Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Appoints Rebecca Busansky as New Executive Director
Great Barrington— Berkshire Agriculture Ventures (BAV) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Rebecca Busansky as Executive Director, following the successful tenure of interim Executive Director, Glenn Bergman.
Bergman’s exceptional leadership during a critical period at BAV resulted in significant advancement for the organization over the past two and a half years. Under his guidance, BAV experienced remarkable growth as he built a talented team of experts to lead BAV’s programs and successfully secured support for the organization’s initiatives. Bergman will collaborate with Busansky over the upcoming month to ensure a smooth transition.
Busansky holds an undergraduate degree from Brown University and has worked in the community economic development field for more than 30 years. She was formerly a Program Director at the Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC). Busansky joined the FCCDC in 2015 where her work focused on helping local farms thrive and increasing food access. During her time there, Busansky and her team launched the PVGrows Investment Fund, an innovative community investment vehicle which provides financing and technical assistance to farm and local food entrepreneurs. She also managed the Mass Food Trust Program since its inception in 2018, which provides financing to increase the availability of affordable healthy food in underserved communities across the Commonwealth.
“Rebecca’s experience could not be more aligned with BAV’s mission and offerings,” BAV Board President Thomas Gardner states, “She brings a wealth of knowledge on farming and food systems in our region. While Glenn’s presence and leadership will be greatly missed, we’re thrilled to welcome Rebecca who we believe is an excellent champion to move our mission forward. We are very excited that she is joining us.”
Since its founding in 2016 BAV has played a critical role in supporting Berkshire-Taconic region farms and local food businesses. Overall, the organization has provided $1.6 million in low-interest loans, over $85,000 in microgrants and provided more than $500,000 (equalling approximately 150 hours) in direct technical assistance to more than 90 local farms and agricultural businesses.
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CHP Berkshires Expands Primary Care Team with New Nurse Practitioners in Lee and North Adams
Great Barrington— CHP Berkshires has expanded its primary care practice with new clinicians at its locations in North Adams and Lee.
Michelle M. Bedard, family nurse practitioner, has joined the primary care team at CHP North Adams Family Medical, where she will care for patients 13 years and older.
She earned her doctor of nursing degree from Elms College, concentrating on adult-gerontology acute care and earning certification in this specialty. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University and earlier received her associate degree in nursing from Berkshire Community College (BCC). She also received training as a licensed practical nurse at BCC, where she earned a Clinical Excellence Award in 2014. Bedard completed her advanced practice nursing rotations at Berkshire Medical Center in the ICU and as a hospitalist. As a registered nurse, she worked for eight years in the BMC emergency department, and previously she worked as a licensed practical nurse and as a certified medical assistant.
Sharon K. Bigler, family nurse practitioner, has joined CHP Lee Family Practice, where she will care for patients of all ages.
She earned her doctor of nursing practice at the University of Tulsa (OK), where she also received her bachelor of science in nursing. Prior to earning her DNP, Sharon was a critical care nurse, working for 15 years in medical-surgical, cardiovascular, burn, and neurotrauma intensive care units. Earlier, she worked for two years as a registered nurse case manager.
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Berkshire Bank Names Jim Kane, FVP, Regional Financial Center Manager
Pittsfield— Berkshire Bank is pleased to announce Jim Kane has joined as FVP, Regional Financial Center Manager, servicing the greater Berkshire County area.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Jim to the Retail Banking leadership team at Berkshire Bank. In his role, he will oversee 15 financial centers and work with a seasoned group of commercial partners to drive exceptional customer service as a community leader in the Berkshire market.” stated Ryan Shorette, senior vice president, director of financial center banking. Kane will manage the daily operations of financial centers in Berkshire County.
With an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hartford, Kane’s background includes over 15 years in financial services with various roles in retail banking through his tenure. Prior to joining Berkshire Bank, Kane worked for Webster Bank for the last six years. Most recently he was a regional sales & service coach, and a consumer bank internal controls manager.
