Local Chef Reaches Finals of Nationwide Culinary Competition

Print Story | Email Story
DALTON, Mass. — Local chef Matt Mottor has been named a finalist in the Favorite Chef competition, advancing through numerous rounds of public voting and securing a position among the country's top chefs.
 
The Favorite Chef competition serves as a fundraiser for the James Beard Foundation, a national nonprofit. The Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and advancing the people who shape America's food culture, with a central mission to build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system that helps ensure food security for everyone. Funds raised through the competition directly support these vital efforts, which are essential for creating a healthier food future for all.
 
According to a press release, throughout his career, Chef Mottor has prioritized giving back, frequently creating memorable dining experiences that double as fundraisers and charitable events for local causes. His belief in the power of food to connect and support communities is a driving force.
 
"I'm incredibly honored to have made it to the finals, and the support from my family, friends, guests, and the entire community has been truly overwhelming," said Mottor. "Knowing that this competition also benefits the James Beard Foundation, which works tirelessly to improve food access and security across the country, makes every vote count even more. For me, this isn't just about winning a title; it's about continuing a career-long tradition of using food as a force for good and supporting vital charitable missions on a much larger stage."
 
As a finalist, he hopes to bring broader visibility not only to his culinary passion but also to the important work of the James Beard Foundation. Every vote for Chef Mottor directly supports these goals and the foundation's essential mission.
 
To Vote for Chef Mottor and or support the James Beard Foundation
 
Your vote does more than recognize culinary talent; it directly supports the James Beard Foundation's critical efforts to create a more resilient, equitable, and food-secure future for our communities.
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Considers Electronic Voting Devices

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass.— Town officials are considering using electronic voting devices at town meetings for privacy, efficiency, or even to increase participation. 
 
"The intent of these is to provide anonymity and privacy at our town meetings, to provide a faster, more efficient vote in light of controversial votes and amendments to town articles, and to potentially increase the number of voters at town meetings, given the above," said Select Board Member Antonio Pagliarulo at the board meeting on Monday. 
 
Several Berkshire County municipalities use Electronic Voting Devices, also referred to as clickers. 
 
The town previously established a Voting Options Ad Hoc Committee, which was made up of Town Clerk Heather Hunt, Assistant Warden Karen Filiault, Town Moderator Anthony Doyle and Pagliarulo. 
 
Hunt has indicated that 300 devices would be sufficient if the town decides to move forward, Pagliarulo said. 
 
"The ADA community, we had three responses from the community, and we've never really thought of this but there are a lot of elderly people that have a hard time lifting their hands up for a long time, and there's a lot of elderly people that don't have a voice," he said, highlighting how some older people have softer voices so may not be heard as much during a voice vote. 
 
There had been some concerns that the clickers would add time to meetings, as noncontroversial items that typically pass unanimously or nearly unanimously could take longer to vote on, Pagliarulo said. 
 
View Full Story

More Dalton Stories