Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents ‘Architecting Your Movie,’ a screenwriting workshop with award-winning writer/producer Matthew Syrett
Berkshire— On Tuesday, June 10th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative presents ‘Architecting Your Movie,’ a screenwriting workshop with award-winning writer/producer Matthew Syrett.
Are you passionate about storytelling? Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, or if you have an important story to tell, this game-changing virtual workshop is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to outline your screenplay using the professional “beatsheet” technique.
- Gain an understanding of the “beatsheet” and its role in story development.
- How to turn your own idea into a solid professional outline.
- How to avoid common pitfalls in feature film screenwriting.
Plus:
- Gain industry insights from a seasoned screenwriter.
- Participate in an interactive Q&A session.
- Get personal feedback from Matt after the workshop (optional add-on)
Matt Syrett is an award-winning producer and screenwriter, renowned for producing the Academy Award-winning documentary Freeheld and serving as the lead story producer for Netflix’s “MerPeople” He received his masters in screenwriting from AFI, where he won the Writers Room Ready Competition. His work has been featured on platforms like HBO, PBS, Cinemax, and Netflix.
The virtual workshop is on Tuesday, June 10th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Zoom. Registration and more information can be found online. A limited number of scholarships are available; email ericka@berkshirefilm.org for more information.
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Berkshire LGBTQ+ Business, Professional & Community Leaders June networking event at the Devonfield Inn
Lee— On Wednesday, June 18th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, and Berkshire Magazine present the June Berkshire LGBTQ+ Business, Professional & Community Leaders Networking Event, to be held at the historic Devonfield Inn in Lee. The monthly networking event is designed to foster connection, collaboration, and creative dialogue among local LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, community leaders, and allies, offering a platform to reflect on the rich history, the vibrant present, and the promising future of LGBTQ+ business in the Berkshires.
This month’s panel will feature Lee Chamber of Commerce President (and co-owner of the Devonfield Inn) Doug Bagnasco, Lee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alexandra Heddinger, and Massachusetts LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alexandra Eberhardt. They will tell stories and present data about how LGBTQ+ small businesses have made important contributions to the economy and culture of both the Berkshires and the State, and how embracing diversity is giving the region and the State a noticeable edge as more and more small business around the country look for a place where their diversity and creativity will be welcomed, supported, and celebrated.
“In this time of tumultuous change, it’s vital that our local LGBTQ+ business owners and professionals come together to support one another and work in solidarity with our many allied businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to improve the region’s economic development and creative economy, particularly as LGBTQ businesses and business owners from more repressive parts of the country look for a place where they will be welcomed,” said Q-MoB Executive Director Bart Church.
The free event is on Wednesday, June 18th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Devonfield Inn, located at 85 Stockbridge Road in Lee. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Donovan O’Connor & Dodig, LLP announces that Attorney Elisabeth C. Goodman has joined the firm
North Adams— Donovan O’Connor & Dodig, LLP announces that Attorney Elisabeth C. Goodman has joined the firm.
Goodman comes to the firm after many years of successful practice in the Commonwealth, primarily in Berkshire County. She was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1984 and is also admitted in the District of Columbia. She has extensive experience in real estate, zoning, and environmental law and represents a wide variety of clients including developers with innovative re-use projects, homeowners who organized into special government districts, emerging and start up companies, non-profit organizations, and environmental engineering firms. She reviews and advises on complex transactions, including public financing and large-scale public construction projects, and is experienced in estate planning and estate administration.
Goodman is active in the community and has served as a board member of a number of local nonprofit organizations including the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, Greylock A Better Chance, Inc., Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, and is presently the elected Town Moderator for Williamstown.
Marnie A. Clough, the current Managing Partner at the firm commented, “Donovan O’Connor & Dodig, LLP is fortunate to have an attorney of Beth’s caliber and background join the firm. Her knowledge and love of our area, coupled with her expertise in real estate, including zoning and environmental issues, as well as in estate planning and administration, is truly unique. We are excited to have her as part of our team.”
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Berkshire Family & Individual Resources earns three-year CARF accreditation
North Adams— Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR) received a three-year Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation for their Day Habilitation and AFC (Adult Family Care) services.
