Berkshire South gala raises $90,000
Great Barrington — Berkshire South Regional Community Center’s first-ever socially distanced fundraising gala, “Together Apart,” held Oct. 29, raised $90,000 toward the center’s programming.
“As a human services organization, Berkshire South has been called upon to activate our mission in more meaningful ways than ever before,” said executive director Jenise Lucey. “We are beyond grateful for our community, beyond grateful that we are able to continue this meaningful and important work especially now that there are more of those who need our help every day.”
This year’s Edwin A. Jaffe Award, named for the founder of Berkshire South and honoring an individual or group that has exhibited an extraordinary commitment to building community and common purpose, was presented to “the dedicated employees of Berkshire South Regional Community Center.” On behalf of Berkshire South’s board of trustees, board chair Ethel Patterson said: “This year, our team has been put to the test. They have given of themselves with every part of their being to make sure that the Center could help support the growing needs of the community. With their own personal lives turned upside-down by the pandemic, this team did everything in their power to continue to bring joy, console those in pain, support one another, and make a difference to everyone they served.”
Raffle winner Mary Ann Norris received a case of wine valued at over $400. Norris donated her winnings back to the Berkshire South staff to help them celebrate their award win. Door-prize winners were Rena Zurofsky, Carol McGlinchy, Steve Handel, Stephanie Carlson and Ann Dorfman.
–E.E.
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Berkshire United Way welcomes O’Sullivan as director of donor engagement
Pittsfield — Berkshire United Way welcomes Robby O’Sullivan as director of donor engagement.
O’Sullivan comes to BUW from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where he served as director of major gifts for nearly 10 years. In that role, he was responsible for working with a community of members and donors to support a $24 million annual budget. He worked closely with the garden’s top supporters through donor events, day trips, and an annual gala, and worked alongside a team to complete a $123 million campaign.
Previously O’Sullivan served as the major gift officer at Columbia University School of Journalism, campaign associate director for WNYC, manager of the annual fund and alumni relations for the Population Council, development director for the National Dance Institute, development associate for the Americans for the Arts, and donor services coordinator for the Rotary Foundation.
His educational background is in Spanish language and art history. Prior to receiving his degree from Indiana University, he spent a semester in Mexico City, Mexico, and a year studying in Madrid, Spain.
–E.E.
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Belair joins Berkshire Museum board of trustees
Pittsfield — Berkshire Museum welcomed Pittsfield resident Jeffrey Belair to its board of trustees during its annual meeting Sept. 21. A certified public accountant and partner at Smith, Watson & Company LLP, Belair adds experience with financial strategy and philanthropic planning to the museum’s board.
After several years in Denver, Colorado, Belair returned home to Pittsfield with his wife and children in 2019. As a partner at Smith, Watson & Company LLP, his practice focuses on income tax strategy, wealth transfer design and philanthropic planning. In addition to his service to Berkshire Museum, Belair sits on the board of directors for the Berkshire Natural Resources Council and Berkshire Family YMCA.
As Belair joins the board, the terms of Stephen Bayne, Suzanne Nash, Stacey Gillis Weber and Elizabeth McGraw have come to an end. The meeting also brought changes to the board’s slate of officers. The 2020-21 Berkshire Museum officers include Ethan Klepetar, president; Melissa Scarafoni, vice president; Rachel Melendez Mabee, secretary; and Brian Tremblay, treasurer. Nine trustees were re-elected during the annual meeting. Douglas Crane, Scarafoni, Catharine B. Deely, Melendez Mabee, Josh Simpson, Jeffrey Thomas and Michael Wynn were re-elected for three-year terms; Klepetar and Wendy Gordon were re-elected for one-year terms; and Caitlin Pemble, David Glodt, Dennis Egan, Evan Hickok, Judy Rush and Tremblay continue to serve.
–E.E.
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Greylock promotes Stanford to Adams branch manager
Adams — Greylock Federal Credit Union has announced the promotion of Emily Stanford to branch manager at its Adams location. As a branch manager, Stanford oversees daily operations and supports the Adams team in meeting member needs.
Stanford joined Greylock in 2008 as a teller in Great Barrington and held positions of increasing responsibility throughout her career. She is also a co-founder the Greylock Employee Community Giveback Program that organizes company-wide community support projects each year. She lives in Dalton and serves as treasurer for Junior League of Berkshire County.
–E.E.
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Salisbury Bank’s Cook graduates from the Connecticut School of Finance & Management
Lakeville, Conn. — Dayna Cook, training manager at Salisbury Bank, recently graduated from the Connecticut School of Finance & Management, an intensive two-year bank management training program sponsored by the Connecticut Bankers Association. The program provides an opportunity for bank management personnel and other key employees of Connecticut’s banking industry to obtain a more comprehensive knowledge and awareness of the banking business.
Cook joined Salisbury Bank in 2009 as a deposit operations specialist. She then transferred to the retail department and became head teller at the Sharon branch in 2010. In 2014 she became a retail trainer, and was promoted to training manager in 2015. Cook loves spending time with her three children and resides in Amenia, New York.
–E.E.
