2006 Pittsfield Parks Department Scrapbook

2006·216.9 MB·English

by  Pittsfield Parks Department, Pittsfield, MA

Pittsfield (MA) Parks Department
Scrapbooks

Scanned through a Pittsfield Community
Preservation Act Grant 2021
Pittsfield Parks
Department
Scrapbook
2006
i
Winter Carnival offers cures for cabin fever "O
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By SHARON SMULLEN snowshoe and ice skating races, : a.m. and races start at noon. 3
PITTSFIELD — On crisp winter there will be a snow sculpture con­ Canterbury Farm in Becket is ©
mornings, the wind blows flurries test (sign up on the day), ice fish­ the location for cross-country ski ^
Saturday, January 28 Saturday, February 11 of crystalline flakes across the ing derby, horseshoes and golf on races on Sunday, Feb. 12, starting <
snow-blanketed surface of Onota ice, horse-drawn Sleigh rides and at 10 a.m. (registration at 9). Thé O
1 0 /^ M P ip «JA M Lake. Long the haunt of flannelled kite flying. event is open to skiers of all ages. ©
feinjily D a y! A ç Anything Goes Sled Races icefishermen toting plastic buckets Inside the heated pavilion, face­ The Winter Carnival concludes on ©
C ontro^|ap||^^^^^(J^k|i ':|f (Äeedilfpark ■ and hefty augers, for one day of thè painting and a clown will add to the Saturday, Mar. 4, with the Pittsfield c.
winter Onota Lake belongs to fam­ fun, with free hot dogs and hot Short Track Speed Skating Sj
ilies, there for the fun of the annual cocoa available for children to Championships, starting at 1 p.m. at c
Saturday, February 4 Sunday, February 12 Pittsfield Winter Carnival, and a chase away the chills, and balloons the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 2
day out on the lake like no other. for everyone to take home. Winter Skating Rink in North Adams (spec-
M B ■ Now in its 61st year, the popular Carnival Quéen contestants will be tators are admitted free).
Cross County Ski Races ^ annual event has attracted thou­ on hand to sell commemorative but­ Throughout the season, a bevy "
sands of' local residents ‘ and sea­ tons, and at 2, contest winners will of young hopefuls will be selling ©
Canterbury Farms, Becket
sonal visitors Since its inception, receive their well-earned trophies. carnival buttons as they chase the
from babes Tn back-carriers to “This annual celebration dream of being crowned Carnival •
Sunday, February 5 Saturday, March 4 gray-haired grannies. It celebrates includes a variety of exciting and Queen at the Coronation Ball at 8 <
wngm the rich recreational resources of fun-filled events that embrace p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 at theTîi
1 PM the region, with activities spread Pittsfield’s heritage and highlight Berkshire Hills Country Club. <
||>baggan Fj Meed Skating Championships ■ out across Pittsfield, and beyond its tradition of winter sports,” said Tickets cost : $7 ffijpr person and ®
psceoia Pa| Vietnam Veterans Rink, North Adams the town boundaries to Becket and McGrath. “As always, all of the doors open at 7 p.m. <
BlS»oNsd^Bife| t ü North Adams. family-oriented events are free.” The design for this year’s button ®
As James McGrath, Parks He stressed that on-ice activities - was created by Chris White, a ©
Far Additional I
Department director of community are always dependent on suitable 12th-grader from Tacoriic High ®
Déparaient of I
(41J) 491 9343 services, explained, “The Winter weather conditions, to ensure the School, whosë illustration was §
nmnen Carnival started as a way to help safety of participants. chosen out of some 300 entries ©
locals with cabin-fever during the The Family Day is just one' of submitted by children of all ages S
height of the winter season, and the many Winter Carnival events from Pittsfield schools.1 : \ : "g
has continued to this day as a way that will take place during January Said McGrath, “All spectators ©
to celebrate winter. In fact, the and February. and event participants are encour- 3
Pittsfield Winter Carnival is one of Junior skièrs of all levels of abil­ aged to purchase and wear ah offi­
the longest running winter carni­ ity can showcasé their skills on cial "Winter Carnival button to
vals in New England.” Sunday, Feb. 4, at the City Ski show their-support for the Winter
More than 400 people regularly Meet, takirig place at Bousquet'Ski Carnival and for the all-volunteer
Pittsfield
attend the annual Family Day — Area on Dan Fox Drive. Winter Sports Committee. Buttons
on Saturday, Jan. 28 (postponed Registration is at 9 a.m. and racing can be purchased from the Winter
Winter Queen Contest
from Jan. 21 due to ice conditions) at 10 a.m., with divisions for chil­ Carnival Queen contestants and at
enticed by a fun-filled program dren of all ages. Everyone is invit­ most events. All proceeds from
applications available of activities arid contests. Intrepid Nick Smith and his daughter, Mara Smith, 6, oPfH OCToOp BaY kNeIC HFOaLlEls P, UNPO. NY.T, ed to participate in toboggan races button sales support the Pittsfield
ice golfers follow brightly colored at Oscèola Park on Sunday, Feb. 5, Winter Sports Committee ”
enjoy sledding at Monument Mountain High School on Monday. A
golf balls across the frozen lake from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p,m. (regis­ McGrath was quick to point out
host of winter activity will be on tap at Pittsfield’s Winter Carnival
course. Horseshoes are flung with tration until 12:30 p.m.). his appreciation for the committee
PITTSFIELD — —TVh e TP»it..t. sfoi* e.1l dj o n fro m JTan-nrtuvfao-rryir ttVhirromuigohh -MMaàrrccih. enthusiasm around a spike ham­ Saturday. On Saturday, Feb. 11, a fun- volunteers—- some of whom have
The opportunity also includes
Winter Sports Committee is hold­ mered into the ice while red­ a safe arid smiling stop. high-flying kites swoop and soar filled afternoon of sledding for all been involved for nearly 50 years §
the chance to receive scholarship
ing its 62nd annual Queen’s Con­ cheeked youngsters strap on skates Alongside the lake; the jingle of .like a flock of exotic, multicolored ages at Osceola Park will take on a — as they work to make the carni­
money for college.
test now through Dec. I and race with frosty breath around harness bells heralds the sleigh birds, highlighted against the low different twist with the “Anything val the highlight of the Pittsfield
All applications must be hand-
Applications are available at all the slick track. shuttle from the parking area, led winter sun. Goes Sled Races.” From bathtubs winter season.
delivered to the Springside House
three Pittsfield high schools. On a snowy slope, an electronic by a team of gentle giant draft Family Day festivities will take to seed bags, snow shovels to card­ For further information: and
by 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1.
The opportunity is one to be­ Information: Michelle Hayes, scoreboard sits poised to record the horses. Nearby, a mountain range place- at Controy Pavilion in board boxes, contestants will be directions to venues, call the Parks
come part of a community-based
secretary of the Pittsfield Winter fastest rum as sledders young and of snow piles is magically trans­ Burbank Park by Onota Lake limited only by their imaginations and Recreation Department at 413-
organization that gives back to the
Sports Committee, (413) 329- old barrel down the hill on brightly formed, as entire families wielding (enter from Valentine Road), start­ and ingenuity; (This event has 499-9343, or visit www.cwni-
citizens of Pittsfield through a
colored inner tubes, saucers and shovels and spray bottles of col­ ing with registration at 10 a m. and been moved from its original date cholls.com/camival. I
number of winter sports events put 3474. ii \v \ fT b
Sleds, a mound of packed snow ored dyes create imaginative, tran­ concluding with an awards cere­ of Jan. 28 due to the Family Day
waiting at the base to steer them to sitory sculptures. Across the ice, mony at 2 p.m.. As well as sled, rescheduling.) Registration is at 11
Frozen fun begins/A«.b
By Tony Dobrowolski
Berkshire Eagle Staff
PITTSFIELD
Based on last week’s weather, they
had prepared for the worst.
“There were going to be things
like snowshoes on grass,” Pittsfield
Winter Carnival committee member
Julie Salatino said yesterday.
Those preparations were set in
motion after Family Day, the Pittsfield
Winter Carnival’s traditional opening
event, was postponed from last week
until yesterday due to a lack of snow.
But it snowed on Monday, and that
storm provided just enough white stuff
to transform Burbank Park and Onota
Lake into the winter wonderland it nor­
mally resembles at this time of the year.
That meant the 61st annual Winter
Carnival began the way it always does,
with parents and their children partici­
pating in such traditional activities as
sledding, snowshoeing, kite flying and
snow .sculpting. There were also winter
versions of two summer activities, golf
Caroline Bonnlvier / Berkshire Eagle Staff and horsehoes, with both taking place
Jim Marby/Picture Perfect Studio Timothy Carroll, 6, runs to the finish line in the snowshoe races on the ice. ■
Molly Northrup, left, is the 2006 Winter Carnival Queen, and Erica
during the Pittsfield Winter Carnival at Onota Lake yesterday. “We’re not very good in the summer,”
Aldam is the 2006 Lady-in-Waiting.
said Margaret O’Brien of Pittsfieid, who Photos by Caroline Bonnivier / Berkshire Eagle Staf
Pittsfield Pittsfield Winter Carnival was standing in the snow on the frozen
Above, Caitlyn Bertoldi, 17, decorates
lake, a golf club in her hands. “Why not
2006 Winter Carnival kicks off after weather woes try it on the ice?” the snow sculpture crown that she
Skating was the only scheduled athlet­ and the other Winter Carnival Queen
ic activity that didn’t'take place. contestants made at the Pittsfield
Queen is crowned CARNIVAL from B1 than golf. “The ice is not good for skating
Winter Carnival at Onota Lake
“We play them all,” Wanda said, because it’s mushy,” Salatino said.
. youngsters had already signed up when asked what activities her son A hot air balloon demonstration was yesterday afternoon. Working on the
PITTSFIELD — The 61st annu­ judging, each contestant must sell l to participate in the events 90 min- likes. “Anthony did the snowshoe also canceled. Committee member Carl sculpture at far right is Jenn Ryan,
al Winter Carnival held its Queen’s 1,000 Winter Carnival Buttons. The ’ utes after the activities began, race, sliding golf... he has a blast.” Peaslee said that if the event took place, 17, as Crystal Sidway, 17, center,
Coronation Ball on Feb. 18 at Queen and Lady-in-Waiting are Salatino said, “On a gorgeous day like this, it would startle the horses that had been looks on. The girls used Winter
Berkshire Hills Countiy Club on selected by three impartial judges “We always have a lot of fun why not?” she added. brought in to pull a sleigh used for hay Carnival buttons and condiments
Benedict Road. Molly Northrup, on poise, appearance, personality, here,” said Dixon Rice of Pitts­ Next week’s events include the rides around the park.
