Renaissance Investment Group, LLC finds an exciting way to give back to the Berkshire community
Lenox— On September 11th, Renaissance Investment Group, LLC is holding their second annual client-community event at Bousquet Mountain. This year’s event will be giving back to the community by benefiting the local nonprofit Berkshire Center for Justice (BCJ). Renaissance clients, BCJ donors, and members of the community are invited to come mingle, learn about the important work of BCJ, and enjoy a unique concert.
Two world renowned pianists, traveling in from London, will play pieces with four hands (two pianists on one piano), some of which have never been performed in the United States, such as selections of “Planets” by Holst. All proceeds from this event’s ticket sales will go directly to Berkshire Center for Justice. Also hailing from London, Renaissance President Trevor Forbes was particularly enthusiastic to present this piano duo, Jong-Gyung Park and her husband Anthony Zerpa-Falcon. Tickets can be purchased online.
Renaissance has long understood the importance of supporting local nonprofits, fostering community, and building strong relationships. Now settled in their new location in the heart of downtown Lenox, the team at Renaissance is looking for ways to further give back to the community in addition to the nonprofits they support throughout the year. “With so many worthy candidates, choosing a nonprofit to honor this year was a difficult choice,” explained Christopher Silipigno, Renaissance CEO. “As we learned about the vital work of Berkshire Center for Justice, we were moved by the reality that so many are in need of legal representation and can’t afford it…and often these are folks from our most vulnerable populations. We’re excited to support such a worthy effort.” One of the most important facets of BCJ is the pro-bono work they are able to provide to those in need.
According to Eve Schatz, Attorney and founder of BCJ, “Much of the work we do relies on donations and support from local businesses in the community, especially the pro-bono work. Partnering with Renaissance to bring people together for this exciting event will help us be able to keep supplying these crucial resources.” With this benefit, Renaissance hopes to help further the reach of BCJ as well as raise awareness in the community of this important organization.
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WMHT Public Media welcomes Shantel Destra as Multimedia Journalist for New York NOW
Albany— WMHT Public Media, a multichannel public communications organization serving Eastern New York and Western New England, announced the addition of Shantel Destra as Multimedia Journalist for its Emmy Award-winning public affairs program New York NOW, which airs on PBS stations across New York state.
Most recently, Destra worked as a reporter for “City & State”, where she covered national politics and public policy issues that affect New York. During the 2022 midterm election season, she did extensive reporting on competitive New York state Senate and Assembly races. She also covered New York-based congressional elections, including their collective role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Destra earned her master’s degree at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, where she covered the national politics beat and reported long-form stories on the Biden administration, Congress, and policy issues ranging from gun violence to housing and education. She also served as co-president of the Columbia chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. A native of Brooklyn, Destra earned a dual bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism and marketing management from the S.I. Newhouse and Whitman Schools at Syracuse University. She has previous reporting experience with THE CITY and Politico’s Summer Journalism Institute.
“I am thrilled to join the award-winning team at New York NOW, which excels in going beyond the headlines to provide deep analysis of important issues that impact New Yorkers,” said Destra. “I take seriously the responsibility to provide thorough and accurate reporting that enriches the public dialogue, and am excited to utilize WMHT’s unique voice to connect with avid followers of public policy and government at all levels.”
New York NOW airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. on WMHT in the Capital Region and throughout the weekend on PBS affiliates across New York. The full schedule can be viewed online. New York NOW is also freely available to stream online and via the PBS video app.
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Berkshire Pride celebrates National Nonprofit Day with exciting announcements
Pittsfield— Berkshire Pride, a prominent organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility, education, and community engagement, proudly announces its celebration of National Nonprofit Day with a series of momentous announcements that underline its commitment to fostering inclusivity and growth.
“We are proud to mark National Nonprofit Day with these incredible announcements that reflect our dedication to fostering unity, acceptance, and empowerment within the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Cass Santos-China, Executive Director of Berkshire Pride. “With a new location, talented team members, and strong leadership, we are poised to make an even more profound impact.”
As part of its ongoing dedication to LGBTQIA+ advocacy, Berkshire Pride is excited to recognize its official nonprofit designation, reaffirming its mission to create safe spaces, provide educational resources, and support LGBTQIA+ individuals across the Berkshire community.
In a significant stride towards expanding its impact, Berkshire Pride is thrilled to unveil its new location at 34 Depot Street in Pittsfield. This vibrant space will serve as a hub for community connection, offering support, resources, and events that empower LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, August 31st, from 5pm to 7pm, inviting the community to join in the celebration of this new chapter.
Highlighting the organization’s dedication to education and enrichment, Berkshire Pride is excited to announce the receipt of a staffing grant from Mass Humanities. This matching grant has empowered the organization to welcome two dynamic professionals who will drive its mission forward. Joining as the Executive Director is Cass Santos-China, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Emma Lenski has also joined the team as the LGBTQIA+ Competency Educator, who will play a pivotal role in creating safe and informed spaces for the community.
Berkshire Pride is proud to introduce its new Board President, Michael Taylor. With a commitment to driving positive change and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, Michael’s leadership promises an exciting era of growth and progress for the organization.
Berkshire Pride invites all community members, supporters, and allies to join in the open house on August 31st, as well as to participate in the various programs and events that contribute to its mission of celebrating love, acceptance, and the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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WAM Theatre announces $5,000 donation to Elizabeth Freeman Center
Pittsfield— In keeping with their mission to empower women and girls, WAM Theatre announced a $5,000 donation to the Elizabeth Freeman Center, along with a collection of household supplies for the Center and its clients.
