FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Berkshire County Arc
395 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Berkshire County Arc 63rd Annual Meeting
Celebrates Individuals, Employees and Community Partners
Pittsfield, Mass. (Dec. 8, 2017) – Berkshire County Arc President and CEO, Kenneth W. Singer, and Board Chair Joseph P. Woitkoski welcomed over 200 employees, dignitaries, community members, and partners at the 63rd Annual Meeting at the ITAM Lodge.
Gailanne Cariddi was recognized in spirit as her presence was sorely missed at this event she has attended for many years. A great supporter of BCArc, Gailanne is thought of fondly by all of the individuals and staff at BCArc.The meeting began with a “Year in Review” of the exciting activities and initiatives that BCArc has been involved in over the past year. From ad vocacy, spring break camps, picnics, The Buddy Walk and Sprout Film Festival, to Autism Awareness Month, opening new homes and community collaborations the year was fulfilling.
Legislators in attendance were: Mayor Richard Alcombright, Representative John Barrett, Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Representative Smitty Pignatelli, and Representative Paul Mark.
They spoke of their passion for human services and the work that is being done at the State level, by BCArc and many other organizations in the community advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The consensus was that together, our voices truly do make a difference, and even though we are a small community we are mighty.
Awards were given out to many of those deserving. Inspirational stories were abound as we saw many individuals and staff who amazed us with their strength and perseverance.
Kimberly and Katye Mozo, recipients of the Citizenship Award, and sisters are connected to Berkshire County Arc through the Adult Family Care Program. They experienced chronic illnesses throughout most of their life and formed K&K Pill Bottles through the funding of a GoFundMe page; where they decorate pill bottles and fill them with surprises to give to others who suffer from chronic illnesses. These bottles have been sent all over the world and received by others who are experiencing long-term health concerns and have found relief in this kind gesture. In addition to this, they have purchased an array of toys that were given to the children in the pediatric ward of Baystate Children’s Hospital.
The Joan Grant Self-Advocate Award was given to Christy Rich, an individual who communicates mostly through vocalizations, pointing, and occasionally using sign language. Spending any length of time with Christy, it’s easy to forget that she is nonverbal. Christy exhibits such a remarkable ability to advocate for her needs and wants. Spending time with her is the only way to truly get to see how well she does for herself. She has charisma, and speaks with her eyes and facial expressions.
All of the award winners were so well-deserving and have amazing journeys. Below is a complete list of the awards given out at the meeting:
Special Awards
- Special Award presented to Mayor Richard Alcombright for his dedicated service and continuous support of Berkshire County Arc over the years.
- Special Award presented to District Attorney David Capeless and the District Attorney’s Office for their compassion for individuals with disabilities and assisting I/DD in the navigation of the justice system.
- Employer of the Year Award presented to Walmart of Pittsfield and Walmart of North Adams.
- Business Partnership Award presented to Peoples Bank.
- Citizen Advocate of the Year presented to Michelle Bedard for her commitment to her protégé and friend, Tina.
Awards to Individuals Served by Berkshire County Arc
- Citizenship Award presented to Kimberly and Katye Mozo.
- Achievement Awards presented to Madeline Bialor, David Daviau, Pierre Polite, and Joshua Aldrich.
- Work Achievement Awards presented to Randall Dutton and Andrew LaPatin.
- Joan Grant Self-Advocate Award presented to Christy Rich.
Employee Recognition Awards
- Carol Craighead Mission Award presented to Nicole Riviera.
- Outstanding Vocational Services Employee Award presented to Jen Miller.
- Outstanding Support Staff Employee Award presented to Rebecca Cachat.
- Outstanding Brain Injury Services Employee Award presented to Chris Negri.
- Outstanding Residential Services Employee Award presented to Ashley Griffin.
- Berkshire County Arc Employee of the Year presented to Shaun Hall.
Members of Berkshire County Arc’s Board of Directors who were re-elected for the 2017-2018 year include:
Board of Directors
Kenneth W. Singer – President & CEO of Berkshire County Arc
Joseph P. Woitkoski – Chair of the Board
Debra Jarck – Vice Chair of the Board
Michael Ferry – Treasurer of the Board
Thomas J. Hamel, Esq. – Assistant Treasurer of the Board
Bob Sinopoli – Board Clerk
Linda Carnevale
Kathy Clark
Douglas Craighead
Anthony Mazzeo
Dr. Mark Pettus
Following are a list of the awards that were presented during the meeting
About Berkshire County Arc
Founded in 1954, Berkshire County Arc is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization providing a broad range of community-based services to 750 individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and autism throughout Berkshire and Hampden Counties in Massachusetts. The agency offers three day programs, 38 residential programs, employment services, citizen- and self-advocacy programs, respite services, an adult family care program and Zip ‘N Sort Mail Services. For more information, media professionals may contact Katrina Cardillo at 413-499-4241, ext. 254 or kcardillo@bcarc.org, or visit https://bcarc.org.
Contact:
Katrina Cardillo
Director of Marketing & Development
413-499-4241 ext. 254
kcardillo@bcarc.org
