Mission Statement:
"To promote business prosperity and a healthy community by providing
information,
services and advocacy for our members."
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Southern Berkshire Towns
: Alford, Egremont, Great Barrington, Monterey,
Mt. Washington,
New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield & Sheffield
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THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING
THE 2017 E-NEWS
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Jay Anderson
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We're happy to announce our President and CEO Jay Anderson has been chosen to receive the 2017
Lawrence Strattner Distinguished Citizen Award. Congratulations!!
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Welcome New Chamber Members:
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Christina Lane Photography
Mulberry Hair Company
Berkshire Sky View
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There is no bigger compliment
to us than
when you
refer a New Member!
Did you know that when you refer a
New Member you will receive a 10% savings on your
Membership Renewal? Even better, did
you know that you can
refer up to
10
New Members per year?
This would earn you a
FREE Membership Renewal!
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CURRENT OPENINGS:
Call 413.248.1187 for more information
Call 413.528.3469 for more information
Call 518.325.7248 for more information
Community Center
JRI/Berkshire Meadows
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DON'T FORGET TO LOOK FOR GIGI
IN EACH NEWSLETTER!
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Adult Events at
the Great Barrington Libraries
May 26, Friday "Open Studio" with Sherry Steiner, Mason 11:00am-1:00pm
May 29, Monday Both Libraries Closed for Memorial Day
May 31, Wednesday Powder Keg Sessions: Writing Workshop for Women, Ramsdell 6:30-8:00pm
Children's Events at
the Great Barrington Libraries
Tuesdays at Mason: Brain Builders! Play & Learn 10:30-11:30
(baby-5 years)
Fridays at Ramsdell: Storytime for Tots 3:30-4:30pm (under 5)
Saturdays at Ramsdell: Fun with Fine Arts 10:30-11:30 (5-12 years)
May 26, Friday Afternoon Legos, Mason 4:00-5:00pm (7 and up)
May 26, Friday Family Film: "Sing", Mason 6:15pm
May 29, Monday Both Libraries Closed for Memorial Day
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Ongoing Events
Tuesdays: Lego Club for Kids - 3:00 - 4:00pm in the Art Room
Sit & Knit - 5:00 - 7:00pm, all levels welcome including beginners. For info call Lois Levinsohn - 413.229.0375 or mimlet@aol.com
Wednesdays: Chess Club for Kids - 3:10pm in the Children's Department, beginners welcome!
Mah Jongg -5:00pm
Thursdays: Sing & Play Group - for preschoolers during the school year. Sponsered by CHP Family Network. Sing & Play has now split into
2 groups: Baby Sing, 0-2 age 10:00 - 10:45am, Toddler Sing for ages 2+
from 11:00 - 12:00pm
Upcoming Events
May is Plant Swap Month at the Library. Share your extra seedlings or divided perennials with the community. You can swap a plant for a plant, or if you don't have a plant to swap you can swap a non-perishable food product for a plant. All food proceeds will support the Sheffield Food Pantry.
Baby Animals - Friday, May 26th 1pm to 3pm
They're back! Come enjoy our enormous backyard and some critters from the FFA club of Mount Everett. Lambs, rabbits, chickens and a few surprises!
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How wonderful is this! We extend a HUGE standing ovation to Marilyn and Alan Kalish of The Vault Gallery located at 322 Main Street, Great Barrington. Congratulations, Marilyn and Alan. Berkshire proud!
Smitty Pignatelli: "Presented a House Citation to Marilyn Kalish in her studio & Alan Kalish from The Vault Gallery as they celebrate 15 years of wonderful work right here in the Berkshires."
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for a link to upcoming showtimes
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Bruce Marzotto Named 2017 "Community Bank Hero"
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Bruce Marzotto
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Lee Bank announces that Bruce J. Marzotto, senior vice president of commercial lending, has been named a Community Bank Hero by The Warren Group and Banker & Tradesman. Community Bank Heroes is an annual award that honors the achievements, commitment, and dedication of financial professionals who go above and beyond for their institution and community.
Award recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by Banker & Tradesman's editorial board; this year's class of 13 winners comes from community banks throughout Massachusetts.
The Community Bank Heroes awards will be distributed at a dinner event on May 23 at the Hyatt Regency Boston hotel. Recipients will be featured in the May 22 issue of Banker & Tradesman.
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Rhythm Our beautiful, blind unicorn
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Friday night we laid to rest our beautiful horse Rhythm. Rhythm came to Blue Rider 22 years ago as a scared 1 1/2 year old. During his time here, he grew into an amazing therapy horse, who helped thousands of people. Rhythm had a quiet magic to him that drew people in. Though he was blind, people often didn't realize that he had a disability because he was so capable. He was a model for our riders, demonstrating how one can overcome adversity to be brave, trusting and strong.
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He guided riders to use their senses beyond sight. When you rode him, you could hear so many things. Later in life he developed breathing issues, but still helped people to learn to breathe.
Rhythm, was a true performer. He kept perfect rhythm to the music in drills, and managed to keep his breathing in check during circus performances.
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He showed strength and kindness to the other horses too. Each new horse that arrived at Blue Rider was guided into the herd by him. He was the first to befriend them and helped them feel comfortable until they found their place.
The amount of love and knowledge this horse has spread is incredible and he will truly be missed.
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Enjoy! The Southern Berkshires
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Alpacas Are Coming to Gould Farm!
We Need Your Support
to Build a Shelter and to
Care for
the Animals!
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Learn More About Our Alpaca and Goat Shelter! Watch Our Video:
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BerkShares Business of the Month Series Featuring the Young Entrepreneurs
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Dorothy Anderson, a committed Berkshire United Way donor for nearly 40 years, won the Berkshire United Way car on May 11 at Johnson Dealerships.
The 2017 Ford Fiesta was sponsored by Johnson Dealerships and Greylock Federal Credit Union as an incentive for donations to Berkshire United Way's 2016 campaign. This marks the seventeenth year in a row that the two companies have participated in this giveaway, their contributions totaling over $150,000.
John Bissell, President and CEO of Greylock Federal Credit Union, left Anderson a voicemail live during the event, informing her that she'd won.
Anderson, who is 92 years old and no longer driving, opted for the $10,000 cash prize instead of the car. "Cash is good at any age," she said. "I'll just take that check and deposit it into my Greylock account."
Berkshire United Way is investing over $2 million in strategies to build our community. All gifts, no matter the size, make a difference, because when all our gifts are pooled together, Berkshire United Way and its community partners impact over 20,000 lives right here in Berkshire County.
The car promotion is an effort to motivate people to give, either through their workplace campaign or as an individual donor. At Johnson's suggestion, an extra incentive was added this year -those who contributed a dollar a day, or $365 or more, received five chances to win. Seventy donors increased their gift to that amount.
A list of past winners can be found on the Berkshire United Way website at berkshireunitedway.org.
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Consider a Live Edge Headboard
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| Beech Live Edge Headboard created by Jerome Dorlack |
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Live edge headboards have really been gaining in popularity recently. A wood slab can make a great accent piece or create a focal point in the bedroom.
There is a slab that can relate to any design aesthetic, whether it is rustic, natural and serene, contemporary, or anything in between. We have started selecting some of our favorites, like the burl slab below, and including them in our
Headboard category on the inventory page. Feel free to reach out to a member of our sales team for help finding the perfect piece to fit your needs!
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Lee Bank Announces Multiple Staff Promotions and New Hire
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Susie Brown
Senior Vice President
Human Resources and Administration
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Paula Gangell-Miller
Vice President
Community Banking-Retail Operations
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Paula Lewis
First Vice President
Retail Lending
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Kathy Kelly
Mortgage Officer
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Thank you for renewing your membership with
The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce:
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The Chamberlain Group
Chesterwood
Hammertown Barn
BerkshireWorks Career Center
GB Eats
BensDotter's Pet
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
Guthrie Center
Campoli, Monteleone & Mozian, P.C.
