News and Ideas Worth Sharing
Berkshire Immigrant Center announces new Executive Director
Pittsfield— Berkshire Immigrant Center (BIC) announces Dr. Evelyn Thompson as its new Executive Director. A Taconic High School graduate, Thompson returns to the Berkshires with extensive experience in public policy, education, workforce development, nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, and community advocacy.
Thompson’s life and career have been deeply shaped by questions of belonging, identity, resilience, and community. An early interest in language and culture led her to study Spanish, Arabic, and Japanese, later living in Tokyo and traveling extensively across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These experiences fostered a deep appreciation for cross-cultural connection and the many ways people build community across differences. She has worked with immigrants, refugees, DACA recipients, first-generation students, adult learners, women, families, and underserved communities, bringing a trauma-informed, whole-person leadership approach anchored in mindfulness, deep listening, trust-building, and respect.
Thompson’s professional background has included serving as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. Congress, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), supporting diverse adult learners at the College of Southern Nevada, serving on Nevada’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board, and leading civic and community initiatives focused on education, equity, and economic opportunity. She earned her Doctorate in Public Policy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where her research focused on mindful, trauma-informed workforce development and organizational practices that better support employees and the people they serve. She also holds a Master of Arts in Urban Leadership from UNLV and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Development from the University of Southern California.
”Thompson joins BIC following a period of significant organizational growth. Melissa Canavan, who served as Executive Director from May 2023 through June 2026, established internal systems, governance, and operational depth to sustain BIC’s growth as an independent 501(c (3), oversaw a move to a new office, stabilized the legal workload, launched a new partnership to expand access to immigration legal services, and achieved year-over-year fundraising growth. The Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude to Melissa for her impactful leadership and dedicated service,” said Susan Puddester, BIC Board Member and Search Committee Chair continued,”Evelyn brings the professional depth, lived experience, and values-centered leadership that BIC needs for this next chapter.”
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New Marlborough Land Trust announces retirement and appointment of Executive Directors
New Marlborough— The Board of Directors of the New Marlborough Land Trust announces the retirement of Executive Director Martha Bryan and the appointment of Matthew Sheffer as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective October 1st.
After years of dedicated service and successful leadership, Bryan leaves behind a strong organization with a respected reputation for protecting the natural landscapes, forests, farms, and open spaces that make the region unique. During her tenure, she expanded the Land Trust’s conservation impact, strengthened community partnerships, and built a solid foundation for future success. Bryan also broadened the Land Trust’s conservation efforts to include agricultural preservation, an initiative that has been widely embraced by the community. Most recently, her vision, leadership, and collaborative approach helped secure the preservation of Blue Hill Farm, a 242-acre property that is now protected by an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR), owned by a working farmer, and actively operated as farmland.
“On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful for Martha’s commitment, vision, and countless contributions to our organization,” said Michele McAuley, President of the Board of Directors. “Because of her leadership, the New Marlborough Land Trust is well-positioned for the future. We will miss Martha and are extremely grateful for the strong foundation she leaves behind.”
Sheffer brings nearly two decades of experience spanning agriculture, land conservation, nonprofit leadership, ecological research, and climate-smart farming systems. He most recently served as Executive Director of Hudson Carbon, where he led agricultural research initiatives, managed federally funded programs, built partnerships among farmers, scientists, policymakers, and conservation organizations, and advanced innovative approaches to regenerative agriculture and ecosystem stewardship. A current member of the Land Trust’s Board of Directors, Sheffer has already played an important role in advancing local conservation efforts, including the successful preservation of Blue Hill Farm. His unique blend of practical farming experience, scientific expertise, and nonprofit leadership positions him well to guide the organization into its next chapter.
“Matt’s deep commitment to conservation, agriculture, and community makes him an outstanding choice to lead the New Marlborough Land Trust,” said McAuley. “His vision, collaborative leadership style, and strong ties to the community will help us build on our successes and continue protecting the natural and agricultural landscapes that define New Marlborough.”
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Pamela Sandler Architect announces key hires
Stockbridge— Pamela Sandler Architect announces the hiring of Barbara Olsen Pascale and Max Kapiloff as Architectural Designers, and Andrew Rota as Director of Interiors and Operations, as it expands its capabilities to offer full-service interior design, creating a seamless, single-source experience for its clients.
A veteran construction project manager with professional experience as a cabinet maker and finish carpenter, Barbara Olsen Pascale brings a formidable combination of academic rigor and hands-on craftsmanship to the team. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology following a BS in Applied Economics from Cornell University. Her design philosophy is rooted in a love for natural materials, modern forms, and contemporary lines.
Max Kapiloff returns to the Berkshires following a successful seven-year career in New York City, where he collaborated on complex retail, hospitality, and luxury residential projects at top-tier firms including Design Republic and CetraRuddy. Max holds a Master of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology, with international studies in Berlin and Kyoto. His thesis allowed him to immerse himself in Japanese design philosophy, a perspective further enriched by travels through Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Max’s style is a thoughtful fusion, blending high-tech digital modeling with a physical, tactile approach to design.
