Berkshire United Way kicks off 2022-2023 Campaign Year

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At Interprint’s workplace campaign kickoff, employees could enter a raffle and play games to support Berkshire United Way, while BUW’s Brenda Petell, right, assisted with campaign pledges.
PITTSFIELD, Mass.  — Berkshire United Way (BUW) launched its 2022-2023 fundraising campaign to support 40 programs and more than 10,000 neighbors in need. 
 
BUW workplace campaign partners engage their employees with recreational opportunities, programs, and recognition events that connect philanthropy and camaraderie. The team at BUW works with nearly 140 workplace campaigns to offer simple, efficient, and enjoyable ways for employees to make a difference in the community, according to a press release.  
 
"Workplace campaigns are the backbone of BUW's fundraising. Each contribution enables us to invest in our partner organizations and support the incredible work happening every day to improve the quality of life here in Berkshire County," said Brenda Petell, BUW director of volunteer engagement. 
 
David Hall, founding partner and president of CompuWorks, said the company prides itself on having 100 percent participation in Berkshire United Way's workplace campaign.
 
"We make sure new employees are aware of this during their orientation. It's our way of introducing and connecting them to the community. We have a lot of young professionals and it's important to get them involved," he said. "We are committed to supporting the community and leading by example, and contributing through the workplace campaign is a good way to get that spark going." 
 
"Running a workplace campaign requires tremendous commitment from leadership, tireless dedication from volunteer employee campaign coordinators, and inspiriting generosity from the workforce," added BUW President and CEO Tom Bernard. "We ask a lot from our campaign partners because we know the need in our community is great and that the most vulnerable members of our community are facing challenges and inequities." 
 
Continuing a partnership with Mill Town, anyone who pledges through their workplace campaign this year will be entered for a chance to win a Berkshire Experience at Gateways Inn in Lenox. To learn how to establish a workplace campaign, contact Pamela Knisley at pknisley@berkshireunitedway.org or (413) 442-6948 x15. Learn more about BUW’s work in the community at www.berkshireunitedway.org.

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Dalton Zoning Board OKs Conversion of Zip's Bar into Apartments

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday approved the conversion of the former Zip's Bar & Billiards into four apartments. 
 
The owner, Ron Carver, submitted an application for a special permit requesting to convert the first floor of the tavern into residential apartments.  
 
"The former tenant went out of business. He was operating a bar/nightclub and had lost business and decided after COVID that it just wasn't worth his while to continue," board Chair Anthony Doyle said.
 
"So Mr. Carver is left with an empty commercial space, and the question is do you try to get another bar in there or do you do something else, and he opted to convert."
 
The detailed application that Carver submitted was described by board members as impressive. The notice of the public hearing was posted on April 23 and 30 to alert neighbors to come and speak. 
 
Despite the public hearing notice, no one attended the meeting to speak against the application, which is a good indication that the neighbors support it, Doyle said. 
 
Carver attended the meeting and provided a letter from one of the neighbors expressing their support for the change. 
 
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