Editor’s Note: We had so much business news this week that we decided to break Business Briefs into two parts. This is the first part.
Laurie Norton Moffatt appointed to American Alliance of Museums’ Accreditation Commission
Stockbridge— Norman Rockwell Museum today announces the appointment of Director/CEO Laurie Norton Moffatt to the Accreditation Commission of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
The AAM Accreditation Program, considered the gold standard for museum excellence for over 50 years, relies on the dedication and collective experience of the Accreditation Commission. These committed volunteers make decisions regarding a museum’s accreditation status and provide leadership to the field to ensure that museums are aligned with their own missions, changing communities, and the complex environment in which they operate and serve the public. This year, the Commission’s nominating committee received 78 applications for only 6 spots.
Laurie Norton Moffatt has led Norman Rockwell Museum since 1986, after serving as curator for several years. Her leadership transformed the Museum from a small house museum to an internationally visited art museum and scholarly center. A global champion for Norman Rockwell and the field of illustration art, she is widely considered one of the museum community’s most visionary leaders and thinkers. She has successfully invited reconsideration of Rockwell, who is now seen through a new art-critical lens and recognized for his contributions to the American struggles for equity and justice. Reflecting the role of illustration art in society, Norman Rockwell Museum under Norton Moffat’s vigorous leadership aspires to serve as a community anchor and agent of social change, functions that Norton Moffatt believes to be essential dimensions of museums’ public missions.
“I believe that museums are among our most important civic organizations. They must adapt to meet the needs of new generations and be representative of an inclusive society. I would like to help the profession evolve, as it has over many decades, and help museums continue to be the strong anchors of a community that they can be,” Norton Moffatt said.
“Laurie Norton Moffatt is a quintessential museum leader. She has single-handedly led the growth and expansion of the Norman Rockwell Museum to be the prominent, influential, and impactful museum it is today. She knows the ins and outs of setting and sustaining standards in a museum. She has a very deep commitment to ensuring museums serve society with excellence and inclusion, and will make valuable and lasting contributions to the Commission,” said a Nominating Committee interviewer in recommending Norton Moffatt for the role.
“I am thrilled and gratified by this honor. Over the years, Norman Rockwell Museum has received profound professional guidance, learning, and relationship-building through the Accreditation and Excellence Programs. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to give back to this process,” Norton Moffatt said.
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Berkshire Money Management’s Lauren Russo becomes a Certified Financial Planner™ professional
Dalton— Berkshire Money Management (BMM), the financial and retirement planning firm with offices in Dalton and Great Barrington, MA, congratulates Lauren Russo on becoming a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. Lauren is also a registered investment advisor, Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional®, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and Certified Value Builder.
Lauren has been part of BMM’s financial planning team since she became a Financial Advisor in 2018. In her new role as Certified Financial Planner™, Lauren will continue to partner with clients to develop comprehensive financial plans designed to help them reach their short- and long-term financial goals.
Everyone in the community, regardless of age or income, is invited to join Lauren, along with registered investment advisors Holly Simeone and Angela Elzner, for their open office hours, for friendly chats about their finances at 161 Main Street in Dalton. Upcoming open office hours are Thursday, October 12th, November 16th, and November 30th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“Lauren has been impressing us since she started working at BMM six years ago, so it’s no surprise that she has become one of just 5.5 percent of CFP® professionals under 30,” commented Allen Harris, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Berkshire Money Management. “I’ve been in the financial planning industry for decades; there’s no advice she’s given I wouldn’t take, and plenty of advice she’s given that I consider brilliant.”
Lauren is the third member of BMM’s current advising and planning team to become a CFP® professional, and the first female member of the firm to do so. According to the CFP Board, just 23.6 percent of all CFP® professionals in 2022 identified as women. Lauren hopes to help bring gender parity to the profession by serving as a model and mentor for other women and girls who might not see themselves represented in the financial services field. With Lauren’s encouragement, colleagues Holly Simeone and Angela Elzner have enrolled in CFP® certification courses beginning this fall.
Russo said, “At every conference I have attended…I have met more and more women who are helping to move the industry forward with fresh approaches and perspectives and I am incredibly proud to be a part of that movement.”
Raised in Pittsfield, Lauren entered the financial industry with the aim of helping people and families improve their financial situation and is passionate about increasing financial literacy in her own community. Lauren is a graduate of UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelors degree in Resource Economics with a concentration on Managerial Economics and minor in Psychology. She has sought additional education to better help small business owners to grow and exit their companies.
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NAMI Berkshire County celebrates 39 years of service at annual meeting and awards dinner with special keynote and book signing by Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Pittsfield— NAMI Berkshire County announces its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner sponsored by Berkshire Bank to be held September 19th at the Proprietor’s Lodge from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with dinner, live music, and games.