As Pamela Sandler’s son, Andrew Rota was on job sites and at the drafting table long before launching his professional career. He earned his degree in Business/Marketing from Northeastern University, and also holds a Design Certificate degree from Shillington in London. Andrew has spent over a decade leading business strategy, marketing, and design at major technology companies, including Intuit and DoorDash, with a focus on human-centered experiences and clear, thoughtful strategy. Realizing his ideal combination of business, design, and meaningful impact was close to home, Andrew returned to the firm. He believes architecture and interiors can fundamentally shape how people feel and live every day, knowing that the firm’s work is not simply about creating a building.
“We are thrilled to welcome Max, Barbara, and Andrew to the firm,” said Sandler. “Their unique backgrounds, ranging from deep technical construction management to global design philosophies, perfectly complement our commitment to creating spaces that are both beautifully envisioned and meticulously built. As we continue to grow, their diverse skills will be invaluable to our clients and our collaborative process.”
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Assets for Artists welcomes new Board Members
North Adams— Two years after forming our founding board of directors, and nearly a year after transitioning to fully independent operations as a nonprofit organization, Assets for Artists (A4A) welcomes Tiffany Allecia and Deborah Goffe as new board members.
The founding A4A board was relatively small by design so that board members could work nimbly as they “started from scratch,” said Board Chair Luis Edgardo Cotto. “Our founding board had to do a lot of things for the first time. We had to get to know one another, become comfortable working together, and build the administrative infrastructure that serves as the backbone of an organization.” As A4A enters a year of strategic planning with a strong foundation now in place, the board felt ready to grow with the addition of two board members who could complement the strengths and connections of the founding board.
Tiffany Allecia, M.ED., is a creative economic development strategist, educator, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder. Her work connects arts and culture with entrepreneurship, workforce development, education, tourism, community identity, and regional economic growth, and is grounded in the belief that communities should have the power, resources, relationships, and infrastructure necessary to shape their own futures. As Executive Director of the Springfield Creative City Collective, Tiffany has led efforts to strengthen Springfield and Western Massachusetts’ creative economy through strategic investment, artist and entrepreneur development, advocacy, cross-sector partnerships, and regional convening. She is also the founder of Black and Brown Wall Street, served on Massachusetts’ Cultural Economy Advisory Council, and convenes the Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit series. A lifelong learner and educator, Tiffany’s interdisciplinary educational background informs an approach to economic development that considers not only markets and institutions, but also history, education, culture, equity, and the lived experiences of the people within them.
Deborah Goffe is a dancemaker, performer, educator, and performance curator who cultivates environments and experiences through choreographic, design, and social processes. She is driven by an enduring commitment to world-making, support of vibrant local arts ecologies, and the role of curatorial practice in those processes. She is the founder of Scapegoat Garden, an essential vehicle for artistic and curatorial practices—a means to forge relationships between artists and communities, helping people see, create, and contribute to a greater vision of ourselves, each other, and the places we call home. At Trinity College, Goffe serves as Executive Director of the Austin Arts Center and Artist-in-Residence in Theater and Dance.
“I’m excited to learn from Tiffany’s exceptional talents as an advocate and communicator for the creative sector,” Blair Benjamin, A4A’s Executive Director says. “She is someone who can diagnose systemic failings, rally leaders to address those failings, and hold leaders accountable. And I’m equally excited to learn from Deborah’s remarkable practice of putting care and true collaboration at the center of building artistic vibrancy and meaning; many people talk about care and collaboration, but Deb models what those practices are at the deepest level.”
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Jack Miller Contractors wins two prestigious awards
Williamstown— Jack Miller Contractors (JMC) has been honored with two 2026 Chrysalis Awards for Remodeling Excellence: the National Award for Historic Renovation and the Regional Award for Residential Exterior Renovation, placing the Massachusetts company among the country’s exceptional builders setting new standards in the remodeling industry.
Since 1993, the Chrysalis Awards have recognized outstanding remodeling projects that exemplify excellence in design, craftsmanship, creative use of space and overall transformation. Winners are selected out of hundreds of entries from across the United States.
JMC achieved top national honors for its meticulous adaptive reuse of a historic service barn, transforming it into a refined, multi-functional family wellness retreat. In collaboration with Noury Ello Architects and Christine Lane Interiors, the building was structurally overhauled to include high-performance insulation and modern mechanical systems. The reimagined space now features a private gym, spa, lounge, basement workshop, office and integrated guest parking, all while preserving the barn’s original heritage character. Photos of the transformation can be found online.
