Press

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Health Systems has announced that Charles Redd, MS, RN, the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, has been named a 2025 “Community Star” by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health in recognition of his contributions to rural health care.

Redd was honored for his leadership in developing programs that expand access to care across the Berkshires. He will be featured on the National Rural Health Day website on Nov. 20, spotlighting his work alongside other honorees from across the country. The recognition highlights the impact of individuals dedicated to strengthening health care in rural communities.

Berkshire County — Two local restaurants, Bigg Daddy’s Philly Steak House in Pittsfield and Hinsdale Pizza House in Hinsdale, have spent the month stepping up for neighbors facing food insecurity. During the recent lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the two businesses collectively provided more than 750 free meals, and with SNAP now restored, both are turning their focus to offering free Thanksgiving dinners.

Owners Xavier Jones and Jason Reed say community donations helped fuel their efforts, but rising food costs and increased need have made this year especially demanding. Still, both restaurants are committed to meeting the moment, with Jones preparing 40 full Thanksgiving meals and Reed planning to give out at least eight, supported by donated funds.

As residents rallied behind them, the owners said the outpouring of generosity reflects the strength of Berkshire communities and their willingness to support one another when it matters most.

PITTSFIELD — Youth Alive, the multicultural arts program founded in 1995, celebrated its 30th anniversary this weekend at the Berkshire Innovation Center, honoring decades of dance, music, and mentorship for Berkshire County youth.

The event reunited current participants and alumni who reflected on how the program’s step, hip-hop, African dance, and percussion offerings have helped them find confidence, community, and cultural pride.

Founded by Shirley Edgerton, Youth Alive and its sister mentorship program ROPE continue to uplift young people of color through arts education, leadership development, and global learning opportunities, including cultural exchanges in Africa. As the organization plans for its next chapter, its mission of resilience, empowerment, and multicultural celebration remains firmly at the center.

Pittsfield, Mass. — The Horizons program at Miss Hall’s School is actively preparing students for their futures by fostering civic engagement and career exploration through hands-on experience. 

The program culminates in the junior and senior years with volunteering and internships in students’ prospective fields of interest, partnering with over 50 organizations this year. Program Director Caterina Penna emphasizes the importance of placing young women in STEM and traditionally male roles, providing valuable experience. 

Seniors like Izzy Aponte (child psychology) and Sara Rahiman (law and government) are honing their skills through placements like the Morningside Community School and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier’s office. Students agree that these off-site experiences provide invaluable knowledge, preparing them for college and beyond.

PITTSFIELD — 18 Degrees recently held its annual meeting, highlighting a year of dedicated work supporting children, families, and communities across Western Massachusetts. Despite ongoing funding challenges and shifting federal policies, the nonprofit continues to expand its impact through early education, foster care and adoption, youth development, and family well-being programs.

Leadership shared updates on their ambitious 2025–2029 strategic plan, strengthened advocacy efforts, new professional development initiatives, and a major grant that will enhance early childhood spaces. With more than 20 programs and a commitment to belonging and opportunity, 18 Degrees remains a vital resource for hundreds of local residents each day.

LENOX — Classical guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre recently appeared at Tanglewood’s Linde Center, opening the venue’s fall and winter programming with an intimate performance in Studio E. The concert highlighted Feuillâtre’s refined technique and expressive approach, drawing listeners into the warmth and versatility of the classical guitar.

An international prizewinner and one of the leading young figures in the field, Feuillâtre is known for bringing fresh energy to traditional repertoire. His Tanglewood program centered on Spanish and Latin American works, showcasing both the instrument’s emotional depth and the close, acoustic setting that defines the Linde Center’s off-season concerts.

Lenox — Past and present collide in Stacey Isom Campbell’s compelling new play, “1999,” which opened its world premiere run at WAM Theatre in an “adroitly mounted production.” The layered narrative jumps between 2019 and a pivotal year for Oscar-winning filmmaker Emma Middleton (Zoe Laiz): 1999, a time of coercion and silence that predated the #MeToo movement.

When a student (Zurie Adams) challenges Emma’s film class curriculum over a predatory filmmaker, the play explores the cost of ambition, complicity through silence, and whether celebrated art can be separated from its “monstrous” creator. Directed by Genee Coreno, the production successfully juggles these complex, timely issues of trust and betrayal, with Laiz holding the center in an “effectively considered performance.” The resulting drama insists that in Campbell’s world, human truths are anything but simple.

North Adams — Mass MoCA has launched its own record label, Mass MoCA Records, with its first release from The Kasambwe Brothers, a musical trio from Malawi who recorded their self-titled debut album at Studio 9. 

The new label, a collaboration between the museum and Los Angeles producer Harlan Steinberger, aims to create a space where artists can experiment freely and record original work beyond the pressures of the commercial music industry. 

The project highlights Mass MoCA’s commitment to supporting global artistry and fostering creative exchange right here in the Berkshires.

PITTSFIELD — Four Berkshire restaurants have received more than $68,000 through MassDevelopment’s Food Insecurity Grant Program to help feed residents in need. The awards were part of a statewide effort that distributed $900,000 to 31 independent restaurants.