17, of Pittsfield and a senior at expression and the understanding field, who was helping his eight- city ski races at Bousquet Ski Area Jim McGrath, the city’s Director of such as mustard and ketchup to
Pittsfield High School, was crown­ of the Winter Carnival activities. year-old son, Patrick, sculpt a car on Saturday, and toboggan races Community Services, said between 750 decorate the crown. Left, Jameson
ed 2006 Winter Carnival Queen by The sale of the buttons is a sep­ out of a frozen mound of snow. at Osceola Park on Sunday. An >,and 1,000 families usually participate in Baity, 8, plays a round of ice golf
the 2005 Winter Carnival Queen arate contest and has no bearing “We like to be outdoors arid it “Anything Goes” sled race will Family Day activities. Around 100 with his father, Tim Baity.
Robyn Backer. on the selection of the Queen or beats last year when the tempera­ take place at Osceola Park on
a Esernicioa rA aldt aPmit,t s1f7ie, lodf PHititgshfi eSldch aonodl fthuen dL atdhye- inw-Winatietirn g.e vTehnets proofc eethdes - ture was seven degrees.” Sunday, Feb. 11. CARNIVAL, continued on B4
Patrick’s older sister Emily, 10,
was crowned 2006 Lady-in-Waiting Pittsfield Winter Sports Committee. No speed skating
was working on a nearby snow
by Backer.
mound with her 11-year-old friend Speed skating, one of the Winter
The 2005 Lady-in-Waiting, Melissa
Lussier, was unable to attend the Learn Alice O’Connor, and Alice’s moth­ Carnival’s signature events, will Unseasonable warmth delays
er, Kris. They used plastic snow not take place this year, the first
coronation.
Also recognized was the top but­ T’ai Chi. shovels as sculpting tools, whack­ time in 43 years that it hasn’t Winter Carnival Winter Carnival events
ing them loudly against the frozen occurred, Peaslee said. Peaslee
ton seller, Caitlyn Bertoldi, 17, of
Pittsfield and a senior at Taconic canvas as they tried to create a fig­ said the national speed skating
High School, who sold a total of ure skate. organization has scheduled an hampered by heat obtain ice time on another date.
2,178 buttons. Overall, 11,724 but­ “We did it the last two years, and event for the same day in Saratoga CARNIVAL from B1 The Winter Carnival Queèri
tons were sold by the contestants. won second place,” Alice said. Springs, N.Y. The Winter Carnival
The Miss Congeniality recipient, “We’re trying to go for first this was unable to move the event to The Pittsfield Short Track Speed Coronation Ball is still scheduled
chosen by the contestants, was year.” another day, because additional By Tony Dobrowolski Skating Championships, one of the for Saturday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. at
fBSicerhiltdot aoanln.yd aW shenititoark aert ,P i1tt7s,f ioelfd PHiitgtsh­ Jaimt tPhuelirò, PhD pedlaT crtooep fthihineeis s fhainersdrts ,r iibsneb csoonnnos dww easrnceud al wpthtaiirnrddg­ iSvcvkeha ettirimen get h aeRt ietnhvkee n Vitn i teaNtkneoasrm thp Vl aAectede,a rawmnas’ss, ' ■ wiPntI■ eTr wTBeSearFktshIheiErre cLEoaDgrliet- mSTtuahfefe s t'wo adrisn-i !.. aWgiellsj c.ìbi,e f o'cro njHduiHnguM i?e risn - o..cfa rai Whtiamivneet einrb eC4e3an ryn eicavarasnl.’cs Te sleiegndnt aatftiouvrer elty he sevc ehfniertdss,t­ BDeoFrookrrss h fouirprete hne Hra itil nl7sf opr.Cmmo.autinotnry, caClll uthbe.
tQhuAeSe ct eohcnopr,l o bawtruhsdthet io ponLsf a swde1iyl7lll-e5 ibr n.e-aW tgteiavnietdinne gtdo attnhhdee ClasLsicesh tfseotanrr tstinhtgee i MnAa rCrtcsehn 6t,e 2r0 06 taón E“dsNme kéoij ltwsyet’ hesf aalybltii rnnhoggist. h sseeicsrr teewtrs aw,”na dEse mdreoildiyn gsoa.viedr. uicnond“uaTovnoahtrriayl at[, sb”wp leaes.sea dtidh s ek Paotelidansegls]et ee c,v oenant ti nsinpu eotheudes rWttTpinih teeth rt oeCb a6or1gnsgitva aanln ’rsma csiceah alePtd iOtutslsecf.eieollda iwelvyeTe anDhtthi asety ori sbh ateach stre ievc ssaiectuihcesoeesd,nd u doal e tridcimga. irFnena aitvmlh!t uVAldeedatem rfaso,nr tshM’ eSa ckrchahati mn4gp a ioRt nitsnhhkei piVsn i heNatnodar tmtho mPoriut vtnsiifstiiyet lwSdew rDvwie.cppeisat trsatftmi e(le4d1np3ta )r ok4fs9 .9oC-r9go3.m42­
event. In attendance for the 30th 5:30-6:30 every Monday Wanda Prentice pf Pittsfield, her skating official who was part of the Park, scheduled to take place scheduled for Jan. 21, tool be canceled when another race Tàny Dobrowolski can be readied
anniversary of her own coronation evening for 8 weeks four-year-old son Anthony and his officiating crew at the 1980 Winter today, has been rescheduled placeman. 28 instead. was scheduled that day, and the at tdobrowohki@berks^ireea\le.com
was the 1976 Queen,' Pamela Ber­ Call: 1-413-446-0534 friend Kyle Crocker, were busy Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y. He Jo* The Anything Goes S(ec carnival committee was unable to . or [phone]Q. J p V
toldi Delmolino. email: [email protected] said the Winter Carnival will try city ski meet,, however, will
In order to be eligible for the playing horseshoes, sliding the u- and hold the speed skating again take place as scheduled to­ Races, which ■ ateo were post
shaped object along the ice towards poned Jan.- 21, have beer
next year. day at Bousquet Ski Area.
a nearby pole. Between throws, rescheduledfor Saturday, Fe
Registration at Bousquet
Anthony busied himself hitting a Tony Dobrowolski can be reached 11, at Osceîgd |a ■ l■fe¡rik. *
begins at 9 a,m., with the races
golf ball, but his technique with at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle. com
the stick resembled hockey more or at [phone]. set to start at 10,. The races CARNIVlAáLr,JittiulPon^
The Pittsfield Gazette January 26,2006
Saturday, Jan. 28 • Family Day
Meet the Queen Contestants • Button Sales
Snowshoe Races • Sled Races
Ice Skating Races • Snow Sculpture Contest
Horseshoes • Golf On Ice • Ice Fishing Derby
Face Painting • Haywagon Rides * Kite Flying
Free Balloons • Free Refreshments
Controy Pavilion • Burbank Park
Onota Lake (please.enter from Valentine Rd.)
10AM to 3 PM • Registration: 10AM -12:30 PM
Competitions: 10 AM -1:30 PM • Awards: 2 PM
Sponsored by the Pittsfield Winter Sports Committee, Inc. of
Saturday, Feb 11
the Department of Community Services, Parks & Recreation
Anything Goes Sled Races • All Ages • Osceola.Park
For more information call 413-499-9343 or visit
www.pittsfieldparks.org or www.cwnichoHs.com/Carnival Registration: 11 AM I .Races 12-3 PM
j
Feb. 4 - City Ski Meet - Classes For All Kids - Bousquet Ski Area Feb. 5 - Toboggan Races - Ail Ages - Osceola Park
Feb. 12 - Cross Country Ski Races - All Ages - Canterbury Farm, Becket • Feb. 18 - Queen's Coronation Ball - Berk. Hills Country Club
Feb. 18 - Pittsfield Short Track Speed Skating Championships - Vietnam Veterans Skating Rink, North Adams
On the Web: www.BerkshireBagle.com I ne oemsnires The Berkshire Eagle, Friday, January 27,2006 — B7
Carnival Queen contest begins
PITTSFIELD s— The 61st annu­ go to http://www.pittsfieldparks.org/. ■ Molly Northnip, daughter of
al Winter Carnival Queen contest Questions about the Winter Car­ Ann and Shaun Northrup of Pitts­
kicked off Jan. 8. The nine queen nival can be addressed at the De­ field, a 17-year-old senior at Pitts­
contestants will be selling buttons partment of Community Services, field High. She plans to attend
throughout Berkshire County Parks and Recreation, at (413) Champlain College in Burlington,
until Feb. 11. Each contestant will 499-9343. Vt., and become a radiologist.
be required to sell 1,000 buttons. This year’s contestants are: ■ Jennifer Ryan, daughter of
The contest will culminate at the ■ Erica Aldam, daughter of Lori Judy Cook and Tom Ryan of
Winter Carnival Queen’s Ball on Corny and James Aldam of Pitts­ Pittsfield, a 17-year-old senior at
Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Berkshire field, a 17-year-old senior at Pitts­ Taconic High. She plans to attend
Hills Country Club where the field High School. She would like to Westfield State College to pursue
queen will be chosen. pursue a career in fashion design. a degree in criminal justice.
The sale of the buttons supports ■ Michelle Wojtkowski, daugh­ ■ Crystal Sidway, daughter of
the Winter Carnival events, which ter of Deborah and Michael Wojt­ Deborah Boos and Gary Sidway of
will be held this winter. The first kowski of Pittsfield, a 17-year-old Pittsfield, a 17-year-old senior at
event will be Family Day tomor­ senior at Taconic High School. She Taconic High. She plans to attend
row at Onota Lake. would like to pursue a law career. college and pursue a legal degree.
Weather permitting, the event ■ Caitlyn Bertoldi, daughter of ■ Tonya Street, daughter of
will include snowshoe races, sled Lori and Edward Bertoldi of Dawn and Jeff Barbieri of
races, ice skating races, snow sculp­ Pittsfield, a 17-year-old senior at Pittsfield, an 18-year-old senior at
ture contest, horseshoes, golf on Taconic. She plans on pursuing a Taconic High. She plans on study­
ice, an ice fishing derby, hay wagon career in nursing. ing to become a massage therapist
rides, and kite flying contest, free ■ Mallory Brindle, daughter of and someday opening a spa.
balloons and refreshments. Lisa and John Brindle of Pittsfield, ■ Brittany Whittaker, daughter Jim Marby, Picture Perfect Studio / Courtesy photo
Pictured are the 2006 Pittsfield Winter Carnival queen contestants. Seated, from left to right: Brittany
The event is free of charge and a 17-year-old senior at St. Joseph of Lynn and Michael Whitaker of
Whittaker, Mallory Brindle, Michelle Wojtkowski and Crystal Sidway. Standing: Molly Northrup, Jennifer
open to the public, although an adult Central High School. She hopes to Pittsfield, a 17-year-old senior at
Ryan, Caitlyn Bertoldi, Erica Aldam and Tonya Street.
