Inside this issue Mix of fitness ◆ son pays homage to late father’s artwork with new gallery...... 2 New service and relaxation ◆ massbliss festival to focus on matters of mindfulness...... 4 puts seniors to services at work helping Body Lab GB ◆ bar set high with ‘living building Challenge’ criteria...... 12 seniors — page 16 ◆ wiredwest initiative gets needed backing from town voters...... 19 — page 17 Ber kshir e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e monthly Vol. 19 No. 3 “The Business Journal For Berkshire County” JULY 2015 Bank invests in downtown debut for makers’ mill expansion of its county footprint Adams Community plans $14.3 million acquisition of Lenox National Bank

By Brad Johnson When Lenox National Bank went looking for a buyer, they found a willing taker in Adams Community Bank. On one side, the increasing challenge of operating as a small, single-office financial institution prompted the strategic decision to sell; on the other side, the opportunity to ac- quire an established bank operation in a new local market fit the “We were strategy of becom- pleased ing a county-wide community bank. that Adams “We were hopeful Community that a community Membership-based shared Bank was oriented bank with the same philosophy studio space brings creative the winning that we have would bidder. Their be interested,” said disciplines to Main Street philosophy Paul Merlino, presi- dent of Lenox Na- Board chair Kate Barber displays some of the printmaking and weaving equipment available to members at the new Makers’ Mill in downtown North Adams. The seems to be tional Bank, regard- nonprofit venture’s goal is to boost the creative and economic vitality of Main Street by providing a needed resource and collaborative venue for area makers. in line with ing that institution’s ours.” decision last year to By Brad Johnson the northern Berkshire creative community through infrastructure, seek a buyer. “So, we In an earlier era, mills were the mainstay of commerce and com- collaboration, organization and education. were pleased that Adams Community Bank munity in North Adams. “Maker spaces are a growing aspect of local economies in was the winning bidder. Their philosophy Today, as the city continues a process of reimagining its future, a many communities,” said Kate Barber, chair of the volunteer seems to be in line with ours.” different type of mill – Makers’ Mill – hopes to weave a new fabric board of directors that is overseeing the start-up and operation “This was a great strategic opportunity for of creative and economic activity. of Makers’ Mill. us, right in our own back yard,” added Charles Situated in a storefront at 73 Main St. in downtown North Adams In the specific case of North Adams, Barber said, the concept for O’Brien, president and CEO of Adams Com- most recently occupied by a candy shop, Makers’ Mill is, at its Makers’ Mill fits neatly within the city’s ongoing efforts to foster new munity Bank. “This will become our eighth most basic level, a utilitarian space providing shared resources economic vitality by more fully integrating a burgeoning creative branch, and will immediately be our third- to individuals involved in the creative disciplines of printmaking community into the overall fabric of business and commerce. largest with $58 million in deposits.” and fiber arts. “We’re excited to be located in the heart of North Adams’ Main The deal between the two banks was Beyond that, however, organizers believe Makers’ Mill will boost Street community,” she said. “Makers’ Mill will not only strengthen announced in April. Under the terms of the creative and economic vitality of Main Street by providing a the Berkshire creative community, but also bring more people to the agreement, Adams Community Bank, needed resource and collaborative venue for area makers. In that Main Street, adding to its vibrancy.” continued on page 20 respect, they describe the mission of Makers’ Mill as strengthening continued on page 10 Vlada Boutique’s namesake marks 45 years as part of Stockbridge retail scene By John Townes I’m just grateful to have had the opportunity Vlada Rousseff has managed the enviable to live in Stockbridge and have a business feat of combining her creative inclinations here for so long.” with a successful and long-standing business Rousseff’s first foray as an entrepreneur in a community that she loves. in Stockbridge was in 1970, with a small, Rousseff, a mainstay of the Stockbridge summer-only shop in a building in the court- retail community, is the owner of Vlada yard behind the Red Lion Inn, where she sold Boutique, a clothing, gift and accessory her own hand-made clothing and crafts. shop at 17 Elm St. When she started The shop carries “Things just fell into place and the business, the women’s apparel, worked out as I went along.” events depicted in jewelry, handbags the iconic song Al- and other accessories, and a variety of gift ice’s Restaurant were still contemporary. It items and cards, including her own personal has continued to grow and evolve into the line of bath and body products. era of iPhones and Beyoncé. She has now reached an impressive mile- Vlada Boutique (413-298-3658 or vlad- stone of 45 years of business in the town, aboutique.com) also steadily built a fol- which she is celebrating with a series of sales lowing of customers as a destination store and events on the week of June 22-26. for Berkshire residents and second-home “I’ve seen a lot of changes and cycles in owners, as well as attracting tourists who are Stockbridge over the years, but in other ways drawn by the colorful flowers and exterior it’s the same as it was when I first came here,” displays of the building. Boutique owner Vlada Rousseff has been a fixture of the Stockbridge business community since 1970. Rousseff commented. “It’s a great place, and continued on page 15 2 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r C e Ju l y 2015 FRONT Balanced Approach… pages Rock Solid Advice Son establishes gallery to showcase father’s work By John Townes A new gallery has opened in Housatonic, but it is not a typical commercial venture. While the work on display is for sale, that is not its primary purpose. Rather, it refl ects the desire of a son to preserve and enhance the creative legacy of his father. The Baumbach Gallery, at 241 North Plain Rd. (Route 41), is dedicated to exhib- iting and selling the work of 20th century painter and printmaker Harold Baumbach (1903-2002). The gallery was established by the art- ist’s son, novelist and fi lm critic Jonathan Baumbach. “This is not for money, and I’m not con- cerned with sales” said Baumbach. “Rather, I want to show my father’s work, and en- courage wider recognition of his name and Novelist and fi lm critic Jonathan Baumbach has established a gallery in Housatonic that showcases the work artistic achievements. He was friends with and creative legacy of his father, the 20th century painter and printmaker Harold Baumbach (1903-2002). great painters like Mark Rothko. I believe lections of numerous museums including “There were many of my father’s paintings he is in their league, and his work should be the New York Metropolitan Museum, the in the house, so I decided to build a gallery known more widely.” Whitney, the Chicago Art Institute, the here to house and display them,” said Baum- Harold Baumbach, the son of an upholsterer Corcoran Gallery, and the Carnegie Institute, bach, who has lived in the Berkshires for 23 on the Lower East Side of New York, was among others. years. He is the author of 14 books of fi ction, largely self-taught. He gained initial promi- However, he did not play the politics of over 90 short stories and is a former chairman nence in the 1930s, and he continued to paint the art world, which of the National Society until the late 1980s when blindness set in. hindered his career. A public event, including of Film Critics. Baumbach depicted urban scenes, por- He was described in installation of new artwork He explained that traits, New England landscapes and other his obituary in the new the Brooklyn house subjects, as well as more abstract work. His york Times (written by from the collection, is contained some 220 style evolved over the years, said his son. Michael Kimmelman) scheduled for Father’s day, paintings that represent Retirement Income Planning “My father had a long career,” said Baum- as an extreme, and can- June 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. the remaining body of & Asset Management bach. “He initially worked in a fi gurative tankerous individual- his father’s work that is style, painting street scenes. Later his work ist: “Strong willed, allergic to fashion, even not in private or institutional collections. became abstract. Then he moved into a dif- to success, he persisted in going his own The 1,500-square-foot gallery, which 92 Elm St. • Pittsfi eld ferent style that combined abstract elements way, refusing to sell to prospective buyers he is located about halfway up the driveway with different subjects in a surreal way.” thought did not admire the work properly and leading to Baumbach’s Housatonic home, 413.442.8190 Harold Baumbach did receive recognition breaking off relations with galleries, usually was completed this spring. It also includes www.balance-rock.com during his lifetime and after his death. His after only a show or two.” an apartment for family guests. work was represented in 25 one-man gallery Jonathan Baumbach said the idea for the The gallery, which is open by appointment Securities o ered through shows in New York, and has been collected gallery came about as the result of the sale of (call 413-528-2997), held a well-attended LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC by individuals. His work is also in the col- a home his family owned in Brooklyn. public opening reception on May 23. Another public event, including installa- tion of new artwork from the collection, is scheduled for Father’s Day, June 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. In the initial show, about a dozen or so of Summer of Audi Harold Baumbach’s work are displayed on the walls. “We also have racks in the base- ment where other work will be stored, and The Hottest Summer Ever people will be able to view them there,” said Jonathan Baumbach. “This work deserves to be seen by the public, which is why we brought them here $1250 in and built the gallery for them,” he said.◆ Summer of Audi Savings Christine’s moves south to former hardware store By John Townes Christine’s Home Furnishings has migrat- /month* ed south, from Pittsfi eld to downtown Great $299 Barrington, into the former site of Harland B. Foster Hardware at 15 Bridge St. 2015 A3 2.0 Quattro In June, owners Christine and Gerard 3 Natale competed the fi nal stage of the move, when they closed on the sale of their former building at 300 Tyler St. in Pittsfi eld. Christine’s carries a mix of new, used, vintage and antique furniture and other home furnishings, art and accessories. The couple Includes started the business in 2006, in the 6,000- $750 Summer square-foot building on Tyler Street. of Audi Cash “Basically a majority of our regular cus- tomers are from down this way,” said Gerard First time Natale. “I was driving from Pittsfi eld a lot ever! to deliver items. We fi nally decided that we might as well locate the store here and save all of that additional delivery time.” Natale said they started thinking about /month** expanding their presence in south county $469 about two years ago. They made an initial foray with a temporary promotional window 2015 Q5 3Ø display on Railroad Street in downtown Great Barrington. “We got a good response from that,” he said. Last year, Natale noticed a sign in the former Harland B. Foster Hardware store FLYNN AUDI indicating that the longtime retail business on Bridge Street was closing. 
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Natale asked a Realtor in Great Barrington setting up and furnishing a home. Real estate “Our professional backgrounds and areas about the possibility of putting another tem- activity slowed down a lot for a while, but of knowledge complement each other, and porary window display there. it seems to be picking up and is more active we decided put together that experience for “The Realtor suggested that it might be a in south county than in Pittsfield.” this business,” said Natale. better idea to consider renting the space,” he Natale noted that another fringe benefit One complication they’ve had to face has recalled. “I took a look and liked it. I went they found from the move was an increase been the major construction work that is going back and talked it over with Christine, and in business relation- on in downtown Great we decided to do it.” ships with professional “Our business is very tied Barrington, which has They started work to prepare the space designers and interior to the housing market. had an impact of traf- in November, and after extensive interior decorators. fic and business there. renovation they opened there in December. “We’re in the realm People come to a store like The Natales’ store is They operated both stores simultaneously of designers here,” he this when they’re setting up located just off Main until April, and marketed the Pittsfield build- said. “In addition to and furnishing a home.” Street. ing for sale. those who are based “To be honest, we “We thought it would take a while to sell in south Berkshire County, professionals were so wrapped up in our own business and that building, but it went very quickly,” said from Connecticut and New York state are the move, we hadn’t really thought about that Natale. Ironically, the buyer (who Natale coming in.” much,” said Natale. “But, once we were in preferred not to disclose) is the owner of a The couple, who live in Hinsdale, formed here, we actually found that it has worked business in Great Barrington. Christine’s by drawing on their combined to our advantage. People are coming on to With the move, Natale said, the store has backgrounds. Bridge Street to avoid the construction. A made changes in its emphasis and inventory. Christine Natale has spent most of her lot of people driving by have noticed our One reason is size. At 3,000 square feet, the adult life dealing in antiques and used fur- business and stopped in out of curiosity to Great Barrington store has about half the niture, and also is a decorator. She started see what we are.” space as their former location. the business, and her husband, who worked Christine’s (413-528-8050 or www. “We have to be more selective now because for many years in the import industry de- christineshomefurnishings.com) is open Mon- there is less square footage,” he said. “We signing accent furniture and home decor, day through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. had a lot of room for a diverse inventory in subsequently joined it. and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.u Pittsfield, including lower-end used items and a bargain section. But here we don’t have the space for that, so we are focusing on new merchandise and the higher quality vintage and antique items.” They have also added pieces by local furni- ture makers. “We now have tables and other items that are made locally,” he said. In addition, they have opened an art gallery in the basement of the store, called the Underground Art Salon. It features the work of Gerard Natale, who is a landscape painter, as well as work by other local and regional artists. Natale said the response to the new store has been encouraging, and business has been good. “One reason, I think, is that our business is very tied to the housing market,” he said. “People come to a store like this when they’re BT&C

Publisher Brad Johnson

Contributing Editor John Townes

Guest Columnist Deb Watson

Advertising Sales Brad Johnson

Circulation Manager Tamra Hjermstad

Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e is published monthly and delivered free to businesses in Berkshire County via third- class mail. Additional distribution is made via drop-off at select area newsstands. Subscriptions for home delivery are $30  per year (first-class mail). Back issues are available for $2.50 per copy.   Entire contents are copyright © 2015 by Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e . No   portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers.  Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad-   vertisement or for typographical errors in publication, except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the error first appeared. The publishers reserve the right to refuse   advertising for any reason. Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e PO Box 942 • North Adams, MA 01247 MEMBER FDIC/MEMBER DIF EQUAL HOUSING LENDER 413-447-7700 www.btaconline.com 4 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e Ju l y 2015 FRONT pages mindfulness matters offerings that span physical and cognitive and He added that, while mindfulness has online location, according to Linda Morelli, creative fitness,” said Belcher, who divides become a trendy term, he and Puckett use director of noncredit instruction at BCC. MassBliss festival his time between a home in Ashley Falls the term “presence” to describe it. “The goal was to make registering for and Brooklyn. (Puckett lives in Portland, “There is basically one truth, with many noncredit classes as easy and user friendly as will have ‘presence’ Maine.) paths to it,” he said. “We refer to our par- possible,” said Morelli. “It provides access to Despite the seriousness inherent in that de- ticular truth as ‘presence,’ but that’s just one all of our noncredit offerings in one place.” at Ski Butternut scription, Belcher emphasized that the Mass- of those paths.” Morelli said there had been an increasing Bliss festival will focus on enjoyment. call for this capability. “Until now all of our By John Townes “It will be fun,” he said. “All of our artists Mindfulness for the masses registration for noncredit workshops was A new festival in the Berkshires this and teachers are playful people who take what Belcher said a core goal of MassBliss is to handled over the phone or by mail,” she said. summer aims to connect creativity and they do seriously – but not themselves. We bring mindfulness and presence to a broader “But a lot of students had been telling us that mindfulness by combining music and theater believe that having fun is the best way to get public with activities and services that are they wanted to be able to register online. That’s performances and workshops with activities present and build lasting relationships with either free or as affordable as possible. the way things are being done now. We’re related to yoga, meditation and fitness. ourselves and our community.” He explained that the mindfulness move- thrilled to finally be able to offer this.” The MassBliss 2015 Arts and Awareness The festival is designed to encourage ment has become associated with – and is In addition, the site will offer access to on- Festival will take place the weekend of July this by combining live performances with often limited to – an upscale population line courses through partnerships with several 10-12 at Ski Butternut in Great Barrington. creative workshops led by the performers. who can afford therapy, expensive seminars, outside providers, including Education to Go, Visitors can either attend for the full weekend, It also includes work- retreats, coaching and Gatlin Education and MindEdge. or with a day pass and/or ticket for evening shops in meditation, “People in all socioeconomic other resources. The online system provides the informa- entertainment. yoga and fitness. “We want to help tion needed for individuals to select and The all-ages event is being organized by “It will have live per- levels should have access to disassociate the mind- register for BCC’s noncredit workshops, MassBliss LLC, a venture based in Ashley formances like other the resources to learn and fulness movement from including the capability to search by semester, Falls and Brooklyn, with partners Andrew festivals, but it’s not experience mindfulness.” privilege and its orien- category, topic or course title. Belcher and James Puckett. just about watching tation to the wealthy The look and feel of the site will be familiar Belcher said the name was inspired by artists from a distance on stage,” Belcher white community,” he said. “Mindfulness to those who have shopped for products and the phrase “follow your bliss,” which was explained. “It will also feature immersive is very basic. It’s for everybody. People in services online. “It’s set up in a way that’s popularized by the late philosopher and workshops in which the artists interact more all socioeconomic levels should have access similar to Amazon.com,” noted Morelli. lecturer Joseph Campbell. directly with people.” to the resources to learn and experience The site has categorized lists of courses He explained that the goal of MassBliss The lineup includes musicians Jon Batiste mindfulness. Our goal is to take this into the in grid layouts that can be clicked on for a is to sponsor interactive events that foster and Stay Human, Javelin, Debo Band, Brook- wider community with events that are free fuller description, and a virtual “shopping mindfulness through immersive, participa- lyn Raga Massive, Peace Poets, Lady Moon or affordable.” cart” to place and pay for orders. tory activities and education. and the Eclipse, and The Hogstad Brothers. Belcher said a primary focus of MassBliss There are even Amazon-style promotions, “We promote live events to help people There will also be theater performances by has been on creating free public events that with a short list of “Top Sellers” and “Fea- access a state of presence, through curated Bread and Puppet, One Year Lease, Nettles are based on this principle, in addition to its tured Courses” on the main page. Artist Collective, The Movement Theater paid events and services. It also includes a Kids Academy with Company, and Humans Collective. One of their core activities is sponsoring courses for young people ages five to 15, entrepreneurial In addition, workshops will be led by free pop-up events featuring a 10-by-10- which also includes summer programs such Berkshire Yoga Dance and Fitness, Yoga GB, foot tent called a Breathing Booth. These as a golf clinic. OPPORTUNITIES! Yogaslackers, The Shinnyo Center for Medi- offer programming in yoga, poetry, Zumba, The site does not include courses in the tation, and a variety of other instructors. meditation, music, dance, arts and crafts, college’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning NORTH ADAMS – $395,000 Belcher, whose background is in educa- performance and other activities related to Institute) program for older adults, which tion, yoga instruction and theater, developed mindfulness, fitness and creativity. are operated separately. the basic concept for a precursor to MassBliss Last year, they sponsored a series of BCC offers a wide range of noncredit in 2009 and sponsored a number of smaller Breathing Booth events in public sites in learning opportunities designed for self- events. In 2013 he developed a business New York City. They plan to expand this on improvement, vocational or recreational plan and teamed up with Puckett to establish an ongoing basis. purposes. The college also offers standard MassBliss LLP. “One of our goals is to also activate public and customized workforce training programs spaces with community events,” Belcher said. and certifications to area businesses. Beyond the buzzword “We get a permit to use a site, and then we The new site lists BCC’s professional and The term mindfulness refers to the concept recruit local talent to lead activities that are workforce development courses, such as of direct experience of the present moment open to everyone.” ServeSafe food safety professional certifica- Circa 1850 Second Empire Building! by reducing internal mental and emotional MassBliss also conducts paid programs tion, a phlebotomy technician program and 8,000+ sf for living & working. Just a distractions. In recent years, mindfulness and services, such as the upcoming festival preparation for the construction supervisor’s stone’s throw away from the excitement has become a buzzword for this in the self- and other seminars and workshops. With exam, among others. only downtown city life offers! Cul-de- help movement and in more clinical and those, he said, they also try to keep the prices There are also less formal business and sac paved driveway, 2 car garage. therapeutic programs. as low as possible. career-oriented courses, including training in These approaches incorporate long-stand- “We want to make the MassBliss festival an computers and social media, and fields that PLAINFIELD – $309,950 ing spiritual traditions such as meditation, ongoing, sustainable event, and the revenue range from familiar to more specific, such yoga and exercise in contemporary forms will help us to cover expenses,” he said. as “Getting Paid to Talk – an Introduction to reduce stress, deal with psychological and Admission prices to the MassBliss festival To Professional Voice-Acting.” emotional issues, and enhance performance, range from $90 for a day pass, with $25 ad- There also courses for personal growth, awareness and the overall quality of life. ditional for evening entertainment, to $200 fitness and fun, including gardening, golf, Belcher said MassBliss adds participation for a weekend all-access and camping pass. decorative painting, and dining etiquette, in creative expression into the mix. For information, full schedule and tickets, among others. “We all tend to live in our heads and become visit massbliss.com.u Morelli said the new online service, which preoccupied by our thoughts,” he explained. had been in the planning stages for a while, “We often perceive our bodies as just a carrier came about through a collaboration between for our heads. But mindfulness means that we Online system simplifies her office, the college’s IT, public relations Popular establishment with expansive actually inhabit our body, which quiets the BCC course registration and business departments, and other staff and mind and allows us to experience the world operations. It includes programs offered at bar. Fully updated kitchen, separate around us more directly. MassBliss then takes By John Townes all of BCC’s sites in Pittsfield and its south dining room, recreational room with a creative leap to integrate that awareness Berkshire Community College (BCC) has county center in Great Barrington. pool table, jukebox, fireplace & dance with creative expression.” taken a cue from Amazon.com and other “It required a lot of preparation and floor. Full lottery & liquor license. online vendors by making it easier to find planning, and there was a lot of research and sign up for noncredit workshops and involved,” she said. “There’s a lot of details NORTH ADAMS - $139,900 $PSQPSBUF
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4IPXDBTFT and personal interests. think about.” The college’s Office of Community For example, she said, the site had to be Education and Workforce Development has integrated into the college’s existing regis- launched a new website (www.berkshirecc. tration and payment system by adding the edu/workshops) that features a catalog of ability to process PayPal and online credit workshops and an online registration and card payments. MovieQuiet Generators payment system, via credit card or PayPal. For those who prefer the more traditional Temporary power without the noise The new site is designed to be a portal that method, the college will still offer phone or nuisance - for special events, working in pulls together information about all of the registrations and printed information. For noise-sensitive environments, u lm/video locations. college’s diverse noncredit offerings in one information, call 413-236-2127. A++ Location! .63 acre with frontage on Route 8 & South State Street. Abuts t
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Through June 23: Southern Ongoing: The Job Club meets Berkshire Chamber of Com- Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. at the merce Online Auction to support North Adams Public Library and SummerFest, Holiday Stroll and the month in business from 1 to 2 p.m. at BerkshireWorks other community events. Wide Career Center at 160 North St. in range of items up for bid online. Visit biddingforgood.com/ June 25-27: Berkshire Museum Wine Gala and Auction, bien- Pittsfield. Free and informal program helps participants who southernberkshires. nial fund-raising event with proceeds benefitting the museum’s are seeking employment to expand their network of contacts education programs. Begins June 25 with an evening of “Wine, and provides valuable job-search tips. For information, visit Through June 30: E3 Academy Students’ Exhibit at PRESS, Food, and Fun” at 5:30 p.m. at Hotel on North in downtown www.berkshireworks.org or call 413-499-2220. 49 Main St., North Adams. Featuring photographs and prints by Pittsfield. Continues June 26 with a dinner at Wheatleigh in Lenox students at the E3 Academy (a competency-based program of (a private event for Gala sponsors). Gala begins at 5 p.m. on June Ongoing: North Adams Regional Hospital Workers’ As- Drury High School with a non-traditional classroom setup for 27 at the museum with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception as sistance Center, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for those students at risk of leaving school) describing their experiences backdrop for the silent auction. Live auction begins at 6:45 p.m., affected by the NARH layoffs; and Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for as young residents of North Adams. Public invited to respond to followed by the Celebratory Wine Dinner. For information on anyone seeking job search assistance. Room 101 at City Hall, the photographs and prints with comments and questions for the tickets and sponsorship packages, call 413-443-7171 ext. 313, in North Adams. 413-672-0097 or 413-672-0098. students to consider. For more information, call 413-662-3275. or visit www.berkshiremuseum.org/2015winegala. Ongoing: Veterans Workshop for veterans and their spouses, June 16: Natural Solutions to Neck and Back Pain with review June 29-Aug. 28: STEM Activities at Camp Sumner, new cur- Mondays 10 a.m. to noon at BerkshireWorks Career Center in of causes and natural options for dealing with pain. 6:30 p.m. ricula for YMCA’s Camp Sumner youth development program Pittsfield. Topics include: cover letter and resume development, at Living Well, 535 Curran Hwy., North Adams. Free and open in Pittsfield will feature activities relate to science, technology, interviewing skills, networking, labor market information, and to the public. Call 413-663-5500 to register. engineering and math (STEM), among its other programs. Schol- more. Also, Veterans Representative in North Adams on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Adams City Hall, Room 106; in June 16, July 21: Pittsfield Green Drinks, informal gathering arship applications available before June 30. For information, contact Jessie Rumlow, 413-499-7650 ext. 11. Great Barrington on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BCC of people interested in conservation and environmental issues on South County Center, 343 Main St. For information, call David third Tuesday of each month. 5:15 p.m. at J. Allen’s Clubhouse July 2: Great Barrington Green Drinks, informal gathering Nash at 413-499-2220 ext. 211 or email [email protected] Grille. Sponsored by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team of people interested in conservation and environmental issues (BEAT). For more information and meeting location, contact on first Thursday of each month. 5:30 p.m. at the Prairie Whale, Ongoing: Learn Your Labor Market, with an overview of Jane Winn at [email protected] or 413-230-7321. 178 Main St. For more information, contact Erik Hoffner at how labor market information can help with your job search, [email protected] or 413-528-4422. occupational evaluation, and career development plan. Tuesdays June 17: Chamber Nite for members of the Berkshire Chamber 10 to 11 a.m. at BerkshireWorks Career Center. To register, call of Commerce, 5 p.m. at Friends Grille, 117 Seymour St. in July 6-10: Berkshire Region Museum Institute for Teaching 413-499-2220 ext. 110. Pittsfield. RSVP. 413-499-4000. Science (MITS) summer session, for middle and high school teachers hosted by the Berkshire Museum. This year’s theme is Ongoing: Career Center Seminar, with an overview of services, June 17: TIPS server training for northern Berkshire establish- resources, and options available at BerkshireWorks Career ments that serve liquor for on-premise consumption, sponsored “Going with the Flow: Using Inquiry Methods to Teach Watershed Science,” presented with instructing partners Housatonic Valley Center. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Register by by the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition’s nb21 (not calling 413-499-2220 ext. 110. before 21, not in northern Berkshire) program. Discounted rate Association, Flying Cloud Institute, and American Rivers. For of $30 is subsidized by nb21. 5 to 9 p.m. (including light supper) information, call Meghan Bone at 413-443-7171, ext. 332. Ongoing: Creating Your Resume Workshop and Interview at Bounti-Fare in Adams. To register and for payment details, July 10-12: MassBliss, a three-day arts and awareness festival, More Effectively Workshop, held on alternating Thursdays contact Wendy Penner at 413-663-7588 or email wpenner@ featuring workshops in music theater, meditation and fitness, from 10 a.m. to noon at BerkshireWorks Career Center. Refer- nbccoalition.org. plus musical entertainment. Camping available. Information ences and cover letters are also discussed. Register by calling 413-499-2220 ext. 110.u June 17: 29th Annual Meeting of the Northern Berkshire at MassBliss.org. Community Coalition, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Williams July 12: Berkshire Grown Benefit Brunch with featured Inn, featuring keynote speaker, Marylou Sudders, secretary of the speaker Ruth Reichl, food author and former New York Times state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Tickets film critic. Brunch from 11 a.m. to noon and talk at 1 p.m. in $25 ($30 after June 13). For registration information, contact Liz Cherneff’s Barn in Sheffield. 413-528-0041. Boland at 413-663-7588 or [email protected]. July 15: WAM Theater Benefit at Hilltop Orchards in Rich- June 18: Networking Before Nine breakfast event sponsored mond, with cocktail hour, entertainment, auction and other Williamstown Bed & Breakfast by the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. 7:45 a.m. at activities. 6:30 p.m. $50 or $100. Information and tickets at Camp Half Moon in Monterey. RSVP. 413-528-4284. www.WAMTheater.com. (Woodrow Wilson Slept Here) June 18: MS Support Foundation monthly support group July 16: 3rd Thursdays outdoor street festival in downtown Live Here For Free And Be Paid To Do So? meeting, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 85 Main St., Suite 212, North Adams, Pittsfield from 5 to 8 p.m., with this month’s theme #ArtsMatter. with a discussion of how to prepare for expected or unexpected For more information on 3rd Thursdays, visit discoverpittsfield. The earliest part of this Williamstown hospitalizations. Light refreshments are served. For information, com/3rdthursdays/, email [email protected] or call call 413-346-4116. gem dates to the mid-18th century. 413-499-9348. Many changes and additions were made June 18: 3rd Thursdays outdoor street festival in downtown July 16: SlideLuck at Stonover Farm in Lenox, a community Pittsfield from 5 to 8 p.m., with this month’s theme Healthy potluck to bring together people, art, music and ideas. Includes each in the following two centuries Pittsfield. For more information on 3rd Thursdays, visit discov- slideshow of work by area artists whose work will be available with the most recent in 1985. The erpittsfield.com/3rdthursdays/, email [email protected] for sale in the Stonover Barn Gallery, with portion of proceeds most famous visitor to the house, then or call 413-499-9348. to benefit IS-183. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. For information call 413- June 18: Simple Steps for Growing Your Business, free seminar 298-5252 ext.100. owned by his daughter and son-in- presented by Salisbury Bank and the Western Massachusetts July 16-Aug 2: Romeo and Juliet, produced by Pittsfield law Mr. & Mrs. Francis Sayre, was Chapter of SCORE. 5:30 p.m. at Mason Library Community Shakespeare in the Park with a cast featuring local actors, will President Woodrow Wilson, who spoke Room, 231 Main St., Great Barrington. Reservations are sug- be performed Thursdays through Sundays 8 p.m. at the First gested but not required. For reservations, contact Kevin Norton Street Common in Pittsfield. Free. informally to a gathering of locals from at 860-435-9801 ext. 1010 or [email protected]. the side porch upon learning of winning July 17: Application deadline for scholarships awarded by the June 19: Berkshire United Way Day of Action Volunteer Berkshire Business & Professional (BPW) organization to work- the election of 1916. Event, with opportunity to assist at National Summer Learning ing women residing in Berkshire County who meet established Day for children and families at The Common in Pittsfield from eligibility criteria. For information on eligibility and an application, 3 to 5 p.m. For information, call 413-442-6948 ext. 12. Now, for some enticing facts for you, the new owners. Live in this lovely historic home, go to www.berkshirebpw.org, on Facebook, or contact BBPW have all your housing expenses paid and pocket anywhere from $15,000 or more. How? June 19-July 10: Women on the Move: A Hundred-Year Scholarship Committee Chair June Roy-Martin at 413-499-4000 Journey, a juried art show at the Koussevitsky Art Gallery ext. 117 or [email protected]. Just by operating this successful B&B on the Berkshire Community College campus. Sponsored July 18: Back to Our Roots, gala party to benefit Hancock business established in the 1940’s by The College Club, in partnership with BCC as part of the Shaker Village, 5 to 10 p.m., with cocktails, dinner and dancing and continuing the tradition. Live club’s Centennial Celebration. Opening reception June 19 under the Main Tent, featuring locally sourced cuisine by Fire from 4 to 7 p.m. Roasted Catering and music by the Lucky Five Jazz Band. For here, close to the heart of “The Village June 20, July 18: Pittsfield Repair Cafe offering free advice tickets, call 413-443-0188. Beautiful” in this very well-maintained and repairs of clothing and small home items. Open to public. 1 July 22: Understanding the Societal Context: What People home, enjoy the fully private owner’s to 5 p.m. in the basement of St. Stephen’s Church (Allen Street with Impairments are Up Against, a workshop with Jo Mas- entrance) in Pittsfield. Visit Pittsfield Repair Cafe on Facebook sarelli of the SRV Implementation Project, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at suite, bring friends and family for or call 413-212-8589. the Holiday Inn, North Adams. Registration is $50. Contact Deb special occasions, fill the house for June 23: Farewell Reception sponsored by Northern Berkshire DiDonna for details and to register at 413-664-9382 ext. 15. popular seasons and Williams College Community Coalition to honor retiring director Al Bashevkin. 4 July 22: Spark! at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, a free network- weekends, and schedule your free time to 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in North Adams. Free but donations ing event for members and supporters of the creative economy, to NBCC’s Annual Campaign appreciated. sponsored by Berkshire Creative. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.. Information as you like. Walk to the theatre, the June 23, 27: Information nights held by the Massachusetts Col- and RSVP visit berkshirecreative.org/about-spark. library, Spring Street. lege of Liberal Arts Office of Admission. On June 23, a Pittsfield July 22-26: Shaker Seminar, annual conference of Shaker Information Night at the Berkshire Athenaeum at 6 p.m.; on scholars, hosted by Hancock Shaker Village in Albany, N.Y. Enjoy all that this highly rated small college town has to offer, and June 27, a Tour and Information Session, beginning at 11 a.m., Call 413-443-0188 to register. For more information, visit be thankful to be out of the hustle and bustle of big city or sprawling in the admissions office on the MCLA campus. For additional hancockshakervillage.org, and go to Programs & Events. information, call the admissions office at 413-662-5410. traffic-snarled suburban life. Settle in with your favorite book or a Ongoing: Last Word Toastmasters public speaking club in June 24: Reading Labels and Meal Planning presentation by Pittsfield, meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth quiet game of Bridge with friends in front of the open wood-burning Michael Glasser, MSRD, lead dietitian at Hillcrest Commons. Tuesdays of the month at Reid Middle School, 950 North St., fireplace. Make the most of this good life, the best of small town life, 10 a.m. at the Ralph Froio Senior Center in Pittsfield, part of from September to May, and at Berkshire Medical Center, Hillcrest’s “Berkshire Senior Subjects” monthly series. Free 725 North St., from June to August. Information at lastword. and all paid for by your grateful guests. and open to the public. Registration is requested at 413-445- toastmastersclubs.org. 9747 by June 22. Call Paul Harsch today for details Ongoing: Berkshire Business Builders networking meeting June 26: Mental Health First Aid, training course on how to every Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at 55 Church assist a person in an emotional crisis, sponsored by Berkshire Street in Pittsfield. All business people looking for an op- AHEC. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield. www. portunity to network are invited. For information, call Kathy berkshireahec.org or 413-447-2417. Growth Area Of Pittsfield Hazelett at 413-442-8581. 3 retail store fronts with parking for 12 • $195,000

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc., the parent A May 18 visit to Berkshire Farms Market at The Tyler Street Business Group invites Business company of Berkshire Bank, has announced a de- Boston’s Logan International Airport by U.S. Rep. artisans, vendors, small businesses and nonprofits finitive agreement for the acquisition of privately Richard Neal (D-Massachusetts) celebrated the to participate in the 2015 Discover Tyler Street held Firestone Financial Corp. Based in Need- success of the market and its impact on the local event, to be held at Woodlawn Avenue in Pittsfield Update ham, Firestone is a commercial specialty finance food economy, and recognized the contribution on Aug. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. The annual event, company that provides secured installment-loan of Berkshire Farm & Table to the partnership. open to all, will feature live music and entertain- DownStreet Art, a seasonal arts program equipment financing for small and medium-sized Neal’s visit marked the one-year anniversary of ment, as well as a beer tent, activities for kids, in downtown North Adams sponsored by the businesses. As of March 31, the company had Berkshire Farms Market in the Terminal B con- arts and crafts, educational activities, information Berkshire Cultural Resource Center of Mas- approximately $190 million in loans outstanding, nector, a grab-and-go retail outlet operated by booths, and opportunities for vendors and member sachusetts College of Liberal Arts, returns on spread across multiple industries and market areas. California-based Tastes on the Fly Restaurant businesses to sell and market their food, products June 25 with a kick-off celebration from 6 to 9 The acquisition is estimated at approximately $53 Group, which specializes in bringing outposts and services. To support this year’s theme – Arts, p.m. The evening will include permanent and million (or 130 percent of Firestone’s adjusted of local dining establishments to airports (June Activities, Innovation – event organizers are pop-up gallery exhibition openings, performances, tangible book value), with 75 percent to be paid 2014 BT&C). Berkshire Farms Market, which looking for technology partners and sponsors to community events, and a free concert on Main in Berkshire Hills common stock and 25 percent was projected to achieve $1.7 million in sales for participate with information and demonstrations Street featuring “Fantastic Negrito,” the winner to be paid in cash. Pending receipt of regulatory its first year of operation, surpassed $3.4 million for children and adults on job and educational of National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk Concert approvals and other closing conditions, the deal is in the first 12 months of sales, with an average opportunities in the Berkshires for robotics, 3D Contest. This year’s DownStreet Art initiative, expected to be completed during the third quarter daily customer count of 980. Terminal B, where printing, life sciences, environmental sciences which will run through Sept. 24, will focus on of 2015, after which Firestone will operate as a Berkshire Farms Market is located, services 11 and biotech. Vendor and sponsor application the theme of community connections, and will subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. “Firestone is a ter- million total passengers each year. “Berkshire forms are available at TylerStreetPittsfield.com/ bring the work of more than 50 visual artists to rific fit for Berkshire Bank,” said Berkshire CEO Farms Market is a remarkable sales and marketing discovertyler/. Registrations must be received pop-up galleries in solo and group exhibitions. Michael Daly in press release announcing the deal. opportunity for our region,” said Angela Cardinali, by July 20 for inclusion in event map. For more DownStreet Art has partnered with several groups, “The strength of the management team and their founder and director of Berkshire Farm & Table, a information, call Diane Marcella at 413-448 6257 including Commonfolk Artist Collective, Teen conservative approach to credit has made them a nonprofit organization that promotes food tourism or email [email protected]. Summer Residency at MASS MoCA, Assets for solid performing finance company. Our strategic and food culture in the Berkshires. “With Logan Artists, Project eLEVate, and others, to bring decision to complement our strong asset-based International servicing 31.9 million passengers Qualprint has received nine Awards of Excel- community-based projects to life this summer. In lending platform with this commercial lending annually, this retail space provides a high-volume lence from Printing Industries of New England addition to MCLA Gallery 51 and the PRESS business enables us to further diversify our assets outlet to increase local food producer revenue and (PINE), a regional trade association for the graphic gallery, DownStreet Art will operate two large while expanding our client offerings.” presents a platform to establish the Berkshires as communications industry and the local affiliation pop-up gallery spaces this summer, Neck of the a food source and destination for travelers.” A col- of Printing Industries of America (PIA). Seven of Woods Gallery at 87 Main St., and C Gallery The Berkshire Business & Professional lection of Berkshire food makers are represented the nine were Pinnacle Awards (Best of Category) at 33 Main St. In addition, DownStreet Art will Women organization will again award career in the airport store, including Berkshire Bark, for printed pieces for the following Qualprint collaborate with Commonfolk Artist Collective, advancement scholarships of up to $500 to Berkshire Berries, Berkshire Blue, Berkshire customers: Maserati, Korn Ferry International, which will operate Common Place Gallery this working women residing in Berkshire County Mountain Spring Water, Berle Farm, Bola Nickel & Nickel Winery, mcgarrybowen, Pine summer, also at 87 Main St. For more informa- who meet established eligibility criteria. Scholar- Granola, Bug Hill Farm, Chocolate Springs, Cone Hill, Werner Pheiffer, and Qualprint’s own tion about DownStreet Art events, visit www. ships may be used for tuition, books, childcare, Cookiehead, Cricket Creek Farm, David’s Bis- 2015 A Closer Look at the Berkshires Calendar. downstreetart.org uniforms or other related educational expenses. cotti, Fire Cider, Katalyst Kombucha, Klara’s Second place Awards of Excellence were awarded The scholarship awards will be presented at the Cookies, Mighty Brittle, Sweet Brook Farm to Qualprint for pieces printed for Berkshire Bank Wild Oats Market, a food co-operative at 320 organization’s meeting in September. Last year and The Red Lion Inn. Other regional products and Bard College at Simon’s Rock. PINE’s Awards Main St. in Williamstown, has added new “grab $7,000 in scholarships were awarded to Berkshire include Airmeth Naturals, Ronnybrook Farm, of Excellence Competition attracted over 200 and go” breakfast items, and will open one hour County area working women. For information Harmony Springs Soda Company, Harney & entries from 41 printing and imaging companies earlier every day. The new hours will be: Monday on eligibility criteria and an application, go to Sons and New England Charcuterie. An as- across New England, competing in a variety of to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday www.berkshirebpw.org, on Facebook or contact sortment of Berkshire regional cookbooks and printing and graphic communications categories. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. scholarship committee chair June Roy-Martin at Berkshire authors are curated by The Red Lion Qualprint’s seven Pinnacle Award winners will be 413-499-4000 ext. 117 or via email at jroymartin@ Inn Gift Shop in Stockbridge. submitted to PIA’s 2015 National Premier Print The Youth Mentoring Program at Child Care berkshirechamber.com. The deadline for applica- Awards competition. of the Berkshires Inc. is looking for quality tion submission is July17. Two teams of women from Greylock Federal mentors age 18 and up to assist a child for one Credit Union recently participated in Habitat The Mount has announced the Edith Wharton or two hours a week at a local school or youth Berkshire Grown has launched a new and for Humanity’s Women Build program. Crews Writer-in-Residence, a two-week residency of- and community organization. For information, expanded website (www.berkshiregrown.org) of women volunteers and sponsors came together fering writers the opportunity to work and create contact Diane Morris at 413-663-6593 ext. 39. that includes Map-o-licious, an interactive map from May 6-21 to help with construction at Cen- in the house Wharton built as a writer’s retreat. Mentor applications are also available at www. that shows locations of farmers and vendors of tral Berkshire Habitat for Humanity’s home The program is open to writers and scholars of ccberkshire.org. local food products in the Berkshires. The new build at 187 Francis Ave. in Pittsfield. The first demonstrated accomplishment who are currently website also includes expanded information, team of Greylock women participating on May working on a new piece of writing. Applications news and features of interest to locavores and 13 included Shenna Bradford, Pam Dolle, Amy open on July 1, and will be accepted through Aug. other consumers and supporters of the regional Porio, Mindy Brown, Carol Martin, Kathy Rich, 31. For additional information including submis- Offices & Shop Space food economy. It also has a section for farm- Maureen Phillips, Stephanie Carlson, Lisa Mamo- sion guidelines, visit EdithWharton.org. Do w n t o w n Pittsfield • Wa l k to No r t h St r e e t ers and producers and other Berkshire Grown lito, Chris Twomey, Marissa Kirchner and Nicole • Ground floor office space members. The site was created by Glen Geiger, Fosser. The second team participating on May 19 The Berkshire Taconic Community Founda- a Stockbridge-based web designer. Berkshire included Maureen Philips, Alicia Swigart, Mary tion has announced the third round of deadlines for with reception, 3 offices and Grown is a nonprofit member organization that Coughlin, Jen O’Neil, Lisa Trybus, Stephanie competitive grants in 2015. Covering the period conference/breakroom provides support services for food producers, and Martin, Amy Orpin, Erin Carlotto, Grace Vallone, from July through September, the summer cycle information to consumers to promote awareness and Terry Ziemba. The 187 Francis Ave. site is of deadlines is open to regional nonprofits, schools • Upstairs apartment and/or more of the regional food system. Barbara Zheutlin, Central Berkshire Habitat’s 28th home build site and individuals. Among them are Harvard Business space for offices director of Berkshire Grown, said the purpose in Pittsfield, and will be counted among more School’s ‘Governing for Nonprofit Excellence’ of the new site is to provide a comprehensive than 1,600 Habitat for Humanity Women Build Scholarship to enhance the leadership skills of • Large back shop/garage/utility reference source. “We’re thrilled with it,” she houses built throughout the United States and in nonprofit board chairs or vice chairs, with appli- space with office said. “In addition to being very useful, the website dozens of other countries. cations due Aug. 8. The Artist’s Resource Trust Property is ideal for contractor, professional helps to explain what Berkshire Grown does in Fund for Organizations provides grants to nonprofit or investor looking for opportunity to locate a a very clear and concise way.” Great Barrington Fair Grounds (GBFG) organizations to purchase, exhibit or commission business near central downtown. and six local charity partners are working to- work created by regional artists. Grants of up to HospiceCare in The Berkshires has been gether to bring Zoppe Family Circus to the fair $10,000 will be awarded. Applications are due Buildings are available for lease and/or sale. recognized as a “Hospice Honors Elite” recipi- grounds on July 17-19. Each of the participating Aug.1. Two education enrichment funds, the Possible financing available. ent based on survey results from October 2013 organizations – Blue Rider Stable, Berkshire Adams Cheshire Educational Partnership and For more details, call: through September 2014. Conducted by Deyta, South Regional Community Center, Berkshire the Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, will an industry leader in data-driven management, Waldorf High School, CATA, Great Barrington award grants of up to $3,000 to school districts the Family Evaluation of Hospice Care (FEHC) Rudolf Steiner School and Railroad Street in Berkshire County to support extracurricular survey evaluates a hospice’s performance on Youth Project – promotes its unique ticket code projects to inspire and engage students. Application 18 satisfaction indicator measures. To earn the and receives 10 percent of ticket sales using that deadlines are June 30 and Sept. 19 respectively. “Elite” honor, HospiceCare in The Berkshires code. “We are really happy to further the mission The Artist’s Resource Trust Fund for Individuals had to be above the national average in all of the of GBFG by including local organizations in this provides grants of up to $10,000 to artists, aged 413-443-5933 ext. 111 evaluated questions. major fund-raising event and in such a way that 35 or older, who seek funding to produce, exhibit they benefit too,” said GBFG co-founder Janet or commission their work. Applications are due Elsbach. Zoppe Circus uses only domestic animals Aug. 1. The Martha Boschen Porter Fund supports – dogs and horses (often rescues) – which are the emerging artists and established artists experienc- personal pets of their owners. The performances ing a significant change of direction in their work, are July 17 at 7 p.m.; July 18 at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.; with grants of up to $5,000. Applications are due and July 19 at 2 and 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale at July 15. The Sweet Brook Scholarship supports www.gbfg.org and through participating organi- employees of the Sweet Brook Transitional Care zations. Patrons are invited to arrive early and and Living Centers in Williamstown who are Your business is too small enjoy local fare and games of daring and skill at planning to attend an accredited school to further “Circus Alley” where side-show booths will be their education that will have a direct impact on to do IT right. Right? staffed by local organizations and food vendors. their work at Sweet Brook. Grants up to $2,500 A portion of the proceeds from the Zoppe Family will be awarded. Applications are due Sept. 30. Wrong. Circus benefits GBFG. NBT Bank is a sponsor The application process for all grants is online at for Zoppe Circus. www.berkshiretaconic.org. Expect more.

