“Are you here to make a point or are you here to make a difference?” is one of Massachusetts State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli’s favorite sayings. The eight-term representative (that works out to 16 years) repeats it often to his staff, and has worked hard to make a difference in the 20 communities he serves in Berkshire and Hampden Counties. He was recognized for his efforts at The Berkshire South Regional Community Center’s annual fundraising gala on Friday, Aug. 17. Founding board member Lola Jaffe presented Pignatelli with the Edwin A. Jaffe Award, named after her late husband, another founding member. The award “honors an individual or group who has exhibited an extraordinary commitment to building community and common purpose within the Berkshires.” In her heartfelt speech, Jaffe acknowledged that Pignatelli was involved with Berkshire South before it was even built. The gala evening included an Italian family-style dinner by Soma Catering, a silent and live auction and a round of Smitty trivia. All proceeds from the event benefit Berkshire South’s Community, Youth and Family programming.

Gene Dellea, Barbara Alibozek, Allyce Najimy and the honoree.
Board members Mary Ann Norris and Barbara Manring flank Barbara Bunger.
Author Barbara Bonner with Elissa Haskins-Vaughan, Berkshire South's director of development and communications.
Jennifer Trabakin, Great Barrington town manager, with trustee Gordon Josephson and Susan Josephson.
Buzz McGraw and Robin McGraw, the evening's emcee, a member of the gala committee and a former honoree.
Chris Strohbeck, Roger Manring and Ramaswami Murari.
Berkshire South's Executive Director Jenise Lucey with the Center's Board Chair, Ethel Patterson.
Bill Cohn and trustee Rita Kasky.
Mika Saarela and Noel Henebury.
Rob Hoogs, Randy Thunfors and Rich Aldrich.
Susan and Hank Ferlauto, whose handcrafted limoncello was given away as party favors.
Robin McGraw reads over a citation for Smitty from the children of Berkshire South, while State Senator Adam Hinds reads aloud a citation from the MA state legislature.

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Written by
Amy Krzanik