Adopt-A-Cat-Month at Berkshire Humane Society

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Humane Society is celebrating Adopt-A-Cat-Month this month, with special promotions to help prospective cat parents bring a cat home. BHS is offering a "Two-fur-One" reduced adoption rate during the entire month of June at the shelter on Barker Road, and at its new feline adoption center, Purradise, on Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington.

There will also be a $25 micro-chip clinic and nail-trimming at both locations. For a $5 donation, the staff will trim, and instruct cat owners on how to trim, their cat's nails. To schedule an appointment, call 413-447-7878 ext. 24 or 413-717-4244.

Each newly adopted cat’s owner will be entered in the raffle for a Super Cat Scratching Post to be held at the end of June. 

In addition to these special promotions, Cheryl Truskowski, the Feline Supervisor, has the following advice for families considering adopting a cat.

* Age: While kittens are hard to resist, adult cats are often better suited to families with young children. Mature cats respond better to the clumsy handling of inquisitive toddlers.

* Personality: A cat’s true personality may not show until he has been in his new home for several weeks.

* Coat: Long versus short. The longer the cat’s fur, the more brushing will be needed.

* Nutrition and health: Good nutrition and yearly vet visits will keep your cat healthy and happy.

* Keeping your cat indoors will prevent him from getting into accidents or running into wildlife. The national average of an indoor/outdoor cat life span is only five years, compared to a strictly indoor cat, which is 15-18 years.

* Kids and cats: Children should be taught that a kitten or cat is a companion, not a toy. Children and the new cat should never be left unsupervised.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Cannabis Cultivator Plans Dispensary

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD. Mass. — A cannabis cultivator and manufacturer has opted to sell its products on site in Downing Parkway. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals this month approved a special permit for J-B.A.M. Inc. to operate a dispensary out of its existing grow facility. There will only be changes to the interior of 71 Downing Parkway, as there will be less than 500 square feet of retail space in the 20,000-square-foot building. 

"My only concern would be the impact, and really would be traffic, which I don't think is excessive, the odor, if there was one, but that doesn't seem to be an issue, and I think it's a good location for a marijuana facility," board member Thomas Goggins said. 

The company's indoor cultivation site plan was approved in 2019, an amendment to add manufacturing and processing in 2021, and on the prior day, a new site plan to add a retail dispensary was approved by the Community Development Board. 

J-B.A.M. cannabis products are available in local dispensaries. 

The interior of the facility will be divided to accommodate an enclosed check-in area, front entrance, retail lobby, secure storage room, offices, and two bathrooms. There are 27 parking spaces for the facility, which is sufficient for the use. 

No medical or recreational cannabis uses are permitted within 500 feet of a school or daycare, a setback that is met, and the space is within an industrial park at the end of a cul-de-sac. 

"The applicant desires the restructuring of the business to be more competitive in the industry with the ability to grow and sell their own cannabis products so they have more financial stability," Chair Albert Ingegni III, read from the application. 

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