MountainOne supports Child Care of the Berkshires’ new StoryWalk installation
North Adams— Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc. and MountainOne celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Family Center’s new StoryWalk® on the Born Learning Trail today, marking the completion of a community project that brings literacy and learning outdoors for local families.
The StoryWalk, located along the path connecting the SteepleCats stadium to the Noel Field complex, features pages from children’s picture books displayed sequentially so families can read together as they walk. This fall, visitors can enjoy reading “How to Climb a Mountain,” an original story produced by MountainOne featuring Mo the Spokesgoat, along the new StoryWalk route.
Amy Hall, President and CEO of Child Care of the Berkshires, said, “We are so thankful to MountainOne for making it possible to purchase the StoryWalk holders and to the City of North Adams for installing them. We’re also grateful to Northern Berkshire United Way for their ongoing partnership and shared commitment to building a strong, connected community. This project truly reflects what can be achieved when we all work together—and it’s something families will enjoy for many years to come.”Â
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Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative brings its popular networking night to the Indigo Room at The Mahaiwe Performing Arts
Great Barrington— On Tuesday, October 28th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative brings its popular networking night to the Indigo Room at The Mahaiwe Performing Arts.Â
Explore The Indigo Room, grab a drink, and mingle with fellow creatives, filmmakers, producers, educators, students, and industry professionals from across the region. Spark new collaborations, trade ideas, or just enjoy the energy of this creative community.
The event is on Tuesday, October 28th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Indigo Room at The Mahaiwe Performing Arts, located at 20 Castle Street in Great Barrington. There will be a cash bar and some yummy noshes. Admission is free. Register by October 24th. Registration and more information can be found online.Â
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Shire City Phoenix revives beloved Fire Cider Tonic after there year hiatus
Berkshire— Shire City Phoenix announced the return of Fire Cider tonic, a sweet, tangy, and spicy health tonic cherished by local fans. Original co-owner Amy Huebner is bringing the product back to market after a three-year hiatus following numerous requests from longtime fans eager to stock up on the tonic for the autumn and winter seasons.
The familiar recipe, prepared by Huebner, features organic ingredients such as raw apple cider vinegar, whole citrus, horseradish root, garlic, and honey. Introduced to the market in 2010, the original Fire Cider gained recognition for its invigorating and health-boosting properties, as well as its versatile culinary applications.
“We are so excited to bring Fire Cider back to the community,” says Amy Huebner. “We’ve had countless requests over the years, and we’re thrilled to offer customers the familiar tonic they know and love”. More information can be found online.Â
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Berkshire Money Management welcomes Brendan Bullett as Financial Advisor
Dalton— Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announces that Brendan Bullett has joined their team as a Financial Advisor.
Brendan brings more than 20 years of experience helping Berkshire County residents navigate the transition from saving for retirement to retiring with confidence. He has extensive experience leading employees of Williams College and Berkshire Health Systems into confident retirements and provided vital support to the nurses and hospital staff who faced unexpected retirement transitions following the closure of North Adams Regional Hospital in 2014.
“Brendan has built his career on helping people retire with clarity and confidence,” said Allen Harris, Founder and CEO of Berkshire Money Management. “His experience working with families and professionals across northern Berkshire County makes him a natural fit for our team as we continue to grow our presence in that area and expand our capacity to serve the community.”
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MountainOne promotes Margherita Hoffman to Senior Personal Lines Account Manager
North Adams— MountainOne announces promotion of Margherita Hoffman to Senior Personal Lines Account Manager.
Hoffman manages the largest personal lines book of business at MountainOne Insurance and is known for outstanding client retention, strong relationships with carriers, and a commitment to high-quality service. In 2023, she received the Travelers Insurance S.T.A.R. award in recognition of her performance.
“Margherita’s promotion reflects the caliber of excellence we strive for at MountainOne,” said Jonathan Denmark, Executive Vice President of MountainOne Bank and President and Chief Operating Officer of MountainOne Insurance. “Her expertise, commitment to clients, and leadership within our team are an ideal fit for this new role. We’re delighted to recognize Margherita’s contributions and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive.”
This story has been updated to reflect Margherita Hoffman’s promotion at MountainOne.
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Kripalu announces the return of its community membership
Stockbridge— Kripalu announces the return of its Neighbors Membership, a program designed exclusively for Berkshire locals to enjoy Kripalu in a more sustainable and accessible way.Â
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the Kripalu Neighbors was created for Berkshire residents who seek meaningful ways to engage with Kripalu’s mission, classes and amenities. Neighbor members called the experience transformative, grounding, and reminder to live intentionally.Â
“A Neighbors Membership is a beautiful way for locals to make Kripalu part of your weekly rhythm, whether you’re attending morning yoga, walking the trails, or relaxing in the sauna,” said Eset Rose, Chief Programming & Innovation Officer.
Kripalu Neighbors gives local residents the opportunity to enjoy Kripalu’s campus year-round through flexible weekday yoga classes, expanded access to wellness amenities, and exclusive savings on programs and dining. Enrollment is now open. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Bank Foundation invests nearly $400,000 in local nonprofits
Pittsfield— Berkshire Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, invested nearly $400,000 in communities through grants and other giving in the third quarter of the year, including several Berkshire County organizations, including:
•Boys and Girls Club of the Berkshires Inc.
•Brien Center for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
•Elizabeth Freeman Center Inc.
•Fenway Community Center at Viridian Inc.
•ServiceNet Inc.
“These investments reflect our deep commitment to fostering meaningful change through the strength of local partnerships,” said Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, a division of Beacon Bank & Trust. “We are committed to supporting the nonprofits in our communities that are doing important work to meet the needs of so many.”
