in length and weight. The Onota Boat Livery has donated fishing poles which will be raffled off during the event. The accessible trail down to the pond will be open.

The first 100 children will receive a free food voucher, and food will also be available for purchase from Ozzie’s Steak & Eggs.

The Wild Acres Conservation Area is located off South Mountain Road in Pittsfield.

05/04/2026

05/04/2026

🌈🎉 Berkshires, are you ready?! 🎉🌈

Join us as we kick off Pride Month in style at our Kick-Off Block Party - celebrating the start of the 10th Annual Berkshire Pride season! 🏳️‍🌈✨

Saturday, May 30th
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – Flag Raising, Proclamation, and Community Partner of the Year award at Pittsfield City Hall
🎉 Block Party to Follow at 12:30PM
📍 Location: Pittsfield City Hall (Ceremony), then School Street/Hot Plate Brewing Co. (Block Party)

Join us as we kick off Pride Season with a powerful Flag Raising Ceremony and an official Proclamation from Mayor Peter Marchetti, declaring June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Pittsfield! We’ll also present our Community Partner of the Year award (awardee to be announced soon!)

Following the ceremony, the celebration continues with a Block Party on School Street, in partnership with Hot Plate Brewing Co. and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. Expect music from Pup Daddy Productions, food, games, and community!

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 Why It Matters:
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights - particularly for trans individuals -are under attack, visibility and community are more important than ever. This event is not just about celebration, but about resilience, solidarity, and strength in the face of uncertainty.

This is more than a party - it’s a celebration of love, visibility, and 10 incredible years of Berkshire Pride. 💖

Bring your friends, your family, allies, and your Pride spirit - let’s fill the community with joy and kick off Pride Month together!

👉 For the full lineup of events, visit: berkshirepride.org

05/04/2026

E-Bike Safety & Massachusetts Law Reminder

The Pittsfield Police Department has recently encountered numerous cases involving both youths and adults operating “E-bikes” that do not meet Massachusetts legal standards.

In Massachusetts, E-bikes are classified into two categories:

• Class 1 E-Bike – Motor assists only while pedaling
• Class 2 E-Bike – Equipped with a throttle in addition to pedal assist

For both classes:
Must have fully functional pedals
Cannot exceed 20 mph with motor assistance
Massachusetts does not recognize Class 3 E-bikes (those capable of speeds over 20 mph).

Important Reminder:
E-bikes must follow the same rules as traditional bicycles, with one key exception — they are NOT allowed on sidewalks.

If your bike does NOT meet these requirements (for example, no pedals or capable of speeds over 20 mph), it may be classified as a:
• Moped
• Scooter
• Motorcycle

This means you may be subject to:
• Licensing requirements
• Vehicle registration
• Mandatory DOT-approved helmet use

***Enforcement Notice***
The Pittsfield Police Department will not tolerate the illegal operation of these vehicles on our roadways or sidewalks. Officers will be actively enforcing these laws. Violations may result in:
• Fines and citations
• Vehicle impoundment
• Criminal charges and/or arrest

We urge all riders and parents to ensure that any e-bike being operated is compliant with Massachusetts law. Taking the time now to understand the rules can prevent serious consequences later.

If you have questions about your e-bike or its classification, visit:https://mpitraining.com/wp-content/uploads/Advisory-Electric-Bicycles-in-Massachusetts-07.16.2025.pdf "

05/04/2026

May the 4th for you! Here are some signs, many thanks to
Repost off Happy May 4th — May the Force be with you! ✨
Here’s your Star Wars in ASL lesson featuring signs for Jedi, Yoda, Lightsaber, and more. Inspired by The Sign Polyglot on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpMjOurRz9c

FYI: These signs aren’t official, they were created by fans! That’s the amazing thing about ASL: we can invent new signs for specific concepts as our world expands.

ID: A space-themed graphic titled “Star Wars in ASL” shows illustrated ASL signs for Star Wars, Yoda, Millennium Falcon, Lightsaber, Darth Vader, and Jedi, with small matching character or object images next to each sign. Designed by 58 Creativity.

05/04/2026

May the fourth be with you! 💙 This is the complete calendar for May's Mobile Food Bank schedule throughout all four counties of Western Massachusetts. You can also see the full list of each Mobile Food Bank's location and date on our website https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/mobile-food-bank/ - We also encourage everyone to share this post because it may help someone you know, thank you! 💚

Remember: everyone is welcome to visit a Mobile Food Bank and get free groceries regardless of other services you might receive. We have an automated phone line to check if a Mobile Food Bank or Brown Bag is canceled due to weather, the number is: (413)-419-0079.

05/04/2026

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing recently celebrated 40 years of advocating for communication access.

05/01/2026

05/01/2026