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Two Berkshire-based communications profes- The annual Berkshire International Film This summer, IS183 Art School is sponsoring sionals, Ed Bride and Ellen Lahr, are collaborating Festival (BIFF), which was held at the end of Arts Nights Out for adults over 21 on the second on a new contract to represent BEHOLD! New May, presented the annual BIFF Juried Prize Friday of the month, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the school Lebanon, a new concept in the museum world. Awards and the BIFF Audience Awards during in Citizens’ Hall Studios in Interlaken. The events Called a “museum without walls,” BEHOLD! the festival. In the juried documentary category, combine creative activity with socializing, and organizes tours and visits to residents and busi- the winner was Romeo is Bleeding, written and attendees can bring snacks and BYOB. July 10 nesses in New Lebanon, N.Y. These “rural guides” directed by Jason Zeldes. Rania Attieh and Daniel will feature Make A Mug; Aug. 14 will feature demonstrate their professional and personal skills, Garcia won in the juried narrative category for Drone Photography with Thad Kubis, with a demo providing visitors with a sense of contemporary their film H, filmed in Pittsfield and Troy, N.Y. of flying and imaging; and Sept. 11 features Quick rural life and also teaching skills the visitors can The Audience Award Winner for best documentary Draw with Adam Gudeon, leading attendees in use in their own lives. EGLahr PR & Media, feature was a tie between Crescendo, directed by doodling, sketching and responding to prompts. headed by former journalist and PR veteran Ellen Jamie Bernstein, and Above and Beyond, directed Preregistration is required at 413-298-5252 ext. Lahr, is handling overall project management, by Roberta Grossman and produced by Nancy 100 or online at is183.org. strategy, marketing and advertising, and designed Spielberg. The Audience Award Winner for best the museum’s website (beholdnewlebanon.org). narrative feature was the Danish film Secrets of County Ambulance Service has received the Ed Bride, who handled media relations for the mu- War. The winner of the Berkshire Bank Next American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline seum’s prototype season in 2014, returns to head Great Filmmaker Award was Chris King’s short EMS Gold Award for implementing quality im- media outreach again this year. Doing business film Birthday about a wounded war veteran provement measures for the treatment of patients as Ed Bride Associates, he is a national media returning home. who experience severe heart attacks. Every year, relations specialist focusing on technology and more than 250,000 people experience a STEMI, a the arts. “Collaboration has become a byword in CBS Sunday Morning aired a segment about type of heart attack caused by a complete block- the Internet era, with each member of our virtual Hancock Shaker Village on May 31, as part of age of blood flow to the heart that requires timely team doing the work that best suits their expertise, its annual Design show. CBS producer Alan Golds treatment. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives experience and interest,” said Bride. “It’s sort-of and CBS correspondent Richard Schlesinger, by closing those gaps. Agencies that receive the Wiki-marketing. Aside from being the wave of including their camera crew, taped a segment Mission: Lifeline Gold award have demonstrated the future, it’s a way to establish a strong team about the Shakers with curator Lesley Herzberg. at least 75 percent compliance for each required and achieve the greatest results.” Hancock Shaker Village is also the subject of a achievement measure for two years and treated segment on furniture-making on the PBS televi- at least eight STEMI patients for each year. In In July, Community Access to the Arts sion show Ask This Old House, which will air 2014, the AHA recognized County Ambulance (CATA) will present “I Am a Part of Art,” a cel- next year. with a Silver Award.u ebration of CATA’s visual artists and writers, at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renne Ave. in Pittsfield. The opening reception, which is free and open to the public, is July 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the exhibit runs through July 24. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit features over 115 works of art created by artists with disabilities from Berkshire County, and includes a variety of media and abstract and representational paintings and drawings. CATA artists receive a commission on all works sold, and proceeds will also support CATA visual arts programs. CATA will also hold a poetry reading on July 24 at 5 p.m. that includes selected works from CATA’s Writers Workshop. CATA offers a wide range of visual and perform- ing arts workshops, serving some 600 people with disabilities in 38 residences, day programs, and schools throughout Berkshire County as well as in CATA’s studio space in Great Barrington. For more information, visit communityaccesstothearts.org or call 413-528-5485. “I Am a Part of Art” is sponsored by Berkshire Gas, Pittsfield Cultural Council, and individual CATA supporters.

Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer a new Liberal Arts Psychology concentra- tion this fall. The concentration closely parallels freshman and sophomore studies at colleges offering liberal arts baccalaureate degrees in psychology. To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete 62 program and general education credits, plus additional requirements. Graduates of the concentration will be able trans- fer to four-year colleges and universities with junior status. For more information, visit www. berkshirecc.edu/psychology or contact BCC’s admissions office at 413-236-1630. Prospective students may apply to BCC online for free at www.berkshirecc.edu/apply.

The Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Han- cock is completing a solar energy project this summer that, when combined with its already operating wind turbine, is expected to enable the resort to generate up to 80 percent of its power usage from renewable energy sources. The solar array is located near the ski area and four-season resort. Jiminy Peak is operated by the Fairbank Group, which also owns EOS Ventures, a firm that specializes in developing renewable energy projects. EOS partnered with Apis Energy group on the solar array.

The Lenox Library is conducting a book dona- tion drive for its 20th Annual Book Sale to be held Aug. 21-23. They are accepting all books in good condition, hard cover or paperback, plus DVDs, CDs and LPs. Encyclopedias, magazines, and VHS videos are not accepted. All proceeds from this annual fund-raising event benefit the library’s services and programs offered to the public year- round free of charge. To donate books or other materials, call 413-445-5679 or 413-637-2630 ext. 113, or email [email protected]. Pick-ups can be arranged if needed.

This summer, IS183 Art School is sponsoring Arts Nights Out for adults over 21 on the second Friday of the month, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the school in Citizens’ Hall Studios in Interlaken. The events combine creative activity with socializing, and attendees can bring snacks and BYOB. July 10 will feature Make A Mug; Aug. 14 will feature Drone Photography with Thad Kubis, with a demo of flying and imaging; and Sept. 11 features Quick Draw with Adam Gudeon, leading attendees in doodling, sketching and responding to prompts. Preregistration is required at 413-298-5252 ext. 100 or online at is183.org. 8 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e Ju l y 2015 people on the move

Jonathan Denmark O. Andreas Halvorsen and Robert Scott were Jennifer Crowell has Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has been named president recently elected to lead the board of the Clark Art been named director of has announced the recipients of the Fifth Annual and chief operating officer Institute. Halvorsen will serve as chair, while the Berkshire Cultural Berkshire County Educator Recognition Award, for Coakley, Pierpan, Scott will serve as vice chair. Halvorsen is the Resource Center (BCRC), given by MCLA in collaboration with Berkshire Dolan & Collins Insur- co-founder and chief executive officer of Viking housed at MCLA Gallery County K-12 superintendents to honor the region’s ance Agency (CPDC), a Global Investors LP, an investment management 51 in downtown North exceptional teachers. The recipients are Glendon division of MountainOne firm with offices in Greenwich, N.Y., Hong Kong, Adams. Crowell previ- Chamberlin, a first grade teacher at Muddy Brook Bank. Prior to joining and London. Scott was former president and chief ously worked at BCRC Regional Elementary School in the Berkshire Hills CPDC, he served for operating officer and a director of Morgan Stanley, as its program coordinator Regional School District; Jill Pompi ’89, M.Ed. nearly 10 years in insur- and is currently the chairman of Genpact Limited, from 2013 to 2014. As the ’97, a Title I director and literary coach at C.T. Denmark ance agency leadership a business process outsourcing company. The director of BCRC, Crow- Crowell Plunkett School in the Adams-Cheshire Regional roles in Berkshire County, Clark’s board also welcomed Denise Littlefield ell is responsible for the School District; and Liza Barrett, M.Ed. ’98, a including with Berkshire Insurance Group. At Sobel as its newest trustee. Sobel is the president organization and implementation of creative pro- middle school English teacher at Mount Greylock CPDC, Denmark will have overall responsibility of the Tikkun Olam Foundation Inc., which gramming to enhance and promote MCLA as the Regional High School in the Mount Greylock for the growth and management of the agency, focuses on women’s health, gender justice, and regional provider of art and arts education for the Regional School District. while also working closely with MountainOne reproductive rights. cultural and creative community. BCRC programs Bank. Denmark holds Property & Casualty and include MCLA Gallery 51, MCLA Presents!, Fairview Hospital has Life, Accident & Health licenses in multiple states. Heather Lashway the Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP), appointed Jill Samale, He is also certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC), has been promoted at Tricks of the Trade and DownStreet Art. MD, to the Fairview is a Certified Insurance Services Representative Berkshire Bank to the new Hospital Medical Staff. (CISR), and is a Commercial Lines Coverage role of first vice president Al Bashevkin, executive director of the North- Samale, a diplomate of Specialist (CLCS). and retail banking district ern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC), was the American board of manager for New York presented with the 2015 Commissioners Leader- Obstetrics and Gyne- Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School and Vermont. In this new ship Award at the Massachusetts Department cology, serves on staff (GBRSS) welcomes Veronica Horowitz as first position, Lashway will of Public Health’s annual Ounce of Prevention at CHP Barrington OB/ grade teacher for the 2015-2016 school year. A lead Berkshire Bank’s Conference, held recently in Worcester. The award GYN. Prior to joining GBRSS graduate, Horowitz began her teaching New York and Vermont recognizes exceptional leadership in promoting Samale CHP, Samale practiced career as an intern at the school for the 2012-13 Lashway branches and regional healthier and more equitable communities and at South County Center school year. She spent the following year as an managers, along with her in convening partners to advance this work. Ba- for Women’s Health in Wakefield, R.I., at Alice assistant in early childhood, and joined the GBRSS continued leadership of Berkshire Banc Invest- shevkin, who is stepping down from his position Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, N.H., Waldorf Teaching Apprenticeship Program for ment Services team. Lashway joined Berkshire with nbCC (June 2015 BT&C), was cited for his and served in private practice at the Baystate OB/ the 2014-15 school year. During her teacher Bank as vice president and regional manager for long-term commitment towards improvement of GYN Group. training this year, Horowitz interned in first and New York in 2011, bringing with her 17 years community health and for his nearly three-decade third grades, and took the current first grade full of experience in retail banking. Prior to joining leadership of the coalition and commitment to Katherine Lockridge, co-owner of Classical time for several months while the class teacher Berkshire Bank, she was with Citizens Financial improving the quality of life of those in northern Tents and Party Goods in Pittsfield, was presented was absent on leave. Horowitz continues her Group, where she served as senior vice president Berkshire County. with a Massachusetts Hospitality Award at a close relationship with first grade, in charge of and sales manager for 225 branches in New York recent ceremony at the State House in Boston. the afternoon program for the class. and Pennsylvania. Wren Bernstein, LIC- Massachusetts Hospitality Awards recognize SW, has joined the staff of dedication and exemplary service in tourism Mary Botter, PhD, Tracie Barry has joined Jan Perry Realty & the Counseling Center in throughout the commonwealth. Lockridge was RN, chair and associate Associates in Pittsfield, where she will focus on the Berkshires, working cited for exemplifying the spirit of Massachu- professor of the Division residential, investment and vacation properties. A in the organization’s Wil- setts hospitality in the Berkshires over the past of Nursing at Southern lifelong resident of Berkshire County, Barry has liamstown and Pittsfield 20 years as co-owner of Classical Tents, and as Vermont College (SVC), been working in the area since 1998 assisting both offices. Bernstein brings a founder of the Berkshire Wedding Tour, which has been appointed to corporate and vacation travelers with short- and to her practice years of brings wedding planners and professionals to the serve on the Vermont long-term housing. She has completed both the strengths-based focus in Berkshires to educate them on opportunities for Board of Nursing Edu- Accredited Buyers Representative and Sellers community mental health, destination weddings in the region. Lockridge, cation Committee for a Representative Specialist courses. Bernstein experience as life coach, who serves on the boards of the Lenox Chamber three-year term. Botter, a and a particular interest of Commerce and the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, former executive director Botter Richard Rand, the Robert and Martha in the interface between mental/emotional well- was also honored with a citation from the Mas- of the board, was selected Berman Lipp Senior Curator of Paintings and being and expression. sachusetts House of Representatives, offered by for her expertise in nursing education. Sculpture at the Clark Art Institute, will be leav- Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli of Lenox. The ing this position to become the associate direc- Greg Roach, executive chef and prepared foods citation recognized Lockridge for “exemplifying Berkshire Bank has recognized 27 employees tor for collections at the J. Paul Getty Museum manager at Wild Oats Market in Williamstown, a commitment to outstanding customer service for their volunteerism in the community, and in Los Angeles in September. Rand, who has was selected as one of 15 finalists to compete and serving as a model to the Massachusetts has named three “top volunteers” through their led the Clark’s curatorial team since 1997, has in the Supermarket Chef Showdown at the FMI hospitality industry.” Volunteer Service X-ellence Awards Program, played a prominent role in enhancing the Clark’s (Food Marketing Institute) annual expo, held in which celebrates bank employees who have made curatorial projects, including the three-year inter- Chicago on June 9-11. Roach’s recipe for “One Norman Rockwell outstanding contributions to their communities. national tour of its French paintings collection, Pan Skillet Bronzed Chicken with Quinoa and Museum has hired Rich This year’s Volunteer X-ellence Award winners the growth of its special exhibition program, Beer Brat Jambalaya” was chosen from hundreds Bradway as director of include: Sue Gagne, branch officer in East Long- and the recent reinstallation of its permanent of entries across the country, to compete as one digital learning and en- meadow, for her leadership and participation in collection following renovation of the original of the top three recipes in the Affordable Family gagement, a positioned the bank’s corporate volunteer program; Monica 1955-era museum building. Rand will remain Meals category. The 15 finalists were invited funded through a grant Schlaepfer, financial services representative in at the Clark until early July and will work with to Chicago’s McCormick Place to attend FMI from the George Lucas West Winfield, N.Y., for her leadership and service his colleagues to launch the museum’s summer Connect and to compete in person in the 2015 Family Foundation to in both company-supported and individual volun- exhibition program. Showdown cook-off. expand and re-imagine teer activities; and Michael Provencher, teller in the museum’s educational Ludlow, Vt., for his individual volunteer service Becky Meier has joined Berkshire Community For the fourth year in a row, Stacey LaRock, programming with 21st Bradway outside the bank’s corporate program. Each of the College (BCC) as community planner with the business client associate, has been named the century learning tools. award winners received a $1,000 donation that institution’s Adult Learning Program located at Toole Agency’s Employee of the Year. The an- Bradway is the former associate director of e- will be made to the nonprofit organization of their BCC’s South County Center in Great Barrington. nual award recognizes staff employees who make commerce and new media at the Boston Symphony choice. Berkshire Bank also named the following In her new role, Meier is responsible for establish- exceptional contributions to the agency in the Orchestra, where he was responsible for building employees to its Community Service Honor Roll, ing and fostering relationships between the Adult areas of accuracy, customer service, dedication the BSO’s digital user engagement initiatives. Prior recognizing their completion of a minimum of 150 Learning Program and the community at large. and more. LaRock holds the Certified WorkComp to his employment with the BSO, Bradway owned hours of volunteer service in the last calendar year: She will meet with community organizations and Specialist (CWCS) designation, is a Certified Boston-based Blueplate Interactive Technologies, Dawn Adams-Rea, Theresa Andersen, Barbara businesses to promote the program and bring Insurance Service Representative (CISR), and has which served a wide range of clients. Cooney, Joshua Cutler, Jody DeMarco, Marc the services of BerkshireWorks and other com- been employed by the agency since 2010. Dickie, Leigha Durfee, Susan Gagne, David munity organizations to students in the program. The Clark Art Institute has appointed Christo- Gonci, Heidi Higgins, James Kochakian, Gary Meier, who speaks Spanish, previously served United Personnel has pher Heuer as associate director of its Research Levante, Elizabeth Mach, Ceroi Mello, Thomas as administrative assistant at the Berkshire Im- announced the promotion and Academic Program (RAP), effective July 1. Miller, Beth Molinero, LeeAnn Morrone, San- migrant Center in Pittsfield. She has an extensive of Meghann Crandall A noted European and baroque art scholar, Heuer dra O’Neil, Elizabeth Phillips, Ann Ciepiela, background in elementary education, including to business development was an assistant professor in the Department of John Prividera, Michael Provencher, Monica teaching at Williamstown Elementary School manager. She previously Art and Archaeology at Princeton University Schlaepfer, Ray Smith, Michael Smith, Debo- in Williamstown and North Country School in served as staffing con- from 2007-2014 and is currently the Samuel H. rah Stephenson, and Karen Worcester. Lake Placid, N.Y. sultant, where she gained Kress Senior Fellow at the Center for Advanced experience in attracting Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gal- and retaining qualified lery of Art, Washington, D.C. He is a widely individuals to support recognized specialist in early modern European the business needs of Crandall art and architecture, with an emphasis on paint- companies in Berkshire, ing, architecture, and print culture in northern Hampshire and Franklin counties. Crandall’s Europe. Heuer’s work at the Clark will focus on new role will optimize her expertise in account organizing many of RAP’s intellectual events management, human resources and recruitment and collaborations, as well as daily engagement to assist companies throughout western Massa- with the residential scholars in the Clark’s Fel- chusetts with their hiring needs. lows program. Jim’s Lawn Care Lawn Mowing & Fertilizer Treatment H Garden Care & Maintenance Brush Cutting H Chain Saw Work H Pruning H Hedge Trimming Mulching H Rototilling H Painting H Fencing H Junk Removal 413-442-0332 Free Estimates ( L eave M essage) Firewood for Sale Ju l y 2015 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e 9 ICC MC73444 news & notes from the region US DOT 058227

