Longtime Berkshire County Arc Board Chair Stepping Down

Joseph Woitkoski

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Joseph Woitkoski, board chair of Berkshire County Arc, has stepped down from his position after 36 years of service. 

As board member and chair since 1984, he has helped lead agency growth from a few employees and a small budget into an organization with 800 employees, 43 group homes, numerous other offerings to the disability community, and a $36 million dollar budget.

"The number of changes and accomplishments BC Arc has experienced is mind-boggling," Woitkoski said. "I am so proud to have been part of this caring and successful group for all these years."

He credited the staff of BC Arc, along with its leadership, for the success and growth of the organization. 

"I never intended to stay involved this long, but after you see the love and respect the staff have for the people they serve, it's impossible to leave," he said. "And while it has been hard for me to resign, it's time for me to step down, allow for new leadership, and enjoy my retirement."

BC Arc provides a range of programs from employment to residential homes to day programs for people with disabilities. While many of the board members become engaged with BC Arc because of a personal connection with the disabilities community, Woitkoski fell into it as a community member. 

"I had a friend invite me to a board meeting, and I haven't left since. The entire board cherishes this agency like I do," he said.

He recalled joining the board in 1984.

"The fiscal situation was grave, no one knew we existed, and we knew new leadership would be crucial," he said. He served on a search committee to appoint a new executive director. "After a long and arduous search, we appointed Ken Singer, and he's brought the agency to its current state, a reputable and fiscally sound state even in these incredible times. 

"I've enjoyed every minute of my time on the board. It's a wonderful organization."

"Joe brought immeasurable value to the Agency, BC Arc would not have reached this point without his leadership," Singer said. "We are all thankful for his dedication."

Outside of BC Arc, Woitkoski worked in the financial services field for 49 years, employed by investment firms and banks in the region. He is a graduate of Assumption College, Worcester, and holds a graduate degree from Northwestern University in Chicago. He is a lifelong resident of Berkshire County, has been married for 49 years, and has three grown children.

BC Arc will soon announce the new board chair.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.