The donation represents a portion of WAM’s box office revenue from their co-production with Berkshire Theatre Group of “What The Constitution Means to Me”, which had a sold out run in May of this year. The household supplies were gathered from community members throughout the summer, including at WAM’s three “Fresh Takes” play readings in July.
Berkshire Theatre Group has also committed to making a special donation to the Center at the end of their 2023 performance season.
Elizabeth Freeman Center offers free and confidential counseling, shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning, teen dating violence prevention education, a 24/7 hotline, and much more. Learn more about the Elizabeth Freeman Center online.
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Bard professor James Romm receives $50,000 NEH public scholar grant in support of his project “Plato and the Tyrant”
Annandale— James Romm, professor of classics at Bard College, has been awarded $50,000 by the National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH) to fund his project “Plato and the Tyrant: The Experiment that Wrecked a City and Shaped a Philosophic Masterpiece”. The book will use Plato’s little-known letters to illuminate his interventions in the politics of the Greek city of Syracuse and his relationship to the ruler Dionysius the Younger.
“The public scholar program helps situate the humanities just where they ought to be—in the large world of public discourse, rather than behind university walls,” Prof. Romm said. “I’m honored to be recognized for making the ancient Greeks a part of that discourse. Never have the lessons they taught about tyranny, rule of law, and the meaning of citizenship been more relevant to our lives than they are at this moment.” Plato and the Tyrant will ultimately examine the question of Plato’s relationship to autocracy, a question that resonates strongly with current concerns in global and domestic politics.
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Mill Town to be honored for “Putting the Berkshires on the Map”
Berkshire— 1Berkshire is happy to announce that Mill Town Capital has been selected to receive the 2023 “Putting the Berkshires on the Map” honor in recognition of the substantial contribution they have made to the Berkshire economy. This recognition will be presented at the tenth annual “Celebrate the Berkshires” event on September 14th at Berkshire Theatre Group’s Colonial Theatre.
Jonathan Butler, CEO of 1Berkshire said, “In deciding between so many worthy organizations and businesses in the region, our Board of Directors felt strongly that Mill Town truly deserves to be honored for ‘Putting the Berkshires on the Map’. The impact investments that they have made to key properties like Bousquet, along with strategic investments in housing, downtown redevelopment, and also their philanthropic support around the region. They have demonstrated a deep commitment to moving the Berkshires forward. 1Berkshire wanted to shine a light on this work and honor them for all that it’s doing for our community.”
In addition to honoring Mill Town, 1Berkshire is happy to announce its 2023 Berkshire Trendsetter Finalists.
Enhancing Visitor Engagement
- Berkshire Busk!
- Berkshire Camino LLC
- Kripalu
- Main Street Hospitality
- ProAdams, Inc.
Growing/Advancing the Economy
- Berkshire Innovation Center
- Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing
- Greylock Federal Credit Union
- The Pass/Berkshire Mountain Distillers
- The Stationery Factory
Nonprofit Collaborator
- Adams Theater LLC
- Berkshire United Way
- Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire
- Elizabeth Freeman Center, Inc.
- HEALing Communities
Under 40 Changemaker
- Ciana Barnaba
- Lorena Dus
- Andrew Fitch
- Michael Obasohan
Entrepreneur/Visionary of the Year
- Balderdash Cellars
- Colleen Taylor, Bay State Hospitality Group
- DEI Outdoors
- Shared Estates Asset Fund
Breaking the Mold
- Berkshire Cider Project
- Blackshires, a program of R3SET Enterprises
- Hot Plate Brewing Co.
- The Bard Queer Leadership Project (BQLP)
- Wild Soul River
Tickets to “Celebrate the Berkshires” are available online. Come to find out who wins! Additional information about Trendsetter Awards can be found online.
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Berkshire Medical Center and Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates receive Star Performer awards from American Orthopaedic Association
Pittsfield— Berkshire Health Systems announces that Berkshire Medical Center has received 2023-2024 Star Performer recognition from the American Orthopaedic Association’s (AOA) Own the Bone® program, marking the eighth consecutive year it has been recognized.
Berkshire Medical Center is one of over 300 healthcare institutions nationwide that has taken initiative to ensure its osteoporotic fracture patients receive the highest quality care by implementing the American Orthopaedic Association’s (AOA) Own the Bone® program. The program is aimed to better identify, evaluate, and treat patients that suffer from an osteoporosis or low bone density-related fracture. The program brings attention to the severe health implications of fragility fractures (broken bones that result from a fall from standing height or less) and the multi-faceted approach hospitals or clinics can incorporate to ensure these patients receive the most comprehensive care.
Star Performer designation is reserved only for institutions that have achieved a 75 percent compliance rate with at least 5 of the 10 Own the Bone prevention measures. Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates has achieved 100 percent compliance on all but one of the ten measures, with a 99 percent compliance on the tenth, based on data from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, up to 50% of all women and 25% of men over the age of 50 years will sustain a fragility fracture. Studies show that patients who have had a fragility fracture are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience another fracture than those who have never had a fracture. Yet, 80% of Medicare patients do not receive recommended osteoporosis care following a fragility fracture.
Berkshire Medical Center has participated in the Own the Bone program for over a decade. Together with Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, over 1,518 patients over 50 years of age presenting with hip fractures have received important information on how to prevent future fractures.