The Emporium
The Stagecoach Tavern
Ward's Nursery
Ski Butternut
Castle Street Cafe
Asia Barong
Aston Magna Foundation
Berkshire Community Land Trust
Harland B. Foster Inc.
Clark Art Institute
Town of Sheffield
Happy Nails & Spa
Community Access to the Arts
Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires
Pawsh Buddies
Bard College at Simon's Rock
Magic Fluke
Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad
Jacob Pillow's Dance Festival
Berkshire Housing Development Corp
Town of Monterey
Sandisfield Arts Center
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Upcoming Events from the Southern Berkshire
Chamber of Commerce...
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News and Events from our Members!
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
On the afternoon of December 10, 2016, Trooper Brian Clay, who is assigned to the State Police-Lee Barracks, overheard an emergency radio broadcast for a reported oven fire at a home in Great Barrington. Trooper Clay rushed to the home and found that the fire had quickly spread: heavy smoke and flames were coming from the first floor.
First responders quickly learned that a 76-year-old bed-ridden man was in the home. Trooper Clay began assisting Great Barrington Police Officer Samuel Stolzar, who was attempting to break a window to get in. They breeched the window and Great Barrington Volunteer Firefighter Richard Aloisi, without any protective gear or equipment, entered the home, but was unable to locate the man.
Great Barrington Police Sergeant Adam Carlotto, also without any protective gear or equipment, then entered the home through the same window to continue the search for the man. Sergeant Carlotto came back to the window shortly thereafter with the elderly victim.
Trooper Clay and Officer Stolzar carried the man through the window to safety. Within seconds of getting the man to safety, that same window became fully engulfed in flames. The elderly man suffered smoke inhalation, but has since made a full recovery. He would have lost his life without the assistance of the three police officers and the firefighter.
For their quick thinking and courageous actions, Volunteer Firefighter Richard Aloisi is hereby commended in Personnel Orders and awarded the Massachusetts State Police Lifesaving Award and, Trooper Brian P. Clay, Great Barrington Police Sergeant Adam Carlotto, and Great Barrington Police Officer Samuel Stolzar are hereby commended in Personnel Orders and awarded the Massachusetts State Police Medal of Lifesaving.
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Outdoor Farmers Markets Are Back!
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Who is most excited about the start of the Farmers Market season?
"Farmers Market"
for more information and to find
a nearby market.
We will see you there!
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Saturday May 27th 1:00pm to 5:00pm
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From 1:00 - 2:00 pm, an interactive Courage Wall to inspire courage in every member of our community will be unveiled, followed by the RSYP Youth Awards Ceremony.
Both events will take place in the alley by
The Gifted Child on Railroad Street.
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From 2:30 - 5:00 pm there wll be live music, food and games at the Drop-in Center and Skate Park on Bridge Street.
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PERFORMANCE CELEBRATION & FUNDRAISER 2017!
Saturday May 27, 3pm &
Sunday May 28, 3pm
at Daniel Arts Center
Bard College at Simon's Rock
Great Barrington
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An Afternoon with Tom Ahern
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Thursday, June 1
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
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Jane Iredale Cosmetics
50 Church Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230
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Tickets are $40 per person. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
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Cocktails for a Cause
Saturday, June 3
4:00pm -7:00pm
Shandell's
15 Main Street
Sheffield, MA
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For a $20 donation, members of the community will be offered wine,
cheese,
and an opportunity to participate in gift raffles-all proceeds
from the
event supporting Construct.
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Join us for our 2nd Annual Walk for Independence
on Saturday, June 24th!
Walk to Cheshire and back, or any distance in between, to support BFAIR.
Last year, our inaugural walk along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail saw participation of nearly 100 walkers of all ability levels, with this year already set to exceed that number. Starting and finishing at the Adams Visitor's Center, the Walk is a day of fun and helps BFAIR share our mission: to enrich the lives of people of all ages and abilities by providing positive life experiences and advocacy through distinctive, individualized, quality services.
