Where are Berkshire County's Heroines?

From the Editor
06:15AM / Monday, February 04, 2008

We know there are a lot of women doing wonderful things in Berkshire County. So why hasn't the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women heard about them?

The commission each year seek nominees from each of the state's 351 towns and cities to honor. These are women who don't seek the limelight but who are always there to help out. You know who they are; they're the ones who organize bottle drives and benefits, the ones serving and cooking at community dinners, volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes and schools, the ones working with boards, committees, booster clubs and PTAs, the ones providing opportunities through business, education and civic activity.

Last year, 270 Unsung Heroines were recognized at the State House for their volunteer work, leadership and community involvement.

But this year, no woman in 24 of the Berkshires' 32 towns and cities has been nominated. Is it possible that 75 percent of the county has no women worth honoring?

Doesn't seem likely. Yet a dearth of nominations around the state has lead the commission to extend its deadline twice.

The commission, an independent state agency created in 1998 to promote women's rights and opportunities, plans to hold a recognition ceremony at the State House in May.

Wouldn't it be sad state of affairs if an agency established to be a voice for women couldn't find any to honor?

With that in mind, we encourage anyone and everyone to consider a likely candidate for an Unsung Hero. Maybe she's your neighbor, teacher, boss or mother. If you know someone who's been working hard for her community, acknowledge that effort.

If you've got until the end of business today to do it. Nomination forms are available here.

For more information about Unsung Heroines, contact program director Kim Sebastiao at 617-626-6521 or kimberly.sebastiao@state.ma.us.

Nominees are needed from the following towns:
Adams
Alford
Cheshire
Clarksburg
Dalton
Egremont
Florida
Great Barrington
Lee
Lenox   
Monterey   
Mount Washington
New Ashford
New Marlborough   
North Adams   
Otis
Peru
Sandisfield
Savoy
Sheffield
Tyringham
Washington
West Stockbridge
Williamstown