The keynote address will be given by Ken Duckworth, the Chief Medical Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and author of “You Are Not Alone”. Ken will also offer a meet and greet book signing with books available for purchase.
The event will celebrate NAMI BC’s 39 years of providing mental health support, education, and advocacy throughout Berkshire County and recognize five award winners for their outstanding support of mental health and those affected by mental health conditions. The non-profit is actively seeking nominations for two award categories: the Eunice E. Zorbo Citizen of the Year Award and the Silver Ribbon Award.
The Eunice E Zorbo award recognizes someone who has shown an understanding of mental illnesses and advocates for improvement in treatment of those who live with mental illnesses and their caregivers. The Silver Ribbon Award recognizes an outstanding advocate in the mental health field. Nominations are now being accepted online.
Tickets are on sale for $35. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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“Q&A with the CEO” event at Berkshire Palate featuring Gary Bogoff of Berkshire Brewing Company
Piitsfield— Berkshire Palate will host Gary Bogoff as the guest speaker of its free, ongoing “Q&A with the CEO” series on September 13th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bogoff is the founder and head brewer of Berkshire Brewing Co. in South Deerfield.
Attendees can participate in a Q&A session with Bogoff, and are encouraged to ask any questions about the company, craft beer brewing, industry trends, BBC’s future plans, or otherwise. Complimentary refreshments will be served, and attendees can grab a drink at the bar or a bite to eat from the dinner menu. Giveaways like Berkshire Palate merchandise may also be offered.
“With all of the new microbreweries opening in Berkshire County, we thought it would be enlightening to hear from the original trailblazer in the local industry,” said Paul Brassard, co-owner of Berkshire Palate.
Located at 297 North Street in Pittsfield at Hotel on North. Call 413-464-0695 for reservations and view the menu at www.berkshirepalate.com.
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The Literacy Network to Honor Bill Dunlaevy at its annual fundraising celebration, ‘Tapas, Tequila & Tango’
Lee— The Literacy Network (LitNet) will honor retired bank CEO and engaged community leader Bill Dunlaevy at its annual fundraising celebration, “Tapas, Tequila & Tango”, which will be held at the Berkshire Botanical Garden on Saturday, September 9th at 6 p.m.
“Tapas, Tequila & Tango” will feature Latin food and drink, an Argentinian Tango demonstration, and Latin music and dancing throughout the night. The event is a main source of fundraising for the organization’s year-round, individualized, free tutoring programs in ESOL, US citizenship preparation, and adult basic education.
Recently retired as a director and chairman of Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Berkshire Bank, Bill Dunlaevy was Chairman and CEO of Legacy Bancorp and Legacy Banks, positions he held for 16 years as part of a 42-year career at the bank. Bill has been especially active in the community, having served in a leadership role for Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Community College, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and the Lenox Library. He served on the LitNet Board of Directors from 2010-2018.
“LitNet’s a wonderful example of the community coming together to make an impact,” Mr. Dunlaevy said in a recent interview. “There are so many problems and so much angst about immigrants in this country, and here’s an organization that’s doing [something to address] it. It’s a wonderful example of people with different mindsets coming together and getting things done.”
LitNet currently serves more than 200 individuals, the majority of whom are immigrants from South and Central America working on their English language skills. In 2019, LitNet launched Berkshire County’s first scholarship program for prospective U.S. citizens, the Matthew and Hannah Keator Family Scholarship for New Americans, which supports recipients financially and legally and provides English and civics tutoring in preparation for the citizenship interview.
To become a sponsor, purchase tickets, or to sponsor tickets for learners, visit LitNet’s website at www.litnetsb.org/event, contact Leigh Doherty at ldoherty@litnetsb.org, or call 413-243-0471.
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Virtual Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) wellness workshop with stress expert Julie Haagenson
Pittsfield— Berkshire-based stress expert Julie Haagenson will lead a virtual Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) wellness workshop, “Transforming Stress: An Interactive Workshop for Improving Your Wellbeing and Mental Fitness” on October 11th at 5:45 p.m.
This one-hour, interactive session will deliver valuable insights into the physiological and psychological aspects of stress. Julie has over two decades of experience as a counselor, facilitator, educator, consultant, and coach. As the founder of New Pathways Coaching & Consulting, she will provide tools and strategies to increase wellbeing and improve performance.
Through the underwriting of Dulye & Co. management consultancy, there is no fee to attend. Advance registration is required. To ensure an intimate and interactive learning experience, only 45 spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your virtual seat at https://www.dle.dulye.com/upcoming-events/.
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Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum announces the appointment of five new members to its board of directors and the election of a new board president and treasurer
Lenox— Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum announces the appointment of five new members to its board of directors and the election of a new board president and treasurer.