During the accreditation process, the CARF surveyors noted that “this achievement is an indication of [BFAIR’s] dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of conformance to standards.”
“Once again, the dedication and commitment of BFAIR’s staff and leadership team has shown through. To receive a three-year accreditation is outstanding and a true testament to the quality of services BFAIR provides”, said Ethel Altiery, Interim CEO of BFAIR.
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Berkshire Community College and MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board host eighth grade career conference
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, May 29th, Berkshire Community College (BCC) welcomed approximately 275 eighth-graders from Mt. Everett Middle/High School, Du Bois Middle School, Lee Middle/High School, Lenox Memorial Middle/High School, and Herberg Middle School for an eighth grade career conference.
Students were exposed to the many career opportunities in the Berkshires, with the chance to connect with local professionals and business owners. These important experiences 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.
Each student attended two career workshops of their choice, by local employers and college faculty. Career workshop topics included business-finance, human services, education, law enforcement, hospitality, health care, advanced manufacturing, building trades, and the arts. Students also received information about BCC programs and Career Development Education.
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Berkshire Community College holds 65th Commencement Ceremony at Tanglewood
Pittsfield— On Friday, May 30th, Berkshire Community College (BCC) held its 65th Commencement Ceremony at Tanglewood.
The College awarded 182 associate degrees (including 130 Associate in Science degrees and 52 Associate in Arts degrees) and 106 certificates. A total of 288 awards were conferred to 270 students in 41 programs of study. Thirteen students received more than one degree or certificate. Graduates range in age from 19 to 66, with an average age of 32. While the majority of graduates reside in Massachusetts, others hail from Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Vermont.
BCC President Ellen Kennedy welcomed attendees and provided inspiring remarks for the institution’s graduates. Laurie Gordy, Vice President for Academic Affairs, introduced valedictorian Michael Morse, who delivered an address to the graduates. The commencement address was delivered by Noe Ortega, Ph.D., Commissioner of Higher Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The City of Albany Pipe Band provided the music for the processional and recessional, and the National Anthem was sung by 2025 BCC graduate Michelle Foley.
Degrees of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Certificates of completion: Addiction Counselor Education, Business Administration, Business Careers, Cannabis Industry, CIS Networking, CIS Programming-Technical, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education – Intermediate, Early Childhood Education – Introductory, Engineering, Environmental Science, Fine Arts, Health Science, Human Services, Human Services, Law Enforcement, Liberal Arts, Massage Therapy, Mechatronics, Medical Coding, Mental Health Worker, Music Production, Natural & Physical Sciences, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nurse, Social Work – Introductory, Studio Art, Technical Theatre, Water Quality Monitoring.
