BFAIR Holds Annual Meeting With Guest Speaker Mayor Alcombright
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Berkshire Family And Individual Resources, Inc. (BFAIR) held the annual meeting of the corporation on Friday, April 30 at the Williams Inn. The meeting was sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union, and led by Peter West, board chairperson, and Rich Weisenflue, executive director.BFAIR welcomed more than 100 guests including State Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, and North Adams City Councilors, Gailanne Cariddi, Marie Harpin, and David Bond. The mayor of North Adams, Richard J. Alcombright, was the keynote speaker touching on the economic impact that BFAIR, its programs for people with disabilities and the agency’s employees have on the local community by providing jobs, owning residential property, and working with local companies.
"BFAIR gives time that benefits others and the community. You are an admirable agency and how you help others is immeasurable," stated Alcombright.
During the meeting Peter West was honored for his service as a two-term board chair. Incoming officers included Christina Barrett, board chair, Rebecca Dravis, vice chair, Karen Boyer, treasurer and Edmund R. St. John IV, clerk.
The event included service awards for fifteen current employees with five or more years of service, and six special recognition awards in several categories. Jane Patenaude, director of financial services was the recipient of the Board of Directors Award, Teresa McBee, employment counselor for Arcadia Employment Services, was the recipient of the George A. Crosby Memorial Award. Roxanne Morton, home life support counselor and human rights advocate, received the Armand Quintal Award; the Leadership Award was presented to Terry Blair, Arcadia employment specialist, and Lisa McSheen, a person receiving services from BFAIR, won the Self-Determination Award. George’s Liquors and Redemption Center received the Employer of the Year Award for its impressive record of providing job opportunities for people with disabilities.
BFAIR staff receiving service awards, grouped by years of service, included:
5-Years of Service: Thomas Bessette, Sharon Boyd, Jennifer Caridi, David Costa, Rosemarie Daub, Joyce Forth, Melissa Larabee
10-Years of Service: James Labonte, Judith Miller, Roxanne Morton, Jean Pecor
20-Years of Service: Bonnie Duprat, Carmen Gustavis, Brenda Hawkins, Jamie Williams
BFAIR is a member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way, and an established provider of support services for adults, adolescents and children with developmental disabilities and autism and acquired brain injuries. For more information regarding BFAIR’s programs or services call 413-664-9382.
