Lisa Green reports from Pittsfield. There may have been a standing-room-only crowd on Saturday, March 22 for the 2014 Berkshire Awards Ceremony at the Berkshire Museum because the weather, for once, cooperated. But more likely, it was because the community truly wanted to honor and celebrate the contributions of the recipients, who were being recognized as leaders who create, keep and promote the artistic, historic and natural heritage of the Berkshires. At the awards presentation, video bios told the stories of Frances Jones-Sneed, a historian and professor at MCLA, who has been instrumental in discovering and documenting the rich heritage of the Black community in Western Massachusetts; the Nash family, longtime active supporters of arts and culture in the area; and George S. Wislocki, founder of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. During the presentation, the Museum's Executive Director Van Shields recognized the late Jane Fitzpatrick for her many contributions to the community, and wine glasses were raised in her memory. Then guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeurvres in the galleries. Much was made of the fact that Seth Nash (above, with Mary Nash) wore a tie for the event, now captured for posterity, and something the Blue Q co-owner is not likely to be seen in ever again.
Jeff Noble, a member of Berkshire Museum's board of trustees, with Executive Director Van Shields; Nancy Fitzpatrick, owner and president of The Red Lion Inn, and Susan Wissler, Executive Director of The Mount.
Hope Sullivan, executive director of IS183 Art School of the Berkshires and Nancy Kalodner, owner of Benchmark Real Estate;Alice Wislocki congratulates Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed on her award.
Van Shields; Lydia Rosner, a trustee and the chair of the Berkshire Award Committee; Seth Nash; Suzanne Nash; Leo Nash; Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed; Mitch Nash; Bill Hines, president of the Board of Trustees; and George S. Wislocki.
Both Melissa Joyce and Deanna McKhan are regional vice-presidents at Berkshire Bank, an event sponsor; Kate Whalen of West Stockbridge and Chantal Rhind, a math professor at Berkshire Community College.
Susan Lyman, a public defender for juveniles in Western Massachusetts and Larry Lane, who owns the Arcadian Shop in Lenox; Sally Mawhinney and Audrey Thier, both of whom formerly worked with honoree George S. Wislocki at the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, flank Sally Cornwell, who is currently on staff there.
Stephanie Gravalese-Wood, marketing and communications manager at The Red Lion Inn, confers with the Inn's Chef Brian Alberg, who catered the event.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