Greylock Federal Jacob’s Pillow Dance Credit Union announced Festival has announced the selection of Kimberly that Andrea Sholler, Mathews as the newest former associate director Specialists in residential moving & warehousing. member of the credit of The Tow Foundation Locally & worldwide. union’s volunteer board and executive director of of directors. Mathews Dance Theater Workshop, Proudly serving The Berkshires for over 90 years. replaces outgoing director has joined the organiza- J. Paul Dube, who retired tion as general manager. Quality service • Competitive Rates after serving 50 years Sholler is returning to Mathews on the board. Mathews, the institution where she Sholler A Family Owned & Operated Business Since 1923 whose term began April began her career as the 21, has served as senior vice president and general Pillow’s first development associate from 1983 counsel at Legacy Bancorp in Pittsfield, general to 1985. In her new position, she will oversee the counsel at Developer Finance Corporation in Wil- administration and overall operations, including liamstown, associate attorney at Bacon & Wilson the education, development, finance, marketing, PC in Springfield, and vice president and general operations, production, and preservation depart- counsel at Lenox Health- ments, and will manage staff in the implementation Care Inc. in Lenox. Dube, of their strategic, programmatic, and financial a retired unit supervisor goals. She succeeds the Pillow’s general manager for GE, was appointed of 12 years, Connie Chin, who left in November or Toll Free to the board on Nov. 25, 2014 to serve as chief operating officer for the 413•499•4982 1•800•225•8068 1964, when the institu- John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.u tion was known as the visit our website at www.castinemovers.com Pittsfield GE Employees Credit Union (PGEECU) and had assets of less than $4 million. Today, it has Dube over $1 billion in assets, over 70,000 members and 12 branches. “As I GTwelveood reasons good reasonsto make look back, I want to thank the dedicated board members, excellent management team, and help- ful and caring employees who interact with our loyal members for making being a director such a memorable and fulfilling experience,” said Dube, reflecting on his 50 years of service.

Jesse Kowalski has been hired as curator of exhibitions at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Kowalski is the former director of exhibitions at The Andy Warhol Museum, where he was em- ployed for 18 of the museum’s 20 years. He has curated many of the Warhol Museum’s popular traveling and in-house exhibitions over the last several years. In addition, Kowalski has developed cultural partnerships with museums, corporations, and governments while designing and overseeing the installation of exhibitions at dozens of museums in 15 countries. Most recently, he designed and supervised the reinstallation of The Andy Warhol BtoERKSH makeIR BT&CE TRADE a ®ular COMM partERCE Museum’s permanent collection galleries.

State Sen. Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield) has been named the 2015 Western Massachusetts Champion for Children by the board of direc- tors of the Children’s Trust. Downing was cited for “his continuing commitment to children, his understanding of the importance of the Healthy Families program, and his knowledge that it does take a village to raise healthy, happy children and strong families.” Healthy Families is an in-home parenting support and coaching program for young, first-time parents. Locally, the Children’s Trust funds Healthy Families Berkshire County, which is operated by Child Care of the Berkshires Inc.

Emerson Badessa has joined the staff at Berkshire South Regional Community Center as youth development manager, a position that heads multiple initiatives that comprise the Youth partof your of your company’s marketing marketing plan for plan2008 Intervention/Prevention Curriculum at Berkshire South. Most recently with Project Adventure, Badessa brings skills in event management and leadership development, as well as experience as a challenge course facilitator, youth mentor, and summer camp programs to his new posi- tion. He will be responsible for the development, implementation, management and evaluation of intervention and prevention-based programming within Berkshire South as well as serving as a resource for the community at large. osha ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/8/14 11:26 AM Page 1

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playing, Makers’ Mill has also established a “There are no paid employees – at least with fabric arts equipment and materials to Makers’ Mill broader base of community support. for now,” said Barber. “In order to keep the the rear, and printmaking to the front. Both continued from page 1 Earlier this year, organizers held a doors open, we need to have someone on sections have ample space for multiple crowdfunding campaign that sought to raise site at all times.” members to work on projects, and are large $10,000 to support the launch of Makers’ She said Google Calendar will be used enough to accommodate groups for classes Barber is relative newcomer to the northern Mill. Barber noted that the campaign sur- to schedule the members’ two-hour shifts and workshops. Berkshires, having arrived in July 2014 to take passed that goal and raised a total of $12,630 (with established processes for rescheduling Barber noted that the pragmatic decision to a position as a publications assistant at the from 162 contributors when necessary). Dur- establish Makers’ Mill in this space also has Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA). across the region. “Main Street gives us good ing these shifts, mem- some tangible benefits for both the venture In her prior work and educational pursuits, “The idea was to visibility for our start-up. bers are able to work on and the downtown community. “Main Street including earning an MFA in the book arts use that money to buy their own projects. This gives us good visibility for our start-up,” she program at the University of Alabama, she equipment and other And what we’re doing here summer, a paid intern said. “And what we’re doing here will also said she had developed an awareness and things we needed for will also bring more people provided by MCLA bring more people to Main Street.” appreciation of the maker space model as the start-up,” said Bar- to Main Street.” will also be on site to a way of promoting creative activity and ber. “But it turned out oversee operations at Expansion options collaboration in various disciplines. “My that we had a lot of equipment donated to times not covered by members. While printmaking and fabric arts are interest in communal studio space goes back us, which helped to keep our start-up costs Hours of operation at Makers’ Mill are the initial focus at Makers’ Mill, Barber a while,” she said. very low. So, the money [raised in the crowd- Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 11 said expansion into additional creative Around the time of her arrival at WCMA funding campaign] will be used to cover our p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from noon to disciplines is anticipated in the near future. last summer, a group of others involved in operating costs as membership builds.” 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Likely candidates include woodworking and various aspects of the creative economy in That financial cushion is important, said Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (it is closed jewelry making. the northern Berkshires were beginning to Barber, since Makers’ Mill will operate as a on Monday). The exact location for these and other explore the feasibility of establishing a maker nonprofit enterprise, and since its own sources Barber noted that these and other aspects creative activities remains an open question, space in the city. of revenue will be both limited and modest, of the operational model are still under however. Aside from space constraints at the Through a series of public meet-ups to at least at the onset. development, and are subject to change as 73 Main St. site, some creative disciplines assess community interest in the concept, “My goal is for it to be a beehive of ac- membership builds. For example, they may are not suited to a downtown storefront. For they identified the disciplines of fiber arts and tivity, but that’s not going to happen on day explore offering a family membership that example, Barber said, woodworking activi- printmaking as a good base for the establish- one,” said Barber in an interview shortly would allow children under 18 to utilize the ties would require a site zoned for industrial ment of a maker space. “They saw that there before the June 12 grand opening event for space when accompanied by a parent. purposes. was a critical mass of people interested in this Makers’ Mill. “A lot of this is trial and error,” she said. That consideration raises the possibility shared studio model,” Barber noted. “It’s an unusual business model, but it’s not of establishing such operations in a separate Additional meetings and further devel- Membership model unusual for a maker space.” location with the proper zoning. “We’re opment of the concept took place through Membership is a key component of the open to the idea of having satellite opera- the fall and winter, at which point Barber business model for Makers’ Mill, as it is Broader revitalization plan tions outside of our space on Main Street,” became involved in the venture, through her with other maker spaces. It is also a primary In certain respects, Maker’s Mill can be said Barber. work with WCMA and her personal interest source of revenue for the venture. seen as a component of a multi-faceted com- She added, however, that relocation and the printmaking component of the proposed An all-inclusive membership to Makers’ munity revitalization strategy drawn up over expansion of Makers’ Mill activities to a maker space. Mill costs $40 per month. For students age the past few years by North Adams Partner- different, larger location was also on the 18 and over, the membership fee is $25. (Due ship (NAP), a consortium of business, com- table. Among other options, that could in- Community support to liability issues and other considerations, munity and philanthropic interests that has clude consideration of the future Greylock Makers’ Mill incorporated as a nonprofit individual memberships are not available to been collaborating on a vision for the city that Market, which would have the space and organization in February, with Barber serving those under age 18.) would more fully tap its existing resources zoning to accommodate the full range of as board chair; Diane Scott, a management Barber explained that membership pro- and create new energy, enhanced quality of creative disciplines that Maker’s Mill might professor at MCLA, as treasurer; and Emily vides access to the shared workspace and life and economic dynamism throughout the incorporate. Watts, a Berkshire-based creator, maker and all machines and equipment at Makers’ Mill. community (April 2014 BT&C). “The conversation [among the board] entrepreneur, as clerk. The printmaking equipment includes screen Barber explained that Makers’ Mill is has been ‘expand and move,’” she said. Other board members are: Blair Benjamin, printing, relief printing presses, book binding not directly connected to NAP, but that the “But that’s something that will take shape director of the Assets for Artists program at equipment, and paper cutting machines. Fiber concept for a maker space outlined in NAP’s over time.” MASS MoCA; Marybeth Mitts, manager of arts equipment includes a large-format loom, strategic plan helped inform the process of For now, Barber said, the emphasis is spouse partner resources at Williams College; two small floor looms and other weaving establishing the new Main Street facility. on a successful launch for Makers’ Mill on Jeffrey Thomas, executive director of Lever equipment, and sewing machines. That indirect relationship is consistent Main Street, which includes introducing Inc., a northern Berkshire entrepreneurial Some additional tools and resources are with other elements of the NAP strategic the venture to the creative community and development initiative; and Betty Vera, an also included in the membership fee. Other plan that are at various stages of develop- building membership. internationally exhibited fiber artist. basic materials used in printmaking and fab- ment. Some, such as the establishment of “Our target is about 40 members,” said The composition of the board hints at ric arts such as inks, paper, fabric and quilt a co-working venture known as Cloud85 Barber, adding that “the bar is relatively some of the leading local institutions that are batting are available at an additional cost or (January 2015 BT&C), have been imple- low right now in terms of what we need to involved in and/or supporting the launch of are provided by the member. mented and are now operational. Others, be sustainable.” Makers’ Mill – through either direct financial Barber noted that members must be certi- such as formation of Greylock Market, a Beyond basic financial considerations, contributions or other needed resources. fied for use of specific equipment at Makers’ mixed-use redevelopment of the Western Barber said the ability to attract and maintain Beyond the role these institutions are Mill before they can access that equipment Gateway Heritage State Park complex, active members will be integral to the success independently. For those already experienced remain in the planning stages. of Makers’ Mill. in use of the equipment, this can be done The Greylock Market project, which has “It’s a socially minded business venture,” by scheduling a testing session in which a been hampered by complicated pre-existing said Barber. “A main benefit of this kind member demonstrates competent and safe use legal disputes between the city and Heritage of community space is interacting with of the equipment. For members needing an State Park tenants, was originally envisioned people working in the same or different introduction to the basic operation and safety as a potential site for a maker space. disciplines.” of equipment, training sessions led by skilled Barber noted that early organizers of Mak- In that respect, she hopes to see members artists are offered by appointment. ers’ Mill decided to move forward with the who join for one discipline becoming in- In addition to individual training sessions maker space project at an alternate location volved in new areas of creative activity. “Our for members, Makers’ Mill will also offer rather than wait for the Greylock Market to goal is to have a diverse base of members, equipment training classes that are open to take shape. whose interests overlap and expand across the general public. Barber said these and other The closing earlier this year of I Got disciplines,” Barber said. workshops will be geared toward makers of Goodies, a downtown candy shop, created a That, she added, will help cultivate an all ages and backgrounds, with additional vacancy on Main Street that was well suited environment for experimentation and col- outreach programming targeting children, to Makers’ Mill. laboration in new media and processes, teens and families. (Members receive a “It was already well set up for our needs,” while also boosting economic and creative 2015 GMC Sierra 10-percent discount on these programs and said Barber, noting that the 1,900-square-foot vitality in the region by empowering people 2015 GMC Sierra workshops.) space had large counters along the walls, to make. “We want Makers’ Mill to be a hub Another aspect of membership at Mak- sinks and other necessary plumbing fixtures of creative activity,” she said. McAndrews-King ers’ Mill is the direct participation that installed, and other attractive features. In addition to individual membership, Buick GMC Truck Inc. members will have in its basic operation. The Makers’ Mill board worked out a lease Makers’ Mill also offers institutional 224 Columbia St., Rt.8 Adams Barber explained that all members will be agreement with property owner Scarafoni As- membership programs for companies that responsible for serving at least two hours of sociates and began renovations this spring to would like to provide employees with ac- (413) 743-0584 volunteer time in the shop per month. This prepare for the opening of Makers’ Mill. cess to the maker space. For information mcandrewsking.com basic requirement reflects the all-volunteer The maker space is divided evenly into about membership at Makers’ Mill, visit Bigger is not Better… Better is Better nature of the operation. sections for the two creative disciplines, northadamsmakersmill.org.u

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Client: MountainOne Bank Live Area: N/A Creative Director: B. Pruett Client Approval Publication: Berkshire Trade & Trim: 10.25” (w) x 16” (h) Art Director: N. Zammito Commerce Scale: 100% Actual Size Account Mgr: R. Walsh Insertion Date: July 1, 2015 32 Karen Pines Street ______Dedham, MA 02026 Initials 978.264.3264 JOB NUMBER: MTN-078 FILE NAME: MOB_Nikki-10.25x16_BTC.indd 12 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r C e Ju l y 2015 eNViRONment living building Challenge takes leed criteria, goals to higher level Local consultant on college have successfully met all criteria of the LBC for full certifi cation – in part, because it is environmental center earns a relatively new program, and because the recognition for fi rm’s work criteria and scoring system for the LBC are much stricter than the LEED process. on self-sustaining facilities However, Stevenson and other supporters believe it can ultimately have a wider impact, By John Townes in a similar way that LEED has raised the Since its launch in 2000, the LEED cer- overall bar for green building. tifi cation program has become a prominent While they are separate initiatives, LEED and successful strategy in efforts to move and LBC complement each other as differ- the mainstream of building design and con- ent options, said Stevenson, who also helps struction in a greener, more environmentally projects to obtain LEED certifi cation through sustainable direction. Integrated Eco Strategy (413-776-9343 or Now, another initiative, the Living Build- www.integratedecostrategy.com). ing Challenge (LBC), is taking a similar “The Living Building initiative is now approach as LEED, but with a greater sense an independent program, but it started as a of urgency and more dramatic goals. branch of LEED,” he noted. “And it is likely Both programs are industry oriented and that some projects will seek both forms of share a basic purpose of creating a demand certifi cation.” for sustainable technologies and materials, and making them more available and afford- Moving the market able as common elements of buildings and The LBC and LEED are based on a com- site development. mon strategy and goal, which is to generate The LBC, however, takes this process to an initial demand for products, technologies another level – to accelerate, intensify and and methods of construction that are more broaden those goals and encourage more environmentally sustainable and healthy. fundamental transformations in the way we de- This creates and stimulates markets for less sign, construct and use buildings and sites. toxic building materials, energy conservation Among other factors, the LBC emphasizes systems, and other environmentally oriented “regenerative design” solutions. These are products and technologies. That, in turn, projects that go beyond the reduction of makes sustainable products more economi- waste and other negative impacts. Instead Charley Stevenson, shown here by the Green River behind his company’s offi ce in Williamstown, has been cally viable and widely utilized. LBC projects are designed to proactively named a 2015 Living Building Hero by the Living Future Institute, which administers the Living Building “It’s easier for the market and consumers improve the environment, encourage social Challenge (LBC). Stevenson consulted on the recently completed Class of 1966 Environmental Center at to stay with the status quo,” explained Ste- and economic equity, and contribute to larger Williams College, which was designed and constructed to adhere to rigorous LBC criteria. venson. “But if designers and builders start global sustainability. asking for products that use materials that “LEED has made a positive and signifi cant Stevenson was recently named as a 2015 tion, was designed and constructed to adhere are less toxic, manufactures will respond by difference, but it’s based on gradual change Living Building Hero by the Living Future to the LBC requirements, with the goal of developing and selling those products – and over a long period of time,” explained Charley Institute, the organization that sponsors and achieving certifi cation. that establishes a market for them.” Stevenson, owner of Integrated Eco Strategy, administers the Living Building Challenge. Stevenson served as a consultant on the LEED (which stands for Leadership in En- a Williamstown fi rm that provides consult- The award was announced at a conference LBC aspects of the project, which was de- ergy and Environmental Design) is sponsored ing services to architects and builders on in Seattle in April. signed by Black River Design. by the U.S. Green Building Council. It grades sustainability planning, energy effi ciency, Stevenson was cited for his fi rm’s leadership The Williams facility incorporates features projects on a point system based on categories and green building certifi cation. on several projects based on the LBC stan- such as locally sourced wood and other ma- that include integrative process, location “The Living Building Challenge, on the dards in Massachusetts, as well as his overall terials, a self-sustaining water system, on-site and transportation, sustainable sites, water other hand, takes the position that incremental advocacy and educational activities. renewable energy generating sources, areas effi ciency, energy and atmosphere, materials change is not enough, because of the serious One of those projects is the Class of 1966 dedicated to the growing of fruit trees, and and resources, indoor environmental quality, pressures of climate change and the other Environmental Center at Williams College in other criteria of the LBC. innovation and regional priority. critical issues we are facing,” he continued. Williamstown, which was offi cially opened The recent award also cited Stevenson’s The motivations for sponsors, designers “It recognizes that we need to more rapidly in April. This 7,000-square-foot complex, on current efforts to incorporate the LBC in sev- and builders to pursue LEED certifi cation make a leap to a very different way of doing a 1.1-acre site just behind the new Sawyer eral other projects in Massachusetts. These include a genuine commitment to the envi- things. We already know how to do that. In- Library, houses the college’s Center for En- include Kern Center at Hampshire College ronment and the desire to create healthy and stead of correcting problems in 50 years, why vironmental Studies and the Zilkha Center and the Hitchcock Center for the Environ- sustainable buildings. There are also practical not build solutions into projects now?” for Environmental Initiatives. ment, both in Amherst, and the Lloyd Center incentives, such as reduced energy costs, and When it comes to the LBC, Stevenson is The facility, which integrates a historic for the Environment in South Dartmouth. the benefi ts of certifi cation in terms of public both an expert and a passionate advocate. 1790s frame structure with new construc- So far, only seven buildings worldwide relations and marketing. For professionals in the design and construc- tion industries, the ability to adhere to these Incentives standards and practices is also becoming more of a necessity. More customers – including Available institutions, government agencies, businesses and individuals – require LEED certifi cation Building on Innovation or other green credentials in projects. Stevenson noted that LEED has had a much From the legacy of larger cumulative effect than the number innovator William Stanley of projects that actually seek and achieve certifi cation, and it has been successful in comes the Berkshire bringing sustainable alternatives into the Innovation Center, mainstream on many levels. the nucleus of our “A relatively small percentage of building projects actually make the effort to achieve growing business park in LEED certifi cation, but the impact is much downtown Pittsfield. wider than that,” said Stevenson. “You see the results in the greater number of sustainable Construction ready sites products that are available at Home Depot, are available. Build your for example.” business next to the most The LBC is intended to advance this pro- cess more dramatically and rapidly. advanced R&D center in The concept for the LBC emerged in the the Berkshires of Western mid-1990s in a research project to produce Massachusetts. the most advanced sustainable design project in the world. Located in Bozeman, Call or visit us for Mt., it was known as EpiCenter and was more information. funded by National Institute of Standards and Technology. There was a subsequent effort within the U.S. Green Building Council to adopt this concept by adding a Living Building Chal- lenge level to the LEED program. “There were members of the council who felt that LEED Platinum (the highest level of LEED certifi cation) didn’t go far enough,” said Stevenson. “There were discussions williamstanleybp.com Š 413.494.7332 about adding a Living Building Challenge, but it didn’t happen.” Instead, members of the Cascadia Green Ju l y 2015 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e 13

