Berkshire LGBTQ+ Leaders Launch Monthly Networking Event

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, and community leaders are coming together to launch the new LGBTQ Business & Leaders Networking Monthly Networking Event on the third Wednesday each month, beginning March 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Inaugural meeting will be hosted at WANDER Berkshires, 34 Depot St., Suite 101, Pittsfield, and include a panel discussion with a local business owner, a community leader, and a representative from the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. There will also be an opportunity for participants to speak about their businesses and meet other business owners.

The monthly networking event is designed to foster connection, collaboration, and creative dialogue among local LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, and community leaders. In partnership with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, WANDER Berkshires, and media sponsor Berkshire Magazine, the series offers a platform to reflect on the rich history, vibrant present, and promising future of LGBTQ+ business in the Berkshires, as well as to support one another and find ways to meet the challenges that the LGBTQ community now faces. Each gathering will feature insights from esteemed LGBTQ leaders in the region. In this first gathering, the discussion will focus on the theme of "Berkshire LGBTQ Business:  Past, Present, and Future." Panelists include:

• Past: Jason Vivori, co-founder of the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition, a long-time community organizer, and Collections Manager for the Berkshire Museum, will share stories of the influential LGBTQ+ businesses and leaders who helped shape our community.

• Present: Jay Santangelo, founder of WANDER Berkshires—a dynamic coffee house, creative meeting space, and community darkroom—will provide insights on current innovative gatherings and community building.

• Future: Angie Montalvo-Greene, Member Engagement Director for the Massachusetts LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, will outline new programs aimed at empowering local LGBTQ business leaders.

"In this time of tumultuous change, it's vital that our local LGBTQ+ community leaders come together to support one another and work in solidarity with our many allied businesses, government agencies, and organizations," said Q-MoB Executive Director Bart Church.

The LGBTQ Business, Professional, & Community Leaders Networking Event series will continue at these local LGBTQ-owned Berkshire businesses in April & May:

• 4/16/25, 5:30-7:30pm, at Brazzucas Market, 75 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201, and on 

• 5/21/25, 5:30-7:30 pm at Heart's Pace Teahouse, 15 Eagle St, North Adams, MA 01247

"It is more essential than ever for our community to come together, support one another, and build strong networks with allied businesses and organizations," says Jay Santangelo, founder of WANDER Berkshires. "This series is an invitation for us to unite, share ideas, and work collaboratively towards a resilient and empowered future." 

For more information and to register, please click HERE. Registration is free.

Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

 

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.  

 

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

 

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves. 

 

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said. 

 

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County. 

 

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.