Business Briefs: 1Berkshire Pitch Camp; doctor prescribes Berkshire outdoors; winter art appreciation packages

In the space of a century, the American experience of nature has gone from direct utilitarianism to romantic attachment to electronic detachment.

1Berkshire to host Pitch Camp

Pittsfield — 1Berkshire will host its inaugural Pitch Camp on Tuesday, February 9, open to local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Pitch Camp is part of 1Berkshire’s Berkshire Starts initiative, a series of programs and resources that assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in initiating and growing their ventures.

The 90-minute Pitch Camp session which will offer insight into the preparation of an effective pitch, whether it is a 30-second elevator pitch or full presentation to a group of investors. In addition to the basics of preparing a pitch deck, the session will highlight key Do’s and Don’ts. The program will also provide the pitch guidelines for 1Berkshire’s upcoming series of pitch competitions in March, April, and May.

The free session will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 1Berkshire’s office at 66 Allen St. Pre-registration is required and the session will be limited to 25 participants. For additional information, please contact David Curtis at dcurtis@1berkshire.com.

–E.E.

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Therapist prescribes Berkshire outdoors

Krawczyk hut doorway
Eric Krawczyk.

Stockbridge — Outdoor guide and licensed mental health counselor Eric Krawczyk, MA, LMHC, recently opened his counseling practice, Berkshire Shepherd, to help children and adults struggling with mental illness. From a locally crafted shepherd hut office, he combines clinical care with healthy doses of vitamin “N,” a combination of outdoor play and nature connection experiences.

In the space of a century, the American experience of nature has gone from direct utilitarianism to romantic attachment to electronic detachment. In his work over the last two decades, Krawczyk has observed the link between this detachment and the rise in obesity, attention disorders, and depression and joined a vast nature-based movement to change the direction of this third frontier.

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Krawczyk has a Master’s Degree in Clinical and School Mental Health Counseling. He is a certified Pyramid Model infant/toddler coach and early childhood mental health specialist. As a certified wilderness first responder, he successfully trained several therapy dogs that assist him in his practice when appropriate. Krawczyk has presented at conferences and to general audiences on the topics of positive psychology and nature deficit disorder.

–E.E.

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Museum access added to hotel packages

Stockbridge — Main Street Hospitality Group welcomes “Art Appreciation Season” with three packages that include value-added stays and access to the region’s leading museums.

“Museum Mania!” at Porches Inn at Mass MoCA includes breakfast and two passes to Mass MoCA and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Nightly rates start at $219 on weekdays and $275 on weekends through Thursday, May 19.

“Museum Break” at Hotel on North celebrates the fifth annual 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival and is available Friday, February 12, through Sunday, February 21. The package includes overnight accommodations and two adult passes to the Berkshire Museum (children’s tickets can be purchased at the hotel’s front desk). Kids (10 years and under) will also eat for free when ordering from the designated kids’ menu and receive a special Lego toy upon check-in. Prices start at $270 per night based on double occupancy.

“The Norman Rockwell Experience” at the Red Lion Inn offers guests overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, and two passes to the Norman Rockwell Museum. Nightly rates begin at $235 on weekdays and $305 on weekends through Thursday, May 26.

–E.E.