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Please note the following time changes for May and June:
- Therapeutic Breath and Movement- 1 pm on Mondays
- Bereavement Support Group- 1pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.
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REMINDERS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Senior Center will be closed on May 29, 2017.
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Feedback Requested!
We are considering a "Staff Pick" for summer events similar to our LEO program, except this would be "Let's Meet Out" to enjoy some of the great summer programming together in the Berkshire Community. Let us know if this interests you!
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SEEKING DONATIONS!
Ziploc Bags
Small paper plates/Napkins
Dessert Sign-up for Wednesday Lunch
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Trips on the Horizon
Stay tuned for more information; however feel free to let us know which ones you are interested in!
June
- Hyde Park/Roosevelt Homestead
August- Sharon Playhouse "Music Man"
September- Big E Trip
October- Oktoberfest Trip
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TOWN OF OTIS
Request for Applicants
The Board of Selectmen will make appointments to Town Offices for Fiscal Year 2018 prior to June 30, 2017. INCUMBENTS INTERESTED IN BEING CONSIDERED FOR RE-APPOINTMENT ARE ASKED TO NOTIFY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN IN WRITING NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017. Other residents interested in appointment of any of the following listed offices are requested to fill out an "Appointment Application Form" and submit same to the Board of Selectmen by Thursday, June 8, 2017. Said form may be obtained in person from the Selectmen's office, the Town Clerk's office, or by contacting the Selectmen's office at 269-0100 ext. 103 and one will be forwarded to you. All terms are for one year expiring June 30, 2018 unless otherwise noted.
Animal Control Officer (includes inspection of cats and dogs)
Board of Health Agent
Assistant Board of Health Agent
Board of Registrars - one member, three year term
Building Inspector
Assistant Building Inspector
Celebration Committee
Civil Defense Director
Assistant Civil Defense Director
Conservation Commission - two members, three year terms each
Constable - five members, one year terms each
Council on Aging - two members, three year terms each
Cultural Council - five members, three year terms each
Delegate - Southern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District
Associate Delegate - Southern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District
Election Warden
Inspector/Deputy Warden
Election Clerk
Inspector/Deputy Clerk
Energy Committee
Field Driver
Fire Chief
Assistant Fire Chief
Forest Fire Warden
Highway Superintendent
Investment Advisory Committee
Municipal Lighting Plant Manager
Plumbing Inspector
Assistant Plumbing Inspector
Police Chief
Police Officers
Police Sergeant
Recreation Commission - One members, three year term
Sanitation Inspector
Assistant Sanitation Inspector
Scholarship Committee - one member, three year term
Technology Committee
Town Accountant
Town Collector
Town Counsel
Veteran's Agent
Water Operator
Wire Inspector
Assistant Wire Inspector
Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate
Zoning Board of Appeals - two members, one for a three year term, one for a two year term
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Town Of Otis Surplus Equipment For Sale
The Town of Otis Has three 10Kw military surplus diesel generators and a 3Kw gas generator for sale. They were purchased a few years ago but never used. Sold as is condition with no batteries and unknown if they run. $500.00 each for the 10Kw generators and best offer on the 3Kw. Contact Derek at the Highway Dept. for info or to view them. 1-413-269-0106
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- Memorial Day parade, 1pm on Monday, May 29th, followed by light refreshments at the pavilion.
- Chair Yoga every Tuesday at the Monterey Community Center, 468 Main Rd, from 9 - 10am.
- Council on Aging Cards & Games Club Tuesdays at 12:30 at the Community Center.
- The Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association will be at Town Hall on Thursday, June 8th from 2-3pm for their free wellness clinic, no appointment necessary.
- The next Council on Ageing foot care clinic with Jane Kelley, R.N.~will be on Thursday, July 13th from 9-11:30 am at Town Hall.~ Call the Council on Aging at 413-528-1443 x247 for an appointment. Any age is welcome you do not have to be elderly or disabled. The cost is $25.
As always for a full calendar of events and closings please go to
www.montereyma.gov and click on "Meeting Calendar". If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to email them to me at
admin@montereyma.gov .
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