BFAIR Holds Annual Meeting With Guest Speaker Mayor Alcombright

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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.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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