Rep. Farley-Bouvier named 2018 Provider's Council Legislator of the Year

Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier was named 2018 Provider's Council Legislator of the Year and awarded the Caring Bear presented by The Caring Force at their seventh annual State House Rally and Lobby Day on Tuesday, April 10. The award is annually given to legislative champions for their commitment to the human services sector.

"I was thrilled and honored to be recognized by these terrific community partners and receive the prestigious, and adorable, Caring Force Care Bear. It was that staff from Berkshire County ARC came to help celebrate that really made this award special," said Farley-Bouvier, who represents the 3rd Berkshire District.

"Rep. Farley-Bouvier is an exceptionally effective champion for our human services workforce," said Michael Weekes, president and CEO of The Providers Council. "On behalf of the 25,000 members of The Caring Force, we are honored to present her with our prestigious Caring Bear Award for 2018."

The Providers' Council is the state's largest membership association of community health and human services provider organizations, and hosts The Caring Force of professionals and supporters with clients, consumers and their families. Since its creation, The Caring Force has achieved success in helping bring modest pay increases to workers and increase funding for human services throughout the Commonwealth.

"As a former employee of the Berkshire County Arc, Tricia understands the important work done by our staff," said Ken Singer, president and CEO of the Berkshire County Arc. Singer provided the nomination. "All of us at BCArc are thrilled to see Tricia recognized for her support of human service workers. Her continued efforts on our behalf are greatly appreciated."

 

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.

Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.

The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.

Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.

"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.

"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."

Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly.  A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.

It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories