Trustees of Reservations appoints Katie Theoharides as president and CEO
Berkshire— The Board of Directors of the Trustees of Reservations (the Trustees) announced the appointment of Katie Theoharides as president and CEO. Theoharides joins the Trustees following her role as Head of US Offshore East for RWE and having served as Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
As President and CEO of the Trustees, Theoharides will oversee management for the conservation and preservation organization, which protects and cares for over 120 special places in Massachusetts for the public (many in the Berkshires), including woodlands, farms, beaches, gardens, historic houses, and museums. Theoharides will lead the organization’s talented staff to set strategy, advance programmatic goals, and support a culture of diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity.
Theoharides brings a background in ecology and climate science to her longstanding career in environmental leadership and land conservation, key pillars of The Trustees’ mission.
“The decades ahead will require a deep sense of urgency and dedicated work to bring people together to protect our environment and implement solutions for a changing climate”, said Theoharides. “The Trustees have long understood that by connecting people to nature through culture and belonging we can build a love and passion for stewarding our natural world and in so doing improve human health, enhance quality of life, foster social justice, and build resilient communities. I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this mission and to work side-by-side with the dedicated staff, volunteers, and governance of this fantastic organization.”
A native of Western Massachusetts, Theoharides focused her studies on global environmental change, earning a Bachelor of Arts in ecology and evolutionary biology from Dartmouth College and a Master of Science in environmental biology from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
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Alma Guillermoprieto joins Bard faculty in the Division of Languages and Literature
Annandale-on-Hudson— Bard College is pleased to announce the appointment of Alma Guillermoprieto as Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Division of Languages and Literature for the fall 2023 semester.
Alma Guillermoprieto, a Mexican reporter and writer, began her English-language career in journalism in 1978, and broke the story of the 1981 El Mozote massacre by the army in El Salvador. She has written extensively about Latin America, including for the “New Yorker”, the “New York Review of Books”, and “National Geographic Magazine”, and her writings have been widely disseminated within the Spanish-speaking world. She has published eight books in both English and Spanish, including “The Heart That Bleeds” and “Looking for History”.
Guillermoprieto is a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, a George Polk Award, and an International Womens’ Media Foundation lifetime achievement award, among many others. In 2018 she was the recipient of Spain’s Princess Asturias Award in the Humanities.
Guillermoprieto began teaching at the age of 20, when, on the recommendation of Merce Cunningham, she traveled to Cuba to teach Cunningham and Graham dance techniques, which she recounts in her memoir Dancing with Cuba: a Memoir of the Revolution. In 1995, at the request of Gabriel García Márquez, she taught the inaugural journalism workshop at the Foundation for New Journalism, in Cartagena, Colombia, and taught the first workshop of the year there through 2010. She has been a visiting professor in both Latin American history and journalism at Chicago University, Harvard, USC-Berkeley, and Princeton.
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Berkshire Money Management’s Angela Elzner passes Series 65 examination
Dalton— Berkshire Money Management is pleased to announce that Angela Elzner has successfully completed the Series 65 exam, also known as the Uniform Investment Advisor Law Examination.
Now licensed to provide investment advice and analysis, Elzner holds a BS in Business Administration from MCLA and the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation.
“Before I was a paraplanner and before I went back to school for business, I was a divorced mom of four struggling to make the right financial choices, and I didn’t have anyone to turn to”, Elzner shared. “I want other people who might be facing similar money challenges to know that they aren’t alone. We’re here to help you figure it out.”
During Open Office Hours, Elzner welcomes people from all walks of life for judgement-free, one-on-one conversations about their money-related goals, challenges, and questions. Upcoming open office hours are on Thursdays June 22nd, July 13th, July 20th, August 3rd, and August 17th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“BMM is continuously trying to find ways to serve our community and our clients,” commented Allen Harris, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Berkshire Money Management. “I am thankful for Angela’s initiative and continued pursuit of qualifications and expertise which brings us closer to those goals.”
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Berkshire Grown hires director of development
Great Barrington— Berkshire Grown is thrilled to announce the hiring of its first Director of Development, Stephanie Bergman.
Stephanie brings more than 20 years expertise in the nonprofit field, with extensive experience developing, implementing, and funding programs that meet critical community needs.
“Berkshire Grown’s commitment to farmers and local food strongly aligns with my personal values and I am looking forward to collaborating with the staff and board to ensure that all in the community have access to the food grown and produced here,” says Bergman.
“Hiring a Director of Development is key to our work, now and in the future”, says Berkshire Grown executive director Margaret Moulton. “This new role is a sign of our growth, and of our commitment to supporting local farmers and developing a resilient food system in the Berkshires.”
Stephanie lives in Egremont with her husband, two children, and two dogs where she has a large vegetable and flower garden and raises chickens.
