Giving Back Guide Now Available

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GREAT BARRINGTON. Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) has published a 10th anniversary edition of its Giving Back guide.
 
The 80-page, glossy publication can be found in libraries, town halls, coffee shops, and other public spaces. Hard copies can be ordered online for a $5 shipping fee and the guide is also available as a downloadable PDF at npcberkshires.org.
 
The Giving Back guide includes a directory of over 1,000 Berkshire nonprofits by category. 
 
"This year, local food pantries have their own category to help call attention to growing food insecurity in our community," said NPC founder Liana Toscanini.
 
100 nonprofits are profiled in the guide to provide critical information to potential donors and volunteers. In addition to program descriptions and fast facts, nonprofits have an opportunity to list the various ways people can support their missions. 
 
Toscanini said Nnonprofits are feeling the pain of federal funding cuts and policies. 
 
"We feel hopeful the community will step up to help," said Toscanini. "Over 16,000 free copies are distributed throughout the year to give people the information they need to increase their philanthropy."
 
The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires was founded in 2016 to help nonprofits connect, learn and grow. For more information, visit npcberkshire.org.

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OSHA: Jacob's Pillow Won't Be Cited for 2025 Employee Death

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

BECKET, Mass.— The Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined that Jacob's Pillow is not responsible for the fatal workplace accident that occurred one year ago

OSHA found no violation of workplace safety and health standards related to the incident, and no citations or penalties were issued. 

On Aug. 1, 2025, 40-year-old Kathryn "Kat" Sirico of Rochester, N.Y., and another employee were moving staging platforms across the property on a dolly when it began to lose control on a sloped area.  Sirico attempted to regain control of the dolly but tripped and fell.  The dolly ran over Sirico, and the platforms fell, landing on them. 

Bystanders attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful. 

OSHA issued an inspection report on Aug. 3 absolving the organization of fault.  The Berkshire Edge obtained and posted the report

On March 6, the determination was communicated in a letter, presumably addressed to Sirico's family, but the addressee is redacted. 

"OSHA has completed its inspection of Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival Inc. and determined that no violation of safety and health standards occurred related to the incident; therefore, no citations or proposed penalties were issued," Acting Area Director Stephanie Smulligan-Maldanis wrote. 

The OSHA report explains that employees were moving Masonite staging on a rolling cart down an incline near the Doris Duke Theatre; the cart began speeding away, and the two employees tried to slow it down by grabbing the cart; it then turned sideways and flipped over. 

Sirico was crushed by the heavy rolling cart. 

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