CATA Announces New Board President, Staff Changes

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John J. Whalan
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Board of Directors of Community Access to the Arts has elected John J. Whalan of West Stockbridge to serve as its new president.

Whalan is the founder and president of Black Ice Entertainment, a media development and production company based here, and has been on CATA’s board for 10 years.

Whalan said, "CATA is one of the finest organizations in Berkshire County. Under the leadership of Sandy Newman, a team of generous professional staff and artists nurture and celebrate the idea that everyone should be recognized for their unique talents. I hope to build on the successes of my predecessors, Janet Elsbach and Ben Silberstein, to further strengthen the support that has allowed CATA, its participants and clients to continue to flourish."

CATA also appointed Adrienne Brown to a newly created position of program coordinator for Berkshire County. An educator with a background in art and experience working with people with disabilities, Adrienne will oversee day-to-day operation of CATA’s arts workshops. In addition, Katie Clarke has been promoted to administrative director. Maria Mazzocco, formerly a North County staff member, now holds the countywide post of assistant program coordinator.

 
Founder and Executive Director Sandra Newman said, “I am very grateful that John Whalan will continue the strong leadership that CATA has been fortunate to have throughout our 18 years of programs in the Berkshires. His deep understanding of our work has helped us to enhance our wonderful staff to meet our current growth.”
 
CATA, which provides visual and performing arts opportunities for 600 area residents with disabilities, is headquartered on Railroad Street and has an operating budget of $600,000. The organization collaborates with 29 different health and human service organizations to offer 1,000 individual workshops annually in the visual and performing arts. For more information, images, videos, and shopping opportunities, visit www.communityaccesstothearts.org.
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Multiple Departments Respond to Lanesborough Structure Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire off Narragansett Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Fire Department received a call from the owner of 6 Bangor St. reporting smoke and flames at around 1:44 p.m.

Firefighters arriving on scene reported heavy smoke emanating from the 1940s single-family ranch home in the thickly settled neighborhood.

The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. 

"The homeowner was outside doing some work, evidently, opened the door when she came back in the house, and there were flames and smoke, so she backed out and called us, and that's all we know right now," Deputy Fire Chief Glen Storie said around 2:35 p.m. 

The fire was out at that time, and first responders observed "quite a bit of damage" to the home. The cause is still under investigation. 

Lanesborough, Cheshire, and Pittsfield departments responded to the scene, and Hancock covered the station during the call. 

"The first crew in knocked the fire right down with the first engine," Storie said. 

Smoke could be seen coming from the back of the home. Part of Narragansett Avenue and Bangor Avenue were blocked off while firefighters battled the blaze. 

 

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