Berkshire Money Management Team Completes Institute for Preparing Heirs Program

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DALTON, Mass. — Berkshire Money Management advisors Scott Little, Peter Coughlin, Lauren Russo, and Nate Tomkiewicz all recently completed an exclusive program offered by the Institute for Preparing Heirs on the topic of "The Great Wealth Transfer: Preparing HNW Families to Prosper & Thrive Across Generations."
 
"One of the single biggest challenges facing successful families today is ensuring that the inheriting generation—the children and grandchildren—maintain control of the family assets and unity after wealth transfer," Russo said.
 
The Institute for Preparing Heirs program addresses the changing needs and expectations of successful families and addresses how family dynamics play a far greater role in successful wealth transfer than previously understood; The important role of women as the family's financial leader, the practical tools families can use to prepare beneficiaries for the opportunities and responsibilities of wealth, as well as the benefits of family meetings.
 
"Comprehensive wealth planning encompasses more than excellent investment, tax and estate planning; it's also important to ensure that your beneficiaries are prepared to receive and manage family assets in a manner to foster their development and lifetime goals," said Coughlin.
 
According to a press release, Little, Coughlin, Russo and Tomkiewicz all understand the importance of being well-versed in how a family successfully navigates through generational wealth transfer (including assets over time or estate transitions), especially against the backdrop of an ongoing and devastating pandemic. Their endeavors are indicative of BMM's commitment to continuing professional development and education so that we may continuously better serve our clients and community.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Considers Repairing East Part Cemetery

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Historical Commission will consider grant opportunities for repairs to East Part Cemetery.

A resident reached out to the city with concerns about degradation in the half-acre burial ground at the top of Williams Street. East Part Cemetery was established in the early 1800s and has about 300 interments. 

“It's a nice old cemetery, and basically, (the resident) had had concerns that the stone wall had taken some damage, the gravestones have taken some damage, and was wondering if there's anything that could be done to repair the gravestones and the wall," City Planner Kevin Rayner told the commission on Monday.

In cooperation with cemetery leadership and residents, the Historical Commission will consider applying for Community Preservation Act funds to support repairs. West Part Cemetery, on the other side of Pittsfield, has previously used CPA funds for revitalization work. 

The 1080 Williams St. property is owned by the city and managed by the Pittsfield Cemetery Commission. Rayner presented photos of broken and overgrown gravestones, parts of the stone wall collapsing, and knocked-over obelisks. 

Some aspects could use general maintenance and restoration, he observed. 

According to the Pittsfield Cemetery and Crematory's website, East Part Cemetery was established around 1808 on land owned by Nathan Webb, who permitted and authorized its use as a public burying ground.  

In 1842, Nathan Webb's son, also named Nathan Webb, deeded the property to the Methodist Episcopal Society of Pittsfield as a public burying ground, and in 1893 the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society transferred their control of the cemetery to the Proprietors of the Pittsfield Cemetery. Their action was confirmed by the Berkshire Probate Court.

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