ServiceNet Names Vice President of Strategy & Program Development

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NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — ServiceNet, a large mental health and human services agency based in Northampton and serving all four counties of western Massachusetts, recently welcomed Michael Kuta as Vice President of Strategy and Program Development.
 
Kuta comes to his new role following 16 years at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield where he gained a  portfolio of progressive management experience. Most recently, he served as the hospital's Manager of Operations for Behavioral Health and Cardiac Services, a position he assumed soon after the start of the pandemic. Prior to 2020, Kuta had been a supervisor in the Partial Hospitalization Program and before that a Behavioral Health Patient Flow Coordinator. 
 
"The scope of my work changed over the years, but the same leadership principles applied—to meet people where they are and help them do what they do best," Kuta said. "People are my specialty whether I'm providing care or leading a team."
 
Kuta's path to leadership began at Elms College in Chicopee when he shifted his major from Accounting to Psychology & Sociology before graduating in 2007. This merging of skills and interests further came together when he pursued a master's in healthcare administration while working his way toward certification as a licensed social work associate. 
 
"For me, it was all about equipping myself to work in a field that interests me, where I can meet a real need," he explained.
 
In his first month at ServiceNet, Kuta has met with leaders and staff in departments and programs across the agency to discuss what is going well, what could use tuning up, and opportunities they see for further growth, development, and community partnerships.
 
"As we continue in our strategic planning work together, it's so important to hear from people who bring a wide variety of perspectives," he said.  "Making connections and building relationships is what it's all about."
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Berkshire Rowing Club Given OK for New Rack at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community Rowing is expanding and would like a more sightly way to store its boats at Onota Lake.
 
"I don't know if I really need to say it, but rowing is a really great community-building sport," Head Coach Becca Cadoff said.
 
On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved the installation of a temporary rack next to the boat ramp parking lot for the 2024 season.  BCR has operated out of Burbank Park since the late 1990s and has purchased more equipment due to the club's growth.
 
It will replace a temporary boat trailer used last year that is less aesthetically pleasing.
 
"We're in a growth period, really trying to engage the community and get particularly kids and kids who have fewer opportunities than Lenox kids to come join the club. In order to do that we need more boats that are able to accommodate younger athletes, while also providing a program to our adult athletes," Cadoff said.
 
"So we're getting more equipment, and so we are asking for permission to replace the relatively unsightly trailer with a much more streamlined, temporary, or installable and uninstalled rack that will take that space."
 
The city has granted BCR use of the old lifeguard shed and a temporary metal boathouse at the park, though the club is outgrowing them.  Since 1995, the nonprofit has assisted hundreds of people of all ages in discovering their love for the sport.
 
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