■must accompany children. For a perform in a Broadway play and Pittsfield High. She plans to make
schedule of all of the events, please pursue a career in banking. a career in the medical field
For pre-tweens (ages 6 to s,; , 11V
Pittsfield Parks Department will
hold its annual Learn-to-Skate pro­
The Pittsfield Gazette January 12,2006
gram for ages 5 and up Tuesday
Family day kicks off annual
VACATION, continued on B6
VACATION from B1
winter carnival on January 21
through Friday from 11:45 to 1
at the Pittsfield Boys’ and C
<• G,ub on Melville Street, By Catherine Wojtkowski of winter sports in Pittsfield and the said Julie Salatino, vice chair of the
i cost,°f the program is $25 per On Saturday, January 21 the Win- Northeast. Pittsfield Winter Sports Committee,
son ($50 family maximum char | ter Sports Commi ttee will launch the This year, Family Day will have "but we always seem to get by. We
Skates will be available at no e ! 61st Pittsfield Winter Carnival with such activities as the ice fishing have actually had snow brought in
charge. Registration required. Family Day. derby, sled races, meeting the queen for family day from ski areas."
Parks Department In 1946, the superintendent of contestants, button sales, snowshoe Othereventsincludedinthe61''an-
[phone] or www.pittsfh
ji Parks and recreation for the city races, ice skating races, snow sculp- nual Pittsfield Winter Carnival are:
com.
| of Pittsfield, Jackson Perry, had an ture contest, horseshoes, golf on ice, «Anything goes sled races at
J idea to recruits citizen volunteers face painting, hay wagon rides, kite Osceola Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
for 3 winter carnival. The Winter flying, and free refreshments and on Saturday, January 28 (Free)
Sports Committee is what came out balloons. • City ski meet at Bousquet Ski
of Perry s plans. Family day will be held at the Area starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday,
Now, 61 years later, the Winter Controy Pavilion at Burbank Park February 4 (Free).
j
Sporfs Committeeis carrying on the on Onota Lake from 10 a.m. to 3 . Toboggan races at Osceola Park
I
tr a d itio n ,' | , - p.m. Registration is from 10 a.m. to from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p in. on Sun-
Jim McGrath, community service 12:30 p.m. Competitions afe from 10 day, February 5 (Free),
j director, looks forward to this year’s a.m. to 1:30 p.m. arid the awards will « Cross country ski races at Can-
;1 wintercarruvai.’Thecarnivalisfarn- take place at 2 p.m. All events are free terbury Farm in Becket registration
J ily based and it’s something for Pitts- and open to the public. is at 9 a.m. on Sunday, February 12
: field to be proud of," he said. g The Pittsfield Winter Carnival is (Free). I
| Pat Peaslee says that "it’s the partly funded by the button sales of « Thequeens’coronationballatthe
j friendly people" that keep her com- the queen contestants. Buttons are on Berkshire Hills Country Club, doors
] >ng back and "it helps make the winter sale now from the queen contestants open at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February
- go by fast." and will continue to be until Sunday 18,(Admissionis$7).
I I B Pat a"d her hu?bf> d' Cart; have February 5. Thfey are fifty cents each. "W e are always looking for new
I ; been volunteers for the winter cami- Thebuttonsweredesignedby Taconic volunteers to join the committee and
[
va since 1957. High School senior Chris'White. helpuscontinuethiswonderfulPitts-
3 In 1984 the committee dedicated "The condition^ are always a worry field tradition into the future " Sala-
the winter carnival to-the ¡ § ¡ ¡ 1 in Berkshire County Is there going
I m recognition, of their many-years to be ice for skating and ice fishing? cail the Pittsfield parks department
* on the committee and their support Will there be snow for sled races?" at 499-9343,
Saturday, Jan. 21 • Family Day
Meet the Queen Contestants • Button Sales
Snowshoe Races • Sled Races
Ice Skating Races • Snow Sculpture Contest
Horseshoes • Golf On Ice • Ice Fishing Derby
Face Painting. • Haywagon Rides I Kite Flying
i Ü
Free Balloons • Free Refreshments
2006 Controy Pavilion | Burbank Park
Onota Lake (please enter from Valentine Rd.)
10 AM to 3 PM • Registration: 10 AM -12:30 PM
Competitions: 10 AM -1:30 PM * Awards: 2 PM
Sponsored by the Pittsfield Winter Sports Committee, Inc. of
the Department of Community Services, Parks & Recreation
Saturday, Jan. 28
p
For more information call 413-499-9343 or visit
Anything Goes Sled Races • All Ages Osceola Park
www.pittsfieldparks.org or www.cwnicholls.com/Carnival V K
Registration: 11AM • Races 12-3 PM -
eb. 18 - Pittsfield Short Track Speed Skating Championships - Vietnam Veterans Skating Rink, North Adams

The Berkshires
P 0 „ l ~~~ ----------~~ The Pittsfield Gazette March 2.2006
_arknammgquestions surface
Pittsfield
continIue d from page 1
Police say
SSS' 250-000upw"dhs,,,°s
Parks commissioners this past
dealer sold week endorsed the "Rotary Park"
name as it stands.
, As far as P”1 concerned, anyone
who wants to donate $350,000 for
■ a par* can name if whatever they
crack at park
want/ said John Herman. "You guys
have been terrific in doing that." 7
But Hartigan says that logic reflects
misplaced values.
ring to the 2003 case. In .''A park invojves a sense ■
SM * I—.
Man wanted February, if he had paid the $100 of ethics and public trust," he said
he would be done. He doesn’t it belongs to- the people, not any
in 3 states show up in court.” government agency not a director
According to Green, the Berk­ o( Parks, not to a ^ that wants
shire County Drug Task Force set to put something in." -
By Tony Dobrowolski up three drug transactions be­ ' Preserving identity
Berkshire Eagle Staff tween Chapman and a confiden­
PITTSFIELD — Despite pend- tial informant on March 24, March
i ing cases in three states, George 31 and Wednesday night. The task
! Chapman went to Springside Park force set up the drug buys after . Eagle file
| Wednesday night to sell crack receiving information from the Skateboarder Zach Norton, 16, performs a ‘board slide’ at the
cocaine, police said. His ride into informant that he could purchases Common on First Street in Pittsfield. Dalton skaters are .
the park was more pleasant than large quantities of crack cocaine continuing their efforts to create a skate park.
the ®de out. from a man named “G,” according
Police arrested Chapman and to the police report.
two other men following the drug On Wednesday night, Chapman
sale, the third drug transaction told the confidential informant to
involving Chapman and a confi­ meet him at Springside Park’s
dential informant that had been Little League field. After authori­
set up by the Berkshire County ties witnessed the sale, they boxed
Drug Task Force in the last two in the 2002 Ford Explorer that
Chapman had arrived in before
Chapman, 20, of Wilson Street, the vehicle could leave the park. I P S i l SSB » P » S g i f #
pleaded not guilty yesterday when Officers’ confiscated $243 from
he was arraigned on three counts Chapman, including $100 in pre­
■ of distribution of crack cocaine, recorded bills, Green said. He was s ^ £ F - =“ a-
and one count of committing a also found to be in possession of a m s
drug violation within a drug-free cpll phone that contained calls
& esmd. This is a gateway O'Brien noted that the leot»i a,— said Nadeau. "Nobody ever saw
school zone. made to,the confidential inform­
Assistant District Attorney Jay ant. ■BBHbbh 5&fe*i«l*Sw«
Green asked the court to set bail Attorney Anthony Gianaco-
for Chapman at $2,500 cash, but polous said Chapman realized he
: District Court Judge Alfred A. had to pay the $100 fine, but that constructed off 7 p x K as the name. ' ,rr sea ]°ng ago. "We took
Barbalunga increased the amount he was never given the opportuni­ "Doyle Park" in honor olthel P W9S aPProved by both city o^the D^T tC> PUt 3 hanSer
to $10,000 cash or surety after ty to work off the amount he- owed Gerald Doyle Sr. ** late parks commission and Maw SpritlS p' feS t0 identify 1 as
; being told the defendant’s recent by performing community service. "It's not Doyle Park, it's part of or Ji m Ruberto," said O'Brien Y ' WP gside Park and that hasn't been
criminal history. He also sched­ . He asked the court to set bail at w « 2 council» Lou C« BMd t e . « a
Springside Park," he said.
uled a pretrial hearing for May 3. $250, claiming there were no seri­
Probation Officer John Lander ous drug offenses on his record.
paid Chapman also faces federal Police also charged Edward ^theHnar^n•gorR5ma°ry7a5Kcuthd t e S P S I lí” ”l*''1 ^ ^
drug charges in Vermont, and is Martin, 20, of Lebanon Avenue,
wanted in Pennsylvania where he with possession of marijuana, and
is charged with aggravated assault Shane Aulisio, 20, of Union Street,
and making terroristic threats. A with possession of. cocaine and ^â%STMg “nuHpTeMs*“'lh'È''™ i- much «me, so much effo r™ p° ¡¡S i^ J I P - ...t.h..e*■**.
our youth... doesn't deserve this "hn . an be tbere however they
warrant had also been issued for possession of marijuana. Martin
Chapman in Pittsfield on Feb. 10, was the driver of the Explorer the notion tha7thrneKa,SpUted said‘ * slap in the face " B lS I'? ng as there also is signagi
after he failed to pay a $100 fine while Aulisio Was a passenger. ' tHe name g g g biardgan said he respects the Ro- Springsidelarf
stemming from a 2003 arrest on Both men were released on per-
drug, fugitive from justice, and Hartigan wants the city or Rotary
sonal recognizance. Clubto provide the funds for a new
motor vehicle charges.
Tony Dobrowolski can be reached
“It had been put on continua­
[email protected]
tion without a finding sometime
ago,” Lander told the court, refer- or at [phone]. 1 „ndM°ney Cann0t and should not
WBBP 1.. undermine a public trust," he said
The Pittsfield Gazette September 8,
Parks commission considers more
£ I P g » ®
Dog days
funds for Clapp improvements
B8 — The Berkshire Eagle, Frida Chuck Garivaltis does not hate dogs.