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The Lenox Library Association has been selected to be the designated charity for Lenox Wine Fête
Lenox— The Lenox Library Association is pleased to partner with the Lenox Wine Fête, a festival which will celebrate big wines from small winemakers who are true to the craft and will introduce sustainable wines that are pleasing to the palate.
The Lenox Library Association has been selected to be the designated charity for this wine festival and will receive a portion of the event’s proceeds from the ticket sales. Additionally, Dare’s Libraries Are Magical raffle will give 100% of the raffle proceeds to the Lenox Library.
Dare Bottleshop and Provisions created the Libraries Are Magical raffle out of a love for the Lenox Library. “We are so proud to celebrate the Lenox Library and give back to this amazing institution that is truly the heart of our village. The library is by far our own kiddos favorite place to hang out in town,” said Mary Daire, founder and owner of Dare Bottleshop and Provisions.
Raffle ticket(s) are available for purchase at Dare Bottleshop and Provisions located at 11 Housatonic St. in Lenox, MA. Paid participants of the Lenox Wine Fête are automatically entered into the raffle with one raffle ticket. Ticket costs are one ticket for $1, six for $5 or twelve for $10. The winner will be announced at the Lenox Wine Fête on June 3rd at Pizzeria Boema.
Enjoy wine and support your local library…à votre santé!
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Berkshire Community College, MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts to host Eighth Grade Career Experience
Pittsfield/North Adams— Berkshire Community College (BCC) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will welcome approximately 1,000 eighth-graders from 13 Berkshire County schools.
Students from southern Berkshire County will attend the Career Conference at BCC on May 30th, led by MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board and BCC faculty. Students from central and northern Berkshire County will attend the Career Experience at MCLA on June 1st and 2nd, led by the Berkshire Compact for Education Aspirations Committee and MCLA faculty.
These important experiences will help students learn about different types of jobs and careers so that they can make informed decisions about course selection in high school — and begin to think about continuing education and a career. Students will be exposed to the many career opportunities in the Berkshires and beyond, with the chance to connect with local professionals and business owners. For both events, each student will attend two career workshops of their choice. Career workshop topics include education, law enforcement, culinary arts, health care, law, engineering, advanced manufacturing, building trades, and the arts.
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Berkshire Community College holds pinning ceremony for nursing graduates
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) held a traditional pinning ceremony for 51 graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program on Tuesday, May 23 at the Boland Theatre on the main campus.
The wearing of the school pin symbolizes the right to serve others, signifying the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The gold center of the pin features the college seal, including the words “To travel hopefully.”
Melissa Phillips received the Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to the student who has the highest GPA within the ADN program and is given in acknowledgment of academic excellence in nursing. This award recognizes the student’s hard work and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of nursing knowledge. Phillips also received the Bette B. Everson Memorial Nursing Award, which is given to the graduating Associate Degree in Nursing student who best exemplifies the personal characteristics of commitment, perseverance and professional growth.
Page Houser received the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who performs exemplary delivery of nursing skills in the clinical setting. This award recognizes the role of advocacy in nursing by promoting compassionate and holistic patient-centered care.
Cassidy Kendall received the Professionalism in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who is committed to high quality patient care, and who also serves as a role model for teamwork and collaboration. The award recognizes the importance of communication and critical thinking while promoting the positive image of nursing.
