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The evening was dedicated to first director Mitzi Scelsi, who died in February.
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Executive Director Christine Singer describes some of the programs at UCP.
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Christina Embry, a board member and Adult Family Care provider, receives the Consumer Excellence Award.
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Ashley Adler, right, with Singer and Leigh Uqdah, also received the Consumer Excellence Award.
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Recognition awards lined up on the table.
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Karen Charbonneau speaks after being presented the Mitzi Scelsi Outstanding Staff Recognition Award from Scelsi's husband and son.
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Retired Judge Rudolph Sacco gave the invocation.
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Volunteers were recognized for their years of service.
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Betty Papirio is presented a crystal bowl to mark her 50 years on the UCP board by Brenda Curry and Singer.

UCP Honors Volunteers, Staff at 53rd Annual Meeting

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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Janie Ray, left, takes a break from recording the annual UCP meeting to receive the Life Without Limits Award from friend Pat Sheely, who also was honored for her 24 years of service on the UCP board. See more photos from the evening here.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Christina Embry's faced some challenges in her short life, but she hasn't let them hold her back.

Embry was honored last week for her achievements in both her working and personal life at United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County's 53rd annual meeting.

"Christina is a young woman who represents what our agency stands for," said Leigh Uqdah, director of Individual and Family Support. "A life without limits."

Embry has been persistent in not allowing her physical disability to keep her from having a very full life. She's been promoted to a full-time position at the Walmart Supercenter, had a baby, became an Adult Family Care provider for UCP and just finished a year on the UCP board.

"I am a full-time employee, a full-time caregiver and a full-time mother," she said on accepting the award.

"Just because you have disabilities doesn't mean you can't be someone."

Embry was one of two clients of UCP presented with the Consumer Excellence Award at the dinner held at the Eagles' Hall on Wednesday. The dinner celebrated the dedicated staff and volunteers, and elected the officers for the coming year.

The evening was dedicated to the late Mitzi Scelsi, UCP's first executive director.

Maren Jacobs of Lenox, a member of the executive board, recalled Scelsi as a "relentless advocate" for the disabled who believed "every person was unique and special."

Scelsi had been tapped to lead after becoming involved in a parental group. Executive Director Christine Singer said it had been one day and 18 years ago that she'd first come on board with Scelsi's admonition "not to mess things up."

"I have kept my promises," Singer laughed. "I haven't messed it up."


UCP, headquartered next door to the Eagles on Curran Highway, assisted more than 2,000 individuals of all ages over the past year through 18 programs from 19 different funding sources. Programs range from the latest, "Joy to Dance" that culminated in a performance by clients, to Adult Family Daycare to "Take a Book, Leave a Book" for clients and families.

The nonprofit also offers Berkshire Talking Chronicle reading services, assistive technology, computer training and early intervention programs, and collaborations with the Berkshire Immigrant Center, Williams College students, Head Start and the Pediatric Development Center. Nearly 80 percent of its expenses go toward programming.

"I can honestly say that the people we supported this year are more independent, healthier, stronger and more capable than a year ago," said Singer. "I am so proud of the internal structure we have created which consists of persistent and tireless staff."

Chairman Anthony Hyte and Singer said much could not happen without the large team of dedicated volunteers and support of local businesses. Some 394 volunteers and 634 businesses and donors supported UCP in the past year.

"Victory 100" certificates were presented to those giving 100 hours of time and talent: Bet Azar, Mekayla Bailey, Missy Bowler, Warren Buhl, Marshall Butler, Susan DeSanty, David Cianflone, Katherine Gundlefinger, Irene Hanna, Brian Harrison, Anthony Hyte, Maren Jacobs, Irene "Caleka" Jones, Edie Mingalone, Carol Moak, Jessica Peck, Timothy Potter, Sienna Powers, Dan Proskin, Pat Sheely, Kenneth Singer, Susan Snyder, Kyle Strack, Bill Sturgeon, Taylor Tetu, Phil Tierney and Carol Perrault Wells.

Longevity among staff and volunteers has been key element in the group's success. Betty Papirio was honored for 50 years of service, first as an adaptive swim coach and for many years as a member of the board and now the Advisory Board; also noted were Pat Sheely for 24 years of service and Warren Buhl for 18.

Karen Charbonneau, director of the Early Intervention and Early Childhood program, which came under the UCP umbrella three years ago, was awarded the Mitzi Scelsi Outstanding Staff Recognition Award. Sienna Powers, currently away at college, was presented the Youth Leadership Award for her volunteer work with the UCP Fun Club and Chris Tamburrino was given a Life Achievement Award for his work with Hoosac Valley High School's Life Skills Program.

Also presented a Life Achievement Award was Phil Tierney, for volunteering with Berkshire Talking Chronicle; Kushi & Myers PC was recognized with the Diane M. Laurin Campaign Award for its efforts, including the annual golf tournament, in fund raising for UCP; and Janie Ray was presented the Life Without Limits Award for her many activities with UCP, from recording events and programs (including the annual dinner) to assisting with transportation, personal care and Berkshire Talking Chronicle and serving on the Advisory Board.

The result of all that effort are individuals like Ashley Adler, who also received a Consumer Excellence Award for achievements through the Life Skills Transition Program, classes at Berkshire Community College and Berkshire County Arc's Advantage Employee Network.

Adler, who now works in food service at Kripalu and volunteers at the Sonsini Animal Shelter, summed up the evening succinctly:

"Keep dreaming and stay happy."


Tags: annual meeting,   recognition event,   UCP,   

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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