But the chairman of the parks commission is on crusade against irre­ : toward the cause.
sponsible, dog owners., : . TTnhpe npnri’croef ataivgfr f\oi«rU brioTt/c.hUretdJ _u__p__g__r__a__die__s posali is more of, a stopgap. "I don't he said, O Bnen said time is short and the
Pittsfield Garivalfts caused waves dais-pnst month when he proposed banning at Clapp Park may increase.
think it s going to work to the level Commissioner John Marchesi : 7« ° T SyJ1S tainting a Pr°iect Aat
Eagles cariines froth Burbank Park, This coming Monday, he'll not only seek to The parks commission on Tuesday that we need out there," he said. agreed,- adding that it's unfair to has involved more than two years of
codify thabplan btit-to enact a ban .ondogs in all city parks. rejected a proposed fix to a problem The community services director blame McGrath for all the prob- ctuHng810^ desi®n'nS an£f red-tape
The commission hits grappled With (he issue of dogs — and particularly related to the slope of upgraded said that the problems in part reflect lems. "We as parks commissioners
Band sets their HrUppings— for year^. The-meetings, during which feces, dog doo fields, voting to instruct the project the original plans, which didn't ad- approved these plans," he said. How many organizations like
and other delicate subjects are discussed usually end in frustration and Rotary undertake a $350,000 project
t0 G°me, UP W‘th 3 m°re dress how uPgradin8 soccer field ‘ Commissioner Charles ¿¡rival tis
inaction. . omprehensive solution — even if it would impact the old softball field, agreed that the Gale Associates solu one that will be a destination point
concert After witnessing .what he termed foul, unsanitary conditions at Burbank and will allow all kids to eugage and
Park, Garivaltis determined it is time S T “ y a 8” "er w T * t * 10 really M a,y reh- mteract together?" he asked Kl real
m bihtate the soccer field and the engi- sure DHTcanbe trusted "Thev were
Publisher's for action. He thinks that dogs at the Commun! tyserv^es director Jim neers weren't charged with carrying responsible for the destruction^ the a f l has bec°me a political issue,
PITTSFIELD m The Eagles lakefront park are creating unsafe McGrath urged the latter course of the project up through the softball first place," he sa,d but it s unfortunate that this great
Band Wind Symphony and Public and unhealthy conditions. action, saying a problem related to field," he said. "In hindsight, we re- , Theboardultimatelydeddedtoin- project is surrounded now by this
Arts Resource Center has an­ Notebook Othercommissionersreactedwith the steep gradation betweena soccer ally should have had them do it." sist on a better improvement at Claon controversy." y
nounced a special spring concert some trepidation to Garivaltis' cru- field and old softball/baseball field Redoing the softball field could seeking, a cost estimate Other than tum^Tiu8'^ VY°rk began in the au­
to be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. at sade about Burbank. Now that he's tumn. The playground is scheduled :
- i S op'S ,id» T 1 . have*coslfor <«»f c - « * . | i t “
First United Methodist Church on decided to seek a dog ban cityw ide, . ,,W talking Clapp Park, we re may take some additional Bossidy said options could7 include seekine to open in the spring. I
Fenn Street. it should prove to be a lively discussion on Monday night.
M c S ^ . 'S 7 r d7/';“d !S |1 ® I P « » ¡ i . /^w o,kf«m ,lo ( a T « S o r
Works to be performed include Most Burbank users Would agree that the situation has become intoler­ 7be "gbt thing to do is The responsible thing to do is take working with the West Little Leaeue
“Toccata for Band,” “Londonder­ able. The question may be whether an outright ban or enforcement of other field " 3 red° that S°ftba11 a steP p i bite ‘he bullet and do which earlier sought Bossidy money
ry Air (Danny Boy)” with trom­
rules is the best course." _ v:.
bone soloist Dave Potter, “Amaz­ The Clapp Park situation high- ^ Commission chairwoman Eleanor S ditsownproposedupgradeat
And the situation at some other city parks has also beeline astounding.
ing Grace,” and more. lighted a once again sometimes Persip thinks the issue should have
During a "National.Night Out" fair held this week at one park, police of­ DHT has agreed to other correc­
Giiest conductors for this per­ testy parks commission meeting as been addressed earlier,
ficers looked like they were walking a mine field because of fhe .way some tions requested by commissioners
formance will be Deanna Fraher commissioners debated perceived "I cannot understand why you
residents allow dogs, to use the parks as what Garivaltis terms a public including:
and Dr. James Stakenas.
This concert will kick off the toilet." _ . 'y /. r deS ? T rSr 7 ld pr°iects funded would sign off with Gale Associates • mmaajjoorr rreeppaaiirrss ttoo aa ddiiaammoonndd aatt
2006 Eagle Band season marking "I know this isn't popular with some people," said C&TfvAlfis. \But ^ id y T "a'‘° UnT s S d here ^ tkeP°y^COI,1Piex''nflu,l'ngmound
the 70th year since the band’s cre­ is about reclaiming the parks, especially for the childr<
ation in 1936 as the oldest contin­ M which« & J !£tr 1*7 -
t
uing performance ensemble in the
Berkshires.
The Eagles’ performing units ineThecTt0dpa8keeawUtremedy" Even if the problem was addressed plate and notTuffickmly^uried^t
mg the Clapp Park problem. last year, he said, it would have car- Krivin Park "
include a wind symphony, brass
ensemble, swing band, Inarching In a letter sent to the commission ried a costjust as it might now. "We • Dlaceinentnfsnitahlpci.rfn^^
band and orchestra.::
Members range in age from: 12
to 85 with skill levels of intermedi­
ate to expert. New members are
always welcome-to sit in during
rehearsals on Mondays from 7 to 9 quid resulMn a constructed slope should have come back to us at thatF Garivaltissaidheremainsfrustrat
p.m. at First United Methodist
Church.
Following this performance,
H “ ‘d H i ,.MrC" !h responsibility is I S ^ o . S u g h S l t w - !
preparations will begin for the nstead advoca ed 3n expansion of shared but he accepts the criticism, said the commissioner 8
summer season, which will include
outdoor concerts at Springside m°re“ mp"!te H N P h“ * ''ll Commissioner John Herman asked
Park on June 20, July 18 and Aug. After much discu^ion, the com- hTM ^aidthehiggerissne
8, and a community concert during
the (opening week of the Colonial mendationC“ P d T'bbett S reCOm' ¡s to devise remedies. "We need to planned repairs by DHT.
Theatre. McGrath said that the Cal b* l™est a"d say the best way to "There will be a comprehensive
McGrath said that the Gale pro- resolve the situation is to do it right," report," pledged McGrath
Information: Dick Paul at (413)
499-2071. J
£
Then & Now
i Ia v Ììw
Controversy surrounds park names
Long-planned ‘boundless ’playground at Springside clouded by dispute
The naming of a new playground has fueled controversy
nd hard feelings.
The parks commission this past week affirmed its support
or naming a $350,000 handicap-accessible playground at
ipringside Park as "Rotary Park."
The name recognizes the two-year project by the Rotary Club of Pitts-
held to raise the funds for the "boundless" playground which will allow
children with a range of physical disabilities.to play side-by-side with other
youngsters and adults.
Caroline Bcnnivier / Berkshire Eagle Staff
But a cadre of Springside Park boosters raised concerns about the name,
Chin up
saying that - along with the moniker of "Doyle Park" at nearby softball
fields —- the identity of a showcase park is being compromised
Brooke Howlett, 4, of Pittsfield, hangs from a For Rotarians, the dispute has added a frustrating chapter to the civic
ladder at Clapp Park on Thursday afternoon. dub's biggest-ever project. Eagle Archives
"It's a shame this very unique project is surrounded by these clouds," Bicker Elementary School on Linden Street at Robbins Avenue in Pittsfield, shown above in the
said John O'Brien; president of the club's charitable foundation. sarly 1900s, was built in 1888 at a cost of $50,000. It had 16 classrooms to house 730 students and
O'Brien and other Rotarians feel that the Springside complainants—led vas named after Joseph Bicker, a district court judge and School Committee member,
by Royal Hartigan — should have spoken up sooner. At this past Tuesday's flicker was phased out when the West Side Community School was opened in 1974, used briefly as
offices for antipoverty agencies, then razed to make way for a neighborhood park, below.
aarks commission meeting, Rotarians displayed newspaper articles and
aublicly viewed renderings that clearly identified the playground as "Ro-
ary Park."
And the Rotarians say that having undertaken a massive fundraising and
lesign project for what will be a city-owned facility off Springside Avenue,
hey shouldn't be asked to redo plans and assume additional expense for
' - v
lew signage at this late juncture. - ....‘ V*
"The issue isn' t that we are unwilling to change the name as it currently
A rendering entitled Rotary Park Boundless Playground" depicts
reads, though time is short," said O'Brien. "The issue is that in order to
the accessible play area being constructed at Springside Park. The
do that, there's a minimum cost of no less. than $3,70.0 and we're just not
naming of the Rotary-supported project has emerged as an issue,
in a position to take on that additional expense. We're still about $27,000
even as the civic organization struggles to finalize fundraising for
See PARK page 1] the Springside Avenue endeavor.
’he Pittsfield Gazette February'9, 2006
\
the Pittsfield Gazette
22 dr T1 PQ Box 2236 OPINIONS
Pittsfield, Mass Or202-2236
Mock Pittsfield [email protected]
No, the latest plan for art in Park Square is not a joke.
¡P¡
The parks commission, with sparse contemplation, voted this week to XfAjÉ ¿ASÍ 1HIÑG So\J H6AR AS Ufe
decorate the city's most prominent park in blue ribbons and a "mock crime FLAìHiè BñfORB Ÿûl/R
Ho- 121
scene" for the month of April. Joel Librizzi / Berkshire Eagle Staff,
Surely the way to combat the stigma of Pittsfield's central city as an
unsafe place is not by erecting mock police tape and victim outlines at this
busy rotary for one month.
The commission acted in good faith if riot with common sense, embracing Park Ruies
the plan because it's a gimmick to promote awareness of child abuse.
But this latest infliction of "statement" art adds to the sense of a down­
town amok. , . Keep dogs &
It's great that citizens convene at Park Square to tout views. Those hold­
ing signs to promote candidates, oppose war or any other view should be ON LEA5H AT
welcome. The anti-war "boot" display at the park stands out as an example A il
of promoting potent dialogue. Performance pieces for any cause should be
welcome, so long as they don't cause unsafe or intrusive disruptions.
The current trend, however, is to allow artists and activists not to stand P ER ORDER
out or perform live, but to take over the public space for their messages and OV> oF
. leave them there unattended. FiTTjft eld
Publisher's Whether the' cause is a politically
correct one like abuse -awareness parks departyunt
or breast cancer awareness; or a
Notebook controversial one such as abortion,
there is no reasorifor such prime
public space to be surrendered for
a cause. And when one starts selec­
tively choosing which political Statements are acceptable for unattendedart
installations arid ribbon displays, Pandora's Box begins to open.
The notion of using the puerile intrigue of a crime scene to lure viewers
into discourse is creative and valid for another setting; but turning over
the city's most prominent public space for this sort of provocation makes
Marine the same information. But if majority of councilors has been the Pittsfield Family YMCA.
no sense.
Wild worries
During the public microphone session at the beginning of Tuesday's city council meeting, Ann Truran
raised concerns about maintenance of Wild Acres — where a fallen tree has been atop the building
for weeks. “It needs to be preserved and conserved," she said of the conservation property near the
municipal airport.
Thè Pittsfield Gazette March 2,2006 15 — . 3 J ) ^ / ï) L Art display
Downtown advocates question mock crime scene plan mN y ew 1l ocati i• on/»O / V O
will open
continued from page 1 belong in Park Square. the police department, have worked
The "mock -crime scene" ex­ . "You have to think it through and aggressively to "make people under­ for abuse art at Town Hall
hibit reportedly has the support of the repercussions," she said. stand this is a safe community."
Mayor James Ruberto — he has not John Kirby, owner Of the Ski Fanat­ The councilor said he'll explain the
ART from AT
responded to the Gazette's inquiries ics retail store, thinks "it's the wrong political meaning behind the exhibit
from eight day ago — but it doesn't spot and length of time." to his daughters, but "how many By Derek Gentile • Square, especially during the day, play, praised Senza as “an incredi­
appear to have much other support "I think this is another thing they're people will not have that conversa­ Berkshire Eagle Staff is pretty busy, So we decided to bly creative artist.”
from those who work or own busi­ doing that's realty bad for the image tion, creating theimpression that this PITTSFIELD — An artist’s dis­ move it;” “She wants' to help advance
nesses in the central city. they're trying to portray for down­ is not a safe community.?'" play aimed at raising the public’s “The decision to move it was awareness of the problem of abuse
The depiction of a simulated crime town," said Kirby. "When people Lothrop said that Red Collabora­ awareness of physical, sexual and based, on the fact that people in our community,” the mayor said.
scene in the city's most prominent from out of the area drive through tive artist-activist Gabriella Senza emotional abuse will be placed in might not be able to walk [over to Ruberto' said he believed it was
park will send a bad message after North Street, they'llsee a crime scene. could put up a one-day exhibit or the public garden at Town Hall, Park Square] and experience the “critical to increase the level of
center city safety, critics believe. They're not going to stop and look to try another.locations. rather than Park Square, begin­ exhibit the way it was meant to be awareness of abuse in Pittsfield.
"It's a horrible thing to be showing see what it is, they're just going to see "Domestic violence and abuse are ning April 1. experienced,” said Mayor James Senza, who said she has been a ;
people;” said ward 2 city councilor a crime Scene." rampant, real issues," he said, "but I The display, “Walk Unafraid,” M. Ruberto yesterday. victim of sexual abuse herself m
CcLooom"usIt 'mim.C e"o Wrstcotieait,'l ra epwll rythor yopai egnoragtwyi nt.nos sts hdtohowiws ,pn" etooswapildne bAciept Ky. re iirrple,b lcayttyn eiisdsn getfoos p irna ettlcolhoi eawa lleny n tuhtaipebre su edsmtei s tophanlwaattyha t rhoteoe­f odiofon DYn vio'ntow t nohnnuitnero k Pwm yeraooir suIsnt op Pcnu.i,,t t set tasxhfiedieecm sludht i ie npv h eltaah dcsiise rh .ef"eacastrohdr­ wiroenicrnigtalglo t tbtiroov e oenG a. faa tmbrhtrieoise ctnl kaloe ncn rSdpiem trnhoezef ais te,c axRee nGecedru,e taCiavcotec Blo ldaraidbrr­­­­ tcthhoeRTen fuhu“cbeocse ern“ridpmct eoofeor lan ircdss eacd e tetthnraduaep tet”eh ”ca“i rsttti hhhmaiaesce t th uscracooadepull nyhelde es.y a”oberdfle­f ttvpshiohvleaieic ry pee iia nsCst oiot2n, u0 ftnoc0hout4eyl n l avaKdbsoei odidcars e aR lwtPeieolsaadsnyc . ” Cewo ,o Tfitlt hhlha‘ei gbsB i oEvedrilrniiakszg­­­­
that our downtown is safe and people ness month. from numerous distressed business Gabriella Senza mounted a mock crime scene exhibit in New Marl­ Initially, said Senza, the plan low tápe on which is written abeth Freeman Center, Redfield
will drive through and see this.;. It's "To have that up for a whole month owners since the Gazette reported on borough in 2003, but downtown advocates think the concept will was to set up the display at Park awareness-raising slogans. In addi­
House and the Then Parenting Pro­
the whole wrong perception." is irresponsible," he said- "This has the exhibit this past week. fuel negative perceptions if permitted at Park Square during the Square. But town officials and lo­ tion, said Senza, the “victim’s”
Beverly Dubiski, who owns the no common sense whatsoever, it's the "Downtown Inc. and the city have month of April. cal businesspeople expressed con­ outline is made with tom strips of gra“mTh. e main point i.s to otter a
Beilissimo Dolce cafe, is "absolutely wrong image." long been fighting the perception of maybe only ten percent of people gpr said. cern that such a display might be shirt fabric on which are hand­ public, but anonymous, opportuni­
against" the planned display. Ward5councilor Jonathan Lothrop, the city as having a crime problem," ing aroynd the square will know it's Senza mounted a similar, less misconstrued as a real crime scene. written phrases meant to elicit ty to give voice to those who. have
"1 don't think it's a positive," she who works downtown, thinks the ex­ she said. an art exhibit," she said."You're not prominent display in New Marlbor- In addition, said Senza, Park compliance and silence from a vic­ been silenced,” said Senza.
said. "We're trying to change the hibí t is a step backwards in efforts to Members of the downtown com­ going to be able to read the [messages ough in 2003. Square is not easily accessible tim. The fabric strips will be held Senza has been painting since
whole atmosphere of North Street boost downtown's image. munity have collaborated with the of empowerment] as you go around For the display, she wraps mock from the surrounding sidewalks. to the ground by hairpins. the mid-1980s. Her work has been
arid show downtown is a safe place "Frankly I don't like it," said police department on an active the square." police tape around a site that in- “I want people to be able to get Ruberto, who supports the dis- displayed in . galleries in Europe
ntoe bgea t—ive w ash ifcahr aits icsr.i Amney itsh cionngc tehrante ids iLnogth toro mp.a' "kAe st hseo cmiteyo an em owrhe ofr iies ntdryly­ Ctirviimtieesw daetcshig ngerdou tpo aenndsu oreth ae r saafce­ proPpearirastoen, bsuati dn otth teh em loescsaatgioen i.s ap­ etolumd esst rvipicst iomf sohuirtlti nfaebs,r imc afedaet uwriinthg tsoh et hsaei de. x“hTibhiet twraitfhfiocu at roaunny df uPsasr,k” ART, continued on A5 adneda litnhge Uwnitihte hde Sr taatbeus.s eS heep biseogdaens
I'm against." and inviting place, I think it leaves district. "I agree the message is very power­ "sileridng phrases." through her artwork.
Dubiski said her cafe supports art­ the wrong impression." Pearson worries that only a fraction ful and it! s an important message, but The Park Square display will be Red Collaborative helps raise
ists, but that politically charged art Lothrop said that city officials and of people will realize the crime scene I'm not sure this is ah appropriate lo­ accompanied by blue ribbons to be awareness of various forms of
such as the crime depiction don't; business leaders, in conjunction with isn't real. "My biggest concern is that cation for this particular exhibi t," she erected by the Kids Place. abuse by working with survivors of
abuse referred to the program
from social service agencies. The
survivors along with professional
artists and members of the general
public collaborate in the creation
and exhibition of public art pieces.
X
The display, located in the pub­
lic garden at the comer of Feder al
and Allen streets will go up April!
and be taken down on April 30,
said S e n z a .____________
111 - Derek Gentile can be reached at
[email protected]
j M iililll if 1 M
R ^ Z t ews: a colorful, handicap accessible play
gZndopens ?! Springside Park, courtesy of I,,
The Pittsfield Gazette August 25,2005
The Berkshires
B6 — The Berkshire Eagle, Saturday, April 1, 2006
This information will include the names of payees,
Oneofthe most astounding revelations in the saga of
the amount of the bill, and information on the valid­
"improvements" to kirvin, Clapp, and Doyle parks is
ity of the claim. Section 6-28 requires the accountant
that the city has already shelled out 95% of the $309,000
to "carefully examine all such approved bills, and, if
cost. Tack on the $65,000 paid to the consultant, and
they are in proper form," present the bills with ac­
the total outlay jumps to $358,550.
companying audit sheets and other information to
The work was shoddy, we don't know why, but
the committee on accounts. Did the accountant do
we still paid for it.
that for the bills connected with the work at Clapp,
What went wrong? Faulty design? Poor construc­
tion? Improper supervision? Mostpüzzling, however, Kirvin, and Doyle?
If thè accounts committee "has doubt concerning
is the 95% pay out. Projects this large have a "stepped"
the propriety of any approved bill," it is required to
or "phased" pay scale, After a certain amount of the
bounce it back to the department that approved the
work is done and inspected, partial payment is made,
payment. If the department (Parks) can't provide an
but how could that have been done here? The work
adequate explanation, accoun ting sends the bill, with
was of poor quality. its objections, to the city council " for consideration and
That's One of the smoking gun questions as we try
final decision." Were any bills questioned? Why not,
I to assess responsibility for the mess. Who on behalf
if the work was so shoddy?
of the ci ty signed off on faulty work
Approved bills got sent to the,
so payments could be made? Planet Valenti
director of finance/treasurer (Dick
According to commissioners, 95%
Bordeau's office), which cuts a
of the money has been paid and not By Dan Valenti check. Before that happens, how­
in oné lump sum. Therefore, if the
ever, code outlines an elaborate
dty followed procedure, someone - — -
procedure to safeguard against
had to be periodically certifying
payment for bad work. That’s the point here. Did
the work and approving payment to contractor DHT
someone sign off on the integrity of thè work? Did
Golf Services. Who? Who in authority inspected the
the department inspect the. bills each month? Did
phases to certify quality of work that would trigger
the accountant provide further scrutiny? Was any
payment?
Here's an even more troubling question. Was that of this done? /
Commissioners need to press for an answer, starting
even done? Did the city inspect the work? That's hard
with Director McGrath. Did the city follow it's own
to swallow, considering the problems the city faces (for
safeguards and procedures in releasing 95% of the
example, an underlay for the running track at Clapp
payment for work on the three fields? If the answer is
Park, billed at $21,000 and never installed).
yes, where's the documentation.to support the claim?