Building Council, an affiliate in the Pacific and purify its wastewater before returning it Northwest, established the International Liv- to the outside environment. ing Building Institute in 2009 as an umbrella The reconstruction project is designed to organization for the Living Building Chal- maximize useful space. The offices are com- lenge and its auxiliary programs. pact. The larger rooms have multiple functions The Institute certified the first projects in as classrooms and meeting rooms in the day, 2010. The name was changed to the Living and in the evening as student study spaces and Future Institute (living-future.org) in 2011. workrooms, and informal gathering spaces for faculty, students, staff and alumni. Wide-reaching goals Stevenson noted that the completion and In addition to construction and design opening of the facility is only the first step requirements, the LBC also extends to other in achieving LBC certification. For a build- environmental, economic and social goals. ing to meet the LBC requirements, it must It is based on seven performance categories demonstrate net-zero energy and water (or “petals”) which include place, water, en- consumption for one year of full occupancy, ergy, health and happiness, materials, equity among other requirements. and beauty. These are subdivided into a total “If it meets all the criteria after a year, it will of 20 “imperatives.” be eligible for certification,” he said. “The The LBC requires that projects seeking community will need to work together in the certification are self-sustaining, with a goal building to see that it performs as intended, of zero impact on the larger environment. and there is tremendous educational value Beyond that, projects are expected to ac- Combining a 1790s frame structure with new construction, the Class of 1966 Environmental Center at Williams in that level of engagement.” tively improve the local environment, and College features a wide array of self-sustaining systems – from energy to water to food production – that Stevenson acknowledged that the require- contribute to global sustainability and other are geared toward achieving certification under the Living Building Challenge criteria. ments of the LBC may seem daunting, and it social and economic values. production processes, as well as their social It was supported significantly by gifts does demand a great deal of commitment and For example, rather than conserving and economic principles. from alumni and grants. The Class of 1966 effort from those seeking certification. electricity delivered from the grid, LBC The LBC also requires that certified proj- provided the naming gift in honor of its However, he added, LBC projects can certification requires that a facility must ects include the growing of food, either on upcoming 50th reunion. serve as prototypes of what can be accom- generate all the energy it will use on site site or in another location. The older wood structure, formerly known plished, even for projects that don’t seek or through renewable sources such as solar, While producing food may seem to be a as Kellogg House, has been the home of the receive certification. wind or geothermal. stretch for an office or classroom building, it college’s Center for Environmental Studies And, like LEED, it can create conditions It must also utilize a “closed loop” system reflects the broader goal since 1978. With the that encourage more widespread adoption of of water use, by harvesting and treating its of the LBC, according “Everything is oriented to new addition, it now sustainable design and products. own water, without relying on municipal to Stevenson. also houses the Zilkha Stevenson noted that these products and supplies or sewage systems. “Everything is ori- encouraging sustainability Center for Environ- technologies already exist, and that the most Building materials must be non-toxic, fol- ented to encouraging in all aspects of the built mental Initiatives, the important element in adopting them is cultivat- lowing a “red list” of chemicals to avoid. sustainability in all as- environment.” college’s administra- ing the will to use them on a wider basis. In addition, LBC has requirements for the pects of the built envi- tive operation that fo- “For years, we’ve had the technology and sourcing of materials. “It looks at the entire ronment,” he said. “It also is part of the goal cuses on sustainability across the campus. know-how to design and construct buildings supply chain, including the manufactur- of removing the artificial separation between In addition to faculty and staff offices, that take care of all their own needs, while ing process and effect of materials at their human activity and the natural world.” the building has classroom space, a kitchen, minimizing external impacts,” he said. source,” said Stevenson. The Class of 1966 Environmental Center reading room, and an outdoor amphitheater. “Achieving this high performance requires It encourages the use of sustainable mate- at Williams reflects that, with space allocated It is open to students 24 hours a day. changes in the materials marketplace and rial from local sources as much as possible. If for a small orchard and other food cultiva- It uses on-site solar energy, and rooftop new regulatory frameworks. LBC projects outside materials are used, they must be from tion at the site. water collection to produce 100 percent of advocate for these advancements, and they suppliers that adhere to accepted sustainable That project adheres to the LBC require- the energy and water required for its opera- serve to bring these approaches into the practices in their use of raw materials and ments throughout the facility. tion. It also has a treatment system to clean mainstream of construction.”u

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TOOls OF The TRade the Internet. It should have information and font for the headings of your website. If you Deb Watson, owner of images that contain personal touches. These have a marketing tag line (which, hopefully, does your marketing Business Marketplace could include: you do), it should be presented as well. These (413-281-3476 or deb@ Meet the staff – When someone calls, little touches will help make the connection mirror your business? businessmarketplace. it helps when they can visualize who they between the website and the storefront or com), provides website, are talking to. As well, if they met someone offi ce in customers’ minds. Branding is so By deB waTson marketing and graphic from your company while networking, this important, even for small businesses. When you started your business and estab- design services. can help refresh their memory about which lished either your offi ce or retail location, you person it was. Adding a brief bio is always Is it user friendly? gave a lot of thought to how it was organized, a nice touch – just don’t overdo the personal When you fi rst set up your store, you set up and decorated. You wanted to create online and likely visit your website before information. No one really cares that you gave thought to how you would organize a good fi rst impression – one that refl ected they ever step foot in your store or call your love your beagle or motorcycle unless that your products, what the fl ow would be for the personality of your business as well as company to set up an appointment. This is is the business you’re in. your customers to make it easy for them to letting the world know how good you are! why it’s imperative that your website refl ects About us – Providing information about fi nd what they are looking for. You didn’t People are more willing to do business with the image that you want. the level of experience want them assuming you if they like what they see. your staff brings to your The principles listed here are you don’t carry what While a strong physical presence is un- Is it uniquely YOU? customers is always a just as applicable to your oth- they need and going to derstood to have a tangible impact on the Your website should be distinct and good thing. If there is your competition. success of a business, a lot of companies don’t uniquely yours. The last thing you want to a mission statement er marketing activities. every- It’s the same with realize just how important their digital pres- do is use a boring, template-style design that that is well done, that thing you do to market your your website. You only ence is. Today, most people will do research visitors have seen hundreds of times all over can help. Just keep business must be consistent in have a few seconds in mind that “Provid- for a fi rst-time visitor ing excellent customer presenting the “real you.” to determine whether service” is not a mission statement, nor is you have what they are looking for, and to it a marketing tag line – it’s what everyone fi nd it in only a few clicks. If they found strives to achieve. you from a Google search, all they have to Pictures – Visuals are always important, do is click the “back” button in order to fi nd whether it’s a picture of your retail store all of your competition. so people recognize it when looking for you, showing your staff in action helping Does it refl ect your style? a customer, or a technician working on a Your website should have a similar tone to client’s project. These pictures should help your business. For example, if your business the visitor feel a sense of confi dence that prides itself on being fun and casual, then you you would handle their project with respect, will want to include some playful elements professionalism and care. Showing a fi lthy to your web design as well. By contrast, if workroom won’t help anything, even if it your company prides itself on its long tradi- does show you’re busy. tion and simple elegance, you will want to have a more understated, simple tone on your H B  D P Is there brand consistency? website. The goal is for someone who has 2 Historically restored offi ces Make sure that your website design and visited your website to feel familiar when your in-person business design are consistent. they visit your store or offi ce. Hardwood Floors & large Windows For instance, if your company colors are red The principles listed here are just as ap- 330 & 630 sq. ft. – total 960 sq. ft. and blue, then obviously including a red and plicable to your other marketing activities blue color scheme on your website is also – brochures, display ads, newsletters, direct a good move. mail, etc. Everything you do to market your 413-528-9841 ext 2 By the same token, if your logo and other business must be consistent in presenting the [email protected] business text are in a specifi c font, use that “real you.”◆

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More recently, the business has gone Vlada Rousseff through another transition, which also reflects continued from page 1 a personal shift for Rousseff. At the beginning of the year, she hired a manager, Diane LaConte, to oversee the Over the decades, the business has also business, which also has three other sales gone through its share of changes, while associates: Wendy Albano, Jo-Ellen Height, continuing to reflect the personality and and Paige Killiard. tastes of its owner. “After running the business on my own for “Although many styles have come and so many years, I wanted to lighten some of the gone (thank goodness!), my philosophy on pressure of always being here,” Rousseff said. clothing has remained the same – attractive, “I’m still actively involved in the business, comfortable, functional, affordable,” writes but I’ve stepped back from the day-to-day Rousseff on her website. operation of the store. I’m more involved in Rousseff, who grew up in Wisconsin, came the planning and buying now.” to Stockbridge, and to her role as a business This winter and spring, she and LaConte owner there, by a circuitous route, beginning redesigned the interior of the store to freshen when she moved east to New York City as a it up and reflect its emphasis on domesti- young woman to study theater. cally made apparel and women designers “I never really planned this or had a specific and businesses. goal,” she said. “Things just fell into place Rousseff, whose father was a painter, is and worked out as I went along.” also now spending more time on that side of She started visiting friends in the Berk- her own creativity. She is painting and work- shires in the 1960s, while living in New ing to promote and sell her artwork. York. “I began coming up for an occasional To mark the anniversary, Vlada Boutique weekend, then for a month, then for the will be offering special sales and other activi- summer,” she recalled. “Finally, I moved ties. For an updated list of events, visit the here full time.” store’s Facebook page.u Her transition from being a creative lib- eral arts and theater student to becoming an entrepreneur was also gradual. While living in New York, Rousseff had a storefront studio in Greenwich Village, where she created and sold her clothing. “I had a small sewing machine, and I’d Do y o u believe in s h o p p i n g l o c a l ? made a dress for myself,” she said. “My friends liked it, and wanted me to make Do y o u l i k e to s u p p o r t o t h e r something for them. That led me to selling l o c a l businesses? clothing.” Do y o u believe in k e e p i n g y o u r She also channeled her creativity into mak- m o n e y in o u r l o c a l e c o n o m y ? ing handbags, jewelry and other items. r e y o u r e a d y to a c c e p t t h e n e w In 1970, she established her business in A c h i p c a r d s a s t h e liability s h i f t s Stockbridge, after meeting the late Jane to y o u a f t e r Oc t o b e r 1st? Fitzpatrick, owner of the Red Lion Inn. Vlada Rousseff is joined on the steps outside her Elm Street boutique by manager Diane LaConte, who was “I had a job waitressing at a restaurant hired at the beginning of the year to oversee day-to-day operations. “After running the business on my own “I can provide you with a new in Canaan, N.Y., at the time,” she recalled. for so many years, I wanted to lighten some of the pressure of always being here,” Rousseff says. terminal that has the latest PCI “I applied for a job at the Red Lion. When software as well as being able to I met Jane Fitzpatrick, I also asked her for from its original focus on consignment focused on its own niche of clothing and accept chip cards.” advice about selling my crafts. She offered sales and locally made crafts and clothing accessories. “When I started out, the store – Don Raiche to rent me two rooms in a building off the to become more oriented to retail sales of was just a fun mix of whatever I wanted to back parking lot. So I started selling my own manufactured items. carry,” Rousseff said. Berkshire Merchant Services is a local, independently items and the work of other craftspeople there “I was in California one winter, and I met As more specialized stores opened in the owned merchant services broker. I represent different in the summers.” with a wholesale rep, and when I came back Berkshires, she decided it made sense to processors and can compare and get you the lowest She continued to build her business as I started visiting wholesalers in New York,” concentrate on her own specialties, rather prices possible for your credit processing expenses. a summer resident into the late 1970s, and Rousseff recalled. “I found that working with than a broad selection of products that were For a free quote, please call me at: augmented sales at the Red Lion site with products from wholesale suppliers worked available elsewhere. participation as a vendor at area craft fairs. better for the store, so I began to place more That includes an emphasis on products 413-637-2100 In 1977, Rousseff moved to Stockbridge emphasis on that.” made in the United States, and on the work or email [email protected] full time. The next year, she opened Vlada While the store’s merchandise selection of up-and-coming women designers and www.BerkshireMerchantServices.com Boutique as a year-round shop in the former is still eclectic, it has also become more women-owned businesses. Member of the berkshire Chamber of Commerce Stockbridge train station, where she oper- Member of the Southern berkshire Chamber of Commerce ated for two years. “The train station was a wonderful space, but then one winter the interior flooded, and I decided I’d better find another location,” she said. When a storefront space on the first floor of a residential-commercial building at 17 Elm St. became available, she relocated there, and the business has been there ever since. Karen M. Prestwood, MD Dr. Karen Prestwood, a board certified and fellowship trained specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, has On a personal level, she also established Internal Medicine & Geriatric Care her roots here permanently when she pur- joined the staff of Lenox Family Health Center and is chased a home in Stockbridge in 1979. accepting new patients in need of primary care. Dr. Over time, Vlada Boutique has evolved Lenox Family Health Center of BMC Prestwood is partnered with Drs. Heather Flynn and Lenox Commons – 55 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox Mehernosh Khan and Nurse Practitioners Raya Ariella, 413-344-1700 Kim Bladh-Silverstein and Jennifer Nugent.

…because home is where the heart is! x Board certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics x Fellowship trained in Geriatrics from the University of We Offer: u Personal Care Connecticut Health Center u Live In Service – Up to and x Medical degree and residency in Internal Medicine at Including 24 Hour Care Hahnemann University School of Medicine u Medication Reminding u Homemaking x Provides adult primary care and Geriatric care u Companionship u Shopping and Errands x For an appointment with Dr. Prestwood or one of her u Door to Door Services for colleagues, call Lenox Family Health Center of BMC at Appointments & Procedures 413-344-1700 Call us to set up an appointment for a complimentary assessment! 413-464-7524 137 North Street • Suite 202 Pittsfield, MA 01201 www.mtviewhomecare.com 16 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r C e Ju l y 2015 GeTTiNGstarted

