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.