This leads to the most devastating question of all:
If the answer is no, who's head will roll?
were payments made for work that wasn t inspect­ Caroline Bonnivler / BerKsnire tagte btan
There's another huge unresolved question. Who's
ed? That would be a serious and perhaps actionable going to pay to fix the fields? Will taxpayers have to Spring roll
violation. It.could indicate laziness, incompetence,,
pay twice, almost $400,000 in the first place to screw
or corruption. Or do we have another case of fiscal
up the fields then untold dollars to repair the damage? Six-year-old Domonick Rooney of Pittsfield tumbles down the hill in Pittsfield’s Clapp Park yesterday afternoon.
freelancing?The city's famous for ignoring procedure
Mayor Jimmy Ruberto insists taxpayers will not be
and making it up as it goes along.
bilked for double damages. He vowed if necessary
It will be helpful to understand just how the city
to go after the contractor's performance bond.: He
makes payments on bills.
also said if sufficient progress isn't made, he "won't
- Article VI of the city code spells out "Procedures
M ore
hesitate to insert myself into the negotiations."
for Approval of Payment of Bills, Claims and Pay­
Council sends park sale
Commissions Mike Filpi and Chuck Garivaltis,
rolls." Sec. 2-26 deals with "Original examination,
in addition to former commissioner Genè Nadeau,
approval and certification of accounts and claims
echoed that sentiment. As Garivaltis put it, "The to subcommittee for review
generally." It says '-every account and claim...shall
people of Pittsfield shouldn't be on the hook for one
in the first instance be examined, and, if found just,
shall be approved and certified by the officer, board more dime. Period."- review PARK from B1 (U ^ \p Both Ward and Councilor at
or department authorized tocreate the liability..." In At the Aug. 15 Parks Commission meeting, tax­ large Tricia Farley Bouvier said
payers must have felt as if they were fighting a war ers may be interested in.
other words, before making a payment, the work has they had received e-mails and
of attrition. The contractor acknowledged problems “Obviously, this is not enough
to be examined and approved for quality. phone calls from city residents
at Clapp Park, promising to fix the work at its own money,” Ward said. “But we could
Did the city follow its own procedure? Did it "ex­ who had problems understanding
expense beginning immediately. Eight days after the for park start a fund for us to purchase the
amine" the Work and "find it just" before checks were the proposal.
meeting, though, nothing had been done. Garivaltis camps across [Onota] Lake.... It’s
cut? But how could that have been done if 95% of the “I got a number of phone calls
money was paid for work turned out so badly? Who for one is getting antsy. developable. We shouldn’t wait.” on this, because it was cryptic,”
signed off? There should be a signature on a physical "I wanted thatworktobegin theday after [the Aug. Council President Gerald M. Lee Ward said.
15 meeting], but 1 would expect to s.ee, and I had better said any amendments to the special
piece of paper, several of them in fact, at least-one for Councilors Lewis C. Markham
each of the phased payments. see, a shovel in the ground at Clapp beforebur next sa le '-j w act should wait until after it has Jr., Peter M. Marchetti, Daniel M.
meeting [Tuesday, Sept. 6]." been approved by state legislators.
Sec. 6-27 ou tlinessafeguards of payments. It requires Bianchi.and Linda M. T^er joined
Who's on the hook for repairs to the two ball fields “I don’t know if amending the
bills to be examined and approved monthly by the Lothrop, Ward and Farley Bouvier
at Kirvin and to the Babe Ruth field.at Doyle? Myste­ act is a good idea,” Lee said. “It
relevant "officers, boards and departments." How in voting to refer the measure to
riously, the commission didn't want to explore that has to come back to us at some
do we interpret that lpst phrase? It could mean the ordinance and rules. Councilors
nor has McGrath exactly been holding anyone's feet point in order for us to approval a
Parks Commission. It could also mean Jim McGrath, By Tony Dobrowolski Matthew M. Kerwood and Louis
director of community services. Has the commission to the fire. Why not? It's time for it. Berkshire Eagle Staff ‘ sale. I think that would be the time M. Costi joined Lee and Maffuccio
At the next meeting, McGrath needs to draw the to decide which way we should go.”
or McGrath as department head been examining and PITTSFIELD — Following a discussion that in voting against the referral.
approving bills on a monthly basis, as code dictates? line. Did his office or the city screw up and where? If involved all 11 members, the City Council last
Since the commissioners are part-time volunteers not, he needs to rain fire and knock heads. He needs to night voted to refer to its ordinance and rules
pronounce that the city will not, in Garivaltis words,
’ and McGrath is a full-time paid department head, subcommittee a proposal that would authorize
we say the buck stops with him. Did McGrath sign pay "one more dime.". ' the sale of almost three acres of Burbank Park.
"Who's to blame for the shattering of our dreams of The council voted 7-4 in favor of referring
off on the work? . :
There is further protection built into thesystem. Sec. having playable fields for our children?" asked Parks the proposal to its subcommittee for further
Commission Chair Elbe Persip. "The fields have been review. In order for the city to sell the land,
6-28-requires that on or before the fifth day of each
completely compromised," said Garivaltis. Mayor James M. Ruberto had asked the council
month, bills approved for payment will be sent to the
Taxpayers shouldn't face doubleindemnity. So who to approve a special act to the state legislature
city accountant, along with, an approved audit sheet.
will go to bat for them? authorizing the city to take such action. Both
state legislative branches must also approve the
proposal.
James McGrath, the city’s Director of
Community Services, said the 2.69 acre parcel
\rv\c>io provides frontage on the east side of Valentine
On the Web: www.BerkshireEagle.com The Berkshires
Road. The land was separated from the rest of
Burbank Park when Valentine Road was
extended to' Peck’s Road in the 1970s. The
Parks Commission approved the city’s request
to sell the land in November 2002.
Ward 7 Councilor Anthony V. Maffuccio, whose
jurisdiction contains the parcel, said the owner of
land located behind it was interested in using
.the 2.69 acres as frontage in order to build four
or five houses.
Some councilors said they would support the
measure because the land in question was not
connected to anything and is too small to develop.
Ward 5 Councilor Jonathan N. Lothrop, however,
said he believed the land could be developed, and
that the council needed to take a closer look at;
the proposal before it was approved.
"I really am having trouble with this, proce-
durally,” Lothrop said. “This special act is not
JuaitftLerner, founder of the Berkshire Beau
even signed by our city solicitor or anybody
nigs the triangle to announce dinner at the o
else. I really believe this should go to ordinance
tion s barbecue in Pittsfield’s Park Square on
and rules.”
Lothrop referred to the recent debate over
the resort development bylaw that would have
allowed time-shares ti> be built at Ponterril,
which is located, in a residential zone where
those structures are currently banned.
“We spend more time talking about one par­
cel of land that’s a change in zoning,” he said.
“How about selling land, and we’re not even
sending this to committee.”
“It’s zoned R-20,” Lothrop said. Ponterril con­
tains the same zoning designation. “It’s 20,000
square feet, [With] 2.69 acres, that’s five lots.”
Council members also had questions about
the four sections contained in the special legisla­
tive act. Ward 4 Councilor Michael L. Ward
asked if a section allowing proceeds from the
sale to be used for the acquisition of land for
either park purposes or capital improvements to
park land be amended to allow the city to use
the proceeds to purchase the development rights
for other tracts of land in the city that deyelop-
PARK, continued on B4
Joel Librizzl / Berkshire Eagle Staff
Finding their place in the sun
Courtney Taylor, left, her sister Rachel Taylor and their friend Cara Adornetto, right, bask in yesterday’s warm, sunny weather at
The Common in Pittsfield.
Pittsfield
7
■.
■
ill
à
Circus benefit plans
prove complicated
Mock crime scene planned for city
continued from page 1
. ^ ' .
events it's not like a carnival where you have a lot of noise going to a ate
hour at night," hesaid. "Parking would not be an issue because July 4 after
Artist/activist will set up month-long installation at Park Square
the parade there's no downtown people working anyway.
Pittsfield Parade Committee treasurer Peter Marehetti said that his group
is interested in a circus fundraiser to tie into this year's "circus" parade Crime, art and political state­ empowering," said Senza.
theme and that a committee member did speak to a Lions Club representa­ She previously erected a version of
ments may collide in the center
tive regarding circuses. . the piece in2003 at the Meeting House
But Marehetti said the Lions Club didn't reach any agreement for a col­ city this spring. Gallery in New Marlborough.
laboration. "You do not have :the blessing of the parade committee to do The parks commission this week Parks commission chairwoman
anything on our behalf," he told McGinnis. * approved a plan to erect a "mock Eleanor Persip said that the installa­
While the Lions Club deals with the Cole Bros, circus each year, the crime scene" at Park Square for thé tion would attract attention, but that
lyv. z-y ||g " g|g|£jg| ••' parade committee has met with'a competing circus which toured city sites month of April. people wouldn't beaware of its inten­
this past week. . .. The installation — a collaboration tion unless they looked carefully.
Pittsfield: Marehetti cited "a: huge lack of communication" related to the Lions between the Berkshire County Kids "People would have to go in the
Ethnic Fair revival Club. Place and Red Collaborative — will park and read those to understand,"
McGinnis agreed that "there is confusion," encourage awareness of abuse. she said.
slated for summer Marehetti said that he and parade committee president Lew Markham The Kids Place will place blue rib­ Senza said that giving the illusion
were present to seek the parks commission's input about places for the bons throughout the park to highlight of a crime scene appeals to the curios­
The Office of Cultural Devel­
committee to hold a circus. child abuse prevention month. Red ity of passersby.
osipomn eonft thaned c itthye o Pf aPriktt sCfioemldm airse­ "We're here looking for guidance and help to find a location, Mr. McGin­ Collaborative will erect an exhibit "Most people are intrigued by
nis'issue is a separate issue," said Marehetti. , - simulating a crime scene with police- crime scenes," she said. "It would
holding an open public meeting
McGinnis argued that the Lions Club plan is a better one for the city. style tape and the outlines of victims. draw people in... We want to get a
. on bringing back Pittsfield §
international festival, the Ettom "Their circus is a one-time thing," he said. "Cole Bros, has been in business The exhibit will include phrases and lot of phrases on there,"
Fair, in the summer of 20U6. since 1884... They are one of the most successful fundraisers for us. slogans related to abuse. Commissioner John Herman en­
The meeting will be held tomor­ Parks commission chairwoman Eleanor Persip said that the Lions Club "This sounds like a worthwhile Gabrielle Senza this week received permission to install a “mock dorsed the proposal but èaid that1
row at 6:30‘p.m. in Room 203 of case is -weaker if the situation is an either / or option. "Do we deal with the project," said commissioner Charles' crime scene" at Park Square during the month of Aprii. The exhibit the plan for a month-long crime
1 City Hall, 70 Allen St, Pittsfield Parade Committee first or deal with somebody from out of town Garivaltis. "I would support it with­ — based on a smaller display Senza mounted in New Marlborough scene depiction should be reviewed
In past years, the annual that wants to use our facilities?" she asked. . _. c out question," in 2003 (above) — will aim to raise awareness of physical, sexual by thé police department.
I Ethnic Fair attracted more than But Persip said that neither group is probably welcome at the First Street , Katrina Mattson of the Kids Place and emotional abuse. "Have you checked out with the
10,000 people yearly to down­ Common, where neighbors "will not be happy about it. . £ said that intent is to raise awareness Great Barrington-based Red Col­ raising slogans." The outlines of police department that they're OK
town Pittsfield. _ , . She wondered about using a school location, perhaps Herberg or Reid | of abuse issues in the community. She laborative, said her project is "very victims at the mock crime scene will with this?" he asked. "That would
The last downtown Ethnic middle school , . , , , also said that while the two compo­ empowering for participants and be made from torn strips of shirt probably be a good idea."