BOdY laB GB program. It has since transitioned into the Women’s Cancer Wellness Fund, which is mix of health, fi tness, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Com- munity Foundation. The fund provides relaxation services at scholarships to help women with cancer pay for holistic therapeutic services. new boutique studio “One reason for that is that the situation has changed and improved since I was By John Townes fi rst diagnosed, and received treatment,” When she turned 50 last year, Bridget Ford Hughes said. Hughes decided to take stock of her life. Unlike in larger cities, she explained, “I took a breather to think about what in Berkshire County there were very few I wanted to do next,” she recalled. “I’ve connections between the medical provid- always been a fi tness jock, and had always ers of cancer treatment and holistic health wanted a space for myself for a health and services. fi tness studio.” “Through my own experience, I realized She decided to go for it, and the result that it can be very isolating in Berkshire is a new venture, Body Lab GB (short for County for women with cancer,” Hughes Great Barrington). Hughes opened the studio said. “It was also very diffi cult for them in January at 115 Gas House Lane, just off to fi nd out about appropriate holistic treat- Main Street at the northern edge of downtown ments and services. Although there are Great Barrington. many wonderful practitioners here, they Hughes offers a mix of services, including work independently. There wasn’t a cen- personal fi tness training and coaching, and tral resource for women to fi nd and access customized yoga and Pilates instruction. services that could help them.” She also provides a full range of massage That, however, has improved in recent therapies, including Swedish and deep-tissue years, she said, citing the opening of the massage and myofascial release. BMC Cancer Care Center, (which Berkshire In her promotional material, Hughes Health Systems established in 2013 on its describes Body Lab as “a boutique studio Hillcrest campus in Pittsfi eld) as one im- where you can Power Up or Power Down,” portant change. referring to the mix of exercise and relaxation “They provide a wide range of services Bridget Ford Hughes has opened Body Lab GB in a commercial space just off Main Street in downtown Great services available. and referrals and support, which has made Barrington, where she offers personal fi tness training and instruction, and a range of massage therapies. The emphasis at Body Lab GB (413- the situation much better,” she said. “So, 345-6899 or www.bodylabgb.com or on business. A native of Chevy Chase, Md., recruited to work as a massage therapist at what we did at the pastures became less Facebook) is on individual one-on-one she moved to New York City to study at the Canyon Ranch Spa in Lenox. After dividing necessary.” instruction, rather than classes. Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, her time between locations, Hughes moved She emphasized that the Women’s Cancer While she does have two massage thera- earning a degree in 1994. to the Berkshires 10 years ago when she Wellness Fund (thepastures.org) continues to pists on staff, Hughes conducts most of the She developed a massage therapy practice met her husband, Jonathan Prince, who is be an ongoing program. training and performs much of the massage in New York, where, in addition to other a sculptor. While moving on from that period of her therapy herself, rather than having a large clients, she worked with prominent celebri- In addition to her background in Swed- life, Hughes said her decision to open Body staff or network of outside contractors. ties and athletes. For a period, she worked as ish massage, Hughes studied and gained Lab GB was cemented when she found the “This is the culmination of all that I do,” a personal trainer for the clothing designer certifi cation in a variety of health and fi tness building the business now occupies. It is next she said. “I’m doing almost everything, in- Tommy Hilfi ger, and traveled extensively practices, including other massage tech- to Gilmore Heating and Plumbing, which had cluding training, massage, and advertising, with him as part of his entourage. niques, advanced yoga, and Pilates exercise, previously used it as offi ce space. networking and outreach.” In the later 1990s, she also began spend- among others. She also gained certifi cation Hughes said that one of her goals was to Hughes brings deep experience to the ing time in the Berkshires after she was as a personal fi tness trainer. create an inviting space that would ease the stress of clients, and offer a healing environ- Cancer support program ment. “The interior of that building suited Her life took a more challenging turn in what I wanted to do perfectly,” she said. 2006, when Hughes was diagnosed with She added that the space did not require THE CHOICE IS EASY... cancer. She then went through a period any signifi cant renovation, other than some dominated by surgeries and other treatments, cosmetic work such as repainting and re- and then the process of recovery. Hughes decorating. TRUST THE FOLKS AT CARR! noted that she is currently diagnosed as “My major start-up expense has been cancer free. signage, to let people know where we are,” That experience also led her into an- she said. “Even though it’s right off Main other focus, as an advocate for providing Street, it’s hidden behind the Cumberland access to holistic health services to assist Farms store, and it’s diffi cult to see or to with treatment and recovery for women fi nd the entrance.” with cancer. Hughes said her target market is a mix of In 2010, she established “the pastures,” a local residents and second-home owners. program that provided spa services, referrals Business so far has been encouraging, and other forms of support for women with she said. In part, she started with a network cancer. It was based in a barn at her home in of potential clients who know her from the secluded town of Southfi eld. other activities, including classes she has After several years, she phased out that led elsewhere. “It’s been a good start, and we’re getting busier,” she said. “Most of the people who have booked me already knew me from the community, or through word of mouth. Now I’m trying to spread the word about this more widely.”◆ CARR SERVICES -Copier Available -Keys Cut You have our -Delivery Service -Small Engine Service -Locks Re-Keyed -Fax Available -Snow Blower Service -Key Alike Padlocks -Glass Cutting Undivided -Propane Rells -Pipe Cutting & reading -Special Orders -Blade Sharpening One of many historical Attention - Mower blades -Window & Screen -Computer Paint properties we protect Repair Matching - Scissors every day. DOLLARS & SENSE - Chainsaw chains - Extensive Rental -Window Shades Tax & Financial Planning Services® - much more! Service Cut James R. Rose, CFP® Enrolled Agent ƻÞǼǼǣʩsĶ_ ĵss 547 North St 57 Park St. (413) 448-9015 413-443-5611 413-243-2541 1-800-369-3905 Fax: (413) 448-9054 ŗŸNjǼÌ_Ŏǣ µǼʳDNjNjÞضǼŸŘ www.LeeAudioNSecurity.net 179 State Rd. 256 Main St. ."
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 222 South St. Professional Building 413-663-6600 413-528-4520 www.carrhardware.com Pittsfield, MA 01201 Ju l y 2015 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r C e 17 spotlight on new business ventures seNiORs helPiNG seNiORs brook Nursing Home and the former North Adams Regional Hospital. Company provides She said her decision to start the business was prompted by the closure of NARH last peer-based personal year, although she continued to have other sources of work as a speech pathologist. services for elderly “With the closing of the hospital system, I knew there would be a lot of people who By John Townes had relied on them who would become more A new service, Seniors Helping Seniors, isolated and need this kind of help,” she said, is adding a twist to the traditional role of adding that she decided to start a business to personal care services for the elderly. address that need. While delivering personal services to se- Seniors Helping Seniors is a national com- niors in a manner similar to other providers, pany. Apkin applied for, and received, a fran- the caregivers at Seniors Helping Seniors chise for the western Massachusetts territory. are contemporaries of the clients. Its staff of The national company provides support and personal assistants range in age from people guidelines, and the franchisees operate their in their late fi fties to those in their eighties. business autonomously, she explained. Jane Apkin, owner, explained that the Originally she had focused on the northern idea is to match seniors who need some Berkshires, but has expanded the service to assistance with other seniors who want to cover all of the Berkshire County. Techni- help. The business’s motto is “Like Getting cally, she added, her franchise extends east Help from a Friend.” of the county to Westfi eld. “In order to meet “Our staff, like our clients, are people who the population requirements for a franchise, have a lifetime of experiences,” said Apkin, the territory had to be that geographically a resident of Lanesboro, who started the large,” she said. business in November. “They can relate to Apkin currently handles all of the screen- each other more as peers than if a caregiver ing, training and management herself, with is much younger.” the assistance of a part-timer bookkeeper. Seniors Helping Seniors (413-822- When she was planning the business, she 9988 or www.SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com/ originally intended to continue working as Berkshires) offers a variety of non-medical a speech pathologist. “But, by December, I Jane Apkin (seated, second from right) has launched a new business in which seniors are recruited to provide personal care services. Its attendants provide was working 70 hours a week,” she said. “At personal care and assistance to other seniors in need of such services. She is joined here by some of her assistance with light housekeeping, groom- that point, my husband and I decided it would staff members: back row (left to right) – Ginny Bingham, Ruth Harrison, Maggie Sadoway, Jim Chapman, ing and dressing, meal preparation, mobility best for me to focus on this full time.” Dave Wesley and Pat Perrone; front row – Susan Gagliardi, Martha Leja, Jane Apkin and Evelyn Goggia. assistance, errands, pet care, minor home Apkin said she is concentrating on repairs, and transportation to appointments “We have many retired people, including is that people have seen the advertising for Berkshire County, with plans to expand to or shopping, among others. The service also former businesspeople and professionals the service, and call to apply for jobs.” the east towards Westfi eld once the business offers respite care, and some specialized from different careers,” she said. Originally from Wisconsin, Apkin worked is fi rmly established here. services, such as assistance to clients with She added that one criteria is that the in adult neurologic rehabilitation for 20 years “Initially the business has grown gradually, dementia. caregivers are motivated by the work itself. and started a rehabilitation services business almost on a street-by-street basis, starting Apkin said the physical status and needs While the jobs of caregivers are paid posi- in Florida. She moved to the Berkshires fi ve in north Berkshire County,” she said. “That of clients are diverse. “There usually is some tions, the work is generally part-time. years ago, after meeting and marrying Wil- also seems to be the pattern in the central form of disability involved,” she said. “How- “If someone wants to do this primarily as a liam Apkin, who lives here. and southern sections of the county. I want ever, those can vary, ranging from clients with source of income, I suggest to them that they Prior to starting Seniors Helping Seniors, to expand in a way that is manageable and mild impairments to those with conditions should probably apply to another agency,” Apkin worked locally as a speech pathologist allows the personalized approach that is so that are more severe and limiting. Some Apkin said. “The people who work for us are on assignment for Porchlight VNA, Sweet- important.”◆ clients can’t leave home, and may require a generally seniors who have some extra time, lot of assistance with and want to remain ac- daily tasks. But oth- “Our staff, like our clients, tive They choose to do ers are still basically are people who have a life- this primarily because physically capable and they want to be help- mentally alert, and just time of experiences. They can ful to others, and they need some help with relate to each other more as find this personally certain things.” peers than if a caregiver is satisfying.” She added that trans- She said there are portation is a primary much younger.” hiring guidelines and need for some. “Transportation is a big requirements, including background checks, problem in general in Berkshire County,” she to ensure safety of clients and quality of said. “For clients who are unable to drive, service. The company is licensed, bonded having someone to take them shopping or to and insured, and caregivers are covered by appointments is important.” the fi rm’s overall insurance. Apkin noted that companionship, an Apkin said the company’s prices are inherent part of all personal services and competitive with other services. She added caregiving, is a particular priority at Seniors that one advantage is fl exibility. Helping Seniors, because of the peer-based “Clients can use our service as much or nature of the service. as little as they choose, and they can call us “That is important, especially for clients whenever they want,” she said. “We don’t who are socially isolated because they are have any contracts with required minimum Creating connections and strengthening opportunities not able to get out, or they might not have commitments.” family in the area,” Apkin said. She added that the schedule for caregivers for Job Seekers and Employers. She added that she personally screens is also fl exible. “We tailor the assignments to the staff, and selects attendants for specifi c how much the person wants to work, when clients. Beyond making sure a caregiver is they are available and what type of work 160 North St., Pittsfield, MA ∙ 413.499.2220 ∙ www.berkshireworks.org suited for the specifi c nature of help and they want to do,” she said. tasks involved, the goal is to match compat- Apkin said the business currently has about ible people who are likely to relate well and 20 clients and a team of 35 caregivers. have rapport. Job PostingsIt has attracted clients through word of “I make a real effort to match clients Joband Matching/Pre-Screeningsmouth and advertising. She also promotes the assistants based on personalities, and howRecruitments service personally & Job Fairs on a door-to-door basis. comfortable they will be with each other,”Access toShe Interview added that & Conferencethe process of Rooms locating she said. Informationalcaregivers Workshops has almost &happened Seminars spontane- Apkin said the caregivers come fromLayoff a ously.Aversion Strategies variety of backgrounds. Some have a back- “People who want to be caregivers have ground in personal care, but others are fromLabor Market/Wagebeen coming out of Statistics the woodwork seeking me other fi elds. Grants out,”& Tax she Creditsaid. “One Opportunities thing that has happened Training funds Unemployment Information Human Resources & Management Skill Trainings Allendale Shopping Center Hospitality Remastered Retail & Commercial Space Available SIZES & OPTIONS TO SUIT YOUR BUSINESS FOR LEASING INFORMATION CONTACT: Conferences and Events for Groups up to 250 Glenn Langenback • Property Manager Allendale Shopping Center Tel: 413-236-5957 5 Cheshire Road • Suite 60 Fax: 413-236-5731 1090 Main St. Williamstown, MA 01267 NOW Pittsfi eld, MA 01201 MANAGED Cell: 413-464-4211 413. 458. 9371 · www.WilliamsInn.com BY [email protected] 18 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e Ju l y 2015 GETTINGstarted spotlight on new business ventures

clovershire.com the Pioneer Valley community had a vibrancy that seemed well-suited to her plans. Online retail venture That area, she discovered, also had com- mercial rents much higher than she expected. offers wide range of “We were surprised by the cost of renting space,” she said, adding that lengthy lease ‘earth-friendly’ items commitments were also a concern, as she and her husband were still getting their financial By Brad Johnson footing back after their layoffs. “We switched An Adams native with an affinity for gears and started working on an e-commerce natural and organic products has established business.” a new online retail venture where individuals Their exploration of that city, however, did with similar preferences can shop for these help Harrison to focus in on the specific retail types of goods. niche she wanted to fill. “When we were in On Jan. 12, Lisa Harrison went live with Northampton, we went into an organic store,” Clovershire.com, which she describes as she said, recalling that the place was filled “an online retailer of unique earth-friendly with customers. “That is when we decided products” that are provided “at a reasonable to sell organic, earth-friendly and natural price to customers interested in promoting a products in our online store.” healthy environment and lifestyle.” Over the next several months, Harrison These products are sorted on the site into began setting up the basic framework of her a number of basic categories – from infants online store – a process that included enlisting and children, apparel and health-and-beauty the services of a website designer and also get- to home goods, pet supplies, and outdoor ting up to speed on web design herself. “This living. Then, under each category is a drag- was a slow process because I had never done down menu of more specific sub-categories anything like this,” she said. “I was learning as where online shoppers can browse for goods Lisa Harrison of Adams has established Clovershire.com, an online retail venture that features earth-friendly I went along.” Deciding that she needed more that meet their needs and interests. products in a number of categories, including natural and organic items made in the Berkshires. training, she signed up for a web design class For visual appeal, the site’s home page fea- at Berkshire Community College. tures a rotating assortment of bucolic images served as director of medical informatics a hospital in southern Vermont, Lisa Harrison She also worked to “fill” her online store that complement Clovershire’s “Embracing within the Radiology department. The closing was unable to find comparable work locally. with a wide range of products that reflected Nature” tag line. “Our goal was to give the also eliminated the job of her husband, Fed “I looked for work in my field for about four the earth-friendly mission of Clovershire. site a personality,” said Harrison. “We wanted Harrison, who served as director of physician months,” she said. “I looked in surrounding com. This involved researching and con- to make it stand out. The landscape pictures practices for Northern Berkshire Healthcare areas such as Albany and Springfield, but tacting hundreds of vendors of natural and on the site are from Berkshire County.” Inc., the hospital’s parent corporation. (The had no luck.” organic goods and products. Harrison entered the world of online Harrisons’ story was part of a special feature Most of the products that Harrison has retailing via an unexpected route. In March on how former NARH employees have fared Options considered selected for her site are supplied by drop 2014 she was among the hundreds who lost in the year since the closing in the April 2015 This situation prompted her to consider a shippers, who provide the all-important order their jobs with the abrupt closing of North issue of BT&C.) different option – starting her own business fulfillment function. “When the customer Adams Regional Hospital, where she had While her husband took a new position at – as a way of putting control of her liveli- places an order through my website, I send hood in her own hands. Last June she began the information to the drop shipper, and they consulting with a business start-up mentor send the purchased items to the customer,” through the BerkshireWorks Career Center. she explained. This approach, she said, is ★ TAX CCTAX OOO MMM PPP ,,, III NNN CCC ... “This was the right move because we had both more efficient in terms of fulfilling someone who led us in the right direction customer orders and more practical because TAX & FINANCIAL PLANNING and challenged us with questions we needed it eliminates the need to stock specific mer- BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL answers to before we started any business,” chandise herself. she explained. There are some special products that Ralph Stroffolino, EA CFP PERSONALIZED PAYROLL SERVICE! As Harrison considered basic concepts Harrison does stock and ship herself. “In Our complete payrollDebra serviceWatroba supports & Donna a wide Sciola, range Payroll of pay Admin. types and schedules, Dan Boulais, Business Consultant for her business, she originally envisioned a my search for vendors, I found some great and includes check printing, direct deposit, tax filings, full compliance and more. conventional retail venue. “Initially we were products, but they didn’t drop ship,” she 100137 NORTH North ST. St. • •SUITE Suite 310 D • • Pitt PITTSFIELDsfield thinking of a brick-and-mortar business in said. “So I purchased a small stock of these Tel: 448-6222 • E-mail: [email protected] • Fax: 443-5619 the Northampton area,” she said, noting that items.” Among these are Alabama Dirt Shirts (hemp shirts dyed with ingredients made from Alabama red clay), repurposed planters from used wine bottles, and organic baby toys. Harrison said that, by the time the Clo- vershire site was fully operational in mid- December, it was too close to Christmas to tap any of the holiday shopping business. “We were concerned about meeting the holiday deadline for sending out orders,” she said. Instead, Clovershire “opened” on Jan. 12. “We have received favorable responses to the site,” she said, noting that she is still working ADVANCE on the social media side of marketing the site through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. YOUR CAREER Along with attracting customers, Harrison said she is also looking to recruit additional vendors for the site, especially makers of natural and organic products in the Berk- shires. “The last category on my site says ‘Berkshires,’” she said. “I want this area to HEREHERE be devoted to local vendors who make natural and organic products. We have a lot of local talent, and I want to offer them a place to showcase their products.” While Clovershire.com is Harrison’s on- SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 11 AM line store, the business is actually operated MCLA CAMPUS under the name of Middle Earth Natural Or- ganics. “Originally, that was going to be our (includes campus tour) store name, so we registered everything under that name,” Harrison explained. When it came to setting up the online store, however, she opted for the simple and easy-to-remember MCLA INFORMATION NIGHT / TUESDAY, JUNE 23 name of Clovershire. 6:00 PM • BERKSHIRE ATHENAEUM, AUDITORIUM She noted that Middle Earth Natural Organics will also serve as an umbrella company for other online ventures that she hopes to launch in the future. “I have ideas • Bachelor’s Degree (Freshman and Transfer) for a couple of additional online stores and • Masters of Education have started to look at vendors,” she said. “Our hope is to have several sites operational • Professional MBA in the next two years.”u • Degree Completion Programs (Business, Leadership or Early Childhood) email your firm’s news MCLA.EDU 413 662 5410 and announcements to: [email protected] Ju l y 2015 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r C e 19 TeChNO vision computers, technology & the Internet wiredwest achieves critical mass of support from towns rural broadband initiative “If only a handful of towns had autho- strong message that they want this service rized it, we would have had to reconsider,” and they want it now.” gains backing from voters said Monica Webb, chair of WiredWest, a While it will still be an estimated two collaborative organization of participating years before the fi rst cables are installed and the place for on funding authorizations towns and proponents. “But this has received put into operation, Webb said the votes and overwhelming support.” deposits have provided the certainty neces- real estate By John Townes The Massachusetts Broadband Institute sary to move forward. As the season for annual town meetings (MBI) has overall responsibility for achieving She added, however, that it is not necessary 413-447-7300 • 413-822-4742 winds down, the effort to bring high-speed the goal of universal service availability. MBI for the full network to be completed before broadband Internet and other telecommunica- and WiredWest have been working together installation and rollout of service can begin www.BarbHassanrealty.com tions services to under-served small towns closely on the plan. in individual towns, because each community in the Berkshires and other parts of western Webb explained that the determination is its own network. Massachusetts has passed an important of feasibility is based on a combination of Webb also noted the possibility that, over threshold. factors. These include the cumulative total time, participating towns may fi nd that their The basic goal of the initiative, known as of potential users and the cost of installing share of funding for the project is less than WiredWest, is to establish a municipal utility the lines on utility poles among all of the the full amount authorized. Once the system as a cooperative, owned participating towns, participating towns. is operating, any revenue that exceeds op- to build and operate local networks of fi ber- “We’ve run business models based on the erating expenses will be used to offset the optic cable connected towns that have autho- towns’ bond payments. This could reduce or to the Mass Broad- “We’ve run business rized it so far, and we eliminate the need for towns to use property band 123 Network that models based on the towns have already surpassed taxes or free cash to make payments. was completed last the projections of what For saLe – PittsFieLd year. This will bring that have authorized it so is needed,” said Webb. Long process high-speed broadband far, and we have already Berkshire County The WiredWest campaign is the latest $699,900 Internet and related surpassed the projections towns that have passed step in two decades of efforts to fully con- South Street building with over 18,000 sq. ft. on four telecommunications the funding authori- nect Berkshire County to the information fl oors plus partial basement. Parking lot in rear holds of what is needed.” 42 vehicles. Full commercial kitchen, lots of offi ce services to homes, zation so far include superhighway. space. Large open auditorium with 20’ ceilings. businesses and institutional users within Becket, Egremont, Monterey, New Ashford, Although the larger population centers Contact Barb for more details (4074B) those towns (February 2015 BT&C). Peru, Sandisfi eld, Washington, West Stock- such as Pittsfi eld have had broadband for Over the past couple of years, participating bridge and Windsor. Most have passed by a number of years, the more rural sections towns in Berkshire County and to the east comfortable margins. In West Stockbridge and small towns of western and central Mas- passed non-binding resolutions supporting it was passed by unanimous consent. sachusetts have been bypassed by private this idea in concept. (A total of 45 towns Only one town to date – Montgomery, in telecommunications providers, because they REDUCED are eligible to participate in the initiative. Hampden County – has rejected the funding are not considered profi table enough markets Of those, 33 have committed to putting the authorization (by a slim two-vote margin). to justify the investment. funding authorization to a vote.) Webb noted that many of the other towns Internet service has been available on a Since then, the goal of proponents has that have not yet voted are expected to do more limited basis, through alternatives such been to solidify those commitments with so within the next several months. as telephone-based dial-up service, DSL, cel- For saLe – PittsFieLd dollars and subscribers. One facet has been “Some towns wanted a little more time to lular and satellite services. However, these real estate only – $139,900 to authorize bonds to pay for the project. inform their residents about the specifi cs,” options generally lack the speed or capacity Long-term tenant in place. 2nd fl oor apartment needs In addition, to ensure fi nancial sustainabil- she said. “There were also a few towns with to keep up with current and projected modern to be fi nished. 3-phase electric, two gas boilers, ity of the network, each town is required to a second-home population that also wanted telecommunications needs, especially the de- new vinyl siding, off-street parking. (4075B) have a minimum of 40 percent of households to give summer residents the chance to par- mands of businesses and institutional users. and other premises signed up with a deposit ticipate in the discussion.” As an alternative, the state created the as a commitment to subscribe to the service Massachusetts Broadband Institute in 2008 once it is in operation. Subscriptions coming in to publicly expand broadband to create This year, at individual town meetings, WiredWest is also making progress on universal service throughout the state. The REDUCED voters have been presented with proposals to signing up subscribers. It has been collecting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act authorize their municipalities to issue bonds sign-ups by mail and on its website (wired- of 2009 provided federal funding for the to fund their share of the start-up costs (about west.net), with a deposit of $49, which will Mass Broadband 123 Network to create a 60 percent of the construction costs within be applied to the subscriber’s fi rst month regional “backbone” of fi ber-optic cable in 6.7-acre commerciaL site their locality). service once it is in operation. western Massachusetts. route 7 – Lanesboro By early June, residents of 18 of the 33 The basic service will cost $49 per month The fi nal remaining challenge has been Six buildings ranging from 500 to 6,000 sq. ft., participating towns had voted to approve that for 25 Mbps Internet. Faster speeds and to create local networks of “last mile” cable totaling over 15,000 sq. ft. of space. Offered at funding. In each town, passage required ap- additional packages will also be available, to connect neighborhoods and individual $1,429,900 combined, or at $1,100,000 for fi ve proval by at least two-thirds of voters. including 100 Mbps service for $79 a month, homes, businesses and institutions to the buildings on 5 acres, and $375,000 for one 2,800 These 18 town authorizations represent a and 1 Gbps for $109 a month. Telephone and Mass Broadband 123 Network sq. ft. building on 1.59 acres.See MLS 211309 collective total of some $28 million to fi nance television service will also be available. In addition to the business planning, Webb and 211308 at barbhassanrealty.com for more the project – a level of support suffi cient By early June, nine towns had exceeded said the project also involves technical studies details.(4068B) to trigger at least $14 million in additional the required 40-percent subscription level, including the physical and technical planning. state funding. and six of those had exceeded 50 percent. These include mapping out specifi c routes for Municipalities have until June 2016 to Other towns were rapidly approaching the the lines. It will also utilize existing utility pass authorizations. 40-percent threshold, according to Webb, poles, and arrangements have to be made Although there is no specifi c required who noted that more than 6,000 deposits with the utilities who own them, as well as REDUCED quota for the number of towns authorizing have been received to date. receiving regulatory approval. the fi nancing, these initial authorizations have “The demand is obviously there, and “It’s like building a highway,” said Webb. already pushed the project well past the criti- pre-subscriptions are coming in at a rapid “Before the actual paving begins, there is a cal mass required to proceed with the next pace,” she said. “With the votes and pre- lot of planning, engineering and permitting stages of preparation and implementation. subscriptions, citizens have sent a clear and required.”◆

