Krol Named Executive Director of Sweetwood

10:36AM / Monday, June 27, 2011Print Story | Email Story

John Krol

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — John Krol has been named executive director of Sweetwood of Williamstown Retirement Living Community, effective June 6. Krol was most recently media relations and marketing manager for Berkshire Healthcare Systems.

He will lead operations at the retirement community, which opened in 1987. A Pittsfield native and city councilor, Krol brings a background in health care, marketing and experience as a public official to the executive director role.

"This is a great time for Sweetwood and I am truly excited to help usher in a new, vibrant era," said Krol. "You are going to hear more from us over the next several weeks, including our planned renovations and greater engagement in the community. Sweetwood is not only a premier retirement community, but an asset for Williamstown and the Berkshires."

While at Berkshire Healthcare Systems, Krol was recognized by the Massachusetts Senior Care Association for his innovative grassroots outreach efforts highlighting the evolving world of senior care. His ties in Northern Berkshire County include years as a journalist at the North Adams Transcript and with the former Berkshire Broadcasting Co. and its successor, Vox Communications, where he was host of "The Opinion" program and morning news anchor on WNAW/WMNB Radio.

"John has hit the ground running. His energy and experience are the perfect fit for Sweetwood, and as a Berkshire native, his connection to the community runs deep," said Steven Vera, regional director of operations. "His past work has also given him an understanding of the unique needs of the aging population in maintaining a more physically active lifestyle and in keeping pace with modern technology."

Krol earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. After five years as a journalist in newspaper and radio, including a year as Berkshire Bureau chief for WAMC-Northeast Public Radio, Krol was public affairs coordinator for two years for the city of Pittsfield. In addition to being a city councilor, he is a member of the Berkshire Compact, chairman of the Pittsfield Green Commission, a board member of the Christian Center, and president of the board of directors of Pittsfield Community Television.

He lives in Pittsfield with his wife, Allison.

Tags: John Krol, Sweetwood,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

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

St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
12:50PM / Sunday, December 21, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.

"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."

Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.

"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."

Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.

"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."

View Full Story