Roe Jan Brewing Company opens doors
Hillsdale, N.Y. — Roe Jan Brewing Company opened its doors Feb. 5, unveiling a starting lineup of beer and an inventive pub menu. The brewery uses a seven-barrel Portland Kettle Works system to produce a rotation of beers, including traditional ales and lagers as well as trending styles such as IPAs and sours.
Executive chef Charles Kiely’s creative twist on traditional pub fare and brewery operations manager Hayley Shine’s housemade beers are served in a 79-seat dining room that includes an octagonal bar surrounding a vintage grain hopper and bar-style seating around the open kitchen. Large communal tables, intimate tables with club chairs, and banquette seating provide additional options for diners.
The brewery and brewpub are housed in the Hillsdale Mercantile Building, originally constructed in 1851. The building housed multiple businesses over its 150-year lifespan but had fallen into disuse and disrepair by the time owners Steve and Kathy Bluestone purchased it in June 2018. The couple spent the following 20 months restoring it and building out the brewery on the ground floor, the restaurant on the first floor and seven apartments on the two upper floors.
–E.E.
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CHP expands physical therapy staff
Great Barrington — Community Health Programs has expanded its physical therapy staff with the addition of Jennifer Valente, PTA.
A licensed physical therapist assistant, Valente worked most recently at Berkshire Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center and the Farmington River School. She also works as a tutor and lab assistant in the physical therapist assistant program at Berkshire Community College. She earned her associate degree in physical therapy assistance at BCC; and received clinical training at Baystate Neurological Rehabilitation, Columbia Memorial Rehabilitation, and Genesis Rehabilitation at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield.
–E.E.
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Salisbury Bank to offer financial, retirement planning seminar
Salisbury, Conn. — Salisbury Bank and Noble Horizons will present the seminar “Financial and Retirement Planning: Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care” Thursday, March 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Noble Horizons.
As many as 70% of Americans now 65 and over will need long-term care, the costs of which are not covered by Medicare or traditional health insurance. The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care is a joint effort by state government and private industry that helps Connecticut residents plan to meet future long-term care needs without depleting all of their assets to pay for care. The seminar explains long-term care insurance and how the partnership protects income, assets and retirement investments.
Presenter Aldo Pantano has been with Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care for 12 years. He previously spent 16 years in the private insurance industry marketing large group long-term care insurance coverage throughout the country. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Hartford.
The seminar is free and open to the public. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Reserve a spot online or, for more information, contact Genia Wilson at (860) 453-3496, or email evwilson@salisburybank.com with “Care” in the subject line.
–E.E.
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BFAIR promotes Rivera-Boucher
North Adams — BFAIR has promoted Jasmine Rivera-Boucher to director of adult foster care and shared living services. In her new position, Rivera-Boucher is responsible for the day-to-day operations, development and implementation of both programs; and accreditation, policies and procedures as well as the fiscal administration of the AFC department. She will also ensure all funders’ regulations are met, which includes oversight of the referral and intake process in collaboration with funding/referral sources.
Prior to her promotion from assistant director, Rivera-Boucher worked at the Key Program in Pittsfield and graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a degree in psychology and a minor in behavior analysis. She also holds a degree in gerontology from Maria College and certification as dementia friend trainer.
–E.E.
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Interprint, Berkshire Workforce Board launch Interprint Tech Session for regional educators
Pittsfield — Interprint hosted its first Interprint Tech Session for 12 regional teachers and guidance counselors Feb. 19 during the school vacation week. The event was developed through a three-part plan to help address the company’s workforce needs in partnership with the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. The company has provided Interprint Tech Sessions to its customers and new hires for several years, which spawned the idea for a special session for teachers.
During the Interprint Tech Session, teachers were invited into the company for a day and learned how the work gets done and what drives the world of décor printing. Participants also toured all departments within the company and learned about its history, worldwide products, design trends, printing technologies, and current and future workforce needs and career opportunities. In addition, participants took part in hands-on activities such as a “draw down” test to match the ink color for printing. Following the conclusion of the session, participants are currently developing projects and lessons to relay the information to their students and explain the employment and career opportunities.
Part three of the partnership is currently in the works and involves opportunities for Interprint to provide simulation-type training for its printer position. Once the program is built internally, the company is hopeful to eventually provide training externally to students. There is also discussion about creating co-op opportunities for local high school students.
–E.E.