In Pittsfield, BB’s Hot Spot, Marie’s North Street Eatery and Mazzeo’s Ristorante were selected, receiving $11,420, $13,000 and $10,000. Bigg Daddy’s in North Adams received $34,200, the largest share of any Berkshire recipient. The funding allowed local businesses to prepare and deliver meals to food banks, senior centers, schools and emergency distribution sites at a time when concerns about food insecurity continue to grow.

PITTSFIELD — Delores Moore has been named iBerkshires’ Teacher of the Month in recognition of her more than 30 years of dedication to educating and supporting local students.

Recently retired from Pittsfield Public Schools, Moore continues to serve children through her role as a senior site coordinator with 18 Degrees’ after-school program at Conte Community School. Known for her hands-on approach to learning and deep connection with families, Moore has made a lasting impact through programs that promote science, social-emotional learning, and cultural awareness. Her recognition highlights the role of committed educators in creating safe, supportive environments that help students thrive.

NORTHAMPTON — Kenyan-born farmer Aoma Muma is bringing Bombeta Farms to Northampton with support from Grow Food Northampton and the Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, marking a new collaboration aimed at expanding equitable access to land and housing for farmers of color. Muma will become the first farmer in residence at Grow Food Northampton’s community farm, where the program pairs affordable housing with access to farmland.

Raised in Kisii, Kenya, Muma grows cultural crops alongside New England produce, serving communities seeking foods that reflect their traditions and nutritional needs. The initiative is intended to support sustainable farming while creating long-term opportunities for historically marginalized farmers in Western Massachusetts.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dottie’s Coffee Lounge is reopening with a familiar face at the counter.

Jessica Rufo closed Dottie’s July 6 to spend more time with her family after owning it for almost 20 years.

Loic Adandedjan, a former barista and shift lead at the cafe recently started sublisting the space with Rufo. He hopes to one day buy it.

HOUSATONIC — The Center for Peace through Culture hosted “Be Revolutionary,” an art exhibit by the Revolutionary Sweetheart Art Collective, that was on display through the fall until Saturday, October 11. The show featured work by four artists: Jannette Castellanos, Penny Bridges, Heyley Westcott, and curator and founder Regina East.

The collective, based in Poughkeepsie, was created to help small and emerging artists share their work without the usual barriers of gallery shows. This year’s exhibit highlights the creativity and voices of artists of color, offering pieces that reflect culture, community, and personal expression.

STOCKBRIDGE — Chesterwood recently wrapped up its summer residency with local painter Kasha Cooper, the first painter to take part in the program. Over three months, she created a new series of oil paintings inspired by the grounds, including pieces featuring Daniel Chester French’s Lincoln sculpture and views from the terrace.

The residency ended with a small celebration showcasing her work, where several paintings sold and Chesterwood expressed interest in future commissions. The program, run through the Berkshire Arts Center, continues to support local artists by giving them the space and time to grow.

WEST STOCKBRIDGE — The Foundry recently welcomed the Pluto String Ensemble for an intimate evening of music that blended heart, history, and harmony, showcasing the talent and shared roots of the group’s young musicians.

The performance highlighted the ensemble’s commitment to storytelling through classical music, featuring works that reflected both technical skill and emotional depth. Audience members enjoyed a warm, community-centered atmosphere as the Pluto String Ensemble continued its mission to uplift emerging artists and bring diverse musical perspectives to the Berkshires.

CHESTER — Chester Theatre Company recently wrapped its acclaimed production of Daniel Koa Beaty’s “Mr. Joy,” a moving solo show that explored the impact of a violent attack on a beloved Harlem shop owner. Performed by Godfrey Simmons and directed by Vernice Miller, the production earned praise for its emotional depth and Simmons’ seamless portrayal of nine interconnected characters.

The show was celebrated as a standout conclusion to the company’s first season under co-producing artistic directors Michelle Ong-Hendrick and Christopher Baker, highlighting Chester Theatre’s commitment to meaningful, community-centered storytelling.

GREAT BARRINGTON — A bronze statue of civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois was unveiled outside the Mason Public Library, honoring the scholar, author, and NAACP co-founder in his hometown.

The sculpture, featuring Du Bois with an open, outstretched hand, symbolizes an invitation to wisdom, solidarity, and reflection rather than conflict, celebrating his lasting impact on democracy, justice, and civil rights.

The unveiling brought together community members, artists, and leaders to recognize Du Bois’ legacy and reaffirm his enduring message of courage, knowledge, and belonging.

PITTSFIELD — The Blackshires Leadership Accelerator celebrated the graduation of its third cohort on June 26, honoring 14 fellows who spent 15 weeks building leadership skills and launching community-driven projects across Berkshire County.

Led by the Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, the program focuses on equity, healing, and empowerment, providing mentorship, workshops, and tools to create real-world impact. Each graduate received a $2,000 completion grant to support initiatives spanning housing, arts, wellness, youth development, and cultural preservation.

PITTSFIELD — The Rites of Passage and Empowerment (R.O.P.E.) program recently hosted a portrait experience for local scholars, offering professional photography, hairstyling, and makeup services to support confidence, self-expression, and leadership development.

The event brought together artists, mentors, and community partners to create a space centered on creativity and personal growth. The portraits will serve both practical and inspirational purposes as scholars continue exploring academic and professional pathways.