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Mission was popular for its regular jazz performances.

Mission Restaurant to Close at the End of the Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. —After 15 years on North Street, Mission Restaurant will be closing its doors on Halloween.
 
The news was announced in a Facebook post on Sunday.
 
"We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all our patrons for making Mission such an incredible part of downtown Pittsfield through the years. A special thank you to our team members, past and present, who brought their passion and talents to the restaurant shift after shift – though our chapter together may be closing, the memories and experiences we've shared are timeless," the post read.
 
"Finally, we would like to thank all musicians for bringing so much joy to our bar + dining area. We will always remember the rich legacy of live music you left behind in the window as we walk by 438 North St."
 
The eatery is known for having regular music —often jazz— as well as its unique menu offerings and cozy atmosphere.  It was initially opened by Jenny Benson in 2007 and was bought by Mill Town Capital during the pandemic.
 
The community is encouraged to come in and say its goodbyes to Mission for the remainder of the month.

Tags: business closing,   North Street,   restaurant,   

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Counting Birds Now a Christmas Tradition

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

The bird counts are important in collecting data for ornithologists and conservationists. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A team of birders will be heading out across North County on Saturday to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count.
 
The count has become a tradition for many over the last 125 years while providing valuable environmental insights for researchers, conservation biologists, wildlife agencies, and others. 
 
Participating in this wildlife census allows people to observe and interact with birds in their local environments directly and can inspire a deeper connection to nature, instilling a desire to protect it, said Tom Tyning, former Hoffmann Bird Club president and longtime Christmas Bird Count participant. 
 
Bird watching is the most popular leisure time activity in the United States, said David Schaller, North County count compiler and a leader of Saturday's team. 
 
"It's a way to be outside. It's a way to connect with nature. It's good exercise. It's good mentally — you're trying to look at a bird and figure out what kind of bird it is," he said.
 
"For some participants in our group, it's a family tradition that is as important to them as other Christmas traditions."
 
This one-day activity is far more than that for many. It introduces new participants to a wealth of knowledge in environmental and natural science and can transform into a lifelong hobby because of its vast number of topics, Tyning said. 
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