RSVP Volunteers Recognized For Resiliency During Challenging Times
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Beth Wallace speaks to volunteers for the last time as she completes her term as board chair. See more photos here.
The organization held its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Friday and this year's starfish theme is a demonstration of how the power of one act, choice, and person can make a difference — that is what all 353 volunteers do when they step up to help the 51 stations, said RSVP Director Lisa Torrey.
"On a deeper level, starfish are symbolic of regeneration, resilience, strength, protection and interconnectedness … It is those themes that should remind us of the good that we have right here in our own community," she said.
"You are proof that a single person making an intentional choice to volunteer your time, energy and skills can create significant and lasting change.
"While the world can feel overwhelming, you continue to roll up your sleeves and say, 'What can I do to help?' That creates a ripple effect, which creates many ripples of positive change, magnifying the impact that you are making while inspiring others in your wake."
In 2025, RSVP volunteers have donated 44,457 hours, with a value of $33.79 per hour this equates to $1,546,659, Torrey said.
When others see the volunteers' selfless acts, it inspires the community to be more charitable and reminds them to care for their neighbors and treat others with kindness, empathy, and compassion, she said.
"It is hope. It is faith. It is a reminder that good still exists," Torrey said.
RSVP provides individuals 55 and older who live in Berkshire County the opportunity to use their time and skills to make a difference in the community.
Volunteers can work for stations including Berkshire Carousel, Berkshire Scenic Railway, Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield Community Food Pantry, Shakespeare and Company, RSVP transport, and 45 other partnered organizations.
"When one organization gets stronger, the entire community gets stronger. A program that is supported because of a volunteer base is a partnership that does not just help one agency, it helps families and the broader community," Torrey said.
Beth Wallace spoke to the volunteers one last time as the RSVP Advisory Board Chair, stepping down after serving in the position for four years.
"I say this every year — this is such a great event. Looking out at all the smiling faces, I know just how much, much this organization does for all of you," she said.
Merriam Webster defines volunteer as a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service, Wallace said. However, this definition doesn't mention all the benefits of being a volunteer.
"These benefits include improving self esteem, confidence and well being, gaining invaluable work experience and developing new skills using existing skills and knowledge to benefit the local community," Wallace said.
"You are a very special group of people who put service above self. You all have passion, reliability, are patient, creative, energetic, positive, willing to help, and most of all, compassionate. You are truly the definition of volunteer."
RSVP recognized Pittsfield Community Television as its Station of the Year for embracing RSVP volunteers as valued members of their team and for their ongoing commitment to keeping the community informed through accurate, educational programming, Torrey said.
"They give nonprofits, schools and civic groups airtime they could not afford elsewhere. They cover local government meetings so that residents can see decisions being made, and they provide training so that people can produce their own content," she said.
"This is local democracy in action. This gives local people tools to speak and not just consume media."
The community broadcast organization strengthens civic life, increases access to information and amplifies residents' voices.
"In a time when national headlines dominate our screens, community television keeps Pittsfield visible to itself. It reminds us of who we are," Torrey
This award means a lot to PCTV, especially since it is coming up on its 40th anniversary, said PCTV Executive Director Shawn Serre.
"Community media thrives, our democracy thrives, when people have access to trusted local information about schools, faith communities, civic events and public safety," he said.
"They become engaged participants in their own governance. When they have a platform to share their voices, they become stewards of their own future."
That is what PCTV is all about, Serre said.
"We are nothing without the strength of our community and the volunteers that make it so," he said.
State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier directed the audience to look around the room — "This is what community looks like. This is the very best of our community."
These volunteers are an inspiration year round for the work they do daily, she said.
"In a troubled world, which I think we can all agree that we're in a bit of a troubled world now, the very best antidote to that is being in community," Farley-Bouvier said.
"When we can do it with great joy, we just raise our game even more. So, thank you for all that you do. Thank you for inspiring me, and if I can just say, I want to be like you when I grow up."
While serving as mayor during the Biden administration and Trump administration, you quickly learn how to adapt and navigate changing priorities, said Mayor Peter Marchetti.
"[Torrey] worries about what's happening at the national level," he said.
Every time discussion on the RSVP grant arises, Marchetti said he has to remind her to take a breath while guaranteeing to her that RSVP won't go away.
The volunteers are the fabric of the community, he said.
"There are so many places that I can name in which I always see familiar faces from RSVP. You're always welcoming and willing to lend a helping hand. You take the initiative of creating new ways to give back, and I admire the work that you do," Marchetti said.
"When I think of volunteers, I think of people who understand the importance of giving back to their community through their donation of time without expecting anything in return," he said.
Volunteers dedicate countless hours to helping those in need — addressing food insecurity, housing, transportation, and creating shawls for residents and patients through Quilted Hugs, he said, highlighting just a few RSVP initiatives.
"Every hour of your service matters. Your impact matters, and you make a difference every day, and I am deeply thankful for all that you do," Marchetti said.
Tags: recognition event, RSVP,
