‘Let It Shine!’ public art partnership welcomes Silvia Lopez Chavez to Pittsfield to paint an original mural on the Shipton Building
Pittsfield— The “Let It Shine!” public art partnership is thrilled to welcome Silvia Lopez Chavez to Pittsfield to paint an original mural on the south-facing side of the Shipton Building at 146-156 North Street. This mural is funded by a MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Creative Catalyst Grant, and painting has officially begun.
Silvia Lopez Chavez is a Dominican-American artist whose community-centered murals form connections across disciplines and cultural boundaries. She uses joy as an act of resistance and celebration through her vibrant murals, and her work transforms urban spaces by honoring the identity of a place and its people. Silvia is a Neighborhood Salon Luminary at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and was awarded the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) Leadership in Public Art award (2021). Commissions include the U.S. Chinese Embassy in Beijing, Google HQ in California, SeaWalls Boston, MIT, Harvard University, Twitter, and Northeastern University. Artist residencies include Vermont Studio Center, Haystack, and MASS MoCA. As her career continues to expand internationally, she remains true to her vision: to make art with others and create beauty that also tells a truth. She is a proud alumna of Altos de Chavon School of Art & Design in the Dominican Republic and Massachusetts College of Art & Design.
The imagery in Silvia’s mural on the Shipton Building takes inspiration from the spirit of visionary women coming together with joy to imagine and create a bright future for Pittsfield. The focal points are two figures embracing, covered in luscious, colorful textiles juxtaposed with geometric shapes and patterns in the background. The women are anchored in a cloud of bunting fan flags of various colors and patterns to visually connect to the building’s and downtown’s historical tradition of bunting decoration for events in the city throughout the year. The idea of rich textiles and the element of the paper plane gives a nod to the city’s history of paper and textile mills, as well as plane engineering and manufacturing. Overall, the mural hopes to uplift viewers with a message of welcome and inclusion, celebrating the beautiful diversity of Pittsfield’s community today.
For more information on Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., visit downtownpittsfield.com or call Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. at 413-443-6501. You may also follow @DowntownPittsfield on Facebook and Instagram.
***
Community Health Programs welcomes Bethany Kieley as CEO
Great Barrington— Community Health Programs Inc. has named Bethany Kieley as its new chief executive officer.
Kieley was most recently chief operations officer at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, a federally qualified health center serving 55,000 patients in greater New Haven, Conn. Previously, Kieley worked for nearly 12 years with ProHealth Physicians, a large medical practice network in Connecticut. At ProHealth, she advanced through the ranks from her first role as a regional manager to the position of vice president in practice operations, programs and services. Kieley also worked as chief operating officer for Women’s Care Florida, and in her earlier career held operational roles at medical practices in New Hampshire and Western Massachusetts.
At CHP Berkshires, she will oversee a $30 million budget and approximately 240 employees. The network’s primary care, dental care, OB/GYN care and extensive family support services care for more than 30,000 Berkshire region residents, including patients in Vermont, Connecticut and New York.
Kieley earned her master’s degree in business administration from Plymouth State University and completed a healthcare executive leadership program at Stanford University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music and business from DePaul University. Prior to relocating to the Berkshires, she was an active volunteer tutor and board member for Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut.
***
UCP of Western Mass. announces Randy Kinnas as new CEO
Pittsfield— UCP of Western Massachusetts announced the appointment of Randy Kinnas this week as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Most recently, Kinnas was chief operating officer of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs. Prior to that, Kinnas served as CEO of several YMCAs across MA where his leadership skills and merger initiatives resulted in geographic growth, expansion in program offerings, community outreach and member engagement.
“Randy’s track record of success in program and partnership development along with strategic planning made him the top candidate to lead UCP of Western MA,” said UCP’s outgoing interim CEO Howard Marshall.
“Over the past several years, I spent a lot of time facilitating strategic plans with the YMCAs across the Commonwealth,” said Kinnas. “I know UCP has a strong strategic plan in place and now what needs to happen is the execution of that plan. That is a strength of mine.”
As CEO of UCP, Kinnas will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s long-term planning efforts, fostering partnerships with community stakeholders and developing innovative programs to empower individuals with disabilities to lead more independent lives.
Kinnas said he is excited to build upon UCP’s rich legacy of empowering people with disabilities. The agency has been a leading force in advocating for disability rights, providing essential services and promoting independence through innovative programming and the use of assistive technology. With Kinnas at the helm, the organization is poised to continue its mission.
UCP’s leadership is equally excited to have him on board. UCP Board Treasurer and Past Board President Dan Proskin shared, “Early in our search, the board and our CEO search committee established criteria and best practices to look for in a new chief executive. We’re thrilled this process led us to Randy Kinnnas, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will make on the lives of the people we serve.”
***
CATA hires Shawn Mille as Program Associate
Great Barrington— Community Access to the Arts (CATA) announces the appointment of Shawn Mille as Program Associate.
Shawn Mille (he/him) comes to CATA from the Austen Riggs Center where he served as Development and Communications Coordinator and previously as Assistant Medical Records Administrator. Prior to his work at Austen Riggs, Shawn worked at the Brien Center as Office Manager. Shawn has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Salem State University and serves as vice president of the board for the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention as well as on the Marketing/PR and Fundraising subcommittees.
In his new role at CATA, Shawn will support CATA’s Program Director team, with particular focus on programs taking place off-site in partnership with schools, day programs, nursing homes, and community centers.
***
Berkshire Money Management welcomes Airen Wadsworth and thanks Marlon Binns
Great Barrington— Berkshire Money Management is pleased to announce the expansion of its Great Barrington team with the addition of Airen Wadsworth as Front Office Coordinator.
As the Front Office Coordinator, Airen is the first person to welcome guests to the new Great Barrington office. His goal is to help every client and visitor feel comfortable, at home, and part of the BMM culture. He will also support the firm with scheduling, data entry, and other vital tasks.
Airen, a lifelong resident of Lee, Massachusetts, earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from MCLA. When he’s not making the BMM office warm and welcoming, Airen works with motocross athletes from around the world in his role as owner and CEO of Airtime Clothing. A motocross rider himself, Airen also enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his dogs, cats, horses, and goats.
Berkshire Money Management also thanks and bids farewell to their summer intern, Marlon Binns. Marlon, a graduate of Pittsfield High School, returns this month to the University of California where he is studying business administration with the aim of pursuing a career in wealth management, investment banking, or financial consulting. He joined the BMM team earlier this summer to learn through firsthand experience what it’s like to work in the wealth management industry and what aspects he might enjoy most.
During his time with BMM, Marlon assisted the team with a variety of tasks, attended meetings, and shadowed colleagues to learn the fundamentals of team operations and client services. Outside of his internship and studies, Marlon pursues illustration and fashion design, and enjoys golf, basketball, and hiking, especially at Runyon Canyon near Los Angeles or the Boulders here in the Berkshires.
***
The Literacy Network launches new website, a virtual gathering space for tutors
Lee—The Literacy Network (LitNet) announces the launch of its new website, which can be viewed at www.litnetsb.org.
The first overhaul of its website in eight years, the new site is intended to be more user-friendly and will serve as a launch pad for Berkshire County’s growing immigrant population as they seek English language assistance, resources, or U.S. citizenship information. The new site will include an improved translation function that will allow prospective LitNet clients to peruse the website in their native language. The new site will also feature an intranet where LitNet’s 150+ volunteer tutors can log in to have virtual conversations, share resources, consult with LitNet staff, and stay connected.
The redesign, which was done by Brickhouse Web Design out of Pittsfield, was made possible by a grant from the Feigenbaum Foundation.
LitNet is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that for 32 years has been providing free, individualized tutoring in the areas of English for Speakers of Other Languages, U.S citizenship test preparation, and adult basic education. LitNet currently serves 200 individuals, the majority of whom are immigrants from South and Central America who are working on their English language skills.
***
Berkshire Black Economic Council Announces First Round of “Vibe North Street” Grant Awardees
Pittsfield— The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) is pleased to announce four grant awardees for the “Vibe North Street” storefront recruitment grant program, in collaboration with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI).
The awardees are:
Guelce Collaborative Marketing Guelce Collaborative specializes in website development and management services for small businesses. With their grant award they will establish a physical presence in the North Street district and expand their digital and marketing expertise to downtown Pittsfield by providing social media management, advertising, as well as, recording and editing support.
BB’s Hot Spot LLC BB’s Hot Spot brings the mouthwatering flavors of Caribbean BBQ and Jerk to the Berkshires. BB’s Hot Spot will bring their eatery to downtown Pittsfield and add a delightfully unique culinary experience for “food-ies” in Pittsfield.
Dolce Rose Beauty Supply Dolce Rose Beauty Supply formerly operated online and vended at pop-up events. Dolce Rose Beauty Supply Store will now open the only Black-owned beauty supply store within a 40-mile radius. The funding will enable the company to establish a brick and-mortar presence, and this will bring diverse beauty products to the local community.
Brazzucas Brazzucas is a Brazilian market that will bring the tastes, colors, and culture of Brazil to the heart of Pittsfield. With the grant award, Brazzucas will move onto North Street in the former General Store.
“These businesses exemplify the vibe we wish to bring to North Street and it’s our honor to pay it forward,” said A.J. Enchill, President and Executive Director of BBEC, “more importantly, this grant program reflects both passion and transformations in Pittsfield. Congratulations to all the recipients and those who have supported their applications.”
***
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. announces the first round of “Glow Up!” business improvement grant recipients
Pittsfield— Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) have announced the first round of “Glow Up!” grant recipients in the city of Pittsfield
The following businesses and property owners have been awarded grant funding for signs, painting, lighting, and improvements to their entryways: Berkshire Aesthetic Medicine, Berkshire Fitness & Wellness Center, Brooklyn’s Best, Deidre’s Special Day, Marketplace Cafe, Pampered Pup Dog Day Spa, South Street Pizza House, Spirited Shears, Steven Valenti – as property owner of 155 North Street, Paul Aronofsky, as property owner of 417 North Street, Paul Aronofsky – as property owner of 344 North Street, and Ann Deneault & Francis Smith – as property owners 324 North Street.
