News and Ideas Worth Sharing
TEDx Berkshires at Berkshire Innovation Center
Pittsfield— On Thursday, October 8th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Berkshire Innovation Center presents TEDx Berkshires 2026, a gathering of ideas, inspiration, and community.
TEDx Berkshires brings the TED-like experience to the Berkshires, presenting top thinkers and speakers with powerful ideas to share with an equally engaged audience. Come hear from people with the wisdom, passion and solutions that are changing our world.
This year’s lineup brings together bold thinkers, innovators, storytellers, and changemakers ready to share ideas that challenge perspectives, spark curiosity, and inspire meaningful conversation. The lineup features Dr. Catherine Sanderson, Dr. Matt Onsum, James Gop, Toni Bergins, Dr. Jean Hebert, and Aaron James. Each speaker brings a unique voice and a powerful idea worth sharing – experience them live! Get ready for an unforgettable day of fresh thinking, compelling stories, and ideas that will stay with you long after the event.
The event is on Thursday, October 8th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Berkshire Innovation Center, located at 45 Woodlawn Avenue in Pittsfield. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Natural Resources Council names Director
Lenox— Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) announces the promotion of Kathleen Smolinski to Director of Community Engagement. Smolinski previously served as the Assistant Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement, and her appointment marks a strategic transition as Community Engagement officially expands into a dedicated department with direct senior-level leadership.
In her new position, Smolinski will lead BNRC’s public-facing initiatives, deepening relationships across the county, and broadening public access to nature. Her focus centers on ensuring that BNRC’s core work, conserving landscapes, protecting wildlife corridors, and maintaining spaces for public recreation, is reaching the Berkshire community.
Smolinski brings 11 years of experience in non-profit administration and development to the role. She joined BNRC in May 2022, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening organizational outreach and donor relations. Prior to her time at BNRC, Smolinski built a background in strategic development, partner collaboration, and community-centered programming.
“Kathleen has helped transform the way BNRC thinks about community engagement—not as something separate from conservation, but as one of the ways we accomplish it,” said BNRC President Jenny Hansell. “She is a thoughtful, creative leader, and I’m delighted to have her leading this work.”
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Greylock Federal welcomes Vice President
Pittsfield— Greylock Federal Credit Union announces the hiring of Sanjay Malhotra as Senior Vice President, Retail Services.
Malhotra will be responsible for leading Greylock’s branch network, contact center, member-facing technology, and strategic retail initiatives. In this role he will provide enterprise-level leadership across deposit growth, member retention, direct lending support, and experience optimization.
Prior to joining Greylock, Malhotra was the Senior Vice President, Area Retail Executive at Truist Bank in Charlotte, N.C. He also served as the Senior Vice President of Member Experience and Regional President at Georgia’s Own Credit Union. Malhotra holds a Master of Business Administration in International Business from Saint Xavier University. His community work includes serving as chairman for Low Country Orphan Relief, founder of non-profit foundation “Adopt a Pet,” and participation in the Credit Union Aware Mentor Program.
“Greylock is very fortunate to have Sanjay on board, and we’re looking forward to his stewardship as we tackle some important initiatives and opportunities for growth,” said JamieEllen Moncecchi, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer. “Sanjay’s leadership experience, passion for the credit union movement, and warmth with people will contribute to our ongoing success during this very busy and exciting time at Greylock.”
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Community Access to the Arts appoints Director
Great Barrington— Community Access to the Arts (CATA) announces the appointment of Thasia Giles as Director of Programs & Performing Arts. Thasia joins current Program Directors Jeff Gagnon and Kara Smith as a third member of an arts leadership team at the nonprofit, reporting to CATA’s Executive Director, Margaret Keller.
In this position, Giles will work to translate CATA’s strategic plan and mission into dynamic arts programs for people with disabilities, with a special focus on expanding and elevating performance opportunities for CATA artists – from intimate sharings of work-in-progress and large-scale events.
Giles brings two decades of experience creating inclusive arts programs that connect people through creativity, collaboration, and shared experiences. Most recently Thasia served as Director of Community Engagement at Jacob’s Pillow where she led year-round initiatives that expanded access to dance and the performing arts, building partnerships with schools, cultural organizations, municipalities, and community groups throughout the Berkshires and beyond. Throughout her career, Thasia’s work has centered on developing equitable, community-driven programs that amplify diverse voices and foster meaningful participation in the arts.
A dedicated advocate for cultural equity and civic engagement, she has also served on boards and committees for NAACP Berkshire Branch, the W.E.B. Du Bois Legacy Committee, and the Berkshire Athenaeum Board of Trustees. She holds a B.A. in Dance and Cultural Studies from Hampshire College and is committed to advancing the arts as a catalyst for belonging, learning, and community connection.
Giles succeeds Kelly Galvin, who is transitioning out of her full-time role after four years. During her tenure, Galvin made significant contributions to CATA as a theater director, teacher, and leader, helping to strengthen programs and deepen relationships with CATA artists, families, and partners. Galvin will continue to be part of the CATA team as a faculty artist and as the director of CATA’s Annual Performance.
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Berkshire Community College recognized
Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) has been recognized as one of the nation’s highest-performing colleges and universities for student satisfaction, according to higher education technology company EdSights, earning a place on EdSights’ 2026 Student Voice Score® Honors List.
Students consistently report that supportive relationships with faculty and staff, a strong sense of belonging, and access to timely support services have the greatest influence on their overall college experience.
The Student Voice Score Honors List recognizes the top-performing 20 percent of participating colleges and universities within each higher education sector, celebrating institutions that are setting the national standard for student experience and success.
“At BCC, student success is at the center of everything we do. Being recognized by our own students as one of America’s leading institutions for student satisfaction is a tremendous honor. It reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and campus community,” said BCC President Hara Charlier.
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Great Barrington Land Conservancy’s Walk for Conservation
Great Barrington— On Sunday, October 4th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the second annual Join Great Barrington Land Conservancy Walk for Conservation, a community fundraiser celebrating trails for all.
Community Trails are essential to community health. A strong town-wide trail system includes accessible trails that allow everyone to experience nature and to connect to recreation and fellow community members. In this way we can support the physical health and mental health of a diverse community each and every day. The Walk for Conservation is supported by generous local businesses who support community trails.
The walk is on Sunday, October 4th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. it begins and ends at Olympian Meadows located at 578 Main Street in Great Barrington. There will be a one-, three-, and five-mile route to choose from, and many opportunities to connect with water and nature. Participants can count on a joyful community event and will receive route maps and water bottles. Teams and families are welcome to register, and there will be a scavenger hunt for kids. Dogs on leash are welcome. Registration and more information can be found online.
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