Fair was held in 1986. The 2006 ParadepresidentLew Markham said "theonlythingwe relookmgforfrom nents aTe going in concurrently, they witnesses." fabric on which "silencing phrases" Contacted Wednesday afternoon,
fair is scheduled to be held the parks department is permission to have a circus on parks property. arç separate displays. She said that the police tape will are printed. police chief Anthony Riello had a
. Sunday, Aug. 27, from noon to 6 Marehetti Said that the city has always supported the parade. "It s an Gabriella Senza, the principal of include "empowering, awareness- —"i*'--.very powerful piece, it's very mixed reaction to the proposal.
p.m. in the first block of North event that represents the city of Pittsfield, that benefits the city of Pittsfield, See CRIME page 17
Street, which will be closed to
he said. . ,
vehicular traffic. , Ward 2 councilor Lou Costi voiced support for helping the paradu com­
The. fair will highlight -the mittee host a circus, saying "that's apple pie, that is what Pittsfield is a
diver®communities in Pitts­ about." • , Dueling event plans
field and the Berkshire? and Costi however said the First Street Common is inappropriate for any
feature a wide variety of inter­ circus. "There's history there," he said. "There are lots of other public parks j ok
national food and crafts from
that the city owns." . , create political circus
around the world, as well as
Commissioner John Marchesi recalled a disastrous circus a couple decades
music, dance, storytelling and
ago that ruined the field at the Common. He instead said that the Wahconah
more. , Crime art endorsed
Park parking lot should be uSed.
Individuals, organizations ana A two-ring circus has developed over competing plans for
Commissioner John Herman said that the market can't support compet­
businesses interested in partici­
ing circuses,"To have two circuses within a few miles of each other doesn t Fourth of July weekend benefits.
pating are encouraged to attend
the meeting. make sense," he said. , The Dalton Lions Club and Pittsfield Parade Committee both want to host continued from page 1
Commissioner Charles Garivaltis suggested using the PEDA property
those interested in partici- traveling circuses that weekend on ’ "I wouldbeinterestedin talking with them/' saidRiello. "Weobviously
for the circus. "I would recommend the Williams Stanley Industrial Park,
patinghut unable to the meet­ city park property. support activities that will increase awareness around child abuse.
he said. The event could highlight the renaissance of the property.
ing may call Parks Commission The parks commission consid­ But Riello also wondered whether a mock crime scene will fuel false
member Mike Filpi at (413) Markham agreed to inquire about the various non-park sites, buthe wanted ered the requests during a wide- impressions about safety in the center city. ...
822-1645 or Director of Cultur­ it understood that "if we can't find a place, we're back in your lap." ranging discussion on Tuesday. The "It's important to send the right message," said the chief. Our
al Development Megan Whil- Contacted Wednesday, Tom Hickey—executive director of PED A—said discussion ended with no formal downtown has gotten the wrong rap in recent years... We have a great
dcn at [phone]. ; he'd explore allowing a circus on the site if asked. But he thinks the idea action — but heated words were downtown CrimeWatch through Downtown Inc. and we ve worked
Booth rentals can be reserved won't fly. . . ¡8 audible from the hallway where very hard with them to change that image of downtown."
now by contacting the individu­ "I will approach our insurance company ,but my gut reaction is they representatives of the groups con­ Representatives of Downtown Inc. did not respond to queries as ot
als above. would not be willine to accept the liability," said Hickey.
vened as the commission meeting
continued. ^ Community services.director Jim McGrath said that the installation
Neither group had made a for­ fits with other statement-oriented art.
mal written request and there was "It seems like Park Square has been and continues to be a place where
confusion as to whether they were statements are made, whether they be artistic or community empower­
working together or are potential ment," he said. "It seems to be a location for this type of thing.
Pittsfield competitors. McGrath said that the parks commission has endorsed pnor art
[o reduced bad in park shooting And both groups want to use the installations. . . . . . , a
First Street Common, a site the com­ "I don't see any long-lasting effects to this, he said. It goes up and
mission is loathe to allow for circus makes a statement and comes down." „ , .
use, largely due to its proximity to With Mike Filpi absent, the commission voted 4-0 to allow the col­
Pittsfield and Springfield; he could
By Ellen G. Lahr fcihreaargrmin gw ai tfhiroeuatr ma wlicitehnisne 5 0to0 fceaertr yo fa an dd woefl ldiins-g fiancee’s family here or with his mother m resTidheen Lceios.n sClub proposes a July 77?ef /Djea fltcoJnC LiTongs Ccilrucbu ss eelalsc hti cskuemts- labAotr athtiev ere dqiuspeslat yosf. commissioner John Marc,h esi. , t,h e commi• ss•i on dje
Springfield. dined to Slow the Kids Place to place a 2 foot by 5 foot banner oh Park
Berkshire Eagle Staff He is accused of firing at two men in Pitt Park 4-5 circus; the parade committee merandwantstomoveto Pittsfield.
[TSFIELD — An alleged gunman’s ties to on May 5 while standing at the John Street ‘No prior record,’ says attorney proposes a july 3-5 arcus. Pittsfield* Parade Committee Square concurrent with the ribbons and crime scene.
"For years the parks commission has said no signs whatsoever m
lgfield, and the “notorious” nature of a entrance of the West Side playground. Neither West said Daniels has no prior adult record Dan McGinnis of the Lions Club fQ hosf g drcus m Ju^
ght shooting incident at Pitt Park last of the alleged targets, Steven Corbet 29, an and no mental illness or drug or alcohol prob­ said his group was approached by theH pea sraki,d" ssiaginds M—airncchleusdi.i ng the United Way fundrai. si. ng t,hermometer
1 prompted a Superior Court judge Jo Terrell Ortiz, 25, was hit, but the incident sent lems. He said he cooperated with police when a member of the parade committee
Mark Daniels’ latest attempt to get his bail, shudders of fear through a community already arrested in a Springfield mall and had been con­ about collaborating. The Lions Club has traditionally sponsored an early- — are not allowed in the park, but may be placed with permission on
city-owned property opposite the park near East Street.
facing increasing gun violence, muc o l sistently employed until the time of the Pitt summer circus, most recently at the Berkshire Mall,. '%ui.
ter hearing arguments from his lawyer and He said the Lions Club wants to use the Common "and a percentage ot * Senza indicated the crime scene project has the support of Mayor James
believed to be drug-related. ' Ruberto. The mayor's office did not respond to queries on Wednesday
irosecutor in the case jl including a dispute ^ “Thetes 'nothing in any of these fectom to our advance ticket sales will go to the Pittsfield Parade."
Daniels’ new lawyer, Edward West, was fol­
the motives of witnesses who identified alert the court that he would not appear, Wes McGinnis said that the Common is an ideal site fpia circus. Ir s a family regarding the installation.
lowing up on the June 14 bail set by Judge
dels - Judge John A. Agostini refused to said, noting that Daniels’ large family was in JhWi «j
Mary-Lou Rup, which was later challenged by See CIRCUS page 11
jr his bail from $50,000 cash or $500,000
■ Daniels’ then attorney Alexander Nappan who about What .he said waa
sought a $10,000 bail amount with electronic
shaky evidence from witnesses who may have
ianiels, 23, has pleaded not guilty to charges monitoring, which was denied. n . enviromnctiraa-gioaps and tree committees in the com,.,
wo counts each of armed assault with intent West argued in court yesterday that Daniels continued on B4 live auction at 3. Those attending can bid for vacations, iu|- acts as an advisor to the Pittsfield Tree Watch organization
niture and home furnishings, designer fashions, Broaflwdy
nurder and assault by means of a dangerous poses no flight risk because of his,family ties m Pittsfield: and to Pittsfield Beautiful. Robert was nominated for the
shows,, golf tiptinls, .fds%n-shbw tickets, ^ orfvfid
ipon, and to charges of possession of a award by the Town of Lanesboro Tree and Forest Committee,
Dog owners reminded more. RrtkxjedS $u#ort ie a^cihtW arid i£s PH r|« y °
which he serves as an advisor and as an ad hoc member,
protect |e H duV n\ FaUey.^bpei^ stiaces^dxpattd Hie
to clean up after pets aid eSucate— - * « - - •**
"WGDi VVVV W .DC’" riverfront Gre#iwa| ih$>rove Water "1,,rate
children. Information.'. 860-672-6678. | ^ ^
The Board of Park Commissi­
No reduced bail for suspect oners reminds park users to Presutti honored ffj I { 1
Pittsfield: curb their dogs and/or pick up
PITTSFIELD — On Nov. 4, Robert Presutti of Pittsfield
after their dogs in city parks and
Barbecue planned in Pitt Park shooting incident was one of three individuals statewide honored as an
school grounds.
Outstanding Citizen
The Parks Department has
for Park Square
Forester by the State
days, a warrant was pending for his received numerous complaints
BAIL from B1 Department °f
On Sunday, July 16, from 6 to from residents regarding this
arrest. Conservation and
10 p.m., the Berkshire Beaux “He had to know that police issue, which seems to be a grow­
had questionable motives in iden­ Recreation. The award is
Aocoafnr tdtePs r iAetbtdsraf trbiibseytel sdDc’ ueDweai icnll in anneh rdoPs s Eaat rlnkatdhi n etSeihrq eT u sicaeliertceyy­ tciafyHsiinnegg ss aD fiodanu tinhedals ta. tth tehree pwaerkre, tnhoa ts hoenlel wfoeWurneh dleo noD kaainnn gioe fflofs-r d hauittmy ,ap” oKSliipcnrezi neorgf fsfiiaecideldr. ihannrgRed ce acoseoinsdnctechenerentrtsni. cec diam llwipnligitch at otti hoceno sm hopefal atlhtinhe gacnoivmde ndm eufdonirci tayvt iooflnuo nrtetoes teurrry b saeinnr v aitnchdee
and their staff from Bub’s BBQ of the suspected victims seen flee­ mall, he was carrying a cane that state.
concealed a double-edged knife, problem. Presutti was an original
in Sunderland. Anson Olds and ing from the park after the inci­ James McGrath, director of
Kinzer said. member of the Vincent J.