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Berkshire HorseWorks names retired Massachusetts State Police Officer Brian Berkel to board of directors and treasurer, Julianna Damms as volunteer coordinator
Richmond— Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc., a 501c3 mission-driven nonprofit, which offers Eagala Model equine-assisted psychotherapy, equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted team building, and other therapeutic and recreational activities with horses, has named retired Massachusetts State Police officer Brian Berkel as Treasurer to its Board of Directors. The nonprofit also welcomes Julianna Damms into her new role as Volunteer Coordinator.
Berkel is a 25-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police and during that tenure served as a Detective Lieutenant for Public Order Platoon, Crisis Negotiator, Forensic Child interviewer, Troop Shift supervisor, and Barracks Shift supervisor. In addition to his police work, Berkel is very active in the community serving as Team Coordinator for Berkshire County LOSS (Local Outreach for Suicide Survivors), Search Team Member for Berkshire Mountain Search & Rescue, Youth Mentor for Pittsfield Community Connection/18 Degrees, and Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention Board President.
Julianna Damms has been volunteering at the ranch for over a year and a half in various capacities ranging from Ranch Life 101 program support to barn maintenance and horse care. She has shown exceptional leadership skills not only with the clients but also in her interactions with the therapy herd of rescue horses. She is now assuming the vital role of volunteer coordinator and will be spearheading efforts to recruit and educate additional volunteers.
Hayley Sumner, founder and executive director said, “We couldn’t have asked for more dedicated and qualified individuals to become part of the fabric of Berkshire HorseWorks. We are incredibly lucky to have them. As we move into our 10th Anniversary year, we will be actively looking to expand our Board with local professionals who can partner with us in identifying and solving the ever-changing needs of the community”.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden welcomes new director of education
Stockbridge— Berkshire Botanical Garden announces its new Director of Education Jennifer Patton.
With more than two decades in museum education and arts administration, Patton has created, designed and implemented everything from lesson plans to strategic plans. As a museum educator with a master’s in teaching, Patton ran several education departments in diverse communities in the New York metropolitan region. As a scholar of community education with a doctorate from Teachers College at Columbia University, she has researched and written on museums with particular emphasis on post-apartheid South Africa.
More recently Patton served as executive director of Edward Hopper House where she gained experience managing exhibitions, budget and program development, and organizational planning. She moved to the Berkshires in 2021 with her three children while overseeing pandemic recovery at Basilica Hudson in Hudson.
“The director of education position is critical to BBG’s efforts to connect people of all ages and backgrounds to gardening and plants and inspiring them to live in greater harmony with nature”, said Berkshire Botanical Garden Executive Director Thaddeus Thompson. “I know Jennifer will excel in this role, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to the BBG community.”
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Pittsfield Cooperative Bank promotes Edward Schumann to vice president, compliance, and Lisa Lawler to assistant vice president, portfolio manager
Pittsfield— The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (the Co-op) announced at its annual board of directors meeting on May 16th that it has promoted Edward Schumann to Vice President, Compliance and Lisa Lawler to Assistant Vice President, Portfolio Manager.
“Ed and Lisa are outstanding employees,” stated J. Jay Anderson, president and CEO. “Both of them have been critical to the success and growth of The Co-op this past year plus.”
Schumann joined the Co-op in 2012 and served in a variety of branch administration roles until 2017 when he was appointed the compliance officer. Earlier in his career, he worked for National Iron Bank in branch administration and loan origination. Schumann received his bachelor’s of science from Queens College.
Lawler joined the Co-op in 2022, and has been responsible for all incoming business lending and commercial real estate applications, preparation of commercial loan documentation, loan closing, and portfolio management. She attended Berkshire Community College and resides in Dalton with her family. Prior to joining the The Co-op, Lawler worked for MountainOne Bank and TD Bank.
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BFAIR holds annual meeting
North Adams— BFAIR (Berkshire Family & Individual Resources) held its annual meeting of the corporation on May 16th at the Williams Inn. The meeting was led by Pete Mirante, Board Chairperson, who welcomed guests and State Representative John Barrett. Newly elected Board members introduced at the meeting included Barbara Chaput, Jake Dabrowski, Dana Johnson, and Marissa Kirchner.
The meeting included awards for employees with five or more years of service, with special recognition of Terry Blair, Liz Rolland, Nancy Torres, and Jackie Thomas for twenty-five years of service and their commitment to people with disabilities receiving support from BFAIR.
In addition, Rebecca Ritcher, HR Generalist, received a leadership award in recognition of her professional accomplishments. Isaac Otchere, Residential House Manager, received the Crosby/Quintal Memorial award. Bill Hensley and Matt Girard both received the Edward Frampton Award presented to people served in recognition of self-determination and accomplishing personal goals.
