MountainOne Participates in Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity's Women Build

11:01AM / Monday, August 18, 2025Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — An all-female team of Mountaineers from MountainOne supported Women Build, a volunteer initiative led by Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

The program empowers women to take an active role in construction while advancing the mission of affordable housing in the Berkshires.

MountainOne sponsored the event and contributed a hands-on team effort in Pittsfield, where two new condominium units are taking shape. The all-women crew from MountainOne included Julie Rider, Shannon Dozier, Stacy Roman, Debra Bishop, Brenda Petell, Heidi Gingras, Jeanne Zatorski, Jennifer Smith, Samantha Leskovitz, and Renae Gamari.

Together, the group helped install decking and siding on the homes. The day's work not only strengthened the local housing landscape but also reinforced MountainOne's ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves, stated a press release.

Brenda Petell, MountainOne's Community Engagement Officer and a Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity board member, reflected on the experience:

"Today was about showing up and working side by side to help create something lasting for families in our community. It's powerful to be part of a team that not only supports this work financially but also shows up to do the work together. I'm proud to be a part of both organizations."

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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