The “Glow Up!” grant program is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The program’s purpose is to provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses affected by COVID-19 within ARPA’s disproportionately impacted district of Pittsfield. Grant recipients were selected using a grading system that ranked their responses on how COVID-19 impacted their business, on the details of the projects to be funded by the grant, and on the impact the projects would make on their space, keeping in the spirit of “Glowing Up” our community.
“Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., PERC, and the “Glow Up!” grant selection committee appreciated the opportunity to consider so many applications,” says Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. “We are excited to be able to disperse a total of $100,000 in ARPA grants to twelve businesses. The number of deserving requests speaks to the overwhelming need for these types of grant opportunities in our community. We are encouraged that we will be able to offer a second round of “Glow Up!” grants this fall, as it is vitally important for us to support the time, effort, and commitment our business community makes to our city.”
Grant-related questions may be directed to Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., at 413-443-6501 or businessdevelopment@downtownpittsfield.com
***
1Berkshire welcomes Youth Leadership Program class of 2023-2024
Berkshire County— 1Berkshire is excited to welcome its 13th class into the Berkshire Youth Leadership Program. This group of 27 rising high school juniors from across the Berkshires was selected through a competitive application process to begin a year-long leadership development program that kicked off with a three-day, two-night retreat held at Camp Becket. Selected students have shown a significant capacity to grow their leadership skills and a strong desire to have a positive impact on their communities.
Over the next 9 months, these 27 students will convene at locations all around the region to participate in workshops, engage in meaningful group dialogues, learn from speakers and one another, and to develop and execute their selected collective-impact project. With a renewed focus on sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion, this year’s program will also aim to engage students in meaningful discussions that create critical reflection and new levels of self awareness as we seek to support qualities associated with global citizenry and cultural humility.
Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire, and co-director of the Youth Leadership Program notes, “We are beyond thrilled to begin this year’s Youth Leadership Program. During the retreat, our students began building connections and thinking about how their personal learning and communication styles interact.” He adds, “We look forward to an excellent year in which our students will learn about career opportunities and resources available to them here in the Berkshires, as well as devising and executing a plan to make a positive impact here in the Berkshires and out in the world.”
Students in the Youth Leadership Program leave with a new group of friends from all around the county, a unique and deep understanding of career opportunities here in the Berkshires, and the pride of completing a project that has positively impacted their community.
Made possible through the financial and resource support of sponsors including Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, the 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the dynamic support of the volunteer Youth Leadership Program Steering Committee. Chaired by Matthew Martin of Mildred Elley, this committee is composed of professionals across the region who commit their time and expertise to develop and facilitate the monthly sessions for the class, while also offering advice to them as they look to their own futures.
The 2023-2024 Youth Leadership Class participants are:
Emily Alvarez – Mount Greylock Regional School
Maryn Cappiello – Hoosac Valley High School
Bradley Chapman – Drury High School
Persephone Clark – BART Charter Public School
Natalie Cunningham – Wahconah Regional High School
Vera de Jong – Mount Greylock Regional School
Madison Digrigoli – Lenox Memorial Middle and High School
Mary Haight – Wahconah Regional High School
Will Hakes – Hoosac Valley High School
Kaeleigh Heath – Lenox Memorial Middle and High School
Shaffer Kropke – Lenox Memorial Middle and High School
Eleanor Kropke – Lenox Memorial Middle and High School
Catherine Makuc – Mount Everett Regional School
Mia McCluskey – Pittsfield High School
Molly McLear – Hoosac Valley High School
Emma Meczywor – Hoosac Valley High School
Micah Miles – Lenox Memorial Middle and High School
Arthur Millet – Mount Greylock Regional School
Griffin Mucci – Hoosac Valley High School
Cassius Osinga – Monument Mountain Regional High School
Leandra Quintero – Wahconah Regional High School
Madeline Rundle – Monument Mountain Regional High School
Daniel Sargent – Wahconah Regional High School
Etta Schnackenberg – Lenox Memorial Middle and High School
Jared Senzel – Lenox Memorial Middle and High School
Knowl Stroud – Mount Greylock Regional School
Elizabeth Wheeler – Wahconah Regional High School
***
Fairview Hospital receives recognition for quality patient care and experience
Great Barrington— Fairview Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital and an affiliate of Berkshire Health Systems, has been awarded a five-star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for quality patient care.
The overall rating, between one and five stars, provides consumers with a summary of a hospital’s overall quality performance averaged into a single summary score, with five-stars being the highest rating. Scores are determined from a variety of data reported, including mortality, safety of care, timely and effective care, readmissions, and patient experience. Fairview Hospital is one of two hospitals in Massachusetts to earn the five-star rating.
“Fairview Hospital consistently achieves high marks for its patient care and quality,” said Darlene Rodowicz, President & CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. “The providers and staff at Fairview can be justifiably proud of their dedication to the highest standards of patient care for the south Berkshire community.”
Fairview Hospital was also named one of the top sixty-seven top hospitals nationwide recognized for quality and patient experience by CMS based on survey responses from patients about nurse-physician communication, staff responsiveness, and facility cleanliness and quietness.