Berkshire Scenic Railway was presented with a Community Partner award for hosting a high school intern receiving services through BFAIR’s Pre-Employment Training program. Also, Brittany Dorwin on behalf of “We are the People”, a self-advocacy group, presented Alex Kastrinakis with a copy of a book the group created called “Inclusion Is”. Dorwin noted his years of Board work and role as Chairperson,“We dedicate this book to Alex for all his support, dedication, and advocacy on behalf of BFAIR.”
Tara Jacobsen, Director of Development, thank everyone in attendance. She said, “Each of you in this room is the heart of BFAIR, and we are so thankful.”
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Berkshire Community College presents Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Faculty Award to Cheryl Reynolds
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) presented the New England Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Consortium Clinical Faculty Award to Cheryl Reynolds of Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.
Reynolds has been a physical therapist assistant clinician for 39 years and a clinical instructor for 30 years at Fairview Hospital. As such, she has worked closely with BCC PTA students for decades, providing meaningful and challenging clinical experiences while adapting to the specific learning needs of each student. She has guided students at each level of clinical education and is known for excelling in matching the expected performance to the individual student.
Dr. Guy credits Reynolds for being influential in advancing her own curiosity about physical therapy, inspiring her to attend the PTA program at BCC, then to continue on to a doctorate in physical therapy. Of Cheryl Reynolds, Dr. Guy said “Fairview Hospital and Berkshire Community College are fortunate to have her.”
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WTBR programs win national awards
Pittsfield— Two local programs produced on Pittsfield Community Radio, 89.7 WTBR-FM won Hometown Media Awards in a national contest conducted by the Alliance for Community Media.
“Backstory: Let’s Hear it,” produced by Roberta McCulloch-Dews, and “Berkshire Sports Now,” hosted by Robbie Zucker and Sean Cronin, were chosen out of nearly one thousand submissions as best in their categories.
“Backstory: Let’s Hear it” won in the category of “Government Profile Community Radio.” The program is a weekly 1-hour radio program produced and hosted by Roberta McCulloch-Dews, of the Mayor’s office in the City of Pittsfield. Every week McCulloch-Dews interviews members of the community to hear their personal journeys, stories and life reflections. These are people living their best lives and working to make the community a better place and airs on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. This is WTBR-FM’s second consecutive win in the category.
“Berkshire Sports Now,” was chosen as the best “Entertainment and Arts Community Radio Series.” Robbie Zucker and his co-host Sean Cronin come to the studio every Tuesday morning at 10 am and discuss everything in the wide world of sports, from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and discussions about local sports. They take calls and generally whip up lots of great discussions and controversy.
All award-winning programs will be presented during the annual Hometown Media Awards Ceremony. The ceremony will be held in Brooklyn on June 28th.
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HEALing Communities North Adams and Berkshire Harm Reduction launches naloxone (Narcan®) box program to curb opioid overdoses
North Adams— HEALing Communities North Adams has placed the first of 10 naloxone boxes, both indoor and outdoors, in businesses and public spaces.
Named for the opioid overdose reversal medicine naloxone, also known by its brand name, Narcan®, these boxes dispense free opioid overdose reversal kits. Each kit contains two doses of naloxone, a list of local resources, and instructions for use.
Any friend, loved one, or bystander can give naloxone nasal spray to someone experiencing symptoms of an overdose; the medicine quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing. It is safe and will not cause negative effects, even if the person receiving it is not experiencing an opioid overdose. The Massachusetts Good Samaritan Law encourages friends, family, or bystanders to assist people having an overdose and to seek emergency medical assistance.
Local business owners and other organizations who would like to learn more about offering a naloxone box or receiving free training on naloxone can contact Berkshire Harm Reduction at 413-398-5603.
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The Berkshire Community Diaper Project (BCDP) awarded $7,000 grant from The Gilson Family Foundation
Berkshire— The Berkshire Community Diaper Project (BCDP) is pleased to announce a $7,000 grant from the Gilson Family Foundation. The Foundation focuses on the needs of the people of Massachusetts, in the areas of health, arts, culture and humanities, animals, and human services.
The Diaper Project’s mission, to enhance the health of infants, young children and their caregivers, clearly falls within the health and human services goals of the Foundation. Since its beginning in 2014, the Diaper Project has provided 1.7 million free diapers to families that need them—and the need is growing.
With this generous grant, the Diaper Project will help fill the need with the purchase of more than 41,000 diapers that will be distributed to low-income families through 23 partnering agencies. As an all-volunteer organization, every donated dollar goes to the purchase of diapers. Funding from the Gilson Family Foundation will not only support on-going diaper distribution, but it will also help the BCDP meet the ever-increasing need for diapers and support under-served communities in their efforts to utilize opportunities and increase achievement.
To learn more about the BCDP, including where to find diapers or make a donation, go to www.berkshirecommunitydiaperproject.com.