Helen Charbonneau, a board member and volunteer, has been elected Board President. Helen became a volunteer at Ventfort Hall four years ago at the suggestion of her next door neighbor who happened to be a member of Ventfort’s Board. Her first task was to upgrade the office computer equipment and software and eventually became a board member. Helen graduated from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro with a BA in music and received a Masters in Library Service from Columbia University. Most of her working life has been spent in libraries as a reference librarian, supervisor of cataloging and for the last 14 years of her career as the IT Director of the Wellesley Free Library in Wellesley. Five years ago, she retired and moved, with her husband Philip and two cats, from the eastern side of Mass to the Berkshires. “I have always had a strong interest in history, particularly local history and this was the perfect time to change course and to pursue that interest.”
Rick Ryer, a resident of Pittsfield, and chair of Ventfort Hall’s Building and Grounds Committee, joins the board as treasurer. Rick has also volunteered at Hancock Shaker Village. He retired from Berkshire Gas Company where he was a team leader for key accounts.
Also appointed to the board were John Block, Claire Shomphe, Molly Tabachnikov and Courtney Smith.
John Block is a resident of Pittsfield and a member of Ventfort Hall’s Building and Grounds Committee. He spent his career in sales management and consulting for the food service industry.
Claire Shomphe is a resident of Pittsfield and also a member of Ventfort Hall’s Building and Grounds Committee. She is an avid home restoration expert and a local realtor with Housatonic Real Estate.
Molly Tabachnikov is a resident of Lanesborough and a volunteer docent. Molly spent her career as an English teacher and now enjoys writing poetry and science fiction novels.
Courtney Smith is a resident of Lenox and has hopes of becoming a member of the fundraising committee. Courtney has several years of experience with events coordination. She is a Mortgage Officer at Adams Community Bank.
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Philmont-to-Chatham Rail Trail expansion plan
Millerton— Work has begun to create a shovel-ready construction plan for a new section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail in Columbia County that will link the village of Philmont to the town of Ghent and Chatham village.
The construction-ready documents are being designed by MKM Landscape Architecture of New York under contract to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association, the nonprofit community group that helps oversee the expansion and maintenance of the trail. MKM Landscape Architecture has extensive experience in designing trails, including 2.5 miles of earlier extensions of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.
“We are thrilled to be taking the next step in the expansion of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail,” said Phil Meeks, chair of the HVRTA board. “This new 8-mile section will dramatically increase the trail’s footprint and bring it to central and northern Columbia County for the first time.”
The new paved trail section will traverse scenic woods and farmland in Ghent and pass over a historic stone-arch railroad bridge constructed in the 1800s. It will terminate in the village of Chatham near the planned new Shaker Museum.
The Harlem Valley Rail Trail currently consists of 26 paved miles that link the Metro-North Railroad station in Wassaic to Copake. The association’s ultimate goal is a 46-mile continuous trail from Wassaic to Chatham following the path of the onetime New York and Harlem Railroad.
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Upcoming workshops at Berkshire Innovation Center
Pittsfield— Today’s workforce is comprised of people from five different generations. With such a diverse group of employees, a manager will encounter many different beliefs, abilities, work habits, and communication styles. Join Dr. Dennis Rebelo as he discusses some key concepts to put into practice with your multigenerational workforce. This professional development workshop is intended for company executives. Cost to attend is $200. Free for BIC member company executives with discount code CompMember. This workshop is on September 5th from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 45 Woodlawn Avenue in Pittsfield. Register online.
Evaluating future leadership talent can be tricky. Learn how to leverage some new language and techniques to evaluate and provide feedback to leaders (current and future). Join Dr. Dennis Rebelo, our Chief Learning Officer, for 3 new approaches to shed insight on the best ways to evaluate leadership styles and affect hiring and promoting within your organization! Open to all member company employees, this a FREE professional development workshop. This workshop is on September 6th from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Register online.
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State Senator Paul W. Mark announces that his staff will host office hours at five locations throughout Berkshire County
Berkshire— State Senator Paul W. Mark announces that his staff will host office hours at five locations throughout Berkshire County in September. Residents of any of the 57 municipalities in the Senator’s Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District are encouraged to ask for assistance with issues involving any state agency or to share ideas on current or potential state legislation.
Appointments are not required. The schedule is as follows:
Adams: Tuesday, September 5th and Tuesday, September 19th from 9 a.m. to noon at Town Hall at 8 Park Street in Adams.
Dalton: Monday, September 11th from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Senior Center at 40 Field Street in Dalton.
Great Barrington: Monday, September 18th from 9 a.m. to noon at Town Hall at 334 Main Street in Great Barrington.
North Adams: Tuesday, September 5th and Tuesday, September 19th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the MCLA Alumni Relations Building at 228 East Main Street in North Adams.
Pittsfield: Thursday, September 14th, Wednesday, September 27th, and Thursday, September 28th from 9 a.m. to noon at the District Office at 773 Tyler Street in Pittsfield.
