image description
State Sen. Paul Mark and state Sen. Robyn Kennedy of Worcester, holding gifts, visit Berkshire County Arc's programs earlier this month.

State Senators Tour Berkshire County Arc Programs

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Sen. Paul Mark and state Sen. Robyn Kennedy of Worcester, chair for the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, recently spent time visiting Berkshire County Arc's programs. Mark is also a member of the joint committee. 
 
During their visit, they spent time discussing short- and long-term plans for human services in Massachusetts.
 
BCArc offers a broad range of community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and autism.
 
In the photo above, from left: Pam Kight, director of employment and community-based day services; Cybele Kilby, vice president of day & employment services; state Sen. Paul Mark; state Sen. Robyn Kennedy; President & CEO Maryann Hyatt; Erin Manson, Department of Developmental Services residential services director; CFO Blanca Durant; Jessica Russo, director of family support & advocacy; and Scott Barschdorf, director of brain injury services.
 
 

Tags: bcarc,   paul mark,   state officials,   

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

Pittsfield Native Competing in Miss Massachusetts

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High graduate Nevaeh Williams is competing in the 2026 Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Competition this weekend in Worcester.

She said pageants have helped her step into her own self-confidence while helping others; her chosen community service initiative is the AYJ Fund of North Adams. 

"When I was younger, I had an issue with body image, and I thought I had to look a certain way. So, I joined pageants to try to help with my self-confidence, and I soon fell in love, and it helped me become a more well-rounded young woman," Williams said. 

"Along with it, it made me fall in love with myself and my body, no matter what I look like." 

The 2026 Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Competition is being held at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester on Friday, June 19, with finals on Saturday, June 20, at 7 each night.

Williams, holding the title of Miss Mayflower 2026, has continued her journey in pageants over the past four years and says she has truly come to learn so much about herself. 

"And have grown into, I believe, the best young woman I possibly could, because of the Miss America opportunity," she said.

A 2024 graduate of Taconic, she attends Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, studying echocardiogram sonography. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories