BUW Accepting Applications for Emergency Shelter, Supplies

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire United Way is accepting applications for supplemental emergency food and shelter funding for calendar year 2012.

Berkshire United Way is the local administrator for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board. The agency is urging qualifying organizations located throughout Berkshire County to submit an application at www.berkshireunitedway.org by clicking in at the bottom of the home page.

Local organizations chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary nonprofits (with a voluntary board) or units of government; have an accounting system; practice non-discrimination; and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs. Applications must be submitted online and are due Monday, Feb. 13, by 4 p.m.

The funding award is made by a National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and United Way Worldwide. Funds pass directly from FEMA's EFSP program to the local agencies that are awarded funding, and a subcommittee of the local board made up of representatives of organizations that are not requesting or receiving funds determines the actual organizations that receive funding.

For the 2011 calendar year, FEMA awarded $57,617, which local representatives distributed to nine Berkshire County organizations including Berkshire Community Action Council, the Salvation Army, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Berkshire Food Project, Construct, Inc., Healthy Families/Child Care of the Berkshires and the Christian Center.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Taconic High Names Top Students of the Class of 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 
 
They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.
 
Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 
 
A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped
referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.
 
He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 
 
O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories