Berkshire Weekly Buzz

Hello, Berkshire County Friends!

Surprise! We’re buzzing with excitement to bring you a special Monday Edition of the Berkshire Weekly Buzz on April 21, 2025. From a new art installation in Stockbridge to updates on our local high school sports teams, this edition is packed with Berkshire County news to kick off your week. Our regular Friday edition will still arrive on April 25, so stay tuned for more!

Buzzing Headlines

Local Spotlight: Stockbridge Unveils New Public Art Installation

On April 20, Stockbridge celebrated the unveiling of a vibrant new mural on Main Street, painted by local artist Emily Harper. The artwork, titled “Berkshire’s Wild Heart,” depicts native wildlife like deer, foxes, and hawks against a backdrop of rolling hills. The project, funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, aims to beautify the downtown area and attract visitors. At the unveiling, Mayor Thomas Lee spoke about the importance of art in community spaces, saying, “This mural captures the spirit of the Berkshires.” Families enjoyed a small festival with live music and art activities for kids. The mural is now a permanent fixture, and the town plans to add more public art in the coming years. Stop by to see it for yourself!

Pittsfield’s Green Mile Project Expands with New Bike Lanes

The City of Pittsfield expanded its Green Mile Project on April 19, adding 2 miles of new bike lanes along North Street and West Street. The initiative, launched in 2023, aims to make the city more bike-friendly and reduce car traffic. The new lanes include bright green markings and protective barriers for cyclist safety. Local advocacy group Bike Berkshire celebrated the expansion with a community ride, drawing over 50 participants. Resident Maria Gonzalez shared, “I feel safer biking to work now!” However, some drivers expressed concerns about reduced parking spaces. City officials are hosting a public forum on April 30 at the Pittsfield Library to gather feedback. Learn more at cityofpittsfield.org.

National News: Federal Judge Strikes Down Affordable Care Act Subsidies

On April 20, a federal judge in Texas struck down key subsidies in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ruling that they violate constitutional funding rules. The decision threatens healthcare access for millions, including over 10,000 Berkshire County residents who rely on ACA plans. The ruling halts premium tax credits starting July 2025, potentially raising costs for low-income families. Healthcare advocates, including the Berkshire Community Action Council, are urging Congress to act swiftly. “This could devastate rural healthcare,” said BCAC director Amy Kline. The Biden administration plans to appeal, but uncertainty looms. Local clinics are preparing for increased demand, with free health screenings scheduled in Pittsfield on May 5. Stay tuned for updates.

National News: SpaceX Launches First All-Civilian Lunar Mission

SpaceX made history on April 19, launching the first all-civilian mission to orbit the moon from Kennedy Space Center. The crew, including a teacher, an artist, and a tech entrepreneur, will spend five days in lunar orbit aboard the Starship spacecraft. The mission, dubbed “Lunar Dream,” aims to inspire a new generation of space explorers. In Berkshire County, local schools like Monument Mountain High are hosting watch parties, with students tracking the mission in real-time. Science teacher Laura Evans said, “It’s thrilling to see civilians reach the moon!” The crew is set to splash down in the Pacific on April 24. Follow their journey on NASA’s live stream at nasa.gov.

Looking Back: This Day in Berkshire History

April 21, 1999: Lenox Celebrates Opening of Shakespeare & Company’s New Theatre

On April 21, 1999, Lenox marked a cultural milestone with the grand opening of Shakespeare & Company’s Founders’ Theatre on Kemble Street. The 400-seat venue, built with local timber and designed to evoke Elizabethan architecture, was a dream decades in the making for the theatre company, founded in 1978. Over 500 residents attended the opening, which featured a free performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Artistic Director Tina Packer spoke at the event, saying, “This theatre is a home for stories that connect us all.” The opening solidified Lenox’s reputation as a cultural hub in the Berkshires, with Shakespeare & Company continuing to draw thousands annually. Visit their 2025 season at shakespeare.org.

Events This Week: What’s Happening in Berkshire County

Get out and enjoy these local events from April 21–April 27, 2025:

• Lenox Library Spring Book Sale (Lenox, April 22, 10 a.m.): Browse thousands of books at the Lenox Library’s annual spring sale. Hardcovers $2, paperbacks $1, with proceeds supporting library programs. Free entry, all ages. Details
• Earth Day Yoga in the Park (Great Barrington, April 22, 6 p.m.): Join a free yoga session at Lake Mansfield Park to celebrate Earth Day, led by instructor Maya Patel. Bring your own mat; all levels welcome. Donations support the Great Barrington Land Conservancy. Details
• Pittsfield Farmers Market Preview (Pittsfield, April 23, 4 p.m.): Get a sneak peek of the Pittsfield Farmers Market season at The Common, with local vendors offering early spring produce and crafts. Live music by the Pittsfield Pipers. Free entry. Details

Five-Day Forecast: Berkshire County Weather

Plan your week with this weather forecast for Pittsfield and surrounding areas, based on the latest data from the National Weather Service:

• Monday, April 21: Mostly sunny, high 58°F, low 38°F.
• Tuesday, April 22: Partly cloudy, high 60°F, low 40°F.
• Wednesday, April 23: Scattered showers, high 55°F, low 42°F.
• Thursday, April 24: Mostly cloudy, high 54°F, low 39°F.
• Friday, April 25: Sunny, high 62°F, low 41°F.

A mild week with a chance of showers midweek—perfect for enjoying spring in the Berkshires! Check weather.gov for updates.

Local Sports: High School Highlights & Community Athletics

Spring sports are in full swing in Berkshire County! Here are the latest high school sports updates and community events.

Taconic High Softball Continues Winning Streak

The Taconic High School softball team secured another victory on April 18, defeating Monument Mountain 6-2 at home. Senior pitcher Emily Walker struck out 9 batters, while junior shortstop Mia Brown hit a home run in the 5th inning. Coach Sarah Johnson said, “The team’s energy is unstoppable!” Taconic faces Pittsfield High on April 22. Stay updated on MIAA schedules for all Berkshire County high school sports!

Mount Greylock Boys Tennis Remains Undefeated

Mount Greylock’s boys tennis team continued their winning streak with a 4-1 victory over Wahconah High on April 19 in Pittsfield. Senior captain Jake Foehl won his singles match 6-1, 6-2, while the doubles team of juniors Sam Robinson and Eli Finkelstein secured a crucial win in straight sets. The team travels to Monument Mountain on April 23.

Pittsfield High Track Team Prepares for Regional Meet

The Pittsfield High track team is gearing up for the Western Mass Regional Meet on April 26, following a strong showing at a local invitational last week. The girls’ 4x100 relay team—seniors Ava Johnson, Lily Martin, junior Emma Brown, and sophomore Mia Davis—set a new school record of 51.8 seconds during practice on April 20. On the boys’ side, junior sprinter Jayden Clark is aiming for a top finish in the 100m dash. Coach Michael Taylor said, “We’re ready to compete at our best!”

Spring Sprint 5K Brings Runners to Stockbridge

The annual Spring Sprint 5K, hosted by the Norman Rockwell Museum, is set for April 27 at 9 a.m. in Stockbridge. Runners will race through the scenic grounds of the museum, with proceeds supporting local youth art programs. Registration is $25, and all participants receive a free museum pass for the day. Sign up at nrm.org.

Know a local sports star? Share their story with us at berkshireweeklybuzz@gmail.com! Join the Spring Sprint 5K in Stockbridge, listed in our Events section!

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