The 2024 graduates, listed by degree or certificate awarded, include the following:
- Associate in Arts, Business Administration: Audrey F. Bartzsch, Elizabeth A. Bertolino, Karen R. Betit, Noah J. Collingwood, Nathaniel M. Coyne, Allison M. Crespo, Megan E. Dubreuil, Jessica A. Figueroa, Kyle P. Gelaznik, Julia T. Hannigan, Anadelia M. Hart, Kelsea J. Hinton, Jamie M. Leach, Jazmyn M. Majors, Kelsey M. Martinez, Steven A. Mendez, Autumn C. Rose, Alexander R. Strauser, Walter David Suarez, Suzanne S. Therrien, Madison Shea Winn
- Associate in Arts, Fine Arts: Michelle T. Foley, Hugo L. Pizarro-Gundelfinger, Albert J. Hubbard, Margrette Violette McNulty, Kathaleen A. Mogul, Natalie Mae Pollard, Katherine Yvette Sanchez, Alexandra E. Duff-Thompson
- Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts: Christopher Angel Supacela Aucancela, Kendall R. Benlien, Rowan L. Boyer, Caiden A. Burt, Kyleigh G. Castagna, Elysa M. Cormier, Jose D. Cripps, Allison E. Dolle, Brittany N. Filiault, Julia Paige Jacobsson, Althea Rowan Grover Kent, Nicole Ann Black Kusek, Alexandra G. Leahey, Kaleigh M. Lovato, Anya L. Lyford, Michael P. Marchetti, Layla Eileen Pedroza, Juliana Rodriguez, Sebastian M. Dowd-Smith, Amber L. Southard, Cheryl L. Turnbough, Martine D. Walsh, Samira A. Zabian
- Associate in Science, Business Careers: Alexander M. Digrigoli, Julie A. Doty, Alexis N. Fogle, Lisa M. Gallant, Justin A. Mendez, Violeta Rabiaj, Neudis Y. Orellana-Ramos, Kavita S. Victor
- Associate in Science, Computer Information Systems: Amy Suzanne Alderton, Victoria L. Nicoll, Jeffrey Daniel Larkin Sprague
- Associate in Science, Criminal Justice: Daysha M. Bell, Isabelle G. Berkel, Justin F. Denette, Grace A. Elliott, Amalio Jusino, John A. Liebenow III, Sawyer Moore, Rylee Rose Paronto, Lucas Alan Pelkey, Gabriel O. Rayme, Paxton R. Strout
- Associate in Science, Early Childhood Education: Cairra N. Ramos, Jamie L. Willette
- Associate in Science, Engineering: Rosa López Moritz, Christopher V. Underhill
- Associate in Science, Environmental Science: Olivia E. Chelstowski, Ashley Elizabeth Smith, William S. VanSant, Faith Ann Wehner
- Associate in Science, Health Science: Stella Asamoah, Sierra R. Beckman, Emily Pam Eastman, Samaria Glasser, Mehki W. Romero, Rose M. Segarra, Caitlin S. Tatro, Tony J. Veilleux
- Associate in Science, Human Services: Ashara Lee Lindemann-Malama, Jasmyne V. Middleton, Heidi D. Shartrand-Newell, Morgan L. Quagliano, Fiona Rose Smith, Rachel M. Smith
- Associate in Science, Mechatronics: Michael I. Morse, Austin R. Richardson, Connor Ward Westlake
- Associate in Science, Natural & Physical Sciences: Morgan Depson, Tyler Duquette, Giovanna Vianna Esko, Hayleigh M. Gavin
- Associate in Science, Nursing: Haley A. Amaral, Dzidefo P. Amesimeku, Marcia A. Bailey, Angela C. Baldwin, Terry J. Bandy, Jaklyn B. Barbarotta, Alexandra A. Barnes, Alyssa Barnes, Ryan Andrew Bateman “Spidey”, Michele R. Belliveau, Joshua R. Bolduc, Amanda Jane Brannock, Tonya L. Burns, Bernice N. Cobbinah, Emily A. Condry, Jocelyn M. Cote, Jucene Dos Santos Da Costa, Tara S. Darcy, Aurie P. Delano, Brianna R. DiNicola, Jennifer M. Donovan, Joel D. Eason III, Auris Encarnacion Done, Oba Erukakpomren, Guadalupe Gonzalez, Kristin E. Graeff, Emily Greb, Symanther N. Grey, Emilie A. Holst-Grubbe, Rain R. Hajjar, Carissa R. Hartman, Katie M. Higgins, Marcos A. Irausquin, Shatarra B. Lanier-Jarju, Edwin Wekesa Juma, Raisa Kachevsky, Matilda B. Kassela, Leah N. Kerongo, Alexis Ann