The firm’s second honor recognized a major structural and exterior overhaul designed by Musumanoco architecture, with landscape design by Jonathan Keep Landscape Design and installation by Mountain Home Landscape. JMC overcame complex roof structure limitations to significantly improve the building’s structural integrity and performance value. The finished project maximizes indoor-outdoor transitions, creating a fluid connection between the home’s interior and the surrounding Berkshire landscape. Photos of the project can be found online.
“We are incredibly proud of our team and our exceptional trade partners for this recognition,” said Jack Miller, founder and principal of Jack Miller Contractors. “These projects showcase what is possible when structural innovation meets traditional craftsmanship. Winning both a national and regional award validates our dedication to high-performance building, historic preservation, and seamless design collaboration.”
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Herrington’s announces opening of Design Center in Hillsdale, N.Y.
Hillsdale, N.Y.— Ed Herrington, Inc, (Herrington’s) announces the opening of their new Kitchen, Bath and Tile Design Center in Hillsdale, N.Y., where customers can find inspiration from stunning displays of Custom Crystal Cabinetry, KraftMaid Vantage Cabinetry, Wolf Classic Cabinetry, wall and floor tile galleries, and a unique variety of countertop surfaces.
The architecture of Herrington’s Design Center is an intentional nod to the Hillsdale Harlem Valley Railroad Station that existed in the same location and served Hillsdale and towns along the New York and Harlem Valley Railroad. Ed Herrington, Lumber, Coal and Feed (as the company was originally named) depended on the rail service for lumber and coal deliveries.
The Harlem Valley Railroad was integral to the shipping of materials to the business until 1976 when the rail service for freight was ended. When the rail service ended, Richard E. Herrington purchased the Hillsdale Railroad Station and the company used the station to store their finish lumber products until the building was destroyed by fire in 1987.
Ed Herrington, President/CEO of Ed Herrington, Inc., shared “We stepped into the Kitchen and Bath Design business in the early 1980’s and added porcelain, ceramic and marble tile to our product offerings in 2016. Over that time we’ve grown our Kitchen and Bath and Tile Design services to three locations. The new Hillsdale Design Center offers state-of-the-art design services and showcases the possibilities that homeowners can achieve for their new home or renovation project. Our customers have trusted Herrington’s for generations with designing spaces that turn their houses into homes. We are proud to serve our clients and could not have accomplished advances like this Design Center without their support and trust over the years.”
Herrington’s Kitchen, Bath and Tile Team collaborated with Carrie Herrington of C. Herrington Home + Design to bring elevated design and functional elegance to every vignette in the Herrington’s showroom. Richard B. Herrington, GM/VP envisioned the Design Center’s railway-inspired plan to honor the past. Zac Culbreth Architecture, Carrie Herrington of C. Herrington Home + Design, Scott Decker Construction and a great team of subcontractors were integral to the build. Herrington adds, “We like to think of the new Design Center as a full circle moment, proud of our business’ 120 year history and it’s connection to the New York and Harlem Valley Line, while moving forward with a Kitchen, Bath and Tile Design Center that focuses on design for modern living, quality products and valued services.”
All are welcome to attend the Grand Opening for the new Herrington’s Design Center on Saturday September 26th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Herrington’s Kitchen, Bath and Tile Design Center, located at 312 White Hill Lane in Hillsdale, N.Y.
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Williams College Museum of Art celebrates 100 years
Williamstown— Williams College Museum of Art is celebrating “100 years of WCMA.”
Established in 1926 by Karl E. Weston, Amos Lawrence Professor of Art and the museum’s first director, the Lawrence Art Museum opened its doors on April 19th, 1927, in what was once the college’s library. Now, nearly 100 years of exhibitions, programs, collection growth, and object-based teaching later, WMCA approaches the fall 2027 opening of Williams’ first purpose-built museum.
This week, to kick off their centennial year, WMCA will be celebrating “100 years of WCMA” with 100 posts on Instagram and Facebook over the next few months. Is there anything you would like to know about WCMA’s history? Send an email to [email protected] or comment on one of their social media posts. More information can be found online.
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Southern Berkshire Regional School District offers free meals to students
Southern Berkshire— The Southern Berkshire Regional School District (SBRSD) announces that the district is participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
The Universal Free School Meals for All policy was signed into law by the Healey-Driscoll administration in 2023, ensuring all students who attend schools enrolled in the NSLP can receive free school lunch and breakfast. All schools offer healthy meals every school day at no cost to students due to the implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision for school year 2026-2027. Students receive breakfast and lunch at school without having to pay a fee or submit a household application.
“We want every student to have the opportunity to come to school ready to learn, regardless of their circumstances,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Ricca. “Participating in the National School Lunch program helps us ensure that our students have access to nutritious meals so they can spend their school day focused on what matters most; learning. Providing free school meals to all students is an important way that we can continue to support the families in our community. When families are facing the rising cost of groceries, knowing that their children can receive a free healthy breakfast and lunch at school can make a meaningful difference.”
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