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Adams Community Bank continued from page 1 a state chartered mutual savings bank, will acquire Lenox National Bank for $14.3 mil- lion in cash. Shareholders of the closely held Lenox National Bank will receive $1,388.35 in cash per share. The combined bank will have approximately $460 million in assets, $375 million in deposits, and a branch net- work of eight full-service offices throughout Berkshire County. The purchase agreement is contingent upon approval by state and federal banking regulators, which is anticipated by mid- summer. Following that, the approximately 70 shareholders of Lenox National Bank will vote on the deal, with a two-thirds majority of shares required for approval. If all goes as expected, the transformation of the Lenox National Bank office at 7 Main St. into a new branch office of Adams Community Bank would take place in mid to late September. “We’re shooting for Sept. 19,” said O’Brien, referring to the specific date – a Saturday – when Lenox National would remain closed for conversion of its technol- Later this summer, pending regulatory and shareholder approval, the Lenox National Bank at 7 Main St. will become a new office of Adams Community Bank. ogy systems to those of Adams Community Bank, with the office reopening the following was the desire by both institutions to ensure National. However, in Lenox National’s ing that the challenge has become more pro- Monday under its new name. that the community banking model that they case, the challenge of absorbing the cost nounced over the past few years. “Subsequent This type of systems conversion is shared would persevere well into the future of regulatory compliance and keeping up to the financial meltdown of 2008, the cost of something that Adams Community Bank as the banking industry continued to evolve. with new technologies was even more [more stringent] regulatory requirements has has recent experience with. Just such a con- As a larger combined institution, he said, pronounced due to its modest size. become a real factor,” he said. “These are good version took place in February 2012 as the the new Adams Community Bank would At about $70 million in assets, Lenox regulations, but they’re costly regulations.” culmination of a merger between the former be better positioned to meet the needs of National is the smallest stand-alone bank in This, combined with limited opportunities Adams Cooperative Bank and South Adams customers in the Berkshire market. It would the Berkshire market. O’Brien and Merlino for growth within its market, led the board of Savings Bank. also, through economies of scale, be able to noted that banks of that size have long been Lenox National to make the strategic decision “That was a merger of equals – a joining handle the growing effort and expense of at a disadvantage, due to the disproportion- last year to merge with a larger institution. together, so to speak,” said O’Brien, regarding regulatory compliance. ate cost and resources “The economics the decision by the two similarly sized state- required for regulatory “The cost of regulatory re- don’t make sense, and chartered banks to combine into one larger Smaller banks struggle compliance, compared quirements has become a real we thought it’s time to institution with about $400 million in assets Many of those same factors and concerns to the larger institu- do something about it,” and a network of seven office locations. have come into play with the agreement tions serving the same factor,” Merlino said. “These said Merlino. “We are The impetus for that merger, said O’Brien, between Adams Community and Lenox market. are good regulations, but still a strong bank and “Banks of all types they’re costly regulations.” we are well capitalized, under $100 million but we wanted to do this [in assets] are struggling to keep up with while we had control over the process.” BerkShares Business of the Month a mountain of regulatory challenges,” said O’Brien. He noted a recent national trend Bidding process N 1903 – before e Clark, before Jacob’s Pillow, and long before Mass MoCA – Zenas in which several banks of that size have That process began last fall when Lenox Crane (of Crane & Co. paper) founded the Berkshire Museum. “He wanted to create a cul- merged into larger banks, including three in National engaged a consulting firm to con- tural beacon in the heart of the Berkshires,” explains the Museum’s executive director Van Massachusetts over the last year that were in tact other financial institutions that may be IShields. “He was proud of the American experience and collected American art, objects, and specimens, including Hudson River School paintings, Native American art and artifacts, and the $50 million to $60 million range. interested in purchasing the bank. natural history specimens from the Berkshires.” But Crane also had a vision to create a “window “You need a certain critical mass to keep “We did an outreach in Berkshire County on the world” for the citizens of Berkshire County, and he made sure that the Museum’s collec- up,” he said, “and the writing has been on and neighboring states,” said Merlino, not- tion included European and Asian art, as well as antiquities from Egypt and Rome. the wall for some time now for many of these ing that a number of banks both within and As it turns out, Crane’s eclectic collecting habits actually prepared the Museum well for the smaller banks.” outside the county were interested enough 21st century. “Interdisciplinary education has become the Holy Grail in our public schools, Merlino agreed with that assessment, not- to submit preliminary bids. colleges, and museums; and it has become the Berkshire Museum’s signature,” says Shields, who became executive director in 2011. “Led by our director of interpretation Maria Mingalone, we have begun to really dierentiate ourselves by using our diverse collection to illustrate connec- tions between objects and ideas, culture and nature. is cross-pollination is our focus as we design exhibits for our adult visitors as well as for our many school-age museum goers.” is approach resonates especially well in the Berkshires, where the intersections be- Prongs tween the arts and the natural world have for a long time been a robust piece of our re- gional identity. For a museum in such a con- are like tires text, Shields says, BerkShares complete the picture. Visitors can now spend BerkShares on Museum membership and admission, in the gift shop, or at the box oce of the Little Cinema. “What could be better than money that has history on the front and artwork on the back? I mean, really!” Berkshire Museum 39 South Street, Pittsfield (413) 443-7171 “ ey’re not only beautiful, but the idea is beautiful,” Shields elaborates. “We’re so proud to be part of this eort. Economic gardening really starts in your backyard, and we re- ally like the way that BerkShares create a virtuous cycle, in which we can recirculate money in our local economy.” Shields is dedicated to aligning the Museum’s business philosophy with its educational approach, and seeks to keep it creative and local. “We do as much as possible to You wouldn’t drive on bad ones. shop locally for everything, from services to the products in our gift shop, where we feature local ceramicists, jewelers, authors, publishers, crafts and toys.” Let us check yours, for free, to make sure And the artwork? “One of our newest gallery spaces, BerkshireNow, is reserved for showing the your diamond stays safe in your ring. work of artists living and working in the Berkshires—artists like Warner Friedman and Janet Rickus” (whose work is featured on the BerkShares bills.) However, the Museum also continues to be a window on the wider world. is summer, Shields invites visitors to the “Immortal Present” exhibition, which showcases over 350 dierent pieces of East Asian art—ranging from ancient to contemporary and exploring themes of landscape, spirituality, and the pleasures of everyday life... even venturing into the territory of myths and dragons.

Shields, former ChairChair ofof Berkshire1Berkshire, Creative, is not afraidis not ofafraid the ofeconomic the economic dragons dragons that have that besethave 2015 besetPittseld. Pittseld. He believes He believes in the in power the power of collaboration of collaboration and big and ideas big ideas like BerkShares.like BerkShares. “I hope “I hope that STOP & SHOP PLAZA, MERRILL ROAD, PITTSFIELD thatother other Pittseld Pittseld businesses businesses are inspired are inspired by us to to participateparticipate inin BerkShares.BerkShares. People are delightfully surprised that there are so many places to spend the money. And it just goes ’round and ’round!” 442-6911 www.medwardjewelers.com Mark E. Kasuba, Gemologist PRUHVWRULHVOLNHWKLVRQHDWZZZEHUNVKDUHVRUJ Ju l y 2015 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r C e 21

Among those was Adams Community. institution – a situation he believes will be times have changed, and they understand “I received a call in early November from repeated with the planned merger of Lenox the need for this.” the company representing Lenox National,” National into Adams Community Bank. O’Brien echoed that view. “Customers O’Brien recalled. “I immediately expressed “It’s similar this time in that there is a recognize and appreciate that some things an interest, and we began preparing our shared vision and a long-standing com- change,” he said. “We’ll be offering an en- initial bid.” mitment to the community on both sides,” hanced set of products, but we’re also striv- O’Brien explained that the Lenox institu- O’Brien said. “The huge difference is that ing to keep things consistent for them.” tion was especially attractive in that it would there are shareholders involved. This is a One of the ways that will be accomplished PITTSFIELD OPPORTUNITY establish Adams Community in a new town stock acquisition instead of a merger of is by retaining all existing employees at Beautifully restored boutique B&B, small and would complement its existing and south- equals.” Lenox National. O’Brien noted that a similar inn, large home or home/offi ce! Excellent ernmost branch in neighboring Lee. commitment had also been made in the prior visibility yet private with a park-like setting. “We evaluated this on a number of fronts Value equation supports deal merger of South Adams Savings and Adams Turn-key business operation with great on-line and saw that this would give us a strong To that end, O’Brien said, the board of Cooperative Bank. “We made sure then that reviews. Three levels of fi nished living space. presence in Lenox from day one,” he said. Adams Community Bank determined that all employees would continue to have jobs Freshly painted inside and out, newly paved “It is a good fi t with our existing Lee branch, the value equation supported the use of $14.3 once the merger was completed, and we are drive. Large rear barn/garage offers additional and it supports our vision of being a county- million in cash for the acquisition of Lenox making the same commitment for employees potential. Must-see in-town location and wide bank.” National Bank, its assets and liabilities, and at Lenox National Bank,” he said. convenient to south county and all cultural That vision, O’Brien said, includes even- the real estate where its offi ce is located. “I think it’s very important that all of our attractions! $649,000. R/B2171 tually establishing an offi ce in the county’s This value equation refl ected both the employees will be retained,” said Merlino. largest city. “We’re looking to enhance our strong capital position “We want to ensure presence in that part of the county, and [an that Adams Commu- “From a capital standpoint, a smooth transition, offi ce in] Pittsfi eld is still a goal,” he said. nity Bank enjoys and and it is benefi cial to Currently, the offi ce closest to Pittsfi eld is the immediate positive from a liquidity standpoint, our customers that the the Lanesboro branch along Route 7, just a impact that the acqui- from a strategic standpoint, same employees will $ short distance from the Pittsfi eld line. sition would (have #/µ7eCZeZ on it’s a home run.” eestill be here to meet " Adams Community and other interested future earnings. their needs.” OOCZo©OxC parties submitted their preliminary Z‚œ©œœ7fCCOpbids in “We have a strong liquidity position at The only exceptions, he oOežooZžoœeadded, are two December. “These were whittled down to Adams Community Bank,” said O’Brien, employees who had already planned to "#7
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0 07 "0"  ◆ 413-637-4200 Community Bank is that this agreement calls hands, but is generally held and passed down go out and catch some trout.” www.berkshirehouses.com for a direct purchase of Lenox National with through families over the years. So, from a a portion of Adams Community’s capital shareholder perspective, the deal will al- reserves. low longtime owners of the bank’s stock to O’Brien explained that, since neither South convert their holdings into cash and realize Adams Savings nor Adams Cooperative a return on investments that may have been had been a stock bank, the merger basically made generations earlier. involved a combining of the two institutions Customers will also benefi t from the deal, under one state charter. “No cash changed according to Merlino. “Banking has changed,     
  