Klemansky, Elizabeth Kwaw, Madison L. Lamoureaux, , Bridget M. Lussier, Michelle R. Malloy, Maria Jose McClelland, Colleen J. McKearney, Guadalupe Miranda, Norah M. Moindi, MacKenzie A. Muzzulin, Mutiyah S. Nash, Elizabeth Nazaire, Parker L. O’Connell, Doreen Perullo, Elizabeth A. Pevzner, Jennifer L. Phelps, Cortney E. Provenzano, Amtul Rawoof, Corrisa J. Regan, Melanie M. Rivera, Erin M. Roch, Frank Rogers, Jordan M. Rosier, Cassie L. Scott, Sharon C. Shine, Stefan W. Stidsen, Yuko T. Tasato, Jaiden E. Tatro, Christina Marie Tighe, Leighan M. Toomey, Shelby S. Trombley, Danna Toledo Vargas, Nodia W. Wright, Daniel Yameogo, Alysha Simone Yard
- Associate in Science, Physical Therapist Assistant: Johanna M. Coons-Beguin, Sharon E. Brown, Carli M. Kipp, Devin Matthew Kogut, Madeline A. Lazarus, Rosalyn Juliana Lincoln
- Certificate, Addiction Counselor Education: Shaun J. Bertera, Morgan Leigh Quagliano
- Certificate, Cannabis Industry: Christopher Bush, Ian E. Fletcher, Tyler J. Seagrave
- Certificate, CIS Networking: Amy S. Alderton, Shaun H. Beverly, Vincenzo G. Covello, Victoria L. Nicoll, Ian F. Tornquist
- Certificate, CIS Programming – Technical: Amy S. Alderton, Vincenzo G. Covello, Victoria L. Nicoll
- Certificate, Culinary Arts: Steven Carr, Samuel A. Gallick, Tabatha M. Leggette, Zachary Kyle Lipson, Chad A. Lorenz, Melanie R. Nieman, Michael Valdemar Pecholes, Natalie Robert, Jenitza I. Rodriguez-Rosario, Kaytlyn M. Stringer
- Certificate, Early Childhood Education – Introductory: Greta A. Lacey, Jamie L. Willette
- Certificate, Early Childhood Education – Intermediate: Stacey L. Hallock
- Certificate, Human Services: Allison K. Casey, Heather M. Kunes, Ashara L. Lindemann, Sarah Anne Petell, Fiona Rose Smith, Rachel Marie Smith, Fanta Souare
- Certificate, Law Enforcement: Gabriel O. Rayme
- Certificate, Massage Therapy: Christine R. Alberti, Amanda L. Boesse, Kaitlyn A. Chisholm, Joshua Levin, Lorena I. Rodriguez Lluberes, Brian L. McCollough, Kimberly A. O’Brien, Stephanie Otter, Rachel Pulaski Philp, Justin M. Timoney
- Certificate, Medical Coding: Jennifer L. Adkins, Margaret W. Adorno, Jacob G. Montoya-Alvarado, Ashlyn N. Belisle, Gabrielle Bridagan, Carissa R. Collins, Miranda Chi Crandall, Justine M. Dove, Dawne C. Flanders, Gabrielle K. Harrington, Jordan M. Hayden, Kriste L. Kleiner, Holly A. Padgett, Kara Roberts, Melissa S. Russell, Kaycee L. Smith, Angela L. Thompson, Jonnie Thompson
- Certificate, Mental Health Worker: Rae Langsdale, Fiona Rose Smith, Rachel Marie Smith
- Certificate, Music Production: Hugo Pizarro-Gundelfinger, James Hitchings, Logan Osorio
- Certificate, Practical Nurse: Celia R. Armstrong, Gabrielle D. Barrett, Marleigh Briggs, Yesmary Carela, Courtney Decker, Erin R. Dillon, Gretchen M. Ghada, Miranda Maree Harford, Chasidy Kery, Ahou Claudine Adiatou-Koffi, Edward M. Kuloba, Jennifer C. Lippmann, Sarah Kathleen McCormick, Marina M. Morrison, Yachira Olivo, Elizabeth Paglier, Jeidi P. Paredes, Ariana Rave, Jacqueline Rosa, Leticia A. Smachetti, Amber L. Sumner, Natoniah I. Kemp-Williams
- Certificate, Social Work – Introductory: Maya D. Bachman, Sarah A. Cook, Christopher E. Dellea, Renee R. LeClair, Ashara L. Lindemann, Alejandra B. Nozyce, Carlota Irene Serre, Dawn A. Syrko, Theresa E. Whitney
- Certificate, Studio Art: Michelle T. Foley, Albert J. Hubbard, Maxwell P. McNulty, Katarina J. Stefanik
- Certificate, Technical Theatre: Matthew Robert Garrity
- Certificate, Water Quality Monitoring: Nathan J. Brown, Maria Nardi Solek