The ceremony honored the following Class of 2023 graduates:
Winsted: Stacy Leeman
Adams: Lachay Canada, Deborah Knight, Amy Slattery
Cheshire: Emma Clouthier, Tanisha Goines
Clarksburg: Natasha Antona
Dalton: Jacqueline Canterella, Brittany Durand, Cassidy Kendall, Carmen Quinde
Feeding Hills: Olga Meyko
Great Barrington: Susan Jennings
Hancock: Nicole Koldys
Hinsdale: Theresa Carusotto
Lanesborough: Mackenzie Melski, Melissa Phillips
Lee: Lisa Curley
Lenox Dale: Brian Arseneau
North Adams: Jacy Howland
Peru: Vanessa Taylor
Pittsfield: Cynthia Abbey, Alyssa Bartlett, Millicent Beckham, Carly Beery, Savannah Berkeley, Malynda Davis, Jamie Heaton, Page Houser, Trinity Kickery, Hannah Lanigan, Marissa Maher, Caroline Maina, Lillian Makoni, Anita Ofori, Tanya Pettibone, Kiana Pierce, Shelby Reynolds, John Ridge, Nicole Sirard, Katie Stegner, Ethan Trautman, Stephanie Velez-Vega
Richmond: Douglas Bruce, Elisabeth Jones
Sheffield: Calista Moore-Demarest
Williamstown: Kristin Mitchell
Worcester: Erin Sears
Canaan: Angelica Sanchez
Chatham: Caitlin Murphy
Brattleboro: Walter Randall
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‘Fresh Air Fund’ host families needed in Berkshire County
Berkshire— “Hosting a Fresh Air child is one of the most rewarding experiences, and I strongly encourage families from Berkshire County to welcome a New York City child this summer,” said Lelia Bruun, Fund Representative, Berkshire County. “We ask volunteer families to give a child the opportunity to enjoy our community’s natural beauty, explore new activities and build friendships that can have a positive lasting impact.”
The Fresh Air Fund is looking for new volunteer families to host a New York City child, ages 8 to 14, for one week this summer with the fund’s “Friendly Towns” program where children can make new friends, experience the fun of the outdoors and create memories that will last a lifetime.
“I have been a host and volunteer for 25 years, and I have so many fond memories,” Lelia Bruun continued. “Every child has their own passions, and it is fun to share and explore those interests like baking cupcakes for a bake sale or riding horses. They love it.”
Volunteer host families live in small towns, suburban and rural communities along the East Coast. Every host family goes through a rigorous screening process including a home visit, background check, interview and reference check. The Fresh Air Fund is committed to diversity and welcomes host families from all backgrounds to reflect the communities it serves.
Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. For more information about The Fresh Air Fund’s host volunteer program, please visit www.FreshAir.org/Host.
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PCTV and WTBR-FM hold successful ‘Eatza Pizza’ fundraiser
Pittsfield— Pittsfield Community Television and WTBR-FM, Pittsfield Community Radio held their first annual ‘Eatza Pizza’ fundraiser on Thursday, May 18th, and successfully raised over $4,500. All money raised during the event will go towards continuing the mission of providing the community a non-profit, non-commercial television and radio station which presents diverse local programming that is entertaining, informative, and educational programming.
I’m grateful for all of the local restaurants that participated and made this event the great success that it was,” said PCTV’s Executive Director Shawn Serre, “We had such a great turnout from the public, that it’s very likely we’ll have a second annual event next year.”
The People’s Choice award went to Porta Via Italian Eatery and Cafe, which also won Best Overall Pizza from the judges. The Locker Room was awarded Best Sauce and KJ Nosh won Best Crust.
PCTV congratulates the winners and wants to acknowledge and thank the over 20 volunteers, the pizza restaurants that participated, and the over 150 attendees who helped make the event a success.
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Healthgrades names Fairview Hospital ‘Outstanding Patient Experience Award™’ recipient for 11th consecutive year
Great Barrington— Fairview Hospital announced today that it has been recognized as a 2023 “Outstanding Patient Experience Award™” recipient. This distinction places Fairview Hospital among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience according to Healthgrades, the leading marketplace that connects people with the right doctor and hospital. Fairview Hospital has received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ for 11 years in a row (2013-2023).
“We are fortunate to have such dedicated employees, medical staff, and a management team that care for one another and collaboratively offer a level of patient-centered care that provides high clinical quality and exceptional patient satisfaction”, said Doreen Hutchinson, RN, Vice President of Operations and Patient Care at Fairview.