      hands,” he said. and Adams Community Bank will be   able O’Brien also noted that those two banks to offer them more services right from the Collaborate had many similarities and a shared vision, start,” he said. “Our customers were not which made for a smooth transition into one surprised by this. People understand that engineering architecture    
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The following real Estate Mortgage: $107,500 134 Hubbard Ave. Price: $75,000 Seller: Phillip Formel Seller: Andrew Defilippo + Seller: Thomas Scherben 33 Pollock Ave. transactions are provided by Lender: Academy Mtg Buyer: Richard Laureyns + Mortgage: $85,000 Co Inc Price: $299,000 Jr + Buyer: Kevin Crosier Banker & Tradesman Real Date: 5/1/15 Seller: Daniel Morris + Lender: Salisbury B&T Price: $475,000 Mortgage: $284,050 Price: $150,000 Seller: Clairmont FT + Estate Data Publishing. Only Price: $410,000 Date: 4/28/15 Mortgage: $380,000 Lender: Salisbury B&T Mortgage: $142,500 Price: $182,500 properties valued at $75,000 156 Old Pond Rd. Mortgage: $320,000 Lender: Lenox National Date: 5/15/15 Lender: Greylock FCU Mortgage: $173,375 or higher are included. Buyer: Carl Cameron + Lender: Lee Bank 1 Nolan Dr. Date: 5/13/15 Date: 5/15/15 Lender: Lee Bank Seller: Nicholas Speranzo + Date: 5/6/15 Buyer: Uncle Ernie LLC Date: 4/29/15 Price: $323,000 Seller: Kathleen Kotleski 64 Walker St. Peru 14 Esther Ter. Adams Mortgage: $274,550 1131 Main St. Price: $495,000 Buyer: Frederick LLC Buyer: ACM Properties 48 Preston Ave. Lender: Fairway Mtg Buyer: Kyle Jolin + Mortgage: $396,000 Seller: Richard Houdek + 75 W. Main Rd. LLC Buyer: Colin Benner 87 Columbia St. Date: 4/29/15 Seller: Boudreau James Lender: Lee Bank Price: $150,000 Buyer: Jayme Demary + Seller: Mazzeo Johansen & Seller: Christine Bonney Buyer: Laura Oneil Est + Date: 5/1/15 Mortgage: $100,000 Seller: FNMA Sondrini Price: $126,000 Seller: Scott Blanchard 12 Sir George Dr. Price: $160,000 Lender: Richard Houdek Price: $144,000 Price: $87,824 Mortgage: $100,800 Price: $93,400 Buyer: Todd Fitzgerald Mortgage: $151,404 Park St. Lot 2A1 Date: 5/8/15 Mortgage: $167,000 Mortgage: $80,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Mortgage: $91,708 Seller: MHFA Lender: MountainOne Buyer: Rising Paper Land Lender: Adams Community Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 4/27/15 Lender: Academy Mtg Price: $97,000 Date: 5/12/15 LLC 203 Walker St. Date: 4/23/15 Date: 5/1/15 Date: 5/6/15 Mortgage: $94,900 Seller: Neenah Paper FR Buyer: Pieter Ruig 180 Ridgeway Ave. Lender: Lee Bank 60 North St. U:13 LLC Seller: Patricia Shea RET + 109 Euclid Ave. Buyer: Ryan Lucier 36 E. Hoosac St Date: 5/15/15 Buyer: June Crouse-Blalock Price: $450,000 Price: $497,500 Pittsfield Buyer: Jason Jones + Seller: Sandra Tynan Buyer: Kelly Volff + Seller: Aurora Driscoll Mortgage: $225,000 Mortgage: $150,000 Seller: Michael Ott + Price: $149,000 Seller: Jacqueline Price: $126,500 Lender: Litchfield Bancorp Lender: MountainOne 2 Andrea Dr. Price: $143,000 Mortgage: $152,203 Cardonnel Cheshire Date: 4/21/15 Date: 5/5/15 Date: 5/6/15 Buyer: Tony Makdisi + Mortgage: $138,710 Lender: Academy Mtg Price: $95,000 Seller: Kathleen Robbins + Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 5/8/15 Mortgage: $84,500 226 Devonshire Dr. 409 Stockbridge Rd. 150 West St. Price: $495,000 Date: 5/15/15 Lender: Adams Community Buyer: Leo Curtin + Egremont Buyer: EGOS South Realty Buyer: Randall Grimmett Mortgage: $396,000 20 Scammell Ave. Date: 4/27/15 Seller: William Marsh LLC Seller: Osborne Green + Lender: Berkshire Bank Fenn St. Buyer: Sean Lahert Price: $165,000 32 Undermountain Rd. Seller: Berkshire Bank Price: $465,000 Date: 5/6/15 Buyer: ACM Properties Seller: Whitmire William 144 East Rd. Mortgage: $155,000 Buyer: Nathan Davis + Price: $575,000 Mortgage: $372,000 LLC Est + Buyer: John Kozak 2nd + Lender: Academy mtg Seller: Pond Andrew Est + Mortgage: $460,000 Lender: Lee Bank 81 Appleton Ave. Seller: Mazzeo Johansen & Price: $120,900 Seller: Timothy Morey + Date: 4/30/15 Price: $230,000 Lender: Berkshire Bank Date: 4/27/15 Buyer: Kendric Reese Sondrini Mortgage: $118,709 Price: $339,500 Mortgage: $234,693 Date: 5/15/15 Seller: Susan Bell + Price: $146,156 Lender: Merrimack Mtg Mortgage: $271,600 982 N. State Rd. Lender: Academy Mtg 51 Willow Creek Rd. Price: $169,800 Date: 5/1/15 Date: 5/15/15 Lender: Greylock FCU Buyer: Mara Woolley Date: 5/13/15 Buyer: Willow Creek Corp Mortgage: $166,724 Date: 4/30/15 Seller: George T & J E Hancock Seller: Borgnis Peter Est + Lender: Academy Mtg 144 Sherwood Dr. Bushika RET + 1 Village Green Price: $250,000 Date: 4/21/15 Buyer: Kenneth Recore + 12-16 Glenn St. Price: $171,000 Buyer: Signe Schaefer + 8 Corey Rd. U:816 Date: 5/13/15 Seller: Ricky Dildine + Buyer: Trevor Crombie Mortgage: $171,000 Seller: June Parker Buyer: Andrew Oflaherty + 50 Bellmore Dr. Price: $210,000 Seller: Donna Torres Lender: Adams Community Price: $355,000 Seller: Howard Berman + 18 Willow Ln. Buyer: Thomas Scherben Mortgage: $203,700 Price: $80,000 Date: 5/6/15 Mortgage: $248,500 Price: $200,000 Buyer: Jennifer Storti Jr + Lender: Academy Mtg Mortgage: $64,000 Lender: Lee Bank Mortgage: $160,000 Seller: FNMA Seller: Anastasia Bell Date: 4/30/15 Lender: Adams Community Date: 4/29/15 Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $115,000 Price: $195,000 Date: 5/8/15 Clarksburg Date: 5/13/15 Mortgage: $129,460 Mortgage: $199,192 48 Thomson Pl. Lender: Lee Bank Lender: Academy Mtg Buyer: James Dowling + 25 Harding Ave. 711 Middle Rd. Florida 37 Corey Rd U:643 Date: 4/30/15 Date: 5/15/15 Seller: Debbie Kelson + Buyer: Jaysin Meeks- Buyer: Adam Cimonetti + Buyer: Edward Forzani + Price: $88,500 Johnson Seller: Bissaillon RA Jr Dickinson Rd. Seller: Zintack Hahn + 260 Pittsfield Rd. U:D14 104 Bossidy Dr. Date: 5/13/15 Seller: Bradley Briggs + Est + Buyer: Thomas Whelan Price: $90,000 Buyer: Jeffrey Connor Buyer: Barbara Rahilly + Price: $107,900 Price: $205,000 IRT + Date: 4/24/15 Seller: Connor FT Seller: Justin Hathaway 126 W. Union St. Mortgage: $110,102 Mortgage: $194,750 Seller: Florida Land NT + Price: $85,000 Price: $141,000 301 Fenn St. Buyer: Joanna Rivera Lender: Academy mtg Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $140,000 Date: 4/28/15 Mortgage: $138,446 Buyer: Naomi Nicola Seller: Daniel Wojtkowski Date: 4/24/15 Date: 5/13/15 Date: 5/15/15 Hinsdale Lender: Academy Mtg Seller: 301-309 Fenn Street Price: $89,500 6 Rolling Hills U:2 Date: 4/27/15 LLC Mortgage: $86,815 9 Melrose St. 137 Mohawk Trail 30 Ridgeview Dr. Buyer: David Winn + Price: $138,000 Lender: Adams Community Buyer: Rebecca Haight Dalton Buyer: Adams Community Buyer: Timothy Hajduk + Seller: Peltier Eleanor 20 Britton St. Date: 4/30/15 Date: 4/29/15 Seller: Donald Geisler + Bank Seller: Jeremy Pilone + Est + Buyer: Vicki Kenealy- Price: $85,000 82 Bruce Dr. Seller: Jeffrey Martin Price: $295,000 Price: $122,000 Smith 86 Hawthorne Ave. 731 West St. Mortgage: $86,734 Buyer: Alan Will Price: $154,000 Mortgage: $286,150 Mortgage: $115,900 Seller: Nancy Koziol Buyer: William Cruz Buyer: Sara Gavin Lender: MountainOne Seller: Charles Messana + Date: 4/30/15 Lender: Greylock FCU Lender: TD Bank Price: $116,000 Seller: Allen Leab + Seller: Michael Markie Date: 4/21/15 Price: $210,000 Date: 4/24/15 Date: 4/27/15 Mortgage: $113,898 Price: $134,900 Price: $118,000 Mortgage: $199,500 Monroe Rd. Lender: Academy Mtg Mortgage: $132,456 Mortgage: $109,890 11 Siara St. Lender: Academy Mtg Buyer: Thomas Whelan Date: 4/29/15 Lender: Merrimack Mtg Lender: Academy Mtg Buyer: Lisa Nardin Date: 4/24/15 IRT + Lanesboro Monterey Date: 4/30/15 Date: 4/29/15 Seller: Michael Nardin Seller: Florida Land NT + 107 Broadview Ter. Price: $76,366 93 Central Ave. Price: $140,000 158 Bull Hill Rd. 664 Main Rd. Buyer: Greylock FCU 60-62 Holmes Rd. 2 Westover St. Date: 5/15/15 Buyer: Austin Daly + Date: 5/15/15 Buyer: James Lontz Buyer: Unyong Lee + Seller: Paula Cousineau + Buyer: Phail Tan + Buyer: Clare Locascio Seller: CAM Real Estate Seller: Fred Delia Seller: Blake Raifstanger Price: $75,000 Seller: CCB Service Corp Seller: Joshua Hosier + 3 LLC Old Dickinson Rd. Price: $110,000 Price: $327,000 Date: 5/1/15 Price: $90,000 Price: $132,000 Becket Price: $122,000 Buyer: Thomas Whelan Mortgage: $108,007 Mortgage: $294,300 Date: 4/21/15 Mortgage: $87,000 Mortgage: $119,790 IRT + Lender: Academy Mtg Lender: Village Mtg 32 Brunswick St. Lender: PMAC Lending 138 Bonny Rigg Hill Rd. Lender: Academy Mtg Seller: Florida Land NT + Date: 5/15/15 Date: 4/28/15 Buyer: Laurie Stumpek + 183 Hungerford St. Date: 4/21/15 Buyer: James Schaefer + Date: 5/15/15 Price: $140,000 Seller: Paula Mclean Buyer: Greylock FCU Seller: Charles Mccullough Date: 5/15/15 558 N. Main St. Price: $350,000 Seller: Vincent Garofoli + 30 Willard Pl. LT + 35 Gertrude Rd. Buyer: Greylock FCU New Mortgage: $280,000 Price: $80,000 Buyer: Joshua North Price: $424,000 Buyer: Megan Mickle + Seller: Richard Wilbur + Lender: Cape Cod 5 Ct Bk Date: 4/27/15 Seller: Mcclure John Est + Date: 5/11/15 Seller: Robert Gero + Great Price: $143,000 Marlboro Date: 4/30/15 Price: $85,000 Price: $124,000 Date: 5/1/15 150 Cross Road to Canaan 14 Larch St. Mortgage: $76,415 3327 Main St. Mortgage: $110,000 Barrington Buyer: Tony Nasch + 130 Cadwell Rd. Buyer: David Deforest Lender: Adams Community Buyer: William Rodhouse + Lender: Adams 138 Christian Hill Rd. 782 Partridge Rd. Seller: Brian Killeen + Buyer: Roger Hanley Seller: Donna Wondoloski Date: 4/21/15 Seller: John Lamont 3rd + Community Buyer: Kirsten Fredsall + Buyer: Mary Cancilla + Price: $975,000 Seller: FNMA Price: $108,250 Price: $190,000 Date: 5/15/15 Seller: Greylock FCU Seller: Peter Sondrini Date: 5/1/15 Price: $212,900 Date: 5/6/15 23 Williamsburg Ter. Mortgage: $152,000 Price: $140,000 Price: $535,000 Mortgage: $202,255 Buyer: Roger Brissette Lender: Greylock FCU 364 Hinsdale Rd. Mortgage: $216,000 Mortgage: $350,000 1030 Sisson Hill Rd. Lender: Greylock FCU 21 Lathers Ave. Seller: Claire Dodge Date: 5/6/15 Buyer: Ashley Ravlich Lender: Lee Bank Lender: Greylock FCU Buyer: Jonathan James + Date: 4/21/15 Buyer: Tricia Ladeinde + Price: $120,000 Seller: Creamy IRT + Date: 5/4/15 Date: 5/4/15 Seller: Alec Belman + Seller: Linda Mahoney + Mortgage: $107,880 261 Mallard Dr. Price: $130,000 Price: $707,500 157 Cheshire Rd. Price: $149,000 Lender: Adams Community Buyer: William Ruby + Mortgage: $134,805 27 Humphrey St. 22 Umbagog St. Date: 5/6/15 Buyer: Joshua Arico Mortgage: $146,301 Date: 4/22/15 Seller: Joseph Affrunti + Lender: Greylock FCU Buyer: Green House Buyer: Derek Cece + Seller: Carol Lehmann Lender: Academy Mtg Price: $215,000 Date: 5/8/15 Partners LLC Seller: FNMA Price: $118,000 Date: 5/14/15 1450 North St. U:303 Seller: EB Dolby Inc Price: $125,000 North Adams Mortgage: $115,862 Buyer: Kathleen Robbins + Price: $290,000 Mortgage: $100,000 Lender: Academy Mtg 21 Maple St. Seller: Susan Strong Date: 5/15/15 Lender: Greylock FCU 69 Frederick St. Date: 4/30/15 Buyer: US Bank NA Price: $165,500 Date: 4/30/15 Buyer: JA St Germain Seller: Joanne Conroy + Date: 5/6/15 27 Humphrey St. Seller: Jesse Stefanik + 212 Connecticut Ave. Price: $105,600 The Buyer: Green House Price: $135,700 Buyer: Adrienne Covert Date: 5/1/15 5 Pondview Dr. U:H Partners LLC Lee Mortgage: $133,290 Seller: Greylock FCU Buyer: Maureen Brooks Seller: EB Dolby Inc Lender: Academy Mtg Price: $103,900 83 Mcarthur St. IRT + Price: $210,000 140 George St. Date: 4/30/15 Mortgage: $92,900 Buyer: Nicole Hosier + Seller: Thomas Stumpek + protection Price: $165,000 Date: 5/15/15 Buyer: Mark Warden + Lender: Adams Community Seller: IBT Investments Seller: Samuel Miller + 1414 Massachusetts Ave. Date: 4/24/15 LLC Date: 5/15/15 your business 33 Kirk St. Price: $204,000 Buyer: Kevin Foley + Price: $147,000 Buyer: Pamela Caiola + Mortgage: $184,000 Seller: Raymond Shartrand + 177 Dawes Ave. Mortgage: $139,650 Seller: John Dezieck + Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $180,000 Buyer: Carrie-Elise Lender: Greylock FCU Richmond needs Price: $122,500 Date: 4/27/15 Mortgage: $161,900 Johnson + Date: 4/21/15 Mortgage: $118,914 Lender: Adams Community Seller: Samuel Page Jr 156 Orchard Cir. Burglar Alarm & Fire Alarm Systems Lender: John Caiola 615 Laurel St. Date: 5/1/15 Price: $205,000 26 Melville St. Buyer: Proskin FT + Date: 5/8/15 Buyer: Erinterrafirma LLC Mortgage: $188,725 Buyer: Boys & Girls Club Seller: Noto FT + UL Central Station Monitoring Seller: TD Bank 23 Murray Ave. Lender: MountainOne Seller: Roman Catholic Price: $360,000 8 Locust St. Price: $585,000 Buyer: Rebecca Luczynski Date: 4/27/15 Bishop Mortgage: $328,500 CCTV Systems • Access Control Buyer: Pamela Dupuis + Date: 5/1/15 Seller: Kevin Callanan + Price: $75,000 Lender: Greylock FCU Seller: Callas Peter Est + Price: $95,000 749 E. New Lenox Rd. Date: 5/8/15 Date: 5/14/15 Heat Loss Monitoring Price: $183,200 320 W. Park St. Mortgage: $69,000 Buyer: Erik Ungewitter Mortgage: $120,000 Buyer: Donald Rice Lender: Adams Community Seller: Andrea Demayo + 42 Newton Ave. 2019 State Rd. Lender: Salisbury B&T Seller: Carty Grances Est + Date: 4/24/15 Price: $140,000 Buyer: Michelle Barbieri Buyer: Nicholas Martinelli + New England Dynamark Date: 5/13/15 Price: $210,000 Mortgage: $100,000 Seller: Phillip Farrar Seller: Thomas Potter + Date: 4/24/15 Lender: Greylock FCU Price: $128,500 Price: $650,000 Security Center 10 Meadow St. Otis Date: 5/4/15 Mortgage: $122,075 Mortgage: $487,500 Buyer: Jonathon Williams + Lender: Greylock FCU Lender: Washington Trust Seller: Serendipity Lenox 60 Benton Dr. 61 Elberon Ave. Date: 4/28/15 Date: 5/4/15 Holdings LLC Buyer: Brian Bruder + Buyer: Sean Flanders Price: $177,500 41 Bentrup Ct. Seller: Robert Walley + Seller: Marc Panetti + 78 Northumberland Rd. 750 West Rd. Mortgage: $133,125 Buyer: Robert Horvath + Price: $325,000 Price: $139,000 Buyer: Rodney Hasty + Buyer: Harris Horowitz + Lender: Salisbury B&T Seller: Project LLC Mortgage: $225,000 Mortgage: $133,000 Seller: Gizwood Properties Seller: BMS NT + Date: 5/15/15 Price: $445,000 Lender: Fairfield Cty Bk Lender: Greylock FCU LLC Price: $705,000 413-442-5647 • 800-821-SAFE Date: 5/8/15 Date: 5/15/15 Date: 4/30/15 Price: $185,000 Mortgage: $400,000 393 N. Plain Rd. Mortgage: $175,750 Lender: JPMorgan Chase www.nedynamark.com Buyer: Neals Brandt + 248 W. Mountain Rd. 340 Hayes Hill Rd. 31 Essex St. Lender: Lee Bank Date: 4/27/15 Protecting area businesses since 1978 Seller: Christine Jennings + Buyer: Paul Vahle + Buyer: Michael Agar + Buyer: David Marchitto + Date: 5/15/15 continued on next page

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As the season has shifted to more moderate Landscape contractors temperatures, the perennials have continued to grow and establish root systems and have new source for are now ready for sale. Maynard said new plants will be added throughout the season wholesale perennials so that stock remains available until late September. By Brad Johnson In addition to the expanded stock of pe- Dean Maynard is hoping that a new facet rennials, the business is also growing some of his existing landscaping and garden sup- new varieties of ornamental grasses as well ply business will – like the products he now as a selection of aromatic herbs, such as offers – take root and keep coming back year peppermint, chocolate mint, lemon thyme after year. and stevia. The owner of Maynard Landscaping & Maynard said it took about $15,000 to Garden Center has introduced a new whole- $20,000 to get the wholesale perennial sale perennial operation to serve the needs of operation going. It also meant adding a few other local landscaping contractors as well workers to his existing crew. as provide a steady supply and much wider The hours at the company’s garden center variety of plants for his own Lanesboro- at 320 Summer St. have also been adjusted based business. to accommodate the needs of wholesale “The reason I’m doing this is that many customers. The center is open to retail and of our own customers have been expressing wholesale customers Wednesday to Saturday interest in some of the newer varieties of pe- from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 rennials that they read about,” said Maynard. a.m. to 1 p.m. He explained that many of the wholesale “We’re adding contractor-only hours on suppliers in the region – including ones Monday and Tuesday mornings from 7:30 to Dean Maynard holds a planter containing Nepeta, one of some 40 varieties of perennials he is now growing that he has used for his own business over 11:30,” said Maynard, noting that landscapers and selling at his Lanesboro-based garden center. After a limited trial run last year with a few standard variet- the years – tend to offer the same standard need to have access to plant inventory on a ies, he has launched a full-scale perennial operation this season that can supply other local landscaping perennial varieties every season. daily basis. contractors on a wholesale basis as well as meet the needs of his own landscaping business. “I wanted to see if we could grow more With the season now underway, Maynard of the new and unusual varieties that our stock to sell at the Pittsfield Farmers Market, noting that the cold temperatures and high has also returned to the Pittsfield Farmers customers have been asking about,” he said. at his retail garden center and for use in his winds made even the greenhouses inhospi- Market, which is held Saturday mornings. “And, by doing that, we could also then be- own landscaping operations. table. “There were times we had to bring And, this year, he is also participating in come a resource for other landscapers here This year, Maynard is ramping up to [the plants] into the garden center building the Lenox Farmers Market, held Friday in the Berkshires.” full-scale operations to be able to accom- because of the cold,” he said. At other times, afternoons. Maynard launched the perennial operation modate the needs of wholesale customers. it meant repeatedly adding and removing “We sold a lot of perennials at the Pitts- on a limited basis in 2014. “Last year we did In terms of volume, he said, that means insulation layers and plastic coverings as field market last year, and we’re looking to a trial with about 15 standard varieties to see cultivating and selling between 6,000 and temperatures shifted from frosty overnight increase that this year with the addition of how things would go,” he said. Among other 8,000 perennial plants in over 40 varieties lows to milder daytime highs. the Lenox market,” he said.u things, that involved working out logistics for that are suitable for a wide range of grow- maintaining the right temperatures and soil ing conditions. “Any job large or small… mixtures to take the perennial seedlings – or The process began in early April with the we“Any do itjob right large or ornot small… at all.” plugs – through the roughly two-month span delivery of the perennial plugs. Unlike last of early spring where they grow big enough year, however, the early spring weather was we do it right or not at all.” and establish the good root system needed much more harsh, which meant additional for successful transplant into gardens. effort to keep the still-vulnerable plants safe “The trial went well,” said Maynard, not- and warm. ing that it provided his company with ample “It was a big challenge,” said Maynard,

Buyer: Woodland T + Price: $155,000 www.morrisonshomeimprovement.com Real estate transfers Seller: Mary Beebee Mortgage: $146,400 continued from previous page Price: $621,000 Lender: Adams Community www.morrisonshomeimprovement.com Date: 4/30/15 Date: 4/21/15 www.morrisonshomeimprovement.com• Windows • Custom Build 185 Lindley Ter. 189 Stratton Rd. • Siding • Roofs Savoy Buyer: Patricia Kennelly Buyer: Reimundo Acosta + Buyer: Omar Sangare • Windows • Custom Build T + Seller: William Malone Seller: Stratton Hill RT + • AdditionsSiding • RoofsDecks 548 Loop Rd. Seller: Carol Procter Jr + Price: $122,000 Buyer: Sarah Young + Price: $400,000 Price: $176,000 Mortgage: $17,000 • AdditionsRemodeling • DecksGutters Seller: Lynda Sherman Date: 5/4/15 Mortgage: $131,250 Lender: Greylock FCU • Kitchen/Baths • Handyman Services Price: $140,000 Lender: MountainOne Date: 5/4/15 • Remodeling • Gutters Mortgage: $126,000 3 Maple St. Date: 4/21/15 • Kitchen/Baths • Handyman Services Lender: Lee Bank Buyer: Donald March + Property Management Date: 5/14/15 Seller: Robert Daley + 145 Longview Ter. Windsor SHOWROOM Price: $575,000 Buyer: Carolyn Miles + 674 North Street, Pittsfi eld, MA 01201 Mortgage: $400,000 Seller: Peter Harrison + 399 River Rd. SHOWROOM Sheffield Lender: JPMorgan Chase Price: $380,000 Buyer: Theo Leyrer + 674 North Street, Pittsfi eld, MA 01201 Date: 5/1/15 Mortgage: $280,000 Seller: Lawrence Baumann + Phone: 413-442-3001 21 Berkshire School Rd. Lender: MountainOne Price: $191,500 Buyer: AHMR Inc 14 Wheatley Dr. Date: 5/7/15 Mortgage: $197,819 Phone:Fax: 413-443-8066 413-442-3001 Seller: Devries Building Buyer: Blackwater RT + Lender: Quicken Loan Supply Seller: Benoit-Burlingame S. Hemlock Ln. U:124 Date: 5/14/15 Award WinningFax: 413-443-8066 – Customer Driven Price: $525,000 NT + Buyer: Jean Richer u Mortgage: $393,000 Price: $192,000 Seller: Martin Horowitz Award Winning – Customer Driven Lender: Salisbury B&T Mortgage: $304,000 “They’re Simply Amazing!” Date: 5/1/15 Lender: Greylock FCU Date: 5/5/15 31 Berkshire School Rd. Buyer: AHMR Inc 19 Hawthorne Rd. U:ST3B Seller: Devries Building Buyer: Stephan Cohen + Supply Seller: Arthur Gottesfeld + Price: $525,000 Price: $375,000 Mortgage: $393,000 Mortgage: $281,250 Lender: Salisbury B&T Lender: Santander Bank Date: 5/1/15 Date: 4/28/15

N. Main St. Buyer: Epicampus Inc West Seller: Joseph Najimy Price: $100,000 Stockbridge Date: 4/28/15 298 Great Barrington Rd. Buyer: Sarah Culmer 74 S. Main St. Seller: North Plain Road Buyer: Daniel Yuk + NT + Seller: Steffen Root + Price: $315,000 Price: $250,000 Date: 5/8/15 Date: 4/30/15

87 Sheffield Business Park Williamstown Buyer: Stor It All Inc Seller: Borestone LLC 133 Candlewood Dr. Price: $85,000 Buyer: Donald Dubendorf Date: 5/15/15 Seller: James Nolan Jr + Price: $350,000 1106 Sheffield Egremont Rd. Mortgage: $250,000 Buyer: Tank Acres LLC Lender: MountainOne Seller: Edward Delmolino Date: 4/30/15 3rd Price: $200,000 Hancock Rd. Date: 5/8/15 Buyer: Lee Bank Seller: Lillian Gilden Price: $275,000 Stockbridge Date: 5/5/15

27 Interlaken Rd. 720 Hancock Rd. Buyer: Solmaz Rashidi + Buyer: Simon Holzaphel + Seller: H A Wallach + Seller: Dolan FT + Price: $460,000 Price: $449,000 Mortgage: $368,000 Mortgage: $259,200 Lender: Lee Bank Lender: MountainOne Date: 5/5/15 Date: 4/23/15

19 Lakeview Dr. 60 Knolls Rd. 24 Be r k s h i r e Tr a d e & Co m m e r c e Ju l y 2015 Do you still recognize your bank or credit union?

C’mon, admit it…when you walk inside your “local” financial institution lately, do you know the staff? When you’re reading the news about their new hires or those being promoted are you asking, “Who’s that?”

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Tim Kiely Steve Rogers Sandi Girard Ed Schumann Manager Manager Manager Manager Pittsfield Pittsfield Dalton Gt. Barrington Jay Anderson 70 South St. 110 Dalton Ave. 431 Main St. 325 Main St. President & CEO (413) 447-7304 (413) 395-9626 (413) 684-1551 (413) 528-2840

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Member FDIC & SIF Equal Housing Lender www.pittsfieldcoop.com Time To Go goes on out-of-state fishing expeditions for new customers? Angry that your c

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