Paul Rice will play traditional dent is now in jail on heroin Agostini denied the bail reduc­ community services, said he Hebert Arboretum at
fiddle tunes. Charges, and that it was that man s hopes that people will voluntar­
Barbecued pork ribs and chick­ girlfriend who pointed the finger tion request, which West said ily comply with the ordinance Springside Park, and
en as well as horseradish and should be $5,000. He said he was remains an active board
at Daniels. and either pick up after their
brown sugar-glazed salmon are leery of Daniels’ Springfield ties. member. He has served on
tjahlea peenntore/eehs,e dwdiathr csoimdebsr einacdl,u ddiirntgy erAt Kssiinsztaenr tc Douisntrteicrte Ad ttthoarnt enyo tR oonbe­ up“ Ahenrde ,t”h iAs gwoasst inai nsoatiod.rious event dmoagisn toarin weda lakr etahse ior f dthoge sp ainrk us.n­ ietsst abadlivshis oar ym acsotemr mpliattne,e a ntod Robert Presutti
rice, collard greens, barbecued but two independent witnesses Daniels’ case was continued McGrath, however, did state worked on gaining non- , n
' identified Daniels, and that, in that park security personnel and profit states for the organization. He has also provided sup
baked beans and orange-glazed until Jan. 20 for a further gretrial
fact, Daniels has one court ap­ the dog officers have been alert­ port, encouragement and education to numerous fledgling
sweet potatoes. Also available will conference. ,y - .../ $j. |j. .
pearance default on his record as a ed to the problem and will
be homemade salsa with chips,
watermelon, homemade cookies juvenile. Ellen G. Lahr cart be reached at address it this summer.
and brownies, and sodas, seltzer He noted that Daniels fled the [email protected] or at Section 2 1/2-28 of the city
and fresh lemonade. - Pitt Park scene, and that, for 10 [phone]. code allows the dog officer and
Vegetarians may request both park security personnel to fine
the barbecued ricotta-stuffed any individual who allows his or Courting recreation
eggplant and the grilled porta- her dog to defecate on main­
bella vegetarian entrees when tained areas or park property, Bravo to Mayor James Ruberto and the parks commission for prioritizing
making reservations. including but not limited to uipoDgeriraaavddyee sisu tt oo bbaasskkeettbbaallll ccoouurrttss aatt cc|ii ttyy ppaarrkikss.. Sffgs
The dinner cost, including tax, beaches, playgrounds, picnic *But shame on Pittsfield for allowing the popular recreational sites to fall
tip and music, is $23 for adults, areas, basketball courts and intoSdisrepam The warped, cracked and weed-infested courts are an
$12 for children under 10. Checks playing fields of any kind. ——■■■'■' ■ unsafe embarrassment.
payable to Berkshire Breakfast The fine for such offenses can Publisher's It's been a tough two decades for
Salon should be mailed to Judith be up to $300 per offense. the city's park system, asbudgets and
Lemer, P.O, Box 257, Lenox Dale, The board has also reminded programs have been slashed*
MA 01242. Lerner must have dog owners that dogs are to be Notebook Organized constituencies have
reservations and checks in hand restrained at all times while on * successfully lobbied for sparse city
by Friday, July 7; include a phone park property and not allowed resources. Fields and facilities used
number and e-mail address when
to rini.loosei by organized youth sports leagues,
making reservations in the event,
of changes. Information: Lemer for example, have sometimes received attention and ^ e^ edf
at (413) 637-3.315. of parks used for informal recreational activity, such as basketball courts
Restrooms will be available for The basketball court neglect highlights the need to make sure that well-
use at St. Stephen’s Church'across used facilities that lack vocal advocates receive a fai^ a^e |
the street. In the event of rain, the
event wili be held downstairs at St,
Stephen’s. There is no smoking at
Berkshire Beaux Arts events,
whether indoors or out.
m m m
Wednesday, May 24,2006
An infestation at Williams Collese
BByy CChhrriissttoopphheerr MMaarrcciisszz II _. j r , ^ dnesday, May 24, 2006 The Be
Berkshire Eagle Staff Hordes of tent caterpillars invade
It s not an exotic insect,” he
WILLIAMSTOWN — If you’ve
said. “We just haven’t seen out­ Caterpillars invade campus
had to walk across the Williams pillars a native species of the weeks fighting the infestation —with breaks like this.”
College campus this spring, you insect whose annual egg to caterpil­
limited results. Farther north, the caterpillar’s
gmeattyi nhga svteu cfke litn syoomuer thhianigr asntrdi nogny plaarr ttioc ucloacrolyo pn rtool imfico tohf claytcele. h.as been By all accounts, we’re experi­ wfoonrdrineeds s afboor usut gtahre m haepaleltsh h aosf sVomere­ CATERPILLARS from B1 coonl ortfhuell y ctoolnlegguee’-si n-scidheeweka lkdse,b aates]
your clothes. While harmless, they are vora- encing a particularly dramatic out­ mont s $225 million maple syrup outbreaks in Pennsylvania and anonymous students overnight
You may have seen others swat­ cious eaters and have bee!n munch- break, wrote David Fitzgerald, the industry. But the infestations have western New York recently, the began making chalk drawings
ting their hands to avoid something, ing their way through campus college’s horticulturist and grounds not reached Connecticut or Rhode high numbers will remain for a few about the caterpillar crisis. Some!
or noticed tree trunks and lamp- greenery. They also have become supervisor, in a campuswide e-mail Island. years before natural enemies such included pro-caterpillar slogans,!
| poAstns dt hyaotu a pwpoeualrd c aolvmeroesdt icne rftuari.nly satne pusn, sriagihlitnlyg sn uainsda ndcoeo orknn poabvse.ment, ttoh ics owntereokl. it“ wThoeu ldo nbley wpoitshs iabilrep lwanaey Officials are wary ishlre wasi tphr tehdeamto.rs and disease catch up wsuhcihle aost he“rSsa vtoeo kth aen Canattei-rcpaitlelarrpsi,l”­ j
' eventually notice a black, half-inch- dusting of insecticide over this James McGrath of the Pittsfield ! He said there is no need to panic lar line — “Please Leaf Us Alone.”
long caterpillar on your shoulder or An unsightly nuisance whole part of town — not really Parks and Recreation Department i orest lent caterpillar about the outbreak. Most healthy Meanwhile, the population con­
arm, or see one dangling inches They’ve dropped onto unsus­ feasible or desirable.” said it does not appear that there l alacosoma disstna trees can grow more leaves to tinued to grow, and with com­
from your face from threads at­ pecting passers-by, climbed into Ken Gooch, a forest health spe- are too many of them, although ! somewhat nairy, about hair an inch long (• replace the ones the caterpillars mencement and reunion week­
tached to branches overhead. the open windows of parked cars, cralist with the state Department of officials in Pittsfield are wary. | e-shaped patterns along their backs. Unuke eat, and nature will run its course. ends coming up, the college decid­
Despite campus rumors about a dropped caterpillar poop (called Conservation and Recreation’s “If we saw they were becoming a ! I oak and maple trees, but can be found on “The trees will refoliate,” he ed it had to take more dramatic
project from the bowels of the “frass”) on sidewalks and made: a western office in Pittsfield, said the real problem to the health of the .! IS cost plants said. “This is cyclical, and it can measures to get the situation
Science Center gone horribly wrong, caterpillar outbreak is scattered trees, we’d certainly react to that ” ; take around five of six years, but under control.
the campus has simply become one walk across campus feel like it around the county, with the highest he said. jelly hatch in mid- to iate-Apnl. and then th healthy trees can survive this.” Tomorrow, crews will begin spray­
of the hot spots for an unusually should be followed with a shower. concentrations in Williamstown, Gooch said that, based on similar i jut mid-June, when they spin cocoons. They At Williams, the unusual scope ing certain trees with Conserve SC,
The college’s building and grounds
large outbreak of forest tent cater- Hancock and Lanesborough, over of the outbreak began to emerge a pesticide that includes the organic
department has spent the past few
the past three years. in early May. neurotoxin spinosad. Tfees that are
CATERPILLARS, continued on B4 I “People have asked about the sprayed will be marked.
sudden appearance of, shall we All this came to a head as the
say, rather a few caterpillars on academic year came to a close.
campus and in other parts of town Student message boards were
and what’s being done about it,” full of commentary about the crit­
Fitzgerald wrote in a May 9 cam­ ters and of finding the best way to
Bark in the Park puswide e-mail. “No, we’re not liv-, get across campus. Few students
ing in a Hitchcock movie.” had much sympathy for the insects.
The college responded by spray­ “There is a simple solution to this
ing Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, or problem,” posted one student. “If
Btk, a natural microbial insecticide, you see a caterpillar, step on it. I’ve
on some affected trees. This natural­ definitely killed over 1,000 today
ly occurring bacterium produces and I can say that not only is it a
proteins that interfere with the good procrastination tool, but it
insects’ digestive systems and leave helps relieve the stress of exams.”
nontarget organisms unaffected. Material from The Associated
The spraying, in turn, sparked a Press was used in this report.
The Brave New™ Comooster Making comp°sffrom garden and
* household waste is one of the best
things any gardener can do. It’S easy
and costs veiy little in time or effort;
Making compost will help you reduce
pollution - cut down waste going to
Waste-to-Energy Facilities and
landfills! Your plants will grow N .
healthier and look happier for it. It
will save you money on fertilizers’too.
Compost bins are available for $25 at
the Pittsfield Parks Department. Call
499-9343 to arrange pick-up. If you
cannot compost, eac Pittsfield .
Walking the dogs Joel Librizzi / Berkshire Eagle Staff (Hubbard Ave.) accepts yard waste in
clear plastic bags. Please call eàc at
plastic collected from MA Recycling Programs
443-7373 for more information.
Lf e 2 2 ‘tSf,ie2 f Sterday dUring thC Uth annUal Bark in the Park benefit Berkshire Humane
dog demonstration, vendor and infomaLn tables,2 imes.,n 8°°d C,t,Zen teStmg’ 3 Newfound,and water rescue demonstration, a K-9 police
Making
tracks.
r /<’ &
A 20-year-old male was
arrested after he used his
pickup truck to vandalize
Ü the Reid Middle School
baseball field in Pittsfield
at 11 p.m. on Diesday,
said James McGrath, the
H R \ director of the city’s
parks system. It was the
second time this week
that the field had been
vandalized, McGrath
said. The driver, whose
name was not available,
was caught after a
witness wrote down his
H i ü l mwM¡¡¡iR 1111 B B B M B license plate number.
Joel Librizzi / Berkshire Eagle Staff
A moment of sunshine
The Pittsfield Gazette December 21,2006
Left, Caty May, 7, of Dalton, far
left, Brianna Wilkins, 8, of
Hindsdale, Kayla Pravia, 8, and
her mother Paula Pravia, of Peru
take a relaxing hay ride during
Family Fun Day at Eastover
Resort in Lenox yesterday. Paula
Pravia’s fiance Charles Shaw is
currently serving in Iraq. Below,
Jim McGrath of Pittsfield watches
as his son Ian, 3, makes a sticker
collage. McGrath’is. an Army staff
s n
sergeant. S ' \ * H\ i
Santa's helpers
Leaving their
Jim Hassett mans a phone Wednesday at Berkshire Bank's Woct strait
department's "North Pole Callinq"prooram Usinn Hat* l Street off,ce as Part of the parks
than 200 calls on behalf of Santa and Mrs. Claus9 a prov,ded bV Parents’ volunteers placed more
H I
By Jenn Smith
League of Berkshire County
. Berkshire Eagle Staff
women’s group and the resort.
LENO X “In a small way, your load is
F or a few moments, there
M. R. . . " S3 lifted today. Our goal is to
TThhe! men, women and chil­ Provide your famles with the
gift of our gratitude for the
dren got to go swimming, to
sacrifices you and your families