Berkshire South Regional Community Center New Board Of Trustees

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center announced on Jan. 1, 2024, Erica Jaffe is joining the Board of Trustees as the Board Chair. 
 
Jaffe is stepping in for Barbara Manring who has served as the acting Interim Chair for the last two years. Other newly appointed officers include Tony Scott, Second Vice Chair, and Jaclyn Sinay, Clerk. Ethel Patterson is also returning to the BSRCC Board after a two-year hiatus.
 
Erica Jaffe, a full-time Housatonic resident, brings over 15 years of branding and marketing experience through her work at New York-based creative agencies including BrandFire, 100 Mile Group, and MGX Lab. Most recently, Jaffe co-founded SAYS WHO, a company that designs, patents, and launches products for children and families with disabilities and special needs. 
 
"We are thrilled to have Erica join the Board at Berkshire South. We look forward to her enthusiasm and innate appreciation for the value of community to help guide our way forward," said Jenise Lucey, Executive Director.
 
Berkshire South exists today because of Erica's grandfather, Edwin Jaffe. In 1996, he assembled a group of Southern Berkshire County community members to discuss the need for a space to bring people together and tackle the issue of rural isolation. They recognized that many local people lacked access to the few recreational, educational, cultural, health, and social organizations there were in South County at the time and sought to improve the social well-being of the people in the region. In 2002, their efforts resulted in Berkshire South Regional Community Center opening its doors to the public and, for the last 21 years, connecting people through health and wellness programs, art classes, children's enrichment opportunities, and special events. 
 
Erica Jaffe said, "I am extremely honored to serve as the next Board Chair of Berkshire South. The Center provides so many vital services to the people of Southern Berkshire County. I am thrilled to play a part in ensuring its continued success and seeing my grandfather's vision serve the next generation of community members."
 
Berkshire South Regional Community Center is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization open to all, regardless of ability to pay. Our mission is to build a sense of community and common purpose throughout the region, and to enhance the recreational, educational, cultural, health and social well-being of the residents of the Southern Berkshires.
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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

RICHMOND, Mass. — A 25-year-old South County man died Thursday in the fiery crash on Route 41. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office on Friday reported that the victim was Christopher Lee Kilmer, 25.

The single-vehicle accident took place on Route 41 in Richmond near 2715 State Road. A Hyundai Sonata driven by Kilmer was travelling northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and off the road; the car was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.

According to the DA's Office, West Stockbridge Fire and County Ambulance declared Kilmer dead at 9:53 a.m. when the Fire Department "was able to extinguish the fire." 

"It was at this time (when the fire was extinguished) that first responders observed a single occupant in the vehicle and made the declaration of death," according to the press release.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body. 

On Friday morning, several South County fire departments posted tributes on Facebook to Kilmer, who they reported was a member of the West Stockbridge and Alford fire departments.

"Every first responder carries a fear that one day the next emergency call will involve someone they know, a friend, a neighbor, or someone they love. But perhaps the greatest fear of all is when that call involves one of our own," the post read. 

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