image description — Matt Keator, Lori Gazzillo, Mike Ferry, Michael DeLeo, Charlie O'Brien, state Rep. William 'Smitty' Pignatelli, and Eugene Dellea.

Pete Townshend Helps Raise $18K for Hillcrest Cancer Center

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
03:18PM / Monday, October 23, 2017Print Story | Email Story

Dr. Michael DeLeo accepted the check from state Rep. Smitty Pignatelli.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Last month before Pete Townshend hit the stage at Tanglewood to perform "Quadrophenia," he held a small fundraiser at Highwood Manor House on the campus.

The group had dinner with the Who singer, Billy Idol, and Alfie Boe. The money was to be donated to Townshend's Teen Cancer America Foundation and the Hillcrest Cancer Center at Berkshire Medical Center.

"He wanted no more than 30 people. It was a small, intimate group. He talked to everyone. We all got commemorative autographed posters. We had dinner together," Pignatelli said.

Together the group raised $18,000, which was to be split between the two organizations. But on Monday, state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, who helped organize the fundraiser, announced that Townshend opted to donate his half to the Hillcrest Cancer Center.

"What is special about this check of $18,000 is that we thought we'd be splitting $18,000 with Pete Townshend's organization. Pete Townshend after the performance said 'you guys treated me so well, I loved the people you brought to this reception, I'm willing to forego my Teen Cancer Fund and give it all to the folks in the Berkshires,'" Pignatelli said.

Pignatelli presented that check to Dr. Michael DeLeo on Monday afternoon.

The Lenox representative said the management team of Townshend contacted Allyce Najimy, of Foundation To Be Named Later, about doing something. She then contacted Pignatelli, who agreed to help but only if some of the money would stay in the Berkshires. Townshend agreed to split the money.

Pignatelli then rallied his friends.

He first called Charlie O'Brien from Adams Community Bank. O'Brien couldn't make the concert, but purchased tickets anyway and sent a team of employees. Lori Gazzillo, from Berkshire Bank, couldn't make it either. But Senior Vice President Mike Ferry happened to be a big fan of the Who, so he took the ticket. Matt Keator from the Keator Group and officials from Walmart joined in.

Keator said it was easy for him to get involved because it was a "worthwhile cause." Gazzillo echoed the same sentiment.

President of the Hillcrest Campus Eugene Dellea said he was grateful that when the opportunity presented itself, Pignatelli thought about helping the campus.

Tags: cancer center, cancer support, celebrity, fundraiser, Tanglewood,

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Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves.

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said.

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County.

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.

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